Vehicle drive device

Abstract

This vehicle drive device, which is installed in a vehicle, comprises: a travel drive unit having a motor that outputs motive power by which the vehicle can travel; a power supply module that supplies power to the motor; a housing that accommodates the travel drive unit and the power supply module; and a valve that controls the flow of a refrigerant that circulates between the valve and an air conditioning unit that performs cooling / heating of a vehicle compartment, in a refrigerant flow path in which the refrigerant flows. The valve is fixed to the housing.

Description

Vehicle drive system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle drive device mounted on a vehicle.

[0002] In recent years, automobiles equipped with a motor as a driving source (such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)) have become widespread. In these automobiles (hereinafter collectively referred to as "electric vehicles"), the motor is driven by power supplied from a battery and is provided in a vehicle drive system. Technology related to such a vehicle drive system is described, for example, in Patent Document 1, the source of which is shown below.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a motor. This motor includes a charger that charges a battery, a DC-DC converter that converts DC voltage from the battery into DC voltage suitable for driving the motor, a DC-DC conversion inverter that converts the DC voltage from the DC-DC converter into AC voltage to be applied to the motor, and a cooling unit with a cooling flow path through which a refrigerant flows. This allows for efficient cooling and a compact device.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-170077

[0005] A coolant is introduced into the cooling section of the motor described in Patent Document 1, but the components for circulating the coolant are provided separately from the housing. This requires space for such components, leaving room for improvement in terms of miniaturization.

[0006] Therefore, there is a demand for a vehicle drive device that can be made smaller.

[0007] A characteristic configuration of the vehicle drive device according to the present disclosure is that the vehicle drive device is mounted on a vehicle and comprises a driving drive unit having a motor that outputs power to enable the vehicle to run, a power supply module that supplies power to the motor, a housing that accommodates the driving drive unit and the power supply module, and a valve that controls the flow of refrigerant in a refrigerant flow path through which refrigerant circulates between the driving drive unit and an air conditioning unit that cools and heats the vehicle cabin, and the valve is fixed to the housing.

[0008] With this characteristic configuration, the valve can be fixed to the housing of the vehicle drive system, integrating the housing and the valve. This allows the vehicle drive system to be made more compact, and the space saved in the motor room where the vehicle drive system is housed can be used for other purposes. Furthermore, by using this space to relocate other devices, it is possible to increase, for example, luggage capacity without changing the dimensions of the vehicle.

[0009] 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle drive device; 2 is a front view of the vehicle drive device; 3 is a left side view of the vehicle drive device; 4 is a right side view of the vehicle drive device; 5 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of an air conditioning system; 6 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between a housing and a refrigerant module; 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between a heating expansion valve and a cooling expansion valve and a condenser; 8 is a perspective view of a vehicle drive device of another embodiment; 9 is a front view of a vehicle drive device of another embodiment; 10 is a left side view of a vehicle drive device of another embodiment; 11 is a right side view of a vehicle drive device of another embodiment; 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between a heating expansion valve and a cooling expansion valve and a condenser in another embodiment.

[0010] The vehicle drive device according to the present disclosure is configured to be miniaturized. The vehicle drive device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described below. However, the vehicle drive device 1 is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist thereof.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle drive device 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of the vehicle drive device 1, FIG. 3 is a left side view of the vehicle drive device 1, and FIG. 4 is a right side view of the vehicle drive device 1. The vehicle drive device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, and in FIGS. 1 to 4, the front side in the traveling direction of the vehicle is indicated by "F" and the rear side in the traveling direction of the vehicle is indicated by "B". Furthermore, when looking at the front side F in the traveling direction of the vehicle, the left side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle is indicated by "L" and the right side in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle is indicated by "R". Furthermore, the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle is indicated by "U" and the lower side in the vertical direction of the vehicle is indicated by "D".

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the vehicle drive device 1 includes a driving unit 11, a power supply module 12, a housing 13, a refrigerant flow path 14A, an expansion valve 23 (an example of a valve), and a switching valve 32 (an example of a valve).

[0013] The traveling drive unit 11 is provided at the lower part (vertical lower side D) of the vehicle drive device 1. The traveling drive unit 11 has a motor 11A and a gear mechanism 11B that output power that enables the vehicle to travel. The motor 11A and the gear mechanism 11B are provided side by side along the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the motor 11A is provided on the right side R in the vehicle width direction, and the gear mechanism 11B is provided on the left side L in the vehicle width direction. The motor 11A is driven by a power supply module 12. The motor 11A and the gear mechanism 11B are connected via a motor shaft, and the rotation of the motor 11A is input to the gear mechanism 11B via the motor shaft. The gear mechanism 11B reduces the rotation of the motor 11A and outputs it from the gear shaft. The vehicle travels using the output of the motor 11A via the gear mechanism 11B.

[0014] The power supply module 12 is provided at the upper part (vertical upper side U) of the vehicle drive device 1. Therefore, in this embodiment, the power supply module 12 is provided vertically alongside the travel drive unit 11 in the vertical direction of the vehicle (side by side in the vertical direction).

