Control device and drive device

Abstract

To provide a control device capable of inhibiting increase in size while cooling an electronic component efficiently, and to provide a drive device.SOLUTION: A drive device 1 for controlling a motor has: a power module 11; a first electronic component 12 having a function of one of voltage adjustment, current distribution, and a capacitor; and a housing 6C which houses the power module 11 and the first electronic component. The housing 6C is provided with a passage 90. The passage 90 has an interposition passage part 90A located between the power module 11 and the first electronic component 12 in a first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device and a drive device.

Background Art

[0002] A control device for controlling a motor is provided with a plurality of electronic components as heating elements. The control device is provided with a flow path for cooling the electronic components (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The plurality of electronic components each have a different amount of heat generation. Therefore, in the control device, simply arranging the electronic components along the flow path not only increases the size of the control device but also cannot sufficiently increase the cooling efficiency for each electronic component.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a control device and a drive device that can suppress an increase in size while efficiently cooling electronic components in view of the above circumstances.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the drive device of the present invention is a control device for controlling a motor. The drive device includes a power module, a first electronic component having any one of functions of voltage adjustment, current distribution, or a capacitor, and a housing that houses the power module and the first electronic component. A flow path is provided in the housing. The flow path has an intervening flow path portion located between the power module and the first electronic component in a first direction.

[0007] One aspect of the drive device of the present invention includes the above-described control device, the motor, and a motor housing that houses the motor. The housing and the motor housing are connected to each other.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] One object of the present invention is to provide a control device and a drive device that can suppress an increase in size while efficiently cooling electronic components.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, a drive device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction of gravity is defined based on the positional relationship when the drive device is mounted on a vehicle located on a horizontal road surface. In each figure, XYZ coordinates are appropriately shown. The Z-axis is the vertical direction, the +Z side is the upper side, and the -Z side is the lower side. The Y-axis is the left-right direction of the vehicle on which the drive device is mounted. The X-axis is the front-rear direction of the vehicle on which the drive device is mounted.

[0011] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the first axis J1 of the motor 2 (Y-axis direction) is simply referred to as the "axial direction Y", the radial direction centered on the first axis J1 is simply referred to as the "radial direction", and the circumferential direction centered on the first axis J1, that is, the axis around the first axis J1 is simply referred to as the "circumferential direction".

[0012] Also, in the following description, the control device 7 and each part of the drive device 1 are described using the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 that are orthogonal to each other. In this specification, the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are directions orthogonal to the axial direction Y. Also, in this specification, the first direction D1 is a direction parallel to the vertical direction (that is, the Z-axis), and the second direction D2 is a direction parallel to the front-rear direction of the vehicle (that is, the X-axis). The second direction D2 only needs to be a direction orthogonal to the first direction D1. When the first direction D1 is a direction parallel to the vertical direction Z, the first direction D1 may be parallel to the axial direction Y.

[0013] In the following description, one side of the first direction D1 is the direction (+D1) in which the arrow of the first direction D1 in the figure points, and the other side of the first direction D1 is the direction opposite to the direction in which the arrow of the first direction D1 in the figure points (-D1). Similarly, one side of the second direction D2 is the direction (+D2) in which the arrow of the second direction D2 in the figure points, and the other side of the second direction D2 is the direction opposite to the direction in which the arrow of the second direction D2 in the figure points (-D2).

[0014] <Drive Device> Figure 1 is a perspective view of the drive device 1 of the present embodiment. The drive device 1 of the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle using the motor 2 as a power source, such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHV), or an electric vehicle (EV), and is used as its power source.

[0015] The drive device 1 includes a motor 2, a transmission mechanism 3, and a control device 7. Also, as will be described later, the motor 2 has a motor housing 6A, the transmission mechanism 3 has a gear housing 6B, and the control device 7 has an electronic component housing (housing) 6C. The motor housing 6A, the gear housing 6B, and the electronic component housing 6C are connected to each other to form a housing connection body 6. That is, the housing connection body 6 houses the motor 2, the transmission mechanism 3, and the control device 7.

[0016] The housing connection body 6 is configured by combining a plurality of members. The housing connection body 6 has a housing main body 61, a first lid member 63, a second lid member 62, a second housing portion 64, and a third lid member (lid portion) 65. A part of the housing main body 61 and the first lid member 63 constitute the motor housing 6A. A part of the housing main body 61 and the second lid member 62 constitute the gear housing 6B. A part of the housing main body 61, the third lid member 65, and the second housing portion 64 constitute the electronic component housing 6C.

[0017] <Motor> FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive device 1 of the present embodiment. The motor 2 of the present embodiment is, for example, an inner rotor type three-phase AC motor. The motor 2 has both a function of outputting power as a motor and a function of generating electricity as a generator. The motor 2 may be used as either an engine or a generator. Also, the configuration of the motor 2 is not limited to the present embodiment, and for example, an AC motor with four or more phases may be used.

[0018] The motor 2 has a rotor 20, a stator 25, and a motor housing 6A. The rotor 20 is rotatable about a first axis J1. The rotor 20 is rotatably supported by the motor housing 6A via a bearing (not shown). The stator 25 is located on the radially outer side of the rotor 20 and surrounds the rotor 20 from the radially outer side. The stator 25 is fixed to the inner surface of the motor housing 6A.

[0019] The motor housing 6A houses the rotor 20 and the stator 25. The motor housing 6A has a cylindrical tubular portion 6d centered on the first axis J1, and a first lid member 63 that covers the opening on the other axial side (-Y) of the tubular portion 6d. The tubular portion 6d surrounds the stator 25 from the radially outer side. The tubular portion 6d is a part of the housing body 61. The first lid member 63 is fastened to the tubular portion 6d.

[0020] <Transmission mechanism> As shown in FIG. 1, the transmission mechanism 3 is located on one axial side (+Y) of the motor 2. The transmission mechanism 3 is connected to the rotor 20. The transmission mechanism 3 includes a plurality of gears (not shown), a plurality of shafts, and a differential device that transmit the power of the rotor 20, a gear housing 6B that houses these, and an output shaft 55 that outputs the power of the rotor 20. The differential device transmits the same torque to the pair of output shafts 55 while absorbing the speed difference between the left and right wheels during vehicle turning. The output shaft 55 is rotatable about a second axis J3 parallel to the first axis J1. A wheel (not shown) is provided on each of the pair of output shafts 55. In the present embodiment, the output shaft 55 is located on the other side (-D2) in the second direction with respect to the first axis J1.

[0021] <Control device> The control device 7 controls the motor 2. The control device 7 has at least the function of an inverter. That is, the control device 7 is connected to the battery and converts the direct current supplied from the battery into an alternating current. Further, the control device 7 is connected to the stator 25 and supplies an alternating current to the stator 25. The control device 7 is located above the motor 2 and on the other axial side (-Y) of the transmission mechanism 3.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 7 of the present embodiment has a power module 11, a power integration system (first electronic component) 12, a current distribution unit (second electronic component) 13, a capacitor (second electronic component) 14, a heating device 15, and an electronic component housing 6C. Note that the electronic components provided in the control device 7 are not limited to the above. Further, the control device 7 may further have electronic components other than the above-described electronic components.

