rotating electrical machines

Abstract

To provide a rotating electric machine capable of making the cooling capacity of a portion of a winding on one side in the axial direction higher than the cooling capacity of a portion of a winding on the other side in the axial direction when the windings are connected at a coil end on one side in the axial direction.SOLUTION: In the rotating electric machine, a motor cooling passage formed on the outer periphery of a stator includes a single or multiple portions provided in the circumferential direction provided with one side circumferential passage and another side circumferential passage separated in the axial direction, and a single or multiple portions in the circumferential direction provided with an axial passage. The length of the portion of the one side circumferential passage on the upstream side of the center position of the total length of the motor cooling passage is longer than the length of the portion of the other side circumferential passage on the upstream side of the center position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1C

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to a rotating electric machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a rotating electric machine in which a main body of the rotating electric machine and an inverter are integrated together. The technology of Patent Document 1 is configured to cool the stator and the inverter by a common refrigerant flow path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-182480 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a current flows through the windings of a rotating electrical machine, heat is generated. When the windings are connected at one coil end in the axial direction, the amount of conductor required for the connection increases, resulting in a large amount of heat generation. Furthermore, the connected coil ends are crowded, reducing heat dissipation. Therefore, it is necessary to efficiently cool the windings by improving the cooling performance of the one axial end where the connection is provided compared to the other axial end where the connection is not provided.

[0005] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration such winding connections, and the refrigerant simply flows uniformly around the circumferential direction of the stator in the axial direction. Therefore, the cooling performance on one axial side where the connections are provided cannot be made higher than the cooling performance on the other axial side, and the windings cannot be cooled efficiently. Therefore, the technology of Patent Document 1 requires improving the heat resistance of the windings and enlarging the cooling mechanism.

[0006] Therefore, the present application aims to provide a rotating electric machine that, when the windings are connected at the coil end on one side in the axial direction, can improve the cooling performance of the winding portion on one side in the axial direction compared to the cooling performance of the winding portion on the other side in the axial direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The rotating electric machine according to the present application comprises: a cylindrical stator; a winding wound around the stator in a distributed manner in a circumferential direction; a rotor disposed radially inside the stator; a case that covers an outer peripheral surface of the stator and accommodates the stator, the winding, and the rotor; a motor cooling passage provided on an outer periphery of the stator, The winding is connected at one coil end that protrudes from the stator to one side in the axial direction, the motor cooling flow path is divided in the axial direction and has one or more circumferential portions provided with a one-side circumferential flow path that is a flow path on one side in the axial direction extending in the circumferential direction and a other-side circumferential flow path that is a flow path on the other side in the axial direction, and one or more circumferential portions provided with an axial flow path that extends in the axial direction and connects the one-side circumferential flow path and the other-side circumferential flow path, and a refrigerant supplied from an inlet flows through the one-side circumferential flow path and the other-side circumferential flow path in this order via the axial flow path, and is then discharged from an outlet, The length of the portion of the one-side circumferential flow path that exists upstream of the center position of the total length of the motor cooling flow path is longer than the length of the portion of the other-side circumferential flow path that exists upstream of the center position of the total length of the motor cooling flow path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the rotating electric machine according to the present application, the circumferentially extending motor cooling passage provided on the outer periphery of the stator is divided in the axial direction, and the length of the portion of the one-side circumferential passage located upstream of the center position of the total length of the motor cooling passage is longer than the length of the portion of the other-side circumferential passage located upstream of the center position of the total length of the motor cooling passage. Therefore, the average temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the one-side circumferential passage is lower than the average temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the other-side circumferential passage. Therefore, the one-side circumferential passage, where the refrigerant temperature is relatively low, can effectively cool one axial side of the stator near one coil end, where heat generation is relatively high due to the wiring. Therefore, the cooling performance of the winding portion on one axial side can be made higher than the cooling performance of the winding portion on the other axial side, allowing the winding to be cooled efficiently and the cooling mechanism to be made more compact. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the order in which a refrigerant flows and objects to be cooled according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 1B] 1 is a schematic isometric projection view of a rotating electric machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 1C] 3 is an isometric projection view of a main portion for explaining a motor cooling passage provided on an outer periphery of a stator according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 1D] 1G to 1J and showing the relationship between the cross-sectional positions of the rotating electric machine and the motor cooling passages according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1E] 1F according to the first embodiment, is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional position of the rotary electric machine shown in FIG. 1F, cut in the radial direction of the rotary electric machine. [Figure 1F] 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a module cooling passage and the like, taken along the E1-E1 cross section of the rotating electric machine in FIG. 1E, according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1G] 1D according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotary electric machine taken along the A1-A1 cross section in the radial direction. [Figure 1H]1D according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotary electric machine taken along the C1-C1 cross section in the axial direction. [Figure 1I] 1D according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotary electric machine taken along the B1-B1 cross-section in the radial direction. [Figure 1J] 1D according to the first embodiment, a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine cut in the axial direction at the D1-D1 cross-sectional position in FIG. 1D. [Figure 2A] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the order in which a refrigerant flows and objects to be cooled according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2B] 2D and 2G according to a second embodiment, is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotary electric machine cut in the radial direction. [Figure 2C] 2E and 2F according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2D] 2B. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine taken along the A2-A2 cross section of FIG. 2B, showing a portion of the motor cooling channel disposed radially inside the semiconductor power module, according to the second embodiment. [Figure 2E] 2D is a cross-sectional view of the rotary electric machine taken along the C2-C2 cross section in the radial direction according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2F] 2D is a cross-sectional view of the rotary electric machine taken along the line D2-D2 in FIG. 2C in the radial direction according to the second embodiment. [Figure 2G] 2B is a cross-sectional view of the rotary electric machine taken along the B2-B2 cross section in the axial direction according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3A] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the order in which a refrigerant flows and objects to be cooled according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3B] FIG. 11 is an isometric projection view of a main portion for explaining a motor cooling passage and a connecting passage provided on the outer periphery of a stator according to a third embodiment. [Figure 3C] 3F to 3H and the relationship between the cross-sectional positions of the rotating electric machine and the motor cooling passages according to the third embodiment. [Figure 3D]A schematic cross-sectional indication diagram obtained by cutting a rotating electrical machine in the radial direction, showing the cross-sectional position of the rotating electrical machine shown in Fig. 3E according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 3E] A schematic cross-sectional view showing a module cooling flow path and the like, obtained by cutting a rotating electrical machine at the D3-D3 cross-sectional position of Fig. 3D according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 3F] A schematic cross-sectional view obtained by cutting a rotating electrical machine in the radial direction at the B3-B3 cross-sectional position of Fig. 3C according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 3G] A schematic cross-sectional view obtained by cutting a rotating electrical machine in the radial direction at the C3-C3 cross-sectional position of Fig. 3C according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 3H] A schematic cross-sectional view obtained by cutting a rotating electrical machine in the axial direction at the A3-A3 cross-sectional position of Fig. 3C according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 4A] A schematic diagram showing the order in which the refrigerant flows and the cooling targets according to Embodiment 4. <​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the order in which a refrigerant flows and objects to be cooled according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 11 is a schematic isometric projection view of a rotating electric machine according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 5C] FIG. 11 is an isometric projection view of a main portion for explaining a motor cooling passage provided on the outer periphery of a stator according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 5D] 5H to 5K according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the cross-sectional positions of the rotating electric machine shown in FIGS. 5H to 5K and the motor cooling passages. [Figure 5E] 5F and 5G, according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 5C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotary electric machine cut in the radial direction, showing the cross-sectional position of the rotary electric machine shown in FIGS. 5F and 5G. [Figure 5F] 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a module cooling passage and the like, taken along the line E5-E5 of FIG. 5E, of the rotating electric machine according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5G] 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a module cooling passage and the like, taken along the F5-F5 cross section of the rotating electrical machine in FIG. 5E, according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5H] 5D according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 5C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotary electric machine taken along the A5-A5 cross section in the radial direction of the rotary electric machine. [Figure 5I] 5D according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 5C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotary electric machine taken along the C5-C5 cross section in the axial direction of the rotary electric machine. [Figure 5J] 5D according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotary electric machine taken along the line B5-B5 in FIG. 5D in the radial direction. [Figure 5K] 5D according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 5C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotary electric machine taken along the D5-D5 cross section in the axial direction. [Figure 6] 1G. FIG. 1G is a schematic cross-sectional view of a rotary electric machine taken along the A1-A1 cross-section in the radial direction, as in FIG. 1D, according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a main part of a motor cooling passage according to another embodiment, viewed from the outside in the radial direction. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a main part of a motor cooling passage according to another embodiment, viewed from the outside in the radial direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a main part of a motor cooling passage according to another embodiment, viewed from the outside in the radial direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 1. First Embodiment A rotating electric machine 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing the order in which a refrigerant flows and the objects to be cooled. FIG. 1B is a schematic isometric projection of the rotating electric machine 1. FIG. 1C is a schematic isometric projection of a main portion for explaining a motor cooling channel 9 provided on the outer periphery of a stator 10. FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional diagram showing the relationship between the cross-sectional positions of the rotating electric machine 1 shown in FIGS. 1G to 1J and the motor cooling channel 9. FIG. 1E is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the rotating electric machine 1 cut in the radial direction Y, showing the cross-sectional position of the rotating electric machine 1 shown in FIG. 1F. FIG. 1F is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 cut at the E1-E1 cross-sectional position of FIG. 1E, showing a module cooling channel 8 and the like. FIG. 1G is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 cut in the radial direction at the A1-A1 cross-sectional position of FIG. 1D. FIG. 1H is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 cut in the axial direction at the C1-C1 cross-sectional position of FIG. 1D. Fig. 1I is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 taken along the B1-B1 cross section in Fig. 1D in the radial direction. Fig. 1J is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 taken along the D1-D1 cross section in Fig. 1D in the axial direction.

