Vehicle drive device

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of vehicle drive device.The second axis (C2) is configured in the lower side (V2) than the first axis (C1) and is configured in the width direction first side (H1) relative to the first axis (C1), inverter device (90) is configured in the width direction first side (H1) relative to the second axis (C2), and the configuration area in the up-down direction (V) is overlapped with the rotating electrical machine (1) and a pair of output components (6), at least a part of the air chamber (8a) is configured between the rotating electrical machine (1) and inverter device (90) in the width direction (H) and the area in the up-down direction (V) configured with both rotating electrical machine (1) and inverter device (90).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle drive unit comprising a rotating electric motor, a transmission mechanism for transmitting driving force between the rotating electric motor and a pair of output components, an inverter device for driving control of the rotating electric motor, a housing, and a ventilation device for communicating the interior and exterior of the housing. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-79110 (Patent Document 1) discloses an example of such a vehicle drive system. In the following background art description, the reference numerals are those found in Patent Document 1. The vehicle drive system of Patent Document 1 includes a motor 3, an automatic transmission 5 that transmits driving force between the motor 3 and a pair of drive shafts 8, a differential device 7, an inverter 10 that controls the drive of the motor 3, a housing 15, and a vent 30 that connects the interior and exterior of the housing 15.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-79110

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 does not describe the specific configuration structure of the inverter device. In the above-mentioned vehicle drive system, if the configuration including the inverter device and the ventilation device is not properly configured to form the various parts of the vehicle drive system, there is a possibility that the size of the vehicle drive system will increase and the vehicle drive system's adaptability to the vehicle will deteriorate.

[0005] Therefore, in the case of vehicle drive units that have inverter devices and ventilation devices, it is desirable to have a technology that can easily achieve miniaturization of vehicle drive units. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The vehicle drive device of the present invention includes: a rotary motor; a pair of output components, each of which is driven to a pair of wheels; a transmission mechanism that transmits driving force between the rotary motor and the pair of output components; an inverter device that drives and controls the rotary motor; a housing that houses the inverter device, the rotary motor, and the transmission mechanism, and has an oil storage compartment therein; and a venting device having a vent chamber that connects the interior of the housing to the outside. The rotary motor and the pair of output components are separately arranged on two parallel shafts, with the rotation axis of the rotary motor designated as a first axis and the rotation axis of the pair of output components designated as a second axis. A venting device parallel to the first axis and the second axis is used to drive the vehicle drive device. The direction is set as the axial direction, and the direction orthogonal to the axial direction when viewed from the vertical direction is set as the width direction. One side of the width direction is set as the first side of the width direction. The second axis is arranged on the first side of the width direction relative to the first axis. The inverter device is arranged on the first side of the width direction relative to the second axis. The arrangement area in the vertical direction overlaps with the rotary motor and the pair of output components. At least a portion of the vent chamber is arranged between the rotary motor and the inverter device in the width direction. The vertical arrangement area of ​​at least a portion of the vent chamber overlaps with the rotary motor and the inverter device. At least a portion of the vent chamber is arranged on the side higher than the first axis.

[0007] According to this structure, the inverter device is configured such that its vertical mounting area overlaps with the rotary motor and a pair of output components, thus suppressing the increase in the vertical size of the vehicle drive unit caused by the inverter device. Furthermore, in this structure, the second axis is positioned relative to the first axis on the first side of the width direction, and the inverter device is positioned relative to the second axis on the first side of the width direction. Therefore, when viewed axially along the axial direction, a space (hereinafter referred to as the "object space") enclosed by the outer peripheral surface of the rotary motor and the inverter device from the two sides and the lower side of the width direction can be formed. According to this structure, a venting chamber can be configured within this object space. Therefore, the vertical protrusion of the venting device with the venting chamber (specifically, the protrusion from the uppermost part of the housing when viewed axially) is easily reduced, facilitating the miniaturization of the vehicle drive unit in the vertical direction.

[0008] Furthermore, by utilizing the object space to configure the ventilation chamber as described above, it is easy to configure at least a portion of the ventilation chamber in the axial region where at least one of the rotary motor and inverter device is located. Therefore, according to this structure, it is also easy to miniaturize the axial vehicle drive unit.

[0009] As described above, according to this structure, when the vehicle drive unit is equipped with an inverter device and a ventilation device, the miniaturization of the vehicle drive unit can be easily achieved.

[0010] Further features and advantages of the vehicle drive system will become clear from the following description of embodiments illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

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

[0012] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the vehicle drive unit according to the implementation method.

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

[0014] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the axial arrangement of the components of the vehicle drive system according to the embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the axial arrangement of the components of the vehicle drive system according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a top view of the vehicle drive unit according to the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The implementation of the vehicle drive system 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 direction along the vertical direction when the vehicle drive unit 100 is in its operating state, that is, the direction along the vertical direction when the vehicle drive unit 100 is positioned in its operating state. The vehicle drive unit 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 (see reference). Figure 1 Therefore, the vertical direction V is the direction along the vertical direction when the vehicle drive unit 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle mounted state"). More specifically, it is the direction along the vertical direction when the vehicle 200 is stopped on a flat road (a road along a horizontal plane) in the vehicle mounted state. Moreover, upper side V1 and lower side V2 refer to the upper and lower sides of this vertical direction V. In addition, the directions of each component described below refer to their directions when they are assembled in the vehicle drive unit 100. Furthermore, the terms related to the size, arrangement direction, and arrangement position of each component include the concept of having differences caused by errors (errors within a degree permissible in manufacturing).

[0018] In this specification, "drive connection" refers to a state in which two rotating components are connected in a manner capable of transmitting driving force (synonymous with torque). This includes a state in which the two rotating components are connected in a manner that allows them to rotate as a single unit, or a state in which the two rotating components are connected via one or more transmission components in a manner capable of transmitting driving force. Such transmission components include various components that transmit at the same speed or at varying speeds (e.g., shafts, gear mechanisms, belts, chains, etc.). Furthermore, transmission components may also include engagement devices that selectively transmit rotation and driving force (e.g., friction engagement devices, meshing engagement devices, etc.).

[0019] In this specification, "rotary electric machine" is used as a concept encompassing a motor, a generator, and a motor / generator that performs the functions of both as needed. Furthermore, in this specification, regarding the arrangement of two components, "overlapping when viewed from a specific direction" means that, when an imaginary line parallel to that line of sight is moved in directions orthogonal to that line, there exists at least a partial area where the imaginary line intersects both components. Additionally, in this specification, regarding the arrangement of two components, "overlapping arrangement areas in a specific direction" means that at least a portion of the arrangement area of ​​another component in a specific direction is included within the arrangement area of ​​one component in that specific direction.

[0020] like Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle drive unit 100 includes: a rotary motor 1, and a pair of wheels W (see reference). Figure 1 The system comprises a pair of output components 6 connected to the drive, a transmission mechanism 3 that transmits driving force between the rotary motor 1 and the pair of output components 6, an inverter device 90 that controls the drive of the rotary motor 1, and a housing 2. The housing 2 houses the inverter device 90, the rotary motor 1, and the transmission mechanism 3. The housing 2 also houses the pair of output components 6. An oil storage compartment OR is provided inside the housing 2.

[0021] The first output component 61, as one of a pair of output components 6, is driven and connected to the first wheel W1, which is one of a pair of wheels W, and the second output component 62, as the other of a pair of output components 6, is driven and connected to the second wheel W2, which is the other of a pair of wheels W. For example... Figure 1As shown, the vehicle 200 equipped with the vehicle drive unit 100 includes a first drive shaft 63 that rotates integrally with a first wheel W1 and a second drive shaft 64 that rotates integrally with a second wheel W2. The first drive shaft 63 is connected to the first wheel W1, for example, via a constant velocity joint, and the second drive shaft 64 is connected to the second wheel W2, for example, via a constant velocity joint. Furthermore, a first output component 61 is connected to the first drive shaft 63 in a manner that rotates integrally with the first drive shaft 63, and a second output component 62 is connected to the second drive shaft 64 in a manner that rotates integrally with the second drive shaft 64.