[0023] The power module 11 includes, for example, a switching element, a circuit board on which the switching element is mounted, and a heat sink that contacts the switching element. The switching element is, for example, an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). Also, the switching element may be a field effect transistor such as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET).

[0024] The power integration system 12 has a function of voltage regulation. The power integration system 12 of the present embodiment includes, for example, an on-board charger (OBC) 12a and a DC / DC converter 12b. The on-board charger 12a is a system that converts an AC voltage supplied via a plug into a DC voltage and charges the battery. The DC / DC converter 12b is a part that converts the voltage supplied from the battery and charges another battery with a low voltage. Note that the power integration system 12 only needs to have at least one of the DC / DC converter 12b or the on-board charger 12a. Note that the DC / DC converter 12b may boost the voltage supplied from the battery and supply it to other electronic components or the like.

[0025] The current distribution unit 13 is a power distribution unit (PDU) having a function of current distribution. The current distribution unit 13 is a part that distributes the current supplied from the battery to various electrical components in the vehicle including the power module 11.

[0026] The capacitor 14 is, for example, a film capacitor. The capacitor 14 is connected between a battery (not shown) and the power module 11. The capacitor 14 is provided to smooth the DC current supplied to the power module 11.

[0027] The heating device 15 includes a heater unit 15a and a heater control unit (control unit) 15b. A pipeline P is connected to the heater unit 15a. The pipeline P is a circulation path for circulating a fluid such as water, refrigerant, or air. An external device to be heated by the heater unit 15a is connected in the path of the pipeline P. The external device to be heated by the heating device 15 is, for example, a battery. The heating device 15 heats the fluid in the pipeline P in the heater unit 15a and heats the battery via this fluid. The heater control unit 15b is connected to a temperature sensor (not shown) that measures the temperature of the battery. The heater control unit 15b controls the heater unit 15a according to the temperature of the battery detected by the temperature sensor. Note that the heating device 15 may be used as a heater in heating equipment.

[0028] The electronic component housing 6C houses the power module 11, the power integration system 12, the current distribution unit 13, the capacitor 14, and the heater control unit 15b. The electronic component housing 6C includes a first housing portion 61A, a second housing portion 64, and a third lid member 65.

[0029] In the present embodiment, the first housing portion 61A is a part of the housing main body 61. Therefore, the first housing portion 61A and the cylindrical portion 6d are parts of a single member. Further, the first housing portion 61A is located above the cylindrical portion 6d and is connected to the cylindrical portion 6d. That is, the first housing portion 61A is connected to the motor housing 6A. The first housing portion 61A has a first opening 61h that opens on one side (+D1) in the first direction.

[0030] The first accommodating portion 61A has a first bottom wall portion 61b, a first side wall portion 61c, and a first flange portion 61f. The first bottom wall portion 61b extends along a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1. The first bottom wall portion 61b is integrally connected to the cylindrical portion 6d. That is, a part of the first bottom wall portion 61b also functions as a part of the cylindrical portion 6d. The first bottom wall portion 61b has an outer surface 61g facing the other side (-D1) of the first direction and a first inner surface 61k facing one side (+D1) of the first direction. The first side wall portion 61c extends from the outer edge of the first bottom wall portion 61b toward one side (+D1) of the first direction D1.

[0031] The first flange portion 61f is provided at the upper end of the first side wall portion 61c. The first flange portion 61f protrudes in a direction away from the first opening 61h along a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1. The second accommodating portion 64 is fastened to the first flange portion 61f.

[0032] The second accommodating portion 64 is located above the first accommodating portion 61A. The second accommodating portion 64 is connected to one side (+D1) of the first accommodating portion 61A in the first direction. The second accommodating portion 64 has a second opening 64h that opens toward one side (+D1) of the first direction.

[0033] The second accommodating portion 64 has a second bottom wall portion (bottom wall portion, wall portion) 64b, a second side wall portion 64c, a second flange portion 64d, and a third flange portion 64f. The second bottom wall portion 64b extends along a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1. The second bottom wall portion 64b covers the first opening 61h of the first accommodating portion 61A. The second bottom wall portion 64b partitions the internal space of the first accommodating portion 61A and the internal space of the second accommodating portion 64. The second bottom wall portion 64b has a second inner surface 64k facing the other side (-D1) of the first direction and a third inner surface 64s facing one side (+D1) of the first direction. The second side wall portion 64c extends from the outer edge of the second bottom wall portion 64b toward one side (+D1) of the first direction D1.

[0034] The second flange portion 64d is disposed on the same plane as the second bottom wall portion 64b. The second flange portion 64d is provided at the lower end portion of the second side wall portion 64c. It extends in a direction away from the outer edge of the second bottom wall portion 64b to the outside of the second bottom wall portion 64b. When viewed from the first direction D1, the second flange portion 64d is located outside the region surrounded by the second side wall portion 64c. The second flange portion 64d faces the first flange portion 61f in the first direction. The second flange portion 64d is fastened to the first flange portion 61f. A seal member may be sandwiched between the first flange portion 61f and the second flange portion 64d.

[0035] The third flange portion 64f is provided at the upper end portion of the second side wall portion 64c. The third flange portion 64f protrudes in a direction away from the second opening 64h along a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1. The third lid member 65 is fastened to the third flange portion 64f.

[0036] The third lid member 65 is plate-shaped and extends along a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1. The third lid member 65 has a fourth inner surface 65s facing the other side (-D1) in the first direction. The third lid member 65 is connected to the second housing portion 64. The third lid member 65 is fastened to the third flange portion 64f using a fastener such as a screw. Thereby, the third lid member 65 covers the second opening 64h. A seal member may be sandwiched between the third flange portion 64f and the third lid member 65.

[0037] The first housing portion 61A houses the power module 11, the capacitor 14, and the heater control unit 15b. The internal space of the first housing portion 61A is surrounded by the first bottom wall portion 61b, the second bottom wall portion 64b, and the first side wall portion 61c. The first inner surface 61k of the first bottom wall portion 61b and the second inner surface 64k of the second bottom wall portion 64b face each other in the first direction D1. The power module 11, the capacitor 14, and the heater control unit 15b of the present embodiment are fixed to the second inner surface 64k. Further, the heater portion 15a is fixed to the outer surface 61g of the first housing portion 61A.

[0038] The second housing portion 64 houses the power integration system 12 and the current distribution portion 13. The internal space of the second housing portion 64 is surrounded by the second bottom wall portion 64b and the second side wall portion 64c. The third inner surface 64s of the second bottom wall portion 64b and the fourth inner surface 65s of the third lid member 65 face each other in the first direction D1. The power integration system 12 and the current distribution portion 13 of the present embodiment are fixed to the third inner surface 64s.

