JP2022053134A - Drive device for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

To enhance a degree of freedom of arranging a plurality of rotors in a drive device for a vehicle having a plurality of rotors arranged so as to be overlapped with each other viewed in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction.SOLUTION: A drive device 100 for a vehicle includes a rotary electric machine 1 and a planetary gear mechanism 2. The rotary electric machine 1 includes a plurality of rotors 20 arranged so as to be overlapped with each other viewed in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction, and the planetary gear mechanism 2 is connected to rotary shafts A11 and A12 of the plurality of rotors 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle drive device.

A technique is known in which a rotary electric machine is provided, which includes a plurality of rotors arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and a stator is arranged between adjacent rotors. A drive device including this rotary electric machine has a first drive gear that is rotated by each of a plurality of rotors and meshes with each other in the circumferential direction on one side in the axial direction, and a plurality of rotors on the other side in the axial direction. The rotational torque of the rotary electric machine is taken out via the output gear that meshes with the second drive gear, including the second drive gear that is partially rotated.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-400126

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the first drive gear rotated by each of the plurality of rotors is provided in such a manner that the adjacent first drive gears mesh with each other in the circumferential direction, and therefore, due to the arrangement of the first drive gears. There is a problem that the degree of freedom in arranging multiple rotors is low.

Therefore, on one aspect, the present disclosure increases the degree of freedom in arranging a plurality of rotors in a vehicle drive device including a plurality of rotors arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. With the goal.

On one side, the rotating electric machine and
Including planetary gear mechanism
The rotary electric machine includes a plurality of rotors arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.
The planetary gear mechanism provides a vehicle drive device connected to the rotating shafts of the plurality of rotors.

On one side, according to the present invention, in a vehicle drive device including a plurality of rotors arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the degree of freedom in arranging the plurality of rotors is increased. Is possible.

It is a perspective view which shows the rotary electric machine by one Example from the X1 side in the axial direction. It is a perspective view which shows the rotary electric machine from the X2 side in the axial direction. It is a top view which shows the rotary electric machine from the X2 side in the axial direction. It is a perspective view which shows the state of a single item of a stator core. It is a perspective view which shows the state of a single item of a stator. It is a skeleton diagram of a drive device for a vehicle including a rotary electric machine. It is a schematic diagram of an example of an electric circuit including a rotary electric machine. It is the schematic of the electric circuit by another example. It is a schematic flowchart which shows the control example of the rotary electric machine by the control device of this Example. It is a speed diagram of a planetary gear mechanism in a drive device for a vehicle. It is a schematic diagram explaining the mounting mode to the case of the rotary electric machine according to this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram explaining the mounting mode to the case of the rotary electric machine by the comparative example. It is a perspective view which shows the rotary electric machine by another comparative example from the X2 side. It is a figure which shows typically the arrangement of each rotor for the low profile arrangement. It is a schematic diagram explaining one layout example by four rotors. It is the schematic when the direction is changed in the layout example of FIG. It is a schematic diagram explaining another layout example by four rotors. It is the schematic when the direction is changed in the layout example of FIG.

Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensional ratios in the drawings are merely examples and are not limited to these, and the shapes and the like in the drawings may be partially exaggerated for convenience of explanation. Further, in the drawing, for the sake of legibility, a reference reference numeral may be attached only to a part of a plurality of parts having the same attribute. Also, for unexplained reasons, the elements shown in some drawings may not be shown in other drawings. Further, the term "connection" used for two members represents a state in which the two members are connected in a manner in which power can be transmitted, and a connection in which another member is interposed between the two members. It is a concept including aspects.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the rotary electric machine 1 according to one embodiment from one side in the axial direction, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rotary electric machine 1 from the other side in the axial direction, and FIG. 3 is a rotary electric machine. It is a top view which shows 1 from the other side in the axial direction. FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing a single item state of the stator core 11, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing a single item state of the stator 10.

In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the axial direction refers to the direction in which the output shaft (first axis A1) of the rotary electric machine 1 extends, and the radial direction is the radial direction centered on the first axis A1. Point to. Therefore, the radial outer side refers to the side away from the first axis A1, and the radial inner side refers to the side toward the first axis A1. Further, the circumferential direction corresponds to the rotation direction around the first axis A1. Further, in FIG. 1, the X direction, the X1 side (an example of the first side) and the X2 side (an example of the second side) along the X direction are defined. The X direction is parallel to the axial direction.

