rotating electrical machines

Abstract

To provide a rotary electric machine capable of efficiently cooling and being miniaturized.SOLUTION: The rotary electric machine comprises a housing 10 having a peripheral wall part 11 surrounding a stator 40. The housing includes a first fluid flow path through which a first fluid flows and a second fluid flow path through which a second fluid flows. The first fluid flow path has a first circumferential flow path part 51 provided with a first inlet part into which the first fluid flows and extending in the circumferential direction and a plurality of first axial direction flow path parts 56 extending from the first circumferential flow path part in the axial direction. The second fluid flow path has a second circumferential flow path part provided with a second inlet part into which the second fluid flows and extending in the circumferential direction, and a plurality of second axial flow path parts 67 extending in the axial direction from the second circumferential flow path part. The first axial direction flow path part and the second axial direction flow path part are arranged in the circumferential wall part and are adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction in at least a portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, there has been active development of rotating electric machines for driving electric vehicles. Such rotating electric machines are equipped with a cooling structure. Patent Document 1 discloses a motor unit in which a water jacket and an oil passage are provided on the outer periphery of a stator core. In this motor unit, cooling oil is cooled by the water jacket as it passes through the oil passage, and the cooling oil is supplied to the coil bridge to cool the coil. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-263715 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional cooling structures, the water jacket and the oil passages had to be arranged radially overlapping each other to prevent interference between them, which resulted in the problem of the drive unit becoming larger in the radial direction.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, one object of the present invention is to provide a rotating electric machine that can be cooled efficiently and can be made smaller in size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the rotating electric machine of the present invention includes a motor unit having a rotor rotatable about a central axis and a stator surrounding the rotor, and a housing having a peripheral wall surrounding the stator. The housing is provided with a first fluid flow path through which a first fluid flows and a second fluid flow path through which a second fluid flows. The first fluid flow path includes a first circumferential flow path portion having a first inlet into which the first fluid flows and extending along the circumferential direction, and a plurality of first axial flow path portions extending axially from the first circumferential flow path portion. The second fluid flow path includes a second circumferential flow path portion having a second inlet into which the second fluid flows and extending along the circumferential direction, and a plurality of second axial flow path portions extending axially from the second circumferential flow path portion. The first axial flow path portion and the second axial flow path portion are disposed on the peripheral wall portion and are at least partially adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a rotating electric machine that can be cooled efficiently and can be made smaller in size. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a rotating electrical machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the rotating electric machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a rotating electrical machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a rotating electric machine according to the first modification. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a rotating electric machine according to the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In the following description, the vertical direction is defined based on the positional relationship when the rotating electric machine of the embodiment is mounted on a vehicle positioned on a horizontal road surface. In other words, the relative positional relationship in the vertical direction described in the following embodiment only needs to be satisfied when the rotating electric machine is mounted on a vehicle positioned on a horizontal road surface.

[0010] In the drawings, an XYZ coordinate system is shown as a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system where appropriate. In the XYZ coordinate system, the Z axis direction is the vertical direction. The +Z side is the upper side in the vertical direction, and the -Z side is the lower side in the vertical direction. In the following description, the upper side in the vertical direction will simply be referred to as the "upper side," and the lower side in the vertical direction will simply be referred to as the "lower side."

[0011] The central axis J1 shown in the drawings as appropriate is a virtual axis extending in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. More specifically, the central axis J1 extends in the Y-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the central axis J1 will be simply referred to as the "axial direction," the radial direction centered on the central axis J1 will be simply referred to as the "radial direction," and the circumferential direction centered on the central axis J1, i.e., around the axis of the central axis J1, will be simply referred to as the "circumferential direction." In this embodiment, the +Y side corresponds to "one axial side," and the -Y side corresponds to "the other axial side."

[0012] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a rotating electric machine 1 according to an embodiment, taken along a plane along a central axis J1. Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the rotating electric machine 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the rotating electric machine 1 according to an embodiment, taken along a plane perpendicular to the central axis J1.

[0013] The rotating electric machine 1 of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle to rotate the axle of the vehicle. The vehicle on which the rotating electric machine 1 is mounted is a vehicle powered by a motor, such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHV), or an electric vehicle (EV).

[0014] 1, the rotating electrical machine 1 includes a motor section 2, a housing 10, and bearings 72 and 73. The motor section 2 also includes a rotor 30 and a stator 40.

[0015] The rotor 30 is rotatable about a central axis J1 extending in the axial direction. The rotor 30 includes a shaft 31 and a rotor body 32.

[0016] The shaft 31 extends in the axial direction about a central axis J1. The shaft 31 is fixed to the rotor body 32. The shaft 31 is rotatably supported by bearings 72 and 73.

[0017] The rotor body 32 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 31. Although not shown, the rotor body 32 has a rotor core and a rotor magnet fixed to the rotor core.

[0018] The stator 40 surrounds the rotor 30 from the radially outer side. The stator 40 is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 10. The stator 40 has a stator core 41 and a coil 42. The stator core 41 is annular and surrounds the rotor 30. The stator core 41 has an annular core back portion and a plurality of teeth that protrude radially inward from the core back portion.

[0019] Coil 42 is attached to the teeth of stator core 41 via an insulator (not shown). Coil 42 has first coil end 42a that protrudes from an end face of stator core 41 on the other axial side (-Y side) toward the other axial side, and second coil end 42b that protrudes from an end face of stator core 41 on one axial side (+Y side) toward the one axial side.

[0020] The housing 10 accommodates the motor unit 2. The housing 10 holds bearings 72 and 73. The bearings 72 and 73 rotatably support the rotor 30. In this embodiment, the bearings 72 and 73 are, for example, ball bearings.

