unit

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a novel structure of a usage state of a fiber body. [Solution] This unit has a housing having a spiral groove formed such that a cooling liquid flows along the circumferential direction, a rotary-electric machine that is provided inside the housing, and a fiber body, the fiber body being disposed within the spiral groove.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cooling member in which a housing is filled with metal fibers and the high thermal conductivity of the metal fibers is used for cooling. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-009433 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As a result of extensive research, the inventors have found that when a cooling liquid passes through a fiber, turbulence occurs, and this turbulence effect promotes cooling. Furthermore, they have found that when a cooling liquid passes over the fiber surface, turbulence occurs due to disturbances on the fiber surface, and this turbulence effect also promotes cooling. These findings mean that the cooling ability can be improved regardless of the material of the fiber body, and make it possible to use fiber bodies in a form that is completely different from the technical idea described in Patent Document 1.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a novel structure for utilizing a fibrous material based on the above concept. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, the unit includes a housing having a spiral groove formed to allow a coolant to flow circumferentially, a rotating electric machine provided within the housing, and a fibrous body, the fibrous body being arranged within the spiral groove. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, by providing a fibrous body in the spiral groove, turbulence can be generated in the spiral groove, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the rotating electrical machine via the coolant. Therefore, a novel structure for utilizing the fibrous body can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the inner case in the housing. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of an inner case according to a first modified example. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of an inner case according to a second modified example. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of an inner case according to a third modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of an inner case according to a fourth modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A drive unit 1 as a unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] First, the drive unit 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0011] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the drive unit 1. Fig. 2 is a front view of an inner case 21 in a housing 20 of the drive unit 1.

[0012] 1, the drive unit 1 includes a rotating electric machine 10, a housing 20, and a fibrous body 30. The drive unit 1 is an electric drive unit that uses the driving force of the rotating electric machine 10 to rotate and drive drive wheels (not shown) of a vehicle. Note that the unit is used to drive the drive wheels of a vehicle, but is not limited to this, and may also be used to drive electrical appliances, for example.

[0013] The rotating electric machine 10 has a motor function and / or a generator function. The rotating electric machine 10 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The rotating electric machine 10 has a stator fixed to a housing 20 and a rotor (not shown) that rotates together with an output shaft.

[0014] The housing 20 accommodates the rotating electrical machine 10. The housing 20 has an inner case 21 and an outer case 27.

[0015] The inner case 21 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and has a motor housing portion 22, a spiral rib 23, a spiral groove 24, and a flange portion 25.

[0016] The motor accommodating portion 22 is formed to have an inner diameter that is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the rotating electrical machine 10. The rotating electrical machine 10 is accommodated in the motor accommodating portion 22. A stator of the rotating electrical machine 10 is fixed to the motor accommodating portion 22.

[0017] The spiral rib 23 is formed to protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the inner case 21. The spiral rib 23 is formed spirally in the axial direction (the extension direction of the rotation shaft of the rotating electrical machine 10). The spiral rib 23 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of an inner case housing portion 28 of the outer case 27, which will be described later.

[0018] The spiral groove 24 is a spiral groove continuously formed between a pair of axially adjacent spiral ribs 23. Cooling water passes through the spiral groove 24 as a coolant for cooling the rotating electric machine 10. The coolant is not limited to cooling water, and may be other liquids such as cooling oil. One end of the spiral groove 24 is provided with a coolant inlet (not shown) for introducing the cooling water for cooling the rotating electric machine 10 into the spiral groove 24. The other end of the spiral groove 24 is provided with a coolant outlet (not shown) for discharging the cooling water from the spiral groove 24 after cooling the rotating electric machine 10.

[0019] The flange portion 25 is provided at an axial end of the inner case 21. The flange portion 25 is formed in a generally circular disk shape with a diameter larger than that of the spiral rib 23. One flat surface of the flange portion 25 forms an end face 25a.

[0020] The outer case 27 is a generally cylindrical member with a bottom that covers the outer periphery of the inner case 21. The outer case 27 forms the outer shape of the drive unit 1. An end surface 27a of the outer case 27 abuts against an end surface 25a of the flange portion 25 of the inner case 21. The outer case 27 has an inner case accommodating portion 28.

[0021] The inner case housing portion 28 is formed with an inner diameter that is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the spiral rib 23 of the inner case 21. When the inner case 21 is housed in the inner case housing portion 28, the outer peripheral surface of the spiral rib 23 abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the inner case housing portion 28. This closes the outer periphery of the spiral groove 24, and a spiral cooling water passage 26 is defined.

[0022] 1 and 2, the fibrous body 30 is disposed in the spiral groove 24. Specifically, the fibrous body 30 is attached to the bottom surface of the spiral groove 24. The fibrous body 30 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The fibrous body 30 is disposed along the flow of the cooling water, i.e., parallel to the liquid flow direction.

