Electric motor unit and self-propelled electric vehicle

Abstract

To provide an electric motor unit for efficiently cooling a controller for controlling the operations of an electric motor, and a self-propelled electric vehicle equipped with the electric motor unit.SOLUTION: A self-propelled electric vehicle 100 is equipped with an electric motor unit 120 in a frame 101 supporting a front wheel 103 and a back wheel 108. The electric motor unit 120 has an electric motor 121, a controller 132, and an air blower 140. In the electric motor 121, a rotor accommodation space 126 is formed in a main housing 124 and a part of the main housing 124 is covered with a second housing 130 so that a controller accommodation space 131 is formed. The air blower 140 is arranged across the rotor accommodation space 126 and the controller accommodation space 131 by the main housing 124 and the second housing 130.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric motor unit mounted on a self-propelled electric vehicle that uses an electric motor as a drive source, and to a self-propelled electric vehicle equipped with an electric motor unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, self-propelled electric vehicles such as motorcycles that are driven by sitting on the seat with both feet together or sitting astride the seat have been provided with a cooling device to cool the electric motor. For example, Patent Document 1 listed below discloses a so-called water-cooled self-propelled two-wheeled electric vehicle that cools the heat-generating electric motor with a refrigerant such as liquid chlorofluorocarbon. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 4-224490

[0004] However, in the self-propelled two-wheeled electric vehicle described in Patent Document 1, the controller that controls the operation of the electric motor is located inside the cowling of the self-propelled two-wheeled electric vehicle, which makes it difficult to effectively cool the heat-generating controller.

[0005] The present invention has been made to address the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide an electric motor unit that can effectively cool the controller that controls the operation of the electric motor, and a self-propelled electric vehicle equipped with this electric motor unit. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized by: Two- or three-wheeledThe motor includes a main housing that forms a rotor accommodating space for accommodating a rotor for driving a drive wheel of a self-propelled vehicle, a second housing that forms a control device accommodating space outside the rotor accommodating space for accommodating a control device that controls the operation of the motor, and a blower that is disposed across the rotor accommodating space and the control device accommodating space via the main housing and the second housing and that generates cooling air by moving air outside the rotor accommodating space and the control device accommodating space. The rotor accommodating space is formed below the control device accommodating space, and at least a portion of the outer surface of the main housing and the second housing facing the blower has a curved surface that curves in a direction away from the flow direction of the cooling air as it moves away from the blower, and the axial direction of the rotor of the electric motor extends in the width direction of the self-propelled vehicle, and the blower is arranged on the upwind side or downwind side of the main housing and the second housing and is directly attached to at least one of the main housing and the second housing via an attachment part, and the attachment part is provided on both sides of the blower in the width direction of the self-propelled vehicle. The reason is that...

[0007] According to the features of the present invention configured in this manner, the electric motor unit has a control device housing space formed outside the rotor housing space in the electric motor to house a control device that controls the operation of the electric motor, and a blower is provided across these rotor housing space and control device housing space to generate cooling air by circulating air outside the rotor housing space and the control device housing space, so that the electric motor and the control device can each be efficiently cooled by this blower.

[0008] According to this feature of the present invention, Since the rotor accommodating space of the electric motor unit is formed below the control device accommodating space, heavy objects such as the rotor and stator that make up the electric motor are located below the control device, thereby lowering the center of gravity of the entire electric motor unit and improving stability.

[0009] According to this feature of the present invention, The motor unit is The main housing and the second housing are Since a portion of the outer surface facing the blower has a curved surface that curves in a direction away from the blower, the flow of cooling air outside the rotor accommodating space and the control device accommodating space can be smoothed, thereby improving the cooling effect.

[0010] Another feature of the present invention is that in the electric motor unit, the main housing and the second housing are made of the same material.

[0011] According to another feature of the present invention configured in this manner, the main housing and the second housing of the electric motor unit are made of the same material, thereby reducing the difference in thermal expansion and thermal contraction between the main housing and the second housing, thereby improving durability.

[0012] Another feature of the present invention is that in the electric motor unit, the main housing and the second housing are made of different materials.

[0013] According to another feature of the present invention configured in this manner, since the main housing and the second housing of the electric motor unit are made of different materials, the difference in thermal expansion and contraction between the main housing and the second housing can be suppressed by cooling with a blower.

[0014] Another feature of the present invention is that in the electric motor unit, the blower is disposed opposite the main housing and the second housing extending along the axial direction of the rotor.

[0015] According to another feature of the present invention configured in this manner, the electric motor unit is arranged with the blower facing the main housing and the second housing extending along the axial direction of the rotor, so that the electric motor can be cooled along the axial direction, thereby effectively cooling the entire electric motor and control device.

[0016] Another feature of the present invention resides in that in the electric motor unit, the control device controls the operation of the blower.

[0017] Further, in the electric motor unit, At least one of the main housing and the second housing has a curved surface in which at least a portion of an outer surface facing the fan curves in a direction away from the flow direction of the cooling air as the housing moves away from the fan. It can also have.

