Vehicle control devices and vehicle drive systems

Abstract

This enables the realization of a vehicle control device that minimizes deformation of the control case. [Solution] The vehicle control device 10 comprises a control module 20, a pair of mounting members 54 connected to the vehicle body 12a, and a control case 52 housing the control module 20. The control case 52 comprises a pair of mounting fixing parts 52e to which the pair of mounting members 54 are fixed, and a heat exchange part 70 in which a flow path 71 for a heat transfer medium to flow for heat exchange with the control module 20 is formed. The heat exchange part 70 is positioned between the pair of mounting fixing parts 52e and is integrally formed with the pair of mounting fixing parts 52e.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control device and a vehicle drive device including a pair of mounting members.

Background Art

[0002] International Publication No. 2020 / 084989 (Patent Document 1) discloses a vehicle drive device including a pair of mounting members (8L, 8R). In this vehicle drive device, a drive device case (2) is connected to a vehicle body (6L, 6R) via the pair of mounting members (8L, 8R).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when connecting a vehicle drive device to a vehicle body, for example, instead of a drive device case that houses a power source or a gear mechanism of the vehicle, a control case that houses a control module necessary for controlling a power source or the like of the vehicle is connected to the vehicle body by a pair of mounting members as in Patent Document 1. However, it is conceivable that the control case may be deformed by the load applied from the pair of mounting members to the control case during traveling. And when the deformation of the control case at this time is large, it is conceivable that a load may be applied to the control module in the control case.

[0005] Therefore, it is desired to realize a vehicle control device that is less likely to suppress deformation of the control case.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle control device according to this disclosure comprises a control module having at least one of an inverter for driving and controlling a rotating electric machine, a voltage conversion circuit electrically connected to an on-board battery and performing voltage conversion of the on-board battery, a charging circuit for charging the on-board battery from an external power source, and a power supply circuit for supplying power from the on-board battery to the outside; a pair of mounting members connected to the body of a vehicle; and a control case housing the control module, wherein the control case comprises a pair of mounting fixing parts to which the pair of mounting members are each fixed, and a heat exchange part having a flow path formed inside through which a heat transfer medium for heat exchange with the control module flows, the heat exchange part is positioned between the pair of mounting fixing parts and is integrally configured with the pair of mounting fixing parts.

[0007] According to this configuration, the heat exchange section, in which a flow path is formed internally, is integrally configured with the pair of mounting fixing parts at a position sandwiched between them, making it easier to increase the rigidity of the portion of the control case between the pair of mounting fixing parts. As a result, deformation of the control case due to the load acting on the control case from the pair of mounting members can be minimized. Therefore, the load acting on the control module 20 housed in the control case can be minimized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Outline diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a vehicle control system. [Figure 2] Circuit block diagram of the control module installed in the vehicle shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Top view of the control case mounted on the vehicle shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the control case mounted on the vehicle shown in Figure 1, and shows the III-III cross-sectional view in Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the vehicle control device 10 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle 12 on which the vehicle control device 10 is installed. The vehicle control device 10 is provided in the vehicle drive unit 11.

[0010] The vehicle drive system 11 includes a rotating electric machine MG. In this embodiment, the rotating electric machine MG is the driving force source for the vehicle 12. Examples of the vehicle 12 include battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) equipped with an internal combustion engine and a rotating electric machine, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), etc. The vehicle 12 may be a three-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle. In this embodiment, the vehicle 12 is a four-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 12 is equipped with batteries (BH, BL). The vehicle 12 is equipped with a pair of wheels W.

[0011] The first direction X is defined as one direction perpendicular to the vertical direction Z, i.e., the horizontal direction. Here, the vertical direction Z refers to the vertical direction when the vehicle drive unit 11 is mounted on the vehicle 12. The second direction Y is defined as the direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction Z and the first direction X. In this embodiment, the second direction Y is the direction parallel to the rotation axis of the wheel W. However, the second direction Y may also be the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the wheel W.