[0015] The power supply module 12 includes an OBC (On Board Charger) board 12A, a motor drive board 12B, and a control board 12C that controls the OBC board 12A and the motor drive board 12B. An inverter and a converter are mounted on the OBC board 12A. The inverter receives AC power consisting of AC voltage from a commercial power source and converts the AC power into DC power including DC voltage. The converter receives DC power generated by the inverter and boosts the DC voltage that constitutes the DC power supplied from the inverter to a DC voltage of a value required to charge the vehicle's battery. Therefore, the power supply module 12 can supply power to the vehicle's battery.

[0016] A drive inverter that controls the drive current that drives the motor 11A is mounted on the motor drive board 12B. A control unit that controls the inverter and converter is mounted on the control board 12C. Therefore, the power supply module 12 can supply power to the motor 11A. Note that the power supply module 12 does not necessarily have to include the OBC board 12A or the portion (functional unit) of the control board 12C that controls the OBC board 12A.

[0017] The housing 13 accommodates the driving unit 11 and the power supply module 12. The housing 13 has a first space on the vertical upper side U and a second space on the vertical lower side D, which is separated from the first space. As described above, the power supply module 12 and the driving unit 11 are arranged vertically (side by side in the vertical direction) along the vertical direction of the vehicle. Therefore, the power supply module 12 is arranged in the first space of the housing 13, and the driving unit 11 is arranged in the second space of the housing 13. The first and second spaces can be separated, for example, by a cooling plate having a cooling flow path through which a coolant flows. By placing the power supply module 12 on this cooling plate, heat exchange between the power supply module 12 and the coolant can be performed to cool the power supply module 12. The housing 13 includes a first housing 13A that accommodates the power supply module 12 and a second housing 13B that accommodates the driving unit 11. The first housing 13A and the second housing 13B may be provided separately from each other. In addition, the portion of the housing 13 that accommodates the traveling drive unit 11 includes a motor housing portion that accommodates the motor 11A and a gear housing portion that accommodates the gear mechanism 11B, and the motor housing portion and the gear housing portion may be provided separately (separately) from each other.

[0018] FIG. 5 shows the circuit configuration of the air conditioning system 3. The air conditioning system 3 is mounted on a vehicle and includes a refrigerant module 14 and an air conditioning unit 2. The refrigerant module 14 includes a refrigerant flow path 14A through which the refrigerant flows. The refrigerant flow path 14A can be configured, for example, as a refrigerant manifold. The refrigerant manifold is a flow path housing formed by laminating and sealing a plate member on a housing main body in which the refrigerant flow path 14A is engraved. The flow path housing can be formed from a metal material with high thermal conductivity, including aluminum. A refrigerant such as a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) or a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) flows through the refrigerant flow path 14A. The refrigerant circulates between the refrigerant flow path 14A and an air conditioning unit 2 that cools and heats the vehicle cabin. The air conditioning unit 2 may be provided integrally with the vehicle drive system 1 or separately.

[0019] 5, the refrigerant module 14 includes a compressor 21 (an example of a "compressor"), a condenser 22 (an example of a "condenser"), an expansion valve 23 (an example of a "valve"), and an evaporator 24 (an example of an "evaporator"). The refrigerant flow path 14A is configured to allow refrigerant to flow through the compressor 21, the condenser 22, the expansion valve 23, and the evaporator 24. The refrigerant flow path 14A of this embodiment is further provided with an accumulator 31 and a switching valve 32 (an example of a "valve").

[0020] A case where the air conditioning unit 2 cools the passenger compartment will be described. The accumulator 31 stores liquid refrigerant and separates the stored refrigerant into gas and liquid. The gaseous refrigerant separated by the accumulator 31 flows through the first refrigerant path B1 and is sent to the compressor 21.

[0021] The compressor 21 compresses the refrigerant from the accumulator 31. As a result, the refrigerant becomes a high-temperature compressed gas. The compressor 21 sends this high-temperature compressed gas to the condenser 22 via the second refrigerant path B2. Therefore, the compressor 21 pressure-feeds the refrigerant from the accumulator 31 to the condenser 22.

[0022] The condenser 22 condenses the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 21. The condenser 22 is configured so that a coolant that exchanges heat with the refrigerant flows through it. The condenser 22 is configured so that a flow path through which the refrigerant flows and a flow path through which the coolant flows are separate from each other. The refrigerant is condensed and liquefied as heat is absorbed by the coolant. The liquefied refrigerant is sent to the third refrigerant path B3. The condenser 22 may be an air-cooled condenser (an example of a "condenser") provided near the radiator.

[0023] The refrigerant sent from the condenser 22 to the third refrigerant passage B3 is sent to the cooling expansion valve 23A that constitutes the valve 23. In the cooling expansion valve 23A, the refrigerant (liquefied refrigerant) flowing through the third refrigerant passage B3 during cooling of the passenger compartment is expanded and converted into a low-temperature, low-pressure mist. The mist-like refrigerant is sent to the fourth refrigerant passage B4.