[0039] The housing connector 6 is provided with a flow path 90. The flow path 90 is a path through which a fluid flows. A part of the flow path 90 is constituted by a hole provided in the housing connector 6. Another part of the flow path 90 is constituted by the inner surface of a recess provided in the housing connector 6 and a member covering the recess. In the present specification, the flow path 90 does not necessarily represent a single circulation path and may include a plurality of circulation paths. When the flow path 90 has a plurality of circulation paths, the fluids flowing through the respective circulation paths may be of the same type or different types. The fluid flowing through the flow path 90 is, for example, water, oil, or an aqueous ethylene glycol solution.

[0040] The flow path 90 of the present embodiment has an intervening flow path portion 90A, a connecting flow path portion 95, and a fourth flow path portion 94. The intervening flow path portion 90A has a first flow path portion 91 and a second flow path portion 92. That is, the flow path 90 has the first flow path portion 91, the second flow path portion 92, the connecting flow path portion 95, and the fourth flow path portion 94. The first flow path portion 91, the second flow path portion 92, and the connecting flow path portion 95 are provided in the electronic component housing 6C. The fourth flow path portion 94 is provided in the motor housing 6A.

[0041] The intervening flow path portion 90A is a region of the flow path 90 that is disposed between the power module 11 and the power integration system 12. That is, the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 of the present embodiment are disposed between the power module 11 and the power integration system 12.

[0042] According to the present embodiment, since the flow path 90 has the intervening flow path portion 90A located between the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 in the first direction D1, the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 can be cooled simultaneously in the intervening flow path portion 90A. In particular, the intervening flow path portion 90A of the present embodiment is provided on the second bottom wall portion 64b to which the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 are fixed. Further, other electronic components (current distribution portion 13, capacitor 14, and heater control portion 15b) are fixed to the second bottom wall portion 64b. By the fluid flowing through the intervening flow path portion 90A cooling the second bottom wall portion 64b, other electronic components (current distribution portion 13, capacitor 14, and heater control portion 15b) can be indirectly cooled.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the electronic component housing 6C has the second bottom wall portion 64b located between the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 in the first direction D1. Further, the intervening flow path portion 90A is provided on the second bottom wall portion 64b. According to the present embodiment, since the electronic component housing 6C has the second bottom wall portion 64b where the intervening flow path portion 90A is provided, the size reduction of the electronic component housing 6C can be achieved as compared with the case where a separate member where the intervening flow path portion is provided is disposed inside the electronic component housing 6C.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the first flow path portion 91, the second flow path portion 92, the connection flow path portion 95, and the fourth flow path portion 94 constitute a single circulation path. Therefore, the same fluid flows through the first flow path portion 91, the second flow path portion 92, the connection flow path portion 95, and the fourth flow path portion 94 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the fluid flows through each part of the flow path 90 in the order of the second flow path portion 92, the first flow path portion 91, the connection flow path portion 95, and the fourth flow path portion 94. Further, the downstream end of the fourth flow path portion 94 and the upstream end of the second flow path portion 92 are connected to each other via a flow path portion (not shown). A pump for pumping the fluid, a radiator for cooling the fluid, or the like may be provided in this flow path portion.

[0045] The first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 are provided in the second bottom wall portion 64b. That is, the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 are provided in the second housing portion 64. The first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 of the present embodiment extend along the axial direction Y. However, the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 may extend in any direction as long as they extend along a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1, respectively.

[0046] The first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 of the present embodiment are arranged side by side in the first direction D1. Further, the first flow path portion 91 is located on the other side (-D1) of the first direction with respect to the second flow path portion 92. In the present embodiment, the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 extend along the axial direction Y and are connected to each other at the ends in the axial direction Y. Further, the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 may extend along the second direction D2. In this case, the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 may be connected to each other at the ends in the second direction D2. Note that when the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 are parts of independent circulation flow paths, different fluids may flow through the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92, respectively.

[0047] The first flow path portion 91 has an opening 91a that opens to the second inner surface 64k of the second bottom wall portion 64b. The opening 91a opens to the other side (-D1) of the first direction. The power module 11 has a heat sink that covers the opening 91a. The heat sink contacts the fluid flowing through the first flow path portion 91. The heat sink preferably has a plurality of fins or pins arranged inside the first flow path portion 91. The fluid flowing through the first flow path portion 91 is cooled from the power module 11 by contacting the heat sink. That is, the first flow path portion 91 cools the power module 11. Note that the structure for cooling the power module 11 by the fluid flowing through the first flow path portion 91 is not limited to the present embodiment.

[0048] As described above, the end of the first flow path portion 91 opposite to the end connected to the second flow path portion 92 opens to the surface facing the other side (-D1) in the first direction of the second flange portion 64d. The first flow path portion 91 is connected to the connection flow path portion 95 at the end that opens in the second flange portion 64d.

[0049] The second flow path portion 92 has an opening 92a that opens to the third inner surface 64s of the second bottom wall portion 64b. The opening 92a opens to one side (+D1) in the first direction. The opening 92a is covered by the power integration system 12. The fluid flowing through the second flow path portion 92 contacts the power integration system 12 and cools the power integration system 12. That is, the second flow path portion 92 cools the power integration system 12. In this embodiment, the power integration system 12 includes a heating element and a case portion that houses the heating element. The fluid flowing through the second flow path portion 92 contacts the case portion of the power integration system 12 and cools the element via the case portion.

[0050] In the control device 7 of this embodiment, the power module 11 generates a relatively large amount of heat compared to other electronic components. The second flow path portion 92 is disposed upstream of the first flow path portion 91. According to this embodiment, the fluid cooled by a radiator (not shown) cools the power integration system 12 with a relatively small amount of heat generation in the second flow path portion 92 and then cools the power module 11 with a relatively large amount of heat generation in the first flow path portion 91. According to this embodiment, in the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92, a fluid at an appropriate temperature can be flowed according to the amount of heat generated by the power integration system 12 and the power module 11 to be cooled, and each electronic component can be efficiently cooled as a whole of the flow path 90. Note that the fluid cooled by a radiator (not shown) may cool the power integration system 12 with a relatively small amount of heat generation in the second flow path portion 92 after cooling the power module 11 with a relatively large amount of heat generation in the first flow path portion 91. Thereby, the power module 11 with a large amount of heat generation can be cooled more efficiently.

[0051] In this embodiment, the intervening flow path portion 90A has a first flow path portion 91 and a second flow path portion 92. In this embodiment, the fluid flowing through the first flow path portion 91 cools the power module 11 and the second bottom wall portion 64b, thereby cooling the power integration system 12 fixed to the second bottom wall portion 64b. Similarly, in this embodiment, the fluid flowing through the second flow path portion 92 cools the power integration system 12 and the second bottom wall portion 64b, thereby cooling the power module 11 fixed to the second bottom wall portion 64b. That is, according to the flow path 90 of this embodiment, the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 can be effectively cooled by the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92.