[0011] 1G and 1H, the rotating electric machine 1 includes a cylindrical stator 10, windings 4 wound around the stator 10 in a distributed manner in the circumferential direction R, a rotor 11 disposed on the radially inner side Y1 of the stator 10, a case 12 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the stator 10 and houses the stator 10, the windings 4, and the rotor 11, and a motor cooling passage 9 provided on the outer periphery of the stator 10. A rotating shaft 11a that rotates integrally with the rotor 11 is rotatably supported by the case 12.

[0012] In this application, the direction parallel to the rotation axis C of the rotor 11 is defined as the axial direction X, and the radial direction Y and circumferential direction R are radial and circumferential directions with respect to the rotation axis C. A specific side in the axial direction X is defined as one axial side X1, and the side opposite to the one axial side X1 is defined as the other axial side X2. The side in the radial direction Y that is closer to the rotation axis C is defined as the radial inner side Y1, and the side in the radial direction Y that is farther from the rotation axis C is defined as the radial outer side Y2. The radial inner side Y1 is also referred to as the inner circumferential side, and the radial outer side Y2 is also referred to as the outer circumferential side. A specific side in the circumferential direction R is defined as one circumferential side R1, and the side opposite to the one circumferential side R1 is defined as the other circumferential side R2.

[0013] In this embodiment, the rotating electric machine 1 is disposed on the radial outside Y2 of the stator 10 and includes an inverter 2 having a capacitor 6 that supplies power to the windings 4 and a semiconductor power module 5, and a module cooling passage 8 that cools the semiconductor power module 5 and is connected to a motor cooling passage 9. The case 12 further houses the inverter 2 and the module cooling passage 8. The case that houses the main body of the rotating electric machine, such as the stator 10 and rotor 11, and the case that houses the inverter 2 are separate bodies.

[0014] For example, the semiconductor power module 5 has a bridge circuit in which a positive-side switching element and a negative-side switching element are connected in series. In this embodiment, a multi-phase (e.g., three-phase) winding 4 is provided, and a multi-phase bridge circuit is provided. The connection point between the positive-side switching element and the negative-side switching element in the bridge circuit of each phase is connected to the winding of the corresponding phase. The positive terminal of each bridge circuit (positive-side switching element) is connected to a positive-side electric wire connected to the positive side of the DC power supply. The negative terminal of each bridge circuit (negative-side switching element) is connected to a negative-side electric wire connected to the negative side of the DC power supply. A capacitor 6 is connected between the positive-side electric wire and the negative-side electric wire.

[0015] In this embodiment, the semiconductor power module 5 is formed as a single module, but may be divided into a plurality of modules, for example, for each bridge circuit or each switching element. Furthermore, if the rotating electric machine 1 is provided with a field winding, the semiconductor power module 5 may be provided with a switching element for the field winding. Furthermore, the semiconductor power module 5 may be provided with other circuits for control and fail-safe purposes.

[0016] <Winding 4> The stator 10 has a cylindrical core formed by laminating annular plate-shaped electromagnetic steel sheets in the axial direction X. The core has a plurality of slots distributed in the circumferential direction R. Each slot penetrates in the axial direction X. The winding 4 has a main body portion disposed in each slot of the stator 10, one coil end 4a that protrudes beyond the stator 10 to one axial side X1, and another coil end 4b that protrudes beyond the stator 10 to the other axial side X2. The winding 4 is wound around the stator 10 in a distributed manner in the circumferential direction R.

[0017] <Necessity of cooling one coil end 4a> The windings 4 are connected at the coil end 4a on one side. Specifically, the windings 4 of each phase, which are distributed in the circumferential direction, are connected to each other at the coil end 4a on one side. Meanwhile, at the coil end 4b on the other side, the windings 4 protrude from one slot to the other axial side X2, extend circumferentially, then extend to the one axial side X1, and are inserted into another slot. Therefore, the windings 4 are not connected to each other at the coil end 4b on the other side.

[0018] The amount of heat generated by the coil end 4a on one side that is connected is greater than the amount of heat generated by the coil end 4b on the other side that is not connected. This is because the amount of conductor increases due to the wiring, resulting in a greater amount of heat generation. Furthermore, the conductors become more crowded due to the wiring, which reduces heat dissipation. The heat from the coil end 4a on one side is transferred to one axial side X1 of the stator 10. The heat from the coil end 4b on the other side is transferred to the other axial side X2 of the stator 10. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the amount of cooling for the part on one axial side X1 of the stator 10 that is close to the coil end 4a on one side compared to the amount of cooling for the part on the other axial side X2 of the stator 10.

[0019] <Motor cooling channel 9> Motor cooling passage 9 is provided on the outer periphery of stator 10. In this embodiment, stator 10 includes a cylindrical iron core and a cylindrical passage-forming member 10b fitted onto the outer periphery of the iron core so as to allow heat transfer. In other words, the portion around which winding 4 is wound and the portion where motor cooling passage 9 is formed are separate bodies. Alternatively, the portion around which winding 4 is wound and the portion where motor cooling passage 9 is formed may be integrally configured.

[0020] In this embodiment, a recess is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the stator 10 (passage-forming member 10b), recessed radially inward Y1. The opening of the recess on the radially outer side Y2 is covered and blocked by the cylindrical inner peripheral surface of the case 12. A motor cooling passage 9 is formed by the space between the recess on the outer peripheral surface of the stator 10 and the inner peripheral surface of the case 12. An inlet 37 of the motor cooling passage and an outlet 17 of the motor cooling passage are formed by penetrating the case 12 in the radial direction Y. The motor cooling passage 9 may also be formed inside the outer peripheral portion of the stator 10 (passage-forming member 10b).

[0021] The motor cooling passage 9 is divided in the axial direction X and has one or more circumferential portions provided with one-side circumferential passages 9a that are passages on one side X1 in the axial direction and other-side circumferential passages 9b that are passages on the other side X2 in the axial direction, and one or more circumferential portions provided with axial passages 9c that extend in the axial direction X and connect the one-side circumferential passages 9a and the other-side circumferential passages 9b. The refrigerant supplied from the inlet 37 flows through the one-side circumferential passages 9a and the other-side circumferential passages 9b in this order via the axial passages 9c, and is then discharged from the outlet 17. That is, the refrigerant flows through the one or more axial passages 9c, the one or more one-side circumferential passages 9a, and the one or more other-side circumferential passages 9b in a predetermined order.

[0022] The length of the portion of the one-side circumferential flow passage 9a that exists upstream of the center position of the total length of the motor cooling flow passage 9 is longer than the length of the portion of the other-side circumferential flow passage 9b that exists upstream of the center position of the total length of the motor cooling flow passage 9.

[0023] With this configuration, the average temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the one-side circumferential flow passage 9a is lower than the average temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the other-side circumferential flow passage 9b. Therefore, the one-side circumferential flow passage 9a, where the refrigerant temperature is relatively low, can effectively cool the one axial side X1 of the stator 10 near the one-side coil end 4a, where the amount of heat generated by wiring is relatively large.

[0024] The coolant discharged from the rotating electrical machine 1 is cooled by an external heat exchanger such as a radiator, and then supplied again to and circulated in the rotating electrical machine 1. The coolant may be a liquid such as cooling water or cooling oil.

[0025] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1C , the motor cooling passage 9 has a circumferential portion where the first one-side circumferential passage 9a1 and the first other-side circumferential passage 9b1 are provided, a circumferential portion where the second one-side circumferential passage 9a2 and the second other-side circumferential passage 9b2 are provided, a circumferential portion where the first axial passage 9c1 is provided, and a circumferential portion where the second axial passage 9c2 is provided.

[0026] The inlet 37 is connected to an end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 on one circumferential side R1, and a portion of the first axial flow passage 9c1 on the other axial side X2 is connected to an end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 on the other circumferential side R2. The end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 on the other circumferential side R2 is connected to the portion of the first axial flow passage 9c1 on the one axial side X1, the end of the second one-side circumferential flow passage 9a2 on the other circumferential side R2 is connected to the end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 on the one circumferential side R1, and the portion of the second axial flow passage 9c2 on the one axial side X1 is connected to the end of the second one-side circumferential flow passage 9a2 on the one circumferential side R1. An end of the second other-side circumferential flow passage 9b2 on one circumferential side R1 is connected to a portion of the second other-side axial flow passage 9c2 on the other axial side X2, and an outlet 17 is connected to an end of the second other-side circumferential flow passage 9b2 on the other circumferential side R2.

