Vehicle drive device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle drive device. The transmission mechanism includes an output gear (30) that is drivingly connected to at least one of a pair of output members (6) and is coaxial with the pair of output members (6). The direction in which the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) are arranged when viewed axially is defined as the first direction (X), and the direction orthogonal to both the axial direction and the first direction (X) is defined as the second direction (Y). A first output member (61) that is one of the pair of output members (6) is arranged at a position in the second direction (Y) where both the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) are arranged, 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 so as to overlap the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) when viewed axially.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date (the date of entry into the Chinese national phase) of March 11, 2022, an application number of 202080064209.8, and an invention title of "Vehicle Drive Device". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle drive device including a rotary electric machine, a transmission mechanism that transmits a driving force between the rotary electric machine and an output member, and an inverter device that drives and controls the rotary electric machine. Background Art

[0003] An example of the above-described vehicle drive device is disclosed in International Publication No. 2019 / 154685 (Patent Document 1). Hereinafter, in the description of the background art and the problems, the reference numerals shown in parentheses are the contents of Patent Document 1. The electric drive unit (1) for a vehicle in Patent Document 1 includes an electric motor (3), a transmission (4) connected to the electric motor (3), and a power electronics device (5).

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

[0005] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 6 Patent Document 1, in the electric drive unit (1) of Patent Document 1, the power electronics device (5) is disposed across the upper side in the drawing of the electric motor (3) and the transmission (4). Therefore, in the electric drive unit (1) of Patent Document 1, the size of the electric drive unit (1) as viewed axially is likely to be relatively large corresponding to the sum of the axially viewed arrangement regions of the electric motor (3), the transmission (4), and the power electronics device (5). Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to implement a technology that can miniaturize the size of the vehicle drive device as viewed axially.

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

[0008] In this structure, the first output member is arranged at a position in the second direction where both the rotating electric machine and the inverter device are arranged, and is sandwiched between the rotating electric machine and the inverter device in the first direction. Therefore, by overlapping the arrangement regions in the second direction of the output gears coaxially arranged with the rotating electric machine, the inverter device, and the first output member, miniaturization in the second direction of the vehicle drive device can be achieved. Moreover, in this structure, the output gear is arranged such that, when viewed axially, it overlaps with each of the rotating electric machine and the inverter device. Therefore, with the structure in which the first output member is arranged sandwiched between the rotating electric machine and the inverter device in the first direction as described above, and the space overlapping with the output gear when viewed axially can be effectively utilized, the rotating electric machine and the inverter device can be arranged close to each other in the first direction. Thereby, miniaturization in the first direction of the vehicle drive device can be achieved.

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

[0010] Further features and advantages of the vehicle drive device will become clear from the description of the embodiments described below with reference to the drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle equipped with the vehicle drive device of the embodiment.

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

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

[0014] Figure 4 is a view showing the arrangement relationship of the components of the vehicle drive device of the embodiment when viewed axially.

[0015] Figure 5 is a view showing the arrangement relationship of the components of the vehicle drive device of the embodiment when viewed axially.

[0016] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle drive device of other embodiments.

[0017] Figure 7 is a view showing the arrangement relationship of the components of the vehicle drive device of other embodiments when viewed axially.

[0018] Figure 8 is a view showing the arrangement relationship of the components of the vehicle drive device of other embodiments when viewed axially.

[0019] Figure 9 is a view showing the arrangement relationship of the components of the vehicle drive device of other embodiments when viewed axially.

[0020] Figure 10 is a view showing the arrangement relationship of the components of the vehicle drive device of other embodiments when viewed axially.

[0021] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle drive device of other embodiments.

[0022] Figure 12 is a view showing the arrangement relationship of the components of the vehicle drive device of other embodiments when viewed axially.

[0023] Figure 13 is a schematic view of the vehicle drive device of other embodiments. Detailed Embodiments

[0024] The embodiments of the vehicle drive device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the vertical direction V (refer to Figure 4 etc.) refers to the vertical direction in the use state of the vehicle drive device 100, that is, the vertical direction when the vehicle drive device 100 is arranged in the orientation in its use state. The vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 (refer toFigure 1 ) Therefore, the vertical direction V is the same as 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"). More specifically, it is the same as the vertical direction in the vehicle-mounted state and when the vehicle 200 is stopped on a flat road (a road along the 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 respective components in the following descriptions indicate their directions in the state of being assembled to the vehicle drive device 100. In addition, terms related to the dimensions, arrangement directions, arrangement positions, etc. of the respective components are concepts including states with differences caused by errors (errors allowable in manufacturing).

[0025] In this specification, "driving connection" means a state in which two rotating members are connected in such a way as to be able to transmit driving force (synonymous with torque), including a state in which the two rotating members are connected so as to rotate integrally, or a state in which the two rotating members are connected via one or more transmission components in such a way as to be able to transmit driving force. Such transmission components include various components that transmit rotation at the same speed or variably (such as shafts, gear mechanisms, belts, chains, etc.), and may also include engaging devices that selectively transmit rotation and driving force (such as friction engaging devices, meshing engaging devices, etc.).