[0022] The vehicle drive unit 100 transmits the output torque of the rotary motor 1 to a pair of wheels W via a pair of output components 6, thereby enabling the vehicle 200 equipped with the vehicle drive unit 100 to move. That is, the rotary motor 1 is the driving force source for the pair of wheels W. The pair of wheels W are the left and right pairs of 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 this embodiment, the rotary motor 1 is an AC rotary motor driven by three-phase AC (an example of multi-phase AC). The rotary motor 1 is electrically connected to an energy storage device such as a battery or capacitor via an inverter device 90 that performs power conversion between DC and AC, receiving power from the energy storage device for operation, or supplying and storing power generated by the inertial force of the vehicle 200.

[0023] like Figure 3 As shown, the rotary motor 1 and the pair of output components 6 are separately arranged on two parallel shafts (specifically, a first shaft C1 and a second shaft C2). Specifically, the rotary motor 1 is mounted on the first shaft C1, and the pair of output components 6 are mounted on a second shaft C2, which is different from the first shaft C1. The transmission mechanism 3 is coaxially (i.e., on the second shaft C2) with the pair of output components 6 and has an output gear 30 that is drivenly connected to at least one of the pair of output components 6.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle drive unit 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 along the axial direction A in the left-right direction of the vehicle. Axis A is a direction parallel to the first shaft C1 and the second shaft C2; in other words, it is the common axial direction between the first shaft C1 and the second shaft C2. That is, axis A is the direction in which the rotation axis of the rotary motor 1 extends, and it is also the direction in which the rotation axes of the pair of output components 6 extend. Here, one side of axis A is designated as the first axial side A1, and the other side of axis A (the side of axis A opposite to the first axial side A1) is designated as the second axial side A2. The first axial side A1 is the side of axis A where the rotary motor 1 is positioned relative to the transmission mechanism 3. Figure 3As shown, the first output component 61 is one of a pair of output components 6 disposed on the first axial side A1, and the second output component 62 is one of a pair of output components 6 disposed on the second axial side A2.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the vehicle drive unit 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 with its axial direction aligned with the right side of the vehicle on the first side A1 and its axial direction aligned with the left side of the vehicle on the second side A2. Therefore, the first wheel W1, driven by the first output component 61, is the right wheel, and the second wheel W2, driven by the second output component 62, is the left wheel. Figure 1 In this context, we assume that the vehicle drive unit 100 is a front-wheel drive system that drives the left and right front wheels. Therefore, in... Figure 1 In the example shown, the first wheel W1 is the right front wheel, and the second wheel W2 is the left front wheel.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, the rotary motor 1 includes a rotor 10 and a stator 11. The stator 11 is fixed to the housing 2, and the rotor 10 is supported on the housing 2 in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the stator 11. In this embodiment, the stator 11 is fixed to the housing 2 using fastening components 14 such as fastening bolts. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotary motor 1 is an inner rotor type rotary motor, and the rotor 10 is arranged radially inside the stator 11 and overlaps with the stator 11 when viewed radially. Here, radial refers to the radial direction based on the first axis C1, in other words, the radial direction based on the rotation axis of the rotary motor 1.

[0027] The stator 11 includes a stator core 12 and coil ends 13 protruding axially from the stator core 12 towards axial direction A. A coil is wound around the stator core 12, and the portion of the coil protruding axially from the stator core 12 forms the coil ends 13. The coil ends 13 are formed on both sides of the stator core 12 relative to axial direction A. Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the stator core 12, in addition to being formed as a cylindrical main body 12a extending along the axial direction A, also has a protrusion 12b formed relative to the main body 12a in a radially outward (radial direction based on the first axis C1) manner. An insertion hole is formed in the protrusion 12b for inserting a fastening member 14 for fixing the stator core 12 to the housing 2.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, the transmission mechanism 3 is coaxially (i.e., on the first axis C1) with the rotary motor 1 and includes an input component 16 that is driven and connected to the rotary motor 1. In this embodiment, the input component 16 is connected to the rotor 10 in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally with the rotor 10. Figure 3In the example shown, the vehicle drive unit 100 includes a rotor shaft 15 for fixing the rotor 10, and an input component 16 is connected to the rotor shaft 15 in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally with the rotor shaft 15. Specifically, a portion of the input component 16 on its axial first side A1 is connected to a portion of the rotor shaft 15 on its axial second side A2 (here, a spline connection). Alternatively, the vehicle drive unit 100 may not have a rotor shaft 15, and the rotor 10 is fixed to the input component 16 (specifically, the portion of the input component 16 on its axial first side A1).

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the transmission mechanism 3 includes a differential gear mechanism 5. The differential gear mechanism 5 distributes the driving force transmitted from the rotary motor 1 side to a pair of output components 6. In this embodiment, the differential gear mechanism 5 is configured to be coaxial with the pair of output components 6 (i.e., on the second axis C2), and distributes the driving force transmitted from the rotary motor 1 side to the output gear 30 to the pair of output components 6. That is, in this embodiment, the output gear 30 is drivenly connected to both the pair of output components 6 via the differential gear mechanism 5. In this 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 50 in a manner that it rotates integrally with the differential housing portion 50 of the differential gear mechanism 5. The differential housing portion 50 houses a first side gear 51 and a second side gear 52. 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 disposed on the second axial side A2 relative to the rotary motor 1.

[0030] The first side gear 51 rotates integrally with the first output component 61, and the second side gear 52 rotates integrally with the second output component 62. In this embodiment, the first side gear 51 is formed on a different component than the component constituting the first output component 61 (here, the shaft component), and is connected to the first output component 61 in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally with the first output component 61 (here, a spline connection). At least a portion of the first output component 61 axially to the first side A1 is formed as a cylindrical shape (specifically, a cylindrical shape) extending along the axial direction A, and the first drive shaft 63 (refer to...) Figure 1 The second output member 61 is inserted into the interior (space enclosed by the inner circumferential surface) from the first axial side A1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second side gear 52 is formed in a component constituting the second output member 62 (here, a shaft component). Specifically, the second side gear 52 is formed at the end of the second output member 62 on the first axial side A1. At least a portion of the second output member 62 on the second axial side A2 is formed as a cylindrical shape (specifically, a cylindrical shape) extending along the axial direction A, and the second drive shaft 64 (see reference...) Figure 1 It is inserted into the interior of the second output component 62 (the space enclosed by the inner circumferential surface) from the second axial side A2.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the power transmission path between the rotary motor 1 and the output gear 30 includes a reversing gear mechanism 4 disposed on an axis different from both the rotary motor 1 and the output gear 30. The reversing gear mechanism 4 is disposed on a third axis C3, different from both the first axis C1 and the second axis C2. The third axis C3 is parallel to both the first axis C1 and the second axis C2. In this embodiment, the reversing gear mechanism 4 includes: a reversing input gear 40a meshing with an input gear 17 that rotates integrally with the input component 16; a reversing output gear 40b meshing with the output gear 30; and a secondary shaft 40 connecting the reversing input gear 40a and the reversing output gear 40b. The input gear 17 is disposed on a second axial side A2 relative to the rotary motor 1, and the reversing gear mechanism 4 is disposed on a second axial side A2 relative to the rotary motor 1. In this embodiment, the reversing input gear 40a is disposed on a second axial side A2 relative to the reversing output gear 40b.

[0032] In this embodiment, the reverse input gear 40a is formed with a diameter larger than that of the input gear 17, and the reverse output gear 40b is formed with a diameter smaller than that of the output gear 30. Therefore, the rotation of the input component 16 is reduced in speed according to the transmission ratio between the input gear 17 and the reverse input gear 40a, and further reduced in speed according to the transmission ratio between the reverse output gear 40b and the output gear 30 (i.e., two-stage reduction), and transmitted to the output gear 30.