[0018] According to this, At least one of the main housing and the second housing of the motor unit has a curved surface where a portion of the outer surface facing the blower is curved in a direction away from the blower, thereby smoothing the flow of cooling air outside the rotor accommodating space and the control device accommodating space and improving the cooling effect.

[0019] According to another feature of the present invention configured in this manner, at least one of the main housing and the second housing of the motor unit has a curved surface where a portion of the outer surface facing the blower is curved in a direction away from the blower, thereby smoothing the flow of cooling air outside the rotor accommodating space and the control device accommodating space and improving the cooling effect.

[0020] Another feature of the present invention is that in the motor unit, at least one of the main housing and the second housing has a coolant flow path through which coolant flows, and the blower is arranged facing the coolant flow path.

[0021] According to another feature of the present invention configured in this manner, the electric motor unit has a blower arranged in at least one of the main housing and the second housing facing the coolant flow path through which the coolant flows, so that the electric motor and / or control device can be efficiently cooled by cooling the coolant.

[0022] Another feature of the present invention is that the electric motor unit further includes a radiator for cooling the coolant, the radiator being disposed on the upwind side or the downwind side of the blower.

[0023] According to another feature of the present invention configured in this manner, the motor unit further includes a radiator for cooling the coolant, and this radiator is positioned on the upwind or downwind side of the blower, so that the cooling effect of the radiator on the coolant can be enhanced by sending or sucking air into the radiator.

[0024] Another feature of the present invention is that the motor unit further comprises a cooling air regulating portion for regulating the flow of cooling air between the main housing and the second housing and between the blower and the blower.

[0025] According to another feature of the present invention configured in this manner, the motor unit further includes a cooling air regulating section that regulates the flow of cooling air between the main housing and the second housing and the blower, thereby regulating the flow of cooling air flowing over the surfaces of the main housing and the second housing, thereby adjusting or improving the cooling efficiency of the rotor accommodating space and the control device accommodating space.

[0026] Another feature of the present invention is that in the electric motor unit, the blower generates an operating noise that is louder than the operating noise of the electric motor.

[0027] According to another feature of the present invention configured in this manner, the blower of the electric motor unit emits an operating noise that is louder than the operating noise of the electric motor, thereby drowning out the unpleasant operating noise of the electric motor and enabling those in the vicinity to be aware of the approach of the electric motor unit or a self-propelled electric vehicle equipped with the electric motor unit by the operating noise of the blower.

[0028] Furthermore, the present invention can be embodied not only as an invention of an electric motor unit, but also as an invention of a self-propelled electric vehicle.

[0029] Specifically, the self-propelled electric vehicle includes a seat for a driver, a handle provided opposite the seat for steering at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels, and a steering wheel for driving at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels, as described in claims 1 to 5. Claim 9 It is preferable that the self-propelled electric vehicle be provided with the electric motor unit described in any one of the above. With a self-propelled electric vehicle configured in this manner, it is possible to expect the same effects as those of the electric motor unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view schematically showing an outline of the overall configuration of a self-propelled electric vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view showing an outline of the overall configuration of an electric motor unit mounted on the self-propelled electric vehicle shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a side view showing the outline of the overall configuration of the electric motor unit shown in FIG. 2, as viewed from the left side of the self-propelled electric vehicle shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of a control system for the self-propelled electric vehicle shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the internal configuration of the electric motor unit shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an outline of the overall configuration of an electric motor unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an outline of the internal configuration of a main housing and a second housing that constitute the electric motor unit shown in FIG. 6. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] First Embodiment An embodiment of a self-propelled electric vehicle according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a side view showing a schematic overview of the overall configuration of a self-propelled electric vehicle 100 according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic overview of the overall configuration of an electric motor unit 120 mounted on the self-propelled electric vehicle 100 shown in Fig. 1, as viewed from the right side of the self-propelled electric vehicle 100 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic overview of the overall configuration of an electric motor unit 120 mounted on the self-propelled electric vehicle 100 shown in Fig. 1, as viewed from the left side of the self-propelled electric vehicle 100 shown in Fig. 1. Side view4 is a block diagram showing an outline of the control system of the self-propelled electric vehicle 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the internal configuration of the electric motor unit 120 mounted on the self-propelled electric vehicle 100 shown in FIG. 1. The self-propelled electric vehicle 100 is a small motorcycle (a so-called scooter) that is driven by a rider U sitting on a seat 110 with both feet together.

[0032] (Configuration of self-propelled electric vehicle 100) The self-propelled electric vehicle 100 includes a frame 101. The frame 101 is a component that constitutes the framework that maintains the shape of the self-propelled electric vehicle 100, and is formed by combining multiple iron pipes or plates. The frame 101 is mainly composed of a head pipe 102, a main frame 106, and seat rails 109.

