Vehicle drive device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle drive device. A transmission mechanism includes an output gear (30) drivingly connected to at least one of a pair of output components (6), and the output gear (30) is coaxial with the pair of output components (6). The direction in which a rotating electric machine (1) and an inverter device (90) are arranged in an axial direction is set as a first direction (X), and the direction orthogonal to both the axial direction and the first direction (X) is set as a second direction (Y). A first output component (61) as one of the pair of output components (6) is arranged at a position in which the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) are arranged in the second direction (Y), and is sandwiched between the first direction (X) of the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90). The output gear (30) is arranged to overlap each of the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) in an axial direction.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date of March 11, 2022, i.e., the date of entering the Chinese national phase, application number 202080064209.8, and invention name “Vehicle Drive Device”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle drive device including a rotating electric machine, a transmission mechanism for transmitting driving force between the rotating electric machine and an output member, and an inverter device for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine. Background Art

[0003] An example of a vehicle drive device as described above is disclosed in International Publication No. 2019 / 154685 (Patent Document 1). In the following description of the background technology and the subject, the reference numerals in parentheses refer to the contents of Patent Document 1. The vehicle electric drive unit (1) of Patent Document 1 includes an electric motor (3), a transmission device (4) connected to the electric motor (3), and a power electronic device (5).

[0004] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2019 / 154685

[0005] As described in Patent Document 1 Figure 1 as well as Figure 6 As shown, in the electric drive unit (1) of Patent Document 1, the power electronic device (5) is arranged across the electric motor (3) and the transmission device (4) on the upper side of the figure. Therefore, in the electric drive unit (1) of Patent Document 1, the size of the electric drive unit (1) as a whole when viewed in the axial direction tends to be a relatively large size corresponding to the sum of the arrangement areas of the electric motor (3), the transmission device (4) and the power electronic device (5) when viewed in the axial direction. Summary of the invention

[0006] Therefore, it is desired to realize a technology capable of miniaturizing the size of a vehicle drive device when viewed in the axial direction.

[0007] The vehicle drive device of the present invention comprises: a rotating electric machine; a pair of output members, which are respectively drivingly connected to a pair of wheels; a transmission mechanism, which transmits driving force between the rotating electric machine and the pair of output members; and an inverter device, which drives and controls the rotating electric machine, the rotating electric machine and the pair of output members are separately arranged on two axes parallel to each other, the transmission mechanism and the pair of output members are coaxially provided with an output gear drivingly connected to at least one of the pair of output members, the direction in which the rotating electric machine and the inverter device are arranged when viewed in the axial direction along the axial direction is set as a first direction, and the direction orthogonal to both the axial direction and the first direction is set as a second direction, the first output member as one of the pair of output members is arranged between the rotating electric machine and the inverter device in the first direction at a position in the second direction in which both the rotating electric machine and the inverter device are arranged, and the output gear is arranged to overlap with each of the rotating electric machine and the inverter device when viewed in the axial direction.

[0008] In the present structure, the first output component is arranged at a position in the second direction where both the rotating motor and the inverter device are arranged, and is sandwiched between the first direction of the rotating motor and the inverter device. Therefore, by overlapping the configuration areas of the second direction of the output gears coaxially arranged with the rotating motor, the inverter device and the first output component, the vehicle drive device can be miniaturized in the second direction. Moreover, in the present structure, the output gear is arranged to overlap with each of the rotating motor and the inverter device when viewed axially. Therefore, as described above, the structure is set to be arranged in which the first output component is sandwiched between the rotating motor and the inverter device in the first direction, and the space overlapping with the output gear when viewed axially can be effectively utilized, so that the rotating motor and the inverter device can be arranged close to each other in the first direction. Thus, the vehicle drive device can be miniaturized in the first direction.

[0009] As described above, according to this structure, the first direction and the second direction of the vehicle drive device can be miniaturized, that is, the size of the vehicle drive device when viewed axially can be miniaturized. In addition, in this structure, the rotating electric machine and the inverter device are separately arranged on both sides of the first direction relative to the first output member coaxially arranged with the output gear. Therefore, it is easy to increase the ratio of the rotating electric machine overlapping with the output gear when viewed axially and the ratio of the inverter device overlapping with the output gear when viewed axially, thereby easily achieving the miniaturization of the size of the vehicle drive device when viewed axially.

[0010] Further features and advantages of the vehicle drive device will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle drive device according to the embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the vehicle drive device according to the embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle drive device according to the embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the arrangement relationship of the components of the vehicle drive device according to the embodiment when viewed in the axial direction.

[0015] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the arrangement relationship of the components of the vehicle drive device according to the embodiment when viewed in the axial direction.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle drive device according to another embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the arrangement relationship of the components of the vehicle drive device according to another embodiment when viewed in the axial direction.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the arrangement relationship of the components of the vehicle drive device according to another embodiment when viewed in the axial direction.

[0019] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing the arrangement relationship of the components of the vehicle drive device according to another embodiment when viewed in the axial direction.

[0020] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing the arrangement relationship of the components of the vehicle drive device according to another embodiment when viewed in the axial direction.

[0021] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle drive device according to another embodiment.

[0022] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing the arrangement relationship of the components of the vehicle drive device according to another embodiment when viewed in the axial direction.

[0023] Fig.13 It is a schematic diagram of a vehicle drive device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The embodiment of the vehicle drive device is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 4 The vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 (see FIG. 2 ). Figure 1 ), so the vertical direction V is consistent with the vertical direction in the state where the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 (hereinafter referred to as the "vehicle mounted state"), and more specifically, it is consistent with the vertical direction in the vehicle mounted state and the vehicle 200 is stopped on a flat road (a road along a horizontal plane). Moreover, the upper side V1 and the lower side V2 refer to the upper side and the lower side of the vertical direction V. In addition, the directions of the various components in the following description indicate their directions in the state where they are assembled in the vehicle drive device 100. In addition, terms related to the size, configuration direction, configuration position, etc. of each component are concepts that include states with differences caused by errors (errors to the extent allowable in manufacturing).

[0025] In this specification, "drive connection" refers to a state in which two rotating members are connected in a manner that can transmit driving force (synonymous with torque), including a state in which the two rotating members are connected in a manner that rotates as a whole, or a state in which the two rotating members are connected in a manner that can transmit driving force via one or more transmission components. Such transmission components include various components that transmit rotation at the same speed or at a variable speed (such as shafts, gear mechanisms, belts, chains, etc.), and may also include engagement devices that selectively transmit rotation and driving force (such as friction engagement devices, meshing engagement devices, etc.).

