Vehicle drive device

Abstract

The present application relates to a drive device for a vehicle. A housing (1) is provided with a housing main body (11) that forms a first housing chamber (5) that houses a rotary electric machine (MG) and a gear (G) and a second housing chamber (3) that houses an inverter device (INV), and a cover member (12). The cover member (12) is engaged with the housing main body (11) on the axial second side (L2) and is arranged to cover the axial second side (L2) of the first housing chamber (5). The housing main body (11) is provided with a partition wall portion (70) that partitions the first housing chamber (5) and the second housing chamber (3), a peripheral wall portion (61) that covers the outer side of the radial direction (R) of the first housing chamber (5), and an axial wall portion (62) that covers the axial first side (L1) of the second housing chamber (5), and these partition wall portion (70), peripheral wall portion (61), and axial wall portion (62) are integrally formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle drive system comprising a rotary motor, multiple gears, a differential gear mechanism, an inverter device, and a housing. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-229174 discloses an example of such a vehicle drive system, which is an electromechanical integrated unit (1) comprising a rotary motor (3), a reducer (11), and an inverter (4) (reference numerals in parentheses in the background art refer to the document). The reducer (11) is a transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the rotary motor (3) to the wheels. The rotary motor (3) and the inverter (4) are housed in a common housing (2) having a rotary motor housing (21) and an inverter housing (22) integrally formed, and the reducer (11) is housed in a reducer housing (11a) separate from the common housing (2). The inverter (4) is housed in an inverter housing (22) disposed above the rotary motor housing (21) housing the rotary motor (3). The common housing (2) is engaged with the reducer housing (11a) on one side in the axial direction (X direction) and with the end plate (10) on the other side.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-229174

[0004] In the aforementioned mechatronic unit, the axial size of the inverter housing is limited by the mating surfaces of the common housing and the gearbox housing, as well as the mating surfaces of the common housing and the end plate. In other words, the layout of the housing for the inverter depends on the partition surfaces of the vehicle drive unit's housing. Furthermore, since the housing's mating surfaces are located on both sides of the axial direction, the necessary number of fasteners for securing the housing and sealing components for closing the housing increases, potentially leading to a larger vehicle drive unit and increased costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above, there is a need for a technology that can achieve miniaturization of vehicle drive units and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0006] The vehicle drive system according to the above conditions includes: a rotary motor; a plurality of gears arranged in a power transmission path originating from the rotary motor; a differential gear mechanism that distributes the driving force transmitted from the rotary motor via the plurality of gears to a plurality of wheels; an inverter device that drives and controls the rotary motor; and a housing that is axially positioned along the rotation axis of the rotary motor, the housing comprising: a housing body forming a first housing chamber for housing the rotary motor and the plurality of gears and a second housing chamber for housing the inverter device, and a housing body that engages with the housing body in the axial direction and blocks the first gear. The cover component of the storage chamber has an axial first side on the side opposite to the rotary motor arranged relative to the plurality of gears, and an axial second side on the opposite side. The cover component is engaged with the housing body on the axial second side and is configured to cover the axial second side of the first storage chamber. The housing body includes a dividing wall portion that divides the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber, a peripheral wall portion that covers the radially outer side of the first storage chamber, and an axial wall portion that covers the axial first side of the first storage chamber. The dividing wall portion, the peripheral wall portion, and the axial wall portion are integrally formed.

[0007] According to this structure, since the mating surface between the housing body and the cover member is only one axial direction side, it is easy to form a second housing chamber that is relatively wide axially. This ensures a wider axial configuration area for the inverter device. As a result, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the second housing chamber in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction (e.g., vertical direction), thus preventing the enlargement of the vehicle drive unit. Furthermore, the housing body forming the first and second housing chambers can be integrally formed, and the first housing chamber can be formed by the housing body and the cover member, thus reducing the number of components constituting the housing. In other words, according to this structure, miniaturization of the vehicle drive unit and reduction of manufacturing costs can be achieved.

[0008] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of illustrative and non-limiting embodiments illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is an axial sectional view of a vehicle drive unit.

[0010] Figure 2 This is an axial view of the vehicle's drive unit.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle drive system.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic circuit block diagram of the electrical system that drives the rotating electric motor. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1-3 As shown, the vehicle drive unit 100 includes: a rotary motor MG mounted on a first shaft A1; an output component OUT mounted on another shaft parallel to the first shaft A1, namely a second shaft A2, and drivenly connected to the wheels W; multiple gears G arranged in a power transmission path originating from the rotary motor MG and transmitting the driving force from the rotary motor MG; and a differential gear mechanism DF distributing the driving force transmitted from the rotary motor MG to the wheels via the multiple gears G. Furthermore, in Figure 1 In the sectional view, the output component OUT is omitted. The multiple gears G also include gears constituting the reversing gear mechanism CG. Furthermore, the reversing gear mechanism CG is arranged on another shaft parallel to the first shaft A1 and the second shaft A2, namely the third shaft A3. In the vehicle drive unit 100, multiple gears G including the reversing gear mechanism CG and a differential gear mechanism DF are sequentially arranged from the rotary motor MG side along the power transmission path connecting the rotary motor MG, which serves as a power generating device, and the wheel W.

[0014] As described above, the axis of the rotary motor MG (first axis A1) and the axis of the output component OUT (second axis A2) are arranged on another axis that is parallel to each other. Furthermore, the axis of the differential gear mechanism DF is also the second axis A2. The axis of the reversing gear mechanism CG (third axis A3) is arranged parallel to both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. That is, the first axis A1, the second axis A2, and the third axis A3 are different imaginary axes arranged parallel to each other.

[0015] In the following description, the direction parallel to the first axis A1 is defined as axis L. Since the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 are parallel to each other, axis L is also a direction parallel to the second axis A2. In addition, the third axis A3 is also parallel to both the first axis A1 and the second axis A2, so axis L is also a direction parallel to the third axis A3. One side of axis L (in this embodiment, the side on which the rotary motor MG is arranged relative to the plurality of gears G) is designated as "first axial side L1", and the opposite side is designated as "second axial side L2".

[0016] Furthermore, the directions orthogonal to the first axis A1, the second axis A2, and the third axis A3 are defined as "radial R" with each axis as a reference. Additionally, when it is not necessary to distinguish which axis is used as a reference, or when the axis used as a reference is clearly defined, it is sometimes simply referred to as "radial R". Furthermore, when the vehicle drive unit 100 is mounted in a vehicle, the vertical direction is defined as "vertical direction V". In this embodiment, the first vertical direction V1, which is one side of the vertical direction V, is upward, and the second vertical direction V2, which is the other side, is downward. When the vehicle drive unit 100 is mounted in a state parallel to the horizontal plane, one direction of radial R coincides with the vertical direction V.

