Drive unit

Abstract

To provide a novel and useful technique that is related to assembly between a motor unit and an inverter unit in connection to a driving device for a vehicle.SOLUTION: A driving device for a vehicle comprises a motor unit that contains a motor, and an inverter unit that contains an inverter. One of the motor unit and the inverter unit is provided with a plurality of male terminals. The other one of the motor unit and the inverter unit is provided with a plurality of female terminals. Each of the plurality of male terminals has a columnar shape extending along an assembling direction of the inverter unit to the motor unit. Each of the plurality of female terminals has a hole into which a corresponding one of the plurality of female terminals is inserted along the assembling direction. At least one of the plurality of male terminals has a larger insertion distance to a female terminal than that of the other male terminals.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5B

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a drive device, and particularly to a drive device for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a connection structure for a drive device for a vehicle. This connection structure includes terminals provided in a motor unit and terminals provided in an inverter unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, at least one of the motor unit and the inverter unit is provided with a positioning structure such as a positioning pin. As a result, when the motor unit and the inverter unit are assembled with each other, the two units are positioned with respect to each other, so that the terminals of the motor unit and the terminals of the inverter unit are also positioned with respect to each other.

[0005] However, manufacturing errors may occur in the positions of the terminals in the motor unit and the positions of the terminals in the inverter unit, respectively. Therefore, when the two units are positioned with respect to each other by the positioning structure, a misalignment may occur between the terminals of the motor unit and the terminals of the inverter unit. In this case, there is a risk that unnecessary stress may act on the terminals and the terminal block that supports them. On the other hand, if the positioning structure is omitted between the two units, the operation of assembling the two units with each other becomes relatively troublesome.

[0006] In light of the above circumstances, we provide a novel and useful technology for the assembly of a motor unit and an inverter unit in a vehicle drive system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The technology disclosed herein is embodied in a vehicle drive system. This drive system comprises a motor unit including a motor and an inverter unit including an inverter. One of the motor unit or the inverter unit is provided with a plurality of male terminals. The other of the motor unit or the inverter unit is provided with a plurality of female terminals. Each of the plurality of male terminals has a columnar shape extending along the assembly direction of the inverter unit to the motor unit. Each of the plurality of female terminals extends along the assembly direction of the plurality male The terminal has a hole into which one of the terminals is inserted. At least one of the plurality of male terminals has a longer insertion distance into the female terminal than the other male terminals. long .

[0008] The insertion distance referred to here means the distance a male terminal travels from the start of insertion into a female terminal until the insertion is completed. In other words, the insertion distance is equal to the distance from the tip of the male terminal to the open end of the female terminal in the assembly direction (insertion direction) when the male terminal is inserted into the female terminal.

[0009] In the above configuration, the motor unit and the inverter unit are electrically and mechanically connected by the insertion of multiple male terminals into multiple female terminals. That is, the connection structure of multiple male terminals and multiple female terminals also functions as a positioning structure between the motor unit and the inverter unit. In particular, at least one of the multiple male terminals has a longer insertion distance into the female terminal than the other male terminals. longWith this configuration, the insertion of at least one male terminal into each of the multiple female terminals begins first, followed by the insertion of the other male terminals. This makes it easy to align the positions of the multiple male terminals and the multiple female terminals when assembling the motor unit and the inverter unit together.

[0010] In a second embodiment, in the first embodiment, at least one of the male terminals may be a reference male terminal that protrudes more in the assembly direction than the other male terminals. With such a configuration, the insertion distance of the reference male terminal is greater than the insertion distance of the other male terminals. long It is possible.

[0011] In a third embodiment, in the first or second embodiment, the reference male terminal may have a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases toward the tip, at least in the tip portion including the tip. With such a configuration, the reference male terminal, which is the first male terminal to be inserted into the female terminal, can be easily aligned with the corresponding female terminal.

[0012] In a fourth embodiment, in any of the first to third embodiments, the tip of the reference male terminal may be curved. With such a configuration, the reference male terminal that is first inserted into the female terminal can be more easily aligned with the female terminal.

[0013] In the fifth embodiment, in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the reference male terminal may have a smaller clearance with respect to the hole of the female terminal than the other male terminals. With this configuration, the positioning between the motor unit and the inverter unit is more accurate when the reference male terminal is inserted into the corresponding female terminal. In this case, since the other male terminals have a larger clearance with respect to the hole of the corresponding female terminal, the other male terminals can be easily inserted into the female terminals.

[0014] In the sixth embodiment, in any of the first to fifth embodiments, the reference male terminal may have a larger maximum cross-sectional area than the other male terminals. With this configuration, the clearance of the reference male terminal to the hole of the female terminal can be made smaller than the clearance of the other male terminals to the hole of the female terminal.