[0024] The evaporator 24 evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the cooling expansion valve 23A and sends it to the fifth refrigerant path B5. As described above, the refrigerant expanded in the cooling expansion valve 23A and converted into a low-temperature, low-pressure atomized refrigerant flows through the evaporator 24, and this refrigerant is sent to the evaporator 24. In the evaporator 24, the atomized refrigerant absorbs heat from, for example, outside air and evaporates. The evaporated refrigerant flows through the fifth refrigerant path B5 to the accumulator 31.

[0025] The air conditioning unit 2 includes a blower 51 as well as the evaporator 24. The blower 51 draws in outside air and sends the drawn outside air to the evaporator 24.

[0026] In the evaporator 24, heat is exchanged between the outside air sent from the blower 51 and the refrigerant supplied via the fourth refrigerant passage B4, and the air after the heat exchange is introduced into the passenger compartment. Specifically, the outside air is cooled in the evaporator 24, and cool air is introduced into the passenger compartment. This makes it possible to cool the passenger compartment.

[0027] During cooling of the passenger compartment, the switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow state in the refrigerant flow path 14A to a first state in which refrigerant flows during cooling. In this embodiment, the switching valve 32 is closed, and refrigerant delivered from the condenser 22 flows through the cooling expansion valve 23A. The heating expansion valve 23B, which constitutes the valve 23, is set to have a maximum valve diameter so that the refrigerant does not expand in the heating expansion valve 23B. Furthermore, the cabin condenser 52 of the air conditioning unit 2 is blocked from air flow and is configured not to perform heat exchange.

[0028] In this embodiment, the battery can be cooled by the battery cooler 61. When the battery cooler 61 cools the battery, the refrigerant from the condenser 22 flows through the battery expansion valve 62, and the refrigerant that has been cooled through the battery expansion valve 62 is supplied to the battery cooler 61. This makes it possible to cool the battery. The refrigerant used to cool the battery in the battery cooler 61 is sent to the accumulator 31.

[0029] Next, a description will be given of heating the passenger compartment using the air conditioning unit 2. The accumulator 31 stores liquid refrigerant and separates the stored refrigerant into gas and liquid. The gaseous refrigerant separated by the accumulator 31 flows through the first refrigerant path B1 and is sent to the compressor 21.

[0030] The compressor 21 compresses the refrigerant from the accumulator 31. As a result, the refrigerant becomes a high-temperature compressed gas. The compressor 21 sends the high-temperature compressed gas to the cabin condenser 52 via the second refrigerant path B2.

[0031] The cabin condenser 52 (an example of a "condenser") is a heat source during heating, condenses the refrigerant during heating, and releases the condensation heat generated by the compressor 21 to the passenger compartment. The cabin condenser 52 sends the refrigerant from which the condensation heat has been released to the second refrigerant path B2.

[0032] The refrigerant sent from the cabin condenser 52 is sent to the heating expansion valve 23B. When the vehicle cabin is heated, the valve diameter of the heating expansion valve 23B is narrowed. This causes the refrigerant to expand in the heating expansion valve 23B. The condenser 22 evaporates the refrigerant that has expanded in the heating expansion valve 23B and sends it to the third refrigerant path B3 via the second refrigerant path B2.

[0033] The switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow state in the refrigerant flow path 14A to a second state in which refrigerant flows during heating. In this embodiment, the switching valve 32 is set to an open state, and refrigerant sent from the condenser 22 flows to the accumulator 31. In this state, refrigerant does not flow through the cooling expansion valve 23A and the battery expansion valve 62. In other words, the valve diameters of the cooling expansion valve 23A and the battery expansion valve 62 are narrowed.

[0034] As described above, the cooling expansion valve 23A, the heating expansion valve 23B, and the switching valve 32 function as valves 23, 32 that control the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 14A, and the refrigerant module 14 is configured to allow refrigerant to flow between it and the air conditioning unit 2 via the refrigerant flow path 14A.

[0035] 2 to 4, the cooling expansion valve 23A, the heating expansion valve 23B, and the switching valve 32 are fixed to the housing 13. In particular, in this embodiment, the cooling expansion valve 23A, the heating expansion valve 23B, and the switching valve 32 are provided inside the outer edge of the housing 13 in a plan view.