[0012] The rotating electric machine MG has the function of a motor that generates power when power is supplied, and the function of a generator that generates power when power is supplied. Specifically, the rotating electric machine MG is electrically connected to an energy storage device such as a battery or capacitor (not shown). The rotating electric machine MG then generates driving force by being driven by the power stored in the energy storage device. The rotating electric machine MG also generates electricity from the driving force transmitted from the wheel W side and charges the energy storage device. In this embodiment, the rotating electric machine MG is an inner rotor type rotating electric machine. The vehicle drive unit 11 includes a drive unit case 51 that houses the rotating electric machine MG.

[0013] The vehicle drive unit 11 includes an output member 15 that is driven and connected to the wheel W. Here, "driven connection" refers to a state in which two rotating elements are connected in a manner that can transmit driving force, and includes a state in which the two rotating elements are connected so as to rotate as a whole, or a state in which the two rotating elements are connected in a manner that can transmit driving force via one or more transmission members. Such transmission members include various members that transmit rotation at the same speed or at a variable speed, such as shafts, gear mechanisms, belts, chains, etc. In addition, the transmission members may also include engagement devices that selectively transmit rotation and driving force, such as friction engagement devices, meshing engagement devices, etc. However, when referring to "driven connection" with respect to the rotating elements of a planetary gear mechanism, it refers to a state in which they are driven and connected without the use of other rotating elements of the planetary gear mechanism.

[0014] The vehicle drive system 11 includes a power transmission mechanism GT. The power transmission mechanism GT transmits driving force between the rotating electric machine MG and the output member 15. In this embodiment, the power transmission mechanism GT includes a reduction gear 13 and a differential gear device 14. The driving rotation generated from the rotating electric machine MG is reduced by the reduction gear 13 and distributed to a pair of wheels W by the differential gear device 14. The differential gear device 14 is driven and connected to the wheels W via a drive shaft 16.

[0015] In this embodiment, the reduction gear 13 is configured using a planetary gear mechanism, and includes a sun gear SG, a carrier CR, pinions PG, and a ring gear RG. Thereby, the driving rotation generated from the rotating electric machine MG is reduced. Note that the reduction gear 13 may be a parallel-axis reduction gear using a counter gear or the like.

[0016] In this embodiment, the output member 15 is a rotating element that constitutes the differential gear device 14. However, it is not limited to this, and the output member 15 may be a rotating element interposed between the differential gear device 14 and the drive shaft 16.

[0017] In FIG. 1, a so-called single-axis E-axle in which a plurality of main rotating elements constituting the vehicle drive device 11 are arranged on the same axis in the drive device case 51 is illustrated. However, it is not limited to this, and the vehicle drive device 11 according to the present disclosure can also be applied to, for example, a so-called three-axis E-axle in which the main rotating elements are distributed and arranged on three axes.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram showing an example of the control module 20. The vehicle control device 10 includes the control module 20. The rotating electric machine MG is connected to an in-vehicle battery (first battery BH, second battery BL) via an inverter INV.

[0019] The control module 20 includes at least one of an inverter INV for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine MG, a voltage conversion circuit, a charging circuit, and a power supply circuit that are electrically connected to the in-vehicle battery.

[0020] The control module 20 includes an inverter module 21. The inverter module 21 drives and controls the rotating electric machine MG. The control module 20 includes a power supply module 22. The power supply module 22 has at least one function of a voltage conversion circuit, a charging circuit, and a power supply circuit.

[0021] The "voltage conversion circuit" is a circuit that performs voltage conversion of the in-vehicle battery. In the illustrated example, the first DC-DC converter 35 and the second DC-DC converter 36 have the function of the voltage conversion circuit. The "charging circuit" is a circuit for charging the in-vehicle battery (BH, BL) from an external power source. The "power supply circuit" is a circuit for supplying power from the in-vehicle battery to the outside. In the present embodiment, the in-vehicle charger 23 has the functions of the charging circuit and the power supply circuit. Note that the in-vehicle charger 23 may be configured to have only the function of the charging circuit. Also, a power supply circuit different from the in-vehicle charger 23 may be provided in the control module 20.

[0022] In the present embodiment, the in-vehicle battery includes the first battery BH which is a high-voltage battery. The first battery BH is configured to be connectable to an external power source via the in-vehicle charger 23 having a charging circuit. The first battery BH is a DC power source composed of a rechargeable secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery or a power storage device such as an electric double layer capacitor. The rated voltage of the first battery BH is about 200 volts to 800 volts.