[0033] The head pipe 102 is a cylindrical part that supports the front wheel 103 of the self-propelled electric vehicle 100 via a front fork 104. The front fork 104 is a part that is formed in a rod-like shape and extends on both sides of the front wheel 103, supports the front wheel 103 relative to the head pipe 102 so that the front wheel 103 can be steered in the left and right directions of the self-propelled electric vehicle 100, and is configured with a suspension mechanism (not shown). A handlebar 105 is provided at the upper end of the front fork 104. The handlebar 105 is a part that is used to steer the direction of travel of the self-propelled electric vehicle 100, and is formed in a rod-like shape that extends in the width direction of the left and right sides of the self-propelled electric vehicle 100. The handlebars 105 are formed as a pair, left and right, and one of the left and right handlebars forms an accelerator grip 105a for accelerating the self-propelled electric vehicle 100.

[0034] The main frame 106 is a central part of the frame 101 that supports the electric motor unit 120 and the secondary battery 115 and determines the strength of the frame 101, and is formed in a curved shape that extends diagonally downward from the front to the rear of the self-propelled electric vehicle 100, then extends horizontally and then extends diagonally upward again. The horizontally extending part of the main frame 106 supports the step floor 114 and the secondary battery 115, and the part that extends diagonally upward supports the swing arm 107 and the electric motor unit 120. The swing arm 107 supports the rear wheel 108 of the self-propelled electric vehicle 100 so that it can move up and down around a pivot 106a that connects it to the main frame 106.

[0035] The seat rails 109 are primarily portions that support the seat 110, the cargo bed 112, and the tail lamp 113, and are formed to extend obliquely upward toward the rear of the main frame 106. The seat 110 is a component on which the driver U of the self-propelled electric vehicle 100 sits with both feet together, and is made up of a cushioning material. The seat 110 is configured to be able to be opened and closed, and a hollow storage space 111 is formed below the seat 110 to store small items such as a helmet.

[0036] In this case, the bottom of the storage space 111 is configured to be freely openable and closable, allowing access to the motor unit 120. The luggage rack 112 is a portion for carrying luggage, and is configured by a metal rod formed into a frame shape. The tail lamps 113 are lighting fixtures that are turned on by the driver U operating the brakes, turn signals, or turning on the headlamps at night, etc.

[0037] The step floor 114 is a portion on which the driver U seated in the seat 110 places his or her feet with both feet together, and is formed as a flat floor surface below and in front of the seat 110 and above the main frame 106.

[0038] The secondary battery 115 is a device that supplies power to the electric motor 121 and the electrical and electronic devices provided in the self-propelled electric vehicle 100, and is composed of a chargeable and dischargeable battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. The secondary battery 115 also stores regenerative electrical energy generated by the electric motor 121 when the self-propelled electric vehicle 100 decelerates. The secondary battery 115 is supported by the main frame 106 below the step floor 114.

[0039] In addition, a cylindrical unit cover 116 that rises from the rear end of the step floor 114 toward the seat 110 and covers the electric motor unit 120 has a lattice-shaped ventilation opening 117 opening in front of the blower 140, which will be described later. Also, The electric motor unit 120 is connected to the rear wheel 108 via a reducer 118a that reduces the rotation speed of the electric motor 121 and a chain 118b.

[0040] The electric motor unit 120 is a group of devices that constitute a power source that generates driving force for rotating the rear wheels 108. Specifically, the electric motor unit 120 is mainly composed of an electric motor 121, a control device 132, and a blower 140. Note that in Fig. 1, the electric motor unit 120 should be drawn with a dashed line because it is disposed inside the self-propelled electric vehicle 100, but is shown with a solid line to facilitate understanding.

[0041] The electric motor 121 is a drive source that generates a rotational drive force for rotating the drive wheels of the self-propelled vehicle. In this embodiment, the electric motor 121 is configured as a synchronous motor that drives the self-propelled two-wheeled vehicle. It should be noted that the electric motor 121 may of course be configured as a DC motor.

[0042] Electric motor 121 is mainly composed of stator 122, rotor 123, and main housing 124. Stator 122 is a component for generating a rotating magnetic field using three-phase alternating current, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with windings provided around the outer periphery of an iron core. Stator 122 is fixedly attached inside body 125 that constitutes main housing 124.

[0043] The rotor 123 is a component that rotates due to the rotating magnetic field generated by the stator 122, and is configured by attaching a permanent magnet to the outer periphery of a rod-shaped shaft. The rotor 123 is disposed inside the body 125, penetrating the stator 122. In this case, one end of the rotor 123 is rotatably supported while penetrating the output-side cover 127. In this case, an output gear 123a is provided on the exposed portion of the rotor 123 that has penetrated the output-side cover 127. In other words, the rotor 123 functions as the output shaft of the electric motor 121. The other end of the rotor 123 is rotatably supported by the rear-side cover 128.