[0017] Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to the axial direction L and the vertical direction V is referred to as the "width direction H". One side of the width direction H is designated as the first width direction side H1, and the other side as the second width direction side H2. Similar to the vertical direction V, one direction of the radial direction R also coincides with the width direction H. In the following description, terms related to the direction and position of each component also include the concept of variations due to manufacturing tolerances. Furthermore, the direction of each component refers to its orientation when assembled into the vehicle drive unit 100. In this embodiment, the width direction H corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when the vehicle drive unit 100 is mounted in the vehicle. Figure 2 The mating surfaces of the housing body 11 and the cover component 12, as well as the cross-section of the fastener 54, are shown as viewed from the second axial side L2 (the housing body 11, the cover component 12, and the fastener 54 will be described later).

[0018] The vehicle drive unit 100 includes an inverter unit INV housing the drive control rotary motor MG, the rotary motor MG, multiple gears G, a differential gear mechanism DF, and a housing 1 (see reference) for the inverter unit INV. Figure 1 , Figure 2The housing 1 includes a housing body 11 that forms an equipment storage chamber 5 (first storage chamber) for housing a rotary motor MG and a plurality of gears G, and an inverter storage chamber 3 (second storage chamber) for housing an inverter device INV. The housing 1 also includes a cover member 12 that engages with the housing body 11 along the axial direction L and blocks the equipment storage chamber 5, and a dividing member 13 disposed inside the equipment storage chamber 5 and fixed to the housing body 11. The equipment storage chamber 5 also houses a differential gear mechanism DF and a portion of an output member OUT. Furthermore, the equipment storage chamber 5 and the inverter storage chamber 3 are divided by a dividing wall 70 (described later), and the equipment storage chamber 5 is formed as a space enclosed by the cover member 12 and the dividing wall 70 of the housing body 11. The housing body 11 includes: a dividing wall 70 that separates the equipment storage chamber 5 and the inverter storage chamber 3; a peripheral wall 61 that covers the outer radial side R of the equipment storage chamber 5; and an axial wall 62 that covers the first axial side L1 of the equipment storage chamber 5. The dividing wall 70, the peripheral wall 61, and the axial wall 62 are integrally formed. Here, "integrally formed" means, for example, as a die casting, a single component formed from a common material.

[0019] The inverter housing 3 is formed as a space surrounded by a side wall 7 erected along the vertical direction V from the dividing wall 70, a cover member 79 that engages with the end of the first side V1 in the vertical direction of the side wall 7, and the dividing wall 70 of the housing body 11. The dividing wall 70 divides the equipment housing 5 and the inverter housing 3 in the vertical direction V.

[0020] A rotating electric motor (MG) is a rotating electric motor / generator that operates using multi-phase alternating current (e.g., three-phase alternating current). It can function as both a motor and a generator. Figure 4 As shown, the rotary motor MG receives power from the high-voltage battery BH (high-voltage DC power supply) to operate, or it supplies (regenerates) the power generated by the inertial force of the vehicle to the high-voltage battery BH.

[0021] The rotary electric machine MG has a stator 81 fixed to a housing 1, etc., and a rotor 82 rotatably supported radially inside the stator 81. The stator 81 includes a stator core 81c and a stator coil 83 wound on the stator core 81c, and the rotor 82 includes a rotor core and a permanent magnet disposed on the rotor core. The rotor 82 of the rotary electric machine MG is drivenly connected to an input gear G1. The input gear G1 is one of a plurality of gears G that transmit driving force from the rotary electric machine MG to the differential gear mechanism DF, and is equivalent to the first gear connected to the rotor 82 in a manner that rotates integrally with the rotor 82 of the rotary electric machine MG. In addition, the input gear G1 is drivenly connected to a reversing gear mechanism CG. More specifically, the input gear G1 meshes with the reversing driven gear G2 (third gear) of the reversing gear mechanism CG.

[0022] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the reversing gear mechanism CG is disposed on the third shaft A3, which is parallel to the first shaft A1 and the second shaft A2. It drives and connects the rotary motor MG and the differential gear mechanism DF via the input gear G1. In this embodiment, the third shaft A3, on which the reversing gear mechanism CG is disposed, is positioned in the vertical direction V below the imaginary plane connecting the first shaft A1 and the second shaft A2 (vertical direction second side V2) (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0023] The reversing gear mechanism CG has two gears (reversing driven gear G2 and reversing drive gear G3) connected by a shaft component. Specifically, the reversing gear mechanism CG is mounted on the third shaft A3 and includes a reversing driven gear G2 (third gear) that meshes with the input gear G1 (first gear); and a reversing drive gear G3 (fourth gear) that rotates integrally with the reversing driven gear G2 and meshes with the differential input gear G4 (second gear), described later. In this embodiment, the reversing drive gear G3 (fourth gear) is positioned axially L on the side closer to the rotary motor MG than the reversing driven gear G2 (third gear).

[0024] Furthermore, it is not ruled out that a reverse driven gear G2 (third gear) may be arranged on the side of the rotary motor MG closer to the reverse drive gear G3 (fourth gear) in the axial direction L. Additionally, it is not ruled out that the third shaft A3, which houses the reverse gear mechanism CG, may be arranged in the vertical direction V above the imaginary plane connecting the first shaft A1 and the second shaft A2 (vertical direction first side V1).

[0025] The differential gear mechanism DF is driven to the wheels W via the output components OUT. The differential gear mechanism DF comprises multiple meshing bevel gears, distributing and transmitting the rotational and torque input to the differential input gear G4 (the second gear) to a pair of output components OUT (i.e., a pair of wheels W) via the first side gear S1 and the second side gear S2. The differential input gear G4, which rotates integrally with the differential gear mechanism DF, is one of multiple gears G that transmit driving force from the rotary motor MG to the differential gear mechanism DF. It transmits the driving force from the rotary motor MG to the differential gear mechanism DF. The differential gear mechanism DF distributes the driving force from the rotary motor MG transmitted via the differential input gear G4 to the two output components OUT. Thus, the vehicle drive unit 100 can transmit the torque of the rotary motor MG to the wheels W to propel the vehicle. However, the first side gear S1 and the second side gear S2 are included in the differential gear mechanism DF but not in the output components OUT.