[0023] The in-vehicle battery includes the second battery BL having a rated voltage lower than that of the first battery BH. The second battery BL is configured to be chargeable by the power supplied from the first battery BH. The second battery BL is configured to be chargeable by the power supplied from an external AC power source. The rated power supply voltage of the second battery BL is, for example, about 12 to 24 volts.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the control module 20 includes the first DC-DC converter 35. The first DC-DC converter 35 steps down the DC power supplied from the first battery BH. The DC power stepped down by the first DC-DC converter 35 is supplied to the accessory rotating electric machine 38 which is a driving power source for accessories. Examples of accessories include an air conditioner, an electric oil pump, etc.

[0025] The on-board charger 23 of this embodiment includes a dual active bridge (DAB) circuit with a transformer 25, which converts AC power (AC IN) supplied from an external AC power source into a first DC power and a second DC power. Viewed from the AC side, the transformer 25 comprises a primary coil and two secondary coils.

[0026] In this embodiment, a full-bridge circuit using switching elements is connected to the primary coil to form a first circuit 31. A full-bridge circuit is connected to the first secondary coil to form a second circuit 32. A full-bridge circuit is connected to the second secondary coil to form a third circuit 33.

[0027] The second circuit 32 generates a first DC power for charging the first battery BH. The third circuit 33 generates a second DC power with a lower voltage than the first DC power. In this embodiment, the control module 20 includes a second DC converter 36. The second DC converter 36 steps down the voltage of the second DC power generated by the third circuit 33.

[0028] A first DC link capacitor 41 is provided between the first battery BH and the inverter INV, which functions as a smoothing capacitor to smooth the DC voltage of the inverter INV.

[0029] On the side of the first battery BH in the first DC converter 35, there is a second DC link capacitor 42 which functions as a smoothing capacitor for smoothing the DC voltage. The output section of the second circuit 32 is equipped with a third DC link capacitor 43 which smooths the voltage of the first DC power. The output section of the third circuit 33 is equipped with a fourth DC link capacitor 44 which smooths the voltage of the second DC power.

[0030] The rotating electric machine MG is driven and controlled by the rotating electric machine control unit 45 based on a target torque for the rotating electric machine MG, which is set according to a command from a higher-level control device, a vehicle control device (not shown). The rotating electric machine control unit 45 switches and controls an inverter INV, which is composed of multiple switching elements, to convert power between DC and multi-phase (three-phase in this embodiment) AC in the inverter INV.

[0031] In this embodiment, the rotating electric machine control unit 45 is configured as an ECU together with a charging control unit that controls the on-board charger 23, a first voltage conversion control unit that controls the first DC converter 35, a second voltage conversion control unit that controls the second DC converter 36, and the like.

[0032] Figure 3 is a top view showing an example of the drive unit case 51 and the control case 52. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the drive unit case 51 and the control case 52.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the vehicle drive unit 11 includes a drive unit case 51 that houses the rotating electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT. The vehicle control device 10 includes a control case 52 that houses the control module 20. Here, the upper and lower sides in the vertical direction Z described above are referred to as upper Z1 and lower Z2, respectively. In this embodiment, the control case 52 is located on the upper Z1 side of the drive unit case 51.

[0034] The control case 52 is joined to the drive unit case 51, or is integrally formed with the drive unit case 51. Examples of joining include bolting, riveting, welding, crimping, brazing, etc. In this embodiment, the control case 52 is fastened to the drive unit case 51 by bolts.

[0035] Furthermore, the control case 52 and the drive device case 51 may be integrally formed from the same material. Examples of integral formation from the same material include casting, forging, cutting, grinding, etc.

[0036] The vehicle control device 10 includes a pair of mounting members 54 connected to the vehicle body 12a of the vehicle 12. In this embodiment, the pair of mounting members 54 are configured to suspend and support the control case 52 from the vehicle body 12a. In this embodiment, the second direction Y is parallel to the direction from one of the pair of mounting members 54 to the other.