[0026] In this specification, "rotary electric machine" is used as a concept including any one of a motor (electric motor), a generator (generator), and a motor / generator that functions as both a motor and a generator as needed. In addition, in this specification, regarding the arrangement of two components, "overlapping when observed in a specific direction" means that when a virtual straight line parallel to the line of sight direction is moved in each direction orthogonal to the virtual straight line, there is at least a partially overlapping area where the virtual straight line intersects both components. In addition, in this specification, regarding the arrangement of two components, "axial arrangement areas overlap" means that at least a part of the axial arrangement area of one component is included within the axial arrangement area of the other component.

[0027] As Figure 3 shown, the vehicle drive device 100 includes: a rotary electric machine 1, a pair of output components 6 that are respectively drivingly connected to a pair of wheels W (refer to Figure 1 ), a transmission mechanism 3 that transmits driving force between the rotary electric machine 1 and the pair of output components 6, and an inverter device 90 that drives and controls the rotary electric machine 1. The vehicle drive device 100 also includes a housing 2 that houses the rotary electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90. The housing 2 also houses the pair of output components 6 and the transmission mechanism 3.

[0028] The first output member 61, which is one of a pair of output members 6, is drivingly connected to the first wheel W1, which is one of a pair of wheels W, and the second output member 62, which is the other of the pair of output members 6, is drivingly connected to the second wheel W2, which is the other of the pair of wheels W. As Figure 1 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 via a constant velocity universal joint, for example, and the second drive shaft 64 is connected to the second wheel W2 via a constant velocity universal joint, for example. Further, the first output member 61 is connected to the first drive shaft 63 so as to rotate integrally with the first drive shaft 63, and the second output member 62 is connected to the second drive shaft 64 so as to rotate integrally with the second drive shaft 64.

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

[0030] As Figure 3 shown, the rotary electric machine 1 and the pair of output members 6 are separately arranged on two mutually parallel axes (specifically, a first axis C1 and a second axis C2). Specifically, the rotary electric machine 1 is arranged on the first axis C1, and the pair of output members 6 are arranged on a 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 includes an output gear 30 that is 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 (that is, on the second axis C2). In the present embodiment, the first axis C1 corresponds to "the rotation axis of the rotary electric machine", and the second axis C2 corresponds to "the rotation axis of the output gear" and "the rotation axis of the first output member".

[0031] As 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 parallel to the first shaft C1 and the second shaft C2, in other words, it is the axial direction shared between the first shaft C1 and the second shaft C2. That is, the axial direction A is the direction in which the rotation axis of the rotary electric machine 1 extends, and is also the direction in which the rotation axes of the pair of output members 6 extend. Here, one side of the axial direction A is defined as the first axial side A1, and the other side of the axial direction A (the side opposite to the first axial side A1 of the axial direction A) is defined as the second axial side A2. The first axial side A1 is the side of the axial direction A on which the rotary electric machine 1 is arranged with respect to the transmission mechanism 3. As Figure 3 shown, the first output member 61 is the output member 6 of the pair of output members 6 arranged on the first axial side A1, and the second output member 62 is the output member 6 of the pair of output members 6 arranged on the second axial side A2.

[0032] As Figure 1 shown, in the present 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. In Figure 1 it is assumed that the vehicle drive device 100 is a drive device of a front-wheel drive type that drives a pair of left and right front wheels. Therefore, in Figure 1 the example shown, the first wheel W1 is the right front wheel, and the second wheel W2 is the left front wheel.

[0033] As Figure 3 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 fastening members 14 such as fastening bolts. 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 on the inner side in the radial direction so as to overlap the stator 11 when viewed in the radial direction along the radial direction. The radial direction here is the radial direction with the first shaft C1 as a reference, in other words, it is the radial direction with the rotation axis of the rotary electric machine 1 as a reference.

[0034] The stator 11 includes a stator core 12 and coil ends 13 that protrude from the stator core 12 in the axial direction A. A coil is wound around the stator core 12, and the portion of the coil that protrudes from the stator core 12 in the axial direction A forms the coil ends 13. The coil ends 13 are formed on both sides of the stator core 12 in the axial direction A. In the present embodiment, the stator core 12 includes, in addition to a main body portion formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction A, a protruding portion formed so as to protrude outward in the radial direction (radial direction with respect to the first axis C1). An insertion through-hole for inserting a fastening member 14 for fixing the stator core 12 to the housing 2 is formed in the protruding portion.

[0035] As Figure 3 shown, the transmission mechanism 3 coaxially (i.e., on the first axis C1) with the rotary electric machine 1 includes an input member 16 that is drivingly connected to the rotary electric machine 1. In the present embodiment, the input member 16 is connected to the rotor 10 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor 10. In Figure 3 the example shown, the vehicle drive device 100 includes a rotor shaft 15 to which the rotor 10 is fixed, and the input member 16 is connected to the rotor shaft 15 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor shaft 15. Specifically, a portion on the first axial side A1 of the input member 16 is connected (here, spline-connected) to a portion on the second axial side A2 of the rotor shaft 15. Different from such a structure, it is also possible to configure the vehicle drive device 100 not to include the rotor shaft 15 and fix the rotor 10 to the input member 16 (specifically, a portion on the first axial side A1 of the input member 16).