[0033] like Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the housing 2 includes a first housing portion 21, a second housing portion 22, and a third housing portion 23. The second housing portion 22 is engaged with the second axial side A2 of the first housing portion 21, and the third housing portion 23 is engaged with the first axial side A1 of the first housing portion 21. A rotary motor 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 includes a rotary motor housing chamber S1 for housing the rotary motor 1 and a transmission mechanism housing chamber S3 for housing the transmission mechanism 3. The housing chambers form storage spaces for storing objects. Figure 3 as well as Figure 6As shown, the rotary motor housing S1 and the transmission mechanism housing S3 are arranged along the axial direction A. In this embodiment, the first output component 61 is housed in the rotary motor housing S1. Specifically, at least the portion of the first output component 61 that overlaps with the rotary motor 1 along the axial direction A (the portion overlapping the configuration area along the axial direction A) is housed in the rotary motor housing S1. Thus, in this embodiment, the rotary motor 1 and the first output component 61 are housed in a common housing (specifically, the rotary motor housing S1) provided by the housing 2.

[0034] In this embodiment, the housing 2 further includes an inverter storage chamber S2 for housing the inverter device 90. Specifically, the housing 2 includes a fourth housing portion 24 that engages with the first housing portion 21, and the inverter device 90 is housed in the space (inverter storage chamber S2) enclosed by the first housing portion 21 and the fourth housing portion 24. The inverter device 90 is housed in the inverter storage chamber S2 while being fixed to the housing 2 by bolts or the like. In this embodiment, the inverter storage chamber S2 is located on a first side X1 in a first direction described later (see reference). Figure 2 An opening is formed in the first housing portion 21, and the fourth housing portion 24 is joined to the first housing portion 21 to close the opening. While details are omitted, the inverter device 90 includes: a switching element unit (power module) having multiple switching elements constituting an inverter circuit; a control board for mounting a control device to control the inverter circuit; and a smoothing capacitor for smoothing the voltage between the positive and negative terminals of the DC side of the inverter circuit. The switching element unit, control board, and smoothing capacitor are housed in the inverter housing chamber S2. Thus, in this embodiment, the rotating motor housing chamber S1 and the inverter housing chamber S2 are integrally formed in a single housing 2.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the housing 2 includes a partition wall 25 (dividing wall) that separates the rotating motor housing S1 and the inverter housing S2. In this embodiment, the rotating motor housing S1 and the inverter housing S2 are integrally formed in the housing 2 (here, the first housing part 21). Specifically, the rotating motor housing S1 and the inverter housing S2 are formed from a single component (for example, a single component made of the same material formed by die casting). Moreover, in this embodiment, the rotating motor housing S1 and the inverter housing S2 are separated by a partition wall 25.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, a cable 7 (refer to) disposed outside the housing 2 is provided in the housing 2. Figure 6 Connector 80, which is electrically connected to the inverter unit 90. Furthermore, in Figure 6 Cable 7 is shown in a simplified form. (As shown) Figures 4-6As shown, connector 80 includes a low-voltage connector 80L and a high-voltage connector 80H that relays power at a voltage higher than that of the low-voltage connector 80L. A power supply line (an example of a low-voltage cable 7L) for supplying power to the control board of the inverter device 90, and a signal line (an example of a low-voltage cable 7L) for transmitting control signals to the control board, are connected to the low-voltage connector 80L. Additionally, a power supply line (an example of a high-voltage cable 7H) for supplying power to the inverter circuit of the inverter device 90 is connected to the high-voltage connector 80H.

[0037] Here, as Figure 4 As shown, the direction in which the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90 are arranged when viewed 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 this embodiment, the first direction X is the same as the width direction H described later, and the second direction Y is the same as the vertical direction V. Furthermore, one side of the first direction X is defined as the first direction first side X1, and the other side of the first direction X (the side of the first direction X opposite to the first direction first side X1) is defined as the first direction second side X2. One side of the second direction Y is defined as the second direction first side Y1, and the other side of the second direction Y (the side of the second direction Y opposite to the second direction first side Y1) is defined as the second direction second side Y2. The first direction first side X1 is the side of the first direction X from which the inverter device 90 is arranged relative to the rotary motor 1. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the diagram, the outer peripheral surface of the stator core 12 (specifically, the main body 12a) is shown in dashed lines, the root circle and tip circle of each gear are shown in single-dot dashed lines, and the outer peripheral surface of the first output component 61 (specifically, the outer peripheral surface of the portion of the first output component 61 that is clamped and disposed between the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90 in the first direction X) is shown in solid lines.

[0038] In this embodiment, the vehicle drive unit 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 with its upper side (V1) in the second direction (first side Y1) and its lower side (V2) in the second direction (second side Y2). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vehicle drive unit 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 with its front side (L1) in the first direction (second side X2) and its rear side (L2) in the first direction (first side X1) in the first direction (rear side) in the first direction (front side L). Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, the vehicle drive unit 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 at a front side L1 relative to the center of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, the inverter device 90 is positioned on the side of the first direction X opposite to the rotary motor 1, and in this embodiment, the first side X1 of the first direction, which is the rear side L2, becomes the center side of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the vehicle mounting state, the inverter device 90 is positioned on the center side of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction L, relative to the rotary motor 1. Furthermore, when the vehicle drive unit 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 at a rear side L2 relative to the center of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction L, by mounting the vehicle drive unit 100 on the vehicle 200 with the second side X2 of the first direction becoming the rear side L2 and the first side X1 of the first direction becoming the front side L1, it is possible to configure a structure in which the inverter device 90 is positioned on the center side of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction L, relative to the rotary motor 1. Thus, when the vehicle drive unit 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 at a position L2 behind the center of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction L, the pair of wheels W driven by the vehicle drive unit 100 are, for example, a pair of left and right rear wheels.

[0039] When the vehicle 200 has a pair of front wheels on the left and right and a pair of rear wheels on the left and right, it can be configured to drive one of the pair of front wheels on the left and right and the pair of rear wheels on the left and right that is not driven by the vehicle drive unit 100 (in Figure 1 In the example shown, the left and right rear wheels are driven by a drive unit other than the vehicle drive unit 100. The drive unit other than the vehicle drive unit 100 may be, for example, a drive unit that transmits the output torque of an internal combustion engine (an example of a drive power source other than a rotary motor) to the pair of wheels being driven; a drive unit that transmits the output torque of a rotary motor (a rotary motor different from the rotary motor 1 included in the vehicle drive unit 100) to the pair of wheels being driven; or a drive unit that transmits the output torque of both the internal combustion engine and the rotary motor (a rotary motor different from the rotary motor 1 included in the vehicle drive unit 100) to the pair of wheels being driven. Alternatively, the drive unit other than the vehicle drive unit 100 may be a drive unit with the same structure as the vehicle drive unit 100.

