Rotating device

Abstract

To provide a rotor device which is downsized.SOLUTION: A rotor device 100 includes: a first gear unit 10; a motor unit 30 arranged next to the first gear unit in the direction of the axis of rotation, the motor unit rotating with the first gear unit; and a second gear unit 20 arranged next to the first gear unit in a direction which is not the direction of the axis of rotation, the second gear unit rotating with the first gear unit. The rotor device 100 has a driving circuit including a capacitor unit 50 as a circuit for driving and rotating the motor unit. The capacitor unit is arranged next to the second gear unit and the motor unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a rotating body device.

Background Art

[0002] As an example of a rotating body device, there is a motor unit disclosed in Patent Document 1. The motor unit has a motor and an inverter unit installed on the upper surface of the motor. The inverter unit includes a control board, a power unit including an inverter circuit, and a drive circuit such as a capacitor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, although not in the prior art, a configuration including a plurality of rotating bodies is conceivable for a rotating body device in addition to a drive circuit and a motor. In such a rotating body device, there is a risk of an increase in size depending on the arrangement of the capacitors. From the above viewpoint, or from other viewpoints not mentioned, further improvement of the rotating body device is required.

[0005] One object of the disclosure is to provide a rotating body device with a reduced size.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The rotating body device disclosed herein is a first rotating body part (10), a second rotating body part (30) arranged side by side in the rotational axis direction of the first rotating body part and rotating together with the first rotating body part, A third rotating body (20) is positioned alongside the first rotating body in a direction different from the axis of rotation, and rotates together with the first rotating body. A circuit for rotating at least one of the first rotating body section, the second rotating body section, and the third rotating body section, comprising a drive circuit (40, 50) including a capacitor, The capacitor is positioned adjacent to the second and third rotating body sections. 、 The drive circuit has a power module in addition to a capacitor. The first rotating body, second rotating body, third rotating body, and power module are heat-generating components that generate heat through rotational drive. A thermal shielding layer is placed in the region where the capacitor and the heat-generating component are facing each other. The thermal shielding layer is positioned opposite two or more surfaces in the capacitor that are opposite the heat-generating components, and includes a refrigerant channel through which the refrigerant flows. It is characterized by the following:

[0007] Thus, in the rotating body device, the capacitors are positioned adjacent to the second and third rotating body sections. Therefore, the rotating body device can effectively utilize the dead space adjacent to the second and third rotating body sections. Consequently, the rotating body device can be made more compact.

[0008] The various embodiments disclosed in this specification employ different technical means to achieve their respective purposes. The claims and the reference numerals in parentheses in this section are illustrative in their correspondence with the embodiments described later and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The purposes, features, and effects disclosed in this specification will become clearer by referring to the subsequent detailed description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of a rotating body device. [Figure 2] This is a side view from the direction of arrow II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the rotating device with the upper cover removed. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5]This is a drawing showing the schematic configuration inside the housing as viewed from the direction of arrow II in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the rotating body device of Modification 1. [Figure 8] This is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the rotating body device of Modification 2 with the upper cover removed. [[ID=I0]] [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the rotating body device of Modification 3. [Figure 10] This is a drawing showing the schematic configuration inside the housing in the rotating body device of Modification 4.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments for implementing the present disclosure will be described while referring to the drawings. In each embodiment, parts corresponding to those described in the preceding embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and redundant descriptions may be omitted. In each embodiment, when only a part of the configuration is described, other parts of the configuration can be referred to and applied to other embodiments described previously.

[0011] In the following, three mutually orthogonal directions are denoted as the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. Also, the plane defined by the X direction and the Y direction is denoted as the XY plane, the plane defined by the X direction and the Z direction is denoted as the XZ plane, and the plane defined by the Y direction and the Z direction is denoted as the YZ plane. Hereinafter, the Z direction is also referred to as the height direction.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, etc., the rotating body device 100 includes a circuit board 1, a first gear portion 10, a second gear portion 20, a motor portion 30, a drive circuit (power module portion 40, capacitor portion 50), a housing 60, etc. The rotating body device 100 is configured to be mounted on a vehicle. The rotating body device 100 is a drive source of the vehicle. The rotating body device 100 rotates the wheels via a drive shaft 70 by driving and controlling the motor portion 30.

[0013] The rotating body device 100 is mounted, for example, under the floor of the front seat foot area of the vehicle or under the luggage compartment of the vehicle. Also, the rotating body device 100 may be mounted under the braking mechanism of the vehicle. The rotating body device 100 can be made lower in height as will be described later. Therefore, the rotating body device 100 is easy to mount on vehicle types where miniaturization is an issue.

[0014] <Rotating mechanism> The rotating body device 100 includes a first gear part 10, a second gear part 20, and a motor part 30 as a rotating mechanism. The first gear part 10 and the second gear part 20 rotate as the motor part 30 rotates. Note that the first gear part 10, the second gear part 20, and the motor part 30 are also collectively referred to as the rotating mechanism 10 - 30.