[0036] As Figure 3 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 rotary electric machine 1 side to a pair of output members 6. In the present embodiment, the differential gear mechanism 5 is coaxially (i.e., on the second axis C2) arranged with the pair of output members 6 and distributes the driving force transmitted from the rotary electric 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 of 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 provided in the differential gear mechanism 5 so as to rotate integrally with the differential housing portion. 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 with respect to the rotary electric 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 (here, a shaft member) constituting the first output member 61, and is connected to the first output member 61 (here, spline-connected) so as to rotate integrally with the first output member 61. At least a part of the first output member 61 on the first side A1 in the axial direction is formed in a cylindrical shape (specifically, a cylindrical shape) extending in the axial direction A, and the first drive shaft 63 (refer to Figure 1 ) is inserted into the inside of the first output member 61 (the space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface) from the first side A1 in the axial direction. In addition, in the present embodiment, the second side gear 52 is formed on the member (here, a shaft member) constituting the second output member 62. Specifically, the second side gear 52 is formed at the end of the second output member 62 on the first side A1 in the axial direction. At least a part of the second output member 62 on the second side A2 in the axial direction is formed in a cylindrical shape (specifically, a cylindrical shape) extending in the axial direction A, and the second drive shaft 64 (refer to Figure 1 ) is inserted into the inside of the second output member 62 (the space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface) from the second side A2 in the axial direction.

[0038] As Figure 3 shown, in the present embodiment, the transmission mechanism 3 includes a reverse gear mechanism 4 in the power transmission path between the rotary electric machine 1 and the output gear 30. The reverse gear mechanism 4 is disposed on a third shaft C3 different from the first shaft C1 and the second shaft C2. The third shaft C3 is a shaft (imaginary shaft) parallel to the first shaft C1 and the second shaft C2. In the present embodiment, the reverse gear mechanism 4 includes: a reverse input gear 40a that meshes with the input gear 17 that rotates integrally with the input member 16, a reverse output gear 40b that meshes with the output gear 30, and a countershaft 40 that connects the reverse input gear 40a and the reverse output gear 40b. The input gear 17 is disposed on the second side A2 in the axial direction with respect to the rotary electric machine 1, and the reverse gear mechanism 4 is disposed on the second side A2 in the axial direction with respect to the rotary electric machine 1. In the present embodiment, the reverse input gear 40a is disposed on the second side A2 in the axial direction with respect to the reverse output gear 40b. In the present embodiment, the third shaft C3 corresponds to "the rotation axis of the reverse gear mechanism".

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

[0040] As Figure 2 andFigure 3 As shown, in the present 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 second axial side A2 of the first housing portion 21, and the third housing portion 23 is joined to the first axial side A1 of the first housing portion 21. A rotary electric machine 1 is housed in the space enclosed by the first housing portion 21 and the third housing portion 23, and a transmission mechanism 3 is housed in the space enclosed by the first housing portion 21 and the second housing portion 22. Thus, the housing 2 has a first storage chamber S1 for housing the rotary electric machine 1 and a storage chamber for housing the transmission mechanism 3. The storage chamber forms a storage space for storing the object to be stored. In the present embodiment, the first output member 61 is housed in the first storage chamber S1. Specifically, at least a portion of the first output member 61 that overlaps the rotary electric machine 1 in the axial direction A (the portion where the arrangement regions in the axial direction A overlap) is housed in the first storage chamber S1. Thus, in the present embodiment, the rotary electric machine 1 and the first output member 61 are housed in a common storage chamber (specifically, the first storage chamber S1) provided in the housing 2. In the present embodiment, the first storage chamber S1 corresponds to the "storage chamber".

[0041] In the present embodiment, the housing 2 further has a second storage chamber S2 for housing 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 housed in the space (second storage chamber S2) enclosed by the first housing portion 21 and the fourth housing portion 24. The inverter device 90 is housed in the second storage chamber S2 in a state of being fixed to the housing 2 by bolts or the like. In the present embodiment, the second storage chamber S2 is formed in the first housing portion 21 so as to open to the second side X2 in the first direction described later (refer to Figure 2 ), and the fourth housing portion 24 is joined to the first housing portion 21 so as to block the opening portion. Although the details are omitted, the inverter device 90 includes: a switching element unit (power module) of a plurality of switching elements constituting the 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 poles on the DC side of the inverter circuit. The switching element unit, the control substrate, and the smoothing capacitor are housed in the second storage chamber S2. Thus, in the present embodiment, the first storage chamber S1 and the second storage chamber S2 are integrally formed in one housing 2.

[0042] As Figure 3 ​As shown, the housing 2 is provided with a partition wall 25 (partition) 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 integrally formed 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, one component of the same material formed by die-casting). Moreover, in the present embodiment, the first storage chamber S1 and the second storage chamber S2 are divided by one partition wall 25.