[0036] 2, the cooling expansion valve 23A, the heating expansion valve 23B, and the switching valve 32 are provided on the right side R in the vehicle width direction of an end 13LE of the housing 13 on the left side L in the vehicle width direction, and are provided on the left side L in the vehicle width direction of an end 13RE of the housing 13 on the right side R in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cooling expansion valve 23A, the heating expansion valve 23B, and the switching valve 32 are provided on the rear side B in the traveling direction of an end 13FE of the housing 13 on the front side F in the traveling direction, and are provided on the front side F in the traveling direction of an end 13BE of the housing 13 on the rear side B in the traveling direction. In this embodiment, the cooling expansion valve 23A, the heating expansion valve 23B, and the switching valve 32 are provided in a portion of the housing 13 corresponding to the second space (a space in which the travel drive unit 11 is provided) Of course, the cooling expansion valve 23A, the heating expansion valve 23B, and the switching valve 32 can also be provided in a position corresponding to the first space (the space in which the power supply module 12 is provided) of the housing 13. It is also possible to provide some of the cooling expansion valve 23A, the heating expansion valve 23B, and the switching valve 32 in a position corresponding to the second space of the housing 13, and provide the remaining cooling expansion valve 23A, the heating expansion valve 23B, and the switching valve 32 in a position corresponding to the first space of the housing 13.

[0037] FIG. 6 shows the relative positions of the housing 13 and the refrigerant module 14. The compressor 21 is provided on one side of the housing 13 in the vehicle width direction (the right side R in the vehicle width direction in FIG. 6 ), and the cooling expansion valve 23A and the heating expansion valve 23B are provided on the other side of the housing 13 in the vehicle width direction (the left side L in the vehicle width direction in FIG. 6 ). The accumulator 31 is provided on the front side F of the compressor 21 in the traveling direction. The condenser 22 is provided on the front side F of the housing 13 in the traveling direction. The evaporator 24 and the cabin condenser 52 are provided on the rear side B of the housing 13 in the traveling direction. The evaporator 24 and the cabin condenser 52 may be provided side by side in the vehicle width direction or vertically in the vertical direction. The switching valve 32 is provided on the front side F of the housing 13 in the traveling direction.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1 , the cooling expansion valve 23A, the heating expansion valve 23B, and the switching valve 32 are each inserted into a valve mounting portion 41 and fixed to the housing 13 (in this embodiment, the second housing 13B). In this embodiment, the valve mounting portion 41 is integrally formed with the housing 13. As described above, the housing 13 can be formed from a metal material with high thermal conductivity, including aluminum. The valve mounting portion 41 can be formed together with the housing 13 by die-casting.

[0039] FIG. 7 shows the relationship between the heating expansion valve 23B and the cooling expansion valve 23A and the condenser 22. The heating expansion valve 23B, the cooling expansion valve 23A, and the valve mounting portion 41 are each shown in cross section for ease of understanding. The valve mounting portion 41 has holes 42 into which the heating expansion valve 23B and the cooling expansion valve 23A can be inserted. The holes 42 open along the front side F in the vehicle's traveling direction. If the direction in which the heating expansion valve 23B is inserted into the hole 42 is defined as the insertion direction, the hole 42 has an inlet 43 through which the refrigerant is introduced on the rear side in the insertion direction, and an outlet 44 through which the refrigerant is discharged on the front side in the insertion direction. The inlet 43 and the outlet 44 open along the vehicle width direction.

[0040] On the other hand, the hole 42 of the valve mounting portion 41 to which the cooling expansion valve 23A can be attached is provided with an inlet 43 through which the refrigerant is introduced on the front side in the insertion direction and an outlet 44 through which the refrigerant is discharged on the rear side in the insertion direction. Although not shown, the switching valve 32 is also inserted into the valve mounting portion 41.

[0041] In the heating expansion valve 23B, a cylindrical valve element 26A is inserted into a hole 42 in the valve mounting portion 41. The cylindrical valve element 26A has an inlet 26B at its tip through which a refrigerant is introduced, and an outlet 26C through which the refrigerant is discharged on its outer circumferential surface. A seal member 45 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the hole 42 to prevent the inlet 26B and the outlet 26C from communicating with each other when the cylindrical valve element 26A is inserted. As a result, in the heating expansion valve 23B, refrigerant is introduced from the inlet 26B via the inlet 43 in the hole 42, and refrigerant from the outlet 26C is discharged via the outlet 44 in the hole 42. Therefore, in the heating expansion valve 23B, refrigerant is introduced from the rear side in the insertion direction of the valve mounting portion 41 and discharged from the front side in the insertion direction.

[0042] In addition, the cooling expansion valve 23A has a cylindrical valve element 25A inserted into a hole 42 in the valve mounting portion 41. The cylindrical valve element 25A has an inlet 25B through which a refrigerant is introduced on its outer peripheral surface and an outlet 25C through which the refrigerant is discharged at its tip. A seal member 45 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the hole 42 to prevent the inlet 25B and the outlet 25C from communicating with each other when the cylindrical valve element 25A is inserted. As a result, the cooling expansion valve 23A introduces refrigerant from the inlet 25B via the inlet 43 in the hole 42, and the refrigerant from the outlet 25C is discharged via the outlet 44 in the hole 42. Therefore, the cooling expansion valve 23A introduces refrigerant from the front side in the insertion direction into the valve mounting portion 41 and discharges it from the back side in the insertion direction.