[0015] The motor part 30 includes a rotor, a stator (coil), etc. The rotor is fixed to the motor shaft 31. The motor shaft 31 is the rotation axis of the motor part 30. The stator is electrically connected to a power module part 40 etc. via a bus bar etc. The motor part 30 is rotationally driven by the power module part 40. The motor part 30 is a heat - generating component that generates heat due to its rotational driving. Note that the rotation of the motor part 30 refers to the rotation of the rotor and the motor shaft 31. It can be said that the motor part 30 includes the rotor and the motor shaft 31 which are a motor mechanism as the rotating part. The motor shaft 31 is a straight line along the X direction.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, etc., the motor part 30 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The motor part 30 is arranged side - by - side in the rotation axis direction of the first gear part 10. In other words, the first gear part 10 is arranged in the axial direction of the motor shaft 31. The symbol CL1 in FIG. 3 is the center line passing through the center of the motor part 30. The center line CL1 coincides with the motor shaft 31. Also, the center line CL1 passes through the center of the first gear part 10. Note that the motor part 30 can adopt, for example, a brushless three - phase motor etc. The motor part 30 corresponds to the second rotating body part.

[0017] The first gear section 10 includes a herringbone gear and a planetary gear. The first gear section 10 is connected to the motor shaft 31. Therefore, it can be said that the first gear section 10 rotates together with the motor section 30. Also, the direction of rotation of the first gear section 10 coincides with the direction of rotation of the motor shaft 31. The first gear section 10 is a heat-generating component that generates heat through rotational drive. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the first gear section 10 has a nearly cylindrical shape. The rotation of the first gear section 10 refers to the rotation of the herringbone gear and planetary gear. The first gear section 10 can also be said to include a herringbone gear as a rotating part connected to the rotation axis of the motor section 30. The herringbone gear of the first gear section 10 corresponds to the first gear. The first gear section 10 corresponds to the first rotating body section.

[0018] The second gear section 20 includes a helical gear and a differential gear. The second gear section 20 is fixed to the drive shaft 70. Therefore, the drive shaft 70 rotates together with the second gear section 20. The drive shaft 70 is aligned with the axis of rotation of the second gear section 20. The second gear section 20 is a heat-generating component that generates heat through rotational drive.

[0019] Furthermore, the symbol CL2 in Figure 3 represents the center line passing through the center of the second gear section 20. The center line CL2 coincides with the drive shaft 70. It can also be said that the second gear section 20 contains lubricating oil 71 and the drive shaft 70, which are located in the shaft hole 65 of the housing 60. The lubricating oil 71 is provided to prevent wear on the drive shaft 70 and the base 61.

[0020] The rotation axis of the second gear section 20 is a straight line along the X direction. Therefore, the center line CL1 and the center line CL2 are in a parallel positional relationship. In other words, the rotation axis of the second gear section 20 and the rotation axis of the motor section 30 are arranged in parallel. However, the positions of the center line CL1 and the center line CL2 may be offset in the Z direction. Thus, the rotating body device 100 has a configuration with two rotation axes.

[0021] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the second gear section 20 is arranged alongside the first gear section 10 in a direction different from the rotation axis direction of the first gear section 10. In this embodiment, an example is taken in which the first gear section 10 and the second gear section 20 are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the first gear section 10. The first gear section 10 and the second gear section 20 are arranged side by side in the Y direction. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. The direction in which the first gear section 10 and the second gear section 20 are arranged side by side is also simply referred to as the alignment direction.

[0022] Furthermore, the second gear section 20 is positioned to mesh with the first gear section 10. In other words, the teeth of the second gear section 20 and the first gear section 10 mesh with each other. Therefore, the second gear section 20 rotates together with the first gear section 10. The second gear section 20 has a nearly cylindrical shape. The rotation of the second gear section 20 is the rotation of the teeth gear, differential gear, and drive shaft 70. The second gear section 20 includes teeth gears that are positioned adjacent to and mesh with the teeth gears of the first gear section 10, and the teeth gears of the second gear section 20 correspond to the second gear. The second gear section 20 corresponds to the third rotating body section.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the first gear section 10 and the second gear section 20 have approximately the same length in the X direction. Furthermore, the first gear section 10 and the second gear section 20 are arranged side-by-side in the Y direction. Therefore, the area adjacent to the second gear section 20 and the motor section 30 becomes dead space. For example, the area indicated by DS1 in Figure 5 is part of this dead space. The area adjacent to the second gear section 20 and the motor section 30 is the area adjacent to the second gear section 20 in the X direction, and also the area adjacent to the motor section 30 in the direction of alignment. Here, the second gear section 20 includes the toothed gear and differential gear, excluding the drive shaft 70.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the diameters of the respective rotating mechanisms 10 to 30 are different. The relationship among the diameter D1 of the first gear portion 10, the diameter D2 of the second gear portion 20, and the diameter D3 of the motor portion 30 is D1 < D2 < D3. That is, it can be said that the motor portion 30 has a larger physical size in the diameter direction than the first gear portion 10 and the second gear portion 20. Here, D1 is the diameter of the portion having the maximum diameter of the first gear portion 10. D2 is the diameter of the portion having the maximum diameter of the second gear portion 20. D3 is the diameter of the portion having the maximum diameter of the motor portion 30. The diameters of the respective rotating mechanisms 10 to 30 can also be regarded as the diameters of the portions of the housing 60 that accommodate the respective rotating mechanisms 10 to 30.