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

[0044] Here, as Figure 4 shown, the direction in which the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90 are arranged when viewed axially along the axial direction A is defined as the first direction X, and the direction orthogonal to both the axial direction A and the first direction X is defined as the second direction Y. In addition, one side of the first direction X is defined as the first side X1 of the first direction, the other side of the first direction X (the side of the first direction X opposite to the first side X1 of the first direction) is defined as the second side X2 of the first direction, one side of the second direction Y is defined as the first side Y1 of the second direction, and the other side of the second direction Y (the side of the second direction Y opposite to the first side Y1 of the second direction) is defined as the second side Y2 of the second direction. The first side X1 of the first direction is the side on which the rotating electric machine 1 is arranged with respect to the inverter device 90 in the first direction X. In addition, in Figure 4 , which will be referred to later Figures 7 to 10 and Figure 12 , the outer peripheral surface of the stator core 12 (specifically, the above-mentioned main body portion) is shown by a dashed line, the bottom circle and the top circle of each gear are shown by a one-dot chain line, and the outer peripheral surface of the first output member 61 (specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the portion of the first output member 61 that is clamped and arranged between the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90 in the first direction X) is shown by a solid line.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 with the first side Y1 in the second direction being the upper side V1 and the second side Y2 in the second direction being the lower side V2. Further, in the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 with the first side X1 in the first direction being the front side L1 (the front side in the vehicle front-rear direction L) and the second side X2 in the first direction being the rear side L2 (the rear side in the vehicle front-rear direction L). As Figure 1 shown, in the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 in a position closer to the front side L1 than the central portion in the vehicle front-rear direction L of the vehicle 200. Therefore, the side of the inverter device 90 with respect to the rotating electric machine 1 in the first direction X, which is the second side X2 in the first direction and the rear side L2 in the present embodiment, becomes the central side in the vehicle front-rear direction L. Thus, in the present embodiment, in the vehicle-mounted state, the inverter device 90 is disposed on the central side in the vehicle front-rear direction L with respect to the rotating electric machine 1. Further, when the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 in a position closer to the rear side L2 than the central portion in the vehicle front-rear direction L of the vehicle 200, it is also possible to mount the vehicle drive device 100 on the vehicle 200 with the first side X1 in the first direction being the rear side L2 and the second side X2 in the first direction being the front side L1, so that the inverter device 90 is disposed on the central side in the vehicle front-rear direction L with respect to the rotating electric machine 1. In this way, when the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 in a position closer to the rear side L2 than the central portion in the vehicle front-rear direction L of the vehicle 200, a pair of wheels W driven by the vehicle drive device 100 are, for example, a pair of left and right rear wheels.

[0046] When the vehicle 200 is equipped with a pair of left and right front wheels and a pair of left and right rear wheels, it is also possible to configure a structure in which one of the pair of left and right front wheels and the pair of left and right rear wheels that is not driven by the vehicle drive device 100 (in the example shown in Figure 1 is 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 configured to transmit the output torque of an internal combustion engine (an example of a power source other than a rotating electric machine) to a pair of wheels to be driven, a drive device configured to transmit the output torque of a rotating electric machine (a rotating electric machine different from the rotating electric machine 1 included in the vehicle drive device 100) to a pair of wheels to be driven, or a drive device configured to transmit the output torques of both the internal combustion engine and the rotating electric machine (a rotating electric machine different from the rotating electric machine 1 included in the vehicle drive device 100) to a pair of wheels to be driven. It is also possible to configure the drive device other than the vehicle drive device 100 to have the same structure as the vehicle drive device 100.

[0047] As Figure 4As shown, in the present embodiment, the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90 are arranged such that their respective arrangement regions 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 both the axial direction A and the vertical direction V) can be defined as the first direction X. In this case, as Figure 4 shown, the second direction Y becomes the direction parallel to the vertical direction V. Additionally, as another example, the direction along the imaginary line E passing through the first axis C1 and the center 90a of the inverter device 90 when viewed in the axial direction can be defined as the first direction X. Here, the center 90a of the inverter device 90 when viewed in the axial direction can be the centroid of the figure forming the outer shape (outer edge) of the inverter device 90 when viewed in the axial direction. In Figure 4 the example shown, the figure forming the outer shape of the inverter device 90 when viewed in the axial direction is a rectangular figure, and the centroid of this rectangle (specifically, the intersection of the diagonals) can be set as the center 90a of the inverter device 90 when viewed in the axial direction. In Figure 4 the example shown, the horizontal direction H orthogonal to the axial direction A and the direction along the imaginary line E when viewed in the axial direction become parallel to each other. That is, in Figure 4 the example shown, according to any one of the above two definitions, the first direction X is defined as the same direction.

[0048] As Figure 4 shown, the first output member 61 is arranged at a position in the second direction Y where both the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90 are arranged, and is sandwiched between the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90 in the first direction X. The portion of the first output member 61 sandwiched between the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90 in the first direction X is arranged such that its arrangement region in the axial direction A overlaps with the rotating electric machine 1 and also overlaps with the inverter device 90 (refer to Figure 3 ). Moreover, as Figure 4 shown, the output gear 30 is arranged such that it overlaps with the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90 when viewed in the axial direction. Specifically, the output gear 30 is arranged such that the portion on the first side X1 in the first direction of the output gear 30 overlaps with the rotating electric machine 1 when viewed in the axial direction, and the portion on the second side X2 in the first direction of the output gear 30 overlaps with the inverter device 90 when viewed in the axial direction. As Figure 3 shown, the output gear 30 is arranged on one side (specifically, the second side A2 in the axial direction) of the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90 in the axial direction A. Moreover, the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90 are arranged such that their respective arrangement regions in the axial direction A overlap. In the present embodiment, in the vehicle-mounted state, at least a part of the inverter device 90 (in Figure 4In the illustrated example, only a part) is arranged on the lower side V2 with respect to the second axis C2. Further, in a vehicle-mounted state, the entire inverter device 90 may be configured to be on the upper side V1 with respect to the second axis C2.

