Vehicle drive device

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to achieve a vehicle drive device in which the size of an attachment bracket can be easily reduced even when a connection portion between the attachment bracket and a vehicle body is positioned above a rotating electric machine and a power transmission mechanism. A vehicle drive device (10) is provided with a first case part (21) in which a rotating electric machine and a power transmission mechanism are housed, a second case part (22) in which at least one of an inverter module and a power supply module is housed, and a mounting bracket (72) that is connected to a vehicle body of a vehicle in a vehicle-mounted state. The second housing section (22) is disposed on the upper side (Z1) with respect to the first housing section (21), and the attachment bracket (72) is attached to the second housing section (22).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle drive device including a rotating electric machine. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle drive device having a rotating electric machine is known. Patent document 1 discloses a vehicle drive device having a rotating electric machine (11), a power transmission mechanism (15), and a pair of mounting brackets (2, 8) connected to a vehicle body. One (2) of the pair of mounting brackets is fixed to a cover of the rotating electric machine (11), and the other (8) is fixed to a left side housing of the power transmission mechanism (15).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 106183763

[0004] When the vehicle drive device described in Patent Document 1 is connected to a connection portion of a vehicle body disposed above the vehicle drive device, the connection portion of the vehicle body is separated from the rotary electric machine and the power transmission mechanism in the vertical direction, so it is necessary to increase the vertical dimension of the mounting bracket. In this case, there is a problem that the mounting bracket is enlarged in order to ensure the necessary strength so as to at least suppress the shaking of the vehicle drive device. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, it is desired to realize a vehicle drive device in which the mounting bracket can be easily miniaturized even when the connection portion between the mounting bracket and the vehicle body is located above the rotating electric machine and the power transmission mechanism.

[0006] The vehicle drive device of the present invention comprises: a rotating motor; an output member, which is connected to the wheel driving; a power transmission mechanism, which transmits driving force between the rotating motor and the output member; an inverter module, which is used to drive and control the rotating motor; a power module, which is electrically connected to the vehicle battery and comprises at least one of a voltage conversion circuit for converting the voltage of the vehicle battery, a charging circuit for charging the vehicle battery from an external power source, and a power supply circuit for supplying power from the vehicle battery to the outside; a first housing portion, which accommodates the rotating motor and the power transmission mechanism; a second housing portion, which accommodates at least one of the inverter module and the power module; and a mounting bracket, which is connected to the body of the vehicle when mounted on the vehicle, i.e., in the vehicle-mounted state, and in the vehicle-mounted state, the second housing portion is arranged on the upper side relative to the first housing portion, and the mounting bracket is mounted on the second housing portion.

[0007] According to this structure, the bracket is mounted on the second housing portion arranged on the upper side relative to the first housing portion in the vehicle-mounted state, so even if the connection portion between the mounting bracket and the vehicle body is located above the rotating electric machine and the power transmission mechanism, it is easy to reduce the vertical dimension of the mounting bracket. Therefore, it is easy to ensure the strength of the mounting bracket and to achieve miniaturization and lightness of the mounting bracket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a vehicle drive device according to the present embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a vehicle drive device.

[0010] Figure 3 It is used to explain in detail Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a vehicle drive device.

[0011] Figure 4 Observe from other directions Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a vehicle drive device.

[0012] Figure 5 It is used to explain in detail Figure 2 A three-dimensional diagram of a vehicle drive device.

[0013] Figure 6 Observe from other directions Figure 5 A three-dimensional diagram of a vehicle drive device.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of an auxiliary mounting bracket of a vehicle drive device.

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Control block diagram of a vehicle drive device.

[0016] Fig. 9 Yes means Figure 2 Diagram of the configuration of the inverter module.

[0017] Fig.10 Yes means including Figure 2 Diagram of the coolant path of the cooling unit.

[0018] Fig.11 Yes means Figure 1 A diagram showing the connection of a vehicle drive device of a vehicle.