In this embodiment, the rotary electric machine 1 includes a stator 10 and a plurality of rotors 20.

The stator 10 includes a stator core 11 and a coil 12, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

The stator core 11 is made of a laminated steel plate made of a magnetic material. The stator core 11 is common to each of the plurality of rotors 20 and has a plurality of tubular rotor space portions 113. The tubular rotor space 113 is formed so as to penetrate the stator core 11 in the axial direction. The rotor space 113 is provided for each rotor 20. Therefore, the number of rotor space portions 113 is the same as the number of rotors 20, and in this embodiment, the number is six as an example. In another embodiment, the number of rotors 20 (and the number of rotor space 113 accordingly) may be any number of two or more other than six.

A plurality of slots 112 around which the coil 12 is wound are formed in the stator core 11. The plurality of slots 112 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the rotor space 113 with respect to each of the rotor spaces 113.

The stator core 11 further has an axial center space portion 110 in a central portion including the first axis A1. The axial center space portion 110 is formed so as to penetrate the stator core 11 in the axial direction. The axial center space portion 110 has a substantially circular outer shape when viewed in the axial direction, but the outer shape is arbitrary. The axial center space portion 110 overlaps with the output shaft (first axis A1) of the rotary electric machine 1 when viewed in the axial direction. A sun gear shaft 231 described later is inserted through the shaft center space portion 110.

The axial center space portion 110 may be formed so as not to communicate with the plurality of rotor space portions 113 described above in the radial direction. The plurality of rotor space portions 113 are provided around the first axis A1 on the radial side of the axial center space portion 110. The plurality of rotor space portions 113 may be provided in such a manner that they are rotationally symmetric with respect to the first axis A1. The plurality of rotor space portions 113 may be formed in a direction in which they intersect in the axial direction and do not communicate with each other.

The stator core 11 has a fastening portion 119 to and from the case CS (see FIG. 9). The fastening portion 119 is, for example, an axial hole through which a bolt BT is inserted. In this case, the stator core 11 can be fixed to the case CS by fastening the bolt BT to the case CS.

One fastening portion 119 is preferably arranged between two rotor space portions 113 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction among the plurality of rotor space portions 113. In this case, at least one of the plurality of fastening portions 119 may be arranged between two rotor space portions 113 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Alternatively, each of the plurality of fastening portions 119 may be arranged between two corresponding rotor space portions 113 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, three fastening portions 119 are arranged between two rotors 20 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. In this case, for example, the stator core 11 may have the fastening portion 119 radially inside the circumscribed circle that circumscribes the plurality of rotors 20 when viewed in the axial direction. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the stator core 11 in the radial direction and the accompanying miniaturization of the rotary electric machine 1 in the radial direction.

The coil 12 is wound in the slot 112 of the stator core 11 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Therefore, the coil 12 is provided for each of the rotor space 113. In the following, when different coils 12 are distinguished for each rotor space 113, they are referred to as coils 12-1 to 12-6. Each of the coils 12-1 to 12-6 may form a three-phase coil. However, in the modified example, a common coil may be wound around the two or more rotor space portions 113. For example, a common coil may be wound around each of the two rotor space portions 113 arranged diagonally around the axis.

Each of the plurality of rotors 20 is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of rotor space portions 113. Therefore, the plurality of rotors 20 are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed in the radial direction (that is, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction).

Each of the rotors 20 has a rotation axis A11 or A12 parallel to the first axis A1. The rotation axes A11 and A12 of the plurality of rotors 20 may be arranged concentrically with the first axis A1 as the center. Alternatively, the rotation axes A11 and A12 of the plurality of rotors 20 may be arranged in a non-concentric manner with the first axis A1 as the center.

The plurality of rotors 20 preferably include two or more types of rotors having different configurations. Here, the configuration of the rotor is a configuration related to the characteristics when the rotor cooperates with the stator 10 and functions as a motor. That is, when the rotor configuration is different, the characteristics when the rotor cooperates with the stator 10 and functions as a motor are also different. Further, the difference in configuration is a concept including the difference in configuration due to the difference in size. For example, in the case of a permanent magnet type motor, even if the size is the same, the difference in configuration can be realized by, for example, the difference in the arrangement of permanent magnets, the number of magnetic poles, and the like.