[0027] The second axial flow passage 9c2 is disposed adjacent to the other circumferential side R2 of the first axial flow passage 9c1. The circumferential length of the circumferential portion where the second one-side circumferential flow passage 9a2 and the second other-side circumferential flow passage 9b2 are provided is longer than the circumferential length of the circumferential portion where the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 and the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 are provided. Preferably, the circumferential length of the circumferential portion where the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 and the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 are provided may be a circumferential length of 90 degrees or less (in this example, a circumferential length of approximately 45 degrees), and the circumferential length of the circumferential portion where the second one-side circumferential flow passage 9a2 and the second other-side circumferential flow passage 9b2 are provided may be a circumferential length of 180 degrees or more (in this example, a circumferential length of approximately 270 degrees).

[0028] 1C, the refrigerant flows from the inlet 37 into the relatively short first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 and flows to the other circumferential side R2. The refrigerant then flows through the first axial flow passage 9c1 to the one axial side X1, then flows into the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 and flows to the one circumferential side R1. The refrigerant then continues to flow through the second one-side circumferential flow passage 9a2 to the one circumferential side R1. The refrigerant then flows through the second axial flow passage 9c2 to the other axial side X2, then flows into the second other-side circumferential flow passage 9b2 and flows to the other circumferential side R2. The refrigerant is then discharged from the outlet 17.

[0029] Here, because the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 is relatively short, the temperature rise of the refrigerant is low, and low-temperature refrigerant flows through the first axial flow passage 9c1, the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1, and the second one-side circumferential flow passage 9a2. Therefore, the relatively low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the first and second one-side circumferential flow passages 9a1 and 9a2 can effectively cool the one-side coil end 4a, which generates a relatively large amount of heat due to wiring. Meanwhile, the refrigerant whose temperature rises in the first and second one-side circumferential flow passages 9a1 and 9a2 flows through the second other-side circumferential flow passage 9b2 and cools the other-side coil end 4b. However, because the heat generation amount of the unconnected other-side coil end 4b is lower than that of the one-side coil end 4a, cooling performance can be ensured.

[0030] An end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 on one circumferential side R1 and an end of the second other-side circumferential flow passage 9b2 on the other circumferential side R2 are separated by a wall extending in the axial direction X. An end of the first axial flow passage 9c1 on the other circumferential side R2 and an end of the second axial flow passage 9c2 on one circumferential side R1 are separated by a wall extending in the axial direction X. In this embodiment, the separation is by an X-shaped wall, but the wall may have any shape.

[0031] <Inverter 2 cooling> As described above, the inverter 2 is disposed on the radially outer side Y2 of the stator 10, and includes the capacitor 6 and the semiconductor power module 5 that supply power to the windings 4. In addition, the module cooling channel 8 is connected to the motor cooling channel 9 and cools the semiconductor power module 5.

[0032] The module cooling flow path 8 is arranged on the radial outside Y2 of the motor cooling flow path 9, and the semiconductor power module 5 is arranged so as to be able to transfer heat on the radial outside Y2 of the module cooling flow path 8. In the present embodiment, the module cooling flow path 8 is arranged on the radial outside Y2 of the second axial flow path 9c2 etc.

[0033] According to this configuration, the module cooling flow path 8 is disposed between the semiconductor power module 5 and the motor cooling flow path 9, which suppresses heat transfer between the main body of the rotating electric machine, such as the stator 10, and the semiconductor power module 5, thereby suppressing thermal interference. Furthermore, by providing a module cooling flow path 8 dedicated to the semiconductor power module 5, the module cooling flow path 8 can be configured to improve the cooling performance of the semiconductor power module 5.

[0034] The motor cooling flow path 9 and the module cooling flow path 8 are connected by a connecting flow path 18. With this configuration, the main body of the rotating electrical machine, such as the stator 10, and the semiconductor power module 5 can be cooled with a common refrigerant, simplifying the cooling mechanism.

[0035] 1B and other figures, the outlet 36 of the module cooling flow path 8 is connected to the inlet 37 of the motor cooling flow path 9 via the connecting flow path 18. With this configuration, the semiconductor power module 5, which has a larger temperature rise than the coil end 4a on one side, can be cooled first, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0036] The module cooling channel 8 is formed in a portion of the case 12 that houses the inverter 2 or in the housing. A refrigerant cooled by an external heat exchanger is supplied to an inlet 16 of the module cooling channel 8. The refrigerant discharged from an outlet 17 of the motor cooling channel 9 is supplied to the external heat exchanger and cooled. Note that a cooling channel for cooling another object to be cooled may be interposed between the heat exchanger and the rotating electric machine 1. As shown in FIG. 1F and other figures, the inlet 16 of the module cooling channel 8 is formed at an end of the other circumferential side R2 of the module cooling channel 8 and opens to the other circumferential side R2. The outlet 36 of the module cooling channel 8 is formed at the end of the one circumferential side R1 of the module cooling channel 8 on the other axial side X2, opens to the one circumferential side R1, and is connected to the connecting channel 18.

[0037] As described above, the case 12 further accommodates the inverter 2 and the module cooling channel 8. The connecting channel 18 is provided on the outside of the case 12. This configuration increases the degree of freedom in arranging the connecting channel 18, and also makes it easy to attach and detach the connecting channel 18, which in turn makes it easy to attach and detach the inverter 2.

[0038] The condenser 6 is disposed so as to be able to transfer heat to the radially outer side Y2 of the portion of the motor cooling channel 9 that is upstream of the center position of the total length of the motor cooling channel 9. With this configuration, the condenser 6, which has a relatively low heat resistance temperature, can be effectively cooled by the relatively low-temperature refrigerant upstream of the center position. Furthermore, by cooling the condenser 6 with the motor cooling channel 9, there is no need to provide a cooling channel dedicated to the condenser 6, allowing for the device to be made more compact.

[0039] In this embodiment, one axial flow path (in this example, the first axial flow path 9c1) is provided in a portion of the motor cooling flow path 9 that is upstream of the center position of the total length of the motor cooling flow path 9. The condenser 6 is disposed so as to be able to transfer heat to the radially outer side Y2 of the one axial flow path (the first axial flow path 9c1). With this configuration, the first axial flow path 9c1 is provided upstream of the center position, so the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the first axial flow path 9c1 is relatively low. The first axial flow path 9c1 extends in the axial direction X. The area of ​​the flow path portion for cooling the condenser, through which the low-temperature refrigerant flows, is expanded to the other axial side X2, making it possible to effectively cool the condenser 6, which has a relatively low heat-resistant temperature.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the condenser 6 is disposed to be heat-transferable on the radially outer side Y2 of the end portions of the first axial flow passages 9c1 and the first other-side circumferential flow passages 9b1 on the other circumferential side R2, and the end portions of the first one-side circumferential flow passages 9a1 on the other circumferential side R2. This configuration allows the condenser 6 to be effectively cooled by the low-temperature refrigerant immediately after flowing into the inlet 37 of the motor cooling flow passage 9. Because the first axial flow passages 9c1 and the first other-side circumferential flow passages 9b1 are provided upstream of the first one-side circumferential flow passages 9a1, the area of ​​the flow passage portion for cooling the condenser through which the low-temperature refrigerant flows can be expanded to the other axial side X2. Furthermore, since the condenser 6 has a large volume, expanding the cooling area through which the low-temperature refrigerant flows to the other axial side X2 allows the condenser 6 to be effectively cooled.

[0041] The condenser 6 is disposed to be heat transferable on one circumferential side R1 of the module cooling flow path 8. With this configuration, the condenser 6 can be effectively cooled even by the module cooling flow path 8 through which a relatively low-temperature refrigerant flows.

[0042] The inverter 2 includes a terminal block 7 that connects the windings 4 to the capacitor 6 and the semiconductor power module 5. The terminal block 7 has a terminal for each phase connected to the windings 4 of each phase. The terminal block 7 for each phase is connected to a connection point between the positive switching element and the negative switching element in the bridge circuit of each phase. A connection wire extending from one of the connected coil ends 4a (windings 4 of each phase) toward the radially outer side Y2 is connected to the terminal block 7 for each phase. As shown in FIGS. 1H and 1J, the terminal block 7 is disposed on the radially outer side Y2 of the one of the coil ends 4a. The terminal block 7 is disposed on one axial side X1 of the semiconductor power module 5. The terminal block 7 may have a positive terminal and a negative terminal that are connected to the positive and negative sides of a DC power supply. The positive terminal is connected to a positive electric wire, and the negative terminal is connected to a negative electric wire.