[0015] In the seventh embodiment, in any of the first to sixth embodiments, at least one of the plurality of female terminals may be a reference female terminal that protrudes more in the assembly direction than the other female terminals. Even with such a configuration, the insertion distance of at least one of the plurality of male terminals may be greater than the insertion distance of the other male terminals. long It is possible.

[0016] In the eighth aspect, in any of the first to seventh aspects, the hole of the reference female terminal may have a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional area increases toward the opening end, at least in the entrance portion including the opening end. With such a configuration, the reference female terminal, which is the female terminal into which the male terminal is first inserted, can be easily aligned with the corresponding male terminal.

[0017] In the ninth embodiment, in any of the first to eighth embodiments, the hole of the reference female terminal may have a smaller clearance from the male terminal than the holes of the other female terminals. With this configuration, the positioning between the motor unit and the inverter unit is more accurate when the corresponding male terminal is inserted into the reference female terminal. In this case, since the holes of the other female terminals have a larger clearance from the corresponding male terminal, the other male terminals can be easily inserted into the female terminals.

[0018] In the tenth embodiment, in any of the first to ninth embodiments, the hole of the reference female terminal may have a smaller minimum cross-sectional area than the holes of the other female terminals. With this configuration, the clearance at the reference female terminal can be made smaller than the clearance at the other female terminals.

[0019] In the 11th aspect, in any of the 1st to 10th aspects, the plurality of male terminals may include at least a 1st male terminal, a 2nd male terminal, and a 3rd male terminal, and the plurality of female terminals may include at least a 1st female terminal, a 2nd female terminal, and a 3rd female terminal. In this case, when the 1st male terminal is inserted into the 1st female terminal, the U-phase of the motor and the inverter may be electrically connected. When the 2nd male terminal is inserted into the 2nd female terminal, the V-phase of the motor and the inverter may be electrically connected. When the 3rd male terminal is inserted into the 3rd female terminal, the W-phase of the motor and the inverter may be electrically connected. According to such a configuration, a drive device including a three-phase motor and an inverter for driving the same can be realized.

[0020] In the 12th aspect, in the 11th aspect, the plurality of male terminals may further include a 4th male terminal, and the plurality of female terminals may further include a 4th female terminal having a hole into which the 4th male terminal is inserted. In this case, the 4th male terminal or the 4th female terminal may be electrically connected to the neutral point of the motor in the motor unit. According to such a configuration, in addition to the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase of the three-phase motor, the neutral point of the three-phase motor can be electrically connected to the inverter unit.

[0021] In the 13th aspect, in any of the 1st to 12th aspects, the motor unit may have a motor casing to which one of the plurality of male terminals or the plurality of female terminals is fixed, and the inverter unit may have an inverter casing to which the other of the plurality of male terminals or the plurality of female terminals is fixed. In this case, with the plurality of male terminals inserted into the plurality of female terminals respectively, the mating surface formed on the motor casing may be aligned with the mating surface formed on the inverter casing. According to such a configuration, positioning can be performed between the motor casing and the inverter casing without necessarily providing a positioning structure such as a positioning pin.

[0022] The technology disclosed in this specification can also be embodied in a drive device for other vehicles. This drive device includes a motor unit including a motor and an inverter unit including an inverter. One of the motor unit or the inverter unit is provided with a plurality of male terminals. The other of the motor unit or the inverter unit is provided with a plurality of female terminals. Each of the plurality of male terminals has a columnar shape extending along the assembly direction of the inverter unit with respect to the motor unit. Each of the plurality of female terminals has a hole into which a corresponding one of the plurality of male terminals is inserted. At least one of the plurality of male terminals has a smaller clearance with respect to the hole of the female terminal than the other male terminals.