[0021] The housing 10 has a cylindrical member (circumferential wall portion) 11, a first lid member (lid member) 12, a second lid member 13, a first sealing member 81, a second sealing member 82, a third sealing member 83, a fourth sealing member 84, and a fifth sealing member 85.

[0022] The cylindrical member 11 has a cylindrical shape centered on the central axis J1. The cylindrical member 11 is open on both axial sides. The cylindrical member 11 surrounds the stator 40 from the radially outer side. The cylindrical member 11 holds the stator 40.

[0023] The cylindrical member 11 has a first end face 11p, a second end face 11q, and an end outer peripheral surface 11s at its end on the other axial side (-Y side). The first end face 11p, the second end face 11q, and the end outer peripheral surface 11s each extend in an annular shape in the circumferential direction about the central axis J1.

[0024] The first end face 11p and the second end face 11q face the other axial side (-Y side). The second end face 11q is located on one axial side (+Y side) and the other radial side of the first end face 11p.

[0025] The end outer peripheral surface 11s is a cylindrical surface facing radially outward. The end outer peripheral surface 11s connects the outer edge of the first end face 11p and the inner edge of the second end face 11q. The first end face 11p, the end outer peripheral surface 11s, and the second end face 11q are arranged in a stepped manner that extends radially outward toward one axial side (the +Y side).

[0026] The cylindrical member 11 has a third end surface 11k at an end on one axial side (+Y side). The third end surface 11k faces the one axial side (+Y side). The third end surface 11k extends in an annular shape in the circumferential direction around the central axis J1.

[0027] The cylindrical member 11 is provided with a plurality of first axial flow path sections 56 and second axial flow path sections 67, as well as at least one first discharge port (discharge port) 50b, one second discharge port (discharge port) 50c, and one third discharge port (discharge port) 50d.

[0028] The first axial flow path portion 56 and the second axial flow path portion 67 are each holes extending axially inside the wall of the tubular member 11. The first axial flow path portion 56 opens to the first end face 11p. That is, the first axial flow path portion 56 extends from the end portion on the other axial side (-Y side) of the tubular member 11 to partway in the axial direction. On the other hand, the second axial flow path portion 67 extends over the entire axial length of the tubular member 11. The second axial flow path portion 67 opens to the end outer peripheral surface 11s and the third end face 11k.

[0029] The first discharge port 50b, the second discharge port 50c, and the third discharge port 50d are holes extending radially from the inner circumferential surface of the tubular member 11. The first discharge port 50b, the second discharge port 50c, and the third discharge port 50d are connected to a first axial flow path portion 56.

[0030] The first cover member 12 covers the opening on the other axial side (-Y side) of the cylindrical member 11. The first cover member 12 is fixed to the cylindrical member 11. A retaining hole 12h is provided in the first cover member 12 and is centered on the central axis J1. The first cover member 12 retains a bearing 72 in the retaining hole 12h.

[0031] The first cover member 12 has a first opposing surface 12p, a second opposing surface 12q, and a cover-side inner peripheral surface 12s. The first opposing surface 12p, the second opposing surface 12q, and the cover-side inner peripheral surface 12s each extend in an annular shape in the circumferential direction about the central axis J1.

[0032] The first opposing surface 12p and the second opposing surface 12q face one axial side (+Y side). The second opposing surface 12q is located on one axial side (+Y side) and the other radial side of the first opposing surface 12p.

[0033] The lid-side inner peripheral surface 12s is a cylindrical surface facing radially inward. The lid-side inner peripheral surface 12s connects the outer edge of the first opposing surface 12p and the inner edge of the second opposing surface 12q. The first opposing surface 12p, the lid-side inner peripheral surface 12s, and the second opposing surface 12q are arranged in a stepped manner that extends radially outward and toward one axial side (+Y side).

[0034] When the first cover member 12 is attached to the cylindrical member 11, the first opposing surface 12p faces the first end surface 11p, the second opposing surface 12q faces the second end surface 11q, and the cover side inner surface 12s faces the end outer surface 11s.

[0035] A first groove portion 12g is provided in the first opposing surface 12p. The first groove portion 12g extends along the circumferential direction. An opening of the first groove portion 12g facing one axial side (+Y side) is covered by the first end face 11p of the tubular member 11. The space surrounded by the inner surface of the first groove portion 12g and the first end face 11p functions as a first circumferential flow path portion 51, which will be described later. Furthermore, the first groove portion 12g faces the openings of the multiple first axial flow path portions 56 in the axial direction. As a result, the first groove portion 12g connects the openings of the multiple first axial flow path portions 56 to each other.

[0036] A second groove portion 12f is provided in the lid-side inner peripheral surface 12s. The second groove portion 12f extends in the circumferential direction. An opening of the second groove portion 12f facing radially inward is covered by the end outer peripheral surface 11s of the tubular member 11. The space surrounded by the inner surface of the second groove portion 12f and the end outer peripheral surface 11s functions as a third circumferential flow path portion 63, which will be described later. The second groove portion 12f also faces radially opposite the openings of the multiple second axial flow path portions 67. As a result, the second groove portion 12f connects the multiple second axial flow path portions 67 to each other.

[0037] The second cover member 13 covers an opening on one axial side (+Y side) of the cylindrical member 11. The second cover member 13 is fixed to the cylindrical member 11. The second cover member 13 is provided with a retaining hole 13h centered on the central axis J1. The second cover member 13 has a bearing 13h in the retaining hole 13h. 73 Hold.