[0044] Main housing 124 is a component that constitutes the outer casing of motor 121 and that defines rotor accommodating space 126 and control device accommodating space 131, and is primarily composed of a body 125, an output-side cover 127, and a rear-side cover 128. Body 125 is a component that defines rotor accommodating space 126, and is made of a non-ferrous metal such as aluminum or a non-magnetic material such as a resin material formed into a cylindrical shape. Body 125 supports stator 122 in rotor accommodating space 126, which is a cylindrical internal space, and has rotor 123, which is rotatably supported by output-side cover 127 and rear-side cover 128, disposed therethrough.

[0045] Meanwhile, the outer surface of the body 125 is mainly configured to have an accommodation space forming portion 125a, a first side surface portion 125b, and a second side surface portion 125c. The accommodation space forming portion 125a is a portion that forms the rotor accommodation space 126 and the control device accommodation space 131 (described later), and is formed as a flat surface. The first side surface portion 125b is a portion that forms the side of the electric motor 121, and is formed by extending as a flat surface from both ends of the accommodation space forming portion 125a that extends in the axial direction of the rotor 123. The second side surface portion 125c is formed in a semicircular dome shape and connects the two first side surface portions 125b. The rotor accommodation space 126 is a space portion that accommodates the main parts of the stator 122 and the rotor 123, and is formed as a cylinder that extends in the axial direction of the rotor 123.

[0046] Output-side cover 127 is a component attached to one end of cylindrical body 125, and is configured by forming a plate-like body with an upstanding peripheral edge out of a non-ferrous metal such as aluminum or a non-magnetic material such as a resin material. Output-side cover 127 closes one end of cylindrical body 125 and rotatably supports one end of rotor 123. Output-side cover 127 also extends to face control device accommodating space 131, forming part of control device accommodating space 131. Output-side cover 127 is attached to body 125 with bolts (not shown).

[0047] Rear lid 128 is a component attached to the other end of cylindrically shaped body 125, and is made of a plate-shaped non-ferrous metal such as aluminum or a non-magnetic material such as a resin material. Rear lid 128 closes the other end of cylindrically shaped body 125 and rotatably supports the other end of rotor 123. Rear lid 128 is attached to body 125 with bolts (not shown). The outer surface of rear lid 128 is covered with rear cover 129 via a space, and a detector (not shown) that detects the rotation angle of rotor 123 is provided within this space.

[0048] A second housing 130 is provided on a portion of the outer surface of the main housing 124. The second housing 130 is a component for forming a control device accommodating space 131 between itself and a portion of the outer surface of the main housing 124, and is formed by curving a metal plate, such as an iron-based metal such as carbon steel or a non-ferrous metal such as aluminum, into a semicircular dome shape extending in the axial direction of the body 125. In this case, the second housing 130 is open on the output-side cover 127 side and closed on the opposite side from the output-side cover 127. In this embodiment, the second housing 130 is made of the same material (e.g., aluminum) as the main housing 124. The second housing 130 is detachably attached to a portion of the body 125 via bolts.

[0049] The control device accommodating space 131 is a space portion for accommodating the control device 132, and is formed by covering a part of the outer surface of the body 125 with a part of the output side cover 127 and the second housing 130. In other words, the rotor accommodating space 126 and the control device accommodating space 131 are formed adjacent to each other.

[0050] The control device 132 is an electric / electronic device that controls the operation of the electric motor 121 and also comprehensively controls the operation of the self-propelled electric vehicle 100. More specifically, the control device 132 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and is also configured with a power control unit (PCU) including an inverter, a boost converter, a DC-DC converter, etc. for directly controlling the operation of the electric motor 121.

[0051] Here, the inverter converts the DC current output from the secondary battery 115 into AC current and outputs it to the electric motor 121, and also converts the AC current output from the electric motor 121 into DC current and outputs it to the secondary battery 115. In addition, the boost converter boosts the voltage output from the secondary battery 115 and supplies it to the electric motor 121. In addition, the DC-DC converter lowers the voltage output from the electric motor 121 and supplies it to the secondary battery 115.

[0052] The control device 132 executes a control program stored in a storage device such as a ROM to control the rotational drive of the electric motor 121 and the blower 140, the operation of the meters, and the lighting of the lights in response to the operation of an accelerator grip 105a or an operator such as a turn signal provided on the handle 105. The control device 132 is also provided with an interface terminal 132a exposed on the outer surface of the second housing 130 for electrically connecting to an external device.

[0053] Additionally, a power supply unit 133 is housed in the control device housing space 131 together with the control device 132. The power supply unit 133 is an electrical device that generates three-phase AC to be supplied to the electric motor 121 and supplies it to the stator 122, and is configured with a plurality of capacitors on a substrate. This power supply unit 133 has a power supply connection unit 133a that is exposed to the outside while passing through the second housing 130, and receives a supply of power from the secondary battery 115 of the self-propelled vehicle.

[0054] Blower 140 is a mechanical device that generates cooling air for cooling motor 121 and control device 132, and is configured with propeller fan 141 whose operation is controlled by control device 132. Blower 140 is disposed so as to straddle rotor accommodating space 126 and control device accommodating space 131 via main housing 124 and second housing 130. In this embodiment, blower 140 is attached to first side surface portion 125b of main housing 124 via bolts so as to straddle the boundary between main housing 124 and second housing 130. In this case, blower 140 may be attached so that the main housing 124 and second housing 130 side is on the windward side, but in this embodiment, blower 140 is attached so that the main housing 124 and second housing 130 side is on the downwind side.