[0019] Description of Reference Numerals

[0020] 8: vehicle, 10: vehicle drive device, 20: housing, 21: first housing portion, 22: second housing portion, 23: first cover portion (cover portion), 27: second side wall portion (side wall portion), 27b: protrusion, 30: external power supply, 31: converter (voltage conversion circuit), 32: charging power supply circuit (charging circuit, power supply circuit), 72: mounting bracket, 74: auxiliary mounting bracket, 80: vehicle body, 81: frame member (cross beam), B2: vehicle-mounted battery, E2: second storage chamber (storage chamber), GT: power transmission mechanism, INV: inverter module, MG: rotating motor, PWR: power module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the vehicle drive device 10 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle 8 equipped with a vehicle drive device 10. The vehicle drive device 10 includes a rotary electric machine MG, an output member drivingly connected to wheels (W1, W2), and a power transmission mechanism GT that transmits driving force between the rotary electric machine MG and the output member. Here, the direction along the rotation axis X1 of the rotor 12 provided by the rotary electric machine MG is defined as the axial direction L. The power transmission mechanism GT is arranged on one side of the axial direction L, that is, the axial first side L1, relative to the rotor 12 of the rotary electric machine MG. The rotary electric machine MG is a driving force source for the vehicle 8. The power transmission mechanism GT includes a speed reducer 16 and a differential gear mechanism 15. Examples of the "output member" include the first side gear 15a, the second side gear 15b, their spline engagement portion 15d, the first drive shaft DS1, the second drive shaft DS2, the connecting shaft 17, etc., which are described later.

[0023] The vehicle drive device 10 includes a housing 20, and the housing 20 supports an inverter module INV and a power module PWR to be described later. In addition, the housing 20 supports a refrigerant circuit module 46 to be described later. In addition, "support" is not limited to the case where the outside of the housing 20 is used, and it is not supported by the inner surface of the housing 20. That is, the inverter module INV, the power module PWR, and the refrigerant circuit module 46 can also be accommodated in the housing 20, the inverter module INV and the power module PWR can also be accommodated in the housing 20, and the refrigerant circuit module 46 can also be supported by the outside of the housing 20.

[0024] In addition, in this specification, "drive connection" refers to the state of connecting two rotating members in a way that can transmit driving force, including the state of connecting the two rotating members in a way that can rotate as a whole, or the state of connecting the two rotating members in a way that can transmit driving force via one or more transmission parts. Such transmission parts include various parts that transmit rotation at the same speed or at a variable speed, such as shafts, gear mechanisms, belts, chains, etc. In addition, as transmission parts, it is also possible to include engaging devices that selectively transmit rotation and driving force, such as friction engaging devices, meshing engaging devices, etc. However, in the case of a rotating member of a planetary gear mechanism being "drive connected", it refers to the state in which the planetary gear mechanism is not driven and connected via other rotating members. In addition, in this specification, "rotating as a whole" refers to rotating as a whole, whether it is separable or inseparable. That is, multiple parts that rotate as a whole can also be formed as a whole by the same part, or they can be composed of different parts and integrated by welding, spline connection, etc. In addition, in this specification, regarding the configuration of two components, "overlapping when viewed in a specific direction" means that when an imaginary straight line parallel to the line of sight direction is moved in directions orthogonal to the imaginary straight line, an area where the imaginary straight line intersects with both components at least partially exists.

[0025] The output component is drivingly connected to a pair of wheels (W1, W2). The pair of wheels includes a first wheel W1 and a second wheel W2, the first wheel W1 is drivingly connected to the first drive shaft DS1, and the second wheel W2 is drivingly connected to the second drive shaft DS2. In the present embodiment, a pair of side gears (15a, 15b) serving as output gears of the differential gear mechanism 15 includes a first side gear 15a and a second side gear 15b. The first side gear 15a is drivingly connected to the first drive shaft DS1 via a connecting shaft 17, and the second side gear 15b is drivingly connected to the second drive shaft DS2. For example, the first side gear 15a and the connecting shaft 17 are connected by a spline connection, and the second side gear 15b and the second drive shaft DS2 are also connected by a spline connection. The above-mentioned connecting portion is a spline engagement portion 15d.