[0037] The control case 52 is suspended and supported from the vehicle body 12a by a pair of mounting members 54. Examples of the vehicle body 12a include a monocoque body, a frame, etc. The mounting members 54 comprise a mounting bracket 54a and a mounting bush 54b. The mounting bush 54b absorbs, for example, vibrations transmitted from the control case 52 to the passenger compartment, and shocks transmitted from the road surface to the control case 52.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the control case 52 includes side walls 52a. The side walls 52a are located on at least both sides of the control module 20 in the second direction Y. In this embodiment, the side walls 52a are located on both sides of the control module 20 in the first direction X and on both sides of the second direction Y.

[0039] In this embodiment, the side wall portion 52a is arranged to surround the control module 20 from the outside in the horizontal direction. The side wall portion 52a is formed in a polygonal or circular shape when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the side wall portion 52a is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0040] In this embodiment, the control module 20 is continuously surrounded by the side wall portion 52a. However, the control module 20 may also be intermittently surrounded by the side wall portion 52a.

[0041] As shown in Figure 4, the control case 52 is provided with a bottom wall portion 52b. A first accommodation space E1 is located above Z1 of the bottom wall portion 52b. A second accommodation space E2 is located below Z2 of the bottom wall portion 52b. In this embodiment, the first accommodation space E1 and the second accommodation space E2 are spaces that are continuously enclosed by side walls 52a in the horizontal direction.

[0042] At least a portion of the control module 20 is located in the first and second accommodation spaces E1 and E2, respectively. In this embodiment, the inverter module 21 is located in the second accommodation space E2. In this embodiment, the power supply module 22 is located in the first accommodation space E1. In this embodiment, the rotating electric machine control unit 45 is located in the first accommodation space E1.

[0043] The bottom wall portion 52b covers at least a part of the control module 20 from below Z2. The bottom wall portion 52b is formed to connect the side wall portion 52a in at least the second direction Y. In this embodiment, the bottom wall portion 52b is formed to connect the side wall portion 52a in the first direction X and the second direction Y. The side wall portion 52a and the bottom wall portion 52b are integrally formed from the same material.

[0044] Here, the direction connecting the pair of mount fixing parts 52e is defined as the symmetry direction. In this embodiment, the second direction Y is the symmetry direction. In this embodiment, the bottom wall part 52b is positioned to overlap with the pair of mount fixing parts 52e when viewed in the symmetry direction along the symmetry direction.

[0045] Here, regarding the arrangement of the two members, "overlapping in a specific viewing direction" means that when a virtual line parallel to the line of sight is moved in each direction perpendicular to that virtual line, there exists a region where the virtual line intersects both members.

[0046] The control case 52 has an upper opening 52c that opens toward the upper side Z1. The control case 52 also has a lower opening 52d that opens toward the lower side Z2. The vehicle control device 10 includes a cover member 56 that covers the upper opening 52c of the control case 52. The cover member 56 is joined to the control case 52. In this embodiment, the cover member 56 is fastened to the control case 52 with bolts.

[0047] The control case 52 includes a pair of mounting fixing portions 52e to which a pair of mounting members 54 are each fixed. The pair of mounting fixing portions 52e and the side wall portion 52a are integrally formed from the same material. Examples of the pair of mounting fixing portions 52e include bolt fastening portions, rivet holes, welded portions, brazed portions, mating portions, boss portions, and base portions that can form them. In this embodiment, the mounting fixing portions 52e are the portions of the control case 52 to which the mounting members 54 are in contact.

[0048] The pair of mounting fixing parts 52e are arranged on the outer surfaces of the side wall portion 52a, facing opposite directions from each other. The bottom wall portion 52b is formed to connect the inner surfaces of the side wall portion 52a, which are facing opposite directions from each other, in the horizontal direction.

[0049] The bottom wall portion 52b has ribs 61 that protrude in at least one direction in the vertical Z direction and extend in at least one direction in the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the ribs 61 protrude toward the first accommodation space E1. In this embodiment, the ribs 61 protrude toward the second accommodation space E2. In this embodiment, a plurality of ribs 61 are formed on the bottom wall portion 52b.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3, the bottom wall portion 52b has a pair of ribs 61 that protrude in at least one direction in the vertical Z direction and extend in at least one direction in the horizontal direction. Electronic components 63 constituting the control module 20 are arranged in the inter-rib region R1 sandwiched between the pair of ribs 61. In this embodiment, a potting material 65 for fixing the electronic components 63 to the inter-rib region R1 is arranged in the inter-rib region R1 sandwiched between the pair of ribs 61.