[0055] This blower 140 is configured by accommodating a propeller fan 141 and an electric motor (not shown) that rotates and drives this propeller fan 141 integrally within a cylindrical casing 142. In this case, casing 142 is formed with two flat plate-shaped mounting portions 142a that protrude from the outer surface of casing 142 and through which bolts for mounting blower 140 to main housing 124 pass. Casing 142 also has cutout portion 142b formed by cutting out a recessed portion facing first side surface portion 125b of main housing 124, so that cool air flows smoothly over first side surface portion 125b. This blower 140 is also configured to produce an operating sound that is louder than the operating sound of electric motor 121. Specifically, blower 140 is configured so that the wind noise of propeller fan 141 is louder than the magnetostrictive sound (high-frequency sound) generated when electric motor 121 is operating.

[0056] A part of the main housing 124 of the electric motor unit 120 is fixedly attached to the frame 101 via bolts. In this case, the electric motor unit 120 is attached to the frame 101 in an orientation in which the control device accommodating space 131 is located above the rotor accommodating space 126.

[0057] (Operation of the self-propelled electric vehicle 100) Next, we will explain the operation of the self-propelled electric vehicle 100 configured as described above. The driver U of this self-propelled electric vehicle 100 starts the control device 132 by operating a switch while seated on the seat 110 of the self-propelled electric vehicle 100, and can then drive the self-propelled electric vehicle 100 by operating the accelerator by rotating the accelerator grip 105a.

[0058] In this case, the control device 132 starts operating the blower 140 at the same time as starting itself, thereby starting to cool the electric motor 121 and the control device 132. Specifically, part of the cooling air generated by the blower 140 collides with the first side surface portion 125b of the main housing 124, and the other part collides with the second housing 130.

[0059] The cooling air W1 that hits first side surface portion 125b flows out of casing 142 through notch 142b of blower 140, and then flows along the outer surface of first side surface portion 125b. This cools rotor accommodating space 126 formed inside main housing 124, and suppresses a temperature rise in motor 121.

[0060] On the other hand, the cooling air W2 that hits the second housing 130 flows along the outer surface of the second housing 130. This cools the control device accommodating space 131 formed inside the second housing 130, and suppresses a temperature rise in the control device 132.

[0061] Here, the degree of cooling effect in rotor accommodating space 126 is determined by the flow rate of cooling air W1 flowing over first side surface portion 125b. The flow rate of cooling air W1 flowing over first side surface portion 125b is determined by the amount of gap between the end of casing 142 and the outer surface of first side surface portion 125b, which is determined by the amount of cutout of cutout portion 142b formed in blower 140. In other words, cutout portion 142b also functions as a cooling air regulating portion according to the present invention.

[0062] Furthermore, the degree of cooling effect within rotor accommodating space 126 is determined by the flow rate of cooling air W2 flowing over second housing 130. In this case, second housing 130 is configured to have a curved surface that curves in a direction away from the cooling air itself as it moves away from blower 140, so that cooling air W2 output from blower 140 flows smoothly over second housing 130.

[0063] As can be understood from the above description of operation, according to the first embodiment, the self-propelled electric vehicle 100 has a control device accommodating space 131 formed outside the rotor accommodating space 126 of the electric motor 121 to accommodate a control device 132 that controls the operation of the electric motor 121, and a blower 140 is provided across these rotor accommodating space 126 and control device accommodating space 131 to generate cooling air by circulating the air outside the rotor accommodating space 126 and the control device accommodating space 131, so that the electric motor 121 and the control device 132 can each be efficiently cooled by this blower 140.

[0064] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the object of the present invention. In each of the modifications described below, the same components as those of self-propelled electric vehicle 100 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0065] For example, in the first embodiment described above, the main housing 124 and the second housing 130 of the electric motor unit 120 are made of the same material. This reduces the difference in thermal expansion and thermal contraction between the main housing 124 and the second housing 130, thereby improving durability. However, it goes without saying that the main housing 124 and the second housing 130 of the electric motor unit 120 may be made of different materials. In this case, the electric motor unit 120 can reduce the difference in thermal expansion and thermal contraction between the main housing 124 and the second housing 130 by cooling with the fan 140. This modification can also be adopted in the second embodiment described later.

[0066] In the first embodiment, the electric motor unit 120 is disposed on the frame 101 with the rotor accommodating space 126 positioned below the control device accommodating space 131. However, the electric motor unit 120 can also be disposed on the frame 101 with the rotor accommodating space 126 positioned above the control device accommodating space 131, as in the electric motor unit 120 in a second embodiment described below.