[0038] The second cover member 13 has a third opposing surface 13k. The third opposing surface 13k faces the other axial side (-Y side). The third opposing surface 13k extends in an annular shape in the circumferential direction about the central axis J1. When the second cover member 13 is attached to the cylindrical member 11, the third opposing surface 13k faces the third end surface 11k.

[0039] A third groove portion 13g is provided in the third opposing surface 13k. The third groove portion 13g extends along the circumferential direction. An opening of the third groove portion 13g facing the other axial side (-Y side) is covered by the third end surface 11k of the tubular member 11. The space surrounded by the inner surface of the third groove portion 13g and the third end surface 11k functions as a second circumferential flow path portion 62, which will be described later. The third groove portion 13g also faces the openings of the multiple second axial flow path portions 67 in the axial direction. As a result, the third groove portion 13g connects the openings of the multiple second axial flow path portions 67 to each other.

[0040] The first sealing member 81, the second sealing member 82, the third sealing member 83, the fourth sealing member 84, and the fifth sealing member 85 are gaskets that extend in an annular shape centered on the central axis J1. In this embodiment, the first sealing member 81, the second sealing member 82, the third sealing member 83, the fourth sealing member 84, and the fifth sealing member 85 are O-rings with a circular cross section. However, the first sealing member 81, the second sealing member 82, the third sealing member 83, the fourth sealing member 84, and the fifth sealing member 85 may be sealing members with other configurations, such as liquid gaskets.

[0041] The first sealing member 81, the second sealing member 82, and the third sealing member 83 are disposed between the cylindrical member 11 and the first cover member 12. The first sealing member 81, the second sealing member 82, and the third sealing member 83 have increasing diameters about the central axis J1 in this order.

[0042] The first sealing member 81 is disposed between the first end face 11p and the first opposing surface 12p, radially inward of the first groove portion 12g. The first sealing member 81 of this embodiment is housed in a recessed groove provided in the first end face 11p. The recessed groove that houses the first sealing member 81 may be provided in the first opposing surface 12p. The first sealing member 81 seals the space within the first groove portion 12g and the internal space A of the housing 10. In other words, the first sealing member 81 prevents the first fluid O from leaking radially inward from the first groove portion 12g.

[0043] The second sealing member 82 is disposed between the first end face 11p and the first opposing surface 12p, radially outward of the first groove portion 12g. The second sealing member 82 of this embodiment is housed in a recessed groove provided in the first opposing surface 12p. The recessed groove that houses the second sealing member 82 may be provided in the first end face 11p. The second sealing member 82 seals the space within the first groove portion 12g and the space within the second groove portion 12f. That is, the second sealing member 82 prevents the first fluid O in the first groove portion 12g and the second fluid W in the second groove portion 12f from moving inward or outward in the radial direction and mixing with each other.

[0044] The third sealing member 83 is disposed between the second end face 11q and the second opposing surface 12q. The third sealing member 83 of this embodiment is housed in a recessed groove provided in the second opposing surface 12q. The recessed groove that houses the third sealing member 83 may be provided in the second end face 11q. The third sealing member 83 seals between the space within the second groove portion 12f and the space outside the housing 10. In other words, the third sealing member 83 prevents the first fluid O from leaking outward in the radial direction within the second groove portion 12f.

[0045] The fourth sealing member 84 and the fifth sealing member 85 are disposed between the cylindrical member 11 and the second lid member 13. The fourth sealing member 84 and the fifth sealing member 85 have increasing diameters about the central axis J1 in this order.

[0046] The fourth sealing member 84 is disposed between the third end face 11k and the third opposing surface 13k, radially inward of the third groove portion 13g. The fourth sealing member 84 of this embodiment is housed in a recessed groove provided in the third end face 11k. The recessed groove that houses the fourth sealing member 84 may be provided in the third opposing surface 13k. The fourth sealing member 84 seals the space within the third groove portion 13g and the internal space A of the housing 10. In other words, the fourth sealing member 84 prevents the second fluid W from leaking radially inward from the third groove portion 13g.

[0047] The fifth sealing member 85 is disposed between the third end face 11k and the third opposing surface 13k, radially outward of the third groove portion 13g. The fifth sealing member 85 of this embodiment is housed in a recessed groove provided in the third end face 11k. The recessed groove that houses the fifth sealing member 85 may be provided in the third opposing surface 13k. The fifth sealing member 85 seals the space inside the third groove portion 13g and the space outside the housing 10. In other words, the fifth sealing member 85 prevents the second fluid W in the third groove portion 13g from leaking outward in the radial direction.

[0048] The housing 10 is provided with a first fluid flow path 50 through which the first fluid O flows, and a second fluid flow path 60 through which the second fluid W flows. The first fluid flow path 50 is provided across the first cover member 12 and the cylindrical member 11. The second fluid flow path 60 is provided across the first cover member 12, the cylindrical member 11, and the second cover member 13.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first fluid O is, for example, oil, and the second fluid is, for example, cooling water, but these types of fluids are merely examples. However, of the two fluids (first fluid, second fluid), the fluid that flows into the internal space A of the housing 10 (first fluid O in this embodiment) is preferably an insulating liquid to prevent short-circuiting of the coil 42.

[0050] The first fluid flow path 50 has a first circumferential flow path section 51 and a plurality of first axial flow path sections 56. The plurality of first axial flow path sections 56 are each connected to the first circumferential flow path section 51. The first fluid O in the first circumferential flow path section 51 flows into the plurality of first axial flow path sections 56.

[0051] The first circumferential flow path portion 51 extends in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the first circumferential flow path portion 51 has an annular shape centered on the central axis J1. However, the first circumferential flow path portion 51 may extend in an arc shape centered on the central axis J1.

