Drive device

Abstract

A drive device includes a motor housing, a first housing, and a second housing. The motor housing is configured to accommodate the motor. The first housing is configured to accommodate a gear unit mechanically connected to a motor. The second housing is configured to accommodate a power conversion unit electrically connected to the motor. The first housing and the second housing are fastened to the motor housing through a plurality of fastening members. The plurality of fastening members includes at least one common fastening member that fastens the first housing and the second housing together to the motor housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a drive device for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The vehicle drive device disclosed in US Pat. No. 9,692,277 has a structure in which a motor case accommodating a motor, a gear case accommodating a gear unit, and a power conversion unit case accommodating a power conversion unit are integrally fastened and connected. Summary of the invention

[0003] In an integrated drive device such as the vehicle drive device disclosed in US Pat. No. 9,692,277, it is required to achieve a balance between ensuring the capacity of the gear housing and the power conversion unit housing and reducing the volume of the drive device.

[0004] Therefore, this specification discloses an integrated driving device with a reduced size.

[0005] The disclosed form relates to a drive device for a vehicle having a motor housing, a first housing, and a second housing. The motor housing is configured to accommodate a motor. The first housing is configured to accommodate a gear unit mechanically connected to the motor. The second housing is configured to accommodate a power conversion unit electrically connected to the motor. Furthermore, the first housing and the second housing are fastened to the motor housing by a plurality of fastening members. The plurality of fastening members include at least one common fastening member that fastens the first housing and the second housing to the motor housing together.

[0006] In a structure in which a drive device uses a fastening member for fastening connection between housings, space for arranging the fastening member is usually required. As a result, there is a situation where the capacity of the housing cannot be ensured, and the volume of the drive device becomes large. According to the drive device in the above form, a common fastening member is included for fastening the first housing and the second housing to the motor housing together. Thereby, the required number of fastening members as a whole can be reduced. Since the overall number of fastening members can be reduced, the space for arranging the fastening members can be reduced. The capacity of the first housing and the second housing can be ensured, and the volume of the drive device can be miniaturized.

[0007] In the driving device according to the aspect of the present disclosure, the second housing may be arranged on the first housing at a position of at least one common fastening member.

[0008] According to the driving device having the above-described structure, the first housing and the second housing can be fastened together to the motor housing.

[0009] In the drive device of the structure as described above, the first housing may include a first flange, the first flange extends along the outer periphery of the first housing, and is fixed to the motor housing through a part of a plurality of fastening structures. The second housing may include a second flange, the second flange extends along the outer periphery of the second housing, and is fixed to the motor housing through a part of a plurality of fastening structures. A part of the first flange has an overlapping section between the motor housing and the second flange. At least one common fastening structure may include at least one first common fastening structure located in the overlapping section.

[0010] According to the driving device having the above-described structure, the first common fastening member is used in the overlapping section between the first flange and the second flange, thereby being able to reduce the total number of fastening members.

[0011] In the drive device of the structure as described above, the first housing may also include an extension portion, which extends from one end of the overlapping section to the other end along the outer edge of the second housing between the motor housing and the second flange. Alternatively, at least one common fastening member includes at least one second common fastening member located in the extension portion.

[0012] According to the driving device having the above-described structure, the entire outer edge of the second housing can be fastened together by the first common fastening member and the second common fastening member.

[0013] In the driving device having the above-described structure, the average thickness of the second flange may be greater than the average thickness of the first flange.

[0014] Since the fastening member contacts the second flange, a large force is applied to the second flange by the fastening member. According to the driving device having the above structure, the strength of the second flange can be increased compared to the first flange, so damage to the second flange can be suppressed.

[0015] In the drive device of the aspect of the present disclosure, the motor may include a motor shaft. At least a portion of the second housing may overlap with the first housing in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the motor shaft.

[0016] According to the drive device having the above-described structure, the protrusion amount of the second housing in the central axis direction of the motor shaft can be reduced, and the volume of the drive device can be reduced.

[0017] In the driving device having the above-described structure, at least a portion of the second housing may overlap with the motor in the central axis direction of the motor shaft.

[0018] According to the drive device having the above-described structure, the amount of protrusion of the second housing in the direction perpendicular to the central axis of the motor shaft can be reduced, and the volume of the drive device can be reduced.

[0019] In the drive device of the above structure, the second housing may be arranged along a part of a circle centered on the motor shaft when viewed from the central axis of the motor shaft. Alternatively, the arrangement range of the second housing in the rotation direction of the motor may be more than 180° around the motor shaft.

[0020] According to the driving device having the above-described structure, the space around the motor shaft can be effectively utilized.

[0021] In the drive device of the present disclosure, the motor may include a motor shaft, the plurality of fastening components may include bolts, respectively, and the long side direction of the bolts may be substantially parallel to the central axis of the motor shaft.