[0026] In this specification, "rotating electric machine" is used as a concept including a motor (electric motor), a generator (generator), and any one of a motor / generator that performs the functions of both a motor and a generator as required. In addition, in this specification, regarding the configuration of two components, "overlapping when viewed in a specific direction" means that when an imaginary straight line parallel to the line of sight is moved in directions orthogonal to the imaginary straight line, the area where the imaginary straight line intersects with both components at least partially exists. In addition, in this specification, regarding the configuration of two components, "axial configuration area overlaps" means that at least a part of the axial configuration area of ​​one component is included in the axial configuration area of ​​another component.

[0027] like Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle drive device 100 includes a rotating electrical machine 1, and a pair of wheels W (see Figure 1 ) a pair of output members 6 connected to the rotating electrical machine 1 by driving, a transmission mechanism 3 for transmitting driving force between the rotating electrical machine 1 and the pair of output members 6, and an inverter device 90 for driving and controlling the rotating electrical machine 1. The vehicle drive device 100 further includes a housing 2 for accommodating the rotating electrical machine 1 and the inverter device 90. The housing 2 also accommodates the pair of output members 6 and the transmission mechanism 3.

[0028] The first output member 61 as one of the pair of output members 6 is drivingly connected to the first wheel W1 as one of the pair of wheels W, and the second output member 62 as the other of the pair of output members 6 is drivingly connected to the second wheel W2 as the other of the pair of wheels W. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle 200 equipped with the vehicle drive device 100 includes a first drive shaft 63 that rotates integrally with the first wheel W1, and a second drive shaft 64 that rotates integrally with the second wheel W2. The first drive shaft 63 is connected to the first wheel W1, for example, via a constant velocity universal joint, and the second drive shaft 64 is connected to the second wheel W2, for example, via a constant velocity universal joint. In addition, the first output member 61 is connected to the first drive shaft 63 in a manner that rotates integrally with the first drive shaft 63, and the second output member 62 is connected to the second drive shaft 64 in a manner that rotates integrally with the second drive shaft 64.

[0029] The vehicle drive device 100 transmits the output torque of the rotating electric machine 1 to a pair of wheels W via a pair of output components 6, so that the vehicle 200 equipped with the vehicle drive device 100 travels. That is, the rotating electric machine 1 is a driving force source for the pair of wheels W. The pair of wheels W is a left and right pair of wheels of the vehicle 200 (for example, a left and right pair of front wheels, or a left and right pair of rear wheels). In the present embodiment, the rotating electric machine 1 is an AC rotating electric machine driven by three-phase AC (an example of multi-phase AC). The rotating electric machine 1 is electrically connected to a storage device such as a battery and a capacitor via an inverter device 90 that performs power conversion between direct current and alternating current, receives power supply from the storage device to perform power operation, or supplies power generated by the inertial force of the vehicle 200 to the storage device to store power in the storage device.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, the rotating motor 1 and the pair of output members 6 are separately arranged on two axes parallel to each other (specifically, the first axis C1 and the second axis C2). Specifically, the rotating motor 1 is arranged on the first axis C1, and the pair of output members 6 are arranged on the second axis C2 different from the first axis C1. The first axis C1 and the second axis C2 are axes (imaginary axes) arranged parallel to each other. The transmission mechanism 3 has an output gear 30 drivingly connected to at least one of the pair of output members 6, and the output gear 30 is coaxial with the pair of output members 6 (i.e., on the second axis C2). In the present embodiment, the first axis C1 is equivalent to the "rotation axis of the rotating motor", and the second axis C2 is equivalent to the "rotation axis of the output gear" and the "rotation axis of the first output member".

[0031] like Figure 1As shown, the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 with the axial direction A oriented along the left-right direction of the vehicle. The axial direction A is a direction parallel to the first axis C1 and the second axis C2, in other words, it is an axial direction shared by the first axis C1 and the second axis C2. That is, the axial direction A is the direction in which the rotation axis of the rotating electric machine 1 extends, and is also the direction in which the rotation axis of a pair of output components 6 extends. Here, one side of the axial direction A is set as the axial first side A1, and the other side of the axial direction A (the side of the axial direction A opposite to the axial first side A1) is set as the axial second side A2. The axial first side A1 is the side of the axial direction A on which the rotating electric machine 1 is configured relative to the transmission mechanism 3. As shown Figure 3 As shown, the first output member 61 is the output member 6 disposed on the axial first side A1 among the pair of output members 6 , and the second output member 62 is the output member 6 disposed on the axial second side A2 among the pair of output members 6 .

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 with the first axial side A1 being the right side of the vehicle and the second axial side A2 being the left side of the vehicle. Therefore, the first wheel W1 driven by the first output member 61 is the right wheel, and the second wheel W2 driven by the second output member 62 is the left wheel. Figure 1 In the embodiment, it is assumed that the vehicle drive device 100 is a front-wheel drive type drive device that drives a pair of left and right front wheels. Figure 1 In the example shown, the first wheel W1 is the right front wheel, and the second wheel W2 is the left front wheel.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, the rotary electric machine 1 includes a rotor 10 and a stator 11. The stator 11 is fixed to the housing 2, and the rotor 10 is supported by the housing 2 so as to be rotatable relative to the stator 11. In the present embodiment, the stator 11 is fixed to the housing 2 using a fastening member 14 such as a fastening bolt. In addition, in the present embodiment, the rotary electric machine 1 is an inner rotor type rotary electric machine, and the rotor 10 is arranged radially inside with respect to the stator 11 in a manner overlapping with the stator 11 when viewed in the radial direction along the radial direction. The radial direction here is a radial direction based on the first axis C1, in other words, a radial direction based on the rotation axis of the rotary electric machine 1.

[0034] The stator 11 includes a stator core 12 and a coil end 13 protruding from the stator core 12 in the axial direction A. The stator core 12 is wound with a coil, and the portion of the coil protruding from the stator core 12 in the axial direction A forms the coil end 13. The coil end 13 is formed on both sides of the stator core 12 in the axial direction A. In the present embodiment, the stator core 12 includes a main body portion formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction A, and a protrusion portion formed in a manner protruding outward in a radial direction (radial direction based on the first axis C1) relative to the main body portion. The protrusion portion is formed with an insertion hole for inserting a fastening member 14 for fixing the stator core 12 to the housing 2.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the transmission mechanism 3 includes an input member 16 drivingly connected to the rotating electrical machine 1 coaxially with the rotating electrical machine 1 (ie, on the first axis C1). In the present embodiment, the input member 16 is connected to the rotor 10 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor 10. Figure 3 In the example shown, the vehicle drive device 100 includes a rotor shaft 15 to which the rotor 10 is fixed, and an input member 16 is connected to the rotor shaft 15 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor shaft 15. Specifically, a portion of the input member 16 on the axial first side A1 is connected (here, splined) to a portion of the rotor shaft 15 on the axial second side A2. Different from such a configuration, the vehicle drive device 100 may be configured such that the rotor 10 is not provided with the rotor shaft 15, and the rotor 10 is fixed to the input member 16 (specifically, a portion of the input member 16 on the axial first side A1).