[0052] The first circumferential flow path section 51 is provided with a first inlet section 50a into which the first fluid O flows. The first inlet section 50a is connected to a first fluid pump (not shown) via, for example, a first fluid pipe (not shown). The first fluid O, which is pressure-fed by the first fluid pump, flows into the first inlet section 50a.

[0053] The multiple first axial flow passage sections 56 extend in the axial direction from the first circumferential flow passage section 51. The multiple first axial flow passage sections 56 are parallel to one another. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the multiple first axial flow passage sections 56 in this embodiment are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. However, the multiple first axial flow passage sections 56 may be provided only in a partial region in the circumferential direction.

[0054] 1, the first axial flow path portion 56 is provided with a first outlet port 50b, a second outlet port 50c, and a third outlet port 50d through which the first fluid O flows out. The first outlet port 50b, the second outlet port 50c, and the third outlet port 50d open to the internal space A of the housing 10.

[0055] The first outlet port 50b faces the first coil end 42a in the radial direction. The first fluid O discharged from the first outlet port 50b is supplied to the first coil end 42a and cools the first coil end 42a. The second outlet port 50c faces the second coil end 42b in the radial direction. The first fluid O discharged from the second outlet port 50c is supplied to the second coil end 42b and cools the first coil end 42a. The third outlet port 50d is located between the first cover member 12 and the first outlet port 50b in the axial direction. The first fluid O discharged from the third outlet port 50d is supplied to the bearing 72 and improves the lubrication of the bearing 72.

[0056] The configuration of the discharge port provided in the first axial flow path section 56 is not limited to that of the present embodiment. For example, the first axial flow path section 56 may further include a discharge port that supplies the first fluid O to the bearing 73 and a discharge port that supplies the first fluid O to the stator core 41.

[0057] The first fluid O in the first fluid flow path 50 flows from the first inlet portion 50a into the first circumferential flow path portion 51. Furthermore, the first fluid O in the first circumferential flow path portion 51 flows into each of the multiple first axial flow path portions 56 and is discharged into the internal space A of the housing 10 from the first outlet port 50b, the second outlet port 50c, and the third outlet port 50d provided in each first axial flow path portion. The first fluid O discharged into the internal space A of the housing 10 is used to cool the motor portion 2 and lubricate the bearings 72 and 73. Furthermore, the first fluid O in the internal space A of the housing 10 is sucked into a first fluid pump (not shown) and sent again to the first inlet portion 50a.

[0058] The second fluid flow path 60 has a second circumferential flow path section 62, a plurality of second axial flow path sections 67, and a third circumferential flow path section 63. The plurality of second axial flow path sections 67 are respectively connected to the second circumferential flow path section 62 and the third circumferential flow path section 63. The second fluid W in the second circumferential flow path section 62 flows into the plurality of second axial flow path sections 67, flows in the axial direction, and further flows into the third circumferential flow path section 63.

[0059] The second circumferential flow path portion 62 and the third circumferential flow path portion 63 extend in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the second circumferential flow path portion 62 and the third circumferential flow path portion 63 are annular and centered on the central axis J1. However, both or either one of the second circumferential flow path portion 62 and the third circumferential flow path portion 63 may extend in an arc shape and centered on the central axis J1.

[0060] The second circumferential flow path 62 is provided with a second inlet 60a into which the second fluid W flows. The second inlet 60a is connected to a second fluid pump (not shown) and a radiator (not shown) via, for example, a second fluid pipe (not shown). The second fluid W, which has been cooled by the radiator and pumped by the second fluid pump, flows into the second inlet 60a.

[0061] The third circumferential flow path portion 63 is provided with an outlet portion 60b through which the second fluid W flows out. The second fluid W flowing out from the outlet portion 60b is sucked into a second fluid pump (not shown), cooled again by the radiator, and sent to the second inlet portion 60a.

[0062] The second axial flow passage sections 67 extend in the axial direction from the second circumferential flow passage section 62. The second axial flow passage sections 67 are parallel to one another. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the second axial flow passage sections 67 of this embodiment are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. However, the second axial flow passage sections 67 may be provided only in a partial region in the circumferential direction.

[0063] 1 flows from the second inlet portion 60a into the second circumferential flow path portion 62. The second fluid W flows from the second circumferential flow path portion 62 into the plurality of second axial flow path portions 67, and then flows into the third circumferential flow path portion 63 where they merge. The second fluid W in the third circumferential flow path portion 63 is sucked into a second fluid pump (not shown) from the outlet portion 60b.

[0064] Next, the relationship between the first axial flow passage portion 56 and the second axial flow passage portion 67 in the tubular member 11 will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the number of first axial flow path sections 56 and the number of second axial flow path sections 67 arranged in the tubular member 11 are the same. The first axial flow path sections 56 and the second axial flow path sections 67 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction.

[0065] In a cross section of the tubular member 11, the first axial flow path section 56 is positioned radially inward relative to the second axial flow path section 67. The cross sections of the first axial flow path section 56 and the second axial flow path section 67 are each triangular. The cross section shape of the first axial flow path section 56 and the cross section shape of the second axial flow path section 67 are the same shape with the radial direction reversed inward and outward.

[0066] The circumferential dimension of the first axial flow passage section 56 narrows toward the radially outer side. On the other hand, the circumferential dimension of the second axial flow passage section 67 narrows toward the radially inner side. The first axial flow passage section 56 and the second axial flow passage section 67 are arranged so that the portions where their circumferential dimensions narrow overlap in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the first axial flow passage section 56 and the second axial flow passage section 67 are at least partially adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the first axial flow passage section 56 and the second axial flow passage section 67 in this embodiment overlap at least partially in the radial direction.