[0043] <Rotating electric machines for vehicles> In this embodiment, the rotating electric machine 1 is a driving force source for vehicle wheels. Since the rotating electric machine 1 is mounted on a vehicle, by effectively cooling each part as described above, the cooling mechanism can be made smaller, and the mountability on the vehicle can be improved. Note that the rotating electric machine 1 does not have to be a driving force source for vehicle wheels, and may be a driving force source for various devices.

[0044] 2. Second Embodiment Next, a rotating electric machine 1 according to embodiment 2 will be described. Description of components similar to those of embodiment 1 will be omitted. The basic configuration of the rotating electric machine 1 according to this embodiment is similar to that of embodiment 1, but differs from embodiment 1 in that a module cooling flow path 8 is not provided.

[0045] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing the order of refrigerant flow and the objects to be cooled. FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 cut in the radial direction Y, showing the cross-sectional positions of the rotating electric machine 1 shown in FIGS. 2D and 2G. FIG. 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 cut in the axial direction X, showing the cross-sectional positions of the rotating electric machine 1 shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F. FIG. 2D is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 cut in the A2-A2 cross-sectional position of FIG. 2B, showing a portion of the motor cooling channel 9 arranged on the radially inner side Y1 of the semiconductor power module 5. FIG. 2E is a cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 cut in the radial direction Y, taking the C2-C2 cross-sectional position of FIG. 2C. FIG. 2F is a cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 cut in the radial direction Y, taking the D2-D2 cross-sectional position of FIG. 2C. FIG. 2G is a cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 cut in the axial direction X, taking the B2-B2 cross-sectional position of FIG. 2B.

[0046] In this embodiment, the module cooling flow path 8 is not provided, and the semiconductor power module 5 is cooled by the motor cooling flow path 9.

[0047] In this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the motor cooling channel 9 has a circumferential portion provided with the first one-side circumferential channel 9a1 and the first other-side circumferential channel 9b1, a circumferential portion provided with the second one-side circumferential channel 9a2 and the second other-side circumferential channel 9b2, a circumferential portion provided with the first axial channel 9c1, and a circumferential portion provided with the second axial channel 9c2. Similarly to the first embodiment, the channels are connected, and the refrigerant flows through each channel in sequence. A refrigerant cooled in an external heat exchanger is supplied to the inlet 37 of the motor cooling channel 9. The refrigerant discharged from the outlet 17 of the motor cooling channel 9 is supplied to the external heat exchanger and cooled.

[0048] In this embodiment, the semiconductor power module 5 is disposed so as to be able to transfer heat to the radially outer side Y2 of the portion of the motor cooling channel 9 that is upstream of the center position of the total length of the motor cooling channel 9. With this configuration, the semiconductor power module 5, which experiences a large amount of temperature rise, can be effectively cooled by the relatively low-temperature refrigerant upstream of the center position. Furthermore, by cooling the semiconductor power module 5 with the motor cooling channel 9, there is no need to provide a cooling channel dedicated to the semiconductor power module 5, and the device can be made more compact.

[0049] The semiconductor power module 5 is disposed so as to be able to transfer heat to the first axial flow passage 9c1, the end portion on the other circumferential side R2 of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1, and the radially outer side Y2 of the end portion on the other circumferential side R2 of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1. With this configuration, the semiconductor power module 5 can be effectively cooled by the low-temperature refrigerant immediately after flowing into the inlet 37 of the motor cooling flow passage 9. Because the first axial flow passage 9c1 and the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 are provided upstream of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1, the area of ​​the flow passage portion for cooling the semiconductor power module through which the low-temperature refrigerant flows can be expanded to the other axial side X2, and the semiconductor power module 5 can be effectively cooled.

[0050] The portion of the motor cooling channel 9 arranged on the radially inner side Y1 of the semiconductor power module 5 is referred to as the module cooling portion 9d. The radially outer side of the module cooling portion 9d of the motor cooling channel 9 is not covered by the cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the case 12, but is covered and blocked by the radially inner side Y1 surface of the semiconductor power module 5. With this configuration, the semiconductor power module 5 can be directly cooled by the refrigerant, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0051] The module cooling portion 9d of the motor cooling flow path 9 is formed in a rectangular shape to match the shape of the semiconductor power module 5.

[0052] In this embodiment, the condenser 6 is disposed in a heat-transferable manner on the radially outer side Y2 of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 and the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1. With this configuration, the condenser 6 can be effectively cooled by the low-temperature refrigerant immediately after flowing into the inlet 37 of the motor cooling flow passage 9. Because the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 is provided upstream of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1, the area of ​​the flow passage portion for cooling the condenser through which the low-temperature refrigerant flows can be expanded to the other axial side X2. Furthermore, because the condenser 6 has a large volume, expanding the cooling area through which the low-temperature refrigerant flows to the other axial side X2 can effectively cool the condenser 6.

[0053] 3. Embodiment 3 Next, a rotating electric machine 1 according to a third embodiment will be described. Description of the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted. The basic configuration of the rotating electric machine 1 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but differs from the first embodiment in that the motor cooling flow path 9 is divided into an upstream flow path portion and a downstream flow path portion at the portion of the connecting flow path 30 that connects the motor cooling flow path 9 and the module cooling flow path 8.

[0054] FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram showing the order in which the refrigerant flows and the objects to be cooled. FIG. 3B is an isometric projection diagram illustrating the motor cooling passage 9 and the connecting passage 30 provided on the outer periphery of the stator 10. FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional diagram showing the relationship between the cross-sectional positions of the rotating electric machine 1 shown in FIGS. 3F to 3H and the motor cooling passage 9. FIG. 3D is a schematic cross-sectional diagram showing the cross-sectional position of the rotating electric machine 1 shown in FIG. 3E, taken along the radial direction Y of the rotating electric machine 1. FIG. 3E is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the module cooling passage 8 and the like, taken along the D3-D3 cross-section of FIG. 3D. FIG. 3F is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the radial direction of the rotating electric machine 1 taken along the B3-B3 cross-section of FIG. 3C. FIG. 3G is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the radial direction of the rotating electric machine 1 taken along the C3-C3 cross-section of FIG. 3C. FIG. 3H is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the axial direction of the rotating electric machine 1 taken along the A3-A3 cross-section of FIG. 3C.

[0055] In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the motor cooling flow path 9 is divided into an upstream flow path portion and a downstream flow path portion by the connecting flow path 30. The connecting flow path 30 includes an upstream connecting flow path 30b that connects the downstream end of the upstream flow path portion to the inlet 16 of the module cooling flow path 8, and a downstream connecting flow path 30a that connects the outlet 36 of the module cooling flow path 8 to the upstream end of the downstream flow path portion.

[0056] According to this configuration, the motor cooling flow path 9 can be divided at an appropriate position and bypassed to the module cooling flow path 8, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in design.

[0057] The dividing position between the upstream flow path portion and the downstream flow path portion is located upstream of the center position of the total length of the motor cooling flow path 9. With this configuration, the semiconductor power module 5, which experiences a large temperature rise, can be effectively cooled by the relatively low temperature refrigerant upstream of the center position.

[0058] The connecting flow path 30 is provided inside the case 12 .

[0059] In the present embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the motor cooling passage 9 has a circumferential portion provided with the first one-side circumferential passage 9a1 and the first other-side circumferential passage 9b1, a circumferential portion provided with the second one-side circumferential passage 9a2 and the second other-side circumferential passage 9b2, and a circumferential portion provided with the first axial passage 9c1. In the present embodiment, the second axial passage 9c2 is not provided.

[0060] 3B and 3E, the downstream connecting flow passage 30a is disposed on one axial side X1 of the upstream connecting flow passage 30b, and the upstream connecting flow passage 30b and the downstream connecting flow passage 30a are adjacent to each other in the axial direction X. The inlet 16 is connected to an end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 on one circumferential side R1, and the upstream end of the upstream connecting flow passage 30b is connected to an end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 on the other circumferential side R2.

[0061] The downstream end of the upstream connecting flow path 30b is connected to the inlet 16 of the module cooling flow path 8, and the upstream end of the downstream connecting flow path 30a is connected to the outlet 36 of the module cooling flow path.

[0062] An end of the other circumferential side R2 of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 is connected to the downstream end of the downstream connecting flow passage 30a, an end of the other circumferential side R2 of the second one-side circumferential flow passage 9a2 is connected to an end of the one circumferential side R1 of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1, a portion of the first axial flow passage 9c1 on one axial side X1 is connected to an end of the one circumferential side R1 of the second one-side circumferential flow passage 9a2, an end of the one circumferential side R1 of the second other-side circumferential flow passage 9b2 is connected to a portion of the first axial flow passage 9c1 on the other axial side X2, and an outlet 17 is connected to an end of the other circumferential side R2 of the second other-side circumferential flow passage 9b2.