[0026] In the following description, as described above, the direction along the rotation axis X1 of the rotor 12 is referred to as the "axial direction L". Furthermore, one side of the axial direction L is referred to as the "axial first side L1", and the other side of the axial direction L is referred to as the "axial second side L2". In the present embodiment, the rotary electric machine MG, the speed reducer 16, and the differential gear mechanism 15 are coaxially arranged with each other in the order described from the axial second side L2 toward the axial first side L1. The vehicle drive device 10 of the present embodiment is a single-axis structure, and the axis on which the rotary electric machine MG, the speed reducer 16, and the differential gear mechanism 15 are arranged with the rotation axis X1 as the axis is the rotation axis of the vehicle drive device 10, and is also the rotation axis of the rotary electric machine MG, the speed reducer 16, and the differential gear mechanism 15. In addition, the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis X1 of the rotor 12 is referred to as the "radial direction". Furthermore, in the radial direction, the rotation axis X1 side of the rotor 12 is referred to as the "radial inner side", and the opposite side thereof is referred to as the "radial outer side". In addition, in the vehicle mounting state where the vehicle drive device 10 is mounted on the vehicle 8, the direction along the vertical direction is set as the "upper side Z1 of the upper side Z", and the lower side is set as the "lower side Z2 of the upper side Z". In the case where the vehicle drive device 10 is mounted horizontally on the vehicle 8, one direction in the radial direction coincides with the upper side Z. In addition, the direction orthogonal to the axial direction L and the upper side Z is set as the "front-rear direction H", one side of the front-rear direction H is set as the "front-rear direction first side H1", and the other side is set as the "front-rear direction second side H2". In the present embodiment, the front-rear direction first side H1 is the front side of the vehicle 8, and the front-rear direction second side H2 is the rear side. In addition, the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction H of the vehicle body 80 when viewed in the upper and lower directions is set as the width direction. In the present embodiment, the "width direction" of the vehicle 8 is parallel to the axial direction L, but it may not be parallel.

[0027] The rotary electric machine MG functions as a driving force source for the wheels (W1, W2). Figure 1 As shown, the rotary electric machine MG includes a stator 11 and a rotor 12 connected to the rotor shaft 13 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor shaft 13. The rotary electric machine MG is an inner rotor type rotary electric machine. The rotary electric machine MG includes a rotor 12 arranged radially inwardly so as to be rotatable relative to the stator 11. The rotor 12 includes a rotor core 12a and a permanent magnet (not shown) fixed to the rotor core 12a. The rotor shaft 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape coaxial with the rotor core 12a, and a sun gear SG constituting a planetary gear mechanism of a speed reducer 16 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the axial first side L1 of the rotor shaft 13 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor shaft 13. As described later, the sun gear SG is an input member of the speed reducer 16. In the example shown in the figure, the rotary electric machine MG is a rotating magnetic field type rotary electric machine.

[0028] The stator 11 includes a cylindrical stator core 11a and a coil wound on the stator core 11a. The coil includes a coil end 11b protruding from the stator core 11a to the outside in the axial direction L. The axis of the stator core 11a is the same axis as the rotation axis X1 of the rotor 12. In the present embodiment, the axis of the stator core 11a is the same axis as the rotation axis X1 of the differential case 15c described later. In addition, in the present embodiment, the stator 11 is fixed to the case 20.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the speed reducer 16 is configured as a planetary gear mechanism including an input member that rotates integrally with the rotor shaft 13, a fixed member fixed to the housing 20, an output member that rotates integrally with the differential input member (differential housing 15c), and planetary gears. The planetary gear mechanism is a compound type planetary gear mechanism including one sun gear SG, two ring gears (first ring gear RG1, second ring gear RG2), two planetary gears that rotate integrally (first planetary gear PG1, second planetary gear PG2), and a planetary carrier CR that supports the two planetary gears so that they can rotate. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the first planetary gear PG1 is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the second planetary gear PG2.

[0030] The sun gear SG rotates integrally with the rotor 12 and the rotor shaft 13. The second ring gear RG2 is fixed to the housing 20. The first ring gear RG1 is arranged on the first axial side L1 relative to the second ring gear RG2, and is connected to the differential case 15c in a manner that it rotates integrally with the differential case 15c. The second planetary gear PG2 meshes with the sun gear SG and the second ring gear RG2, and the first planetary gear PG1 rotates integrally with the second planetary gear PG2 and meshes with the first ring gear RG1. In the present embodiment, the sun gear SG is an input member, the second ring gear RG2 is a fixed member, and the first ring gear RG1 is an output member. The planetary carrier CR is not connected to any rotating member or fixed member.