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, in the present embodiment, the transmission mechanism 3 includes a differential gear mechanism 5. The differential gear mechanism 5 distributes the driving force transmitted from the rotating electrical machine 1 side to a pair of output members 6. In the present embodiment, the differential gear mechanism 5 is coaxially arranged with the pair of output members 6 (i.e., on the second axis C2), and distributes the driving force transmitted from the rotating electrical machine 1 side to the output gear 30 to the pair of output members 6. That is, in the present embodiment, the output gear 30 is drivingly connected to both the pair of output members 6 via the differential gear mechanism 5. In the present embodiment, the differential gear mechanism 5 is a bevel gear type differential gear mechanism, and the output gear 30 is connected to the differential housing portion in a manner that the differential gear mechanism 5 has a integral rotation. Moreover, the differential gear mechanism 5 distributes the rotation of the output gear 30 to the first side gear 51 and the second side gear 52. The differential gear mechanism 5 is arranged on the second axial side A2 relative to the rotating electrical machine 1.

[0037] The first side gear 51 rotates integrally with the first output member 61, and the second side gear 52 rotates integrally with the second output member 62. In the present embodiment, the first side gear 51 is formed on a member different from the member constituting the first output member 61 (here, the shaft member), and is connected to the first output member 61 (here, the spline connection) in such a manner that the first output member 61 rotates integrally with the first output member 61. At least the portion of the first axial side A1 of the first output member 61 is formed in a tubular shape (specifically, a cylindrical shape) extending in the axial direction A, and the first drive shaft 63 (see Figure 1 ) is inserted into the interior (space surrounded by the inner circumferential surface) of the first output member 61 from the axial first side A1. In addition, in the present embodiment, the second side gear 52 is formed on a member (here, a shaft member) constituting the second output member 62. Specifically, the second side gear 52 is formed at an end portion of the axial first side A1 of the second output member 62. At least a portion of the axial second side A2 of the second output member 62 is formed in a tubular shape (specifically, a cylindrical shape) extending in the axial direction A, and the second drive shaft 64 (see Figure 1 ) is inserted into the interior (space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface) of the second output member 62 from the second axial side A2.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, in the present embodiment, the transmission mechanism 3 includes a counter gear mechanism 4 in the power transmission path between the rotating electric machine 1 and the output gear 30. The counter gear mechanism 4 is arranged on a third axis C3 different from the first axis C1 and the second axis C2. The third axis C3 is an axis (virtual axis) parallel to the first axis C1 and the second axis C2. In the present embodiment, the counter gear mechanism 4 includes: a counter input gear 40a meshing with the input gear 17 rotating integrally with the input member 16, a counter output gear 40b meshing with the output gear 30, and a counter shaft 40 connecting the counter input gear 40a and the counter output gear 40b. The input gear 17 is arranged on the axial second side A2 relative to the rotating electric machine 1, and the counter gear mechanism 4 is arranged on the axial second side A2 relative to the rotating electric machine 1. In the present embodiment, the counter input gear 40a is arranged on the axial second side A2 relative to the counter output gear 40b. In the present embodiment, the third axis C3 is equivalent to the "rotation axis of the counter gear mechanism".

[0039] In the present embodiment, the reverse input gear 40a is formed to have a larger diameter than the input gear 17, and the reverse output gear 40b is formed to have a smaller diameter than the output gear 30. Therefore, the rotation of the input member 16 is decelerated according to the gear ratio between the input gear 17 and the reverse input gear 40a, and is further decelerated according to the gear ratio between the reverse output gear 40b and the output gear 30 (i.e., is decelerated in two stages), and is transmitted to the output gear 30.

[0040] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the housing 2 includes a first housing portion 21, a second housing portion 22, and a third housing portion 23. The second housing portion 22 is joined to the axial second side A2 of the first housing portion 21, and the third housing portion 23 is joined to the axial first side A1 of the first housing portion 21. The rotating electrical machine 1 is accommodated in a space surrounded by the first housing portion 21 and the third housing portion 23, and the transmission mechanism 3 is accommodated in a space surrounded by the first housing portion 21 and the second housing portion 22. In this way, the housing 2 includes a first storage chamber S1 for accommodating the rotating electrical machine 1, and a storage chamber for accommodating the transmission mechanism 3. The storage chamber forms a storage space for accommodating an object to be accommodated. In this embodiment, the first output member 61 is accommodated in the first storage chamber S1. Specifically, at least a portion of the first output member 61 that overlaps with the rotating electrical machine 1 in the axial direction A (a portion that overlaps the configuration area in the axial direction A) is accommodated in the first storage chamber S1. Thus, in the present embodiment, the rotary electric machine 1 and the first output member 61 are accommodated in a common accommodation chamber (specifically, the first accommodation chamber S1 ) provided in the housing 2. In the present embodiment, the first accommodation chamber S1 corresponds to a “storage chamber”.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the housing 2 further includes a second storage chamber S2 for storing the inverter device 90. Specifically, the housing 2 includes a fourth housing portion 24 joined to the first housing portion 21, and the inverter device 90 is stored in a space (second storage chamber S2) enclosed by the first housing portion 21 and the fourth housing portion 24. The inverter device 90 is stored in the second storage chamber S2 while being fixed to the housing 2 by bolts or the like. In the present embodiment, the second storage chamber S2 is located on the second side X2 (refer to the second side X2) of the first direction described later. Figure 2 ) is formed in the first housing portion 21 in a manner of opening, and the fourth housing portion 24 is joined to the first housing portion 21 in a manner of blocking the opening. Although the details are omitted, the inverter device 90 includes: a switching element unit (power module) of a plurality of switching elements constituting an inverter circuit, a control substrate on which a control device for controlling the inverter circuit is mounted, and a smoothing capacitor for smoothing the voltage between the positive and negative electrodes on the DC side of the inverter circuit, and the switching element unit, the control substrate, and the smoothing capacitor are stored in the second storage chamber S2. In this way, in the present embodiment, the first storage chamber S1 and the second storage chamber S2 are formed integrally in one housing 2.

[0042] like Figure 3As shown, the housing 2 has a partition wall 25 (partition wall) that divides the first storage chamber S1 and the second storage chamber S2. In the present embodiment, the first storage chamber S1 and the second storage chamber S2 are formed integrally in the housing 2 (here, the first housing portion 21). Specifically, the first storage chamber S1 and the second storage chamber S2 are formed as one component (for example, a component formed by a die casting method and made of the same material). Moreover, in the present embodiment, the first storage chamber S1 and the second storage chamber S2 are divided by a partition wall 25.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the housing 2 is provided with a first connector 81 and a second connector 82. Here, the first connector 81 and the second connector 82 are low-voltage connectors. For example, a power line for supplying power to a control substrate provided in the inverter device 90 and a signal line for transmitting a control signal to the control substrate are connected to the first connector 81 and the second connector 82. Although not shown in the figure, a high-voltage connector for connecting a power line for supplying power to an inverter circuit provided in the inverter device 90 is also provided in the housing 2.