[0040] Here, the direction orthogonal to the axis A when viewed along the vertical direction V is defined as the width direction H. In this embodiment, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the axis A (i.e., the direction orthogonal to both the axis A and the vertical direction V) is defined as the width direction H. Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90 are configured such that their respective vertical direction V configuration areas overlap. Therefore, as an example, the width direction H can be defined as the first direction X. In this case, as... Figure 4As shown, the second direction Y is parallel to the vertical direction V. Alternatively, as another example, the direction along an imaginary straight line E passing through the first axis C1 and the center 90a of the inverter device 90, viewed axially, can be defined as the first direction X. Here, the center 90a of the inverter device 90, viewed axially, can be set as the centroid of the shape forming the outer edge (outer edge) of the inverter device 90 in axial view. Figure 4 In the example shown, the shape forming the axial profile of the inverter device 90 is a rectangle (here, a rectangle with length Y in the second direction, in other words, a rectangle with length V in the vertical direction), and the centroid of this rectangle (specifically, the intersection of its diagonals) can be set as the center 90a of the inverter device 90 in axial view. Figure 4 In the example shown, the width direction H is parallel to the direction along the imaginary line E when viewed axially. That is, in Figure 4 In the example shown, the first direction X is defined as the same direction by either of the two definitions above. Here, one side of the width direction H (which in this embodiment is consistent with the first side X1 of the first direction) is defined as the first side H1 of the width direction, and the side opposite to the first side H1 of the width direction (which in this embodiment is consistent with the second side X2 of the first direction) is defined as the second side H2 of the width direction.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the first output component 61 is clamped and disposed between the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90 in the first direction X at a position in the second direction Y for both the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90. The portion of the first output component 61 clamped between the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90 in the first direction X is configured such that its axial A configuration region overlaps with the rotary motor 1, and its axial A configuration region overlaps with the inverter device 90 (see reference). Figure 3 Moreover, such as Figure 4 As shown, the output gear 30 is configured to overlap with the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90 when viewed axially. Specifically, the output gear 30 is configured such that the portion of the output gear 30 on the second side X2 in the first direction overlaps with the rotary motor 1 when viewed axially, and the portion of the output gear 30 on the first side X1 in the first direction overlaps with the inverter device 90 when viewed axially. Figure 3 As shown, the output gear 30 is disposed on one side of axial direction A (specifically, the second axial side A2) relative to the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90. Furthermore, the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90 are configured such that their respective axial direction A configuration areas overlap. In this embodiment, in the vehicle-mounted state, at least one part of the inverter device 90 (in...) Figure 4In the example shown, only a portion of the inverter unit 90 is positioned on the lower side V2 of the second shaft C2. Furthermore, in the vehicle-mounted configuration, the inverter unit 90 can also be configured such that the entire unit is positioned on the upper side V1 of the second shaft C2.

[0042] As described above, in this embodiment, the output gear 30 is configured to overlap with each of the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90 when viewed axially. Therefore, as Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the inverter device 90 includes an overlapping portion 95 configured to overlap with the output gear 30 when viewed axially. Furthermore, the connectors 80 (specifically, the low-voltage connector 80L and the high-voltage connector 80H) are disposed in the housing 2, and in an area V1 above the overlapping portion 95 (in other words, the portion of housing 2 that overlaps with the overlapping portion 95 when viewed axially) and overlapping with the inverter device 90 when viewed axially (hereinafter referred to as the "object area"). Figure 2 As shown, connector 80 is disposed on the end face of housing 2 along axis A.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, as an example, the inverter device 90 is configured across a vertical direction V from a point V2 lower than the second shaft center C2 to a point V1 higher than the upper end of the output gear 30. Because the inverter device 90 is configured in this way, the portion of the area overlapping the inverter device 90 when viewed axially from the housing 2, specifically the portion V1 higher than the overlapping portion 95, easily becomes a dead zone. In this vehicle drive unit 100, since the connector 80 is configured in the aforementioned target area, the area that is prone to becoming a dead zone can be effectively utilized to configure the connector 80.

[0044] like Figures 4-6 As shown, in this embodiment, as an example, the low-voltage connector 80L and the high-voltage connector 80H sandwich the inverter device 90 and are arranged on opposite sides of the axial direction A. Specifically, the low-voltage connector 80L is disposed on the end face of the second axial side A2 of the housing 2 (refer to...). Figure 2The high-voltage connector 80H is disposed on the end face of the first axial side A1 of the housing 2. Unlike this structure, when the low-voltage connector 80L and the high-voltage connector 80H are disposed on the same side of axial A relative to the inverter device 90, the distance between them tends to be short. Due to the influence of the voltage relayed by the high-voltage connector 80H, there is a possibility of noise being generated in the voltage relayed by the low-voltage connector 80L (e.g., control signals). In contrast, as described above, by distributing the low-voltage connector 80L and the high-voltage connector 80H on opposite sides of axial A, sandwiching the inverter device 90, a longer distance between them can be ensured, thus reducing the aforementioned noise problem.

[0045] In this embodiment, the connector 80 is disposed on the end face of the housing 2 along the axial direction A, and the vehicle drive unit 100 is mounted on the vehicle 200 with the axial direction A along the left-right direction of the vehicle. Thus, by disposing the connector 80 on the end face of the housing 2 in the left-right direction (left or right side) rather than on the end face of the housing 2 in the front-rear direction L (front side L1 or rear side L2) or on the lower side V2 of the housing 2, the connector 80 can be positioned in a location less susceptible to the impact load during a collision with the vehicle 200. Furthermore, for example, when the vehicle drive unit 100 is mounted at the rear of the vehicle 200, although the vertical direction V mounting restrictions can become strict, by disposing the connector 80 on the end face of the housing 2 in the left-right direction (left or right side) rather than on the upper side V1 of the housing 2, the vertical direction V dimension of the vehicle drive unit 100 can be kept relatively small, and the mounting capability of the vehicle drive unit 100 to the vehicle 200 can be easily ensured.

[0046] like Figure 4As shown, the rotation axis of the rotary motor 1, i.e., the first axis C1, the rotation axis of the output gear 30 (in other words, the rotation axes of a pair of output components 6), i.e., the second axis C2, and the rotation axis of the reversing gear mechanism 4, i.e., the third axis C3, are arranged within the vertical direction V of the inverter device 90. In this embodiment, when viewed axially, the third axis C3 is arranged on the side opposite to the inverter device 90 side in the first direction X (i.e., the second side X2 in the first direction) relative to the second axis C2. In this embodiment, when viewed axially, the third axis C3 is also arranged on the second side X2 in the first direction relative to the first axis C1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewed axially, the second axis C2 and the third axis C3 are arranged on the same side in the second direction Y (here, the second side Y2 in the second direction) relative to the first axis C1. That is, when viewed axially, the second axis C2 is arranged on the second side Y2 in the second direction relative to the first axis C1. Here, in the vehicle-mounted state, the second shaft center C2, when viewed axially, is positioned on the lower side V2 relative to the imaginary straight line E. Furthermore, the third shaft center C3, when viewed axially, is positioned on the second side Y2 in the second direction relative to the first shaft center C1. Here, in the vehicle-mounted state, the third shaft center C3, when viewed axially, is positioned on the lower side V2 relative to the imaginary straight line E. Additionally, in this embodiment, the third shaft center C3, when viewed axially, is positioned on the side opposite to the center 90a of the inverter device 90 relative to the imaginary straight line passing through the first shaft center C1 and the second shaft center C2.

[0047] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, in the region along the vertical direction V where the second shaft C2 and the inverter device 90 are both located, the second shaft C2 is positioned on the second side H2 in the width direction relative to the inverter device 90. Furthermore, the end of the rotary motor 1 on the second side H2 in the width direction is positioned closer to the second side H2 than the second shaft C2. Moreover, the third shaft C3 is positioned closer to the first side H1 in the width direction than the end of the rotary motor 1 (e.g., the stator core 12 or the main body 12a) on the second side H2 in the width direction. Because the second shaft C2 and the third shaft C3 are configured in this way, the output gear 30 and the reverse gear mechanism 4 can be configured in a manner that accommodates the entirety or most of the components between the end of the rotary motor 1 on the second side H2 in the width direction and the inverter device 90 in the width direction H. Therefore, miniaturization of the width direction H of the vehicle drive unit 100 can be achieved. Figure 4 In the example shown, the entire output gear 30 and the entire reverse gear mechanism 4 are arranged between the end of the second side H2 in the width direction of the rotary motor 1 and the end of the first side H1 in the width direction of the inverter device 90 in the width direction.

[0048] exist Figure 4In the example shown, the third shaft C3 is positioned on the second side H2 in the width direction, which is closer to the second shaft C2. Furthermore, the rotary motor 1 (specifically, the stator core 12) is formed with a diameter larger than the diameter of the reversing gear mechanism 4, and the first shaft C1 is positioned on the first side H1 in the width direction, which is closer to the third shaft C3. Moreover, the entire reversing gear mechanism 4 is positioned on the first side H1 in the width direction, closer to the end of the rotary motor 1 (e.g., the stator core 12 or the main body 12a) on the second side H2 in the width direction. By configuring the rotary motor 1 and the reversing gear mechanism 4 in this way, the rotary motor 1 can be positioned close to the inverter device 90 in the width direction H, within a range where the reversing gear mechanism 4 does not protrude from the rotary motor 1 on the second side H2 in the width direction. Therefore, miniaturization of the width direction H of the vehicle drive unit 100 is possible. Figure 4 In the example shown, the first axis C1 is positioned on the second side H2 in the width direction, which is closer to the second axis C2.