[0052] In this embodiment, the power module 11, the first flow path portion 91, the second flow path portion 92, and the power integration system 12 are arranged in an overlapping manner when viewed from the first direction D1. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the control device 7 from increasing in size in the direction orthogonal to the first direction D1. Further, according to this embodiment, the first flow path portion 91 is arranged between the second flow path portion 92 that mainly cools the power integration system 12 and the power module 11. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the fluid flowing through the second flow path portion 92 from excessively absorbing heat from the power module 11 and causing insufficient cooling of the power integration system 12. Similarly, according to this embodiment, the second flow path portion 92 will be arranged between the first flow path portion 91 that mainly cools the power module 11 and the power integration system 12. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the fluid flowing through the first flow path portion 91 from excessively absorbing heat from the power integration system 12 and causing insufficient cooling of the power module 11.

[0053] The connection flow path portion 95 is provided in the first side wall portion 61c. That is, the connection flow path portion 95 is provided in the first housing portion 61A. The connection flow path portion 95 is constituted by a hole portion provided inside the wall of the first side wall portion 61c. The connection flow path portion 95 extends along the first direction D1. One end portion of the connection flow path portion 95 on one side (+D1) in the first direction opens to the surface facing one side (+D1) in the first direction of the first flange portion 61f. When the first flange portion 61f is fastened to the second flange portion 64d, the connection flow path portion 95 is connected to the first flow path portion 91. That is, one end portion of the connection flow path portion 95 is connected to the first flow path portion 91. Further, the other end portion of the connection flow path portion 95 on the other side (-D1) in the first direction extends to the cylindrical portion 6d and is connected to the fourth flow path portion 94.

[0054] The fourth flow path portion 94 is provided in the cylindrical portion 6d. That is, the fourth flow path portion 94 is provided in the motor housing 6A. The fourth flow path portion 94 of the present embodiment extends spirally along the axial direction Y around the first axis J1. The fluid flowing through the fourth flow path portion 94 cools the motor 2. That is, the fourth flow path portion 94 cools the motor 2.

[0055] As described above, a part of the cylindrical portion 6d also functions as the first bottom wall portion 61b of the first housing portion 61A. Therefore, a part of the fourth flow path portion 94 is also provided in the first bottom wall portion 61b. Thereby, the fourth flow path portion 94 cools the internal space of the first housing portion 61A.

[0056] The fourth flow path portion 94 is not limited to the present embodiment as long as it cools the motor 2. The motor 2 may extend while meandering in the axial direction or the circumferential direction inside the wall of the cylindrical portion 6d. Further, the fourth flow path portion 94 may cool the motor 2 by directly applying fluid to the motor 2. In this case, the fourth flow path portion 94 may have a structure in which ejection holes for ejecting fluid toward the motor 2 are provided in the inner wall of the motor housing 6A, or a pipe or gutter-shaped member disposed in the internal space of the motor housing 6A and having ejection holes for ejecting fluid toward the motor 2.

[0057] In this embodiment, the fourth flow path portion 94 is connected to the first flow path portion 91 via the connection flow path portion 95. Therefore, the fourth flow path portion 94 of this embodiment constitutes the same circulation path as the first flow path portion 91. According to this embodiment, compared with the case where the fourth flow path portion 94 constitutes a different circulation path from the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92, the flow path 90 can be simplified and the entire drive device 1 can be miniaturized. Note that the fourth flow path portion 94 may be connected to the second flow path portion 92. That is, at least one of the first flow path portion 91 and the second flow path portion 92 may be connected to the fourth flow path portion 94.

[0058] In this embodiment, the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 are located on one side (+D1) in the first direction with respect to the motor 2. Further, the power module 11 is located on the other side (-D1) in the first direction with respect to the power integration system 12. The power module 11 is connected to the motor 2 and supplies power to the motor 2. For this reason, if the distance between the power module 11 and the motor 2 increases, the electrical resistance of the connection path (for example, a bus bar) connecting the power module 11 and the motor 2 increases, and the loss when driving the drive device 1 increases. According to this embodiment, since the power module 11 can be arranged closer to the motor 2 than the power integration system 12, the electrical resistance of the connection path between the power module 11 and the motor 2 can be reduced, and the loss generated in the drive device 1 can be reduced.

[0059] The power module 11 of this embodiment is located between the intervening flow path portion 90A and the fourth flow path portion 94 in the first direction D1. According to this embodiment, the power module 11 can be cooled not only by the intervening flow path portion 90A but also by the fourth flow path portion 94, and the power module 11 can be efficiently cooled. In this embodiment, a gap is provided between the power module 11 and the cylindrical portion 6d in which the fourth flow path portion 94 is provided. However, a heat dissipation sheet having a high thermal conductivity or the like may be sandwiched between the power module 11 and the cylindrical portion 6d to promote the transfer of heat from the power module 11 to the fourth flow path portion 94.

[0060] According to this embodiment, the electronic component housing 6C has two accommodating portions (the first accommodating portion 61A and the second accommodating portion 64), and one of them accommodates the power module 11 and the other accommodates the power integration system 12. According to this embodiment, the electronic component housing 6C can arrange the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 in different accommodating spaces. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the heat of either the power module 11 or the power integration system 12 from affecting the operation of the other. In this embodiment, the case where the power module 11 is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 61A and the power integration system 12 is accommodated in the second accommodating portion 64 has been described. However, even if the power integration system 12 is accommodated in the first accommodating portion 61A and the power module 11 is accommodated in the second accommodating portion 64, the above-described effects can be obtained. That is, the electronic component housing 6C of this embodiment only needs to have a first accommodating portion 61A that accommodates one of the power module 11 or the power integration system 12, and a second accommodating portion 64 that accommodates the other of the power module 11 or the power integration system 12.

[0061] Also, according to this embodiment, the second accommodating portion 64 covers the first opening 61h of the first accommodating portion 61A, and the third lid member 65 covers the second opening 64h of the second accommodating portion 64. According to this embodiment, by connecting the first accommodating portion 61A, the second accommodating portion 64, and the third lid member 65 along the first direction D1, the electronic component housing 6C having two accommodating spaces can be easily configured. Further, according to this embodiment, the intervening flow path portion 90A is provided on the second bottom wall portion 64b that covers the first opening 61h of the first accommodating portion 61A. Therefore, without increasing the number of components, the intervening flow path portion 90A can be arranged between the internal space of the first accommodating portion 61A and the internal space of the second accommodating portion 64 to cool the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 arranged in each internal space.

[0062] According to this embodiment, the heater control unit 15b, which is a part of the heating device 15, is disposed inside the electronic component housing 6C. Thereby, it becomes possible to protect the heater control unit 15b by the electronic component housing 6C. Further, by disposing the heater control unit 15b inside the electronic component housing 6C, it becomes possible to cool the heater control unit 15b by the flow path 90, and the reliability of the heating device 15 can be increased. In this embodiment, the case where only the heater control unit 15b is housed in the electronic component housing 6C has been described. However, the same effect can be obtained even if both the heater unit 15a and the heater control unit 15b are disposed in the electronic component housing 6C.

[0063] In this embodiment, the heater unit 15a of the heating device 15 is fixed to the outer surface of the electronic component housing 6C and is not disposed inside the electronic component housing 6C. According to this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the heat of the heater unit 15a from affecting the electronic components disposed inside the electronic component housing 6C. Note that the heater unit 15a of the heating device 15 may be provided not only on the outer surface of the electronic component housing 6C but also on the outer surface of the motor housing 6A or the gear housing 6B.