[0023] Even in the above-described configuration, by inserting the plurality of male terminals into the plurality of female terminals respectively, the motor unit and the inverter unit are electrically and mechanically connected. That is, the connection structure by the plurality of male terminals and the plurality of female terminals also functions as a positioning structure between the motor unit and the inverter unit. In particular, at least one of the plurality of male terminals has a smaller clearance with respect to the hole of the female terminal than the other male terminals. According to such a configuration, by inserting at least one male terminal into the female terminal, the positioning between the motor unit and the inverter unit is performed more accurately. At this time, since the other male terminals have a larger clearance with respect to the holes of the corresponding female terminals, the other male terminals can be easily inserted into the female terminals.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] A diagram schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle 100 equipped with the drive device 10 of Example 1. [Figure 2] A diagram schematically showing the configuration of the drive device 10 of Example 1. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the state before assembly of the drive device 10 of Example 1. [Figure 4]This diagram shows the male terminals 28a-28d provided on the inverter unit 20 and the female terminals 36a-36d provided on the motor unit 12. [Figure 5A] A diagram showing the male terminal 28 and female terminal 36 before assembly in Example 1. [Figure 5B] A diagram showing the male terminal 28 and female terminal 36 after assembly in Example 1. [Figure 6A] This figure shows the male terminal 28 and female terminal 36 before assembly in Example 2. [Figure 6B] This figure shows the male terminal 28 and female terminal 36 after assembly in Example 2. [Figure 7A] This figure shows a modified example of the first male terminal 28a in Examples 1 and 2. In this modified example, the first male terminal 28a has a tapered shape at its tip portion 33. [Figure 7B] This figure shows a modified example of the first male terminal 28a in Examples 1 and 2. In this modified example, the first male terminal 28a has a different tapered shape at its tip portion 33. [Figure 7C] This figure shows a modified example of the first male terminal 28a in Examples 1 and 2. In this modified example, the first male terminal 28a has a different tapered shape at its tip portion 33. [Figure 7D] This figure shows a modified example of the first male terminal 28a in Examples 1 and 2. In this modified example, the first male terminal 28a has a different tapered shape at its tip portion 33. [Figure 7E] This figure shows a modified example of the first male terminal 28a in Examples 1 and 2. In this modified example, the tip 32 of the first male terminal 28a is formed by a curved surface. [Figure 8A] This figure shows the male terminal 28 and female terminal 36 before assembly in Example 3. [Figure 8B] This figure shows the male terminal 28 and female terminal 36 after assembly in Example 3. [Figure 9A] This figure shows the male terminal 28 and female terminal 36 before assembly in Example 4. [Figure 9B] This figure shows the male terminal 28 and female terminal 36 after assembly in Example 4. [Figure 10A]A modified example of the hole 40 of the first female terminal 36a in Examples 3 and 4 is shown. In this modified example, the hole 40 of the first female terminal 36a has a tapered shape at the entrance portion 43. [Figure 10B] This figure shows a modified example of the hole 40 of the first female terminal 36a in Examples 3 and 4. In this modified example, the hole 40 of the first female terminal 36a has a different tapered shape at the entrance portion 43. [Figure 10C] This figure shows a modified example of the hole 40 of the first female terminal 36a in Examples 3 and 4. In this modified example, the hole 40 of the first female terminal 36a has a different tapered shape at the entrance portion 43. [Figure 11A] A diagram showing the male terminal 28 and female terminal 36 before assembly in one modified example in which the second male terminal 28b is the reference male terminal. [Figure 11B] Figure 11A shows a modified example, illustrating the male terminal 28 and female terminal 36 after assembly. [Figure 12A] In one modified example where the second female terminal 36b is the reference female terminal, the male terminal 28 and female terminal 36 before assembly are shown. [Figure 12B] In one modified example where the second female terminal 36b is the reference female terminal, the assembled male terminal 28 and female terminal 36 are shown. [Figure 13A] A diagram showing the male terminal 28 and female terminal 36 before assembly in Example 5. [Figure 13B] This figure shows the male terminal 28 and female terminal 36 after assembly in Example 5. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] (Example 1) The drive unit 10 of Example 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. The drive unit 10 of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle 100, such as an electric vehicle. However, the vehicle 100 is not necessarily limited to an electric vehicle, but may be a vehicle with a driving motor, such as a hybrid vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle. Some or all of the technology described in this embodiment can also be similarly adopted for vehicles that travel on tracks. Furthermore, the vehicle 100 is not limited to one that is driven by a user, but may be one that is remotely controlled by an external device or one that travels autonomously.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 100 comprises a body 102 and a plurality of wheels 104. The plurality of wheels 104 are rotatably mounted on the body 102. The plurality of wheels 104 include a pair of front wheels located at the front of the body 102 and a pair of rear wheels located at the rear of the body 102. The pair of front wheels are arranged coaxially with each other, and the pair of rear wheels are also arranged coaxially with each other. The number of wheels 104 is not limited to four. Although not particularly limited, the body 102 is made of metal such as steel or aluminum alloy.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 100 further includes a battery 106. The battery 106 incorporates multiple secondary battery cells, such as lithium-ion battery cells, nickel-metal hydride battery cells, or all-solid-state battery cells.