[0031] The differential gear mechanism 15 is a bevel gear type differential gear mechanism, and includes a bevel gear pinion 15p and side gears (15a, 15b). The pinion 15p is supported by a pinion shaft 15s supported by the differential case 15c and arranged in a radially extending manner so as to be rotatable. The pinion shaft 15s rotates integrally with the differential case 15c, and the pinion 15p is configured to be able to rotate (rotate) around the pinion shaft 15s as the center, and to be able to rotate (revolve) around the rotation axis X1 of the differential case 15c as the center. Multiple pinion shafts 15s are arranged radially (for example, in a cross shape) around the rotation axis X1 of the differential case 15c, and a pinion 15p is installed on each of the multiple pinion shafts 15s. The differential case 15c accommodates the pinion 15p, the side gears (15a, 15b) and the pinion shaft 15s inside.

[0032] The side gears (15a, 15b) include a first side gear 15a and a second side gear 15b and are arranged in a pair separated in the axial direction L. The first side gear 15a and the second side gear 15b are arranged to mesh with each of the plurality of pinion gears 15p and rotate around the rotation axis X1 of the differential case 15c. Figure 1 As shown, the first side gear 15a is connected to a connecting shaft 17 extending along the axial direction L through the radial inner side of the hollow cylindrical rotor shaft 13 through the speed reducer 16. The connecting shaft 17 is connected to the first drive shaft DS1 of the first wheel W1, which is a wheel drivingly connected to the second axial side L2, so as to rotate integrally. Therefore, the first side gear 15a is drivingly connected to the first wheel W1 via the connecting shaft 17. In addition, the second side gear 15b is connected to the second drive shaft DS2 of the second wheel W2, which is a wheel drivingly connected to the first axial side L1, so as to rotate integrally.

[0033] The first drive shaft DS1, the second drive shaft DS2, the connecting shaft 17, the first side gear 15a, and the second side gear 15b that are drivingly connected to the wheels (W1, W2) and rotate integrally with the wheels can all be referred to as rotating parts equivalent to output parts. The first side gear 15a and the second side gear 15b can also be referred to as the differential gear mechanism 15 and can also be referred to as output parts. In addition, the first side gear 15a and the second side gear 15b each include a gear portion meshing with the pinion 15p, and a spline engagement portion 15d connected to the connecting shaft 17 or the second drive shaft DS2. Considering the division by function, the gear portion is equivalent to the rotating part contained in the differential gear mechanism 15, and the spline engagement portion 15d is equivalent to the output part.

[0034] Figure 2 1 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the vehicle drive device 10. The vehicle drive device 10 includes an “inverter module INV” for driving and controlling the rotating electrical machine MG. The inverter module INV is a circuit module for driving and controlling the rotating electrical machine MG.

[0035] The vehicle drive device 10 includes a first case portion 21 that accommodates the rotating electrical machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT. The first case portion 21 includes a first side wall portion 26 that is formed to surround a first accommodation chamber E1 that accommodates the rotating electrical machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT when viewed in the vertical direction when mounted on the vehicle and extends in the vertical direction Z.

[0036] The vehicle drive device 10 includes a second housing portion 22 that accommodates at least one of an inverter module INV and a power module PWR (described later). The second housing portion 22 includes a second side wall portion 27 that is formed to surround a second housing chamber E2 that accommodates at least one of the inverter module INV and the power module PWR when viewed in the up-down direction in the vehicle-mounted state and extends in the up-down direction Z. The second housing portion 22 is arranged on the upper side Z1 relative to the first housing portion 21 in the vehicle-mounted state.