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

[0050] As Figure 4 shown, in the present embodiment, the first output member 61 is arranged to overlap the rotating electric machine 1 when viewed in the direction along the second direction Y. That is, the first output member 61 is arranged such that the arrangement region in the first direction X overlaps the rotating electric machine 1. Here, the first output member 61 is arranged such that a part on the first side X1 of the first direction of the first output member 61 overlaps 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 member 61 is arranged not to overlap the inverter device 90 when viewed in the direction along the second direction Y. Further, Figure 4 The arrangement structure of each component shown in the axial view is an example, and this arrangement structure can be appropriately changed. For example, it can be set to a structure in which Figure 4 the arrangement structure is reversed in the first direction X, a structure in which Figure 4 the arrangement structure is reversed in the second direction Y, or a structure in which Figure 4 the arrangement structure is reversed in both the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0051] As Figure 5 shown, a through hole 26 through which a wiring 91 for connecting the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90 is inserted is formed through the partition wall 25. Further, Figure 4This shows the positional relationship of the components of the vehicle drive device 100 when viewed axially from the second axial side A2. In contrast, Figure 5 This shows the positional relationship of the components of the vehicle drive device 100 when viewed axially from the first axial side A1. A terminal block with terminals 93 is installed in the through-hole 26. The power line 92 pulled out from the coil end 13 and the power supply line (not shown) connected to the inverter device 90 are electrically connected via the terminal 93. The above-mentioned power supply line, terminal 93, and power line 92 constitute a wiring 91 for transmitting power (power for driving the rotating electric machine 1, 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 for driving the rotating electric machine 1 is "3", and correspondingly, three power lines 92 are provided, and three through-holes 26 are formed in the partition 25.

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

[0053] 〔Other Embodiments〕

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

[0055] (1) In the above embodiment, as Figure 3 shown, an example of the structure in which the reverse input gear 40a is arranged on the second axial side A2 with respect to the reverse output gear 40b has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. As Figure 6 shown in the example, it is also possible to adopt a structure in which the reverse input gear 40a is arranged on the first axial side A1 with respect to the reverse output gear 40b. In Figure 6In the example shown, the inverter device 90 is arranged such that the arrangement region in the axial direction A overlaps with the reverse input gear 40a. In this case, for example, the inverter device 90 can be arranged such that when viewed in the direction along the vehicle front-rear direction L, it overlaps with the reverse input gear 40a. Thus, at least a part of the inverter device 90 is arranged such that the arrangement region in the axial direction A overlaps with the transmission mechanism 3, so that it is easy to ensure a relatively large mounting space for the inverter device 90.

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

[0057] (3) In the above-described embodiment, the structure in which the first output member 61 is arranged so as not to overlap with the inverter device 90 when viewed in the direction along the second direction Y has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. As Figure 8 shown in the example, the first output member 61 may be arranged so as to overlap with the inverter device 90 when viewed in the direction along the second direction Y. Further, for example, as Figure 10 shown in the example, the first output member 61 may be arranged so as to overlap with each of the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90 when viewed in the direction along the second direction Y.

[0058] (4) In the above-described embodiment, the structure in which the second shaft C2 and the third shaft C3 are arranged on the same side in the second direction Y with respect to the first shaft C1 when viewed axially (in Figure 4 the example shown, it is the second side Y2 in the second direction) has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and the second shaft C2 and the third shaft C3 may be arranged on opposite sides in the second direction Y with respect to the first shaft C1 when viewed axially. For example, as Figure 9 shown in the example, when viewed axially, the second shaft C2 can be arranged on the second side Y2 in the second direction with respect to the first shaft C1, and the third shaft C3 can be arranged on the first side Y1 in the second direction with respect to the first shaft C1. In Figure 9 the example shown, the third shaft C3 is arranged between the first shaft C1 and the first direction X of the second shaft C2 when viewed axially. Further, in Figure 9 the example shown, the third shaft C3 is arranged on the same side as the center 90a side of the inverter device 90 with respect to the imaginary straight line passing through the first shaft C1 and the second shaft C2 when viewed axially.

[0059] (5) In the above-described embodiment, the structure in which the power transmission path of the transmission mechanism 3 between the rotating electric machine 1 and the output gear 30 includes the reverse gear mechanism 4 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. As in the example shown in Figure 10 , it may be configured such that the transmission mechanism 3 does not include the reverse gear mechanism 4, and the input gear 17 meshes with the output gear 30.