[0051] In this embodiment, the electronic component 63 and the potting material 65 are arranged in an inter-rib region R1 continuously surrounded by a plurality of ribs 61. Examples of electronic components 63 include coils, capacitors, resistors, etc. Alternatively, the electronic component 63 and the potting material 65 may be arranged in an inter-rib region R1 continuously surrounded by a pair of ribs 61 and a side wall portion 52a. Furthermore, the electronic component 63 and the potting material 65 may be arranged in an inter-rib region R1 continuously surrounded by a pair of ribs 61 and a boss portion 67 described later.

[0052] As described above, by arranging the ribs 61 and potting material 65, a separate component for protecting the electronic components 63 becomes unnecessary. Also, a separate component for blocking the potting material 65 becomes unnecessary. Therefore, it is easier to miniaturize the control case 52. Examples of potting material 65 include urethane resin, silicone resin, epoxy resin, etc.

[0053] In this embodiment, the control case 52 includes ribs 61 positioned adjacent to the electronic components 63 that constitute the control module 20. In the illustrated example, ribs 61 are also positioned in locations not adjacent to the electronic components 63.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the first housing space E1 contains an electronic component 63 and a circuit board 69 on which the electronic component 63 is mounted. In this embodiment, although not shown, the electronic component 63 and the circuit board 69 on which the electronic component 63 is mounted are located in the second housing space E2. As shown in Figure 3, the bottom wall portion 52b has boss portions 67 that protrude in at least one direction in the vertical direction Z. The circuit board 69 is fastened to the boss portions 67 by screws.

[0055] The control case 52 includes a heat exchange section 70 in which a flow path 71 is formed inside for a heat transfer medium to flow to exchange heat with the control module 20. Examples of heat transfer mediums include cooling water, cooling oil, refrigerant gases such as difluoromethane, nitrogen, air, etc.

[0056] The heat exchange section 70 is integrally formed with a pair of mounting fixing sections 52e. Examples of integral formation include fastening with bolts, joining with rivets, welding, brazing, casting, forging, cutting, grinding, etc.

[0057] In this embodiment, the heat exchange section 70 is integrally formed from the same material as a pair of mounting fixing sections 52e. In this embodiment, the heat exchange section 70 is formed in the control case 52 by at least one of casting, cutting, or grinding. In this embodiment, a flow path 71 is formed inside the bottom wall section 52b.

[0058] In this embodiment, a flow channel 71 is formed inside the rib 61. In this embodiment, a flow channel 71 is formed in a rib 61 positioned adjacent to the electronic component 63. In this embodiment, a flow channel 71 is formed inside multiple ribs 61 positioned to continuously or intermittently surround the electronic component 63. As shown in Figure 4, the control case 52 also includes ribs 61 in which no flow channel 71 is formed.

[0059] The heat exchange section 70 is positioned between a pair of mounting fixing sections 52e. In this embodiment, the heat exchange section 70 is positioned so as to overlap with the pair of mounting fixing sections 52e when viewed in the symmetric direction (second direction Y). In this embodiment, the rib 61 extending in the symmetric direction is positioned so as to overlap with the pair of mounting fixing sections 52e when viewed in the symmetric direction (second direction Y).

[0060] [Other Embodiments] Next, other embodiments of the vehicle control device 10 and the vehicle drive system 11 will be described.

[0061] (1) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the power transmission mechanism GT comprises a reduction gear 13 and a differential gear 14, and the control module 20 comprises an inverter module 21 and a power supply module 22 was described as an example. However, the embodiment of the vehicle control device 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the power transmission mechanism GT does not have to include a reduction gear 13 or a differential gear 14. Also, for example, the control module 20 does not have to include an inverter module 21 or a power supply module 22.

[0062] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the power module 22 is arranged in the first accommodation space E1 and the inverter module 21 is arranged in the second accommodation space E2 was described as an example. However, the embodiment of the vehicle control device 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the inverter module 21 may be arranged in the first accommodation space E1 and the power module 22 may be arranged in the second accommodation space E2. Also, for example, the first accommodation space E1 may not be located on the upper side Z1 of the bottom wall portion 52b. Also, for example, the second accommodation space E2 may not be located on the lower side Z2 of the bottom wall portion 52b.