[0067] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the electric motor unit 120 is configured such that the blower 140 is disposed opposite the main housing 124 and the second housing 130 that extend along the axial direction of the rotor 123. This allows the electric motor unit 120 to cool the electric motor 121 along the axial direction, thereby effectively cooling the electric motor 121 and the control device 132 as a whole. However, the electric motor unit 120 can also be configured such that the blower 140 is disposed opposite in a direction other than the axial direction of the rotor 123, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (for example, toward the rear cover 128). This modification can also be adopted in the second embodiment described later.

[0068] In the first embodiment, the operation of the blower 140 is controlled by the control device 132. This simplifies the configuration of the electric motor unit 120, eliminating the need to provide a separate control device for the blower 140. However, it goes without saying that the operation of the blower 140 may be controlled by a control device separate from the control device 132. This modification can also be adopted in the second embodiment, which will be described later.

[0069] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the main housing 124 and the second housing 130 are configured in a dome shape, with a portion of the outer surface facing the blower 140 having a curved surface that curves in a direction away from the blower 140. This allows the electric motor unit 120 to smooth the flow of cooling air outside the rotor accommodating space 126 and the control device accommodating space 131, thereby enhancing the cooling effect. However, it goes without saying that the outer surfaces of the main housing 124 and the second housing 130 through which the cooling air flows may be configured simply as flat surfaces, without any curved surfaces. This modification can also be adopted in the second embodiment described later.

[0070] In the first embodiment, the blower 140 is attached to the main housing 124. However, the blower 140 may be disposed so as to straddle the rotor accommodating space 126 and the control device accommodating space 131. Therefore, the blower 140 may be attached to the second housing 130 instead of or in addition to the main housing 124. The blower 140 may also be attached directly or indirectly to a component other than the main housing 124 and the second housing 130, for example, to the frame 101. This modification can also be employed in the second embodiment described later.

[0071] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the electric motor unit 120 is configured to include one fan 140. However, the electric motor unit 120 may be configured to include two or more fans 140. In this case, the second and subsequent fans 140 may be attached to the main housing 124 and / or the second housing 130 in a state spanning the rotor accommodating space 126 and the control device accommodating space 131, or may be attached to the main housing 124 and / or the second housing 130 so as to face only one of the rotor accommodating space 126 and the control device accommodating space 131. This modification can also be adopted in the second embodiment described later.

[0072] In the first embodiment, the blower 140 blows air toward the electric motor 121 and the control device 132. blowing However, the blower 140 can also be configured to generate cooling air by drawing air from the side of the electric motor 121 and the control device 132. This modification can also be adopted in the second embodiment described later.

[0073] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the blower 140 is configured to emit an operating sound that is louder than the operating sound of the electric motor 121. As a result, the electric motor unit 120 can drown out the unpleasant operating sound of the electric motor 121, and the operating sound of the blower 140 can alert those in the vicinity that the electric motor unit 120 or the self-propelled electric vehicle 100 equipped with the electric motor unit 120 is approaching. In other words, the operating sound emitted by the blower 140 is loud enough to be heard by those in the vicinity of the electric motor unit 120 or the self-propelled electric vehicle 100. However, it goes without saying that the blower 140 can be configured to emit an operating sound at a volume that is lower than the volume that can be heard by those in the vicinity of the electric motor unit 120 or the self-propelled electric vehicle 100. This modified example can also be adopted in the second embodiment described later.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the blower 140 is configured to include a propeller fan 141. However, the blower 140 may be configured to generate a cooling airflow by blowing or sucking air. Therefore, the blower 140 may be configured as an axial flow fan such as the propeller fan 141 that moves air in the axial direction of a rotor, such as a bladed rotor, a centrifugal fan that blows air in the centrifugal direction of a rotor with multiple blades arranged to form a cylinder, or a cross flow fan that sucks air from one part of the outer circumferential surface of the rotor and blows it out from another part of the outer circumferential surface. This modification can also be used in the second embodiment described later.

[0075] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the control device accommodating space 131 is configured to include the power supply unit 133 in addition to the control device 132. As a result, the electric motor unit 120 can be configured compactly as a whole while effectively cooling the power supply unit 133 by accommodating the power supply unit 133, which generates a large amount of heat, within the control device accommodating space 131. However, the power supply unit 133 does not necessarily have to be provided within the control device accommodating space 131, and the power supply unit 133 can also be provided outside the control device accommodating space 131. This modification can also be adopted in the second embodiment described later.

[0076] Second Embodiment (Configuration of the electric motor unit 120) Next, the present invention Electric motor unit The second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In the description of the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the first embodiment, the electric motor unit 120 has the electric motor 121 and the control device 132 each air-cooled by the fan 140.

[0077] However, the electric motor unit 120 according to the second embodiment differs from the electric motor unit 120 according to the first embodiment in that the electric motor 121 and the control device 132 are each water-cooled using a coolant such as water or oil, in addition to air-cooling by the blower 140. Specifically, the electric motor unit 120 includes a radiator 200, a liquid feed pump 202, and a coolant tank 203.