[0026] As described above, the dividing member 13, which is constructed as another component, is fixed to the housing body 11 in such a way as dividing the equipment storage chamber 5. By having the dividing member 13, the rotary motor storage chamber 2 and the gear storage chamber 4 can be appropriately formed in the integrally formed housing body 11. Compared with the configuration of having a housing component with the rotary motor storage chamber 2 and a housing component with the gear storage chamber 4, the number of components in the housing 1 can be reduced. In addition, the dividing member 13 also functions as a support member for supporting the rotary motor MG, the input component IN, and the reverse gear mechanism CG.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the rotor shaft 82a of the rotary motor MG is supported by bearings B on both the first axial side L1 and the second axial side L2, allowing it to rotate. The bearing B on the first axial side L1 is supported by the housing body 11, and the bearing B on the second axial side L2 is supported by the dividing member 13. Furthermore, the input member IN, connected to the rotor shaft 82a, is supported on the first axial side L1 via the bearing B and the dividing member 13, and on the second axial side L2 via the bearing B and the cover member 12. Similarly, the reversing gear mechanism CG is supported on the first axial side L1 via the bearing B and the dividing member 13, and on the second axial side L2 via the bearing B and the cover member 12. In this way, the dividing member 13 functions as a support member, eliminating the need for additional space for support members within the equipment storage compartment 5, thus reducing the need for large-scale installation of the vehicle drive unit 100.

[0028] like Figure 4As shown, the rotating motor MG is driven and controlled by an inverter device INV. This inverter device INV is also housed within the housing 1 (housing body 11). The inverter device INV includes an inverter circuit 60 that converts power between DC and multiphase AC. The inverter circuit 60 is connected to the AC rotating motor MG and the high-voltage battery BH, converting power between multiphase (here, three-phase U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase) AC and DC. The high-voltage battery BH is composed, for example, of a nickel-metal hydride battery, a lithium battery, or a double-layer capacitor. When the rotating motor MG is the driving force source of the vehicle, the high-voltage battery BH is a high-voltage, high-capacity DC power source, with a rated power supply voltage of, for example, 200–400 V. The inverter circuit 60 includes a DC link capacitor 64 (smoothing capacitor) that smooths the voltage (DC link voltage) between the positive DC power line P and the negative DC power line N. The DC link capacitor 64 stabilizes the DC link voltage, which fluctuates according to the power consumption of the rotating motor MG.

[0029] The inverter circuit 60 is configured with multiple switching elements. Specifically, the inverter circuit 60 has multiple (here, three) arms of an AC single-phase section composed of series circuits of upper-side and lower-side switching elements. The switching elements preferably utilize power semiconductor devices capable of operating at high frequencies, such as IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors), power MOSFETs (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors), SiC-MOSFETs (Silicon Carbide-Metal Oxide Semiconductor FETs), SiC-SITs (SiC-Static Induction Transistors), and GaN-MOSFETs (Gallium Nitride MOSFETs). Figure 4 As shown in this embodiment, an IGBT is illustrated as a switching element. This embodiment also includes a freewheeling diode, and the inverter circuit 60 is integrated with a power module to form a switching element module.

[0030] like Figure 4As shown, the inverter circuit 60 is controlled by the inverter control unit 65 (M-CTRL). The inverter control unit 65 is constructed with logic circuits such as microcomputers as its core components. Based on the target torque of the rotating motor MG, the inverter control unit 65 performs current feedback control using a known vector control method, and controls the rotating motor MG via the inverter circuit 60. The target torque of the rotating motor MG is provided as a demand signal, for example, from other control devices such as the vehicle control unit 91 (VCL-CTRL), which is one of the higher-level control devices in the vehicle. The actual current flowing in the stator coils 83 of each phase of the rotating motor MG is detected by the current sensor 84. In addition, the magnetic pole position of the rotor of the rotating motor MG at each moment is detected by the rotation sensor 85, for example, by a resolver.

[0031] The inverter control unit 65 uses the detection results of the current sensor 84 and the rotation sensor 85 to perform current feedback control. The inverter control unit 65 is configured to have various functional units for current feedback control, and each functional unit is implemented by the cooperation of hardware such as a microcomputer and software (program).

[0032] The vehicle control unit 91 and the inverter control unit 65 are low-voltage system circuits that operate by supplying power from a low-voltage power source (e.g., 12-24V) that is lower than the voltage of the high-voltage battery BH, i.e., a low-voltage battery BL (low-voltage DC power supply). Therefore, the inverter control unit 65 has a drive circuit that enhances and relays the drive capability (e.g., voltage amplitude, output current, etc., enabling the operation of downstream circuits) of the switching control signals (gate drive signals in the case of IGBTs) for each switching element. The inverter control unit 65 is constructed by mounting the aforementioned microcomputer, its peripheral circuits, and circuit components constituting the drive circuit on one or more substrates.

[0033] The inverter unit INV is configured as a unit including the inverter control device 65, DC link capacitor 64, and inverter circuit 60 (power module) as described above. The inverter unit INV, as a unit, is disposed in the inverter housing 3 (second housing) and fixed to the housing 1 by bolts or other fasteners. Furthermore, in this specification, the term "overlapping with inverter unit INV" refers to a state where it overlaps with any one or more structural members of these inverter unit INVs.

[0034] As described above, the vehicle drive unit 100 of this embodiment includes: a rotary motor MG, a plurality of gears G disposed in a power transmission path originating from the rotary motor MG, a differential gear mechanism DF that distributes the driving force transmitted from the rotary motor MG via the plurality of gears G to a plurality of wheels W, an inverter device INV that drives and controls the rotary motor MG, and a housing 1. The housing 1 includes: a housing body 11 integrally formed to form an equipment storage chamber 5 (first storage chamber) for housing the rotary motor MG and the plurality of gears G, and an inverter storage chamber 3 (second storage chamber) for housing the inverter device INV; a cover member 12 that engages with the housing body 11 in the axial direction L and blocks the equipment storage chamber 5; and a dividing member 13 disposed inside the equipment storage chamber 5 and fixed to the housing body 11. The dividing member 13 divides the equipment storage chamber 5 in the axial direction L, forming a rotary motor storage chamber 2 for housing the rotary motor MG and a gear storage chamber 4 for housing the plurality of gears G. Figure 2 As shown, the dividing member 13 extends along the width direction H. The dividing member 13 is a separate component from the housing body 11 and is fixed to the housing body 11 by the dividing member fastening member 18. Figure 2 As shown, the dividing member 13 extends along the width direction H. In other words, the dividing member 13 is formed as a plate extending radially R.