[0044] Here, if Figure 4 As shown, the direction in which the rotating electrical machine 1 and the inverter device 90 are arranged when viewed along the axial direction A is set as the first direction X, and the direction orthogonal to both the axial direction A and the first direction X is set as the second direction Y. In addition, one side of the first direction X is set as the first direction first side X1, the other side of the first direction X (the side of the first direction X opposite to the first direction first side X1) is set as the first direction second side X2, one side of the second direction Y is set as the second direction first side Y1, and the other side of the second direction Y (the side of the second direction Y opposite to the second direction first side Y1) is set as the second direction second side Y2. The first direction first side X1 is the side on the first direction X where the rotating electrical machine 1 is arranged relative to the inverter device 90. In addition, in Figure 4 , referenced later Figure 7 to Figure 10 as well as Fig.12 In the figure, the outer peripheral surface of the stator core 12 (specifically, the above-mentioned main body) is shown by dotted lines, the tooth bottom circle and tooth top circle of each gear are shown by single-point dashed lines, and the outer peripheral surface of the first output component 61 (specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the portion of the first output component 61 that is clamped and configured between the rotating motor 1 and the inverter device 90 in the first direction X) is shown by solid lines.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 in an orientation such that the second direction first side Y1 becomes the upper side V1 and the second direction second side Y2 becomes the lower side V2. In addition, in the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 in an orientation such that the first direction first side X1 becomes the front side L1 (the front side of the vehicle front-rear direction L) and the first direction second side X2 becomes the rear side L2 (the rear side of the vehicle front-rear direction L). Figure 1 As shown, in the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the front side L1 of the center of the vehicle 200 in the vehicle front-rear direction L. Therefore, the first direction second side X2, which is the side of the first direction X where the inverter device 90 is arranged relative to the rotating electric machine 1 and is the rear side L2 in the present embodiment, is the center of the vehicle front-rear direction L. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the vehicle mounted state, the inverter device 90 is arranged on the center of the vehicle front-rear direction L of the rotating electric machine 1. In addition, when the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the rear side L2 of the center of the vehicle 200 in the vehicle front-rear direction L, the vehicle drive device 100 may be mounted on the vehicle 200 in an orientation such that the first direction first side X1 is the rear side L2 and the first direction second side X2 is the front side L1, so that the inverter device 90 is arranged on the center of the vehicle front-rear direction L of the rotating electric machine 1. When the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the rear side L2 of the center portion of the vehicle 200 in the vehicle front-rear direction L in this manner, the pair of wheels W driven by the vehicle drive device 100 are, for example, a pair of left and right rear wheels.

[0046] In the case where the vehicle 200 includes a pair of left and right front wheels and a pair of left and right rear wheels, the pair of left and right front wheels and the pair of left and right rear wheels that are not driven by the vehicle drive device 100 may be used. Figure 1 In the example shown, a pair of left and right rear wheels) is driven by a drive device other than the vehicle drive device 100. The drive device other than the vehicle drive device 100 can be, for example, a drive device that transmits the output torque of an internal combustion engine (an example of a driving force source other than a rotating electric machine) to a pair of wheels of a driven object, a drive device that transmits the output torque of a rotating electric machine (a rotating electric machine different from the rotating electric machine 1 of the vehicle drive device 100) to a pair of wheels of a driven object, or a drive device that transmits the output torque of both an internal combustion engine and a rotating electric machine (a rotating electric machine different from the rotating electric machine 1 of the vehicle drive device 100) to a pair of wheels of a driven object. The drive device other than the vehicle drive device 100 may also be a drive device of the same structure as the vehicle drive device 100.

[0047] like Figure 4As shown in FIG. 1 , in the present embodiment, the rotating electrical machine 1 and the inverter device 90 are arranged so that their respective arrangement areas in the vertical direction V overlap. Therefore, as an example, the horizontal direction H orthogonal to the axial direction A (in other words, the direction orthogonal to the axial direction A and the vertical direction V) can be defined as the first direction X. In this case, Figure 4 As shown, the second direction Y is parallel to the vertical direction V. In addition, as another example, the direction along the imaginary straight line E passing through the first axis C1 and the center 90a of the inverter device 90 when viewed in the axial direction may be defined as the first direction X. Here, the center 90a of the inverter device 90 when viewed in the axial direction may be the center of gravity of the figure that forms the outer shape (outer edge) of the inverter device 90 when viewed in the axial direction. Figure 4 In the example shown, the figure forming the outer shape of the inverter device 90 when viewed axially is a rectangular figure, and the center of gravity of the rectangle (specifically, the intersection of the diagonal lines) can be set as the center 90a of the inverter device 90 when viewed axially. Figure 4 In the example shown, the horizontal direction H perpendicular to the axial direction A and the direction along the imaginary straight line E when viewed in the axial direction are parallel to each other. Figure 4 In the example shown, the first direction X is defined as the same direction according to either of the above two definitions.

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, the first output member 61 is disposed between the rotating electrical machine 1 and the inverter device 90 in the first direction X at a position in the second direction Y where both the rotating electrical machine 1 and the inverter device 90 are disposed. The portion of the first output member 61 disposed between the rotating electrical machine 1 and the inverter device 90 in the first direction X is disposed such that the region disposed in the axial direction A overlaps with the rotating electrical machine 1, and the region disposed in the axial direction A overlaps with the inverter device 90 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 3 ). Moreover, if Figure 4 As shown, the output gear 30 is configured to overlap the rotating electrical machine 1 and the inverter device 90 respectively when viewed in the axial direction. Specifically, the output gear 30 is configured in such a manner that a portion of the output gear 30 on the first side X1 in the first direction overlaps the rotating electrical machine 1 when viewed in the axial direction, and a portion of the output gear 30 on the second side X2 in the first direction overlaps the inverter device 90 when viewed in the axial direction. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the output gear 30 is arranged on one side of the axial direction A (specifically, the second axial direction side A2) relative to the rotating electrical machine 1 and the inverter device 90. Furthermore, the rotating electrical machine 1 and the inverter device 90 are arranged so that the arrangement areas of the respective axial directions A overlap. In the present embodiment, in the vehicle-mounted state, at least a portion of the inverter device 90 (in the Figure 4In the example shown, only a portion of the inverter 90 is arranged on the lower side V2 than the second axis C2. In addition, in the vehicle-mounted state, the entire inverter device 90 may be arranged on the upper side V1 than the second axis C2.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, in the present embodiment, the third axis C3 is arranged on the side opposite to the inverter device 90 side in the first direction X (i.e., the first direction first side X1) relative to the second axis C2 when viewed in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the third axis C3 is arranged on the first direction first side X1 closer to the first axis C1 when viewed in the axial direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the second axis C2 and the third axis C3 are arranged on the same side of the second direction Y (here, the second direction second side Y2) relative to the first axis C1 when viewed in the axial direction. That is, the second axis C2 is arranged on the second direction second side Y2 relative to the first axis C1 when viewed in the axial direction. Here, the second axis C2 is arranged on the lower side V2 relative to the imaginary straight line E when viewed in the axial direction in the vehicle mounted state. In addition, the third axis C3 is arranged on the second direction second side Y2 relative to the first axis C1 when viewed in the axial direction. Here, the third axis C3 is arranged on the lower side V2 relative to the imaginary straight line E when viewed in the axial direction in the vehicle mounted state. In the present embodiment, the third axis C3 is disposed on the side opposite to the center 90 a side of the inverter device 90 with respect to the virtual straight line passing through the first axis C1 and the second axis C2 when viewed in the axial direction.