[0022] In the driving device according to the aspect of the present disclosure, the first housing may define a space for accommodating the gear unit between the motor housing and the first housing.

[0023] In the driving device according to the aspect of the present disclosure, the second housing may define a space for accommodating the power conversion unit between the motor housing and the second housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts, and in which:

[0025] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of a driving device according to an embodiment as an example of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 2 It is composed Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the housing of the drive device is shown.

[0027] Figure 3 is an exploded top view of the housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Therefore, refer to Figure 1 , the structure of the vehicle drive device 1 will be described. Figure 1: is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic structure of the drive device 1 of the present embodiment. The drive device 1 is an integrated device that accommodates a motor, a gear unit, and a power conversion unit for controlling the motor in the same housing. Directions FR, RH, and UP show the orientation of the drive device 1 relative to the vehicle when the drive device 1 is mounted on the vehicle (electric vehicle). Direction FR indicates the front in the front-to-back direction of the vehicle. Direction RH indicates the right in the left-right direction (or width direction) of the vehicle. Direction UP indicates the top in the up-down direction of the vehicle. The same is true in the other drawings. In addition, in Figure 1 In the figure, the plurality of shafts (motor shaft 43, auxiliary shaft 52, drive shafts 57L and 57R) are unfolded and shown in a manner such that the plurality of shafts (motor shaft 43, auxiliary shaft 52, drive shafts 57L and 57R) are located in the same plane.

[0029] The drive device 1 is controlled by a control device 2. The control device 2 includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an input / output interface, etc. The control device 2 is connected to a power conversion unit 21 and the like via a signal line (not shown).

[0030] The driving device 1 includes a housing 10. The housing 10 includes a first housing 11, a second housing 12, and a motor housing 13. The first housing 11, the second housing 12, and the motor housing 13 may be cast parts.

[0031] The motor housing 13 includes a motor compartment 31. The motor 40 is stored in the motor compartment 31. In other words, the motor housing 13 accommodates the motor 40. The motor 40 includes a stator 41, a rotor 42, and a motor shaft 43. The stator 41 has a cylindrical shape. The rotor 42 is rotatably arranged inside the stator 41. The motor shaft 43 includes a central axis CA.

[0032] The motor housing 13 has a facing surface 13s facing the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. The facing surface 13s is formed with a motor shaft hole MH and a drive shaft hole DH1. The motor shaft 43 passes through the motor shaft hole MH. The left drive shaft 57L passes through the drive shaft hole DH1.

[0033] The first housing 11 has a box shape with one surface open. The first housing 11 is fastened to the facing surface 13s in a manner that the opening surface is blocked by the facing surface 13s. In addition, the form of the fastening connection will be described later. Thus, a first space SP1 is defined between the motor housing 13 and the first housing 11. The gear unit 50 is accommodated in the first space SP1. In other words, the first housing 11 accommodates the gear unit 50.

[0034] The gear unit 50 includes a shaft gear 51, a countershaft 52, a first counter gear 53, a second counter gear 54, a ring gear 55, and a differential gear 56. The shaft gear 51 is mounted on the motor shaft 43. Thus, the gear unit 50 is mechanically connected to the motor 40. The first counter gear 53 and the second counter gear 54 are mounted on the countershaft 52. The first counter gear 53 meshes with the shaft gear 51. The second counter gear 54 meshes with the ring gear 55. The ring gear 55 is mounted on the differential gear 56. A pair of drive shafts 57L and 57R extend from the differential gear 56 in the vehicle width direction. The drive shaft 57R penetrates the drive shaft hole DH2 formed in the first housing 11. A reservoir 58 is provided at the lower part of the first space SP1. Oil 57 is accumulated in the reservoir 58. A part of the gear unit 50 is immersed in the oil 57 accumulated in the reservoir 58.

[0035] The second housing 12 has a box shape with one surface open. The second housing 12 is fastened to the facing surface 13s in such a way that the opening surface is blocked by the facing surface 13s. In addition, the form of the fastening connection will be described later. As a result, a second space SP2 is defined between the motor housing 13 and the second housing 12. The power conversion unit 21 is accommodated in the second space SP2. In other words, the second housing 12 accommodates the power conversion unit 21. The power conversion unit 21 is a part for controlling the power supplied to the motor 40 and the power generated. As an example of the components included in the power conversion unit 21, an inverter, a converter, etc. can be listed. The power conversion unit 21 is electrically connected to the motor 40 via the bus bar 22.

[0036] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the structure of the housing 10 is described. Figure 2 A perspective view of the housing 10 is shown in FIG. Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows an exploded top view of the housing 10. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The description of various components housed inside the housing 10 is omitted. Figure 2 In FIG. 4 , the position of the motor shaft 43 is shown by a dotted line.