[0078] Radiator 200 is a device for cooling, by heat exchange, a coolant (not shown) that cools electric motor 121 and control device 132. The upstream side of radiator 200, which introduces coolant, is connected to coolant flow path 205 of main housing 124 via pipe 201a, and the downstream side of radiator 200, which discharges coolant, is connected to liquid supply pump 202 via pipe 201b. In addition, coolant tank 203 is connected to radiator 200 via pipe 201c. Radiator 200 is attached to main housing 124 and second housing 130 via connectors 204.

[0079] The liquid feed pump 202 is a mechanical device for circulating the coolant between the main housing 124 and the radiator 200, and its operation is controlled by the control device 132. The downstream side of the liquid feed pump 202, from which the coolant is discharged, is connected to a coolant flow path 205 of the main housing 124 via a pipe 202a. The liquid feed pump 202 is also attached to the radiator 200 via a connector 202b.

[0080] The coolant tank 203 is a container for storing coolant for cooling the electric motor 121, the control device 132, and the power supply unit 133, and is made of a resin or metal material. In other words, the coolant tank 203 is a reservoir tank. The coolant tank 203 is directly attached to the main housing 124 of the electric motor 121 via bolts.

[0081] Connector 204 is a component for supporting blower 140 and radiator 200 at positions spaced apart from main housing 124 and second housing 130, respectively, and is formed by bending a metal plate that extends in a strip shape. In this case, connector 204 is composed of two metal plates that are symmetrical to each other and sandwich blower 140 and radiator 200 from both sides. One end of connector 204 is attached to radiator 200 via a bolt, and the other end is attached to main housing 124 via a bolt. Connector 204 supports blower 140 between its two end portions with a bolt.

[0082] Meanwhile, the main housing 124 has a coolant flow path 205 formed inside the cylindrical portion constituting the body 125. The coolant flow path 205 is a conduit for liquid-tightly and airtightly circulating a coolant for cooling the internal space, including the rotor accommodating space 126, of the main housing 124 and the control device accommodating space 131, and is formed to extend in both the longitudinal and circumferential directions of the cylindrical portion. The coolant flow path 205 is formed so as to cover the rotor accommodating space 126 from the outside. In other words, the coolant flow path 205 is formed approximately evenly throughout the cylindrical portion. The coolant flow path 205 also penetrates the body 125 in the axial direction and is closed by the wall surfaces of the output-side cover 127 and the rear-side cover 128.

[0083] The blower 140 is disposed opposite the main housing 124 and the second housing 130 so as to face the coolant flow path 205. In this case, the blower 140 is disposed in an orientation such that the radiator 200 is located on the windward side and the electric motor 121 and the control device 132 are located on the downwind side. The blower 140 is attached to both the main housing 124 and the second housing 130 while straddling the rotor accommodating space 126 and the control device accommodating space 131. Note that, for ease of understanding, FIG. 7 does not illustrate components of the electric motor 121, such as the stator 122 and the rotor 123 housed in the rotor accommodating space 126, and the control device 132 and the power supply unit 133 housed in the control device accommodating space 131. For ease of understanding, FIG. 7 shows cross-sectional views of the main housing 124 and the second housing 130, but does not illustrate the blower 140.

[0084] In the electric motor unit 120 according to the second embodiment configured as described above, the control device 132 starts up itself and simultaneously starts operating the blower 140 and the liquid feed pump 202 to start cooling the electric motor 121 and the control device 132. As a result, the liquid feed pump 202 circulates the coolant between the main housing 124 and the radiator 200. As a result, the liquid feed pump 202 can cool the rotor accommodating space 126 and the control device accommodating space 131, respectively.

[0085] Meanwhile, blower 140 starts blowing air to electric motor 121 and control device 132. In this case, blower 140 blows the air that has passed through radiator 200 as cooling airflows W1 and W2 to electric motor 121 and control device 132 (including power supply unit 133) via main housing 124 and second housing 130, respectively. As a result, blower 140 is disposed opposite coolant flow path 205 in main housing 124, and therefore can cool the coolant in coolant flow path 205. Furthermore, blower 140 cools rotor accommodating space 126 and control device accommodating space 131, respectively, as in the first embodiment.

[0086] Furthermore, when blower 140 is in operation, connector 204 restricts the cooling air output from blower 140 from flowing out toward the axial direction of rotor 123, thereby suppressing a decrease in the flow rate in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (specifically, toward coolant tank 203 and control device 132). In other words, connector 204 also functions as a cooling air restricting section according to the present invention.

[0087] Note that various modifications are possible in the second embodiment as well. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the blower 140 is disposed at a position facing the coolant flow path 205. However, the blower 140 may also be disposed at a position not facing the coolant flow path 205.

[0088] In the second embodiment, the radiator 200 is disposed on the upwind side of the blower 140. However, the radiator 200 can also be disposed on the downwind side of the blower 140. That is, the blower 140 can generate cooling air by drawing air from the electric motor 121 and control device 132 side, and can also blow this cooling air to the radiator 200.