[0050] like Figure 4 As shown, in the present embodiment, the first output component 61 is configured to overlap with the rotating electric machine 1 when viewed in the direction along the second direction Y. That is, the first output component 61 is configured in such a manner that the configuration area in the first direction X overlaps with the rotating electric machine 1. Here, the first output component 61 is configured in such a manner that a portion of the first direction first side X1 of the first output component 61 overlaps with the rotating electric machine 1 when viewed in the direction along the second direction Y. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the first output component 61 is configured so as not to overlap with the inverter device 90 when viewed in the direction along the second direction Y. In addition, Figure 4 The arrangement structure of each component in the axial direction shown in the figure is an example, and the arrangement structure can be changed appropriately. Figure 4 The configuration structure is reversed to the first direction X, so that Figure 4 The configuration structure is reversed to the second direction Y or Figure 4 The configuration structure is reversed in both the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0051] like Figure 5 As shown, a through hole 26 for inserting a wiring 91 connecting the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90 is formed by penetrating the partition wall 25. Figure 4FIG. 2 shows the arrangement relationship of the components of the vehicle drive device 100 when the vehicle drive device 100 is viewed from the axial second side A2. In contrast, Figure 5 The configuration relationship of each component of the vehicle drive device 100 under axial observation is shown when the vehicle drive device 100 is observed from the axial first side A1. A terminal block having a terminal 93 is installed in the through hole 26, and the power line 92 pulled out from the coil end 13 and the power line (not shown) connected to the inverter device 90 are electrically connected via the terminal 93. The above-mentioned power line, terminal 93 and power line 92 constitute a wiring 91 for transmitting electric power (electric power for driving the rotating electric machine 1, electric power generated by the rotating electric machine 1) between the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90. In the present embodiment, the number of phases of the alternating current that drives the rotating electric machine 1 is "3", and three power lines 92 are provided correspondingly, and three through holes 26 are formed in the partition wall 25.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, in the present embodiment, in the vehicle mounted state, the through holes 26 (here, all three through holes 26) are arranged at a height (the position in the vertical direction V) above the second axis C2 and at which both the rotating electrical machine 1 and the inverter device 90 are arranged, and are arranged between the rotating electrical machine 1 and the inverter device 90 in the first direction X when viewed axially. In addition, the height at which the rotating electrical machine 1 is arranged here includes the height of the above-mentioned protrusion at which the stator core 12 is arranged. Figure 5 In the example shown, when the vehicle is mounted, the through holes 26 (here, all three through holes 26) are located at an upper side V1 than the first axis C1 and at a height at which both the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90 are configured, and are located between the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90 in the first direction X when viewed axially.

[0053] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0054] Next, other embodiments of the vehicle drive device will be described.

[0055] (1) In the above embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, the reverse input gear 40a is arranged on the second axial side A2 relative to the reverse output gear 40b. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. Figure 6 As in the example shown in FIG. 4 , the counter input gear 40a may be arranged on the first axial side A1 relative to the counter output gear 40b. Figure 6In the example shown, the inverter device 90 is arranged in such a manner that the configuration area in the axial direction A overlaps with the counter input gear 40a. In this case, for example, the inverter device 90 can be arranged in a structure that overlaps with the counter input gear 40a when viewed in the direction along the vehicle front-rear direction L. In this way, at least a part of the inverter device 90 is arranged in a structure that the configuration area in the axial direction A overlaps with the transmission mechanism 3, thereby making it easy to ensure a large mounting space for the inverter device 90.

[0056] (2) In the above embodiment, the first output member 61 is configured to overlap with the rotating electrical machine 1 when viewed along the second direction Y. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. Figure 7 As in the illustrated example, the first output member 61 may be arranged so as not to overlap with the rotary electric machine 1 when viewed in the direction along the second direction Y.

[0057] (3) In the above embodiment, the first output member 61 is configured so as not to overlap with the inverter device 90 when viewed along the second direction Y. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. Figure 8 As in the example shown in FIG. 1 , the first output member 61 may be arranged to overlap the inverter device 90 when viewed along the second direction Y. Fig.10 As in the illustrated example, the first output member 61 may be arranged to overlap with each of the rotary electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90 when viewed in the direction along the second direction Y.

[0058] (4) In the above embodiment, the second axis C2 and the third axis C3 are arranged on the same side in the second direction Y relative to the first axis C1 when viewed in the axial direction (in Figure 4 In the example shown, the structure of the second direction second side Y2) is used as an example for explanation. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and it can also be a structure in which the second axis C2 and the third axis C3 are arranged on opposite sides of the second direction Y relative to the first axis C1 when viewed in the axial direction. Fig. 9 As shown in the example, the second axis C2 can be arranged on the second side Y2 in the second direction relative to the first axis C1, and the third axis C3 can be arranged on the first side Y1 in the second direction relative to the first axis C1 when viewed in the axial direction. Fig. 9 In the example shown, the third axis C3 is arranged between the first axis C1 and the second axis C2 in the first direction X when viewed in the axial direction. Fig. 9 In the illustrated example, the third axis C3 is arranged on the same side as the center 90 a side of the inverter device 90 with respect to an imaginary straight line passing through the first axis C1 and the second axis C2 when viewed in the axial direction.

[0059] (5) In the above embodiment, the transmission mechanism 3 is described as an example in which the power transmission path between the rotary electric machine 1 and the output gear 30 includes the counter gear mechanism 4. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. Fig.10 As in the illustrated example, the transmission mechanism 3 may not include the counter gear mechanism 4 , and the input gear 17 and the output gear 30 may be meshed with each other.