[0037] The first housing 11 includes a first flange 11f extending along the outer periphery of the first housing 11. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the first flange 11f is formed in the overlapping section OS and the section SS. The second housing 12 includes a second flange 12f extending along the outer periphery of the second housing 12. The motor housing 13 includes a motor housing flange 13f extending along the outer periphery of the motor housing 13. A plurality of fastening holes 11h are arranged in the first flange 11f. A plurality of fastening holes 12h are arranged in the second flange 12f. A plurality of fastening holes 13h are arranged in the motor housing flange 13f and the facing surface 13s.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, a portion of the first flange 11f has an overlap section OS. The overlap section OS is a region where the second flange 12f overlaps the first flange 11f. In other words, in the overlap section OS, the first flange 11f is located between the facing surface 13s of the motor case 13 and the second flange 12f.

[0039] In addition, the first shell 11 has an extension portion 14 extending from the end E1 of the overlapping section OS to the end E2. The extension portion 14 is a frame-shaped member extending along the outer edge of the second shell 12. The extension portion 14 has the same thickness as the first flange 11f. The extension portion 14 is formed integrally with the first shell 11. A plurality of fastening holes 14h are arranged in the extension portion 14. A base having a closed annular shape is formed by using the first flange 11f and the extension portion 14 arranged in the overlapping section OS. An opening area OA is formed on the inner side of the annular base. The annular base is formed to overlap with the second flange 12f throughout the entire circumference when the second shell 12 is assembled. That is, the annular base also functions as a spacer ring.

[0040] The first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are fastened to the motor housing 13 by a plurality of bolts 60. The long side direction of the plurality of bolts 60 is substantially parallel to the central axis CA of the motor shaft 43. A specific description is given. The plurality of bolts 60 include at least one first common bolt 61 disposed in the overlapping section OS. In other words, the second housing 12 is disposed on the first housing 11 at the position of the first common bolt 61. In the overlapping section OS, the fastening connection hole 12h of the second flange 12f, the fastening connection hole 11h of the first flange 11f, and the fastening connection hole 13h of the motor housing 13 are consistent. Furthermore, the first common bolt 61 penetrates the fastening connection holes 12h and 11h and is inserted into the fastening connection hole 13h. Thus, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are fastened to the motor housing 13 together.

[0041] In addition, the plurality of bolts 60 include at least one second common bolt 62 disposed in the extension section ES where the extension portion 14 is located. In the extension section ES, the second common bolt 62 passes through the fastening holes 12h and 14h and is inserted into the fastening hole 13h. Thus, the extension portion 14 and the second housing 12 are fastened to the motor housing 13 together. In other words, the extension portion 14 is located between the motor housing 13 and the second flange 12f.

[0042] The bolt 60 is arranged in the section SS other than the overlapping section OS of the first flange 11f. In the section SS, the bolt 60 passes through the fastening hole 11h and is inserted into the fastening hole 13h (see FIG. 11 ). Figure 2 ). Thus, the first housing 11 is fastened to the motor housing 13.

[0043] The average thickness of the second flange 12f is greater than the average thickness of the first flange 11f. The effect is described. In the area where the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are fastened together to the motor housing 13, the bolts are in contact with the second flange 12f. Therefore, the force applied by the bolts is greater on the second flange 12f than on the first flange 11f. Therefore, by increasing the strength of the second flange 12f compared to the strength of the first flange 11f, it is possible to suppress damage to the second flange 12f.

[0044] Next, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the positional relationship between the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 is described. Figure 1 As shown, a space is formed by the size difference between the motor 40 and the gear unit 50 relative to the area on the opposite side of the motor shaft 43 to the gear unit 50. The second housing 12 is arranged in this space. That is, in the direction D1 perpendicular to the central axis CA of the motor shaft 43, at least a part of the second housing 12 overlaps with the first housing 11. Thus, the space around the motor shaft 43 can be effectively utilized. Therefore, the protrusion amount of the second housing 12 in the central axis direction D2 of the motor shaft 43 can be reduced. The volume of the drive device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0045] In addition, in the central axis direction D2, at least a portion of the second housing 12 overlaps the motor 40. This also allows effective use of the space around the motor shaft 43. Therefore, the protrusion amount of the second housing 12 in the direction D1 perpendicular to the central axis CA can be reduced.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, when viewed from the central axis direction D2 of the motor shaft 43, the second housing 12 is arranged along a portion of a circle centered on the motor shaft 43. In addition, the arrangement range of the second housing 12 in the rotation direction of the motor is more than 180° around the motor shaft 43. Thus, the capacity of the second housing 12 can be sufficiently ensured.