[0064] In this embodiment, the case where the intervening flow path portion 90A cools the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 having a voltage adjustment function has been described. However, the intervening flow path portion 90A may cool other electronic components instead of the power integration system 12. Here, the electronic components other than the power module 11 cooled by the intervening flow path portion 90A are referred to as the first electronic component 12. The first electronic component 12 of this embodiment is the power integration system 12, but may be the current distribution unit 13 or the capacitor 14. That is, the first electronic component 12 only needs to have any one of the functions of voltage adjustment, current distribution, or capacitor. Further, the intervening flow path portion 90A may be a part of the flow path 90 located between any one of the power integration system 12, the current distribution unit 13, and the capacitor 14 and the power module 11 in the first direction D1.

[0065] In this embodiment, the capacitor 14 overlaps with the power module 11 in the second direction D2. Also, the current distribution unit 13 overlaps with the first electronic component 12 in the second direction D2. Here, electronic components other than the power module 11 and the first electronic component 12 that have any one of the functions of voltage regulation, current distribution, or capacitor are referred to as the second electronic components 13 and 14. The second electronic components 13 and 14 only need to have any one of the functions of voltage regulation, current distribution, or capacitor. That is, the second electronic components 13 and 14 may be any of the power integration system 12, the current distribution unit 13, and the capacitor 14. According to this embodiment, the second electronic components 13 and 14 overlap at least one of the power module 11 or the first electronic component 12 in the second direction D2. According to this embodiment, by arranging the second electronic components 13 and 14 and the power module 11 or the first electronic component 12 side by side along the second direction D2, it is possible to suppress the control device 7 from increasing in size in the first direction D1.

[0066] In this embodiment, the control device 7 includes a plurality of second electronic components 13 and 14. The plurality of second electronic components 13 and 14 overlap with each other in the first direction D1. According to this embodiment, by arranging the plurality of second electronic components 13 and 14 side by side in the first direction D1, it is possible to suppress the control device 7 from increasing in size in the second direction D2.

[0067] In this embodiment, it is preferable to arrange the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 with the first direction D1 as the thickness direction and extending along a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1. Also, it is preferable that the intervening flow path portion 90A extends along a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1. According to this embodiment, the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 can be arranged to overlap the intervening flow path portion 90A over a wide range in the first direction D1, and the cooling efficiency of the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 can be increased. For the same reason, it is also preferable to arrange the power integration system 13 and the capacitor 14 with the first direction D1 as the thickness direction and extending along a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1.

[0068] <Modification Example> A modification example of the drive device will be described below. In the description of each modification example described below, for components that are the same as those in the embodiments or modification examples already described, the same reference numerals will be given and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] Also, in the following modification examples as well, similar to the above-described embodiments, the case where the power integration system 12 is the first electronic component 12, and the current distribution unit 13 and the capacitor 14 are the second electronic components 13 and 14 will be described. However, the first electronic component only needs to have any one of the functions of voltage adjustment, current distribution, or capacitor, and can be any of the power integration system 12, the current distribution unit 13, or the capacitor 14. Similarly, the second electronic component only needs to have any one of the functions of voltage adjustment, current distribution, or capacitor among the electronic components other than the first electronic component, and can be any of the power integration system 12, the current distribution unit 13, or the capacitor 14.

[0070] (Modification Example 1) FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive device 101 according to Modification Example 1. Similar to the above-described embodiments, the drive device 101 according to Modification Example 1 includes a motor 2, a transmission mechanism 3 (omitted in FIG. 3), and a control device 107. The drive device 101 also has a housing connection body 106. The housing connection body 106 has a motor housing 6A, a gear housing 6B (omitted in FIG. 3), and an electronic component housing 6C. A flow path 190 is provided in the housing connection body 106. The flow path 190 has an intervening flow path portion 190A provided in the electronic component housing 6C, a connection flow path portion 95, and a fourth flow path portion 94 provided in the motor housing 6A.

[0071] The intervening flow path portion 190A is located between the power module 11 and the power integration system 12. The intervening flow path portion 190A includes a first flow path portion 191 that cools the power module 11 and a second flow path portion 192 that cools the power integration system 12. The first flow path portion 191 and the second flow path portion 192 are provided on the second bottom wall portion 64b. In this modification, the first flow path portion 191 and the second flow path portion 192 are arranged side by side in the second direction D2. According to this modification, compared with the case where the first flow path portion 191 and the second flow path portion 192 are arranged overlappingly in the first direction D1, the second bottom wall portion 64b can be made thinner and the control device 107 can be miniaturized in the first direction D1.

[0072] In this modification, the heater portion 115a and the heater control portion 115b of the heating device 115 are housed in the first housing portion 61A of the electronic component housing 6C. That is, according to this modification, the entire heating device 115 is arranged in the internal space of the electronic component housing 6C. If a part of the heating device 115 is fixed to the outer surface of the housing connector 106, it will protrude from the outer shape of the drive device, and the drive device may be enlarged. According to this modification, by arranging the heating device 115 inside the electronic component housing 6C, the drive device 101 can be miniaturized.

[0073] (Modification 2) FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive device 201 according to Modification 2. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the drive device 201 according to Modification 2 includes a motor 2, a transmission mechanism 3 (omitted in FIG. 4), and a control device 207. The drive device 201 also has a housing connector 206. The housing connector 206 includes a motor housing 6A, a gear housing 6B (omitted in FIG. 4), and an electronic component housing 206C.

[0074] The electronic component housing 206C of this modified example has a flow path member 266 in addition to the first housing portion 61A, the second housing portion 64, and the third lid member 65 similar to those in the above-described embodiment. The flow path member 266 is disposed inside the first housing portion 61A. The flow path member 266 is plate-shaped and extends along a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1. The flow path member 266 is a so-called water jacket. The surface of the power module 11 facing the other side (-D1) in the first direction contacts the flow path member 266. Also, the surface of the power module 11 facing one side (+D1) in the first direction contacts the second bottom wall portion 64b. Therefore, the power module 11 is sandwiched between the second bottom wall portion 64b and the flow path member 266 in the first direction D1.

[0075] A flow path 290 is provided in the housing connector 206. The flow path 290 of this modified example has a third flow path portion 293 in addition to the intervening flow path portion 90A, the connecting flow path portion 95, and the fourth flow path portion 94 similar to those in the above-described embodiment. The intervening flow path portion 90A has a first flow path portion 91 for cooling the power module 11 and a second flow path portion 92 for cooling the power integration system 12. The third flow path portion 293 is provided in the flow path member 266. That is, the third flow path portion 293 is provided in the electronic component housing 206C.

[0076] The third flow path portion 293 extends in a meandering manner inside the flow path member 266. A fluid cooled by a radiator (not shown) flows through the third flow path portion 293. Thereby, the third flow path portion 293 cools the power module 11. The third flow path portion 293 may be a part of the circulation path formed by other flow path portions (the first flow path portion 91, the second flow path portion 92, the connecting flow path portion 95, and the fourth flow path portion 94), or may be a part of an independent other circulation path.