In this embodiment, as an example, the plurality of rotors 20 include a first rotor 20A and a second rotor 20B. The first rotor 20A and the second rotor 20B are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. However, in the modified example, the plurality of rotors 20 may include three or more types of rotors, or may include only one type of rotor. Further, when a plurality of types of rotors are included, the arrangement of the plurality of types of rotors in the circumferential direction is arbitrary. In the following, the term rotor 20 will still be used unless the first rotor 20A and the second rotor 20B are particularly distinguished.

The first rotor 20A has the characteristics of a permanent magnet type motor by being provided with a permanent magnet (not shown). The first rotor 20A may be provided with a permanent magnet on the outer peripheral surface, or may be provided with a permanent magnet inside the outer peripheral surface.

As shown in FIG. 1, a first motor output gear 21 is connected to the rotary shaft A11 of the first rotor 20A. Specifically, the rotary shaft A11 of the first rotor 20A is connected to the end of the X1 side with the first motor output gear 21. The first motor output gear 21 is connected to the rotating shaft A11 of the first rotor 20A so as to rotate integrally with the rotating shaft A11 of the first rotor 20A. The first motor output gear 21 is connected to the planetary gear mechanism 2 as described later with reference to FIG.

The second rotor 20B has a characteristic of functioning as a cage-type induction motor in cooperation with the stator 10. For example, the second rotor 20B may be in the form of an oblique groove rotor in which a groove extends diagonally with respect to the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface.

As shown in FIG. 2, the rotary shaft A12 of the second rotor 20B is provided with a second motor output gear 22. Specifically, the rotary shaft A12 of the second rotor 20B is connected to the end of the X2 side with the second motor output gear 22. The second motor output gear 22 is connected to the rotating shaft A12 of the second rotor 20B so as to rotate integrally with the rotating shaft A12 of the second rotor 20B.

Each of the second motor output gears 22 meshes radially with the third motor output gear 23 that rotates about the first axis A1. The third motor output gear 23 is connected to the sun gear shaft 231 so as to rotate integrally with the sun gear shaft 231. The second motor output gear 22 and the third motor output gear 23 form a reduction gear (reduction gear).

Such a rotary electric machine 1 is substantially configured to include a plurality of inner rotor type rotary electric machines in a complex manner. Such a rotary electric machine 1 can be used for any purpose, but as shown in FIG. 5, for example, by being connected to the planetary gear mechanism 2, it is suitable as a component of the vehicle drive device 100.

FIG. 5 is a skeleton diagram of a vehicle drive device 100 including a rotary electric machine 1. In FIG. 5, for ease of viewing, a part of the first rotor 20A of the plurality of rotors 20 is shown on the X1 side of the double omitted line, and a part of the second rotor 20B is the same 2. It is shown on the X2 side of the heavy abbreviation line.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the vehicle drive device 100 includes a rotary electric machine 1 that is a drive source for the wheels W, and a drive transmission mechanism 7 provided in a power transmission path connecting the rotary electric machine 1 and the wheels W. .. The drive transmission mechanism 7 includes a planetary gear mechanism 2, a counter gear mechanism 4, a differential gear mechanism 5, and left and right output members 61 and 62.

The planetary gear mechanism 2 is provided on the X1 side of the rotary electric machine 1. The central axis of the planetary gear mechanism 2 coincides with the first axis A1. The planetary gear mechanism 2 includes a sun gear 2S (an example of a second element), a pinion gear 2P, a carrier 2CR (an example of a first element), and a ring gear 2R.

The sun gear 2S is connected to the X1 side end of the sun gear shaft 231. The sun gear 2S is connected to the sun gear shaft 231 so as to rotate integrally with the sun gear shaft 231.

The pinion gear 2P meshes with the sun gear 2S on the inner side in the radial direction and meshes with the ring gear 2R on the outer side in the radial direction in such a manner that the pinion gear 2P can revolve around the first axis A1 and rotate on its axis.

The carrier 2CR is connected to each of the above-mentioned first motor output gears 21 and each pinion gear 2P in such a manner that it can rotate around the first axis A1. In this case, the carrier 2CR meshes with the first motor output gear 21 by the input gear 24.