[0089] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the connector 204 also functions as a cooling air restriction section according to the present invention by restricting the cooling air output from the blower 140 from flowing out in the axial direction of the rotor 123. However, the connector 204 is a component that supports the radiator 200 and the blower 140, and does not necessarily also have the function of a cooling air restriction section. In other words, it goes without saying that the cooling air restriction section can be omitted in any configuration, including the first embodiment.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the electric motor unit 120 is mounted on a small motorcycle (so-called scooter) that is driven by the rider U seated on the seat 110 with both feet together. However, the electric motor unit 120 can be mounted on a wide variety of self-propelled electric vehicles, such as two-wheeled or three-wheeled motorcycles, as well as four-wheeled carts. In this case, for example, the electric motor unit 120 can be mounted on a saddle-ride type two-wheeled, three-wheeled, or four-wheeled vehicle in which the rider sits astride the seat 110. The electric motor unit 120 can also be mounted on a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle in addition to a rear-wheel drive vehicle. The electric motor unit 120 can also be mounted on a self-propelled electric vehicle that steers the front wheels 103, as well as a self-propelled electric vehicle that steers the rear wheels 108. In the self-propelled electric vehicle 100, the secondary battery 115 can be disposed in a location other than below the step floor 114, for example, below the seat 110 or inside the cowl. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] U...Driver, W1, W2...Cooling air, 100...self-propelled electric vehicle, 101...frame, 102...head pipe, 103...front wheel, 104...front fork, 105...handle, 105a...accelerator grip, 106...main frame, 106a...pivot, 107...swing arm, 108...rear wheel, 109...seat rail, 110...seat, 111...storage space, 112...luggage bed, 113...tail lamp, 114...step floor, 115...secondary battery, 116...unit cover, 117...vent, 118a...reduction gear, 118b...chain, 120...electric motor unit, 121...electric motor, 122...stator, 123...rotor, 123a...output gear, 124...main housing, 125...body, 125a...accommodation space forming portion, 125b...first side portion, 125c...second side portion, 126...rotor accommodating space, 127...output side lid body, 128...rear side lid body, 129...rear side cover, 130... second housing, 131... control device accommodating space, 132... control device, 132a... interface terminal, 133... power supply unit, 133a... power supply connection unit, 140...blower, 141...propeller fan, 142...casing, 142a...mounting portion, 142b...notch portion, 200...radiator, 201a, 201b, 201c...pipe lines, 202...liquid feed pump, 202a...pipe lines, 202b...connector, 203...coolant tank, 204...connector, 205...coolant flow path.

Claims

1. An electric motor having a main housing that forms a rotor accommodating space for accommodating a rotor for driving drive wheels of a two-wheeled or three-wheeled self-propelled vehicle; a second housing defining a control device accommodating space outside the rotor accommodating space for accommodating a control device that controls operation of the electric motor; a blower disposed across the rotor accommodating space and the control device accommodating space via the main housing and the second housing, for generating cooling air by circulating air outside the rotor accommodating space and the control device accommodating space, The rotor accommodating space is It is formed below the control device accommodating space, The main housing and the second housing are At least a part of the outer surface facing the blower has a curved surface that curves in a direction away from the flow direction of the cooling air as the outer surface becomes farther away from the blower, The electric motor is an axial direction of the rotor extends in a width direction of the self-propelled vehicle; The blower is the windward side or the leeward side of the main housing and the second housing, and ... are directly attached to at least one of the main housing and the second housing via an attachment portion; The mounting portion is An electric motor unit is provided on each side of the blower in the width direction of the self-propelled vehicle.

2. 2. The electric motor unit according to claim 1, The electric motor unit is characterized in that the main housing and the second housing are made of the same material.

3. 2. The electric motor unit according to claim 1, The electric motor unit is characterized in that the main housing and the second housing are made of different materials.

4. 4. The electric motor unit according to claim 1, wherein: The blower is An electric motor unit, characterized in that the main housing and the second housing are disposed opposite each other and extend along the axial direction of the rotor.

5. 5. The electric motor unit according to claim 1, wherein: The control device An electric motor unit that controls the operation of the blower.

6. 6. The electric motor unit according to claim 1, At least one of the main housing and the second housing is A coolant flow path is provided through which the coolant flows. The blower is An electric motor unit disposed facing the coolant flow path.

7. The electric motor unit according to claim 6, further comprising: a radiator for cooling the cooling liquid; The radiator is The electric motor unit is arranged on the upwind side or the downwind side of the blower.

8. The electric motor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a cooling air regulating portion for regulating the flow of the cooling air between the main housing and the second housing and between the blower and the fan;

9. 9. The electric motor unit according to claim 1, The blower is An electric motor unit that produces an operating sound louder than the operating sound of the electric motor.

10. A seat on which the driver sits, a handle provided opposite the seat for steering at least one of front wheels and rear wheels; 10. A self-propelled electric vehicle comprising: an electric motor unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for driving at least one of the front wheels and the rear wheels.

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