[0077] According to this modification example, the power module 11 is positioned between the intervening flow path portion 90A and the third flow path portion 293 in the first direction D1. That is, the power module 11 is positioned between the first flow path portion 91 and the third flow path portion 293. Further, the power module 11 is positioned between the second flow path portion 92 and the third flow path portion 293. According to this modification example, the power module 11, which generates the largest amount of heat among the electronic components of the control device 207, can be cooled from both sides in the first direction D1 by the intervening flow path portion 90A and the third flow path portion 293. Thereby, the cooling efficiency of the power module 11 can be increased.

[0078] In this modification example, the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 are positioned on one side (+D1) in the first direction with respect to the motor 2. Also, the power module 11 is positioned on the other side (-D1) in the first direction with respect to the power integration system 12. The third flow path portion 293 is positioned between the power module 11 and the fourth flow path portion 94 in the first direction D1. According to this modification example, the heat of the motor 2 can be made difficult to be transmitted to the power module 11 by blocking it with the fourth flow path portion 94 and the third flow path portion 293. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the temperature of the power module 11 from becoming too high. In addition, according to this modification example, the heat of the power module 11 can be made difficult to be transmitted to the motor 2 by blocking it with the fourth flow path portion 94 and the third flow path portion 293. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the temperature of the motor 2 from becoming too high.

[0079] (Modification Example 3) FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive device 301 according to Modification Example 3. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the drive device 301 according to Modification Example 3 includes a motor 2, a transmission mechanism 3 (omitted in FIG. 5), and a control device 307. Further, the drive device 301 has a housing connector 306. The housing connector 306 has a motor housing 6A, a gear housing 6B (omitted in FIG. 5), and an electronic component housing 6C. The electronic component housing 6C has a first housing portion 61A, a second housing portion 64, and a third lid member 65.

[0080] In this modified example, the power integration system 12, the capacitor 14, and the heating device 115 are accommodated in the first accommodation part 61A. On the other hand, the power module 11 and the current distribution part 13 are accommodated in the second accommodation part 64.

[0081] Similar to the above-described embodiment, a flow path 390 is provided in the housing connector 306. The flow path 390 includes an intervening flow path part 390A provided in the electronic component housing 6C, a connection flow path part 95, and a fourth flow path part 94 provided in the motor housing 6A.

[0082] The intervening flow path part 390A is provided on the second bottom wall part 64b. The intervening flow path part 390A has a first flow path part 391 and a second flow path part 392. The first flow path part 391 and the second flow path part 392 are arranged side by side in the first direction D1. The first flow path part 391 of this modified example is located on one side (+D1) in the first direction with respect to the second flow path part 392.

[0083] The first flow path part 391 has an opening 391a that opens to the third inner surface 64s of the second bottom wall part 64b. The opening 391a is covered by the power module 11. The first flow path part 391 cools the power module 11.

[0084] The second flow path part 392 has an opening 392a that opens to the second inner surface 64k of the second bottom wall part 64b. The opening 392a is covered by the power integration system 12. The second flow path part 392 cools the power integration system 12.

[0085] In this modified example, the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 are located on one side (+D1) in the first direction with respect to the motor 2. Also, the power integration system 12 is located on the other side (-D1) in the first direction with respect to the power module 11. According to this modified example, since the power module 11 can be arranged at a position farther from the motor 2 than the power integration system 12, it is possible to suppress the heat of the motor 2 from affecting the operation of the power module 11. Also, it is possible to suppress the heat of the power module 11 from affecting the operation of the motor 2.

[0086] (Modification Example 4) FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive device 401 according to Modification Example 4. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the drive device 401 according to Modification Example 4 includes a motor 2, a transmission mechanism 3 (omitted in FIG. 6), and a control device 407. Further, the drive device 401 has a housing connector 406. The housing connector 406 has a motor housing 6A, a gear housing 6B (omitted in FIG. 6), and an electronic component housing 406C. A flow path 90 is provided in the housing connector 406. The flow path 90 has an intervening flow path portion 90A.

[0087] The electronic component housing 406C has a first housing portion 61A, a second housing portion 464, and a third lid member 65. The first housing portion 61A houses a power module 11 and a capacitor 14. On the other hand, the second housing portion 464 houses a power integration system 12, a current distribution portion 13, and a heating device 115.

[0088] The second housing portion 464 has a second bottom wall portion 464b that covers the first opening 61h of the first housing portion 61A. The second bottom wall portion 464b of the present modification example has a first bottom plate portion 464g, a second bottom plate portion 464h, a third bottom plate portion 464i, a first step portion 464m, and a second step portion 464n.

[0089] The first bottom plate portion 464g, the second bottom plate portion 464h, and the third bottom plate portion 464i are plate-shaped and extend along a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1. The intervening flow path portion 90A is provided in the first bottom plate portion 464g. The second bottom plate portion 464h is located on the other side (-D1) of the first bottom plate portion 464g in the first direction and on the other side (-D2) of the second direction. The third bottom plate portion 464i is located on one side (+D1) of the first bottom plate portion 464g and the second bottom plate portion 464h in the first direction and on the other side (-D2) of the second direction. The first step portion 464m connects the first bottom plate portion 464g and the second bottom plate portion 464h. The second step portion 464n connects the second bottom plate portion 464h and the third bottom plate portion 464i.

[0090] In this modified example, the power module 11 is fixed to the surface facing the other side (-D1) in the first direction of the first bottom plate portion 464g. The power integration system 12 is fixed to the surface facing one side (+D1) in the first direction of the first bottom plate portion 464g. The current distribution portion 13 is fixed to the surface facing one side (+D1) in the first direction of the second bottom plate portion 464h. The capacitor 14 is fixed to the surface facing the other side (-D1) in the first direction of the third bottom plate portion 464i.

[0091] In this modified example, the second electronic components 13 and 14 (the current distribution portion 13 and the capacitor 14) overlap the intervening flow path portion 90A in the second direction D2. According to this modified example, while fixing the second electronic components 13 and 14 to the member provided with the intervening flow path portion 90A, they can be brought closer to the intervening flow path portion 90A in the second direction D2. Thereby, it becomes easier to cool the second electronic components 13 and 14 by the intervening flow path portion 90A.

[0092] In this modified example, the current distribution portion 13 overlaps the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 in the second direction D2. Also, the capacitor 14 overlaps the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 in the second direction D2. That is, the second electronic components 13 and 14 overlap at least one of the power module 11 or the first electronic component 12 in the second direction D2. According to this modified example, by arranging the second electronic components 13 and 14 and the power module 11 or the first electronic component 12 side by side along the second direction D2, it is possible to suppress the control device 407 from increasing in size in the first direction D1.

[0093] In this modified example, the control device 407 includes a plurality of second electronic components 13 and 14, and the plurality of second electronic components 13 and 14 overlap each other in the second direction D2. According to this modified example, by arranging the plurality of second electronic components 13 and 14 side by side in the second direction D2, it is possible to suppress the control device 407 from increasing in size in the first direction D1.