[0035] The cover component 12 engages with the housing body 11 on the second axial side L2 and is configured to cover the second axial side L2 of the gear housing 4. The cover component 12 engages with the housing body 11 on the mating surface 9 and is fixed to the housing body 11 by the cover component fastening component 17. The housing body 11 includes a peripheral wall portion 61 covering the outer side of the radial R of the rotary motor housing 2 and an axial wall portion 62 covering the first axial side L1 of the rotary motor housing 2, the peripheral wall portion 61 and the axial wall portion 62 being integrally formed. The end of the first axial side L1 of the dividing wall portion 70 of the housing body 11 that divides the equipment housing 5 and the inverter housing 3 (the axial first side end 70t of the dividing wall portion) is positioned closer to the first axial side L1 than the end of the first axial side L1 of the rotary motor MG (the axial first side end MGt of the rotary motor). In addition, the axial first side end MGt of the rotary motor is the end of the first axial side L1 of the coil end of the stator coil 83 of the rotary motor MG.

[0036] The mating surface 9 between the housing body 11 and the cover member 12 forms only one direction side along the axial direction L, making it easy to form a wider inverter housing 3 along the axial direction L. This allows for a wider arrangement area of ​​the inverter device INV along the axial direction L. As a result, the possibility of the inverter housing 3 expanding in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction L (e.g., the vertical direction V) is suppressed, thus preventing the vehicle drive unit 100 from becoming too large. Furthermore, since the housing body 11 can be integrally formed with the equipment housing 5 and the inverter housing 3, and the equipment housing 5 can be formed by the housing body 11 and the cover member 12, the number of components constituting the housing 1 can be reduced.

[0037] Furthermore, the rotary motor housing 2 and the gear housing 4 are not strictly divided by the dividing member 13, and the two housings are partially connected. The rotary motor housing 2 is formed by arranging the rotary motor MG on the first axial side L1 of the dividing member 13, and the gear housing 4 is formed by arranging multiple gears G on the second axial side L2 of the dividing member 13.

[0038] As described above, the equipment storage chamber 5 includes a rotary motor storage chamber 2 for storing a rotary motor MG and a gear storage chamber 4 for storing multiple gears G. Furthermore, the housing 1 includes a dividing member 13 disposed axially between the rotary motor storage chamber 2 and the gear storage chamber 4 and fixed to the housing body 11. Multiple storage chambers are suitably formed on the integrally formed housing body 11 by the dividing member 13.

[0039] Furthermore, the rotor 82 of the rotary electric machine MG is supported by the axial wall portion 62 and the dividing member 13. That is, the rotor 82 is supported on the first axial side L1 by the axial wall portion 62, which functions as a support wall, and on the second axial side L2 by the dividing member 13, which also functions as a support wall. In this way, the rotor 82 is properly supported by the robust support walls that constitute the housing 1.

[0040] Furthermore, as described above, the end of the first axial side L1 of the dividing wall portion 70 (the end of the first axial side of the dividing wall portion 70t) is positioned closer to the first axial side than the end of the first axial side L1 of the stator 81 of the rotary electric machine MG (the end of the stator core 81c or the end of the coil of the stator coil 83). Similarly, the end of the first axial side L1 of the dividing wall portion 70 (the end of the first axial side of the dividing wall portion 70t) is positioned closer to the first axial side than the end of the first axial side L1 of the rotor 82 of the rotary electric machine MG (the end of the rotor core). That is, the inverter housing 3 can be formed wider in the axial L direction, easily ensuring the axial L configuration area of ​​the inverter device INV.

[0041] The configuration area of ​​the dividing wall portion 70 along the axial direction L overlaps with the configuration area of ​​the dividing member 13 along the axial direction L. That is, the dividing wall portion 70 is positioned on both sides of the dividing member 13. Since the dividing wall portion 70 is formed on both sides of the axial direction L while sandwiching the dividing member 13, it is easy to ensure the rigidity of the equipment housing 5, the inverter housing 3, and the dividing wall portion 70. Furthermore, in this specification, regarding the configuration of the two components, "overlapping configuration areas in a specific direction" means that the portions of the two components that are in the same position in that specific direction exist in at least a portion of each of the two components.

[0042] Of course, if the rigidity of the equipment storage chamber 5, inverter storage chamber 3, partition wall 70, etc. can be sufficiently ensured, the configuration area of ​​the partition wall 70 in the axial L may not overlap with the configuration area of ​​the partition component 13 in the axial L.

[0043] Furthermore, the arrangement area of ​​the dividing wall portion 70 along the axial direction L is configured to overlap with at least a portion of the arrangement area along the axial direction L of the plurality of gears G. With the dividing wall portion 70 configured in this way, the inverter housing chamber 3 can be formed over a large area along the axial direction L. That is, the dividing wall portion 70 is also ensured above the gear housing chamber 4, correspondingly enabling the formation of an inverter housing chamber 3 with sufficient width along the axial direction L. Of course, if the width of the inverter housing chamber 3 can be sufficiently ensured, the arrangement area of ​​the dividing wall portion 70 along the axial direction L may not overlap with the arrangement area along the axial direction L of the gears G.

[0044] The inverter circuit 60 and the rotating motor MG are electrically connected via an inverter-side bus 51 electrically connected to the inverter circuit 60 and a rotating motor-side bus 53 electrically connected to the stator coil 83, through a connecting component 52 such as a connector. A fastening part 54 of the connecting component 52, used to electrically connect the rotating motor MG and the inverter unit INV, is disposed in the equipment storage compartment 5. Figure 2 As shown, in this fastening part 54, the terminals on the MG side of the rotating motor (rotating motor side bus 53) and the terminals on the INV side of the inverter device (inverter side bus 51) are electrically connected by a bus fastening member 55 along the axial direction L.