[0025] Thus, in the present embodiment, as an example, the rotating mechanisms 10 to 30 having different diameters are employed. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. That is, the rotating mechanisms 10 to 30 may have the same diameter.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5, the apex positions of the second gear portion 20 and the motor portion 30 are different in the height direction. For this reason, the virtual plane T2 passing through the apex of the second gear portion 20 and the virtual plane T1 passing through the apex of the motor portion 30 are different in position in the height direction. The virtual plane T1 and the virtual plane T2 are planes along the XY plane. The virtual plane T1 can also be said to be a virtual plane parallel to the virtual plane T2. The space between the virtual plane T1 and the virtual plane T2 becomes a dead space DS2 in the height direction.

[0027] <Drive Circuit> The drive circuit is a circuit that rotationally drives the motor portion 30, which is one of the rotating mechanisms. The drive circuit includes a power module portion 40 and a capacitor portion 50. Hereinafter, the power module portion 40 and the capacitor portion 50 are also collectively referred to as the drive circuits 40 to 50. The drive circuit may include a circuit board 1.

[0028] The power module section 40 includes a semiconductor device 41 containing multiple semiconductor switching elements. The semiconductor device 41 constitutes a three-phase inverter with multiple semiconductor switching elements. The semiconductor switching elements can be MOSFETs, IGBTs, etc. As shown in Figure 4, the semiconductor device 41 is electrically connected to the circuit board 1 via terminals 44. The semiconductor switching elements of the semiconductor device 41 are controlled on and off by control signals from the circuit board 1. The power module section 40 is a heat-generating component that generates heat through rotational drive. In other words, the semiconductor device 41 generates heat when the semiconductor switching elements are turned on and off during rotational drive. The power module section 40 is mounted on a heat sink 42 with heat dissipation fins 43 to cool the semiconductor device 41. The power module section 40 corresponds to a power module.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, at least a portion of the power module 40 is positioned opposite the second gear 20 in the Z direction. Also, as shown in Figure 5, the power module 40 is positioned between virtual planes T1 and T2. However, the power module 40 does not have to be positioned between virtual planes T1 and T2.

[0030] The capacitor section 50 is a smoothing capacitor connected to the input side of the three-phase inverter. As shown in Figure 4, the capacitor section 50 includes a capacitor element 51, a capacitor case 52, a fixing member 53, and the like. The capacitor element 51 has its positive terminal connected to the P busbar 81a and its negative terminal connected to the N busbar 81b. The capacitor element 51 is housed in the capacitor case 52. The capacitor case 52 can be, for example, one in which the capacitor element 51 is resin-sealed with a portion of the P busbar 81a and N busbar 81b exposed. The capacitor case 52 is fixed to the housing 60 by the fixing member 53. The capacitor section 50 corresponds to a capacitor.

[0031] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, at least a portion of the capacitor section 50 is positioned opposite the drive shaft 70 in the Z direction. Also, at least a portion of the capacitor section 50 is positioned opposite the motor section 30 along the Y direction and opposite the second gear section 20 in the X direction. In other words, the capacitor section 50 is positioned adjacent to the second gear section 20 and the motor section 30. It can also be said that at least a portion of the capacitor section 50 is positioned within the region opposite the motor section 30 and within the region opposite the second gear section 20. Furthermore, it is preferable that the capacitor section 50 is positioned within the region opposite the second gear section 20 in the X direction and within the diameter range along the Y direction and the diameter range along the Z direction of the second gear section 20.

[0032] <Enclosure> As shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 6, the housing 60 comprises a base 61, an upper cover 62, a side cover 63, and the like. The housing 60 houses the rotating mechanisms 10-30 and the drive circuits 40-50. The base 61 is mainly composed of a metal such as aluminum. The base 61 has a housing space for accommodating the rotating mechanisms 10-30 and the drive circuits 40-50. The base 61 also has a housing space that opens in two directions, the X direction and the Z direction. The upper cover 62 is a member that closes one of the openings when attached to the base 61. The side cover 63 is a member that closes the other opening when attached to the base 61. The housing 60 corresponds to a case.

[0033] In this embodiment, as an example, a housing 60 comprising a base 61, an upper cover 62, and a side cover 63 is used. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. The housing 60 can also be a housing composed of two components, such as a base 61 and an upper cover 62.