The ring gear 2R meshes with the pinion gear 2P on the inner side in the radial direction and with the first counter gear 42 of the counter gear mechanism 4 on the outer side in the radial direction in such a manner that the ring gear 2R can rotate around the first shaft A1. The ring gear 2R is a gear that transmits the rotational torque (driving force) from the rotary electric machine 1 to the counter gear mechanism 4.

The counter gear mechanism 4 is arranged between the planetary gear mechanism 2 and the differential gear mechanism 5 in the power transmission path. The counter gear mechanism 4 has a counter shaft 41, a first counter gear 42, and a second counter gear 43.

The counter shaft 41 is a rotating member that rotates around the second shaft A2. The second axis A2 extends parallel to the first axis A1. The first counter gear 42 is an input element of the counter gear mechanism 4. The first counter gear 42 meshes with the ring gear 2R of the planetary gear mechanism 2. The first counter gear 42 is connected to the counter shaft 41 so as to rotate integrally with the counter shaft 41.

The second counter gear 43 is an output element of the counter gear mechanism 4. In this embodiment, as an example, the second counter gear 43 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the first counter gear 42. The second counter gear 43 is connected to the counter shaft 41 so as to rotate integrally with the counter shaft 41.

The differential gear mechanism 5 is arranged on the third axis A3 as its rotation axis. The third axis A3 extends parallel to the first axis A1. The differential gear mechanism 5 distributes the driving force transmitted from the rotary electric machine 1 side to the left and right output members 61 and 62. The differential gear mechanism 5 includes a differential input gear 51, and the differential input gear 51 meshes with the second counter gear 43 of the counter gear mechanism 4. Further, the differential gear mechanism 5 includes a differential case 52, and a pinion shaft, pinion gears, left and right side gears, and the like are housed in the differential case 52. The left and right side gears are connected to the left and right output members 61 and 62 so as to rotate integrally with each other.

Each of the left and right output members 61 and 62 is driven and connected to the left and right wheels W. Each of the left and right output members 61 and 62 transmits the driving force distributed by the differential gear mechanism 5 to the wheel W.

In this way, the rotary electric machine 1 transfers the rotational torque of the plurality of rotors 20 to the drive transmission mechanism 7 via the reduction gear including the second counter gear 43 and the third motor output gear 23 and the planetary gear mechanism 2. introduce.

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of an example of an electric circuit 200 including a rotary electric machine 1, and FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of an electric circuit 200A including the rotary electric machine 1 according to another example. 6A and 6B also show the control device 500. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the dotted arrow associated with the control device 500 represents the exchange of information (data).

The rotary electric machine 1 is driven via the control of the inverter INV by the control device 500. In the electric circuit 200 shown in FIG. 6A, the rotary electric machine 1 is electrically connected to the coils 12-1 to 12-6 provided in association with the plurality of rotor space portions 113 via a common inverter INV. The inverter INV is provided with switching elements (for example, MOSFET: MOSFET: Metal-Oxide-Semicondutor Field Effect Transistor or IGBT: Integrated Gate Bipolar Transistor) on the high potential side and the low potential side of the power supply Va for each phase. The switching element may be PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) driven so as to generate a desired rotational torque. The power source Va may be, for example, a battery having a relatively high rated voltage, and may be, for example, a lithium ion battery, a fuel cell, or the like.

In the electric circuit 200 shown in FIG. 6A, an inverter INV common to the plurality of rotors 20 is used, but in the electric circuit 200A of another example shown in FIG. 6B, the inverters are individually used for the plurality of rotors 20. Inverter INV is used. In this case, the inverter INVs are electrically connected in parallel with each other between the high potential side and the low potential side of the power source Va. In this case, each of the coils 12-1 to 12-6 can be independently energized.

In this embodiment, as in the electric circuit 200 shown in FIG. 6A and the electric circuit 200A shown in FIG. 6B, the smoothing capacitor C is placed between the high potential side and the low potential side of the power supply Va in parallel with the inverter INV. Is electrically connected. In the electric circuit 200A shown in FIG. 6B, the smoothing capacitor C is shared, but the smoothing capacitor C is also supplied with power supplies in parallel with each of the coils 12-1 to 12-6, as in the case of the inverter INV. It may be electrically connected between the high potential side and the low potential side of Va.