[0060] (6) In the above-described embodiment, the structure in which the transmission mechanism 3 includes one reverse gear mechanism 4 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. As in the examples shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 , it may be configured such that the transmission mechanism 3 includes two reverse gear mechanisms 4. In the examples shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the transmission mechanism 3 includes two reverse gear mechanisms 4, namely, a first reverse gear mechanism 4a and a second reverse gear mechanism 4b. The first reverse gear mechanism 4a is arranged on the third shaft C3, and the second reverse gear mechanism 4b is arranged on a fourth shaft C4 different from the first shaft C1, the second shaft C2, and the third shaft C3. The fourth shaft C4 is a shaft (imaginary shaft) parallel to the first shaft C1, the second shaft C2, and the third shaft C3. In the examples shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 , each of the third shaft C3 and the fourth shaft C4 corresponds to "the rotation axis of the reverse gear mechanism".

[0061] The first reverse gear mechanism 4a includes: a first reverse input gear 41a that meshes with the input gear 17, a first reverse output gear 41b, and a first auxiliary shaft 41 that connects 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 that meshes with the first reverse output gear 41b, a second reverse output gear 42b that meshes with the output gear 30, and a second auxiliary shaft 42 that connects the second reverse input gear 42a and the second reverse output gear 42b. In the examples shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12 , it is assumed that the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 with the second axial side A2 being the right side of the vehicle and the first axial side A1 being the left side of the vehicle.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 12 , when viewed axially, the third shaft C3 and the fourth shaft C4 are arranged on the side opposite to the inverter device 90 side (i.e., the first side X1 of the first direction X) with respect to the second shaft C2. Further, in Figure 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 side Y2 of the second direction) with respect to the first axis C1 when observed axially. Additionally, in Figure 12 the example shown, the third axis C3 and the fourth axis C4 are arranged on the side opposite to the center 90a side of the inverter device 90 with respect to the imaginary straight line passing through the first axis C1 and the second axis C2 when observed axially.

[0063] (7) In the above-described embodiment, the structure in which the differential gear mechanism 5 is arranged coaxially with a pair of output members 6 (i.e., on the second axis C2) has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. As in Figure 13 the example shown, it may also be configured such that the differential gear mechanism 5 is arranged on the third axis C3 instead of the reverse gear mechanism 4. In Figure 13 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 that distributes the rotation of the ring gear 55 to the sun gear 53 and the planet carrier 54. The transmission mechanism 3 includes: an output gear 30 that rotates integrally with the first output member 61, that is, the first output gear 31, and an output gear 30 that rotates integrally with the second output member 62, that is, the second output gear 32. Moreover, a first gear 71 that rotates integrally with the planet carrier 54 meshes with the first output gear 31, a second gear 72 that rotates integrally with the sun gear 53 meshes with the second output gear 32, and a third gear 73 that rotates integrally with the ring gear 55 meshes with the input gear 17.

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

[0065] (9) In the above-described embodiment, the structure in which, in the vehicle-mounted state, the through-hole 26 is arranged between the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90 in the first direction X when observed axially at a position above the second axis C2 and at a height where both the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90 are arranged has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. For example, it may also be configured such that, in the vehicle-mounted state, the through-hole 26 is arranged above at least one of the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90.

[0066] (10)In the above-described embodiment, the structure in which the inverter device 90 is disposed on the center side in the vehicle longitudinal direction L with respect to the rotating electric machine 1 in the vehicle-mounted state has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. For example, in the vehicle-mounted state, the rotating electric machine 1 may be disposed on the center side in the vehicle longitudinal direction L with respect to the inverter device 90.

[0067] (11)In addition, the structures disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be combined and applied with the structures disclosed in other embodiments as long as no contradiction occurs (including combinations of the embodiments described as other embodiments). Regarding 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 spirit of the present invention.

[0068] Summary of the present embodiment

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

[0070] The vehicle drive device (100) includes: a rotating electric machine (1); a pair of output members (6) respectively drivingly connected to a pair of wheels (W); a transmission mechanism (3) that transmits a driving force between the rotating electric machine (1) and the pair of output members (6); and an inverter device (90) that drives and controls the rotating electric machine (1). The rotating electric machine (1) and the pair of output members (6) are separately disposed on two mutually parallel axes (C1, C2). The transmission mechanism (3) coaxially includes an output gear (30) drivingly connected to at least one of the pair of output members (6). The direction in which the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) are arranged when viewed axially along the axial direction (A) is defined as the first direction (X), and the direction orthogonal to both the axial direction (A) and the first direction (X) is defined as the second direction (Y). A first output member (61) as one of the pair of output members (6) is disposed at a position in the second direction (Y) where both the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) are disposed, and is sandwiched between the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) in the first direction (X). The output gear (30) is disposed so as to overlap the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) when viewed axially.

[0071] In this structure, the first output member (61) is disposed 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, by overlapping the arrangement regions 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), miniaturization in the second direction (Y) of the vehicle drive device (100) can be achieved. Further, in this structure, the output gears (30) are arranged to overlap with the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) respectively when viewed axially. Thus, as described above, the first output member (61) is arranged between the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) in the first direction (X), and the space overlapping with the output gears (30) when viewed axially is effectively utilized, so that the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) can be arranged closer in the first direction (X). Thereby, miniaturization in the first direction (X) of the vehicle drive device (100) can also be achieved.