[0034] As shown in Figure 4, the base 61 is provided with a mounting section 64 on which the power module 40 is mounted. The power module 40 is mounted on the mounting section 64 via a heat sink 42. The mounting section 64 is provided with a module cooling passage 92b, which is part of the refrigerant flow path. The module cooling passage 92b is a recessed area compared to the surrounding area. The power module 40 is mounted on the mounting section 64 with the fins 43 of the heat sink 42 positioned in the module cooling passage 92b. The refrigerant flow path will be explained in detail later.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the base 61 is provided with a shaft hole 65 in which the drive shaft 70 is positioned. Lubricating oil 71 is also placed between the drive shaft 70 and the shaft hole 65. The lubricating oil 71 is provided to reduce the frictional force and frictional heat generated between the drive shaft 70 and the base 61 when the drive shaft 70 rotates. The lubricating oil 71 is also provided to prevent wear on the drive shaft 70 and the base 61. The shaft hole 65 corresponds to the shaft hole.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, the base 61 is provided with a rotating body housing section 66 for housing the rotating mechanisms 10 to 30. The rotating body housing section 66 is a curved hole that conforms to the outer shape of each rotating mechanism 10 to 30. Lubricating oil may be placed in the area of ​​the rotating body housing section 66 that houses the first gear section 10 and the second gear section 20.

[0037] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the base 61 (housing 60) is provided with a refrigerant flow path through which a refrigerant such as cooling water flows. The refrigerant flow path is provided to cool the motor section 30, the power module section 40, the condenser section 50, etc. The base 61 is also provided with two refrigerant inlets 91 for the inflow and outflow of the refrigerant to and from the refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant is supplied from one refrigerant inlet 91, passes through the refrigerant flow path, and is discharged from the other refrigerant inlet 91. In this embodiment, only one refrigerant inlet 91 is shown. The refrigerant inlet 91 can be considered as part of the refrigerant flow path.

[0038] The refrigerant flow path includes an inlet 92a, a module cooling path 92b, an outlet 92c, a recess 92d, a connecting path 93, an opposing cooling path 94, and a motor cooling path 95. The inlet 92a, module cooling path 92b, outlet 92c, recess 92d, connecting path 93, opposing cooling path 94, and motor cooling path 95 are connected so that the refrigerant flows continuously.

[0039] The module cooling passage 92b is located in the region opposite the power module section 40. The module cooling passage 92b is provided to cool the power module section 40. The module cooling passage 92b is a larger space than the connecting passage 93, which will be described later, in order to cool the entire area of ​​the power module section 40. Therefore, the module cooling passage 92b can also be called a cooling chamber through which the refrigerant flows.

[0040] The module cooling passage 92b is provided with an inlet 92a and an outlet 92c. The inlet 92a is the inlet for the refrigerant to the module cooling passage 92b. The outlet 92c is the outlet for the refrigerant to the module cooling passage 92b. The outlet 92c opens in the direction of the rotation axis and communicates with the connecting passage 93. This allows the rotating body device 100 to be made smaller in the Y direction. However, the direction of the outlet 92c is not limited to this.

[0041] The inlet 92a opens in a direction different from that of the second gear section 20 and is located between the virtual plane T1 and the second gear section 20. In other words, the inlet 92a is positioned to overlap the second gear section 20 in the height direction, within the limits not exceeding the virtual plane T1. This allows the rotating body device 100 to be made smaller in the height direction. It can also be said that the rotating body device 100 can be made lower in profile. As shown in Figure 3, the refrigerant flow path has a bent shape in the XY plane, from the inlet 92a to the connecting passage 93. The refrigerant flow path may also have an L-shape in the XY plane, from the inlet 92a to the connecting passage 93.

[0042] However, the inlet 92a and outlet 92c are not limited to these. The inlet 92a and outlet 92c may open in the direction of the rotation axis. That is, the inlet 92a may open in the same direction as the outlet 92c. In this case, the refrigerant flow path communicating with the inlet 92a can be arranged parallel to the refrigerant flow path communicating with the outlet 92c.

[0043] As a result, the rotating body device 100 can be made smaller in the Y direction than a configuration in which the inlet 92a and outlet 92c open in different directions. Furthermore, by providing a rotating body housing section 66 for housing the cylindrical rotating mechanisms 10 to 30, the rotating body device 100 can utilize the dead space formed in the base 61 as a refrigerant flow path. Note that the dead space here is a part of the base 61. The dead space is also the area where the housing sections for the first gear section 10 and motor section 30 and the housing section for the second gear section 20 face each other. Therefore, it can be said that the rotating body device 100 can be made smaller in the Y direction while maintaining dimensions other than the refrigerant flow path. Note that the dead space here can also be called the dead space between the rotating bodies. The housing sections for the first gear section 10 and motor section 30 are a part of the rotating body housing section 66. Similarly, the housing section for the second gear section 20 is a part of the rotating body housing section 66.