[0037] In this embodiment, the second case portion 22 includes a first opening 20a of the second storage chamber E2 that opens toward the upper side Z1. The second case portion 22 includes a first cover 23 that covers the first opening 20a. The inverter module INV and the power module PWR are stored in the second storage chamber E2.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the housing 20 includes a first storage chamber E1, a second storage chamber E2, and a partition wall 28 that divides the first storage chamber E1 and the second storage chamber E2, and they are formed integrally. That is, in the present embodiment, an example is given in which the first housing portion 21, the second housing portion 22, and the partition wall 28 are formed integrally by the same component. However, the structure of the housing 20 is not limited to this. For example, the housing 20 may also be a form in which the first housing portion 21 and the second housing portion 22 are formed integrally without the partition wall 28. In addition, for example, the housing 20 may also be a form in which the first housing portion 21 and the second housing portion 22 are formed by different components without the partition wall 28, and they are integrated by fastening components such as bolts, welding, etc. In the case where the first housing portion 21 and the second housing portion 22 are composed of different components, there is at least one component wall at the boundary of the first housing portion 21 and the second housing portion 22. In the case where the housing 20 is integrated by combining different components, one or both of the walls on the boundary may also be regarded as the partition wall 28.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the first housing portion 21 is formed into a cylindrical shape with openings on both sides in the axial direction L, and is provided with a cylindrical first side wall portion 26. The first side wall portion 26 surrounds the power transmission mechanism GT from the radially outer side, and is equivalent to a portion surrounding the first storage chamber E1 of the housing 20. The opening portion formed on the second axial side L2 is the second opening portion 20b, and the opening portion formed on the first axial side L1 is the third opening portion 20c. The second opening portion 20b is closed by the second cover portion 24, and the third opening portion 20c is closed by the third cover portion 25. Through holes through which the above-mentioned drive shafts (first drive shaft DS1, second drive shaft DS2) pass are formed in the second cover portion 24 and the third cover portion 25.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the first storage chamber E1 and the second storage chamber E2 are arranged to be arranged along the vertical direction Z. In addition, the inverter module INV is arranged at the upper side Z1 of the rotary electric machine MG and at a position overlapping with the rotary electric machine MG when viewed in the vertical direction along the vertical direction Z. In addition, the power module PWR (described later) is arranged adjacent to the inverter module INV on the first axial side L1. In addition, as Figure 2 As shown, the power module PWR is arranged on the upper side Z1 of the power transmission mechanism GT and at a position overlapping with the power transmission mechanism GT when viewed in the up-down direction along the up-down direction Z.

[0041] The housing 20 includes a housing body 20m which is a housing member serving as a core of the first housing chamber E1 and the second housing chamber E2. The housing body 20m includes a first housing portion 21 and a second housing portion 22. The housing body 20m also includes a partition wall 28 which partitions the first housing chamber E1 and the second housing chamber E2.

[0042] Here, the vehicle drive device 10 is mounted on a vehicle body 80 of the vehicle 8 (see Fig.11 ) is set as the “vehicle-mounted state”. In the present embodiment, the second accommodation chamber E2 is arranged at a position overlapping with the rotary electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT accommodated in the first case portion 21 when viewed in the up-down direction in the vehicle-mounted state.

[0043] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the vehicle drive device 10 . Figure 4 Observe from other directions Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of a vehicle drive device 10. Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing an example of the vehicle drive device 10 . Figure 6 Observe from other directions Figure 5 A perspective view of a vehicle drive device 10. Figure 7 It is an enlarged perspective view of the first case portion 21 as viewed from the lower side Z2 , and is a perspective view showing the auxiliary mounting bracket 74 .

[0044] The vehicle drive device 10 includes a mounting member 70 connected to the vehicle body 80 in the above-mentioned vehicle-mounted state. The mounting member 70 includes a mounting bushing 71 and a mounting bracket 72 described below. Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 In the example shown, a protrusion 27b is provided on each of a pair of outer surfaces of the second side wall portion 27 that face opposite sides across the second storage chamber E2. A mounting bracket 72 is provided on each of the pair of protrusions 27b. In the present embodiment, the mounting bracket 72 is fastened to the protrusion 27b by bolts. In addition, the vehicle drive device 10 includes an auxiliary mounting component 75 described later. The auxiliary mounting component 75 includes an auxiliary mounting bushing 73 and an auxiliary mounting bracket 74 described later.