[0067] According to the present embodiment, the first axial flow path portion 56 and the second axial flow path portion 67 are both disposed in the tubular member 11 of the housing 10. Therefore, the first fluid O in the second axial flow path portion 67 and the second fluid W in the second axial flow path portion 67 exchange heat via the tubular member 11. That is, the first fluid O supplied to the motor section 2 can be cooled by the second fluid W, and the motor section 2 can be cooled efficiently. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, heat exchange between the first fluid O and the second fluid W occurs inside the wall of the tubular member 11, so there is no need to provide a separate heat exchanger such as a first fluid cooler. This reduces the number of parts in the rotating electric machine 1, allowing the rotating electric machine 1 to be configured at low cost.

[0068] According to this embodiment, the first axial flow path section 56 and the second axial flow path section 67 inside the tubular member 11 are at least partially adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. That is, the radial position of the first axial flow path section 56 and the radial position of the second axial flow path section 67 overlap each other. This allows the first axial flow path section 56 and the second axial flow path section 67 to be disposed close to each other, thereby promoting heat exchange between the first fluid O and the second fluid W. Furthermore, compared to a case in which the first axial flow path section 56 and the second axial flow path section 67 are disposed side by side in the radial direction, the radial dimension of the tubular member 11 can be reduced, allowing the rotating electric machine 1 to be made more compact.

[0069] According to the present embodiment, the first axial flow path section 56 and the second axial flow path section 67 inside the tubular member 11 at least partially overlap in the radial direction. That is, the radial position of the first axial flow path section 56 and the circumferential position of the second axial flow path section 67 overlap with each other. This allows the first axial flow path section 56 and the second axial flow path section 67 to be disposed close to each other, further promoting heat exchange between the first fluid O and the second fluid W.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the first axial flow path sections 56 and the second axial flow path sections 67 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, which ensures a wide area where the first axial flow path sections 56 and the second axial flow path sections 67 face each other in the circumferential direction, thereby further promoting heat exchange between the first fluid O and the second fluid W.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 1 , according to this embodiment, a first fluid O or a second fluid W flows through the first axial flow passage portions 56 and the second axial flow passage portions 67 inside the tubular member 11, respectively. At least one or both of the first fluid O and the second fluid W cool the tubular member 11. The tubular member 11 surrounds the stator core 41. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the stator core 41 can be cooled via the tubular member 11 by at least one or both of the first fluid O and the second fluid W. In addition to the cooling of the coil ends 42 a, 42 b by the first fluid O, the entire stator 40 can be efficiently cooled. Particularly in this embodiment, the multiple first axial flow passage portions 56 and the multiple second axial flow passage portions 67 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, allowing the stator 40 to be uniformly cooled along the circumferential direction.

[0072] According to this embodiment, a plurality of first axial flow passage sections 56 are connected to one first circumferential flow passage section 51. Therefore, the first fluid O in the first circumferential flow passage section 51 branches into the plurality of first axial flow passage sections 56 and flows. Similarly, according to this embodiment, a plurality of second axial flow passage sections 67 are connected to one second circumferential flow passage section 62. Therefore, the second fluid W in the second circumferential flow passage section 62 branches into the plurality of second axial flow passage sections 67 and flows. That is, the plurality of first axial flow passage sections 56 and the plurality of second axial flow passage sections 67 in this embodiment are connected in parallel. By configuring the first fluid flow passages 50 and the second fluid flow passages 60 in this manner, the path length along the flow direction from the inlet to the outlet can be shortened and pipeline resistance can be reduced compared to when a plurality of axial flow passage sections are connected in series to form a spiral or serpentine flow passage.

[0073] According to the first fluid flow path 50 of this embodiment, multiple first axial flow path sections 56 extend from one first circumferential flow path section 51. Therefore, by supplying the first fluid O to the first inlet section 50a of one first circumferential flow path section 51, the first fluid O can be made to flow through all of the first axial flow path sections 56. Therefore, there is no need to connect multiple first fluid pipes to the housing 10, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0074] Similarly, according to the second fluid flow path 60 of this embodiment, the multiple second axial flow path sections 67 connect one second circumferential flow path section 62 and one third circumferential flow path section 63. Therefore, by supplying the second fluid W to the second inlet section 60a of one second circumferential flow path section 62, the second fluid W can be made to flow in all of the second axial flow path sections 67. Furthermore, the second fluid W flowing in the multiple second axial flow path sections 67 can be joined into one third circumferential flow path section 63, and the second fluid W can be collected from one outlet section 60b. Therefore, there is no need to connect multiple second fluid pipes to the housing 10, and the number of parts can be reduced.

[0075] In the first fluid flow path 50 of this embodiment, the first circumferential flow path section 51, in which the first inlet section 50a is provided, is provided in the first cover member 12. The first axial flow path section 56 extends from the first circumferential flow path section 51 toward one axial side (+Y side). Therefore, the first fluid O in the first axial flow path section 56 flows toward one axial side (+Y side).

[0076] On the other hand, in the second fluid flow path 60 of this embodiment, the second circumferential flow path section 62, in which the second inlet section 60a is provided, is provided in the second cover member 13. In addition, the second axial flow path section 67 extends from the second circumferential flow path section 62 toward the other axial side (-Y side). Therefore, the second fluid W in the second axial flow path section 67 flows toward the other axial side (-Y side).