[0063] (3) In the above embodiment, the control case 52 is provided with a side wall portion 52a that surrounds the control module 20 from the outside in the horizontal direction, and a pair of mounting fixing portions 52e are provided on the outer surfaces of the side wall portion 52a that face opposite each other. However, embodiments of the vehicle control device 10 are not limited to such a configuration. For example, the pair of mounting fixing portions 52e may be provided on the outer surfaces of the side wall portion 52a that face diagonally downward and do not face opposite each other. Also, for example, the control module 20 may be covered in at least one direction in the horizontal direction by a member different from the control case 52.

[0064] (4) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described as in which the heat exchange unit 70 is positioned in a location that overlaps with the pair of mount fixing units 52e in a symmetrical view along the symmetrical direction (second direction Y). However, the embodiment of the vehicle control device 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the heat exchange unit 70 may be positioned between the pair of mount fixing units 52e, and also positioned offset from the pair of mount fixing units 52e by an upper Z1 or lower Z2 in a symmetrical view.

[0065] (5) In the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the control case 52 includes a bottom wall portion 52b that covers at least a part of the control module 20 from below Z2, and ribs 61 are formed on the bottom wall portion 52b. However, the embodiment of the vehicle control device 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, ribs 61 may not be formed on the bottom wall portion 52b of the control case 52. Also, for example, the control case 52 may be configured without a bottom wall portion 52b.

[0066] (6) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the electronic component 63 and the potting material 65 are arranged in an inter-rib region R1 sandwiched between a pair of ribs 61 was described as an example. However, embodiments of the vehicle control device 10 are not limited to such a configuration. For example, the potting material 65 does not have to be arranged in the inter-rib region R1. Also, for example, the electronic component 63 may be adjacent to only one rib 61 and not sandwiched between a pair of ribs 61.

[0067] (7) In the above embodiment, the control case 52 was described as having a rib 61 positioned adjacent to the electronic components 63 constituting the control module 20, and a flow path 71 formed inside the rib 61. However, embodiments of the vehicle control device 10 are not limited to such a configuration. For example, the configuration may not have a flow path 71 formed inside the rib 61 positioned adjacent to the electronic components 63. Also, for example, the control case 52 may not have a rib 61 positioned adjacent to the electronic components 63 constituting the control module 20.

[0068] (8) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the control case 52 is suspended and supported from the vehicle body 12a by a pair of mounting members 54 was described as an example. However, the embodiment of the vehicle control device 10 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the portion of the mounting member 54 that contacts the mounting fixing portion 52e may be located below the control case 52 Z2.

[0069] (9) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the vehicle drive unit 11 includes a drive unit case 51 housing a rotating electric machine MG and a power transmission mechanism GT was described as an example. However, the embodiment of the vehicle drive unit 11 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the drive unit case 51 does not have to house the rotating electric machine MG or the power transmission mechanism GT. Also, for example, the vehicle drive unit 11 does not have to include the rotating electric machine MG, the power transmission mechanism GT and the drive unit case 51.

[0070] (10) The configurations disclosed in the embodiments described above can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0071] [Summary of the above embodiments] The vehicle control device and vehicle drive device related to this disclosure will be described below.

[0072] In one embodiment, the vehicle control device (10) comprises a control module (20) equipped with at least one of the following: an inverter (INV) for driving and controlling a rotating electric machine (MG), a voltage conversion circuit (first DC converter 35, second DC converter 36) electrically connected to the on-board battery (first battery BH, second battery BL) and performing voltage conversion of the on-board battery (first battery BH, second battery BL), a charging circuit (on-board charger 23) for charging the on-board battery from an external power source, and a power supply circuit (on-board charger 23) for supplying power from the on-board battery to the outside of the vehicle (12), and the vehicle (12) A vehicle control device (10) comprising a pair of mounting members (54) connected to a body (12a) and a control case (52) housing a control module (20), wherein the control case (52) comprises a pair of mounting fixing parts (52e) to which the pair of mounting members (54) are fixed, and a heat exchange part (70) formed inside which a flow path (71) for a heat transfer medium to flow for heat exchange with the control module (20) is formed, the heat exchange part (70) is positioned between the pair of mounting fixing parts (52e) and is integrally formed with the pair of mounting fixing parts (52e).