[0043] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7 , refrigerant is introduced into the condenser 22 from its lower side (vertical lower side D) and discharged from its upper side (vertical upper side U). The cooling expansion valve 23A is located higher (vertical upper side U) than the heating expansion valve 23B. This reduces the number of intersections among the flow path connecting the cabin condenser 52 and the heating expansion valve 23B, the flow path connecting the condenser 22 and the heating expansion valve 23B, the flow path connecting the condenser 22 and the cooling expansion valve 23A and the switching valve 32, and the flow path connecting the cooling expansion valve 23A and the evaporator 24, thereby facilitating the routing of the flow paths. This shortens the pipe lengths of the flow paths, enabling the vehicle to be more compact.

[0044] Other Embodiments Next, other embodiments of the vehicle drive device 1 will be described.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the valve mounting portion 41 is described as being formed integrally with the housing 13. However, as shown in Fig. 8, the valve mounting portion 41 may be formed separately from the housing 13 and fastened to the housing 13 using screws (not shown).

[0046] 9 to 11 , the cooling expansion valve 23A, the heating expansion valve 23B, and the switching valve 32 are also provided inside the outer edge of the housing 13 in a plan view. That is, as shown in FIG. 9 , the cooling expansion valve 23A, the heating expansion valve 23B, and the switching valve 32 are provided on the right side R in the vehicle width direction of the end 13LE of the housing 13 on the left side L in the vehicle width direction, and on the left side L in the vehicle width direction of the end 13RE of the housing 13 on the right side R in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the cooling expansion valve 23A, the heating expansion valve 23B, and the switching valve 32 are provided on the rear side B in the traveling direction of the end 13FE of the housing 13 on the front side F in the traveling direction, and on the front side F in the traveling direction of the end 13BE of the housing 13 on the rear side B in the traveling direction.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the cooling expansion valve 23A, the heating expansion valve 23B, and the switching valve 32 have been described as being provided inside the outer edge of the housing 13 in a plan view. However, the cooling expansion valve 23A, the heating expansion valve 23B, and the switching valve 32 may be provided alongside the outer edge of the housing 13 in a plan view, or may be provided outside the outer edge.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the condenser 22 is described as having a refrigerant introduced from the lower side (vertical lower side D) and discharged from the upper side (vertical upper side U), the heating expansion valve 23B is described as having a refrigerant introduced from the rear side in the insertion direction into the valve mounting portion 41 and discharged from the front side in the insertion direction, and the cooling expansion valve 23A is described as having a refrigerant introduced from the front side in the insertion direction into the valve mounting portion 41 and discharged from the rear side in the insertion direction, and the cooling expansion valve 23A is described as being located above the heating expansion valve 23B (vertical upper side U).

[0049] 12, when the condenser 22 is configured so that the refrigerant is introduced from above (vertical upper side U) and discharged from below (vertical lower side D), it is preferable to use the heating expansion valve 23B in which the refrigerant is introduced from the front side in the insertion direction of the valve mounting portion 41 and discharged from the rear side in the insertion direction, and to use the cooling expansion valve 23A in which the refrigerant is introduced from the rear side in the insertion direction of the valve mounting portion 41 and discharged from the front side in the insertion direction. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide the cooling expansion valve 23A below the heating expansion valve 23B (vertical lower side D). This reduces the number of intersections among the flow path connecting the cabin condenser 52 and the heating expansion valve 23B, the flow path connecting the condenser 22 and the heating expansion valve 23B, the flow path connecting the condenser 22 and the cooling expansion valve 23A and the switching valve 32, and the flow path connecting the cooling expansion valve 23A and the evaporator 24, making it easier to route the flow paths. This shortens the length of the flow path pipes, making it possible to reduce the size. This configuration is suitable, for example, when the refrigerant module 14 does not include the accumulator 31.

[0050] Of course, when the condenser 22 is configured so that the refrigerant is introduced from the lower side (vertical lower side D) and discharged from the upper side (vertical upper side U), it is possible to use a heating expansion valve 23B in which the refrigerant is introduced from the front side in the insertion direction into the valve mounting portion 41 and discharged from the rear side in the insertion direction, and to use an air conditioning expansion valve 23A in which the refrigerant is introduced from the rear side in the insertion direction into the valve mounting portion 41 and discharged from the front side in the insertion direction, or the air conditioning expansion valve 23A may be located lower (vertical lower side D) than the heating expansion valve 23B.

[0051] Furthermore, when the condenser 22 is configured so that the refrigerant is introduced from the upper side (vertical upper side U) and discharged from the lower side (vertical lower side D), it is also possible to use a heating expansion valve 23B in which the refrigerant is introduced from the rear side in the insertion direction into the valve mounting portion 41 and discharged from the front side in the insertion direction, and to use a cooling expansion valve 23A in which the refrigerant is introduced from the front side in the insertion direction into the valve mounting portion 41 and discharged from the rear side in the insertion direction. Furthermore, the cooling expansion valve 23A may be provided above the heating expansion valve 23B (vertical upper side U).