[0094] (Modified Example 5) FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive device 501 according to Modification 5. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the drive device 501 according to Modification 5 includes a motor 2, a transmission mechanism 3 (omitted in FIG. 7), and a control device 507. Further, the drive device 501 has a housing connector 506. The housing connector 506 has a motor housing 6A, a gear housing 6B (omitted in FIG. 7), and an electronic component housing 506C. A flow path 90 is provided in the housing connector 506. The flow path 90 has an intervening flow path portion 90A.

[0095] The electronic component housing 506C has a first housing portion 61A, a second housing portion 64, and a third lid member 65, similar to the above-described embodiment. The second housing portion 64 is located on one side (+D1) in the first direction of the first housing portion 61A and covers the first opening 61h of the first housing portion 61A. The third lid member 65 is located on one side (+D1) in the first direction of the second housing portion 64 and covers the second opening 64h of the second housing portion 64. The power module 11 and the capacitor 14 are housed in the first housing portion 61A. On the other hand, the power integration system 12 and the current distribution portion 13 are housed in the second housing portion 64.

[0096] In this modification, the power module 11 is fixed to the second inner surface 64k of the second bottom plate portion 64b. The power integration system 12 is fixed to the third inner surface 64s of the second bottom plate portion 64b. The current distribution portion 13 is fixed to the fourth inner surface 65s of the third lid member 65. The capacitor 14 is fixed to the first inner surface 61k of the first bottom wall portion 61b.

[0097] In this modification, the second electronic components 13 and 14 (the current distribution portion 13 and the capacitor 14) overlap the intervening flow path portion 90A in the first direction D1. According to this modification, the second electronic components 13 and 14 and the intervening flow path portion 90A can be arranged side by side in the first direction D1, and the drive device 501 can be miniaturized in the second direction D2.

[0098] In this modification example, the current distribution unit 13 overlaps with the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 in the first direction D1. Further, the capacitor 14 overlaps with the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 in the first direction D1. That is, the second electronic components 13 and 14 overlap with at least one of the power module 11 or the first electronic component 12 in the first direction D1. According to this modification example, by arranging the second electronic components 13 and 14 and the power module 11 or the first electronic component 12 side by side along the first direction D1, it is possible to suppress the control device 507 from increasing in size in the second direction D2.

[0099] In this modification example, the control device 507 includes a plurality of second electronic components 13 and 14, and the plurality of second electronic components 13 and 14 overlap with each other in the first direction D1. According to this modification example, by arranging the plurality of second electronic components 13 and 14 side by side in the first direction D1, it is possible to suppress the control device 507 from increasing in size in the second direction D2.

[0100] (Modification Example 6) FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drive device 601 according to Modification Example 6. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the drive device 601 according to Modification Example 6 includes a motor 2, a transmission mechanism 3 (omitted in FIG. 8), and a control device 607. Further, the drive device 601 has a housing coupling body 606. The housing coupling body 606 has a motor housing 6A, a gear housing 6B (omitted in FIG. 8), and an electronic component housing 606C.

[0101] The electronic component housing 606C has a first accommodating portion 61A, a second accommodating portion 664, and a flow path member (wall portion) 669. The second accommodating portion 664 has a second opening 664h that opens to the other side (-D1) in the first direction. The second accommodating portion 664 has a second bottom wall portion 664b, a second side wall portion 664c, and a second flange portion 664d. The second bottom wall portion 664b extends along a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1. The second side wall portion 664c extends from the outer edge of the second bottom wall portion 664b to the other side (-D1) in the first direction. The second flange portion 664d is provided at the lower end of the second side wall portion 664c. The second flange portion 664d protrudes in a direction away from the second opening 664h along a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1.

[0102] The flow path member 669 is plate-shaped and extends along a plane orthogonal to the first direction D1. The flow path member 669 is a so-called water jacket. The flow path member 669 is located between the first accommodating portion 61A and the second accommodating portion 664 in the first direction D1. The flow path member 669 covers the first opening 61h and the second opening 664h. The flow path member 669 is fastened to the first flange portion 61f and the second flange portion 664d. A seal member may be sandwiched between the flow path member 669 and the first flange portion 61f, and between the flow path member 669 and the second flange portion 664d. The flow path member 669 partitions the internal space of the electronic component housing 606C in the first direction D1.

[0103] The first accommodating portion 61A houses the power module 11 and the capacitor 14. The second accommodating portion 664 houses the power integration system 12, the current distribution portion 13, and the heating device 115. The power module 11 and the capacitor 14 are fixed to the flow path member 669. On the other hand, the power integration system 12, the current distribution portion 13, and the heating device 115 are fixed to the second bottom wall portion 664b. Also, the power integration system 12 contacts the flow path member 669. Further, the flow path member 669 is located between the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 in the first direction D1.

[0104] The housing connector 606 is provided with a flow path 690. The flow path 690 of this modification has an intervening flow path portion 690A and a fourth flow path portion 94. The intervening flow path portion 690A is provided in the flow path member 669. That is, the intervening flow path portion 690A is provided in the electronic component housing 606C. The fourth flow path portion 94 is provided in the motor housing 6A. The intervening flow path portion 690A and the fourth flow path portion 94 may be parts of a continuous circulation path or parts of independent circulation paths.

[0105] The intervening flow path portion 690A extends in a meandering manner inside the flow path member 669. A fluid cooled by a radiator (not shown) flows through the intervening flow path portion 690A. The power module 11 contacts the surface on the other side (-D1) in the first direction of the flow path member 669, and the power integration system 12 contacts the surface on one side (+D1) in the first direction of the flow path member 669. The intervening flow path portion 690A cools the power module 11 and the power integration system 12. According to this modification, the power module 11 and the power integration system 12 can be efficiently cooled using the plate-shaped flow path member 669.

[0106] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, each configuration and their combinations in the embodiments are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes of the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Also, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments.

[0107] In particular, the configuration of the control device shown in the above-described embodiments and their modifications is merely an example. The control device may have any other electronic components as long as it has at least a power module.

[0108] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the drive device has a transmission mechanism has been described. However, the drive device may have only a motor and a control device and may not have a transmission mechanism.