[0045] Figure 8 It is a control block diagram of the vehicle drive device 10. The vehicle drive device 10 is equipped with a "power module PWR". The power module PWR is equipped with a voltage conversion circuit (converter 31) electrically connected to the vehicle battery B2 to convert the voltage of the vehicle battery B2; a charging circuit (charging power supply circuit 32) electrically connected to the vehicle battery B2 and used to charge the vehicle battery B2 from the external power supply 30; and at least one of the power supply circuits (charging power supply circuit 32) electrically connected to the vehicle battery B2 and supplying power from the vehicle battery B2 to the outside. In addition, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the charging power supply circuit 32 has a bidirectional function of charging the vehicle battery B2 and supplying power from the vehicle battery B2. That is, the charging power supply circuit 32 has the functions of a "charging circuit" and a "power supply circuit". In addition, in this embodiment, a high-voltage circuit unit including an inverter module INV and a power module PWR is formed.

[0046] like Figure 8 As shown, the rotating electric machine MG is electrically connected to a vehicle-mounted battery B2, which is a DC power source composed of a power storage device such as a rechargeable battery and a capacitor, via an inverter circuit 36. The rotating electric machine MG has a function as a motor (electric motor) that generates power by receiving power supply from the vehicle-mounted battery B2, and a function as a generator (generator) that generates power by receiving power supply from the wheel (W1, W2) side.

[0047] The rotating electric machine MG generates driving force by running with the power stored in the onboard battery B2, and the onboard battery B2 is charged by generating electricity by the driving force transmitted from the pair of wheels (W1, W2). The onboard battery B2 is a high-voltage DC power supply with a rated voltage of about 48 volts to 400 volts. The onboard battery B2 supplies power to the rotating electric machine MG that is the driving force source for the wheels, so the power capacity is large and the volume is also large. For example, in order to ensure that the cab 95 (refer to Fig.11 ) and other spaces, and the vehicle-mounted battery B2 is configured under the floor of the cab 95 of the vehicle 8.

[0048] In addition, in the present embodiment, the vehicle-mounted battery B2 is configured to be charged not only by the electric power generated by the rotary electric machine MG, but also by the electric power supplied from the external power source 30 such as an AC commercial power source having a rated voltage of about 100 volts to 240 volts. Therefore, the vehicle-mounted battery B2 is configured to be connected to the external power source 30 via the charging power supply circuit 32. In addition, in order to control the charging power supply circuit 32, a charging power supply control unit 34 is provided.

[0049] In recent years, it has been advocated to use the onboard battery B2 of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles as an emergency power supply in times of disasters. In addition to having the function of a charging circuit so that the onboard battery B2 can be used as such an emergency power supply, the charging power supply circuit 32 is also configured to have the function of a power supply circuit. Of course, without considering the use of such an onboard battery B2, the charging power supply circuit 32 may also be configured to have only the function of a charging circuit.

[0050] In addition, in the present embodiment, the vehicle-mounted battery B2 also supplies power to the low-voltage DC power supply B1 whose rated voltage is about 12 volts to 24 volts. The low-voltage DC power supply B1 serves as the power source for auxiliary equipment such as the headlights, power windows, power steering, vehicle-mounted air conditioner, and electric oil pump of the vehicle 8, and the power source for various control devices in the vehicle 8. In the past, in a general vehicle 8, the low-voltage DC power supply B1 was charged by power generated by an AC generator linked to the driving force source of the vehicle 8 (for example, an internal combustion engine). However, in the present embodiment, the low-voltage DC power supply B1 is charged by power from the vehicle-mounted battery B2 (high-voltage DC power supply) having a higher voltage than the low-voltage DC power supply B1 and a larger storage capacity. Thus, even if an AC generator is not mounted, the power loss of the driving force source of the vehicle 8 (in the present embodiment, the rotating electric machine MG) accompanying the driving of the AC generator can be suppressed.

[0051] In this way, in order to charge the low-voltage DC power supply B1 with the power of the vehicle battery B2, a converter 31 (voltage conversion circuit) is provided for performing voltage conversion of the vehicle battery B2. As described above, since the rated voltage of the vehicle battery B2 is higher than the rated voltage of the low-voltage DC power supply B1, the converter 31 is composed of, for example, a step-down DC / DC converter. The DC / DC converter is a non-insulated type such as a chopper type and a charge pump type, and an insulating type using a transformer. In the case where the circuit to which power is supplied from the vehicle battery B2 is preferably electrically insulated from the circuit to which power is supplied from the low-voltage DC power supply B1, the converter 31 may be an insulating type. The insulating DC / DC converter is composed of a switching element, and the converter 31 is controlled by a converter control unit 33.