[0077] Therefore, in this embodiment, the flow direction of the first fluid O through the first axial flow path portion 56 and the flow direction of the second fluid W through the second axial flow path portion 67 are opposite to each other. In a typical heat exchanger, when heat is exchanged between two fluids, it is known that by making the fluids flow in opposite directions, the amount of heat exchanged between the two fluids can be increased compared to when the fluids flow in the same direction. According to this embodiment, by making the first fluid O and the second fluid W flow in opposite directions inside the wall of the cylindrical member 11, the amount of heat exchanged between the first fluid O and the second fluid W can be increased, and the cooling efficiency of the motor portion 2 using the first fluid O can be improved.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the first axial flow path section 56 extends from the first circumferential flow path section 51 to one axial side (+Y side). The first inlet section 50a of the first fluid flow path 50 is disposed on the other axial side (-Y side) of the end 60e of the second fluid flow path 60 on the other axial side (-Y side). According to the present embodiment, the other axial side (-Y side) of the first fluid flow path 50 can be disposed to extend further to the other axial side (-Y side) of the end 60e of the second fluid flow path 60, making it easy to dispose the third discharge port 50d, which supplies the first fluid O to the bearing 72, in the first axial flow path section 56. That is, according to the present embodiment, a structure can be realized in which the first fluid O discharged from the third discharge port 50d can be easily supplied to the bearing 72.

[0079] 3, according to this embodiment, in the cross section of the tubular member 11, the radially inner end portion 56b of the first axial flow path portion 56 is disposed radially inward of the radially inner end portion 67b of the second axial flow path portion 67. With this structure, the first axial flow path portion 56 is brought closer to the stator core 41 and the second axial flow path portion 67 is moved away from the stator core 41 within the wall of the tubular member 11. According to this embodiment, the first fluid O can be efficiently cooled by the second fluid W while suppressing the cooling effect of the second fluid W on the stator core 41.

[0080] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, in the cross section of the tubular member 11, the circumferential dimension of the radially inner end portion 56b of the first axial flow path portion 56 is larger than the circumferential dimension of the radially inner end portion 67b of the second axial flow path portion 67. Furthermore, the circumferential dimension of the radially outer end portion 56a of the first axial flow path portion 56 is smaller than the circumferential dimension of the radially outer end portion 67a of the second axial flow path portion 67. According to this embodiment, the radially inner end of the second axial flow path portion 67 is narrowed in the circumferential direction, thereby reducing the amount of heat exchange between the second fluid W and the stator core 41. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a wide radial overlap between the second axial flow path portion 67 and the first axial flow path portion 56 can be ensured, thereby facilitating heat exchange between the first fluid O and the second fluid W.

[0081] Next, a description will be given of various modified examples of the rotating electric machine that can be employed in this embodiment. In the following description of each modified example, the same components as those in the embodiment already described will be assigned the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] (Variation 1) 4 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a rotating electric machine 101 according to Modification 1 that can be employed in the above-described embodiment. The rotating electric machine 101 according to this modification differs from the above-described embodiment mainly in the cross-sectional shapes of the first axial flow passage portion 156 and the second axial flow passage portion 167.

[0083] In this modification, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the first fluid O of this modification is, for example, oil, and the second fluid W is, for example, cooling water.

[0084] As in the above-described embodiment, the cylindrical member 111 of the housing 110 of this modified example is provided with a plurality of first axial flow path portions 156 and a plurality of second axial flow path portions 167. The first axial flow path portions 156 and the second axial flow path portions 167 are at least partially adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. According to this modified example, it is possible to reduce the radial dimension of the rotating electric machine 101 while achieving the same effects as in the above-described embodiment, such as being able to perform heat exchange between the first fluid O and the second fluid W inside the wall of the cylindrical member 111.

[0085] The cross section of the first axial flow path section 156 of this modified example is triangular. The circumferential dimension of the first axial flow path section 156 narrows radially outward. On the other hand, the cross section of the second axial flow path section 167 of this modified example is rectangular. The second axial flow path section 67 extends in the radial direction with a uniform circumferential dimension. The first axial flow path section 156 and the second axial flow path section 167 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the first axial flow path section 156 and the second axial flow path section 167 of this modified example at least partially overlap each other in the radial direction.

[0086] In this modified example, the radially inner end portion 156b of the first axial flow path portion 156 is disposed radially inward of the radially inner end portion 167b of the second axial flow path portion 167. Therefore, the cooling effect of the second fluid W on the stator core 41 can be suppressed, and the first fluid O can be efficiently cooled by the second fluid W.

[0087] In this modified example, the circumferential dimension of the radially inner end 156b of the first axial flow path section 156 is larger than the circumferential dimension of the radially inner end 167b of the second axial flow path section 167. Furthermore, the circumferential dimension of the radially outer end 156a of the first axial flow path section 156 is smaller than the circumferential dimension of the radially outer end 167a of the second axial flow path section 167. According to this modified example, it is possible to promote heat exchange between the first fluid O and the second fluid W while suppressing the amount of heat exchange between the second fluid W and the stator core 41.

[0088] (Variation 2) 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a rotating electric machine 201 according to a second modified example that can be employed in the above-described embodiment. The rotating electric machine 201 according to this modified example differs from the above-described embodiment in the arrangement of the second axial flow passage portion 256 and the first axial flow passage portion 267 inside the wall of the cylindrical member 211. More specifically, the arrangement of the second axial flow passage portion 256 and the first axial flow passage portion 267 inside the wall of the cylindrical member 211 according to this modified example is reversed. In this modification, unlike the above-described embodiment, the first fluid W of this modification is, for example, cooling water, and the second fluid O is, for example, oil.