[0044] Note that the inlet 92a and outlet 92c may be in the opposite position. In other words, the refrigerant may flow into the module cooling passage 92b from the outlet 92c and out from the inlet 92a.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the module cooling passage 92b is provided between the second gear section 20 and the power module section 40. The module cooling passage 92b has a recess 92d that is lower than the surrounding area. The recess 92d is provided closer to the inlet 92a than to the outlet 92c. The recess 92d is provided to temporarily hold the refrigerant that flows into the module cooling passage 92b. This makes it easier for the refrigerant to flow evenly within the module cooling passage 92b. In other words, the refrigerant does not flow linearly from the inlet 92a to the outlet 92c, but rather flows into the recess 92d and spreads in the X direction before flowing towards the outlet 92c. As a result, the entire surface of the power module section 40 facing the module cooling passage 92b can be cooled.

[0046] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the outlet 92c is in communication with the connecting passage 93. The connecting passage 93 is the section that connects the module cooling passage 92b and the opposing cooling passage 94. The connecting passage 93 is located in the base 61, between the module cooling passage 92b and the condenser section 50. The outlet 92c and the opposing cooling passage 94 are offset in the X, Y, and Z directions. For this reason, the connecting passage 93 is installed at an inclination with respect to the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0047] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, at least a portion of the connecting passage 93 is located in the region enclosed by the virtual plane T2, the second gear section 20, and the motor section 30. In other words, a portion of the connecting passage 93 is located in the triangular cross-sectional region enclosed by the second gear section 20, the motor section 30, and the virtual plane T2 in Figure 5. That is, a portion of the connecting passage 93 is located in the dead space between the rotating parts. As a result, the rotating body device 100 can effectively utilize the dead space between the rotating parts. Furthermore, the rotating body device 100 can achieve a low profile while maintaining the cooling capacity provided by the connecting passage 93.

[0048] Furthermore, the rotating body device 100 makes it easier to secure the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting passage 93 (the area of ​​the space through which the refrigerant flows). Therefore, the rotating body device 100 can reduce pressure loss in the connecting passage 93. Consequently, the rotating body device 100 can suppress a decrease in the flow rate and velocity of the refrigerant between the outlet 92c and the opposing cooling passage 94. However, the connecting passage 93 is not limited to the above configuration.

[0049] The refrigerant flows through the module cooling passage 92b and exits through the outlet 92c, then flows through the connecting passage 93 to the opposing cooling passage 94. The opposing cooling passage 94 is mainly provided to cool the condenser section 50. The opposing cooling passage 94 is provided opposite the condenser section 50 in the Z direction. The opposing cooling passage 94 is provided opposite the condenser section 50 via a part of the base 61. It is sufficient that at least a part of the opposing cooling passage 94 is provided opposite the condenser section 50. In other words, the opposing cooling passage 94 may be provided so as to face the entire bottom surface of the condenser section 50 along the XY plane.

[0050] Furthermore, the condenser section 50 is positioned opposite the drive shaft 70 with the opposing cooling passage 94 in between. In other words, the opposing cooling passage 94 is positioned between the condenser section 50 and the drive shaft 70. Lubricating oil 71 is provided between the drive shaft 70 and the shaft hole 65. The lubricating oil 71 generates heat as the drive shaft 70 rotates. Therefore, the lubricating oil 71 can be considered a heat-generating component. However, because the rotating body device 100 has the opposing cooling passage 94, the transfer of heat from the lubricating oil 71 to the condenser section 50 can be suppressed.

[0051] The refrigerant flows from the opposing cooling passage 94 to the motor cooling passage 95. The motor cooling passage 95 is provided in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis of the motor unit 30. The motor cooling passage 95 is provided facing almost the entire circumference of the motor unit 30 via a part of the base 61.

[0052] Incidentally, the condenser section 50 is mainly cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the opposing cooling passage 94. However, the condenser section 50 is also positioned opposite the module cooling passage 92b, the connecting passage 93, and the motor cooling passage 95. Therefore, in addition to the refrigerant flowing through the opposing cooling passage 94, the condenser section 50 is cooled by the refrigerant flowing through the module cooling passage 92b, the connecting passage 93, and the motor cooling passage 95. Thus, it can be said that the condenser section 50 has three cooling surfaces. Note that this disclosure can also be adopted for a condenser section 50 having two cooling surfaces. Naturally, the condenser section 50 can improve cooling efficiency with a configuration having three cooling surfaces compared to a configuration having two cooling surfaces.

[0053] The three cooling surfaces are the wall surface along the YZ plane, the wall surface along the ZY plane, and the wall surface along the XZ plane in the capacitor section 50. The wall surface along the XY plane is the surface facing the opposing cooling passage 94. The wall surface along the YZ plane is the surface facing the module cooling passage 92b and the connecting passage 93. The XZ plane is the surface facing the motor cooling passage 95.