[0060] (6) In the above embodiment, the transmission mechanism 3 is described as having one counter gear mechanism 4. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. Fig.11 as well as Fig.12 As in the example shown in FIG. 1 , the transmission mechanism 3 may include two counter gear mechanisms 4. Fig.11 as well as Fig.12 In the example shown, the transmission mechanism 3 includes two reverse gear mechanisms 4, a first reverse gear mechanism 4a and a second reverse gear mechanism 4b. The first reverse gear mechanism 4a is arranged on the third axis C3, and the second reverse gear mechanism 4b is arranged on a fourth axis C4 that is different from the first axis C1, the second axis C2, and the third axis C3. The fourth axis C4 is an axis (virtual axis) parallel to the first axis C1, the second axis C2, and the third axis C3. Fig.11 as well as Fig.12 In the illustrated example, each of the third axis C3 and the fourth axis C4 corresponds to the “rotation axis of the counter gear mechanism”.

[0061] The first reverse gear mechanism 4a includes: a first reverse input gear 41a meshing with the input gear 17, a first reverse output gear 41b, and a first secondary shaft 41 connecting the first reverse input gear 41a and the first reverse output gear 41b. The second reverse gear mechanism 4b includes: a second reverse input gear 42a meshing with the first reverse output gear 41b, a second reverse output gear 42b meshing with the output gear 30, and a second secondary shaft 42 connecting the second reverse input gear 42a and the second reverse output gear 42b. Fig.11 as well as Fig.12 In the illustrated example, it is assumed that the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 in an orientation in which the axial second side A2 is on the right side of the vehicle and the axial first side A1 is on the left side of the vehicle.

[0062] exist Fig.12 In the example shown, the third axis C3 and the fourth axis C4 are arranged on the side opposite to the inverter device 90 side in the first direction X (that is, the first side X1 in the first direction) with respect to the second axis C2 when viewed in the axial direction. Fig.12In the example shown, the second axis C2, the third axis C3, and the fourth axis C4 are arranged on the same side of the second direction Y (here, the second direction second side Y2) relative to the first axis C1 when viewed axially. Fig.12 In the illustrated example, the third axis C3 and the fourth axis C4 are arranged on the side opposite to the center 90 a side of the inverter device 90 with respect to the virtual straight line passing through the first axis C1 and the second axis C2 when viewed in the axial direction.

[0063] (7) In the above embodiment, the differential gear mechanism 5 and the pair of output members 6 are arranged coaxially (that is, on the second axis C2) as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. Fig.13 As in the example shown in FIG. 1 , the differential gear mechanism 5 may be arranged on the third axis C3 instead of the counter gear mechanism 4. Fig.13 In the example shown, the differential gear mechanism 5 is a planetary gear type differential gear mechanism. Specifically, the differential gear mechanism 5 is a double pinion type planetary gear mechanism, which distributes the rotation of the ring gear 55 to the sun gear 53 and the planetary carrier 54. The transmission mechanism 3 includes: an output gear 30 that rotates integrally with the first output member 61, that is, a first output gear 31, and an output gear 30 that rotates integrally with the second output member 62, that is, a second output gear 32. In addition, the first gear 71 that rotates integrally with the planetary carrier 54 meshes with the first output gear 31, the second gear 72 that rotates integrally with the sun gear 53 meshes with the second output gear 32, and the third gear 73 that rotates integrally with the ring gear 55 meshes with the input gear 17.

[0064] (8) In the above embodiment, the transmission mechanism 3 is described as an example in which the transmission mechanism 3 includes the differential gear mechanism 5 that distributes the driving force transmitted from the rotating electric machine 1 to the pair of output members 6. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and the transmission mechanism 3 may be configured not to include the differential gear mechanism 5. In this case, the pair of output members 6 are not allowed to be differentially driven, and the pair of output members 6 always rotate at the same speed.

[0065] (9) In the above embodiment, the through hole 26 is arranged on the upper side V1 of the second axis C2 and at the height where both the rotating electrical machine 1 and the inverter device 90 are arranged, and is arranged between the rotating electrical machine 1 and the inverter device 90 in the first direction X when viewed in the axial direction in the vehicle mounting state. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and for example, a structure may be set such that the through hole 26 is arranged on the upper side V1 of at least one of the rotating electrical machine 1 and the inverter device 90 in the vehicle mounting state.

[0066] (10) In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the inverter device 90 is arranged on the vehicle front-rear direction L with respect to the rotating electrical machine 1 in the vehicle mounted state is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and for example, a configuration in which the rotating electrical machine 1 is arranged on the vehicle front-rear direction L with respect to the inverter device 90 in the vehicle mounted state may be adopted.

[0067] (11) In addition, the structures disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined with the structures disclosed in other embodiments for application (including the combination of the embodiments described as other embodiments) as long as no contradiction occurs. With respect to other structures, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative in all aspects. Therefore, various changes can be appropriately made without departing from the scope of the purpose of the present invention.

[0068] [Summary of the present embodiment]

[0069] Hereinafter, the outline of the vehicle drive device described above will be described.

[0070] A vehicle drive device (100) comprises: a rotating electric machine (1), a pair of output members (6) respectively connected to a pair of wheels (W) by driving, a transmission mechanism (3) for transmitting driving force between the rotating electric machine (1) and the pair of output members (6), and an inverter device (90) for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine (1), wherein the rotating electric machine (1) and the pair of output members (6) are separately arranged on two axes (C1, C2) parallel to each other, the transmission mechanism (3) and the pair of output members (6) are coaxially provided with an output gear (30) connected to at least one of the pair of output members (6) by driving, and the transmission mechanism (3) and the pair of output members (6) are connected to each other by driving. The direction in which the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) are arranged is set as a first direction (X), and the direction orthogonal to both the axial direction (A) and the first direction (X) is set as a second direction (Y). The first output component (61) as one of the pair of output components (6) is arranged at a position in the second direction (Y) of both the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90), and is sandwiched between the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) in the first direction (X). The output gear (30) is arranged to overlap with each of the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) when viewed in the axial direction.

[0071] In the present structure, the first output member (61) is arranged between the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) in the first direction (X) at a position in the second direction (Y) where both the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) are arranged. Therefore, the arrangement areas in the second direction (Y) of the output gears (30) arranged coaxially with the rotating electric machine (1), the inverter device (90) and the first output member (61) are overlapped, so that the vehicle drive device (100) can be miniaturized in the second direction (Y). Moreover, in the present structure, the output gear (30) is arranged so as to overlap with each of the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) when viewed in the axial direction. Therefore, as described above, the first output member (61) is configured to be sandwiched between the rotating electrical machine (1) and the inverter device (90) in the first direction (X), and the space overlapping with the output gear (30) when viewed in the axial direction is effectively utilized, so that the rotating electrical machine (1) and the inverter device (90) can be arranged close to each other in the first direction (X). As a result, the vehicle drive device (100) can be miniaturized in the first direction (X).