[0052] In the above embodiment, the compressor 21 is provided on one side of the housing 13 in the vehicle width direction (the right side R in the vehicle width direction in FIG. 6 ), and the cooling expansion valve 23A and the heating expansion valve 23B are provided on the other side of the housing 13 in the vehicle width direction (the left side L in the vehicle width direction in FIG. 6 ). However, the compressor 21 may be provided on the left side L of the housing 13 in the vehicle width direction, and the cooling expansion valve 23A and the heating expansion valve 23B may be provided on the right side R of the housing 13 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, one of the cooling expansion valve 23A and the heating expansion valve 23B may be provided on the side where the compressor 21 is provided, either the left side L or the right side R in the vehicle width direction.

[0053] In the above embodiment, the capacitor 22 and the switching valve 32 have been described as being provided on the forward side F in the traveling direction relative to the housing 13. However, the capacitor 22 and the switching valve 32 may be provided on the rear side B in the traveling direction relative to the housing 13, on the left side L in the vehicle width direction relative to the housing 13, or on the right side R in the vehicle width direction relative to the housing 13. Furthermore, only one of the capacitor 22 and the switching valve 32 may be provided on the forward side F in the traveling direction relative to the housing 13.

[0054] [Outline of the above embodiment] The following provides an overview of the vehicle drive device 1 described above.

[0055] (1) The vehicle drive device 1 is a vehicle drive device 1 mounted on a vehicle, and includes a driving drive unit 11 having a motor 11A that outputs power to enable the vehicle to run, a power supply module 12 that supplies power to the motor 11A, a housing 13 that accommodates the driving drive unit 11 and the power supply module 12, and an expansion valve 23 (valve) and a switching valve 32 (valve) that control the flow of refrigerant in a refrigerant flow path 14A through which refrigerant circulates between the air conditioning unit 2 that cools and heats the vehicle cabin, and the expansion valve 23 and the switching valve 32 are fixed to the housing 13.

[0056] According to this configuration, by fixing the expansion valve 23 and the switching valve 32 to the housing 13 of the vehicle drive device 1, the housing 13 and the expansion valve 23 and the switching valve 32 can be integrated. This allows the vehicle drive device 1 to be made more compact, and the space created in the motor room in which the vehicle drive device 1 is housed can be used for other purposes. Furthermore, by using this space to relocate other devices, it becomes possible to increase, for example, luggage capacity without changing the dimensions of the vehicle.

[0057] (2) In the vehicle drive device 1 described in (1), it is preferable that the expansion valve 23 and the switching valve 32 are provided inside the outer edge of the housing 13 in a plan view.

[0058] According to this configuration, the expansion valve 23 and the switching valve 32 do not protrude from the outer edge of the housing 13 in a plan view, so the vehicle drive device 1 can be positioned taking into consideration the outer edge of the housing 13. This makes it possible to easily assemble the vehicle drive device 1 into the motor room. Furthermore, because the expansion valve 23 and the switching valve 32 do not protrude from the outer edge, the vehicle drive device 1 can be further reduced in size.

[0059] (3) In the vehicle drive device 1 described in (1), the condenser 22 (condenser) that condenses the refrigerant has the refrigerant introduced from the lower side and discharged from the upper side, the expansion valve 23 and the switching valve 32 are fixed to the housing 13 while being inserted into the valve mounting portion 41, the expansion valve 23 includes a heating expansion valve 23B that expands the refrigerant when the passenger compartment is heated and a cooling expansion valve 23A that expands the refrigerant when the passenger compartment is cooled, and it is preferable that the cooling expansion valve 23A is located above the heating expansion valve 23B.

[0060] According to this configuration, by arranging the cooling expansion valve 23A and the heating expansion valve 23B according to the positions of the refrigerant inflow port and the refrigerant outflow port of the condenser 22, it is possible to reduce the number of intersections among the flow path that introduces the refrigerant into the cooling expansion valve 23A, the flow path that discharges the refrigerant from the cooling expansion valve 23A, the flow path that introduces the refrigerant into the heating expansion valve 23B, and the flow path that discharges the refrigerant from the heating expansion valve 23B, and this makes it easier to route the flow paths. Therefore, the pipe lengths of the flow paths can be shortened, enabling the system to be made more compact.

[0061] (4) In the vehicle drive device 1 described in (1), the condenser 22 (condenser) that condenses the refrigerant has the refrigerant introduced from the upper side and discharged from the lower side, the expansion valve 23 and the switching valve 32 are fixed to the housing 13 while being inserted into the valve mounting portion 41, the expansion valve 23 includes a heating expansion valve 23B that expands the refrigerant when heating the passenger compartment and a cooling expansion valve 23A that expands the refrigerant when cooling the passenger compartment, and it is preferable that the cooling expansion valve 23A is located below the heating expansion valve 23B.