[0054] Furthermore, the rotating body device 100 is provided with a module cooling passage 92b, a connecting passage 93, an opposing cooling passage 94, and a motor cooling passage 95 as a thermal shielding layer in the region facing the capacitor section 50 and the heat-generating components. In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, the thermal shielding layer is arranged facing two or more surfaces of the capacitor section 50 that face the heat-generating components.

[0055] The thermal shielding layer is a component that suppresses heat transfer from heat-generating components to the capacitor section 50. In this embodiment, a refrigerant flow path is used as an example of the thermal shielding layer. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. The thermal shielding layer can also be made of rubber (polymer material) or plate material with low thermal conductivity.

[0056] Furthermore, the capacitor section 50 may be mounted on the base 61 via a rubber thermal shielding layer. In this case, the capacitor section 50 is supported by the thermal shielding layer. The capacitor section 50 can benefit from the cushioning effect of the thermal shielding layer. Therefore, the rotating body device 100 can improve the seismic resistance of the capacitor section 50 compared to a configuration without a thermal shielding layer. The module cooling passage 92b, connecting passage 93, opposing cooling passage 94, and motor cooling passage 95 can cool the surrounding space because refrigerant flows through them. In other words, the rotating body device 100 has a cooling space formed around the module cooling passage 92b, connecting passage 93, opposing cooling passage 94, and motor cooling passage 95. The condenser section 50 is located in this cooling space. Therefore, the rotating body device 100 can efficiently cool the condenser section 50.

[0057] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the rotating body device 100 is equipped with a PN connector 81 and a communication connector 82. The PN connector 81 and the communication connector 82 are provided on the housing 60. The PN connector 81 is the part where the ends of the P busbar 81a and N busbar 81b are located. A power source such as a battery is connected to the PN connector 81. When a power source is connected to the PN connector 81, the power is connected to the P busbar 81a and N busbar 81b.

[0058] The PN connector 81 is located in a different position from the refrigerant flow path in the housing 60. More specifically, the PN connector 81 is located in a different position from the refrigerant port 91 in the housing 60. Furthermore, the tips of the P busbar 81a and N busbar 81b are positioned on the PN connector 81 in the direction of the six faces of the condenser section 50 where the refrigerant water passages are not facing each other. This allows the rotating body device 100 to suppress electrical leakage even if refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant flow path such as the refrigerant port 91. The PN connector 81 corresponds to the external connection terminal of the drive circuit.

[0059] The communication connector 82 is a communication interface between the circuit board 1 and an electronic control device or the like located outside the rotating body device 100. However, the rotating body device 100 does not necessarily need to be provided with the communication connector 82.

[0060] <Effects> As described above, the capacitor section 50 is positioned adjacent to the second gear section 20 and the motor section 30. Therefore, the rotating body device 100 can effectively utilize the dead space DS1. Thus, the rotating body device 100 can be made smaller in size.

[0061] The rotating body device 100 is desired to be smaller in size. Therefore, the rotating body device 100 needs to have the rotation mechanisms 10-30 and the drive circuits 40-50 closer together. In this case, the rotating body device 100 is also closer to the condenser section 50 and the heat-generating components. As a result, the condenser section 50 is more susceptible to heat transfer from the heat-generating components. In other words, the condenser section 50 is prone to heat damage. The output of the condenser section 50 is limited by heat damage. However, by providing a refrigerant flow path in the dead space between the rotating parts of the base 61, the rotating body device 100 can suppress heat damage to the condenser section 50 while preventing an increase in size.

[0062] Furthermore, the power module 40 of the rotating body device 100 is positioned in the dead space DS2 between virtual plane T1 and virtual plane T2. This allows the rotating body device 100 to effectively utilize the dead space DS2. As a result, the rotating body device 100 can be made smaller in height. It can also be said that the rotating body device 100 can be made lower in profile.

[0063] The rotating body device 100 is provided with a module cooling passage 92b between the second gear section 20 and the power module section 40. Therefore, the rotating body device 100 can suppress heat transfer between the second gear section 20 and the power module section 40.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first rotating body is a first gear unit 10 and the second rotating body is a motor unit 30. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. This disclosure can also be adopted in a configuration where the first rotating body is a gear and the second rotating body is a gear. This disclosure can also be adopted in a configuration where the first rotating body is a motor and the second rotating body is a gear. Furthermore, this disclosure can also be adopted in a configuration where the first rotating body is a motor and the second rotating body is a motor. In this case, the drive circuit may rotate both motors.

[0065] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Below, modifications 1 to 14 are described as other forms of the present disclosure. The above embodiments and modifications 1 to 4 can be implemented individually, but they can also be implemented in various combinations as appropriate. The present disclosure can be implemented in various combinations, not limited to the combinations shown in the embodiments.