[0089] As in the above-described embodiment, a plurality of second axial flow path portions 256 and a plurality of first axial flow path portions 267 are provided in the cylindrical member 211 of the housing 210 of this modified example. The second axial flow path portions 256 and the first axial flow path portions 267 are at least partially adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. According to this modified example, it is possible to reduce the radial dimension of the rotating electric machine 201 while achieving the same effects as in the above-described embodiment, such as being able to perform heat exchange between the second fluid O and the first fluid W inside the wall of the cylindrical member 211.

[0090] In a cross section of the tubular member 211 of this modified example, the first axial flow path section 267 is positioned radially inward relative to the second axial flow path section 256. The cross sections of the second axial flow path section 256 and the first axial flow path section 267 are each triangular. The circumferential dimension of the first axial flow path section 267 narrows radially outward. On the other hand, the circumferential dimension of the second axial flow path section 256 narrows radially inward.

[0091] The second axial flow path section 256 is provided with a discharge port 250b that opens into the internal space A of the housing 210. The second axial flow path section 256 of this modified example is located radially outward of the first axial flow path section 267. Therefore, the discharge port 250b passes between the first axial flow path sections 267 that are lined up in the circumferential direction.

[0092] According to this modification, in the cross section of the cylindrical member 211, the radially inner end portion 267b of the first axial flow path portion 267 is disposed radially inward of the radially inner end portion 256b of the second axial flow path portion 256. According to this modification, the first axial flow path portion 267 is brought closer to the stator core 41 inside the wall of the cylindrical member 211. This makes it possible to enhance the cooling effect of the first fluid W on the stator core 41.

[0093] Furthermore, according to this modification, in the cross section of the cylindrical member 211, the circumferential dimension of the radially inner end 267b of the first axial flow path section 267 is larger than the circumferential dimension of the radially inner end 256b of the second axial flow path section 256. Furthermore, the circumferential dimension of the radially outer end 267a of the first axial flow path section 267 is smaller than the circumferential dimension of the radially outer end 267a of the second axial flow path section 256. According to this modification, the radially inner end of the first axial flow path section 267 is made wider in the circumferential direction, and the amount of heat exchanged between the first fluid W and the stator core 41 can be increased.

[0094] In this modification, the arrangement of the second axial flow path section 256 and the first axial flow path section 267 having a triangular cross section has been described. However, a similar arrangement may be realized in second axial flow path sections and first axial flow path sections having other cross section shapes. For example, the second fluid O may be caused to flow through the rectangular flow path section (second axial flow path section 167) of modification 2 shown in FIG. 4, and the first fluid W may be caused to flow through the triangular flow path section (first axial flow path section 156).

[0095] In this modified example, the case where the discharge port 250b is provided in the second axial flow path portion 256, which is disposed radially outward in the cross section of the tubular member 211, has been described. On the other hand, in the above-described embodiment, the discharge port 50b is provided in the first axial flow path portion 56, which is disposed radially inward in the cross section of the tubular member 11 (see FIG. 3). In this manner, the fluid that opens into the internal space A of the housing 10 and is supplied to the internal space A may be the first fluid flowing through the first axial flow path portion or the second fluid flowing through the second axial flow path portion. Furthermore, in this modified example, a discharge port may be provided in the first axial flow path portion 267 in addition to the second axial flow path portion 256. That is, it is sufficient that a discharge port that opens into the internal space A is provided in at least one of the first axial flow path portion 267 and the second axial flow path portion 256.

[0096] While the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the configurations and combinations thereof in the embodiments and modifications are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

[0097] For example, in the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the oil and the coolant flow through two fluid flow paths (first and second fluid flow paths) provided in the housing, respectively. However, the oil and the coolant are only examples of fluids that can be used as the first fluid and the second fluid, and other fluids may also be used.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment and modified examples, the first fluid and the second fluid are different types of fluid. By making the first fluid and the second fluid different from each other, it is possible to flow each fluid through an appropriate flow path according to its respective characteristics (specific heat, boiling point, insulating properties, etc.), allowing the first fluid and the second fluid to efficiently absorb and release heat, respectively. However, the same fluid may be used as the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0099] The application of the rotating electric machine to which the present invention is applied is not particularly limited. For example, the rotating electric machine may be mounted on a vehicle for an application other than rotating an axle, or may be mounted on equipment other than a vehicle. The orientation of the rotating electric machine when used is not particularly limited. The central axis of the motor may be inclined with respect to a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, or may extend in the vertical direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1,101,201... rotating electric machine, 2... motor part, 10,110,210... housing, 11... cylindrical member (circumferential wall part), 11p... first end face, 11q... second end face, 11s... end outer peripheral surface, 12... first cover member (cover member), 12f... second groove part, 12g... first groove part, 12p... first opposing surface, 12q... second opposing surface, 12s... cover side inner peripheral surface, 30... rotor, 40... stator, 50... first fluid flow path, 50a... first inlet part, 50b... first discharge port (discharge port), 50c... second discharge port (discharge port), 50d... third discharge port (discharge port), 51... first circumferential flow path part, 56,156,1 67, 256, 267...first axial flow path portion, 56a, 67a, 156a, 167a, 267a...radially outer end portion, 56b, 67b, 156b, 167b, 256b, 267b...radially inner end portion, 60...second fluid flow path, 60a...second inlet portion, 60b...outlet portion, 60e...end portion, 62...second circumferential flow path portion, 63...third circumferential flow path portion, 67, 156, 167, 256, 267...second axial flow path portion, 81...first sealing member, 82...second sealing member, 83...third sealing member, 250b...discharge port, A...internal space, J1...central axis, O, W...first fluid, O, W...second fluid

Claims

1. a motor section having a rotor rotatable about a central axis and a stator surrounding the rotor; a housing having a peripheral wall portion surrounding the stator, The housing includes: a first fluid flow path through which a first fluid flows; a second fluid flow path through which a second fluid different from the first fluid flows; The first fluid flow path is a first circumferential flow path portion having a first inlet portion into which the first fluid flows and extending along a circumferential direction; a plurality of first axial flow passage portions extending axially from the first circumferential flow passage portion, The second fluid flow path is a second circumferential flow path portion having a second inlet portion into which the second fluid flows and extending along the circumferential direction; a plurality of second axial flow passage portions extending axially from the second circumferential flow passage portion, the first axial flow path portion and the second axial flow path portion are disposed in the peripheral wall portion and are at least partially adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, The first axial flow path portion is provided with a discharge port that opens into an internal space of the housing, The second fluid flow path is provided with an outlet portion through which the second fluid flows out of the housing. Rotating electric motor.