[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the drive unit 10 includes a motor unit 12. The motor unit 12 includes a motor 14, a female terminal unit 16, and a motor casing 18. The motor 14 is a driving motor that drives the wheels 104 of the vehicle 100, and in this embodiment, it is a motor driven by three-phase AC power. As an example, the motor 14 is electrically connected to the female terminal unit 16 via a busbar 2. The motor casing 18 is a housing member that houses the motor 14. The female terminal unit 16 is fixed to the motor casing 18. The motor casing 18 is constructed using a conductive material such as aluminum. Although not shown in the figures, the motor 14 is connected to the wheels 104 via a gear mechanism, and the power of the motor 14, which is driven by power from the battery 106, is output to the wheels 104 via the gear mechanism.

[0029] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the drive unit 10 further comprises an inverter unit 20. The inverter unit 20 comprises an inverter 22, a male terminal unit 24, and an inverter casing 26. The inverter 22 is a power converter that converts DC power to AC power, and in this embodiment, it converts DC power from the battery 106 to three-phase AC power. For example, the inverter 22 is electrically connected to the male terminal unit 24 via a busbar 2. The inverter casing 26 is a housing member that houses the inverter 22. The male terminal unit 24 is fixed to the inverter casing 26. The inverter casing 26 is constructed using a conductive material such as aluminum. Although not particularly limited, the inverter 22 may include a DC-DC converter circuit that boosts the DC power supplied from the battery 106.

[0030] Here, in this specification, the X, Y, and Z directions are defined with respect to the mounting direction of the inverter unit 20 to the motor unit 12. The X direction is parallel to the direction in which the inverter unit 20 is mounted to the motor unit 12. The Y and Z directions are perpendicular to each other and also perpendicular to the X direction.

[0031] Figure 2- figure 5 B As shown, the male terminal unit 24 comprises a plurality of male terminals 28a-28d and a terminal block 30. The plurality of male terminals 28a-28d are terminals for electrical connection. These male terminals 28a-28d are fixed to the inverter casing 26 via the terminal block 30. The plurality of male terminals 28a-28d are exposed on the lower surface (i.e., the -X direction surface) 30a of the terminal block 30. Note that the lower surface of the terminal block 30 does not have to be exposed. Each male terminal 28a-28d is electrically connected to the inverter 22 via the busbar 2. The plurality of male terminals 28a-28d include a first male terminal 28a, a second male terminal 28b, a third male terminal 28c, and a fourth male terminal 28d. These male terminals 28a-28d are arranged sequentially along the Z axis. That is, the first male terminal 28a, the second male terminal 28b, the third male terminal 28c, and the fourth male terminal 28d are arranged in order from the +Z direction to the -Z direction. The terminal block 30 is made of an insulating material such as resin. In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between multiple male terminals 28a-28d, the subscript letters may be omitted and they may simply be referred to as "male terminal 28".

[0032] Figure 2- figure 5 B As shown, the male terminal 28 has a columnar shape extending along the X direction. That is, the male terminal 28 has a columnar shape extending along the assembly direction of the inverter unit 20 to the motor unit 12. The male terminal 28 comprises a tip 32 and an outer surface 34 extending from the tip 32 along the X direction. The male terminal 28 is made of a metallic material such as copper or aluminum. In this embodiment, as an example, the columnar shape of the male terminal 28 is a cylindrical shape in which the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the first male terminal 28a is circular.

[0033] Figure 2- figure 5 BAs shown, the female terminal unit 16 comprises a plurality of female terminals 36a-36d and a terminal block 38. The plurality of female terminals 36a-36d are terminals for electrical connection. These female terminals 36a-36d are fixed to the motor casing 18 via the terminal block 38. The plurality of female terminals 36a-36d include a first female terminal 36a, a second female terminal 36b, a third female terminal 36c, and a fourth female terminal 36d. These female terminals 36a-36d are fixed to the terminal block 38 along the Z axis. That is, the first female terminal 36a, the second female terminal 36b, the third female terminal 36c, and the fourth female terminal 36d are arranged in order from the +Z direction to the -Z direction. The terminal block 38 is made of an insulating material such as resin.

[0034] As described above, the motor 14 in this embodiment is a motor driven by three-phase AC power. The first female terminal 36a is electrically connected to the U phase of the motor 14 via the busbar 2. The second female terminal 36b is electrically connected to the V phase of the motor 14 via the busbar 2. The third female terminal 36c is electrically connected to the W phase of the motor 14 via the busbar 2. The fourth female terminal 36d is electrically connected to the neutral point of the motor 14 via the busbar 2. In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the multiple female terminals 36a-36d, the subscript letters may be omitted and they may simply be referred to as "female terminal 36".