[0066] (Variation 1) As shown in Figure 7, the rotating body device 100 has a heat dissipation member 96 positioned between the condenser section 50 and the opposing cooling passage 94. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Figure 4. The heat dissipation member 96 can be in the form of a sheet or a gel. The heat dissipation member 96 is provided in at least a portion of the opposing region between the condenser section 50 and the opposing cooling passage 94. In this embodiment, as an example, the heat dissipation member 96 is positioned in a recess of the base 61. However, this disclosure is not limited to this. The heat dissipation member 96 may also be provided on a flat surface of the base 61 that is not recessed.

[0067] By providing the heat dissipation member 96, the rotating body device 100 can reduce the thermal resistance between the condenser section 50 and the opposing cooling passage 94. Therefore, the rotating body device 100 can improve the cooling effect compared to a configuration without the heat dissipation member 96. The configuration of Modification 1 can be implemented in combination with the above embodiment.

[0068] (Modified Example 2) As shown in FIG. 8, in the rotating body device 100, the size relationship between the first gear portion 10 and the second gear portion 20 may be reversed. That is, the relationship among the diameter D1 of the first gear portion 10, the diameter D2 of the second gear portion 20, and the diameter D3 of the motor portion 30 may be D2 < D1 < D3. FIG. 8 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 3.

[0069] (Modified Example 3) As shown in FIG. 9, in the rotating body device 100, the outlet 92c communicates with an extension path 97 extending in the Y direction instead of the connection path 93. At least a part of the extension path 97 is provided in the dead space between the rotating bodies. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 6.

[0070] (Modified Example 4) As shown in FIG. 10, in the rotating body device 100, the diameter of the second gear portion 20 may stepwise decrease. In this modified example 4, the second gear portion 20 having different diameters in three steps is adopted. Note that the second gear portion 20 can also be adopted with a configuration having different diameters in two steps or four steps.

[0071] The virtual plane T2 is a virtual plane passing through the vertex of the portion of the second gear portion 20 having the largest diameter. The reference sign T21 indicates the vertex of the portion having the second largest diameter. The reference sign T22 indicates the vertex of the portion having the smallest diameter. For the second gear portion 20, for example, the portion having the largest diameter is a spur gear, and at least one of the portion having the second largest diameter and the portion having the largest diameter is a differential gear.

[0072] The diameter D2 of the second gear portion 20 is the diameter of the portion of the second gear portion 20 having the largest diameter. Even in the configuration of this modified example, the relationship D1 > D2 is satisfied. However, for the second gear portion 20, the diameters of the portion at the vertex T21 and the portion at the vertex T22 are smaller than the diameter D1 of the first gear portion 10.

[0073] The power module 40 is mounted between the vertex T21 of the second gear 20 and the virtual plane T1. Therefore, in this modified example, the virtual plane passing through vertex T21 and along the XY plane can be considered as the virtual plane T2. Alternatively, the power module 40 may be mounted between the vertex T22 of the second gear 20 and the virtual plane T1. In this case, the virtual plane passing through vertex T22 and along the XY plane can be considered as the virtual plane T2.

[0074] Modification 4 can be implemented in combination with the above embodiments or Modifications 1 to 3. Modification 4 can achieve the same effects as the above embodiments. Note that in Figure 10, the heat sink 42, heat dissipation fins 43, mounting section 64, etc. are omitted in order to simplify the drawing. However, the rotating body device 100 of Modification 4 is equipped with the same heat sink 42, heat dissipation fins 43, mounting section 64, etc. as in the above embodiments.

[0075] This disclosure is described in accordance with embodiments, but it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments or structures. This disclosure also includes various modifications and variations within the scope of equivalents. In addition, while various combinations and forms are shown in this disclosure, other combinations and forms that include one, more, or fewer of those elements also fall within the scope and idea of ​​this disclosure.

[0076] (Disclosure of technical ideas) This specification discloses several technical concepts, as listed in the following paragraphs. Some paragraphs are written in a multiple dependent form, where subsequent paragraphs optionally refer to preceding paragraphs. Furthermore, some paragraphs are written in a multiple dependent form, referring to other multiple dependent forms. These paragraphs written in multiple dependent forms define several technical concepts.

[0077] (Technical thought 1) First rotating body part (10), A second rotating body (30) is arranged in the direction of the rotation axis of the first rotating body and rotates together with the first rotating body, A third rotating body (20) is arranged alongside the first rotating body in a direction different from the rotation axis direction and rotates together with the first rotating body, A circuit for rotating one of the first, second, and third rotating body parts, comprising a drive circuit (40, 50) including a capacitor, The capacitor is arranged adjacent to the second and third rotating body sections in a rotating body device.

[0078] (Technical thought 2) The drive circuit includes a power module in addition to the capacitor, The first rotating body, the second rotating body, the third rotating body, and the power module are heat-generating components that generate heat through the rotational drive. The rotating body device according to technical concept 1, wherein a thermal shielding layer is arranged in the region facing the capacitor and the heat-generating component.