[0109] Note that the present technology can have the following configuration. (1) A control device for controlling a motor, comprising: a power module; a first electronic component having any one of functions of voltage adjustment, current distribution, or a capacitor; and a housing that houses the power module and the first electronic component, wherein a flow path is provided in the housing, and the flow path has an intervening flow path portion located between the power module and the first electronic component in a first direction. (2) The control device according to (1), wherein the intervening flow path portion has a first flow path portion for cooling the power module and a second flow path portion for cooling the first electronic component. (3) The control device according to (2), wherein the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are arranged side by side in the first direction. (4) The control device according to (2), wherein a direction orthogonal to the first direction is defined as a second direction, and the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are arranged side by side in the second direction. (5) The control device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the flow path further includes a third flow path portion, and in the first direction, the power module is located between the intervening flow path portion and the third flow path portion. (6) The control device according to any one of (1) to (5), further comprising a second electronic component housed in the housing, the second electronic component having any one of functions of voltage adjustment, current distribution, or a capacitor, wherein a direction orthogonal to the first direction is defined as a second direction, and the second electronic component overlaps the intervening flow path portion in the first direction or the second direction. (7) The control device according to any one of (1) to (5), further comprising a second electronic component housed in the housing, the second electronic component having any one of functions of voltage adjustment, current distribution, or a capacitor, wherein a direction orthogonal to the first direction is defined as a second direction, and the second electronic component overlaps at least one of the power module or the first electronic component in the first direction or the second direction. (8) The control device according to (6) or (7), further comprising a plurality of the second electronic components. (9) The control device according to (8), wherein the plurality of second electronic components overlap each other in the first direction or the second direction. (10) The housing has a wall portion positioned between the power module and the first electronic component in the first direction, and the intervening flow path portion is provided in the wall portion, and is the control device according to any one of (1) to (9). (11) A heating device having a heater portion and a control portion for controlling the heater portion is provided, and the control portion is housed in the housing, and is the control device according to any one of (1) to (10). (12) A drive device including the control device according to any one of (1) to (11), the motor, and a motor housing for housing the motor, wherein the housing and the motor housing are connected to each other. (13) The power module and the first electronic component are located on one side in the first direction with respect to the motor, and the power module is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first electronic component, and is the drive device according to (12). (14) The power module and the first electronic component are located on one side in the first direction with respect to the motor, and the first electronic component is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the power module, and is the drive device according to (12). (15) The flow path includes a first flow path portion for cooling the power module, a second flow path portion for cooling the first electronic component, and a fourth flow path portion provided in the motor housing for cooling the motor. The intervening flow path portion has the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion, and in the first direction, the power module is located between the intervening flow path portion and the fourth flow path portion, and is the drive device according to any one of (12) to (14). (16) At least one of the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion and the fourth flow path portion are connected to each other, and is the drive device according to (15). (17) The power module and the first electronic component are located on one side in the first direction with respect to the motor, the power module is located on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first electronic component, and the flow path has a third flow path portion located between the power module and the fourth flow path portion in the first direction, and is the drive device according to (15) or (16). (18) The housing is connected to the motor housing and includes a first accommodating portion that accommodates one of the power module or the first electronic component, a second accommodating portion that is connected to one side of the first accommodating portion in the first direction and accommodates the other of the power module or the first electronic component, and a lid portion that is connected to the second accommodating portion. The first accommodating portion has a first opening that opens to one side in the first direction. The second accommodating portion has a bottom wall portion that covers the first opening and a second opening that opens to one side in the first direction. The lid portion covers the second opening, and the intervening flow path portion is provided in the bottom wall portion. The drive device according to any one of (12) to (17).

Description of Reference Numerals

[0110] 1, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601... drive device; 2... motor; 6A... motor housing; 6C... electronic component housing (housing); 7, 107, 207, 307, 407, 507, 607... control device; 11... power module; 12... power integration system (first electronic component); 13... current distribution unit (second electronic component); 14... capacitor (second electronic component); 15, 115... heating device; 15a, 115a... heater portion; 15b, 115b... heater control unit (control unit); 61h... first opening; 61A... first accommodating portion; 64, 464, 664... second accommodating portion; 64h, 664h... second opening; 65... third lid member (lid portion); 90, 190, 290, 390, 690... flow path; 90A, 190A, 390A, 690A... intervening flow path portion; 91, 191, 391... first flow path portion; 92, 192, 392... second flow path portion; 94... fourth flow path portion; 293... third flow path portion; 669... flow path member (wall portion); D1... first direction; D2... second direction Embodiment

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a motor, comprising: a power module; a first electronic component having any one of functions of voltage regulation, current distribution, or a capacitor; a housing that houses the power module and the first electronic component, wherein a flow path is provided in the housing, the flow path having an intervening flow path portion located between the power module and the first electronic component in a first direction, a control device.

2. The intervening flow path portion includes: a first flow path portion for cooling the power module; a second flow path portion for cooling the first electronic component, The control device according to claim 1.

3. The first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are arranged side by side in the first direction, The control device according to claim 2.

4. Taking a direction perpendicular to the first direction as a second direction, The first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are arranged side by side in the second direction, The control device according to claim 2.

5. The flow path further includes a third flow path portion, In the first direction, the power module is located between the intervening flow path portion and the third flow path portion, The control device according to claim 1.

6. Comprising a second electronic component housed in the housing, The second electronic component has any one of functions of voltage regulation, current distribution, or a capacitor, Taking a direction perpendicular to the first direction as a second direction, The second electronic component overlaps the intervening flow path portion in the first direction or the second direction, The control device according to claim 1.

7. Comprising a second electronic component housed in the housing, The second electronic component has any one of functions of voltage regulation, current distribution, or a capacitor, Taking a direction perpendicular to the first direction as a second direction, The second electronic component overlaps at least one of the power module or the first electronic component in the first direction or the second direction, The control device according to claim 1.

8. Comprising a plurality of the second electronic components, The control device according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The plurality of second electronic components overlap each other in the first direction or the second direction, The control device according to claim 8.

10. The housing has a wall portion located between the power module and the first electronic component in the first direction, The intervening flow path portion is provided in the wall portion, The control device according to claim 1.

11. Comprising a heating device having a heater portion and a control portion for controlling the heater portion, The control unit is housed in the housing, The control device according to claim 1.

12. The control device according to claim 1, The motor, A motor housing that houses the motor, and includes: The housing and the motor housing are connected to each other. Drive device.

13. The power module and the first electronic component are located on one side of the motor in the first direction, The power module is located on the other side of the first electronic component in the first direction. The drive device according to claim 12.

14. The power module and the first electronic component are located on one side of the motor in the first direction, The first electronic component is located on the other side of the power module in the first direction. The drive device according to claim 12.

15. The flow path is A first flow path portion for cooling the power module, A second flow path portion for cooling the first electronic component, And a fourth flow path portion provided in the motor housing for cooling the motor. The intervening flow path portion has the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion, In the first direction, the power module is located between the intervening flow path portion and the fourth flow path portion. The drive device according to claim 12.

16. At least one of the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion and the fourth flow path portion are connected to each other. The drive device according to claim 15.

17. The power module and the first electronic component are located on one side of the motor in the first direction, The power module is located on the other side of the first electronic component in the first direction, The flow path has a third flow path portion located between the power module and the fourth flow path portion in the first direction. The drive device according to claim 15.

18. The housing is A first accommodating portion connected to the motor housing and accommodating one of the power module or the first electronic component, A second accommodating portion connected to one side of the first accommodating portion in the first direction and accommodating the other of the power module or the first electronic component, And a lid portion connected to the second accommodating portion. The first accommodating portion has a first opening that opens on one side in the first direction, The second accommodating portion is A bottom wall portion that covers the first opening, And a second opening that opens on one side in the first direction. The lid portion covers the second opening. The intervening flow path portion is provided in the bottom wall portion, The drive device according to claim 12.

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