[0063] The first axial flow passage 9c1 is disposed adjacent to the upstream connecting flow passage 30b and the downstream connecting flow passage 30a on the other circumferential side R2. The circumferential length of the circumferential portion where the second one-side circumferential flow passage 9a2 and the second other-side circumferential flow passage 9b2 are provided is longer than the circumferential length of the circumferential portion where the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 and the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 are provided. Preferably, the circumferential length of the circumferential portion where the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 and the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 are provided is a circumferential length of 90 degrees or less (in this example, a circumferential length of approximately 45 degrees), and the circumferential length of the circumferential portion where the second one-side circumferential flow passage 9a2 and the second other-side circumferential flow passage 9b2 are provided is a circumferential length of 180 degrees or more (in this example, a circumferential length of approximately 270 degrees).

[0064] According to this configuration, as shown in FIG. 3B , the coolant flows from the inlet 37 into the relatively short first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 and flows toward the other circumferential side R2. The coolant then flows through the upstream connecting flow passage 30b and the module cooling flow passage 8, and then flows through the downstream connecting flow passage 30a into the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 and flows toward the one circumferential side R1. The coolant then continues to flow through the second one-side circumferential flow passage 9a2 toward the one circumferential side R1. The coolant then flows through the second axial flow passage 9c2 toward the other axial side X2, then flows into the second other-side circumferential flow passage 9b2 and flows toward the other circumferential side R2. The coolant is then discharged from the outlet 17.

[0065] Here, because the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 is relatively short, the temperature rise of the refrigerant is low, and low-temperature refrigerant flows through the module cooling flow passage 8, the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1, and the second one-side circumferential flow passage 9a2. Therefore, the relatively low-temperature refrigerant flowing through the module cooling flow passage 8 and the first and second one-side circumferential flow passages 9a1 and 9a2 can effectively cool the semiconductor power module 5, which experiences a large temperature rise, and the one-side coil end 4a, which generates a relatively large amount of heat due to wiring. Meanwhile, the refrigerant whose temperature rises in the first and second one-side circumferential flow passages 9a1 and 9a2 flows through the second other-side circumferential flow passage 9b2 and cools the other-side coil end 4b. However, because the heat generation amount of the unconnected other-side coil end 4b is lower than that of the one-side coil end 4a, cooling performance can be ensured.

[0066] The portion of the stator 10 in which the upstream and downstream connecting passages 30b, 30a are formed protrudes radially outward Y2 from the surrounding portion, and this protruding portion is not covered by the cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the case 12. The upstream and downstream connecting passages 30b, 30a extend in the radial direction Y inside the protruding portion of the stator 10. The radially inward Y1 end of the upstream connecting passage 30b opens to one circumferential side R1 and communicates with the first other-side circumferential passage 9b1. The radially inward Y1 end of the downstream connecting passage 30a opens to one circumferential side R1 and communicates with the first one-side circumferential passage 9a1. The radially outward Y2 end of the upstream connecting passage 30b opens to the radially outward Y2 and communicates with the inlet 16 of the module cooling passage 8. An end portion of the downstream connecting flow passage 30a on the radially outer side Y2 opens to the radially outer side Y2 and communicates with the outlet 36 of the module cooling flow passage 8.

[0067] The module cooling flow path 8 has other-side circumferential flow paths 8b extending from the inlet 16 of the module cooling flow path 8 arranged on the other axial side X2 to the other circumferential side R2, axial flow paths 8c extending from the end of the other-side circumferential flow path 8b on the other circumferential side R2 to the one axial side X1, and one-side circumferential flow paths 8a extending from the end of the axial flow path 8c on the one axial side X1 to the outlet 36 of the module cooling flow path 8 on the one circumferential side R1. The module cooling flow path 8 is formed in a rectangular shape to match the shape of the semiconductor power module 5.

[0068] The module cooling flow path 8 is disposed on the radially outer side Y2 of the motor cooling flow path 9, and the semiconductor power module 5 is disposed so as to be able to transfer heat to the radially outer side Y2 of the module cooling flow path 8. In this embodiment, the module cooling flow path 8 is disposed on the radially outer side Y2 of the first axial flow path 9c1 etc.

[0069] According to this configuration, the module cooling flow path 8 is disposed between the semiconductor power module 5 and the motor cooling flow path 9, which suppresses heat transfer between the main body of the rotating electric machine, such as the stator 10, and the semiconductor power module 5, thereby suppressing thermal interference. Furthermore, by providing a module cooling flow path 8 dedicated to the semiconductor power module 5, the module cooling flow path 8 can be configured to improve the cooling performance of the semiconductor power module 5.

[0070] The condenser 6 is disposed so as to be able to transfer heat to the radially outer side Y2 of the portion of the motor cooling channel 9 that is upstream of the center position of the total length of the motor cooling channel 9. With this configuration, the condenser 6, which has a relatively low heat resistance temperature, can be effectively cooled by the relatively low-temperature refrigerant upstream of the center position. Furthermore, by cooling the condenser 6 with the motor cooling channel 9, there is no need to provide a cooling channel dedicated to the condenser 6, allowing for the device to be made more compact.

[0071] In this embodiment, the condenser 6 is disposed in a heat-transferable manner on the radially outer side Y2 of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 and the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1. With this configuration, the condenser 6 can be effectively cooled by the low-temperature refrigerant immediately after flowing into the inlet 37 of the motor cooling flow passage 9. Because the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 is provided upstream of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1, the area of ​​the flow passage portion for cooling the condenser through which the low-temperature refrigerant flows can be expanded to the other axial side X2. Furthermore, because the condenser 6 has a large volume, expanding the cooling area through which the low-temperature refrigerant flows to the other axial side X2 can effectively cool the condenser 6.

[0072] The condenser 6 is disposed on one circumferential side R1 of the upstream and downstream connecting flow paths 30b, 30a so as to be capable of conducting heat therethrough. With this configuration, the condenser 6 can be effectively cooled by the upstream and downstream connecting flow paths 30b, 30a through which a relatively low-temperature refrigerant flows.

[0073] 4. Embodiment 4 Next, a rotating electric machine 1 according to embodiment 4 will be described. Description of components similar to those of embodiment 1 will be omitted. The basic configuration of the rotating electric machine 1 according to this embodiment is similar to that of embodiment 1, but differs from embodiment 1 in that a connecting passage 30 that connects the motor cooling passage 9 and the module cooling passage 8 is provided inside the case 12.

[0074] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram showing the order in which the refrigerant flows and the objects to be cooled. FIG. 4B is an isometric projection diagram illustrating the motor cooling passage 9 and the connecting passage 30 provided on the outer periphery of the stator 10. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional diagram showing the relationship between the cross-sectional positions of the rotating electric machine 1 shown in FIGS. 4F to 4H and the motor cooling passage 9. FIG. 4D is a schematic cross-sectional diagram showing the cross-sectional position of the rotating electric machine 1 shown in FIG. 4E, cut in the radial direction Y of the rotating electric machine 1. FIG. 4E is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the module cooling passage 8 and the like, cut in the rotating electric machine 1 at the D4-D4 cross-sectional position of FIG. 4D. FIG. 4F is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the radial direction of the rotating electric machine 1 at the B4-B4 cross-sectional position of FIG. 4C. FIG. 4G is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the radial direction of the rotating electric machine 1 at the C4-C4 cross-sectional position of FIG. 4C. FIG. 4H is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the axial direction of the rotating electric machine 1 at the A4-A4 cross-sectional position of FIG. 4C.

[0075] As in the first embodiment, the motor cooling passage 9 has a circumferential portion where the first one-side circumferential passage 9a1 and the first other-side circumferential passage 9b1 are provided, a circumferential portion where the second one-side circumferential passage 9a2 and the second other-side circumferential passage 9b2 are provided, a circumferential portion where the first axial passage 9c1 is provided, and a circumferential portion where the second axial passage 9c2 is provided.

[0076] In this embodiment, the orientations of one circumferential side R1 and the other circumferential side R2 are defined opposite to those in the first embodiment.

[0077] The inlet 37 is connected to an end on one circumferential side R1 of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1, and a portion of the first axial flow passage 9c1 on the other axial side X2 is connected to an end on the other circumferential side R2 of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1. The end on the other circumferential side R2 of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 is connected to the portion on the one circumferential side X1 of the first axial flow passage 9c1, the end on the other circumferential side R2 of the second one-side circumferential flow passage 9a2 is connected to the end on the one circumferential side R1 of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1, and a portion of the second axial flow passage 9c2 on the one axial side X1 is connected to the end on the one circumferential side R1 of the second one-side circumferential flow passage 9a2. An end of the second other-side circumferential flow passage 9b2 on one circumferential side R1 is connected to a portion of the second other-side axial flow passage 9c2 on the other axial side X2, and an outlet 17 is connected to an end of the second other-side circumferential flow passage 9b2 on the other circumferential side R2.

[0078] The second axial flow passage 9c2 is disposed adjacent to the other circumferential side R2 of the first axial flow passage 9c1. The circumferential length of the circumferential portion where the second one-side circumferential flow passage 9a2 and the second other-side circumferential flow passage 9b2 are provided is longer than the circumferential length of the circumferential portion where the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 and the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 are provided. Preferably, the circumferential length of the circumferential portion where the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 and the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 are provided may be a circumferential length of 90 degrees or less (in this example, a circumferential length of approximately 45 degrees), and the circumferential length of the circumferential portion where the second one-side circumferential flow passage 9a2 and the second other-side circumferential flow passage 9b2 are provided may be a circumferential length of 180 degrees or more (in this example, a circumferential length of approximately 270 degrees).