Next, a preferable control example of the rotary electric machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 8. In the following description, "predetermined" refers to an aspect defined before this control (for example, before factory shipment).

FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart showing a control example of the rotary electric machine 1 by the control device 500 of this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a speed diagram of the planetary gear mechanism 2 in the vehicle drive device 100. In FIG. 8, the vertical axis represents the rotation speed of the rotary electric machine 1.

In step S700, the control device 500 determines whether or not the rotary electric machine 1 is being driven in the first mode. The first mode is a mode in which both the sun gear 2S and the carrier 2CR rotate in the positive direction, as shown in the diagram “MD1” of FIG. In this case, the carrier 2CR rotates in the positive direction (that is, the first rotor 20A rotates), so that a counter electromotive force is generated. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S702, and if not, the process proceeds to step S706.

In step S702, the control device 500 determines whether or not the counter electromotive force is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Whether or not the counter electromotive force is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value may be detected based on, for example, whether or not the voltage across the smoothing capacitor C is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage, and the rotation speed of the first rotor 20A may be detected. It may be detected based on whether or not the number of revolutions is equal to or higher than a predetermined number of revolutions. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S704, and in other cases, the process proceeds to step S710 while maintaining the operation mode in the first mode.

In step S704, the control device 500 sets the operation mode to the second mode. The second mode is a mode in which the sun gear 2S rotates in the reverse direction so that the rotation speed of the carrier 2CR becomes 0, as shown in the diagram “MD2” of FIG. In this case, since the carrier 2CR does not rotate (that is, the first rotor 20A does not rotate), no counter electromotive force is generated.

In step S706, the control device 500 determines whether or not the condition for returning to the first mode is satisfied. The condition for returning to the first mode is arbitrary, and may be satisfied, for example, in a situation where the counter electromotive force is significantly lower than a predetermined threshold value. If the determination result is "YES", the process proceeds to step S708, and in other cases, the process proceeds to step S710 while maintaining the operation mode in the second mode.

In step S708, the control device 500 sets the operation mode to the first mode.

In step S710, the control device 500 drives the rotary electric machine 1 according to the operation mode (first operation mode or second operation mode) of the current cycle.

In this way, according to the process shown in FIG. 7, the rotary electric machine 1 can be controlled by switching between the first mode and the second mode so that the counter electromotive force does not significantly exceed the predetermined threshold value. In the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second operation mode is a mode in which the sun gear 2S rotates in the reverse direction so that the rotation speed of the carrier 2CR becomes 0, but the rotation speed of the carrier 2CR is relatively low. The mode may be such that the sun gear 2S rotates in the reverse direction so as to be maintained at a predetermined value or less.

By the way, in this embodiment, as described above, the rotary electric machine 1 includes the first rotor 20A and the second rotor 20B, and the first rotor 20A can function as a permanent magnet type motor in cooperation with the stator 10. The second rotor 20B can function as a cage-type induction motor in cooperation with the stator 10.

The characteristics of the permanent magnet type motor and the cage type induction motor are different. For example, a permanent magnet motor can generate a relatively high torque at a relatively low rotation speed, but it does generate a counter electromotive force. On the other hand, the squirrel-cage induction motor does not generate back electromotive force and is advantageous at a relatively high rotation speed, but the loss is relatively large.

Here, if a relatively high counter electromotive force is generated across the smoothing capacitor C due to the counter electromotive force, it may affect other systems that may be electrically connected to the smoothing capacitor C, for example.

In this regard, in the examples shown in FIGS. 7 to 8, by providing the second rotor 20B, it is possible to generate the rotational torque of the rotary electric machine 1 while maintaining the rotation speed of the first rotor 20A to be substantially zero. be. That is, it is possible to generate the rotational torque of the rotary electric machine 1 in a manner in which the counter electromotive force does not significantly exceed a predetermined threshold value. As a result, the rotary electric machine 1 can be driven without excessively increasing the withstand voltage of another system that can be electrically connected to the smoothing capacitor C.

In this way, according to the present embodiment, by having at least a part of the plurality of rotors 20 having different configurations, it is possible to realize the rotary electric machine 1 having characteristics that combine various characteristics.