[0045] Here, the dividing member 13 is configured so as not to overlap with the fastening part 54 along the axial direction L. In other words, when the connecting member 52 is fastened to the fastening part 54, the dividing member 13 is configured so as not to overlap with the fastening part 54 along the axial direction L. That is, the dividing member 13 is configured so as not to overlap with the fastening part 54 when viewed axially along the axial direction L. In this embodiment, the dividing member 13 is disposed inside the equipment storage chamber 5. Or, it can also be said that the dividing member 13 is disposed outside the radial direction R of the rotary motor MG. In addition, in this embodiment, it can also be said that the dividing member 13 is disposed outside the radial direction R of the differential gear mechanism DF. In addition, in this specification, regarding the configuration of the two members, "overlapping when viewed in a specific direction" means that when an imaginary line parallel to the line of sight is moved in directions orthogonal to the imaginary line, there is a region where the imaginary line intersects both members.

[0046] In this way, when viewed axially, the dividing component 13 is configured not to overlap with the fastening part 54, thereby allowing the fastening part 54, which is arranged in the equipment storage chamber 5, to be visually confirmed from the side of the opening in the housing body 11 (the second axial side L2), making it easy to check the state of the fastening part 54. Furthermore, it is also easy to perform operations for fastening the connecting component 52 in the fastening part 54. Even though the opening in the housing body 11 is only on one side in the axial direction L, productivity and ease of maintenance are not compromised.

[0047] Furthermore, it is not ruled out that the dividing member 13 may be arranged overlapping with the fastening part 54 when viewed in the axial direction L. For example, an opening (e.g., referred to as a maintenance hole) may be provided in the dividing member 13 at the position where it overlaps with the fastening part 54 when viewed in the axial direction L, and the fastening operation of the fastening part 54 may be performed through this opening from the second axial side L2. Alternatively, the fastening part 54 may be provided on the first axial side L1, and an opening serving as a maintenance hole may be provided on the axial wall portion 62 of the housing body 11, and the fastening operation of the fastening part 54 may be performed from the first axial side L1. In addition, when such an opening (maintenance hole) is provided, it is preferable to provide a cover member that blocks the opening.

[0048] Furthermore, the busbar fastening member 55 is inserted from the second axial side L2, with its head positioned on the second axial side L2, and is arranged in the direction of fastening to the fastening portion 54 of the connecting member 52. As described above, the second axial side L2 of the housing body 11 is open. Additionally, the dividing member 13, located on the second axial side L2 closer to the fastening portion 54 than the fastening portion 54, does not overlap with the busbar fastening member 55 (fastening portion 54) along the axial direction L. That is, the dividing member 13 does not overlap with the busbar fastening member 55 (fastening portion 54) when viewed axially along the axial direction L. Therefore, before installing the cover member 12 onto the housing body 11, the inverter device INV and the rotating motor MG can be easily electrically connected from the second axial side L2 through the busbar fastening member 55.

[0049] In this embodiment, the terminals (inverter-side bus 51) of the inverter device INV are arranged on the first axial side L1 of the inverter device INV in the axial direction L, and the terminals (rotary motor-side bus 53) connected to the stator coil 83 of the rotating motor MG are also arranged on the first axial side L1 of the rotating motor MG in the axial direction L. More specifically, the terminals (inverter-side bus 51) of the inverter device INV are arranged on the first axial side L1 relative to the stator core 81c of the rotating motor MG, and the terminals (rotary motor-side bus 53) connected to the stator coil 83 of the rotating motor MG are arranged on the first axial side L1 relative to the stator core 81c.

[0050] In this embodiment, the terminals of the inverter device INV (inverter-side bus 51) and the terminals connected to the stator coil 83 of the rotating electric machine MG (rotating electric machine-side bus 53) are both arranged on the same side in the axial direction L relative to the stator core 81c, here the first axial side L1. Therefore, the two can be electrically connected with a short wiring distance.

[0051] Of course, when the inverter-side bus 51 is also arranged on the second axial side L2 relative to the stator core 81c, it is preferable that both the inverter-side bus 51 and the rotating machine-side bus 53 are arranged on the second axial side L2 relative to the stator core 81c. However, as in the example above, it is not excluded that the inverter-side bus 51 and the rotating machine-side bus 53 are not arranged on the same side of the axial direction L, but on different sides relative to the stator core 81c. For example, the inverter-side bus 51 may be arranged on the first axial side L1 relative to the stator core 81c, and the rotating machine-side bus 53 may be arranged on the second axial side L2 relative to the stator core 81c. Alternatively, the inverter-side bus 51 may be arranged on the second axial side L2 relative to the stator core 81c, and the rotating machine-side bus 53 may be arranged on the first axial side L1 relative to the stator core 81c. Although the wiring distance increases, this structure is acceptable if the increased impedance due to the increased wiring distance can be tolerated.

[0052] Furthermore, the portion of the housing body 11 that forms the inverter housing 3 has a protrusion 19 that extends further along the axial direction L towards the cover member 12 than the mating surface 9 between the housing body 11 and the cover member 12, and exits from the mating surface 9 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction L (vertical direction V, radial direction R). In other words, the protrusion 19 crosses the mating surface 9 along the axial direction L and overlaps with the mating surface 9 when viewed radially R.

[0053] Thus, by having a protrusion 19 on the housing body 11, the inverter housing 3 (second housing) can be positioned further axially to the second side L2 than the mating surface 9 between the housing body 11 and the cover member 12. Therefore, the volume of the inverter housing 3 can be easily ensured. Of course, if the width of the inverter housing 3 can be sufficiently ensured, the housing body 11 may not have a protrusion 19, as described above.

[0054] Furthermore, as described above, the plurality of gears G includes: an input gear G1, which is driven and connected to the rotor 82 of the rotary motor MG in an integral rotatable manner, serving as a first gear; and a differential input gear G4, which is connected to the differential gear mechanism DF and transmits the driving force from the rotary motor MG, serving as a second gear. Moreover, the rotary motor MG and the input gear G1 are disposed on the first shaft A1, and the differential gear mechanism DF and the differential input gear G4 are disposed on another shaft parallel to the first shaft A1, namely the second shaft A2. Furthermore, the reversing gear mechanism CG disposed on the third shaft A3, which is parallel to the first shaft A1 and the second shaft A2, includes: a reversing driven gear G2, which meshes with the input gear G1, serving as a third gear; and a reversing drive gear G3, which rotates integrally with the reversing driven gear G2 and meshes with the differential input gear G4, serving as a fourth gear. Figure 1 As shown, the configuration area of ​​the dividing wall portion 70 in the axial direction L is configured to completely overlap with the configuration area of ​​the rotary motor MG in the axial direction L, and also overlap with both the configuration areas of the input gear G1 and the differential input gear G4 in the axial direction L.