[0062] In this configuration, by positioning the cooling expansion valve 23A and the heating expansion valve 23B according to the positions of the refrigerant inflow and outflow ports of the condenser 22, it is possible to reduce the number of intersections between the flow path that introduces the refrigerant into the cooling expansion valve 23A, the flow path that discharges the refrigerant from the cooling expansion valve 23A, the flow path that introduces the refrigerant into the heating expansion valve 23B, and the flow path that discharges the refrigerant from the heating expansion valve 23B, and this makes it easier to route the flow paths. Therefore, the pipe lengths of the flow paths can be shortened, making it possible to make the unit more compact.

[0063] (5) In the vehicle drive device 1 described in (3) or (4), it is preferable that the compressor 21 (compressor) that compresses the refrigerant is provided on one side of the housing 13 along the vehicle width direction of the vehicle, and the heating expansion valve 23B and the cooling expansion valve 23A are provided on the other side of the housing 13 along the vehicle width direction of the vehicle.

[0064] In the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant compression process and the refrigerant expansion process are not consecutive processes. That is, after the compression process, the process transitions to the expansion process via the condensation process, and after the expansion process, the process transitions to the compression process via the evaporation process. Therefore, by locating the compressor 21 used in the compression process and the cooling expansion valve 23A and the heating expansion valve 23B used in the expansion process on opposite sides of each other along the vehicle width direction (facing each other along the vehicle width direction), it is easy to arrange the condenser 22 used in the condensation process and the evaporator 24 used in the evaporation process between them, and the length of the pipes through which the refrigerant flows between them can be shortened. This allows for a compact design, including the flow path.

[0065] (6) In the vehicle drive device 1 described in (3) or (4), the valve 32 includes a switching valve 32 that can switch the flow state of the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path 14A between a first state in which the refrigerant flows during cooling and a second state in which the refrigerant flows during heating, and it is preferable that the condenser 22 and the switching valve 32 are provided on the front side F in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

[0066] From the viewpoint of heat exchange efficiency, it is preferable to provide the condenser 22 on the front side F in the vehicle's traveling direction, where the wind generated by the vehicle's travel can be introduced. Therefore, according to this configuration, by providing the switching valve 32, which can switch whether or not the refrigerant from the condenser 22 flows through the air-conditioning expansion valve 23A, on the front side F in the vehicle's traveling direction, similar to the condenser 22, it is possible to shorten the length of the pipe of the flow path between the condenser 22 and the switching valve 32. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the entire system, including the flow path.

[0067] (7) In the vehicle drive device 1 described in (1) or (2), the housing 13 preferably includes a first housing 13A that accommodates the power supply module 12 and a second housing 13B that accommodates the traveling drive unit 11, and the expansion valve 23 and the switching valve 32 are preferably fixed to the second housing 13B.

[0068] This configuration makes it possible to easily route the refrigerant flow path 14A by avoiding interference with the cables (harnesses) connected to the power supply module 12. This makes it easier to reduce the size of the vehicle drive device 1.

[0069] (8) In the vehicle drive device 1 described in (3) or (4), the refrigerant can flow through the condensers 22, 52, the heating expansion valve 23B, the cooling expansion valve 23A, and the evaporator 24 (evaporator) that evaporates the refrigerant, and the condensers 22, 52 include a condenser 22 that condenses the refrigerant when cooling the passenger compartment and a cabin condenser 52 that condenses the refrigerant when heating the passenger compartment, and the evaporator 24 and the cabin condenser 52 are preferably provided on the rear side B of the housing 13 in the vehicle's traveling direction, the condenser 22 is provided on the front side F of the housing 13 in the vehicle's traveling direction, and the heating expansion valve 23B and the cooling expansion valve 23A are preferably provided on one side of the housing 13 along the vehicle width direction.

[0070] According to this configuration, the condenser 22 and the cabin condenser 52 can be located close to the passenger compartment, thereby improving cooling and heating efficiency. In addition, by locating the condenser 22 on the front side F in the direction of travel, traveling wind can be applied to the condenser 22, making it easier to condense the refrigerant.

[0071] (9) In the vehicle drive device 1 described in (3) or (4), the heating expansion valve 23B and the cooling expansion valve 23A are fixed to the housing 13 while being inserted into the hole 42 of the valve mounting portion 41, and the valve mounting portion 41 is provided with the hole 42, an inlet 26B through which the refrigerant is introduced, and an outlet 26C through which the refrigerant is discharged, and it is preferable that the hole 42 opens along the direction of travel of the vehicle, and the inlet 26B and the outlet 26C open along the width direction of the vehicle.

[0072] According to this configuration, the refrigerant flow path 14A can be easily routed to the heating expansion valve 23B and the cooling expansion valve 23A, which makes it easier to reduce the size of the vehicle drive device 1.