2. a motor section having a rotor rotatable about a central axis and a stator surrounding the rotor; a housing having a peripheral wall portion surrounding the stator, The housing includes: a first fluid flow path through which a first fluid flows; a second fluid flow path through which a second fluid flows; The first fluid flow path is a first circumferential flow path portion having a first inlet portion into which the first fluid flows and extending along a circumferential direction; a plurality of first axial flow passage portions extending axially from the first circumferential flow passage portion, The second fluid flow path is a second circumferential flow path portion having a second inlet portion into which the second fluid flows and extending along the circumferential direction; a plurality of second axial flow passage portions extending axially from the second circumferential flow passage portion, the first axial flow path portion and the second axial flow path portion are disposed in the peripheral wall portion and are at least partially adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, In a cross section of the peripheral wall portion, a circumferential dimension of a radially inner end of the first axial flow passage portion is larger than a circumferential dimension of a radially inner end of the second axial flow passage portion, a circumferential dimension of a radially outer end of the first axial flow passage portion is smaller than a circumferential dimension of a radially outer end of the second axial flow passage portion; Rotating electric motor.

3. a motor section having a rotor rotatable about a central axis and a stator surrounding the rotor; a housing having a peripheral wall portion surrounding the stator, The housing includes: a first fluid flow path through which a first fluid flows; a second fluid flow path through which a second fluid flows; The first fluid flow path is a first circumferential flow path portion having a first inlet portion into which the first fluid flows and extending along a circumferential direction; a plurality of first axial flow passage portions extending axially from the first circumferential flow passage portion, The second fluid flow path is a second circumferential flow path portion having a second inlet portion into which the second fluid flows and extending along the circumferential direction; a plurality of second axial flow passage portions extending axially from the second circumferential flow passage portion, the first axial flow path portion and the second axial flow path portion are disposed in the peripheral wall portion and are at least partially adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, the second fluid flow path has a third circumferential flow path portion that extends along a circumferential direction and is provided with an outlet portion through which the second fluid flows out, the second axial flow path portion connects the second circumferential flow path portion and the third circumferential flow path portion; Rotating electric motor.

4. a motor section having a rotor rotatable about a central axis and a stator surrounding the rotor; a housing having a peripheral wall portion surrounding the stator, The housing includes: a first fluid flow path through which a first fluid flows; a second fluid flow path through which a second fluid flows; The first fluid flow path is a first circumferential flow path portion having a first inlet portion into which the first fluid flows and extending along a circumferential direction; a plurality of first axial flow passage portions extending axially from the first circumferential flow passage portion, The second fluid flow path is a second circumferential flow path portion having a second inlet portion into which the second fluid flows and extending along the circumferential direction; a plurality of second axial flow passage portions extending axially from the second circumferential flow passage portion, the first axial flow path portion and the second axial flow path portion are disposed in the peripheral wall portion and are at least partially adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, The housing includes: a cover member for covering an opening on the other axial side of the peripheral wall portion; a first sealing member, a second sealing member, and a third sealing member that are disposed between the peripheral wall portion and the cover member and extend in a circumferential direction; The peripheral wall portion is a first end surface facing the other axial direction; a second end surface located on one axial side and the other radial side of the first end surface and facing the other axial side; an outer peripheral surface of the end portion that connects an outer edge of the first end surface and an inner edge of the second end surface and faces radially outward; The cover member is a first opposing surface opposing the first end surface; a second opposing surface opposing the second end surface; a cover-side inner peripheral surface facing the end outer peripheral surface, The first end surface has a plurality of first axial flow passage portions that open thereto, a plurality of second axial flow passage portions are opened on the outer peripheral surface of the end portion; a first groove portion extending in a circumferential direction and connecting openings of the plurality of first axial flow path portions to each other is provided in the first opposing surface; a second groove portion extending in a circumferential direction and connecting openings of the second axial flow path portions to each other is provided on the cover-side inner peripheral surface, the first sealing member is disposed between the first end surface and the first opposing surface and radially inward of the first groove portion, the second sealing member is disposed between the first end surface and the first opposing surface and radially outward of the first groove portion, the third sealing member is disposed between the second end surface and the second opposing surface. Rotating electric motor.

5. At least one of the first axial flow path portion and the second axial flow path portion is provided with a discharge port that opens into an internal space of the housing. The rotating electric machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. the first axial flow path portion extends from the first circumferential flow path portion to one side in the axial direction, the second axial flow path portion extends from the second circumferential flow path portion to the other axial side; The rotating electric machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. In a cross section of the peripheral wall portion, a radially inner end portion of the first axial flow path portion is disposed radially inward of a radially inner end portion of the second axial flow path portion. The rotating electric machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the first axial flow path portion extends from the first circumferential flow path portion to one side in the axial direction, the first inlet portion is disposed on the other axial side of the other axial end of the second fluid flow path. The rotating electric machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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