[0055] In this way, by ensuring a relatively wide arrangement area for the dividing wall portion 70 along the axial direction L, the inverter housing 3 can be formed over a large range along the axial direction L. Therefore, the capacity of the inverter housing 3 can be easily ensured along the axial direction L, thus reducing the necessity to expand the inverter housing 3 in directions orthogonal to the axial direction L (e.g., the vertical direction V). As a result, the enlargement of the vehicle drive unit 100 can be suppressed in directions orthogonal to the axial direction L.

[0056] Furthermore, not limited to the above configuration, the arrangement area of ​​the dividing wall portion 70 along the axial L can also be configured to partially overlap with the arrangement area of ​​the rotary motor MG along the axial L, rather than completely overlapping with it. Additionally, the arrangement area of ​​the dividing wall portion 70 along the axial L can also be configured to overlap only with one of the arrangement areas, rather than both the arrangement areas of the input gear G1 and the differential input gear G4 along the axial L.

[0057] Furthermore, as described above, in this embodiment, the third shaft A3, which configures the reversing gear mechanism CG, is positioned in the vertical direction V below the imaginary plane connecting the first shaft A1 and the second shaft A2 (vertical direction second side V2). This makes it easy to secure space above the vertical direction V (vertical direction first side V1), for example, making it easy to configure the connecting member 52 that electrically connects the inverter-side bus 51 and the rotating motor-side bus 53.

[0058] Furthermore, when the third shaft A3 of the reverse gear mechanism CG is positioned above the imaginary surface connecting the first shaft A1 and the second shaft A2 in the vertical direction V (first side V1 in the vertical direction), it is preferable to arrange the connecting member 52 on the outer side of the radial R of the gear with a smaller diameter (in this case, the reverse drive gear G3).

[0059] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0060] Other embodiments will be described below. Furthermore, the structures of the embodiments described below are not limited to individual applications; they can be combined with the structures of other embodiments as long as no contradictions arise.

[0061] (1) As described above, a three-axis vehicle drive unit 100 is illustrated, in which a rotary motor MG is arranged on the first axis A1, a differential gear mechanism DF is arranged on the second axis A2, and a reverse gear mechanism CG is arranged on the third axis A3. However, the vehicle drive unit 100 may also have a structure in which the rotary motor MG, the differential gear mechanism DF, and the reverse gear mechanism CG are arranged coaxially. In addition, the vehicle drive unit 100 may also have two axes arranged in parallel, namely the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. Furthermore, the vehicle drive unit 100 may also have a structure in which one or more axes different from the first axis A1, the second axis A2, and the third axis A3 are arranged in parallel, resulting in a structure in which four or more axes are arranged in parallel.

[0062] (2) In the above, although a vehicle drive unit 100 for an electric vehicle with a rotary motor MG as the driving force source for the wheel W has been illustrated and described, the vehicle drive unit 100 may also be a hybrid drive unit with both an internal combustion engine and a rotary motor MG as the driving force source for the wheel W of the vehicle (for example, various forms of hybrid drive units such as the so-called single motor parallel type and dual motor separate type).

[0063] [Summary of Implementation Methods]

[0064] The following is a brief overview of the vehicle drive unit (100) described above.

[0065] As one implementation, the vehicle drive unit (100) includes:

[0066] Rotary motor (MG);

[0067] Multiple gears (G) are arranged in the power transmission path starting from the aforementioned rotary motor (MG);

[0068] A differential gear mechanism (DF) distributes the driving force transmitted from the aforementioned rotary motor (MG) via a plurality of aforementioned gears (G) to a plurality of wheels (W);

[0069] An inverter unit (INV) that drives and controls the aforementioned rotating electric motor (MG); and

[0070] Shell (1),

[0071] Let the direction along the rotation axis of the aforementioned rotary motor (MG) be defined as the axial direction (L).

[0072] The aforementioned housing (1) comprises: a housing body (11) forming a first housing chamber (5) for housing the aforementioned rotary motor (MG) and a plurality of aforementioned gears (G) and a second housing chamber (3) for housing the aforementioned inverter device (INV); and a cover member (12) that engages with the aforementioned housing body (11) in the aforementioned axial direction (L) and blocks the aforementioned first housing chamber (11).

[0073] The side on the axial direction (L) where the rotary motor (MG) is arranged relative to the plurality of gears (G) is designated as the first axial side (L1), and the opposite side is designated as the second axial side (L2).

[0074] The aforementioned cover component (12) engages with the aforementioned housing body (11) on the aforementioned axial second side (L2) and is configured to cover the aforementioned axial second side (L2) of the aforementioned first storage chamber (11).

[0075] The aforementioned housing body (11) includes: a dividing wall portion (70) that divides the aforementioned first storage chamber (5) and the aforementioned second storage chamber (3), a peripheral wall portion (61) that covers the radially outer side of the aforementioned first storage chamber (5), and an axial wall portion (62) that covers the aforementioned axial first side (L1) of the aforementioned first storage chamber (5), wherein the dividing wall portion (70), the aforementioned peripheral wall portion (61), and the aforementioned axial wall portion (62) are integrally formed.

[0076] According to this structure, since the mating surface (9) between the housing body (11) and the cover member (12) is only one direction side in the axial direction (L), it is easy to form a wider second storage chamber (3) in the axial direction (L). This makes it easy to ensure a wider axial (L) configuration area for the inverter device (INV). As a result, it is possible to suppress the expansion of the second storage chamber (3) in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction (L), thus suppressing the enlargement of the vehicle drive unit (100). Furthermore, since the housing body (11) forming the first storage chamber (5) and the second storage chamber (3) can be integrally formed, and the first storage chamber (5) can be formed by the housing body (11) and the cover member (12), the number of components constituting the housing (1) can be reduced. In other words, according to this structure, miniaturization of the vehicle drive unit (100) and reduction of manufacturing costs become possible.

[0077] In addition, the first storage chamber (5) preferably has a rotary motor storage chamber (2) for storing the rotary motor (MG) and a gear storage chamber (4) for storing a plurality of gears (G), and the housing (1) has a dividing member (13) disposed in the axial direction (L) between the rotary motor storage chamber (2) and the gear storage chamber (4) and fixed to the housing body (11).

[0078] Multiple storage compartments are appropriately formed in the integrally formed shell body (11) by dividing the components (13).

[0079] In addition, the rotary motor (MG) preferably includes a rotor (82) supported by the axial wall portion (62) and the dividing member (13).