[0049] In addition, Figure 4 In the example shown, the second shaft C2 and the third shaft C3 are positioned lower than the first shaft C1 by V2. As described later, an oil storage portion OR (for lubrication and cooling) is formed in the lower part of the housing 2 (see reference). Figure 4 By configuring the second shaft C2 and the third shaft C3 in this way, a structure can be created where the oil accumulated in the oil reservoir OR is lifted by both the output gear 30 configured on the second shaft C2 and the gear configured on the third shaft C3 (in this example, the reverse input gear 40a). Therefore, improved lubrication and cooling performance can be achieved. Figure 4 In the example shown, the lower end of the output gear 30 is positioned V2 below either the lower end of the rotary motor 1 or the lower end of the reversing gear mechanism 4. This allows for efficient oil lifting via the output gear 30.

[0050] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the inverter device 90 is arranged across a vertical direction V from a point V2 below the second axis C2 to a point V1 above the upper end of the rotary motor 1 (e.g., the stator core 12 or the main body 12a). With this inverter device 90 arrangement, the rotary motor 1 can be arranged in such a way that it can be entirely or mostly housed within the vertical direction V of the inverter device 90. Therefore, miniaturization of the vertical direction V of the vehicle drive unit 100 is possible.

[0051] An oil storage compartment OR is provided in at least one of the rotary motor housing S1 (specifically, the lower part of the rotary motor housing S1) and the transmission mechanism housing S3 (specifically, the lower part of the transmission mechanism housing S3). In this embodiment, as... Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the oil storage section OR is provided on both sides of the rotating motor housing S1 and the transmission mechanism housing S3. Although the figure is omitted, a connecting hole connecting the rotating motor housing S1 and the transmission mechanism housing S3 is formed in the intermediate wall 28 (see reference) that divides the rotating motor housing S1 and the transmission mechanism housing S3. Figure 3 Oil can flow between the rotary motor housing S1 and the transmission mechanism housing S3 through the connecting hole.

[0052] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, an oil pump OP is installed in the rotary motor housing S1. For example, an electric oil pump driven by an electric motor can be used as the oil pump OP. The oil pump OP draws in oil stored in the oil storage section OR. For example, oil discharged from the oil pump OP is supplied to cool the cooling target parts (coil end 13, etc.) of the rotary motor 1. The oil pump OP is configured in the rotary motor housing S1 to overlap with the output gear 30 when viewed axially. By configuring the oil pump OP in this way, the space in the rotary motor housing S1 that overlaps with the output gear 30 when viewed axially can be effectively used as the configuration space for the oil pump OP, enabling miniaturization of the vehicle drive unit 100. Furthermore, the oil pump OP is configured not to overlap with the rotary motor 1 when viewed axially.

[0053] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the oil pump OP is positioned between the first shaft C1 and the second shaft C2 in the width direction H and is located V2 below both the first shaft C1 and the second shaft C2. By positioning the oil pump OP in this way, it is easy to position the oil pump OP and the filter (not shown) connected to it in the central portion of the width direction H, which easily suppresses the generation of suction air, or near it. In addition, by positioning the oil pump OP lower than the first shaft C1 and the second shaft C2 by V2, it is easy to position the oil pump OP near the oil storage portion OR formed in the lower part of the housing 2, which easily reduces the oil suction resistance.

[0054] exist Figures 4-6 In the example shown, the oil discharged by the oil pump OP passes through the oil cooler 9 (see reference). Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 Afterwards, it is supplied to the rotating motor 1. The oil cooler 9 cools the oil through heat exchange between the oil and the refrigerant. In this example, the oil cooler 9 is a water-cooled oil cooler that uses cooling water as the refrigerant, such as... Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the oil cooler 9 is provided with a first connection port P1 for introducing cooling water into the oil cooler 9 and a first connection port P1 for discharging cooling water from the oil cooler 9.

[0055] In this example, the first connection port P1 is located on the outer surface of the upper side V1 of the housing 2. Additionally, in this example, a cooling water path for cooling the inverter device 90 is provided in the inverter device 90. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, a second connection port P2 for introducing cooling water into the cooling water passage and a second connection port P2 for discharging cooling water from the cooling water passage are disposed on the outer surface of the upper side V1 of the housing 2. By distributing the first connection port P1 and the second connection port P2 on the same outer surface (the outer surface of the same side) of the housing 2, the connection operation of piping components (hose, etc.) relative to the first connection port P1 and the second connection port P2 becomes easier. Furthermore, the length of the piping components can be reduced, thus achieving cost reduction.

[0056] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the oil cooler 9 is configured to span the boundary between the rotary motor housing S1 and the transmission mechanism housing S3 in a top view (viewed along the vertical direction V). In this example, a recessed portion is formed on the outer surface of the upper side V1 of the housing 2, which is recessed downwards to the V2. This recess is formed by utilizing the empty space inside the housing 2, and the oil cooler 9 is disposed in this recess (see reference). Figure 4 Therefore, the oil cooler 9 is disposed between the rotary motor housing S1 (specifically, the portion of the rotary motor housing S1 on the first axial side A1 relative to the aforementioned recess) and the transmission mechanism housing S3 (specifically, the portion of the transmission mechanism housing S3 on the second axial side A2 relative to the aforementioned recess) along axis A. By utilizing the available space to arrange the oil cooler 9, the enlargement of the vehicle drive unit 100 can be suppressed. Furthermore, considering the inclination of the oil level in the oil reservoir OR formed at the lower part of the housing 2 during vehicle 200 operation, the oil pump OP and filter (not shown) are often disposed in the central portion or nearby along axis A. However, as described above, by disposing the oil cooler 9 between the rotary motor housing S1 and the transmission mechanism housing S3 along axis A, the oil cooler 9, the oil pump OP, and the filter ST can be disposed in the same or near positions along axis A. This suppresses the complexity of the oil circuit. Moreover, in Figure 4 In the example shown, the oil cooler 9 is positioned between the first shaft C1 and the width direction H of the inverter device 90.

[0057] like Figure 4As shown, in this embodiment, the first output component 61 is configured to overlap with the rotary motor 1 when viewed along the second direction Y. That is, the first output component 61 is configured such that its configuration area in the first direction X overlaps with the rotary motor 1. Here, the first output component 61 is configured such that the portion of the first output component 61 on its second side X2 in the first direction overlaps with the rotary motor 1 when viewed along the second direction Y. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the first output component 61 is configured not to overlap with the inverter device 90 when viewed along the second direction Y. Furthermore, Figure 4 The configuration of the components shown in the diagram, viewed axially, is an example, and this configuration can be appropriately modified. For example, it can be configured such that... Figure 4 The configuration structure is reversed along the first direction X, making Figure 4 The configuration structure is reversed along the second direction Y, or the structure makes Figure 4 The configuration structure is a structure that is reversed along both the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0058] like Figure 5 As shown, the vehicle drive unit 100 includes a wiring 91 that connects the rotary motor 1 and the inverter unit 90. Furthermore, a through hole 26 for inserting the wiring 91 is formed through the partition wall 25. Additionally, Figure 4 This shows the axial arrangement of the components of the vehicle drive unit 100 as viewed from the second axial side A2. In contrast, Figure 5 The diagram shows the axial configuration of the components of the vehicle drive unit 100 as viewed from the first axial side A1. A junction box with a terminal 93 is installed in the through hole 26, through which the power line 92 pulled from the coil end 13 and the power line (not shown) connected to the inverter device 90 are electrically connected. The power line, terminal 93, and power line 92 constitute wiring 91 for transmitting power (power for driving the rotary motor 1 and power generated by the rotary motor 1) between the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90. In this embodiment, the number of phases of the alternating current driving the rotary motor 1 is "3", and correspondingly, three power lines 92 are provided, and three through holes 26 are formed in the partition wall 25.