Next, further effects of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and later.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating how the rotary electric machine 1 according to the present embodiment is attached to the case CS. FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating how the rotary electric machine 1 ”according to the comparative example is attached to the case CS. In FIGS. 9 and 10, the outer shape of the case CS viewed in the axial direction and the outer shape of the case CS viewed in the axial direction are shown in the axial direction. The extension range of the rotary electric machine 1 and the rotary electric machine 1 "is shown by the hatching regions R1 and R1". Further, FIGS. 9 and 10 show a Y direction parallel to the vertical direction.

The rotary electric machine 1 "according to the comparative example is an inner rotor type provided with a single rotor (not shown), and a fastening portion 119" protruding outward in the radial direction is provided on the radial outer side of the stator (not shown). Be done. In this case, since the fastening portion 119 "is set radially outside the rotor, the region R1" (region viewed in the axial direction) occupied by the rotary electric machine 1 "in the case CS is relatively large.

On the other hand, according to the rotary electric machine 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, a common stator 10 (see FIG. 1 and the like) is provided, and in the stator 10, the fastening portion 119 is located between the rotors 20 in the circumferential direction. Since they are arranged, the region R1 (region viewed in the axial direction) occupied by the rotary electric machine 1 in the case CS can be significantly reduced as compared with the comparative example. Further, since the degree of freedom in arranging the fastening portion 119 is increased, the mounting restriction caused by the fastening portion 119 can be reduced as compared with the comparative example.

Further, according to the rotary electric machine 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, the region R1 (the region viewed in the axial direction) occupied by the rotary electric machine 1 in the case CS can be reduced, so that the height of the rotary electric machine 1 can be lowered and the height thereof can be reduced. It is possible to reduce the height of the accompanying case CS. For example, in the comparative example shown in FIG. 10, the distance between the two lines L100 "that are in contact with the region R1" at the top and bottom is relatively large, whereas according to this embodiment, the two lines that are in contact with the region R1 at the top and bottom are relatively large. The distance between the lines L100 can be reduced.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the rotary electric machine 1'according to another comparative example from the X2 side. The rotary electric machine 1'according to the comparative example is different from the rotary electric machine 1 according to the present embodiment in that a single reduction gear mechanism 2'is connected instead of the planetary gear mechanism 2. Specifically, each rotor 20 is connected to the first drive gear 21'on the X2 side, and each first drive gear 21' meshes with the second drive gear 22'. In this case, each of the first drive gear 21'and the second drive gear 22'form the reduction gear mechanism 2'.

In such a comparative example, the first drive gear 21'rotated by each of the plurality of rotors 20 is concentrically arranged around the first axis A1, and thus is caused by the arrangement of the first drive gear 21'. Therefore, there is a problem that the degree of freedom in arranging the plurality of rotors 20 tends to decrease. For example, in the comparative example, a part of the plurality of rotors 20 cannot be offset inward in the radial direction from the illustrated position.

On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the planetary gear mechanism 2 is connected to the rotary electric machine 1. That is, the planetary gear mechanism 2 is provided between the rotary electric machine 1 and the counter gear mechanism 4. This makes it possible to increase the degree of freedom in arranging the plurality of rotors 20. Specifically, the first rotor 20A can be offset inward in the radial direction from the position shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and the like, or can be offset in the outward direction in the radial direction from the position shown in the drawing. That is, since the first rotor 20A is connected to the carrier 2CR (see FIG. 5) on the X1 side, it can be arranged without being directly affected by the third motor output gear 23. In this way, according to the present embodiment, by realizing the connection between the planetary gear mechanism 2 and the rotary electric machine 1 from both sides in the axial direction of the rotary electric machine 1, a plurality of rotors around the first axis A1 are realized. The degree of freedom of arrangement of 20 can be increased.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the height of the rotary electric machine 1 and the height of the case CS associated therewith based on the arrangement of the plurality of rotors 20. In this case, in combination with the effect of the arrangement of the fastening portion 119 described above, it is possible to effectively reduce the height of the rotary electric machine 1 and the height of the case CS associated therewith.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the height can be reduced as described above, it becomes easy to adapt to a special layout.

For example, it is possible to realize a low profile arrangement as shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the arrangement of each rotor 20 when viewed in the axial direction. Note that FIG. 12 shows the Y direction parallel to the vertical direction. However, in the modified example, the Y direction may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction, or may extend in the horizontal plane. This also applies to FIGS. 13 and 14, which will be described later.