[0080] According to this structure, the rotor (82) is properly supported by the robust support walls (axial wall portion (62) and dividing member (13)) that constitute the housing 1 (1).

[0081] In addition, it is preferable that the rotary motor (MG) has a rotor (82), and the end (70t) of the first axial side (L1) of the dividing wall (70) is positioned closer to the first axial side (L1) than the end of the first axial side (L1) of the rotor (82).

[0082] According to this structure, the inverter housing (3) can be formed in a wider axial direction (L), which easily ensures the axial (L) configuration area of ​​the inverter device (INV).

[0083] In addition, it is preferable that the rotary motor (MG) has a stator (81) and the end (70t) of the first axial side (L1) of the dividing wall (70) is positioned closer to the first axial side (L1) than the end of the first axial side (L1) of the rotor (82).

[0084] According to this structure, the inverter housing (3) can be formed in a wider axial direction (L), which easily ensures the axial (L) configuration area of ​​the inverter device (INV).

[0085] In addition, it is preferable that the arrangement area of ​​the dividing wall portion (70) on the axial direction (L) overlaps with the arrangement area of ​​the dividing member (13) on the axial direction (L).

[0086] That is, the dividing wall (70) is formed on both sides of the axial direction (L) with the dividing member (13) sandwiched between them. Since the dividing wall (70) is formed on both sides of the axial direction (L) with the dividing member (13) sandwiched between them, it is easy to ensure the rigidity of the first storage chamber (5), the rigidity of the second storage chamber (3), and the rigidity of the dividing wall (70).

[0087] In addition, preferably, when the arrangement area of ​​the dividing wall portion (70) in the axial direction (L) is arranged to overlap with the arrangement area of ​​the dividing member (13) in the axial direction (L), the arrangement area of ​​the dividing wall portion (70) in the axial direction (L) is also arranged to overlap with the arrangement area in the axial direction (L) of at least a portion of the plurality of gears (G).

[0088] If the dividing wall portion (70) is configured in this way, a second storage chamber (3) can be formed over a large area along the axial direction (L). That is, the dividing wall portion (70) can also be ensured above the gear storage chamber (4), and a second storage chamber (3) with sufficient width along the axial direction (L) can be formed accordingly. Of course, if the width of the second storage chamber (3) can be sufficiently ensured, the arrangement area of ​​the dividing wall portion (70) in the axial direction (L) may not overlap with the arrangement area of ​​the gear (G) in the axial direction (L).

[0089] Furthermore, it is preferable that the fastening part (54) of the connecting member (52) for electrically connecting the aforementioned rotary electric motor (MG) to the aforementioned inverter device (INV) is disposed in the aforementioned first storage chamber (5).

[0090] The dividing part (13) is configured so that it does not overlap with the fastening part (54) when viewed along the axial direction (L).

[0091] In this way, by configuring the dividing part (13) so that it does not overlap with the fastening part (54) when viewed axially, the fastening part (54) disposed in the first storage chamber (5) can be visually confirmed from the side with the opening in the housing body (11) (the second axial side (L2)), so the state of the fastening part (54) can be easily confirmed. In addition, it is also easy to perform the operation of fastening the connecting part (52) in the fastening part (54). Even if the opening of the housing body (11) is only on the axial (L) side, productivity and ease of maintenance are not compromised.

[0092] In addition, it is preferable that the connecting member (52) is fastened by a fastening member (55), which is inserted from the second axial side (L2) and is arranged with the head of the fastening member (55) facing the second axial side (L2).

[0093] With the cover member (12) configured to cover the second axial side (L2) of the first storage chamber (5) not engaged with the second axial side (L2) of the housing body (11), the housing body (11) is in an open state on the second axial side (L2). Furthermore, the dividing member (13), positioned on the second axial side (L2) closer to the fastening part (54), does not overlap with the fastening member (55) (fastening part 54) along the axial direction (L). That is, the dividing member (13) does not overlap with the fastening member (55) (fastening part 54) when viewed axially along the axial direction (L). Therefore, before installing the cover member (12) onto the housing body (11), the inverter device (INV) and the rotating motor (MG) can be easily electrically connected from the second axial side (L2) via the fastening member (55).

[0094] In addition, preferably, the terminals (51) of the inverter device (INV) are arranged on the first axial side (L1) of the inverter device (INV) in the axial direction (L), and the terminals (53) connected to the stator coil (83) of the rotary motor (MG) are arranged on the first axial side (L1) of the rotary motor (MG) in the axial direction (L).

[0095] That is, the terminals (51) of the inverter device (INV) and the terminals (53) connected to the stator coils (83) of the rotating electric machine (MG) are both arranged on the same side of the axial direction (L) relative to the stator core (81c), here arranged on the first axial side (L1). Therefore, the two can be electrically connected with a short wiring distance.

[0096] In addition, preferably, the portion of the housing body (11) that forms the second storage chamber (3) has a protrusion (19) that extends further toward the cover member (12) in the axial direction (L) than the joint surface (9) between the housing body (11) and the cover member (12) and leaves the joint surface (9) in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction (L).

[0097] Thus, by having a protrusion (19) in the housing body (11), the second storage chamber (3) can be positioned on the axial second side (L2) of the mating surface (9) between the housing body (11) and the cover member (12). Therefore, the volume of the second storage chamber (3) can be easily ensured.

[0098] Furthermore, the plurality of gears (G) preferably include: a first gear (G1) that is integrally rotatably connected to the rotor (82) of the rotary motor (MG), and a second gear (G4) that is connected to the differential gear mechanism (DF) and transmits the driving force from the rotary motor (MG).

[0099] The aforementioned rotary motor (MG) and the aforementioned first gear (G1) are mounted on the first shaft (A1).

[0100] The aforementioned differential gear mechanism (DF) and the aforementioned second gear (G4) are configured on another shaft, namely the second shaft (A2), which is parallel to the aforementioned first shaft (A1).

[0101] It also includes a reversing gear mechanism (CG), which is disposed on a third shaft (A3) parallel to the first shaft (A1) and the second shaft (A2), and includes a third gear (G2) that meshes with the first gear (G1) and a fourth gear (G3) that rotates integrally with the third gear (G2) and meshes with the second gear (G4).

[0102] The configuration area of ​​the dividing wall portion (70) on the aforementioned axial direction (L) is configured to overlap with the overall configuration area of ​​the aforementioned rotary motor (MG) on the aforementioned axial direction (L), and also overlap with both the configuration area of ​​the aforementioned first gear (G1) and the configuration area of ​​the aforementioned second gear (G4) on the aforementioned axial direction (L).