[0047] Next, the effect of the drive device for the present vehicle will be described. In a structure in which bolts are used to fasten the housing, it is usually necessary to ensure space such as tool clearance around the bolt fastening connection portion. The more the number of bolt fastening connection portions, the larger the required space becomes, and therefore, there is a situation in which the capacity of the housing is squeezed. In the technology of the present specification, the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can be fastened together to the motor housing 13 using the first common bolt 61 in the overlapping section OS of the first flange 11f and the second flange 12f. Thus, since the required number of bolts as a whole can be reduced, the required space for the bolts can be reduced. The capacity of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can be ensured, and the volume of the drive device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0048] If the extension portion 14 is not present, a step corresponding to the thickness of the first flange 11f is formed between the overlap section OS and the extension section ES (see FIG. 14 ). Figure 3 ). The step may make it difficult to ensure the sealing performance. In the technology of this specification, by providing the extension portion 14, the height of the overlap section OS and the extension section ES can be made consistent. The sealing performance of the second housing 12 can be improved.

[0049] In the technique of this specification, the spacer can be formed by using the first flange 11f and the extension portion 14. Furthermore, since the spacer can function as a buffer, the vibration of the second housing 12 can be suppressed.

[0050] The above detailed description of the implementation methods is provided, but these are merely examples and do not limit the claims. The technology described in the claims includes technologies obtained by various deformations and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exert technical practicality alone or through various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of application. In addition, the technology illustrated in this specification or the drawings can achieve multiple purposes at the same time, and achieving one of the purposes itself has technical practicality.

[0051] Next, a modified example of the vehicle drive device of the present embodiment is described. The positional relationship between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 can be various. For example, the second housing 12 can be arranged on the first housing 11. In this case, the second space SP2 can also be defined between the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. In such a form, by providing an overlapping section OS, the required number of bolts as a whole can also be reduced.

[0052] The functions of the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 may be interchanged. That is, the power conversion unit 21 may be housed in the first housing 11 and the gear unit 50 may be housed in the second housing 12 .

[0053] The first housing 11 may not include the extending portion 14 . In addition, the extending portion 14 may be a separate member from the first housing 11 .

[0054] The vehicle equipped with the drive device of this specification is not limited to electric vehicles. The drive device of this specification can be installed in a hybrid vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle, for example. In this case, the drive device of this specification can accommodate multiple motors in the housing, and can also accommodate a planetary gear mechanism. In addition, the drive device of this specification can also be applied to vehicles such as fuel cell vehicles that use electric motors for at least part of their travel.

Claims

1. A driving device, the driving device being a driving device for a vehicle, characterized in that: The driving device comprises: a motor housing, the motor housing being configured to accommodate the motor; a first housing configured to accommodate a gear unit mechanically connected to the motor; and A second housing, wherein the second housing is configured to accommodate a power conversion unit electrically connected to the motor, wherein: The first housing and the second housing are fastened to the motor housing by a plurality of fastening members, and, The plurality of fastening members include at least one common fastening member for fastening the first housing and the second housing together to the motor housing.

2. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second shell is arranged on the first shell at the position of the at least one common fastening structure.

3. The driving device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first housing includes a first flange, the first flange extending along the outer periphery of the first housing and being fixed to the motor housing through a part of the plurality of fastening members. The second housing includes a second flange, the second flange extends along the outer periphery of the second housing and is fixed to the motor housing through a part of the plurality of fastening members. A portion of the first flange has an overlapping section between the motor housing and the second flange, and, The at least one common fastening connection member includes at least one first common fastening connection member located in the overlapping section.

4. The driving device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first housing further includes an extension portion extending from one end to the other end of the overlapping section along an outer edge of the second housing between the motor housing and the second flange, and The at least one common fastening connection member includes at least one second common fastening connection member located at the extension portion.

5. The driving device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The average thickness of the second flange is greater than the average thickness of the first flange.

6. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The motor has a motor shaft, and At least a portion of the second housing overlaps the first housing in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the motor shaft.

7. The driving device according to claim 6, characterized in that: At least a portion of the second housing overlaps the motor in a central axis direction of the motor shaft.

8. The driving device according to claim 7, characterized in that: When viewed from the central axis direction of the motor shaft, the second housing is arranged along a portion of a circumference centered on the motor shaft, and The arrangement range of the second housing in the rotation direction of the motor is greater than 180° around the motor axis.

9. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The motor has a motor shaft. The plurality of fastening structural members respectively include bolts, and, The long side direction of the bolt is substantially parallel to the central axis of the motor shaft.

10. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first housing defines a first space for accommodating the gear unit between the motor housing and the first housing.

11. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second housing defines a second space for accommodating the power conversion unit between the motor housing and the second housing.

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