[0079] The module cooling flow path 8 is disposed on the radially outer side Y2 of the motor cooling flow path 9, and the semiconductor power module 5 is disposed so as to be able to transfer heat to the radially outer side Y2 of the module cooling flow path 8. In the present embodiment, the module cooling flow path 8 is disposed on the radially outer side Y2 of the second one-side circumferential flow path 9a2 and the second other-side circumferential flow path 9b2.

[0080] The motor cooling channel 9 and the module cooling channel 8 are connected by a connecting channel 30. An outlet 36 of the module cooling channel 8 is connected to an inlet 37 of the motor cooling channel 9 via the connecting channel 30. The module cooling channel 8 is formed in a portion of the case 12 that houses the inverter 2 or in the housing. The module cooling channel 8 is formed in a rectangular shape to match the shape of the semiconductor power module 5. A refrigerant cooled by an external heat exchanger is supplied to the inlet 16 of the module cooling channel 8. The refrigerant discharged from the outlet 17 of the motor cooling channel 9 is supplied to the external heat exchanger and cooled. The inlet 16 of the module cooling channel 8 is formed at an end of one circumferential side R1 of the module cooling channel 8 and opens to the one circumferential side R1. The outlet 36 of the module cooling channel 8 is formed at an end of the other circumferential side R2 of the module cooling channel 8 on the other axial side X2, opens to the radially inner side Y1, and is connected to the connecting channel 30.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the connecting passage 30 that connects the motor cooling passage 9 and the module cooling passage 8 is provided inside the case 12. With this configuration, the connecting passage 30 can be protected by the case 12.

[0082] The connecting flow passage 30 extends in the radial direction Y inside the outer periphery of the stator 10. An end portion on the radially inner side Y1 of the connecting flow passage 30 opens to the other circumferential side R2 and communicates with an end (inlet 37) on one circumferential side R1 of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1. An end portion on the radially outer side Y2 of the connecting flow passage 30 opens to the radially outer side Y2 and communicates with an outlet port 36 of the module cooling flow passage. This opening portion on the radially outer side Y2 is not covered by the cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the case 12. With this configuration, the connecting flow passage 30 can be attached or detached simply by moving the inverter 2 and the module cooling flow passage 8 in the radial direction Y, making it easy to attach or detach the inverter 2.

[0083] The condenser 6 is disposed to be able to transfer heat to the radially outer side Y2 of a portion of the motor cooling flow path 9 that is upstream of the center position of the total length of the motor cooling flow path 9. In the present embodiment, the condenser 6 is disposed to be able to transfer heat to the radially outer side Y2 of the first other-side circumferential flow path 9b1, the first axial flow path 9c1, and the first one-side circumferential flow path 9a1. The condenser 6 is disposed to be able to transfer heat to the other circumferential side R2 of the connecting flow path 30 and the module cooling flow path 8.

[0084] 5. Embodiment 5 Next, a rotating electric machine 1 according to embodiment 5 will be described. Description of components similar to those of embodiment 1 will be omitted. The basic configuration of the rotating electric machine 1 according to this embodiment is similar to that of embodiment 1, but the shape of the module cooling flow path 8 and the like differ from those of embodiment 1.

[0085] FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram showing the order of refrigerant flow and the objects to be cooled. FIG. 5B is a schematic isometric projection of the rotating electric machine 1. FIG. 5C is a schematic isometric projection of a main part for explaining the motor cooling channel 9 provided on the outer periphery of the stator 10. FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional diagram showing the relationship between the cross-sectional positions of the rotating electric machine 1 shown in FIGS. 5H to 5K and the motor cooling channel 9. FIG. 5E is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the rotating electric machine 1 cut in the radial direction Y, showing the cross-sectional positions of the rotating electric machine 1 shown in FIGS. 5F and 5G. FIG. 5F is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 cut at the E5-E5 cross-section of FIG. 5E, showing the module cooling channel 8 and other components. FIG. 5G is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 cut at the F5-F5 cross-section of FIG. 5E, showing the module cooling channel 8 and other components. FIG. 5H is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 cut in the radial direction at the A5-A5 cross-section of FIG. 5D. Fig. 5I is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 taken in the axial direction at the C5-C5 cross-section position in Fig. 5D. Fig. 5J is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 taken in the radial direction at the B5-B5 cross-section position in Fig. 5D. Fig. 5K is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 taken in the axial direction at the D5-D5 cross-section position in Fig. 5D.

[0086] As in the first embodiment, the terminal block 7 is disposed on one side X1 of the semiconductor power module 5 in the axial direction.

[0087] As in the first embodiment, the module cooling flow path 8 is disposed radially outside Y2 of the motor cooling flow path 9, and the semiconductor power module 5 is disposed radially outside Y2 of the module cooling flow path 8 so as to be able to transfer heat.

[0088] The flow path connecting the module cooling flow path 8 and the outlet 36 of the module cooling flow path 8 is referred to as the exhaust flow path 36b. In this embodiment, the exhaust flow path 36b of the module cooling flow path 8 is arranged to be able to transfer heat to the radially inner side Y1 of the terminal block 7. With this configuration, the terminal block 7 can be cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the module cooling flow path 8.

[0089] The module cooling channel 8 is formed in a portion of the case 12 or the housing that houses the inverter 2. The inlet 16 of the module cooling channel 8 is formed at an end of the module cooling channel 8 on the other circumferential side R2 and opens to the other circumferential side R2. The outlet 36a of the module cooling channel 8 is formed in a portion of the module cooling channel 8 on the other circumferential side R2 at an end of the module cooling channel 8 on the one axial side X1. The discharge channel 36b extends from the outlet 36a to the one circumferential side R1 on the radial inner side Y1 of the terminal block 7 and opens to the one circumferential side R1. This opening is the discharge port 36 of the module cooling channel 8. The discharge channel 36b also serves as a cooling channel that cools the terminal block 7. The discharge channel 36b is located on the one axial side X1 of the module cooling channel 8. Like the module cooling channel 8, the discharge channel 36b is formed in a portion of the case 12 that houses the inverter 2 or the housing.

[0090] The condenser 6 is disposed on one side R1 in the circumferential direction of the module cooling flow path 8 and on the other side X2 in the axial direction of the exhaust flow path 36b so as to be able to transfer heat.

[0091] An outlet 36 of the module cooling flow path 8 is connected to an inlet 37 of the motor cooling flow path 9 via a connecting flow path 18. The connecting flow path 18 is provided on the outside of the case 12. In this embodiment, the outlet 36 of the module cooling flow path 8 is provided on one side X1 in the axial direction, and therefore the connecting flow path 18 also extends in the axial direction X.

[0092] 6. Embodiment 6 Next, a rotating electric machine 1 according to a sixth embodiment will be described. Description of the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted. The basic configuration of the rotating electric machine 1 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the arrangement of the capacitor 6 differs from that of the first embodiment.

[0093] 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electrical machine 1 taken along the A1-A1 cross section in the radial direction, similar to FIG. 1G.

[0094] In this embodiment, the radially inner surface of the condenser 6 is disposed along the tangential direction of the annular portion of the motor cooling channel 9 that is disposed on the radially inner side Y1 of the condenser 6. The radially inner surface of the condenser 6 does not have to be parallel to the tangential direction, and it is sufficient that the angle between the radially inner surface and the tangential direction is 10 degrees or less.

[0095] According to this configuration, the distance between the motor cooling passage 9 and the radially inner surface of the condenser 6 can be shortened, and the condenser 6 can be cooled effectively by the motor cooling passage 9.

[0096] <Other embodiments> In the above embodiments, the motor cooling channel 9 has been described as having two circumferential portions provided with the one-side circumferential channel 9a and the other-side circumferential channel 9b. However, the motor cooling channel 9 may have a single circumferential portion provided with the one-side circumferential channel 9a and the other-side circumferential channel 9b. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , which is a schematic diagram of a main portion of the motor cooling channel 9 viewed from the radial outside Y2, the motor cooling channel 9 may have a circumferential portion provided with the first one-side circumferential channel 9a1 and the first other-side circumferential channel 9b1, a circumferential portion provided with the first axial channel 9c1, and a circumferential portion provided with the second axial channel 9c2.

[0097] The inlet 37 is connected to a portion of the first axial flow passage 9c1 on the other axial side X2, the end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 on the other circumferential side R2 is connected to a portion of the first axial flow passage 9c1 on the one axial side X1, and the end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 on the one axial side X1 is connected to an end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 on the one axial side X1. The end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 on the one circumferential side R1 is connected to a portion of the second axial flow passage 9c2 on the other axial side X2, and the outlet 17 is connected to an end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 on the other circumferential side R2.