[0072] As described above, according to this structure, miniaturization in each of the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) of the vehicle drive device (100) can be achieved, that is, miniaturization of the size of the vehicle drive device (100) when viewed axially can be achieved. Further, in this structure, the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) are separately arranged on both sides in the first direction (X) with respect to the first output member (61) arranged coaxially with the output gears (30). Therefore, it is easy to increase both the ratio of the rotating electric machine (1) overlapping with the output gears (30) when viewed axially and the ratio of the inverter device (90) overlapping with the output gears (30) when viewed axially. Thereby, miniaturization of the size of the vehicle drive device (100) when viewed axially can be easily achieved.

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

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

[0075] Further, preferably, the first output member (61) is arranged to overlap with the rotating electric machine (1) when viewed in a direction along the second direction (Y).

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

[0077] In addition, it is preferable that the above-mentioned first output member (61) is arranged to overlap with the above-mentioned inverter device (90) when viewed in the direction along the above-mentioned second direction (Y).

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

[0079] In addition, it is preferable that the above-mentioned output gear (30) is arranged on one side of the above-mentioned axial direction (A) with respect to the above-mentioned rotating electric machine (1) and the above-mentioned inverter device (90).

[0080] According to this structure, it is easy to increase the overlapping ratio of the arrangement regions in the axial direction (A) of the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) respectively, and miniaturization in the axial direction (A) of the vehicle drive device (100) can be achieved.

[0081] In addition, it is preferable that the above-mentioned transmission mechanism (3) includes a reverse gear mechanism (4) in the power transmission path between the above-mentioned rotating electric machine (1) and the above-mentioned output gear (30), and the rotation axes (C3, C4) of the above-mentioned reverse gear mechanism (4) are arranged on the side opposite to the above-mentioned inverter device (90) side in the above-mentioned first direction (X) with respect to the rotation axis (C2) of the above-mentioned output gear (30) when viewed in the above-mentioned axial direction.

[0082] According to this structure, compared with the case where the reverse gear mechanism (4) is not provided in the transmission mechanism (3), it is easier to set the speed ratio between the rotating electric machine (1) and the output gear (30) to a desired value. Moreover, in this structure, the rotation axes (C3, C4) of the reverse gear mechanism (4) are arranged on the side opposite to the inverter device (90) side in the first direction (X) with respect to the rotation axis (C2) of the output gear (30) when observed in the axial direction. Therefore, in the case where at least a part of the inverter device (90) is arranged so that the arrangement region in the axial direction (A) overlaps with the reverse gear mechanism (4), it is easy to avoid interference with the reverse gear mechanism (4) and it is easy to arrange the inverter device (90) closer to the rotating electric machine (1) side in the first direction (X). Therefore, compared with the case where the rotation axes (C3, C4) of the reverse gear mechanism (4) are arranged on the same side as the inverter device (90) side in the first direction (X) with respect to the rotation axis (C2) of the output gear (30) when observed in the axial direction, arranging the rotating electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) closer in the first direction (X) easily realizes miniaturization of the vehicle drive device (100) in the first direction (X).

[0083] As described above, preferably, in the structure in which the rotation axes (C3, C4) of the reverse gear mechanism (4) are arranged on the side opposite to the inverter device (90) side in the first direction (X) with respect to the rotation axis (C2) of the output gear (30) when observed in the axial direction, the rotation axis (C2) of the output gear (30) and the rotation axes (C3, C4) of the reverse gear mechanism (4) are arranged on the same side in the second direction (Y) with respect to the rotation axis (C1) of the rotating electric machine (1) when observed in the axial direction.

[0084] According to this structure, compared with the case where the rotation axis (C2) of the output gear (30) and the rotation axes (C3, C4) of the reverse gear mechanism (4) are arranged on opposite sides in the second direction (Y) with respect to the rotation axis (C1) of the rotating electric machine (1) when observed in the axial direction, it is easier to arrange the reverse gear mechanism (4) away from the inverter device (90) in the first direction (X). Therefore, in the case where at least a part of the inverter device (90) is arranged so that the arrangement region in the axial direction (A) overlaps with the reverse gear mechanism (4), it is easy to avoid interference with the reverse gear mechanism (4) and it is easy 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 structures, in a state of being mounted on a vehicle (200), the rotation axis (C2) of the output gear (30) is disposed below (V2) with respect to an imaginary straight line (E) passing through the rotation axis (C1) of the rotation motor (1) and the center (90a) of the inverter device (90) when observed in the axial direction.

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

[0087] In addition, it is preferable to include a housing (2) that houses the rotation motor (1), and the rotation motor (1) and the first output member (61) are housed in a common housing chamber (S1) provided in the housing (2).

[0088] According to this structure, compared with the case where the rotation motor (1) and the first output member (61) are housed in mutually different housing chambers, the rotation motor (1) and the first output member (61) can be disposed in an easily accessible manner, and the enlargement of the vehicle drive device (100) can be suppressed.

[0089] Preferably, in the structure in which the rotation motor (1) and the first output member (61) are housed in the common housing chamber (S1) as described above, the housing chamber (S1) is used as a first housing chamber (S1), the housing (2) includes the first housing chamber (S1), a second housing chamber (S2) that houses the inverter device (90), and a partition wall (25) that divides the first housing chamber (S1) and the second housing chamber (S2), and the first housing chamber (S1) and the second housing chamber (S2) are integrally formed in the housing (2).