[0035] Figure 2- figure 5 B As shown, the female terminal 36 has a hole 40 into which a corresponding male terminal 28 is inserted. The hole 40 comprises an open end 42 for receiving the male terminal 28 and an inner surface 44 extending from the open end 42 along the X direction. That is, the depth direction of the hole 40 coincides with the X direction. The inner surface 44 of the female terminal 36 faces the outer surface 34 of the male terminal 28. In this embodiment, the clearance between the outer surface 34 of the male terminal 28 and the inner surface 44 of the female terminal 36 (i.e., the clearance of the male terminal 28 to the hole 40 of the female terminal 36) is zero. The female terminal 36 is constructed from a metallic material such as copper or aluminum.

[0036] Figure 5 A and Figure 5B As shown, the first male terminal 28a protrudes more than the other male terminals 28b-28d. In this embodiment, the position of the tip 32 of the first male terminal 28a in the X direction protrudes by L1 in the -X direction than the position of the tips 32 of the other male terminals 28b-28d in the X direction. In contrast, the positions of the open end 42 of the female terminal 36 in the X direction are equal.

[0037] According to the configuration described above, in the drive unit 10 of this embodiment, the motor unit 12 and the inverter unit 20 are electrically connected when the male terminal 28 is inserted into a corresponding female terminal 36. Specifically, the U phase of the motor 14 and the inverter 22 are electrically connected when the first male terminal 28a is inserted into the first female terminal 36a. The V phase of the motor 14 and the inverter 22 are electrically connected when the second male terminal 28b is inserted into the second female terminal 36b. The W phase of the motor 14 and the inverter 22 are electrically connected when the third male terminal 28c is inserted into the third female terminal 36c. As mentioned above, since the fourth female terminal 36d is electrically connected to the neutral point of the motor 14, the motor 14 can be used as a boost / buck circuit (so-called neutral point charging) when charging the vehicle 100. In another embodiment, the fourth male terminal 28d may be electrically connected to the neutral point of the motor 14 instead of the fourth female terminal 36d.

[0038] In addition, in the drive unit 10 of this embodiment, the motor unit 12 and the inverter unit 20 are mechanically connected by inserting the male terminal 28 into a corresponding female terminal 36. That is, the connection structure of the male terminal 28 and the female terminal 36 also functions as a positioning structure between the motor unit 12 and the inverter unit 20. In particular, the insertion distance D1 of the first male terminal 28a into the female terminal 36 is greater than the insertion distance D2 of the other male terminals 28b-28d into the female terminal 36. longThe insertion distances D1 and D2 referred to here mean the distance that the male terminal 28 moves from the time insertion into the female terminal 36 begins until the insertion is completed. In other words, the insertion distances D1 and D2 are equal to the distance in the assembly direction (insertion direction) from the tip 32 of the male terminal 28 to the open end 42 of the female terminal 36 when the male terminal 28 is inserted into the female terminal 36. With this configuration, the insertion of the first male terminal 28a begins first into the multiple female terminals 36a-36d, and then the insertion of the other male terminals 28b-28d begins. This makes it easy to align the positional relationship between the multiple male terminals 28b-28d and the multiple female terminals 36b-36d when assembling the motor unit 12 and the inverter unit 20 together. Note that the first male terminal 28a in this embodiment is an example of a reference male terminal in the present invention.

[0039] As an example, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the drive unit 10 of this embodiment, a mating surface 18a is formed on the motor casing 18, and a mating surface 26a is also formed on the inverter casing 26. When the male terminal 28 is inserted into the corresponding female terminal 36, the mating surface 18a formed on the motor casing 18 is aligned with the mating surface 26a formed on the inverter casing 26. With this configuration, positioning can be performed between the motor casing 18 and the inverter casing 26 without necessarily providing a positioning structure such as a positioning pin.

[0040] In the above-described embodiment, a sealing member 46 is provided on the mating surface 18a of the motor casing 18. This ensures a seal between the mating surface 18a of the motor casing 18 and the mating surface 26a of the inverter casing 26 in the drive device 10 of the embodiment.