[0098] In the above embodiments, the motor cooling channel 9 has been described as having two circumferential portions provided with the axial channel 9c. However, the motor cooling channel 9 may have only one circumferential portion provided with the axial channel 9c. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 , which is a schematic diagram of a main portion of the motor cooling channel 9 viewed from the radially outer side Y2, the motor cooling channel 9 may have a circumferential portion provided with the first one-side circumferential channel 9a1 and the first other-side circumferential channel 9b1, and a circumferential portion provided with the first axial channel 9c1.

[0099] An inlet 37 is connected to an end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 on the other circumferential side R2, an axial portion of the first axial flow passage 9c1 on the one axial side X1 is connected to an end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 on the one circumferential side R1, an axial portion of the first axial flow passage 9c1 on the other circumferential side X2 is connected to an end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 on the one circumferential side R1, and an outlet 17 is connected to an end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 on the other circumferential side R2.

[0100] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, which is a schematic diagram of a main portion of the motor cooling flow passage 9 viewed from the radially outer side Y2, an inlet 37 is connected to an end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 on one circumferential side R1, an axial portion of the first axial flow passage 9c1 on one axial side X1 is connected to an end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 9a1 on the other circumferential side R2, an end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 on one circumferential side R1 is connected to a portion of the first axial flow passage 9c1 on the other axial side X2, and an outlet 17 is connected to an end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 9b1 on the other circumferential side R2.

[0101] As described above, as long as the length of the portion of the one-side circumferential flow passage 9a that exists upstream of the center position of the total length of the motor cooling flow passage 9 is longer than the length of the portion of the other-side circumferential flow passage 9b that exists upstream of the center position of the total length of the motor cooling flow passage 9, the number of circumferential portions in which the one-side circumferential flow passage 9a and the other-side circumferential flow passage 9b are provided and the number of circumferential portions in which the axial flow passages 9c are provided may each be any number, and the arrangement and connection pattern of each flow passage may be any number.

[0102] <Summary of various aspects of the present application> Various aspects of the present application will be summarized below as appendices. (Appendix 1) a cylindrical stator; a winding wound around the stator in a distributed manner in a circumferential direction; a rotor disposed radially inside the stator; a case that covers an outer peripheral surface of the stator and accommodates the stator, the winding, and the rotor; a motor cooling passage provided on an outer periphery of the stator, The winding is connected at one coil end that protrudes from the stator to one side in the axial direction, the motor cooling flow path is divided in the axial direction and has one or more circumferential portions provided with a one-side circumferential flow path that is a flow path on one side in the axial direction extending in the circumferential direction and a other-side circumferential flow path that is a flow path on the other side in the axial direction, and one or more circumferential portions provided with an axial flow path that extends in the axial direction and connects the one-side circumferential flow path and the other-side circumferential flow path, and a refrigerant supplied from an inlet flows through the one-side circumferential flow path and the other-side circumferential flow path in this order via the axial flow path, and is then discharged from an outlet, a length of a portion of the one-side circumferential flow path that exists upstream of a center position of a total length of the motor cooling flow path is longer than a length of a portion of the other-side circumferential flow path that exists upstream of the center position of a total length of the motor cooling flow path.

[0103] (Appendix 2) an inverter disposed radially outside the stator and having a capacitor and a semiconductor power module for supplying power to the winding; 2. The rotating electric machine according to claim 1, wherein the capacitor is disposed radially outside a portion of the motor cooling passage upstream of the center position so as to be capable of conducting heat therethrough.

[0104] (Appendix 3) one of the axial flow passages is provided in a portion of the motor cooling flow passage upstream of the center position, 3. The rotating electric machine according to claim 2, wherein the capacitor is disposed radially outside the one axial flow path so as to be capable of conducting heat therethrough.

[0105] (Appendix 4) 4. The rotating electric machine according to claim 2, wherein the radially inner surface of the capacitor is arranged along a tangential direction of the annular portion of the motor cooling flow path arranged radially inside the capacitor.

[0106] (Appendix 5) an inverter disposed radially outside the stator and having a capacitor and a semiconductor power module for supplying power to the winding; a module cooling flow path connected to the motor cooling flow path for cooling the semiconductor power module, the module cooling passage is disposed radially outward of the motor cooling passage; 5. The rotating electric machine according to claim 1, wherein the semiconductor power module is disposed radially outside the module cooling channel so as to be heat-transferable.

[0107] (Appendix 6) 6. The rotating electric machine according to claim 5, wherein the motor cooling passage and the module cooling passage are connected by a connecting passage.

[0108] (Appendix 7) 7. The rotating electric machine according to claim 6, wherein an outlet of the module cooling flow path is connected to the inlet of the motor cooling flow path via the connecting flow path.

[0109] (Appendix 8) the case further houses the inverter and the module cooling channel; 8. The rotating electric machine according to claim 6, wherein the connecting passage is provided inside the case.

[0110] (Appendix 9) the inverter includes a terminal block that connects the winding to the capacitor and the semiconductor power module; 9. The rotating electric machine according to claim 6, wherein the exhaust flow path of the module cooling flow path is disposed radially inside the terminal block so as to be capable of transferring heat.

[0111] (Appendix 10) the case further houses the inverter and the module cooling channel; 8. The rotating electric machine according to claim 6, wherein the connecting passage is provided outside the case.

[0112] (Appendix 11) the motor cooling flow path is divided into an upstream flow path portion and a downstream flow path portion at the connecting flow path portion, 7. The rotating electric machine according to claim 6, wherein the connecting flow path includes an upstream connecting flow path that connects a downstream end of the upstream flow path portion to an inlet of the module cooling flow path, and a downstream connecting flow path that connects an outlet of the module cooling flow path to the upstream end of the downstream flow path portion.

[0113] (Appendix 12) 12. The rotating electric machine according to claim 11, wherein a dividing position between the upstream flow passage portion and the downstream flow passage portion is located upstream of the center position.

[0114] (Appendix 13) an inverter disposed radially outside the stator and having a capacitor and a semiconductor power module for supplying power to the winding; 5. The rotating electric machine according to claim 1, wherein the semiconductor power module is disposed radially outside a portion of the motor cooling flow passage upstream of the center position so as to be capable of conducting heat therethrough.

[0115] (Appendix 14) the motor cooling flow path has a circumferential portion in which a first one-side circumferential flow path and a first other-side circumferential flow path are provided, a circumferential portion in which a second one-side circumferential flow path and a second other-side circumferential flow path are provided, a circumferential portion in which a first axial flow path is provided, and a circumferential portion in which a second axial flow path is provided, the inlet is connected to one circumferential end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage, and the other axial end of the first axial flow passage is connected to the other circumferential end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage, an end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage on the other circumferential side is connected to a portion of the first axial flow passage on one side in the axial direction, an end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage on the other circumferential side is connected to an end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage on one side in the circumferential direction, and a portion of the second axial flow passage on one side in the axial direction is connected to an end of the second one-side circumferential flow passage on one side in the circumferential direction, an end of the second other-side circumferential flow passage in the one circumferential direction is connected to a portion of the second axial flow passage on the other axial side, and the discharge port is connected to the end of the second other-side circumferential flow passage in the other circumferential direction, the second axial flow passage is disposed adjacent to the other circumferential side of the first axial flow passage, 14. The rotating electric machine according to any one of Supplementary notes 1 to 10 and 13, wherein a circumferential length of a circumferential portion where the second one-side circumferential flow passage and the second other-side circumferential flow passage are provided is longer than a circumferential length of a circumferential portion where the first one-side circumferential flow passage and the first other-side circumferential flow passage are provided.

[0116] (Appendix 15) the motor cooling flow path has a circumferential portion in which a first one-side circumferential flow path and a first other-side circumferential flow path are provided, a circumferential portion in which a second one-side circumferential flow path and a second other-side circumferential flow path are provided, and a circumferential portion in which a first axial flow path is provided, the downstream connecting flow passage is disposed on one side of the upstream connecting flow passage in the axial direction, the upstream connecting flow passage and the downstream connecting flow passage are adjacent to each other in the axial direction, the inlet is connected to one end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage in the circumferential direction, and the upstream end of the upstream-side connecting flow passage is connected to the other end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage in the circumferential direction, an inlet of the module cooling flow path is connected to a downstream end of the upstream connecting flow path, and an upstream end of the downstream connecting flow path is connected to an outlet of the module cooling flow path; an end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage on the other side in the circumferential direction is connected to a downstream end of the downstream connecting flow passage, an end of the second one-side circumferential flow passage on the other side in the circumferential direction is connected to an end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage on the one side in the circumferential direction, a portion of the first axial flow passage on one side in the axial direction is connected to an end of the second one-side circumferential flow passage on one side in the circumferential direction, an end of the second other-side circumferential flow passage on one side in the circumferential direction is connected to a portion of the first axial flow passage on the other side in the axial direction, and the discharge port is connected to an end of the second other-side circumferential flow passage on the other side in the circumferential direction, the first axial flow passage is disposed adjacent to the other circumferential side of the upstream connecting flow passage and the downstream connecting flow passage, 13. The rotating electric machine according to claim 11, wherein a circumferential length of a circumferential portion where the second one-side circumferential flow passage and the second other-side circumferential flow passage are provided is longer than a circumferential length of a circumferential portion where the first one-side circumferential flow passage and the first other-side circumferential flow passage are provided.