[0072] As described above, according to the present structure, the vehicle drive device (100) can be miniaturized in each of the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y), that is, the vehicle drive device (100) can be miniaturized in size when viewed axially. In addition, in the present structure, the rotating motor (1) and the inverter device (90) are separately arranged on both sides of the first direction (X) relative to the first output component (61) coaxially arranged with the output gear (30). Therefore, it is easy to increase the ratio of the rotating motor (1) overlapping with the output gear (30) when viewed axially and the ratio of the inverter device (90) overlapping with the output gear (30) when viewed axially, thereby easily achieving miniaturization of the vehicle drive device (100) when viewed axially.

[0073] Here, preferably, when mounted on the vehicle (200), at least a portion of the inverter device (90) is arranged below (V2) a rotation axis (C2) of the first output member (61).

[0074] According to this structure, the inverter device (90) can be configured by effectively utilizing the dead space around the first output member (61), and the increase in size of the vehicle drive device (100) can be suppressed.

[0075] Furthermore, it is preferred that the first output member (61) is arranged so as to overlap with the rotating electrical machine (1) when viewed in a direction along the second direction (Y).

[0076] According to this structure, compared with a case where the first output member (61) is configured not to overlap with the rotating electrical machine (1) when viewed along the second direction (Y), the vehicle drive device (100) can be miniaturized in the first direction (X).

[0077] Furthermore, it is preferred that the first output member (61) is arranged so as to overlap with the inverter device (90) when viewed in a direction along the second direction (Y).

[0078] According to this structure, compared with a case where the first output component (61) is configured not to overlap with the inverter device (90) when viewed along the second direction (Y), the vehicle drive device (100) can be miniaturized in the first direction (X).

[0079] Furthermore, it is preferred that the output gear (30) is arranged on one side in the axial direction (A) relative to the rotating electrical machine (1) and the inverter device (90).

[0080] According to this structure, it is easy to increase the overlap ratio of the configuration areas in the axial direction (A) of the rotating electrical machine (1) and the inverter device (90), thereby realizing miniaturization in the axial direction (A) of the vehicle drive device (100).

[0081] In addition, it is preferred that the transmission mechanism (3) has a reversing gear mechanism (4) in the power transmission path between the rotating motor (1) and the output gear (30), and the rotation axis (C3, C4) of the reversing gear mechanism (4) is arranged on the side opposite to the inverter device (90) in the first direction (X) relative to the rotation axis (C2) of the output gear (30) when viewed in the axial direction.

[0082] According to this structure, it is easier to set the speed ratio between the rotating motor (1) and the output gear (30) to a desired value compared to a case where the transmission mechanism (3) does not include a reversing gear mechanism (4). Moreover, in this structure, the rotation axis (C3, C4) of the reversing gear mechanism (4) is arranged on the side opposite to the inverter device (90) side in the first direction (X) relative to the rotation axis (C2) of the output gear (30) when viewed in the axial direction. Therefore, when at least a part of the inverter device (90) is arranged in such a manner that the arrangement area in the axial direction (A) overlaps with the reversing gear mechanism (4), it is easier to avoid interference with the reversing gear mechanism (4) and to arrange the inverter device (90) close to the rotating motor (1) side in the first direction (X). Therefore, compared with the case where the rotation axis (C3, C4) of the reverse gear mechanism (4) is arranged on the same side of the inverter device (90) in the first direction (X) relative to the rotation axis (C2) of the output gear (30) when viewed axially, the rotating motor (1) and the inverter device (90) are arranged close to each other in the first direction (X), which makes it easier to achieve miniaturization of the vehicle drive device (100) in the first direction (X).

[0083] As described above, it is preferred that in a structure in which the rotation axis (C3, C4) of the above-mentioned reversing gear mechanism (4) is arranged on the side opposite to the above-mentioned inverter device (90) in the above-mentioned first direction (X) relative to the rotation axis (C2) of the above-mentioned output gear (30) when observed in the above-mentioned axial direction, the rotation axis (C2) of the above-mentioned output gear (30) and the rotation axis (C3, C4) of the above-mentioned reversing gear mechanism (4) are arranged on the same side of the above-mentioned second direction (Y) relative to the rotation axis (C1) of the above-mentioned rotating motor (1) when observed in the above-mentioned axial direction.

[0084] According to this structure, compared with a case where the rotation axis (C2) of the output gear (30) and the rotation axis (C3, C4) of the counter gear mechanism (4) are arranged on opposite sides of the rotation axis (C1) of the rotating electric machine (1) in the second direction (Y), it is easier to arrange the counter gear mechanism (4) away from the inverter device (90) in the first direction (X). Therefore, when at least a part of the inverter device (90) is arranged in such a manner that the arrangement area in the axial direction (A) overlaps with the counter gear mechanism (4), it is easier to avoid interference with the counter gear mechanism (4) and to arrange the inverter device (90) closer to the rotating electric machine (1) side in the first direction (X).

[0085] Preferably, in the vehicle drive device (100) of each of the above-mentioned structures, when mounted on the vehicle (200), the rotation axis (C2) of the above-mentioned output gear (30) is arranged on the lower side (V2) relative to the imaginary straight line (E) passing through the rotation axis (C1) of the above-mentioned rotating motor (1) and the center (90a) of the above-mentioned inverter device (90) when observed in the above-mentioned axial direction.

[0086] In many cases, oil for lubrication and cooling is loaded inside the housing (2) of the vehicle drive device (100). According to this structure, the rotating motor (1) can be arranged close to the upper side (V1), and the output gear (30) can be arranged close to the lower side (V2). Therefore, it is possible to reduce the stirring loss of the oil caused by the rotation of the rotating motor (1), and it is possible to properly lubricate the output gear (30) or a component arranged coaxially therewith.

[0087] Furthermore, it is preferred that a housing (2) is provided for accommodating the rotating electrical machine (1), and the rotating electrical machine (1) and the first output member (61) are accommodated in a common accommodation chamber (S1) provided in the housing (2).

[0088] According to this structure, compared with the case where the rotating electric machine (1) and the first output member (61) are stored in different storage chambers, the rotating electric machine (1) and the first output member (61) can be arranged close to each other, thereby suppressing the enlargement of the vehicle drive device (100).