[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, in the vehicle-mounted state, the through holes 26 (here, all three through holes 26) are positioned, at a height (position V in the vertical direction) above the second axis C2 and at the height of both the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90, in the first direction X when viewed axially. Furthermore, the height at which the rotary motor 1 is positioned includes the height of the aforementioned protrusion 12b on which the stator core 12 is positioned. Figure 5 In the example shown, when the vehicle is mounted, the through holes 26 (here, all three through holes 26) are positioned between the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90 in the first direction X, at a height V1 above the first axis C1 and at the height of both the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90 when viewed axially.

[0060] like Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the vehicle drive unit 100 includes a ventilation device 8. The ventilation device 8 is a device for reducing the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing 2. The ventilation device 8 has a ventilation chamber 8a that communicates the inside and outside of the housing 2. The ventilation chamber 8a is formed to communicate with the space outside the ventilation chamber 8a inside the housing 2. In this embodiment, the ventilation chamber 8a is formed facing the axial first side A1 (…). Figure 5 The paper surface near the front has an opening, through which it connects to the rotary motor storage chamber S1. Although in Figure 5 The part is omitted, but a cover component is installed at the opening on the first axial side A1 of the ventilation chamber 8a, and the air is configured to flow between the ventilation chamber 8a and the rotary motor housing S1 through the gap formed between the cover component and the wall of the ventilation chamber 8a or through the hole formed in the cover component.

[0061] As described above, in this embodiment, the vent chamber 8a communicates with the rotary motor housing S1 inside the housing 2. The rotary motor housing S1 communicates with other housings inside the housing 2 (e.g., the transmission mechanism housing S3) via holes, gaps, etc., in a manner that allows air to flow. Therefore, by forming the vent chamber 8a in a manner that communicates with the rotary motor housing S1, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing 2 can be reduced.

[0062] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the vent hole 8b, which connects the vent chamber 8a to the outside of the housing 2, is formed to open onto the outer surface of the upper side V1 of the housing 2. Furthermore, the venting device 8 includes a vent plug 8c installed from the outside of the housing 2 into the vent hole 8b. The vent plug 8c is configured to prevent oil leakage from the vent hole 8b to the outside of the housing 2 and to prevent water, foreign matter, etc., from entering the vent hole 8b from the outside of the housing 2.

[0063] like Figure 5As shown, the second axis C2 is positioned relative to the first axis C1 on the first side H1 in the width direction. Furthermore, the inverter device 90 is positioned relative to the second axis C2 on the first side H1 in the width direction, and its configuration area in the vertical direction V overlaps with the rotary motor 1 and the pair of output components 6. Therefore, when viewed axially, a space, i.e., an object space T, is formed, enclosed by the outer peripheral surface of the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90 from three sides: the two sides in the width direction H and the lower side V2. Figure 5 In the example shown, the object space T is formed using a rotary motor 1 that includes the aforementioned protrusion 12b, and the uppermost part of the object space T is formed between the protrusion 12b and the inverter device 90 in the width direction H. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first shaft C1 is disposed within the vertical direction V of the output gear 30. Additionally, in this embodiment, the second shaft C2 is disposed below the first shaft C1 by a distance V2.

[0064] Ventilation chamber 8a is configured using the aforementioned object space T. Specifically, as follows: Figure 5 As shown, at least a portion of the ventilation chamber 8a (in this example, at least the lower portion of the ventilation chamber 8a) is disposed between the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90 in the width direction H, and the vertical direction V configuration area of ​​the at least portion of the ventilation chamber overlaps with the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90, and the at least portion of the ventilation chamber is disposed on a side V1 above the first axis C1. Here, at least a portion of the ventilation chamber 8a (in this example, at least the lower portion of the ventilation chamber 8a) is disposed in the vertical direction V region for both the rotary motor 1 and the inverter device 90. By utilizing the object space T to configure the ventilation chamber 8a, miniaturization of the vehicle drive unit 100 in the vertical direction V and the vehicle drive unit 100 in the width direction H can be achieved.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the vent chamber 8a is configured to overlap with the wiring 91 (specifically, the portion of the wiring 91 disposed in the rotary motor housing S1) when viewed axially. The vent chamber 8a is formed such that the opening of the rotary motor housing S1 to the oil spillage is less than that to the transmission mechanism housing S3. The wiring 91 is disposed on the upper side V1 of the rotary motor housing S1 to minimize immersion in oil, but inside the rotary motor housing S1, a free space corresponding to the length of the stator core 12 along the axial direction A is generally formed on one side relative to the wiring 91. Figure 5 In the example shown, since wiring 91 is configured on the first axial side A1 of the stator core 12 ( Figure 5 The end or vicinity of the paper surface near the front side) so that the free space corresponding to the length of the axial A of the stator core 12 is formed relative to the wiring 91 on the second axial side A2 ( Figure 5(The inside of the paper). By utilizing the position where the vent chamber 8a overlaps with the wiring 91 when viewed axially, the empty space can be effectively utilized, and the vent chamber 8 can be formed at the position on the opposite upper side V1 where oil is less likely to scatter, without the need for additional space or by minimizing the additional space.

[0066] In this embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the entire axial A configuration area of ​​the ventilation chamber 8a is housed within the axial A configuration area of ​​the rotary motor 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, the entire configuration area of ​​the ventilation chamber 8a in the width direction H is housed within the configuration area of ​​the rotary motor 1 in the width direction H. Figure 5 In the example shown, a portion of the first side H1 in the width direction of the ventilation chamber 8a is positioned within the configuration area in the width direction H of the protrusion 12b provided by the rotary motor 1. That is, in Figure 5 In the example shown, the configuration area in the width direction H of the rotary motor 1 also includes an area where only the protrusion 12b is configured. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as... Figure 6 As shown, the ventilation chamber 8a is configured to overlap with at least one of the pair of output components 6 when viewed in the vertical direction. Specifically, the ventilation chamber 8a is positioned above the pair of output components 6 by a distance V1. Furthermore, the ventilation chamber 8a is configured to overlap with the first output component 61 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0067] However, when the rotating electric motor 1 and the inverter device 90 are to be displaced in different directions, a load (e.g., a pulling load) is applied to the wiring 91, which can cause stress to the components constituting the wiring 91 (busbars, etc.) or to the connection points 94 between different components of the wiring 91. Figure 5 In the example shown, there is a concern about the load applied to the fastener (the bolted connection between the power line 92 and terminal 93). Displacement of the rotating motor 1 and the inverter unit 90 in opposite directions may occur due to the displacement of the first shaft C1 and the second shaft C2 in opposite directions during the transmission of the driving force by the transmission mechanism 3. Regarding this, in Figure 5 In the example shown, the rotary motor 1 is fixed to the housing 2 such that the protrusion 12b of the stator core 12, which is fixed to the housing 2 by the fastening member 14, is positioned between the wiring 91 (specifically, the connecting part 94) and the output member 6 (specifically, the first output member 61) when viewed axially. In other words, the rotary motor 1 is fixed to the housing 2 such that the connecting part 94, the protrusion 12b, and the first output member 61 are arranged in a straight line when viewed axially. By fixing the rotary motor 1 to the housing 2 in this way, it is difficult for the first axis C1 and the second axis C2 to displace in different directions when the driving force is transmitted by the transmission mechanism 3, and it is difficult to apply a large load to the wiring 91.