[0023] The fibrous body 30 is, for example, copper fiber, but may also be other metal fiber, carbon fiber, resin fiber, etc. When cooling water passes along the surface of the fibrous body 30, the fibrous material creates surface disturbances, generating turbulence in the cooling water.

[0024] In this way, by providing the fibrous body 30 in the spiral groove 24, turbulence is generated in the coolant passage 26, and the cooling efficiency of the rotating electrical machine 10 via the coolant can be improved. Therefore, a novel structure for utilizing the fibrous body 30 can be provided.

[0025] Furthermore, since the cooling water flows along the surface side of the fibrous body 30, turbulence can be generated by the fibrous body 30, and pressure loss of the cooling water can be reduced, thereby reducing the energy required to circulate the cooling water.

[0026] Furthermore, since the fibrous body 30 is provided on the bottom surface of the spiral groove 24, it is possible to increase the turbulence of the flow of cooling water near the bottom surface, thereby increasing the amount of heat transferred from the bottom surface to the cooling water. Furthermore, even if the fibrous body 30 is attached to the bottom surface of the spiral groove 24, it does not have a significant effect on the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path, and since the turbulence of the flow of cooling water occurs near the bottom surface, it is possible to keep the pressure loss of the cooling water small.

[0027] The fibrous bodies 30 are arranged intermittently in the spiral groove 24 along the liquid flow direction of the cooling water. This allows for a reduction in the amount of material used for the fibrous bodies 30. The fibrous bodies 30 are arranged at the same circumferential position in the spiral groove 24. That is, the fibrous bodies 30 have portions that are aligned along the axial direction.

[0028] Here, since there is a turbulent flow generation region where turbulence occurs downstream of the fibrous body 30, when the fibrous bodies 30 are provided intermittently, it is desirable to arrange the fibrous bodies 30 at approximately regular intervals. Furthermore, if the fibrous bodies 30 are arranged in the axial direction, the fibrous bodies 30 are provided at approximately regular intervals in the spiral cooling water flow path, and the fibrous bodies 30 can be attached in one go without rotating the housing 20, which improves attachment ease.

[0029] The spacing between the fibrous bodies 30 is preferably within the turbulent flow region where cooling efficiency is high. Alternatively, multiple fibrous bodies 30 may be attached to the spiral groove 24 so that multiple sets of fibrous bodies 30 aligned in the axial direction are provided at multiple locations.

[0030] Next, inner case 21 of housing 20 according to modified examples of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. In each of the modified examples shown below, differences from the above embodiment will be mainly described, and components having similar functions will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0031] Fig. 3 is a front view of inner case 21 according to a first modified example. Fig. 4 is a front view of inner case 21 according to a second modified example. Fig. 5 is a front view of inner case 21 according to a third modified example. Fig. 6 is a front view of inner case 21 according to a fourth modified example.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 3, the inner case 21 according to the first modified example has a substantially U-shaped groove 23a.

[0033] The groove portions 23a are provided along a cross direction that crosses the liquid flow direction in which the cooling water flows in the spiral groove 24. The groove portions 23a are formed larger than the spiral groove 24 across the bottom surface and both side surfaces of the spiral groove 24. That is, the groove portions 23a are formed in a concave shape within the spiral groove 24. A plurality of the groove portions 23a are provided at the same position in the circumferential direction. That is, the groove portions 23a are provided lined up in a straight line in the axial direction.

[0034] The fibrous body 30 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The entire outer peripheral edge of the fibrous body 30 is supported by a substantially rectangular frame member 31. The frame member 31 is fitted into a groove 23a of the inner case 21, so that the fibrous body 30 is supported by the inner case 21.

[0035] The fibrous bodies 30 are arranged at the same circumferential position in the spiral groove 24. That is, the fibrous bodies 30 have portions that are aligned along the axial direction. The fibrous bodies 30 are arranged along a cross direction that crosses the liquid flow direction in which the cooling water flows in the spiral groove 24. That is, the cooling water flows so as to pass through the fibrous bodies 30.

[0036] The fibrous nature of the fibrous body 30 generates turbulence in the cooling water when the cooling water passes through it. Since the fibrous body 30 is provided so as to intersect the liquid flow direction of the cooling water substantially perpendicularly, it is desirable to use a fibrous body with a coarser mesh than when the fibrous body is provided along the liquid flow direction as in the above embodiment.

[0037] In this way, similar to the above embodiment, by providing the fibrous body 30 in the spiral groove 24, turbulence can be generated in the coolant passage 26, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the rotating electrical machine 10 via the coolant. Therefore, a novel structure for utilizing the fibrous body 30 can be provided.