[0041] (Example 2) Next, Figure 6 A and Figure 6BThe drive device of Example 2 will be described with reference to Figure 6. Compared to Example 1, Example 2 modifies the clearance of the male terminal 28 to the hole 40 of the female terminal 36. Specifically, in Example 2, the clearance C1 of the first male terminal 28a to the hole 40 of the female terminal 36 is smaller than the clearance C2 of the other male terminals 28b-28d to the hole 40 of the female terminal 36. In this example, the clearance C1 is zero. In this case, although it is just one example, see Figure 6. A and Figure 6B As shown, it is preferable to make the diameter of the first male terminal 28a larger than the diameters of the other male terminals 28b-28d. In other words, it is preferable to make the area of ​​the cross-section of the first male terminal 28a perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X direction) larger than the area of ​​the cross-section of the other male terminals 28b-28d perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X direction). This makes the maximum cross-sectional area S1 of the first male terminal 28a larger than the maximum cross-sectional area S2 of the other male terminals 28b-28d, and a difference in clearance C1 and C2 can be created. Here, the position of the tip 32 of the first male terminal 28a in the X direction protrudes by L2 in the -X direction than the position of the tip 32 of the other male terminals 28b-28d in the X direction, and the insertion distance D3 of the first male terminal 28a into the female terminal 36 is greater than the insertion distance D4 of the other male terminals 28b-28d into the female terminal 36. long .

[0042] With this configuration, the positioning between the motor unit 12 and the inverter unit 20 is more accurate when the first male terminal 28a is inserted into the corresponding first female terminal 36a. At this time, since the other male terminals 28b-28d have a large clearance C2 with respect to the holes 40 of the corresponding female terminals 36b-36d, the other male terminals 28b-28d can be easily inserted into the female terminals 36b-36d. Although not particularly limited, a contact member 48 is provided on the inner surface 44 of the female terminals 36b-36d that correspond to the other male terminals 28b-28d. This ensures electrical connection even if the other male terminals 28b-28d have a relatively large clearance C2 with respect to the holes 40 of the female terminals 36b-36d.

[0043] In the above-described embodiments 1 and 2, the first male terminal 28a has the same cross-sectional shape from the tip 32 to the base. However, in other embodiments, as shown in Figures 7A-7D, the first male terminal 28a may have a tapered shape in the tip portion 33, including the tip 32, where the cross-sectional area decreases toward the tip 32. In this case, the dimensions of the tip 32 of the first male terminal 28a in the Z direction can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the rate at which the cross-sectional area decreases may be constant, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, or it may vary, as shown in Figures 7C and 7D. With these configurations, the reference male terminal, which is the first male terminal 28a that is initially inserted into the female terminal 36, can be easily aligned with the corresponding first female terminal 36a.

[0044] Alternatively, in yet another embodiment, as shown in Figure 7E, the tip 32 of the first male terminal 28a may be curved. This configuration makes it easier to align the reference male terminal, which is the first male terminal 28a that is initially inserted into the female terminal 36, with respect to the corresponding first female terminal 36a.

[0045] (Example 3) Next, Figure 8 A and Figure 8B The drive device of Example 3 will be described with reference to Figure 8. In Example 3, a reference female terminal is used instead of the reference male terminal used in Examples 1 and 2. A and Figure 8B As shown, in Example 3, the first female terminal 36a protrudes more than the other female terminals 36b-36d. More specifically, the position of the open end 42 of the first female terminal 36a in the X direction protrudes by M1 in the +X direction than the position of the open end 42 of the other female terminals 36b-36d in the X direction. In contrast, the position of the tip 32 of the male terminal 28 in the X direction is the same. Therefore, the insertion distance D5 of the first male terminal 28a into the female terminal 36 is greater than the insertion distance D6 of the other male terminals 28b-28d into the female terminal 36. long In this embodiment, the clearance between the outer surface 34 of the male terminal 28 and the inner surface 44 of the female terminal 36 is zero.

[0046] With this configuration, the insertion of the first male terminal 28a into the multiple female terminals 36a-36d begins first, followed by the insertion of the other male terminals 28b-28d. This makes it easy to align the positional relationship between the multiple male terminals 28b-28d and the multiple female terminals 36a-36d when assembling the motor unit 12 and the inverter unit 20 together. In this embodiment, the first female terminal 36a is an example of a reference female terminal in the present invention.

[0047] (Example 4) Next, Figure 9 A and Figure 9B The drive device of Example 4 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Compared to Example 3, Example 4 modifies the clearance of the male terminal 28 to the hole 40 of the female terminal 36. Specifically, in Example 4, the clearance C3 of the first male terminal 28a to the hole 40 of the female terminal 36 is smaller than the clearance C4 of the other male terminals 28b-28d to the hole 40 of the female terminal 36. In this example, the clearance C3 is zero. In this case, although it is just one example, see Figure 9. A and Figure 9B As shown, it is preferable to make the diameter of the hole 40 of the first female terminal 36a smaller than the diameter of the holes 40 of the other female terminals 36b-36d. In other words, it is preferable to make the area of ​​the cross-section of the hole 40 of the first female terminal 36a perpendicular to the depth direction (X direction) smaller than the area of ​​the cross-section of the holes 40 of the other female terminals 36b-36d perpendicular to the depth direction (X direction). As a result, the minimum cross-sectional area A1 of the hole 40 of the first female terminal 36a becomes smaller than the minimum cross-sectional area A2 of the holes 40 of the other female terminals 36b-36d, and a difference in clearances C3 and C4 can be created. Here, the position of the open end 42 of the first female terminal 36a in the X direction protrudes by M2 in the +X direction compared to the position of the open ends 42 of the other female terminals 36b-36d in the X direction, and the insertion distance D7 of the first male terminal 28a into the female terminal 36 is greater than the insertion distance D8 of the other male terminals 28b-28d into the female terminal 36. long .