[0068] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, besides the protrusion 12b positioned between the wiring 91 and the output component 6 when viewed axially, the stator core 12 also has two other protrusions 12b. That is, the stator core 12 has three protrusions 12b. These three protrusions 12b are distributed circumferentially (around the first axis C1). Figure 5 In the example shown, the three protrusions 12b are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Furthermore, in Figure 5 In the example shown, the rotary motor 1 is fixed to the housing 2 such that the end of the second side H2 in the width direction of the stator core 12 becomes the end of the second side H2 in the width direction of the main body 12a (in other words, all the protrusions 12b are arranged closer to the first side H1 in the width direction than the end of the second side H2 in the width direction of the main body 12a). This allows for the configuration of the rotary motor 1 while suppressing the enlargement of the vehicle drive unit 100 in the width direction H.

[0069] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0070] Next, other embodiments of the vehicle drive system will be described.

[0071] (1) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the second axis C2 is disposed at a lower side V2 than the first axis C1 is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to that structure, and may also be configured such that the second axis C2 and the first axis C1 are disposed at the same position in the vertical direction V, or the second axis C2 is disposed at a higher side V1 than the first axis C1.

[0072] (2) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the first shaft C1 is disposed within the vertical direction V of the output gear 30 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to that structure, and it may also be configured such that the first shaft C1 is not disposed within the vertical direction V of the output gear 30. For example, it may also be configured such that the first shaft C1 is disposed above the uppermost part V1 of the output gear 30.

[0073] (3) In the above embodiment, an example was described with the ventilation chamber 8a having its axial A configuration area entirely housed within the axial A configuration area of ​​the rotary motor 1, and the ventilation chamber 8a having its width direction H configuration area entirely housed within the width direction H configuration area of ​​the rotary motor 1. However, the present invention is not limited to that structure, and it may also be configured such that the ventilation chamber 8a's axial A configuration area is not housed within the axial A configuration area of ​​the rotary motor 1. Preferably, even in this case, the ventilation chamber 8a is configured such that its axial A configuration area overlaps with the rotary motor 1. Alternatively, it may be configured such that the ventilation chamber 8a's width direction H configuration area is not housed within the width direction H configuration area of ​​the rotary motor 1. Preferably, even in this case, the ventilation chamber 8a is configured such that its width direction H configuration area overlaps with the rotary motor 1.

[0074] (4) In the above embodiment, the example described is that the ventilation chamber 8a is configured to overlap with at least one of the pair of output components 6 when viewed in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited to that structure, and it may also be configured such that the ventilation chamber 8a is configured to not overlap with either of the pair of output components 6 when viewed in the vertical direction (specifically, to be at a position different from the pair of output components 6 in the width direction H).

[0075] (5) In the above embodiment, the example described is that the ventilation chamber 8a is configured to overlap with the wiring 91 when viewed axially. However, the present invention is not limited to that structure, and it may also be configured such that the ventilation chamber 8a is configured to be positioned in a position that does not overlap with the wiring 91 when viewed axially (for example, a position V1 above the wiring 91).

[0076] (6) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the vent chamber 8a is connected to the rotary motor housing S1 inside the housing 2 is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to that structure, and for example, it may be configured such that the vent chamber 8a is connected to the transmission mechanism housing S3 inside the housing 2.

[0077] (7) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the oil storage section OR is provided throughout both the rotary motor housing S1 and the transmission mechanism housing S3 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. For example, it may be configured such that the oil storage section OR is provided only in one of the rotary motor housing S1 and the transmission mechanism housing S3 (for example, only in the transmission mechanism housing S3).

[0078] (8) In the above embodiment, the structure of the transmission mechanism 3 having a reversing gear mechanism 4 in the power transmission path between the rotary motor 1 and the output gear 30 was described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. For example, it may be a structure in which an idler gear meshes with both the input gear 17 and the output gear 30 instead of the reversing gear mechanism 4, or a structure in which the input gear 17 and the output gear 30 mesh.

[0079] (9) Furthermore, the structures disclosed in the above embodiments can be combined with structures disclosed in other embodiments (including combinations of embodiments described as other embodiments) as long as they do not create contradictions. Regarding other structures, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various changes can be appropriately made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0080] [Summary of the above implementation methods]

[0081] The following is a summary of the vehicle drive system described above.

[0082] The vehicle drive unit (100) includes: a rotary motor (1); a pair of output components (6) respectively connected to a pair of wheels (W); a transmission mechanism (3) that transmits driving force between the rotary motor (1) and the pair of output components (6); an inverter device (90) that drives and controls the rotary motor (1); a housing (2) that houses the inverter device (90), the rotary motor (1), and the transmission mechanism (3), and has an oil storage compartment (OR) inside; and a venting device (8) having a vent chamber (8a) that connects the interior of the housing (2) to the outside. The rotary motor (1) and the pair of output components (6) are separately arranged on two parallel shafts. The rotation axis of the rotary motor (1) is designated as the first axis (C1), and the rotation axis of the pair of output components (6) is designated as the second axis (C2). The direction is set as the axial direction (A), and the direction orthogonal to the axial direction (A) when viewed from the vertical direction is set as the width direction (H). One side of the width direction (H) is set as the first side of the width direction (H1). The second axis (C2) is arranged on the first side of the width direction (H1) relative to the first axis (C1). The inverter device (90) is arranged on the first side of the width direction (H1) relative to the second axis (C2). The arrangement area in the vertical direction (V) overlaps with the rotary motor (1) and the pair of output components (6). At least a part of the vent chamber (8a) is arranged between the rotary motor (1) and the inverter device (90) in the width direction (H). The arrangement area in the vertical direction (V) of at least a part of the vent chamber overlaps with the rotary motor (1) and the inverter device (90). At least a part of the vent chamber is arranged on the side (V1) above the first axis (C1).

[0083] According to this structure, since the inverter device (90) is configured such that its vertical (V) configuration area overlaps with the rotary motor (1) and a pair of output components (6), the increase in the vertical (V) size of the vehicle drive unit (100) caused by the configuration of the inverter device (90) can be suppressed. Moreover, in this structure, the second axis (C2) is configured on the first side (H1) in the width direction relative to the first axis (C1), and the inverter device (90) is configured on the first side (H1) in the width direction relative to the second axis (C2). Therefore, when viewed along the axial direction (A), a space (hereinafter referred to as "object space (T)") is formed by the outer peripheral surface of the rotary motor (1) and the inverter device (90) from the two sides and the lower side (V2) in the width direction (H). According to this structure, the ventilation chamber (8a) can be configured in this object space (T). Therefore, it is easy to suppress the amount of protrusion in the vertical direction (V) of the ventilation device (8) with ventilation chamber (8a) (specifically, the amount of protrusion from the uppermost part of the housing (2) when viewed axially) to a small extent, and it is easy to miniaturize the vehicle drive device (100) in the vertical direction (V).

[0084] Furthermore, by utilizing the object space (T) to configure the ventilation chamber (8a) as described above, it is also easy to configure at least a portion of the ventilation chamber (8a) in the region along the axial direction (A) where at least one of the rotary motor (1) and inverter device (90) is configured. Therefore, according to this structure, it is also easy to miniaturize the vehicle drive unit (100) along the axial direction (A).

[0085] As described above, according to this structure, when the vehicle drive unit (100) is equipped with an inverter device (90) and a ventilation device (8), it is easy to achieve miniaturization of the vehicle drive unit (100).

[0086] Here, it is preferable that the transmission mechanism (3) is provided with a differential gear mechanism (5) that distributes the driving force transmitted from the rotary motor (1) to a pair of output components (6), and is provided with an output gear (30) coaxially with the pair of output components (6) and drivenly connected to the pair of output components (6). The output gear (30) is connected to the differential housing portion (50) provided with the differential gear mechanism (5) in a manner that rotates integrally with the differential housing portion (50) provided with the differential gear mechanism (5). The first shaft (C1) is arranged in the vertical direction (V) arrangement area of ​​the output gear (30).

[0087] According to this structure, compared to the case where the first shaft (C1) is not located within the vertical (V) configuration area of ​​the output gear (30), it is easier to increase the overlap ratio of the vertical (V) configuration areas of the rotary motor (1) and the output gear (30). Therefore, it is easier to miniaturize the vehicle drive unit (100) in the vertical (V) direction.