In the rotary electric machine 1A shown in FIG. 12, six rotors 20 are provided on the stator 10A, two rotors 20 located diagonally form a pair, and each pair of rotors is viewed in the axial direction. It is arranged at a distance d1, d2, and d3 from the first axis A1. The six rotors 20 include a first pair of rotors 20-1, a second pair of rotors 20-2, and a third pair of rotors 20-3, the rotating shafts A13-1 and the third of the rotors 20-1. The distance d1 between the 1st axis A1 (an example of the first distance), the distance d2 between the rotation axis A13-2 of the rotor 20-2 and the 1st axis A1, and the rotation axis A13- of the rotor 20-3. The distance d3 (an example of the second distance) between 3 and the first axis A1 is at least one different from the other two. In this case, the distance d3 relating to the third pair of rotors 20-3 arranged in the vertical direction is the shortest, and the distance d1 and the distance d2 are substantially the same. The two rotors 20 constituting the first pair of rotors 20-1 may have the same configuration, and the two rotors 20 constituting the second pair of rotors 20-2 may have the same configuration. Often, the two rotors 20 that make up the third pair of rotors 20-3 may have the same configuration. Further, two rotors 20 constituting the first pair of rotors 20-1, two rotors 20 constituting the second pair of rotors 20-2, and two rotors constituting the third pair of rotors 20-3. 20 may all have the same configuration, or at least one pair of rotors may have a different configuration from the other two pairs of rotors.

According to the rotary electric machine 1A shown in FIG. 12, the distance d3 is made smaller than the other distances d1 and d2, and the third pair of rotors 20-3 related to the distance d3 are arranged in the vertical direction. , It is possible to realize an efficient low profile arrangement along the vertical direction. In order to realize a low profile arrangement along a direction other than the vertical direction, the third pair of rotors 20-3 having a distance d3 may be arranged according to the direction.

Next, various layout examples of the plurality of rotors 20 will be outlined with reference to FIGS. 13 to 14B.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example layout of four rotors 20.

In the rotary electric machine 1B shown in FIG. 13, four rotors 20 are provided on the stator 10B, and the four rotors 20 are paired with two diagonally located at different distances from the first axis A1 for each pair. Be placed. Specifically, the four rotors 20 include a first pair of rotors 20-4 and a second pair of rotors 20-5, and the rotary shafts A13-4 and the first shaft A1 of the rotors 20-4. The distance d4 between them (an example of the first distance) and the distance d5 between the rotation axes A13-5 of the rotor 20-5 and the first axis A1 (an example of the second distance) are different from each other. In this case, the distance d4 relating to the first pair of rotors 20-4 arranged in the vertical direction is shorter than the distance d5. The two rotors 20 constituting the first pair of rotors 20-4 may have the same configuration, and the two rotors 20 constituting the second pair of rotors 20-5 may have the same configuration. good. Further, the two rotors 20 constituting the first pair of rotors 20-4 and the two rotors 20 constituting the second pair of rotors 20-5 may all have the same configuration or different configurations. It may have (a configuration other than the size).

According to the rotary electric machine 1B shown in FIG. 13, the distance d4 is made smaller than the other distances d5, and the third pair of rotors 20-3 related to the distance d4 are arranged up and down in the vertical direction. It is possible to realize a low profile arrangement along the direction. In order to realize a low profile arrangement along a direction other than the vertical direction, the first pair of rotors 20-4 having a distance d4 may be arranged according to the direction.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13B, the rotary electric machine 1B is arranged so that the straight line connecting the rotation axis A13-4 and the rotation axis A13-5 is perpendicular to the vertical direction when viewed in the axial direction. , Further low profile arrangement along the vertical direction may be realized.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating another layout example with four rotors 20.