[0090] According to this structure, the wall that divides the first housing chamber (S1) and the second housing chamber (S2) can be made into one partition wall (25), and the enlargement of the vehicle drive device (100) can be suppressed.

[0091] Preferably, in the vehicle drive device (100) of each of the above structures, a housing (2) that houses the rotary electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) is provided. The housing (2) includes: a first accommodation chamber (S1) that houses the rotary electric machine (1), a second accommodation chamber (S2) that houses the inverter device (90), and a partition wall (25) that divides the first accommodation chamber (S1) and the second accommodation chamber (S2). A through hole (26) through which a wiring (91) connecting the rotary electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) is inserted penetrates the partition wall (25). In a state of being mounted on a vehicle (200), the through hole (26) is disposed above the rotation axis (C2) of the output gear (30) (V1) and at the heights of both the rotary electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90), and is disposed between the rotary electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) in the first direction (X) when viewed axially.

[0092] In this structure, the through hole (26) formed in the partition wall (25) and through which the wiring (91) is inserted is disposed above the rotation axis (C2) of the output gear (30) (V1). Therefore, when oil for lubrication and cooling accumulates in the first accommodation chamber (S1) that houses the rotary electric machine (1), it is easy to dispose the through hole (26) at a position upward (V1) from the oil level. Therefore, it is easy to ensure the sealing performance of the through hole (26). In addition, in this structure, the through hole (26) through which the wiring (91) connecting the rotary electric machine (1) and the inverter device (90) is inserted is disposed between the first directions (X) of the connection objects of the wiring (91) when viewed axially, so it is easy to suppress the length of the wiring (91) to be short.

[0093] In addition, preferably, in a state of being mounted on a vehicle (200), the inverter device (90) is disposed closer to the center side in the vehicle front-rear direction (L) than the rotary electric machine (1).

[0094] According to this structure, it is easy to protect the inverter device (90) from the collision loads during a frontal collision and a rear collision of the vehicle (200).

[0095] In addition, preferably, the transmission mechanism (3) includes a differential gear mechanism (5), and the differential gear mechanism (5) distributes the driving force transmitted from the rotary electric machine (1) side to the pair of output members (6).

[0096] According to this structure, differential of the pair of output members (6) is allowed, so that the rotational performance of the vehicle (200) can be appropriately ensured.

[0097] Preferably, in the structure where the transfer mechanism (3) has the differential gear mechanism (5) as described above, the differential gear mechanism (5) is arranged coaxially with the pair of output members (6), and distributes the driving force transmitted from the side of the rotary electric machine (1) to the output gear (30) to the pair of output members (6).

[0098] According to this structure, when the transfer mechanism (3) is configured to reduce the rotation of the rotary electric machine (1) and transmit it to the pair of output members (6), the rotational speed range of the rotating components constituting the differential gear mechanism (5) can be suppressed to a lower level. Thereby, it is easy to ensure the durability of the differential gear mechanism (5).

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

[0100] Explanation of reference numerals

[0101] 1: Rotary electric machine, 2: Housing, 3: Transfer mechanism, 4: Reverse gear mechanism, 5: Differential gear mechanism, 6: Output member, 25: Partition wall, 26: Through hole, 30: Output gear, 61: First output member, 90: Inverter device, 90a: Center of the inverter device, 91: Wiring, 100: Vehicle drive device, 200: Vehicle, A: Axial direction, C1: First axis (rotation axis of the rotary electric machine), C2: Second axis (rotation axis of the output gear, rotation axis of the first output member), C3: Third axis (rotation axis of the reverse gear mechanism), C4: Fourth axis (rotation axis of the reverse gear mechanism), E: Imaginary straight line, L: Vehicle longitudinal direction, 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: A rotary electric machine; A pair of output members respectively drivingly connected to a pair of front wheels; A transmission mechanism that transmits driving force between the rotary electric machine and the pair of output members; and An inverter device that drives and controls the rotary electric machine, The rotary electric machine and the pair of output members are separately arranged on two mutually parallel axes, The transmission mechanism coaxially includes an output gear drivingly connected to at least one of the pair of output members, The direction in which the rotary electric machine and the inverter device are arranged when viewed axially along the axial direction is defined as the first direction, and the direction orthogonal to both the axial direction and the first direction is defined as the second direction, A first output member, which is one of the pair of output members, is arranged at a position in the second direction where both the rotary electric machine and the inverter device are arranged, and is sandwiched between the rotary electric machine and the inverter device in the first direction, The output gear is arranged so as to overlap with each of the rotary electric machine and the inverter device when viewed axially, In a state of being mounted on a vehicle, the inverter device is arranged on the rear side of the vehicle relative to the rotary electric machine.

2. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein, In a state of being mounted on a vehicle, at least a part of the inverter device is arranged below the rotation axis of the first output member.

3. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first output member is arranged so as to overlap with the rotary electric machine when viewed in the direction along the second direction.

4. The vehicle drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The output gear is arranged on one side of the axial direction with respect to the rotary electric machine and the inverter device.

5. The vehicle drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, In a state of being mounted on a vehicle, the rotation axis of the output gear is arranged below a virtual straight line passing through the rotation axis of the rotary electric machine and the center of the inverter device when viewed axially.

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