[0088] In the above structure, it is preferable that the second axis (C2) is positioned on the lower side (V2) than the first axis (C1).

[0089] According to this structure, compared to the case where the second axis (C2) is positioned higher (V1) than the first axis (C1), it is easier to ensure a larger object space (T) in the vertical direction (V) for arranging the ventilation chamber (8a). Therefore, it is easier to arrange the ventilation chamber (8a) so as to minimize the amount of protrusion of the ventilation device (8) in the vertical direction (V).

[0090] In each of the above structures, it is preferable that the entire axial (A) configuration area of ​​the ventilation chamber (8a) is housed within the axial (A) configuration area of ​​the rotary motor (1).

[0091] According to this structure, the increase in the axial (A) dimension of the vehicle drive unit (100) caused by the configuration of the ventilation chamber (8a) can be suppressed, and the miniaturization of the axial (A) vehicle drive unit (100) can be easily realized.

[0092] In addition, the housing (2) preferably includes: a rotary motor housing chamber (S1) for housing the rotary motor (1) and a transmission mechanism housing chamber (S3) for housing the transmission mechanism (3). The rotary motor housing chamber (S1) and the transmission mechanism housing chamber (S3) are arranged along the axial direction (A). The ventilation chamber (8a) communicates with the rotary motor housing chamber (S1) inside the housing (2).

[0093] According to this structure, for example, by rotating the gears constituting the transmission mechanism (3), even if the oil is thrown up to the upper part of the transmission mechanism receiving chamber (S3), the oil that is thrown up can be prevented from reaching the vent chamber (8a). Therefore, it is easy to avoid the situation where the shape of the vent chamber (8a) is complicated in order to limit the infiltration of oil into the vent chamber (8a).

[0094] In the above structure, it is preferable that the oil storage section (OR) is provided on both the rotary motor housing (S1) and the transmission mechanism housing (S3).

[0095] According to this structure, compared to the case where the oil reservoir (OR) is only provided in one of the rotary motor housing (S1) and the transmission mechanism housing (S3), it is easier to avoid the oil level in the oil reservoir (OR) being too high and to ensure sufficient oil quantity in the housing (2). Therefore, the churning of the oil by the gears constituting the transmission mechanism (3) can be suppressed less, the loss of driving force caused by the churning of the oil can be reduced, and the amount of oil required for lubrication or cooling can be appropriately supplied to each part of the vehicle drive unit (100).

[0096] In each of the above structures, it is preferable to have wiring (91) connecting the rotary motor (1) and the inverter device (90), and the ventilation chamber (8a) is configured to overlap with the wiring (91) when viewed along the axial direction (A).

[0097] According to this structure, compared to the case where the vent chamber (8a) is arranged so as not to overlap with the wiring (91) when viewed axially, it is easier to miniaturize the vehicle drive unit (100) in both the width direction (H) and the vertical direction (V). Furthermore, although it is preferable that the vent chamber (8a) and the wiring (91) are usually arranged in a position on opposite upper sides (V1) where oil is less likely to splatter, according to this structure, by offsetting the axial (A) arrangement positions of the vent chamber (8a) and the wiring (91), they can be arranged in the same area in the vertical direction (V). Therefore, it is easy to arrange them both in a position on opposite upper sides (V1).

[0098] In addition, the ventilation chamber (8a) is preferably configured to overlap with at least one of the pair of output components (6) when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0099] According to this structure, compared with the case where the ventilation chamber (8a) is configured in a way that does not overlap with either of the pair of output components (6) when viewed in the vertical direction, it is easier to miniaturize the vehicle drive unit (100) in the width direction (H).

[0100] In addition, it is preferable that the entire configuration area of ​​the ventilation chamber (8a) in the width direction (H) is housed within the configuration area of ​​the rotary motor (1) in the width direction (H).

[0101] According to this structure, the expansion of the width direction (H) dimension of the vehicle drive unit (100) caused by the configuration of the ventilation chamber (8a) can be suppressed, and the miniaturization of the width direction (H) of the vehicle drive unit (100) can be easily realized.

[0102] The vehicle drive device of the present invention only needs to achieve at least one of the above-mentioned effects.

[0103] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0104] 1: Rotary motor, 2: Housing, 3: Transmission mechanism, 5: Differential gear mechanism, 6: Output component, 8: Ventilation device, 8a: Ventilation chamber, 30: Output gear, 50: Differential housing part, 90: Inverter device, 91: Wiring, 100: Vehicle drive unit, A: Axial direction, C1: First shaft center, C2: Second shaft center, H: Width direction, H1: First side in the width direction, OR: Oil storage part, S1: Rotary motor storage chamber, S3: Transmission mechanism storage chamber, V: Up and down direction, V1: Upper side, V2: Lower side, W: Wheel.

Claims

1. A vehicle drive system comprising: Rotary electric motor; A pair of output components, each connected to a pair of wheel drives; A transmission mechanism that transmits driving force between the aforementioned rotary motor and a pair of the aforementioned output components; An inverter device that drives and controls the aforementioned rotating motor; A housing that houses the inverter unit, the rotary motor, and the transmission mechanism, and has an oil reservoir inside; and A ventilation device having a ventilation chamber that connects the interior and exterior of the aforementioned housing. The aforementioned rotary motor and the pair of aforementioned output components are separately configured on two parallel shafts. The rotation axis of the aforementioned rotary motor is designated as the first axis, and the rotation axis of the pair of aforementioned output components is designated as the second axis. The direction parallel to the first axis and the second axis is designated as the axial direction, and the direction orthogonal to the aforementioned axial direction when viewed from the vertical direction is designated as the width direction. One side of the aforementioned width direction is designated as the first side of the width direction. The second axis is positioned relative to the first axis on the first side in the width direction. The inverter device is positioned relative to the second axis on the first side in the width direction, and its vertically aligned configuration area overlaps with the rotary motor and the pair of output components. At least a portion of the ventilation chamber is disposed between the rotary motor and the inverter device in the width direction, and the vertical arrangement area of ​​at least a portion of the ventilation chamber overlaps with the rotary motor and the inverter device, and at least a portion of the ventilation chamber is disposed on the upper side above the first axis.

2. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned transmission mechanism includes a differential gear mechanism that distributes the driving force transmitted from the rotary motor side to the pair of output components, and an output gear coaxially provided with the pair of output components and drivenly connected to the pair of output components. The aforementioned output gear is connected to the differential housing portion in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally with the differential housing portion of the aforementioned differential gear mechanism. The aforementioned first shaft is configured within the vertical configuration area of ​​the aforementioned output gear.

3. The vehicle drive device according to claim 2, wherein, The second shaft is positioned lower than the first shaft.

4. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 1, wherein, The entire axial configuration area of ​​the aforementioned ventilation chamber is housed within the axial configuration area of ​​the aforementioned rotary motor.

5. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned housing includes: a rotary motor housing chamber for housing the rotary motor, and a transmission mechanism housing chamber for housing the transmission mechanism. The aforementioned rotary motor housing chamber and the aforementioned transmission mechanism housing chamber are arranged along the aforementioned axial direction. The aforementioned ventilation chamber is located inside the aforementioned housing and communicates with the aforementioned rotary motor housing chamber.

6. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 5, wherein, The aforementioned oil storage compartment is provided on both sides of the aforementioned rotary motor storage chamber and the aforementioned transmission mechanism storage chamber.

7. The vehicle drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, It has wiring to connect the aforementioned rotary motor and the aforementioned inverter device. The ventilation chamber is configured to overlap with the wiring when viewed along the aforementioned axis.

8. The vehicle drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The aforementioned ventilation chamber is configured to overlap with at least one of the pair of aforementioned output components when viewed from the vertical direction.

9. The vehicle drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The entire width-direction configuration area of ​​the aforementioned ventilation chamber is housed within the width-direction configuration area of ​​the aforementioned rotary motor.

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