[0073] According to this configuration, the heat exchange section (70) with a flow path (71) formed inside is integrally configured with the pair of mount fixing sections (52e) at a position sandwiched between them, making it easier to increase the rigidity of the portion of the control case (52) between the pair of mount fixing sections (52e). As a result, deformation of the control case (52) due to the load acting on the control case (52) from the pair of mount members (54) can be minimized. Consequently, the load acting on the control module (20) housed in the control case (52) can be minimized.

[0074] In one embodiment, the control case (52) includes a side wall portion (52a) arranged to surround the control module (20) from the outside in the horizontal direction, and a pair of mounting fixing portions (52e) are arranged on the outer surfaces of the side wall portion (52a) facing opposite directions from each other, with the direction connecting the pair of mounting fixing portions (52e) being the symmetrical direction (second direction Y), and the heat exchange portion (70) is positioned in a location that overlaps with the pair of mounting fixing portions (52e) when viewed in the symmetrical direction along the symmetrical direction (second direction Y).

[0075] With this configuration, the heat exchange section (70) is positioned in a location that overlaps with the pair of mounting fixing sections (52e) when viewed from the symmetrical direction, thereby minimizing the deformation of the side wall section (52a) on which the pair of mounting fixing sections (52e) are located. Consequently, the load acting on the control module (20), which is positioned within the area enclosed by the side wall section (52a), can be minimized.

[0076] In one embodiment, the control case (52) comprises a side wall portion (52a) arranged to surround the control module (20) from the outside in the horizontal direction, and a bottom wall portion (52b) that covers at least a part of the control module (20) from below (Z2). A pair of mounting fixing portions (52e) are arranged on the outer surfaces of the side wall portion (52a) that face opposite each other, and the bottom wall portion (52b) has ribs (61) that protrude in the vertical direction (Z) and extend in the horizontal direction.

[0077] With this configuration, the rigidity of the bottom wall (52b) can be increased by forming ribs (61) on the bottom wall (52b) of the control case (52), and consequently, deformation of the side wall (52a) where the pair of mounting fixing parts (52e) are located can be reduced. Therefore, the load acting on the control module (20) located in the area surrounded by the side wall (52a) and the bottom wall (52b) can be reduced.

[0078] In one embodiment, the control case (52) includes a bottom wall portion (52b) that covers at least a part of the control module (20) from below (Z2). The bottom wall portion (52b) has a pair of ribs (61) that protrude in the vertical direction (Z) and extend horizontally. The electronic components (63) that constitute the control module (20) and the potting material (65) that fixes the electronic components (63) to the inter-rib region (R1) are arranged in the inter-rib region (R1) sandwiched between the pair of ribs (61).

[0079] With this configuration, the electronic components (63) can be positioned using the inter-rib region (R1) sandwiched between the ribs (61) that increase the rigidity of the bottom wall (52b). Therefore, it is easier to achieve both rigidity and miniaturization of the control case (52). In addition, the potting material (65) can increase the rigidity of the control case (52) and also protect the electronic components (63).

[0080] In one embodiment, the control case (52) comprises a bottom wall portion (52b) that covers at least a part of the control module (20) from below (Z2), and ribs (61) that are formed to protrude vertically (Z) from the bottom wall portion (52b) and extend horizontally, and are positioned adjacent to the electronic components (63) that constitute the control module (20), and a flow channel (71) is formed inside the ribs (61).

[0081] With this configuration, the electronic components (63) can be efficiently cooled by heat exchange with the heat transfer medium flowing through the channel (71) formed inside the rib (61).

[0082] In one embodiment, the control case (52) is suspended and supported from the vehicle body (12a) by a pair of mounting members (54).

[0083] In a configuration where the control case (52) is suspended and supported from the vehicle body (12a) by a pair of mounting members (54), the load acting on the control case (52) from the pair of mounting members (54) tends to be large. With this configuration, even with the above configuration, deformation of the control case (52) can be suppressed by increasing the rigidity of the portion between the pair of mounting fixing parts (52e) in the control case (52).