[0048] With this configuration, the positioning between the motor unit 12 and the inverter unit 20 is more accurate when the first male terminal 28a is inserted into the first female terminal 36a. At this time, since the holes 40 of the other female terminals 36b-36d have a large clearance C4 with respect to the corresponding male terminals 28b-28d, the other male terminals 28b-28d can be easily inserted into the female terminals 36b-36d. Although not particularly limited, a contact member 48 is provided on the inner surface 44 of the female terminal 36b-36d that corresponds to the other male terminals 28b-28d. This ensures electrical connection even if the other male terminals 28b-28d have a relatively large clearance C4 with respect to the hole 40 of the female terminal 36b-36d.

[0049] In the above-described embodiments 3 and 4, the hole 40 of the first female terminal 36a has the same cross-sectional shape from the open end 42 to the other end. However, in other embodiments, as shown in Figures 10A-10C, the hole 40 of the first female terminal 36a may have a tapered shape in the entrance portion 43 including the open end 42, where the cross-sectional area increases toward the open end 42. In this case, the size of the range in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the hole 40 changes in the depth direction (i.e., the X direction) is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the cross-sectional area of ​​the hole 40 may change in a range in the depth direction, or as shown in Figure 10C, the cross-sectional area of ​​the hole 40 may change over the entire depth direction. With these configurations, the reference female terminal, which is the first female terminal 36a into which the male terminal 28 is first inserted, can be easily aligned with the corresponding first male terminal 28a.

[0050] In the above-described embodiments 1 and 2, the reference male terminal is the first male terminal 28a, which is located on the leftmost side (+Z direction side) of the multiple male terminals 28. With this configuration, since the female terminals 36 are inserted starting from the first male terminal 28a, which is located at the end of the multiple male terminals 28, positioning between the motor casing 18 and the inverter casing 26 can be easily performed. However, the position of the reference male terminal is not particularly limited. For example, Figure 11 A and Figure 11BAs shown, the position of the tip 32 of the second male terminal 28b, which is located in the central part of the multiple male terminals 28, in the X direction may protrude by L3 in the -X direction more than the position of the tips 32 of the other male terminals 28a, 28c-28d in the X direction. In this case, the insertion distance D9 of the second male terminal 28b is longer than the insertion distance D10 of the other male terminals 28a, 28c-28d. long Thus, the second male terminal 28b becomes the reference male terminal. With this configuration, the second male terminal 28b, which is located in the central part of the multiple male terminals 28, is inserted into the female terminal 36, so misalignment can be suppressed in the connection structure of the male terminals 28 and female terminals 36.

[0051] Similarly, in the above-described embodiments 3 and 4, the reference female terminal is the first female terminal 36a located on the leftmost side (+Z direction side) of the multiple female terminals 36, but the position of the reference female terminal is not particularly limited. For example, Figure 12 A and Figure 12B As shown, the position of the open end 42 of the second female terminal 36b, which is located in the central part of the multiple female terminals 36, in the X direction may protrude by M3 in the +X direction compared to the position of the open ends 42 of the other female terminals 36a, 36c-36d in the X direction. In this case, the insertion distance D11 of the second male terminal 28b is longer than the insertion distance D12 of the other male terminals 28a, 28c-28d. long Yes. In this case, the second female terminal 36b into which the male terminal 28 is first inserted becomes the reference female terminal.

[0052] (Example 5) Next, Figure 13 A and Figure 13B The drive device of Example 5 will be described with reference to Figure 13. Compared to Example 2, Example 5 has the same position in the X direction of the tip 32 of the male terminal 28. Therefore, in Example 5, the clearance C5 of the first male terminal 28a with respect to the hole 40 of the female terminal 36 is smaller than the clearance C6 of the other male terminals 28b-28d with respect to the hole 40 of the female terminal 36. In this example, the clearance C5 is zero. In this case, although it is just one example, see Figure 13. A and Figure 13BAs shown, it is preferable to make the diameter of the first male terminal 28a larger than the diameters of the other male terminals 28b-28d. In other words, it is preferable to make the area of ​​the cross-section of the first male terminal 28a perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X direction) larger than the area of ​​the cross-section of the other male terminals 28b-28d perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X direction). As a result, the maximum cross-sectional area S3 of the first male terminal 28a becomes larger than the maximum cross-sectional area S4 of the other male terminals 28b-28d, and a difference in clearances C5 and C6 can be created.