[0079] (Technical Thought 3) The rotating body device according to technical concept 2, wherein the heat shielding layer is arranged opposite to two or more opposing surfaces of the capacitor that are opposite to the heat-generating component.

[0080] (Technical Thought 4) The rotating body apparatus according to technical concept 2 or 3, wherein the heat shielding layer includes a refrigerant channel through which the refrigerant flows.

[0081] (Technical Thought 5) The rotating body device according to technical concept 4, wherein a heat dissipation member is arranged between the capacitor and the refrigerant flow path.

[0082] (Technical Thought 6) The device comprises the first rotating body, the second rotating body, the third rotating body, and a case housing the drive circuit. The third rotating body has a rotating shaft that is positioned in the axial hole of the case together with lubricating oil. The rotating body device according to any one of technical ideas 2 to 5, wherein the capacitor is positioned opposite the rotating shaft with the heat shielding layer placed between them.

[0083] (Technical Thought 7) The first rotating body, the second rotating body, the third rotating body, and a case housing the drive circuit, The case is provided with an external connection terminal for the drive circuit, The refrigerant flow path is provided in a part of the case, The rotating body device according to technical concept 4 or 5, wherein the external connection terminal is provided in a position different from the refrigerant flow path in the case.

[0084] (Technical Thought 8) The second rotating body includes a motor mechanism as a rotating part. The first rotating body includes a first gear, which is a rotating part connected to the rotating shaft of the motor mechanism. The rotating body device according to any one of technical ideas 1 to 7, wherein the third rotating body portion includes a second gear as a part that is arranged adjacent to the first gear and rotates in mesh with it.

[0085] (Technical Thought 9) A rotating body device according to any one of technical concepts 1 to 8, mounted below the brake mechanism of a vehicle or below the luggage compartment of the vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1...Circuit board, 10...First gear section, 20...Second gear section, 30...Motor section, 31...Motor shaft, 40...Power module section, 41...Semiconductor device, 42...Heat sink, 43...Fin, 44...Terminal, 50...Capacitor section, 51...Capacitor element, 52...Capacitor case, 53...Fixing member, 60...Housing, 61...Base, 62...Top cover, 63...Side cover, 64...Mounting section, 65...Shaft Hole, 66... ​​Rotating body housing, 70... Drive shaft, 71... Lubricating oil, 81... PN connector, 81a... P busbar, 81b... N busbar, 82... Communication connector, 91... Refrigerant port, 92a... Inlet, 92b... Module cooling passage, 92c... Outlet, 92d... Recess, 93... Connecting passage, 94... Opposing cooling passage, 95... Motor cooling passage, 96... Heat dissipation member (heat shield), 97... Extension passage, 100... Rotating body device

Claims

1. First rotating body part (10), A second rotating body (30) is arranged in the direction of the rotation axis of the first rotating body and rotates together with the first rotating body, A third rotating body (20) is arranged alongside the first rotating body in a direction different from the rotation axis direction and rotates together with the first rotating body, The circuit is for rotating at least one of the first rotating body, the second rotating body, and the third rotating body, and includes a drive circuit (40, 50) that includes a capacitor. The capacitor is arranged adjacent to the second rotating body and the third rotating body, The drive circuit includes a power module in addition to the capacitor, The first rotating body, the second rotating body, the third rotating body, and the power module are heat-generating components that generate heat through the rotational drive. A thermal shielding layer is placed in the region facing the capacitor and the heat-generating component. A rotating body device wherein the heat shield layer is positioned opposite two or more opposing surfaces of the capacitor to the heat-generating component and includes a refrigerant channel through which the refrigerant flows.

2. The rotating body device according to claim 1, wherein a heat dissipation member is disposed between the capacitor and the refrigerant flow path.

3. The device comprises the first rotating body, the second rotating body, the third rotating body, and a case housing the drive circuit. The third rotating body has a rotating shaft that is positioned in the axial hole of the case together with lubricating oil. The rotating body device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the capacitor is positioned opposite the rotating shaft with the heat shielding layer placed between them.

4. The first rotating body, the second rotating body, the third rotating body, and a case housing the drive circuit, The case is provided with an external connection terminal for the drive circuit, The refrigerant flow path is provided in a part of the case, The rotating body device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the external connection terminal is provided in a position different from the refrigerant flow path in the case.

5. The second rotating body includes a motor mechanism as a rotating part. The first rotating body includes a first gear, which is a rotating part connected to the rotating shaft of the motor mechanism. The rotating body device according to claim 1, wherein the third rotating body portion includes a second gear as a portion that is arranged adjacent to the first gear and rotates in mesh with it.

6. The rotating body device according to claim 1, which is mounted under the floor in the footwell of the front seats of the vehicle, or under the luggage compartment of the vehicle.

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