[0073] (10) In the vehicle drive device 1 described in (3), the heating expansion valve 23B and the cooling expansion valve 23A are fixed to the housing 13 while being inserted into the hole 42 of the valve mounting portion 41, and the valve mounting portion 41 is provided with the hole 42, an inlet 26B through which the refrigerant is introduced, and an outlet 26C through which the refrigerant is discharged. It is preferable that the valve mounting portion 41 into which the heating expansion valve 23B is inserted has the inlet 26B at the back side of the insertion direction in which the heating expansion valve 23B is inserted into the hole 42 and the outlet 26C at the front side of the insertion direction, and that the valve mounting portion 41 into which the cooling expansion valve 23A is inserted has the inlet 26B at the front side of the insertion direction in which the cooling expansion valve 23A is inserted into the hole 42 and the outlet 26C at the back side of the insertion direction.

[0074] In this configuration, the refrigerant flow path 14A can be easily routed to the heating expansion valve 23B and the cooling expansion valve 23A. Therefore, the vehicle drive device 1 can be easily downsized.

[0075] The technology according to the present disclosure can be used in vehicle power devices mounted on vehicles.

[0076] 1: vehicle drive device, 2: air conditioning unit, 11: travel drive section, 11A: motor, 12: power supply module, 13: housing, 13A: first housing, 13B: second housing, 14A: refrigerant flow path, 21: compressor, 22: condenser, 23: expansion valve, 23A: cooling expansion valve, 23B: heating expansion valve, 24: evaporator, 26B: inlet, 26C: outlet, 32: switching valve, 41: valve mounting portion, 42: hole, 52: cabin condenser, F: front side in direction of travel

Claims

1. A vehicle drive device mounted on a vehicle, comprising: a driving drive unit having a motor that outputs power to enable the vehicle to run; a power supply module that supplies power to the motor; a housing that accommodates the driving drive unit and the power supply module; and a valve that controls the flow of refrigerant in a refrigerant flow path through which refrigerant circulates between the vehicle and an air conditioning unit that cools and heats the passenger compartment, the valve being fixed to the housing.

2. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein the valve is provided inside the outer edge of the housing in a plan view.

3. A vehicle drive device as described in claim 1, wherein the refrigerant is introduced into a condenser that condenses the refrigerant from below and discharged from above, the valve is fixed to the housing while being inserted into a valve mounting portion, the valve includes a heating expansion valve that expands the refrigerant when the passenger compartment is heated, and a cooling expansion valve that expands the refrigerant when the passenger compartment is cooled, and the cooling expansion valve is located above the heating expansion valve.

4. A vehicle drive device as described in claim 1, wherein the refrigerant is introduced into a condenser that condenses the refrigerant from above and discharged from below, the valve is fixed to the housing while being inserted into a valve mounting portion, the valve includes a heating expansion valve that expands the refrigerant when the passenger compartment is heated, and a cooling expansion valve that expands the refrigerant when the passenger compartment is cooled, and the cooling expansion valve is located below the heating expansion valve.

5. A vehicle drive device as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein a compressor that compresses the refrigerant is provided on one side of the housing along the vehicle width direction of the vehicle, and the heating expansion valve and the cooling expansion valve are provided on the other side of the housing along the vehicle width direction of the vehicle.

6. A vehicle drive device as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein the valve includes a switching valve that can switch the flow state of the refrigerant in the refrigerant flow path between a first state in which the refrigerant flows during cooling and a second state in which the refrigerant flows during heating, and the condenser and the switching valve are provided on the front side in the direction of travel of the vehicle.

7. A vehicle drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing includes a first housing that houses the power supply module and a second housing that houses the traveling drive unit, and the valve is fixed to the second housing.

8. A vehicle drive device as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein the refrigerant can flow through the condenser, the heating expansion valve, the cooling expansion valve, and an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant, the condenser including a condenser that condenses the refrigerant when cooling the passenger compartment and a cabin condenser that condenses the refrigerant when heating the passenger compartment, the evaporator and the cabin condenser are provided on the rear side of the housing in the direction of travel of the vehicle, the condenser is provided on the front side of the housing in the direction of travel of the vehicle, and the heating expansion valve and the cooling expansion valve are provided on one side of the housing along the vehicle width direction of the vehicle.

9. A vehicle drive device as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein the heating expansion valve and the cooling expansion valve are fixed to the housing while being inserted into holes in a valve mounting portion, the valve mounting portion is provided with the holes, an inlet through which the refrigerant is introduced, and an outlet through which the refrigerant is discharged, the holes open along the direction of travel of the vehicle, and the inlet and outlet open along the width direction of the vehicle.

10. The vehicle drive device of claim 3, wherein the heating expansion valve and the cooling expansion valve are fixed to the housing while inserted into holes in valve mounting parts, the valve mounting part is provided with the hole, an inlet through which the refrigerant is introduced, and an outlet through which the refrigerant is discharged, the valve mounting part into which the heating expansion valve is inserted is provided with the inlet on the back side of the hole in an insertion direction in which the heating expansion valve is inserted, and the outlet on the front side of the insertion direction, and the valve mounting part into which the cooling expansion valve is inserted is provided with the inlet on the front side of the hole in an insertion direction in which the cooling expansion valve is inserted, and the outlet on the back side of the insertion direction.

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