[0038] Furthermore, according to the first modified example, the fibrous body 30 can be easily attached to the housing 20 simply by attaching it to each of the attachment grooves 26a. Furthermore, compared to the case where the fibrous body 30 is attached to the bottom surface of the spiral groove 24, the area of ​​the fibrous body 30 can be made smaller.

[0039] Furthermore, because turbulence occurs in the entire flow of cooling water, the fibrous body 30 can be installed at larger intervals than when it is attached to the bottom surface of the spiral groove 24. Therefore, the amount of fibrous body 30 used can be further reduced.

[0040] 4, the groove portion 23a may be formed across the plurality of spiral ribs 23 and spiral grooves 24, and a single frame member 31 fitted into the groove portion 23a may support the plurality of fibrous bodies 30. In this case as well, turbulence may be generated in the cooling water passage 26, improving the cooling efficiency of the rotating electrical machine 10 via the cooling water, and the attachment of the fibrous body 30 to the housing 20 may be made easier.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 5, in an inner case 21 according to a third modified example, the fibrous body 30 is formed in the same spiral shape as the spiral groove 24 and is attached to the bottom surface of the spiral groove 24.

[0042] According to the third modified example, similarly to the above embodiment, by providing the fibrous body 30 in the spiral groove 24, turbulence can be generated in the coolant passage 26, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the rotating electrical machine 10 via the coolant. Therefore, a novel structure for utilizing the fibrous body 30 can be provided.

[0043] Furthermore, according to the third modified example, the fibrous body 30 can be easily attached to the housing 20 simply by adhering it to the bottom surface of the spiral groove 24 .

[0044] 5, instead of adhering the fibrous body 30 to the bottom surface of the spiral groove 24, the fibrous body 30 may simply be wound around the spiral groove 24 and accommodated within the spiral groove 24. In this case as well, turbulence is induced within the cooling water passage 26, improving the cooling efficiency of the rotating electrical machine 10 via the cooling water, and the fibrous body 30 can be attached to the housing 20 more easily.

[0045] The configuration and effects of the present embodiment will now be described.

[0046] (1) The drive unit 1 includes a housing 20 having a spiral groove 24 formed to allow cooling water to flow circumferentially, a rotating electric motor 10 provided within the housing 20, and a fibrous body 30, the fibrous body 30 being arranged within the spiral groove 24.

[0047] According to this configuration, by providing the fibrous body 30 in the spiral groove 24, turbulence can be generated in the spiral groove 24, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the rotating electrical machine 10 via the cooling water. Therefore, a novel structure for utilizing the fibrous body 30 can be provided.

[0048] (2) The cooling water flows along the surface side of the fibrous body 30 .

[0049] According to this configuration, the fibrous body 30 can generate turbulence, and the pressure loss of the cooling water can be reduced.

[0050] (3) The cooling water flows through the fibrous body 30 .

[0051] According to this configuration, the fibrous body 30 can be easily attached to the housing 20 .

[0052] (4) A plurality of fibrous bodies 30 are provided, and the plurality of fibrous bodies 30 are intermittently arranged along the direction of liquid flow in the spiral groove 24 .

[0053] This configuration allows for a reduction in the amount of material used.

[0054] (5) The plurality of fibrous bodies 30 are attached so as to have portions aligned along the axial direction.

[0055] In this configuration, since a turbulent flow generation region where turbulence occurs exists downstream of the fibrous body 30, when the fibrous bodies 30 are provided intermittently, it is desirable to arrange the fibrous bodies 30 at approximately regular intervals. Furthermore, if the fibrous bodies 30 are arranged in the axial direction, the fibrous bodies 30 are provided at approximately regular intervals in the spiral cooling water flow path, and the fibrous bodies 30 can be attached in one go without rotating the housing 20, which improves attachment ease.

[0056] (6) The fibrous body 30 is wound along the spiral groove 24 .

[0057] This configuration makes it even easier to attach the fibrous body 30 to the housing 20.

[0058] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment merely shows one application example of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configuration of the above embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1 Drive unit (unit) 10 Rotating Electric Machine 20. Housing 24 Spiral groove 30 Fibrous body

Claims

1. The cooling device includes a housing having a spiral groove formed so that a coolant flows in a circumferential direction, a rotating electric machine provided in the housing, and a fibrous body, The fibrous body is disposed within the spiral groove. unit.

2. 2. The unit of claim 1, The coolant flows along the surface side of the fibrous body. unit.

3. 2. The unit of claim 1, A coolant flows through the fibrous body. unit.

4. 3. A unit according to claim 1 or 2, The fibrous body is provided in plurality, The plurality of fibrous bodies are intermittently arranged along the liquid flow direction in the spiral groove. unit.

5. 5. The unit of claim 4, The plurality of fibrous bodies are attached so as to have portions aligned along the axial direction. unit.

6. 2. The unit of claim 1, The fibrous body is wound along the spiral groove. unit.

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