[0117] (Appendix 16) 16. The rotating electric machine according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the rotating electric machine is a source of driving force for wheels of a vehicle.

[0118] Although various exemplary embodiments and examples are described in this application, the various features, aspects, and functions described in one or more embodiments are not limited to the application of a particular embodiment, but may be applied to the embodiments alone or in various combinations. Therefore, countless variations not illustrated are contemplated within the scope of the technology disclosed in this specification. For example, this includes cases where at least one component is modified, added, or omitted, or where at least one component is extracted and combined with components of another embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1: rotating electric machine, 2: inverter, 4: winding, 4a: one side coil end, 5: semiconductor power module, 6: capacitor, 7: terminal block, 8: module cooling passage, 9: motor cooling passage, 9a: one side circumferential passage, 9a1: first one side circumferential passage, 9a2: second one side circumferential passage, 9b: other side circumferential passage, 9b1: first other side circumferential passage, 9b2: second other side circumferential passage, 9c: axial passage, 9c1: first axial passage, 9c2: second axial passage, 10: stator, 11 : rotor, 12: case, 16: inlet of module cooling channel, 17: outlet of motor cooling channel, 18: connecting channel, 30: connecting channel, 30a: downstream connecting channel, 30b: upstream connecting channel, 36: outlet of module cooling channel, 36b: outlet channel of module cooling channel, 37: inlet of motor cooling channel, R: circumferential direction, R1: one side in the circumferential direction, R2: other side in the circumferential direction, X: axial direction, X1: one side in the axial direction, X2: other side in the axial direction, Y: radial direction, Y1: inner side in the radial direction, Y2: outer side in the radial direction

Claims

1. a cylindrical stator; a winding wound around the stator in a distributed manner in a circumferential direction; a rotor disposed radially inside the stator; a case that covers an outer peripheral surface of the stator and accommodates the stator, the winding, and the rotor; a motor cooling passage provided on an outer periphery of the stator, The winding is connected at one coil end that protrudes from the stator to one side in the axial direction, the motor cooling flow path is divided in the axial direction and has one or more circumferential portions provided with a one-side circumferential flow path that is a flow path on one side in the axial direction extending in the circumferential direction and a other-side circumferential flow path that is a flow path on the other side in the axial direction, and one or more circumferential portions provided with an axial flow path that extends in the axial direction and connects the one-side circumferential flow path and the other-side circumferential flow path, and a refrigerant supplied from an inlet flows through the one-side circumferential flow path and the other-side circumferential flow path in this order via the axial flow path, and is then discharged from an outlet, a length of a portion of the one-side circumferential flow path that exists upstream of a center position of a total length of the motor cooling flow path is longer than a length of a portion of the other-side circumferential flow path that exists upstream of the center position of a total length of the motor cooling flow path.

2. an inverter disposed radially outside the stator and having a capacitor and a semiconductor power module for supplying power to the winding; The rotating electric machine according to claim 1 , wherein the capacitor is disposed radially outside a portion of the motor cooling passage upstream of the center position so as to be capable of conducting heat therethrough.

3. one of the axial flow passages is provided in a portion of the motor cooling flow passage upstream of the center position, The rotating electric machine according to claim 2 , wherein the capacitor is disposed radially outside the one of the axial flow paths so as to be capable of conducting heat therethrough.

4. The rotating electric machine according to claim 2 , wherein a radially inner surface of the capacitor is disposed along a tangential direction of an annular portion of the motor cooling passage disposed radially inside the capacitor.

5. an inverter disposed radially outside the stator and having a capacitor and a semiconductor power module for supplying power to the winding; a module cooling flow path connected to the motor cooling flow path for cooling the semiconductor power module, the module cooling passage is disposed radially outward of the motor cooling passage; The rotating electric machine according to claim 1 , wherein the semiconductor power module is disposed radially outside the module cooling flow path so as to be heat-transferable.

6. The rotating electric machine according to claim 5 , wherein the motor cooling passage and the module cooling passage are connected by a connecting passage.

7. The rotating electric machine according to claim 6 , wherein the outlet of the module cooling flow passage is connected to the inlet of the motor cooling flow passage via the connecting flow passage.

8. the case further houses the inverter and the module cooling channel; The rotating electric machine according to claim 6 , wherein the connecting passage is provided inside the case.

9. the inverter includes a terminal block that connects the winding to the capacitor and the semiconductor power module; The rotating electric machine according to claim 6 , wherein the exhaust flow passage of the module cooling flow passage is disposed radially inward of the terminal block so as to be capable of conducting heat therethrough.

10. the case further houses the inverter and the module cooling channel; The rotating electric machine according to claim 6 , wherein the connecting passage is provided outside the case.

11. the motor cooling flow path is divided into an upstream flow path portion and a downstream flow path portion at the connecting flow path portion, 7. The rotating electric machine according to claim 6, wherein the connecting flow path comprises an upstream connecting flow path that connects the downstream end of the upstream flow path portion to the inlet of the module cooling flow path, and a downstream connecting flow path that connects the outlet of the module cooling flow path to the upstream end of the downstream flow path portion.

12. 12. The rotating electric machine according to claim 11, wherein a dividing position between the upstream flow passage portion and the downstream flow passage portion is located upstream of the center position.

13. an inverter disposed radially outside the stator and having a capacitor and a semiconductor power module for supplying power to the winding; 2. The rotating electric machine according to claim 1, wherein the semiconductor power module is disposed radially outside a portion of the motor cooling passage upstream of the center position so as to be heat-transferable.

14. the motor cooling flow path has a circumferential portion in which the first one-side circumferential flow path and the first other-side circumferential flow path are provided, a circumferential portion in which the second one-side circumferential flow path and the second other-side circumferential flow path are provided, a circumferential portion in which the first axial flow path is provided, and a circumferential portion in which the second axial flow path is provided, the inlet is connected to one circumferential end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage, and the other axial end of the first axial flow passage is connected to the other circumferential end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage, an end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage on the other circumferential side is connected to a portion of the first axial flow passage on one side in the axial direction, an end of the second one-side circumferential flow passage on the other circumferential side is connected to an end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage on one side in the circumferential direction, and a portion of the second axial flow passage on one side in the axial direction is connected to an end of the second one-side circumferential flow passage on one side in the circumferential direction, an end of the second other-side circumferential flow passage on one side in the circumferential direction is connected to a portion of the second axial flow passage on the other side in the axial direction, and the discharge port is connected to an end of the second other-side circumferential flow passage on the other side in the circumferential direction, the second axial flow passage is disposed adjacent to the other circumferential side of the first axial flow passage, 14. The rotating electric machine according to claim 1, wherein a circumferential length of a circumferential portion in which the second one-side circumferential flow passage and the second other-side circumferential flow passage are provided is longer than a circumferential length of a circumferential portion in which the first one-side circumferential flow passage and the first other-side circumferential flow passage are provided.

15. the motor cooling flow path has a circumferential portion in which the first one-side circumferential flow path and the first other-side circumferential flow path are provided, a circumferential portion in which the second one-side circumferential flow path and the second other-side circumferential flow path are provided, and a circumferential portion in which the first axial flow path is provided, the downstream connecting flow passage is disposed on one side of the upstream connecting flow passage in the axial direction, the upstream connecting flow passage and the downstream connecting flow passage are adjacent to each other in the axial direction, the inlet is connected to one end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage in the circumferential direction, and the upstream end of the upstream-side connecting flow passage is connected to the other end of the first other-side circumferential flow passage in the circumferential direction, an inlet of the module cooling flow path is connected to a downstream end of the upstream connecting flow path, and an upstream end of the downstream connecting flow path is connected to an outlet of the module cooling flow path; an end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage on the other side in the circumferential direction is connected to a downstream end of the downstream connecting flow passage, an end of the second one-side circumferential flow passage on the other side in the circumferential direction is connected to an end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage on the one side in the circumferential direction, a portion of the first axial flow passage on one side in the axial direction is connected to an end of the second one-side circumferential flow passage on one side in the circumferential direction, an end of the second other-side circumferential flow passage on one side in the circumferential direction is connected to a portion of the first axial flow passage on the other side in the axial direction, and the discharge port is connected to an end of the second other-side circumferential flow passage on the other side in the circumferential direction, the first axial flow passage is disposed adjacent to the other circumferential side of the upstream connecting flow passage and the downstream connecting flow passage, 13. The rotating electric machine according to claim 11, wherein a circumferential length of a circumferential portion where the second one-side circumferential flow passage and the second other-side circumferential flow passage are provided is longer than a circumferential length of a circumferential portion where the first one-side circumferential flow passage and the first other-side circumferential flow passage are provided.

16. 2. The rotating electric machine according to claim 1, wherein the rotating electric machine is a source of driving power for wheels of a vehicle.

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