[0103] In this way, a wider configuration area for the partition wall (70) is ensured in the axial direction (L), thereby enabling the formation of a second storage chamber (3) over a large range in the axial direction (L). Consequently, the capacity of the second storage chamber (3) is easily ensured in the axial direction (L), reducing the necessity for expanding the second storage chamber (3) in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction (L). As a result, the possibility of increasing the size of the vehicle drive unit (100) in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction (L) can be suppressed.

[0104] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0105] 1: Housing; 2: Rotating motor housing; 3: Inverter housing (second housing); 4: Gear housing; 5: Equipment housing (first housing); 9: Joint surface; 11: Housing body; 12: Cover component; 13: Dividing component; 19: Protrusion; 51: Inverter side busbar (terminal of inverter device); 52: Connecting component; 53: Rotating motor side busbar (terminal connected to the stator coil of the rotating motor); 54: Fastening part; 55: Busbar fastening component; 61: Peripheral wall; 62: Axial wall; 70: Dividing wall; 70t: Axial first side end of the dividing wall (axial first side end of the dividing wall) 81: Stator, 82: Rotor, 83: Stator coil, 100: Vehicle drive unit, A1: First shaft, A2: Second shaft, A3: Third shaft, CG: Reverse gear mechanism, DF: Differential gear mechanism, G: Gear, G1: Input gear (first gear), G2: Reverse driven gear (third gear), G3: Reverse drive gear (fourth gear), G4: Differential input gear (second gear), INV: Inverter unit, L: Axial, L1: First axial side, L2: Second axial side, MG: Rotary motor, MGt: First axial side end of rotary motor (first axial side end of rotary motor), R: Radial, W: Wheel.

Claims

1. A vehicle drive system comprising: Rotary electric motor; Multiple gears are arranged in the power transmission path starting from the aforementioned rotary motor; A differential gear mechanism that distributes the driving force transmitted from the aforementioned rotary motor via a plurality of the aforementioned gears to a plurality of wheels; Inverter device, which drives and controls the aforementioned rotating motor; and case, Let the direction along the rotation axis of the aforementioned rotary motor be defined as the axial direction. The aforementioned housing comprises: a housing body forming a first storage chamber having a rotary motor storage chamber for housing the aforementioned rotary motor and a gear storage chamber for housing a plurality of the aforementioned gears, and a second storage chamber for housing the aforementioned inverter device; a cover member that engages with the housing body in the aforementioned axial direction and blocks the aforementioned first storage chamber; a cover member that engages with the housing body and blocks the aforementioned second storage chamber; and a dividing member that is disposed in the aforementioned axial direction between the aforementioned rotary motor storage chamber and the aforementioned gear storage chamber and fixed to the aforementioned housing body. The side of the rotary motor arranged relative to the plurality of gears along the axial direction is designated as the first axial side, and the opposite side is designated as the second axial side. The aforementioned cover component engages with the aforementioned housing body on the aforementioned second axial side and is configured to cover the aforementioned second axial side of the aforementioned first storage chamber. The aforementioned housing body comprises: a dividing wall portion that divides the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber, a peripheral wall portion that covers the radially outer side of the first storage chamber, and an axial wall portion that covers the axial first side of the first storage chamber. The dividing wall portion, the peripheral wall portion, and the axial wall portion are integrally formed into a metal die-cast product, that is, formed as an integral component made of a common material. The aforementioned dividing component is a separate part from the aforementioned housing body. The configuration area of ​​the dividing wall portion in the aforementioned axial direction is configured to overlap with the configuration area of ​​the dividing member in the aforementioned axial direction.

2. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned rotary electric motor has a rotor, The rotor is supported by the axial wall portion and the dividing component.

3. The vehicle drive device according to claim 2, wherein, The aforementioned gears have input components connected to the aforementioned rotor, and the input components are supported by the aforementioned dividing components and the aforementioned cover components.

4. The vehicle drive device according to claim 3, wherein, The aforementioned dividing component supports the aforementioned rotary motor and the aforementioned input component via bearings.

5. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned rotary electric motor has a rotor, The end of the first axial side of the aforementioned dividing wall portion is positioned closer to the first axial side than the end of the first axial side of the aforementioned rotor.

6. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 1, wherein, The configuration area of ​​the aforementioned axially divided wall portion is configured to overlap with the configuration area of ​​at least a portion of the aforementioned axially divided portion of the plurality of aforementioned gears.

7. The vehicle drive unit according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The fastening part of the connecting component for electrically connecting the aforementioned rotary motor to the aforementioned inverter device is disposed in the aforementioned first storage chamber. The aforementioned dividing component is configured so that it does not overlap with the aforementioned fastening part when viewed axially along the aforementioned axis.

8. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 7, wherein, The aforementioned connecting component is fastened by a fastening component, which is inserted from the aforementioned second axial side and is arranged with the head of the fastening component facing the aforementioned second axial side.

9. The vehicle drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The terminals of the inverter device are arranged on the first axial side of the inverter device in the aforementioned axial direction. The terminal connected to the stator coil of the rotary motor is arranged on the first side of the axial direction of the rotary motor.

10. The vehicle drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The portion of the housing body that forms the second storage chamber has a protrusion that extends further along the axial direction toward the cover component than the mating surface between the housing body and the cover component, and exits from the mating surface in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction.

11. The vehicle drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The plurality of gears include: a first gear that is integrally rotatably connected to the rotor drive of the rotary motor, and a second gear that is connected to the differential gear mechanism and transmits the driving force from the rotary motor. The aforementioned rotary motor and the aforementioned first gear are mounted on the first shaft. The aforementioned differential gear mechanism and the aforementioned second gear are configured on another shaft, namely the second shaft, which is parallel to the aforementioned first shaft. It also includes a reversing gear mechanism, which is disposed on a third shaft parallel to the first shaft and the second shaft, and includes a third gear that meshes with the first gear, and a fourth gear that rotates integrally with the third gear and meshes with the second gear. The configuration area of ​​the dividing wall portion in the aforementioned axial direction is configured to overlap with the overall configuration area of ​​the aforementioned rotary motor in the aforementioned axial direction, and also overlaps with both the configuration area of ​​the aforementioned first gear and the configuration area of ​​the aforementioned second gear in the aforementioned axial direction.

Images