[0084] In one embodiment, the vehicle drive system (11) comprises the vehicle control device (10), a rotating electric machine (MG), an output member (15) driven and connected to a wheel (W), a power transmission mechanism (GT) that transmits driving force between the rotating electric machine (MG) and the output member (15), and a drive system case (51) that houses the rotating electric machine (MG) and the power transmission mechanism (GT), wherein the control case (52) is joined to the drive system case (51) or is integrally formed with the drive system case (51).

[0085] In the case where the control case (52) is joined to the drive device case (51) or formed integrally with the drive device case (51), the load of not only the control case (52) but also the drive device case (51) is supported by the pair of mounting members (54), so the load acting on the control case (52) from the pair of mounting members (54) tends to be large. With this configuration, even with the above configuration, deformation of the control case (52) can be suppressed by increasing the rigidity of the part between the pair of mounting fixing parts (52e) in the control case (52).

[0086] The vehicle control device and vehicle drive device relating to this disclosure only need to achieve at least one of the effects described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 10: Vehicle control device, 11: Vehicle drive unit, 12: Vehicle, 12a: Vehicle body, 15: Output component, 20: Control module, 23: Onboard charger (charging circuit, power supply circuit), 35: First DC converter (voltage conversion circuit), 36: Second DC converter (voltage conversion circuit), 51: Drive unit case, 52: Control case, 52a: Side wall, 52b: Bottom wall, 52e: Mount fixing part, 54: Mounting component, 61: Rib, 63: Electronic component, 65: Potting material, 70: Heat exchange section, 71: Flow path, BH: First battery (onboard battery), BL: Second battery (onboard battery), GT: Power transmission mechanism, INV: Inverter, MG: Rotating electric machine, W: Wheel, Y: Second direction (symmetrical direction)

Claims

1. A vehicle control device comprising: a control module having at least one of an inverter for driving and controlling a rotating electric machine; a voltage conversion circuit electrically connected to an on-board battery and performing voltage conversion of the on-board battery; a charging circuit for charging the on-board battery from an external power source; and a power supply circuit for supplying power from the on-board battery to an external source; a pair of mounting members connected to the vehicle body; and a control case housing the control module, The control case comprises a pair of mounting fixing parts to which the pair of mounting members are each fixed, and a heat exchange part in which a flow path for a heat transfer medium to exchange heat with the control module is formed inside. The heat exchange section is positioned between a pair of mounting fixing sections and is integrally configured with the pair of mounting fixing sections in a vehicle control device.

2. The control case comprises side walls arranged to surround the control module from the outside in the horizontal direction, The pair of mounting fixing parts are arranged on the outer surfaces of the side wall portion, facing opposite directions from each other. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchange portion is positioned in a location that overlaps with the pair of mount fixing portions when viewed in a symmetrical direction along the symmetrical direction, with the direction connecting the pair of mount fixing portions being the symmetrical direction.

3. The control case comprises a side wall portion arranged to surround the control module from the outside in the horizontal direction, and a bottom wall portion that covers at least a part of the control module from below. The pair of mounting fixing parts are arranged on the outer surfaces of the side wall portion, facing opposite directions from each other. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the bottom wall portion has ribs that protrude vertically and extend horizontally.

4. The control case includes a bottom wall portion that covers at least a part of the control module from below, The bottom wall portion is formed with a pair of ribs that protrude vertically and extend horizontally, The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein an electronic component constituting the control module and a potting material for fixing the electronic component to the inter-rib region are arranged in an inter-rib region sandwiched between a pair of ribs.

5. The control case comprises a bottom wall portion that covers at least a portion of the control module from below, and ribs formed to protrude vertically from the bottom wall portion and extend horizontally, and positioned adjacent to the electronic components constituting the control module. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein the flow path is formed inside the rib.

6. The vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control case is suspended and supported from the vehicle body by a pair of mounting members.

7. A vehicle control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The aforementioned rotating electric machine, An output member that is driven and connected to the wheel, A power transmission mechanism that transmits driving force between the rotating electric machine and the output member, The device comprises a drive unit case housing the aforementioned rotating electric machine and the aforementioned power transmission mechanism, A vehicle drive system in which the control case is joined to or integrally formed with the drive system case.

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