[0089] Preferably, in a structure in which the rotating motor (1) and the first output component (61) are accommodated in a common accommodation chamber (S1) as described above, the accommodation chamber (S1) is used as a first accommodation chamber (S1), the housing (2) comprises the first accommodation chamber (S1), a second accommodation chamber (S2) for accommodating the inverter device (90), and a partition (25) for dividing the first accommodation chamber (S1) and the second accommodation chamber (S2), and the first accommodation chamber (S1) and the second accommodation chamber (S2) are integrally formed in the housing (2).

[0090] According to this structure, the wall that divides the first storage chamber (S1) and the second storage chamber (S2) can be set as a partition wall (25), which can suppress the enlargement of the vehicle drive device (100).

[0091] Preferably, in the vehicle drive device (100) of each of the above structures, a housing (2) for accommodating the rotating electrical machine (1) and the inverter device (90) is provided, and the housing (2) comprises: a first accommodating chamber (S1) for accommodating the rotating electrical machine (1), a second accommodating chamber (S2) for accommodating the inverter device (90), and a partition wall (25) for dividing the first accommodating chamber (S1) and the second accommodating chamber (S2), for connecting the rotating electrical machine (1) and the inverter device A through hole (26) through which the wiring (91) of the housing (90) is inserted is formed by penetrating the above-mentioned partition wall (25). When mounted on the vehicle (200), the above-mentioned through hole (26) is arranged on the upper side (V1) of the rotation axis (C2) of the above-mentioned output gear (30) and at the height of both the above-mentioned rotating motor (1) and the above-mentioned inverter device (90), and is arranged between the above-mentioned rotating motor (1) and the above-mentioned inverter device (90) in the above-mentioned first direction (X) when observed in the above-mentioned axial direction.

[0092] In the present structure, the through hole (26) formed in the partition wall (25) and through which the wiring (91) is inserted is arranged on the upper side (V1) than the rotation axis (C2) of the output gear (30). Therefore, when the first storage chamber (S1) storing the rotating electric machine (1) stores oil for lubrication and cooling, it is easy to arrange the through hole (26) at a position away from the upper side (V1) relative to the oil surface. Therefore, it is easy to ensure the sealing performance of the through hole (26). In addition, in the present structure, the through hole (26) through which the wiring (91) connecting the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) is inserted is arranged between the first direction (X) of the connection object of the wiring (91) when viewed axially, so it is easy to suppress the length of the wiring (91) to be shorter.

[0093] Furthermore, preferably, when mounted on the vehicle (200), the inverter device (90) is arranged closer to the center of the rotating electrical machine (1) in the vehicle front-rear direction (L).

[0094] According to this structure, the inverter device (90) can be easily protected from collision loads in the event of a frontal collision or a rearward collision of the vehicle (200).

[0095] Furthermore, it is preferred that the transmission mechanism (3) includes a differential gear mechanism (5) for distributing the driving force transmitted from the rotating electrical machine (1) to the pair of output members (6).

[0096] According to this structure, the differential of a pair of output members (6) is allowed, thereby being able to appropriately ensure the rotation performance of the vehicle (200).

[0097] Preferably, in a structure in which the transmission mechanism (3) has the differential gear mechanism (5) as described above, the differential gear mechanism (5) is coaxially arranged with the pair of output members (6) to distribute the driving force transmitted from the rotating motor (1) side to the output gear (30) to the pair of output members (6).

[0098] According to this structure, when the transmission mechanism (3) is configured to reduce the rotation speed of the rotating electric machine (1) and transmit it to a pair of output members (6), the rotation speed range of the rotating members constituting the differential gear mechanism (5) can be suppressed to a low level. As a result, the durability of the differential gear mechanism (5) can be easily ensured.

[0099] The vehicle driving device of the present invention only needs to achieve at least one of the above-mentioned effects.

[0100] Description of Reference Numerals

[0101] 1: rotating motor, 2: housing, 3: transmission mechanism, 4: counter gear mechanism, 5: differential gear mechanism, 6: output component, 25: partition wall, 26: through hole, 30: output gear, 61: first output component, 90: inverter device, 90a: center of inverter device, 91: wiring, 100: vehicle drive device, 200: vehicle, A: axial direction, C1: first axis (rotation axis of rotating motor), C2: second axis (rotation axis of output gear, rotation axis of first output component), C3: third axis (rotation axis of counter gear mechanism), C4: fourth axis (rotation axis of counter gear mechanism), E: imaginary straight line, L: front-rear direction of vehicle, S1: first storage chamber, S2: second storage chamber, V1: upper side, V2: lower side, W: wheel, X: first direction, Y: second direction.

Claims

1. A vehicle drive device, comprising: Rotating electrical machines; A pair of output members, which are drivingly connected to a pair of wheels respectively; a transmission mechanism that transmits driving force between the rotating electrical machine and the pair of output members; and an inverter device for driving and controlling the rotating electrical machine; The rotating motor and the pair of output members are separately arranged on two axes parallel to each other. The transmission mechanism includes an output gear coaxially with the pair of output members and drivingly connected to at least one of the pair of output members. The direction in which the rotating electrical machine and the inverter device are arranged when viewed along the axial direction is defined as a first direction, and a direction orthogonal to both the axial direction and the first direction is defined as a second direction. The first output member as one of the pair of the output members is arranged at a position in the second direction where both the rotating electrical machine and the inverter device are arranged, and is sandwiched between the rotating electrical machine and the inverter device in the first direction. The output gear is arranged to overlap with each of the rotating electrical machine and the inverter device when viewed in the axial direction. The transmission mechanism includes a reverse gear mechanism that is disposed on a different shaft from the rotating motor and the output gear and performs power transmission between the rotating motor and the output gear. The rotation axis of the counter gear mechanism is arranged on the side opposite to the inverter device side in the first direction with respect to the rotation axis of the output gear when viewed in the axial direction.

2. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein: The transmission mechanism further comprises: an input member driven by the rotary motor, and an input gear rotating integrally with the input member. The reverse gear mechanism includes: a reverse input gear meshing with the input gear, and a reverse output gear meshing with the output gear. The axial arrangement region of the inverter device overlaps with the axial arrangement region of the counter input gear.

3. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The rotation axis of the output gear and the rotation axis of the counter gear mechanism are arranged on the same side in the second direction with respect to the rotation axis of the rotating electric machine when viewed in the axial direction.

4. The vehicle drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: When mounted on the vehicle, at least a portion of the inverter device is disposed below a rotation axis of the first output member.

5. The vehicle drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first output member is arranged to overlap with the rotating electrical machine when viewed in the second direction.

6. The vehicle drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The output gear is arranged on one side in the axial direction with respect to the rotating electrical machine and the inverter device.

7. The vehicle drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: When mounted on the vehicle, the rotation axis of the output gear is arranged below an imaginary straight line passing through the rotation axis of the rotating electrical machine and the center of the inverter device when viewed in the axial direction.

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