In the rotary electric machine 1C shown in FIG. 14, four rotors 20 are provided on the stator 10C, and the four rotors 20 are paired with two diagonally located at different distances from the first axis A1 for each pair. Be placed. Specifically, the four rotors 20 include a first pair of rotors 20-6 and a second pair of rotors 20-7, and the rotary shafts A13-6 and the first shaft A1 of the rotors 20-6. The distance d6 between them (an example of the first distance) and the distance d7 between the rotation axes A13-7 of the rotor 20-7 and the first axis A1 (an example of the second distance) are different from each other. In the case of FIG. 14, the distance d6 relating to the first pair of rotors 20-6 arranged in the vertical direction is longer than the distance d7, but may be shorter. The two rotors 20 constituting the first pair of rotors 20-6 may have the same configuration, and the two rotors 20 constituting the second pair of rotors 20-7 may have the same configuration. good. Further, the two rotors 20 constituting the first pair of rotors 20-6 and the two rotors 20 constituting the second pair of rotors 20-7 all have the same configuration except that the sizes (diameters) are different. It may be present or may have a different configuration.

According to the rotary electric machine 1C shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of rotors 20 having different sizes can be combined and arranged around the first axis A1. In the rotary electric machine 1C shown in FIG. 14, when the low profile arrangement is realized in the vertical direction, the low profile arrangement may be realized by arranging the rotary electric machine 1C in the direction as shown in FIG. 14B. ..

Although the four rotors 20 have been described here with reference to FIGS. 13 to 14B, various layouts are possible in the case of other numbers as well. Further, in the example shown in FIGS. 13 to 14B, two fastening portions 119 arranged between the rotors 20 in the circumferential direction are shown as an example, but the number of fastening portions 119 is arbitrary.

Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims. It is also possible to combine all or a plurality of the components of the above-described embodiment. Further, among the effects of each embodiment, the effect related to the dependent term is an additional effect distinct from the superordinate concept (independent term).

For example, in the above-described embodiment (the same applies hereinafter to the modified example), the first rotor 20A is connected to the carrier 2CR of the planetary gear mechanism 2 from the X1 side of the rotary electric machine 1, and the second rotor 20B is the rotary electric machine 1. It is connected to the sun gear 2S of the planetary gear mechanism 2 from the X2 side, but is not limited to this. For example, the second rotor 20B may be connected to the carrier 2CR of the planetary gear mechanism 2 from the X1 side of the rotary electric machine 1, and the first rotor 20A may be connected to the sun gear 2S of the planetary gear mechanism 2 from the X2 side of the rotary electric machine 1. .. Further, the first rotor 20A may be connected to an element other than the carrier 2CR of the planetary gear mechanism 2 from the X1 side of the rotary electric machine 1, and the second rotor 20B may be connected to the planet from the X2 side of the rotary electric machine 1. It may be connected to an element other than the sun gear 2S of the gear mechanism 2.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the planetary gear mechanism 2 is provided on the X1 side of the rotary electric machine 1, but may be provided on the X2 side of the rotary electric machine 1.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the stator 10 is common to the plurality of rotors 20, but is not limited to this. That is, the stator 10 may be provided for each of the plurality of rotors 20, or may be provided in common for a plurality of a part of the plurality of rotors 20.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C ... Rotating electric machine, 2 ... Planetary gear mechanism, 2S ... Sun gear (second element), 2CR ... Carrier (first element), 20 ... Rotor, 20A ... 1st rotor, 20B ... 2nd rotor, A11, A12, A13 ... Rotating shaft, 100 ... Vehicle drive device, CS ... Case

Claims (5)

With a rotary electric machine,
Including planetary gear mechanism
The rotary electric machine includes a plurality of rotors arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.
The planetary gear mechanism is a vehicle drive device connected to the rotating shafts of the plurality of rotors. The rotary electric machine includes a stator having a plurality of rotor spaces for accommodating each of the plurality of rotors.
The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein the stator has a fastening portion with a case between at least two rotors adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction among the plurality of rotors when viewed in the axial direction. The plurality of rotors
A first rotor connected to the first element of the planetary gear mechanism from the first side in the axial direction, and
The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a second rotor connected to a second element of the planetary gear mechanism from a second side opposite to the first side in the axial direction. The first rotor is either a permanent magnet type motor or a cage type induction motor, and the second rotor is either a permanent magnet type motor or a cage type induction motor, whichever is the other. 3. The vehicle drive device according to 3. The first rotor has the rotation axis at a position separated by a first distance from the output shaft of the planetary gear mechanism when viewed in the axial direction.
The second rotor has the rotating shaft at a position separated from the central axis of the planetary gear mechanism by a second distance different from the first distance when viewed in the axial direction, according to claim 3 or 4. Vehicle drive.

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