[0053] Even with this configuration, the motor unit 12 and the inverter unit 20 are electrically and mechanically connected by inserting the multiple male terminals 28 into the multiple female terminals 36. In other words, the connection structure of the multiple male terminals 28 and the multiple female terminals 36 also functions as a positioning structure between the motor unit 12 and the inverter unit 20. In particular, because the clearance C5 of the first male terminal 28a with respect to the hole 40 of the female terminal 36 is small, the positioning between the motor unit 12 and the inverter unit 20 is more accurate when the first male terminal 28a is inserted into the first female terminal 36a. At this time, the other male terminals 28b-28 d The corresponding female terminal 36 b-36d Because the clearance C6 for hole 40 is large, the other male terminals 28b-28d are connected to female terminal 36 b-36d It can be easily inserted. Although not particularly limited, contact members 48 are provided in the holes 40 of the female terminals 36b-36d that correspond to the other male terminals 28b-28d. This ensures electrical connection even if the other male terminals 28b-28d have a relatively large clearance C6 with respect to the hole 40 of the female terminal 36b-36d.

[0054] Although several specific examples have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in this specification or in the drawings exhibit technical usefulness individually or in combination. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 2: Busbar, 10: Drive unit, 12: Motor unit, 14: Motor, 16: Female terminal unit, 18: Motor casing, 18a: Mating surface, 20: Inverter unit, 22: Inverter, 24: Male terminal unit, 26: Inverter casing, 26a: Mating surface, 28, 28a-28d: Male terminals, 30: Terminal block, 32: Tip, 33: Tip portion, 34: Outer surface, 36a-36d: Female terminals, 38: Terminal block, 40: Hole, 42: Open end, 43: Inlet portion, 44: Inner surface, 46: Seal member, 48: Contact member, 100: Vehicle, 102: Body, 104: Wheel, 106: Battery

Claims

1. A drive system for a vehicle, A motor unit including a motor, An inverter unit including an inverter, Equipped with, The motor unit or the inverter unit is provided with a plurality of male terminals. The motor unit or the other inverter unit is provided with a plurality of female terminals. Each of the plurality of male terminals has a columnar shape that extends along the assembly direction of the inverter unit to the motor unit, Each of the plurality of female terminals has a hole into which a corresponding one of the plurality of male terminals is inserted along the assembly direction. At least one of the plurality of male terminals is a reference male terminal in which the clearance of the female terminal with respect to the hole is smaller than that of the other male terminals. Drive unit.

2. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the reference male terminal protrudes more in the assembly direction than the other male terminals.

3. The drive device according to claim 2, wherein the reference male terminal has a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases toward the tip, at least in the tip portion including the tip.

4. The drive device according to claim 3, wherein the tip of the reference male terminal is formed of a curved surface.

5. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the reference male terminal has a larger maximum cross-sectional area than the other male terminals.

6. The plurality of male terminals include at least a first male terminal, a second male terminal, and a third male terminal. The plurality of female terminals include at least a first female terminal, a second female terminal, and a third female terminal. The first male terminal is inserted into the first female terminal, thereby electrically connecting the U-phase of the motor and the inverter. The second male terminal is inserted into the second female terminal, thereby electrically connecting the V-phase of the motor and the inverter. The third male terminal is inserted into the third female terminal, thereby electrically connecting the W phase of the motor and the inverter. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein any one of the first male terminal, the second male terminal, and the third male terminal is the reference male terminal.

7. The aforementioned plurality of male terminals further include a fourth male terminal, The plurality of female terminals further include a fourth female terminal into which the fourth male terminal is inserted, The drive device according to claim 6, wherein the fourth male terminal or the fourth female terminal is electrically connected to the neutral point of the motor in the motor unit.

8. The motor unit has a motor casing to which one of the plurality of male terminals or the plurality of female terminals is fixed. The inverter unit has an inverter casing to which the other of the plurality of male terminals or the plurality of female terminals is fixed. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein, with the plurality of male terminals inserted into the plurality of female terminals respectively, the mating surface formed on the motor casing is aligned with the mating surface formed on the inverter casing.

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