[0052] In addition, the vehicle 8 is often also equipped with an AC power plug (AC power plug) for supplying power to general household electrical appliances and the like. Such an AC power plug is configured to output an AC with a rated voltage of 100 to 200 volts. The AC power supplied from the AC power plug is generated from the vehicle-mounted battery B2 using an inverter not shown. Such an inverter is also equivalent to a voltage conversion circuit. In the case of having such an inverter, the inverter and the inverter control unit that controls it can also be included in the power module PWR.

[0053] Thus, the power module PWR includes at least one of a converter 31 (voltage conversion circuit) electrically connected to the vehicle battery B2 and performing voltage conversion of the vehicle battery B2, a charging circuit for charging the vehicle battery B2 from the external power source 30, and a power supply circuit for supplying power from the vehicle battery B2 to the outside. In this embodiment, the charging and power supply control unit 34 and the converter control unit 33 are also included in the power module PWR.

[0054] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the rotary electric machine MG is driven and controlled by the rotary electric machine control unit 35 based on the target torque of the rotary electric machine MG set by the command from the upper control device, that is, the vehicle control device 100. The rotary electric machine control unit 35 performs switching control on the inverter circuit 36 ​​composed of a plurality of switching elements, so that the inverter circuit 36 ​​converts power between direct current and multi-phase (three-phase in this embodiment) alternating current. The operating voltage of the rotary electric machine control unit 35 is about 3.3 volts to 5 volts, the input and output voltages of the inverter circuit 36 ​​are about 48 volts to 400 volts, and the voltage of the switch control signal of the switch element constituting the inverter circuit 36 ​​is about 15 volts to 24 volts. Therefore, a driver 38 is provided between the rotary electric machine control unit 35 and the inverter circuit 36 ​​to amplify the voltage of the switch control signal output from the rotary electric machine control unit 35, increase the driving force, and supply it to the inverter circuit 36.

[0055] The inverter circuit 36 ​​is composed of a plurality of switching elements. The inverter circuit 36 ​​has a plurality of groups of AC single-phase arms (here three groups) composed of a series circuit of an upper-side switching element on the positive side of the DC and a lower-side switching element on the negative side. Each switching element has a freewheeling diode with a forward direction from the negative pole toward the positive pole (from the lower side toward the upper side). The preferred switching elements are power semiconductor elements such as IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor), power MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor), SiC-MOSFET (Silicon Carbide-Metal Oxide Semiconductor FET), SiC-SIT (SiC-Static Induction Transistor), and GaN-MOSFET (Gallium Nitride-MOSFET). In the present embodiment, the inverter circuit 36 ​​is configured as a power module in which a switching element is integrated together with a freewheeling diode.

[0056] The inverter module INV is configured to include at least a switching element constituting an inverter circuit 36. In the present embodiment, the inverter module INV further includes a rotating electrical machine control unit 35 and a driver 38. That is, in the present embodiment, the inverter module INV is configured to include the rotating electrical machine control unit 35, the driver 38, and the inverter circuit 36.

[0057] The rotating electrical machine control unit 35 performs current feedback control based on the rotational position of the rotor 12 (the magnetic pole position of the permanent magnet), the rotational speed of the rotor 12, and the current flowing in the stator coils of each of the three phases, and drives and controls the rotating electrical machine MG via the inverter circuit 36. The rotational position of the rotor 12 is detected by a rotation sensor S1 such as a resolver or an inductive position sensor. The current flowing in the stator coil is detected by a current sensor S2. The current sensor S2 is preferably a non-contact current sensor, for example, provided near a power line such as a busbar that connects the inverter circuit 36 ​​to the stator coil of the rotating electrical machine MG.

[0058] In addition, the power module PWR is configured to include at least a converter 31 (voltage conversion circuit) and a charging power supply circuit 32. In the present embodiment, the converter 31 and the charging power supply circuit 32 are configured using a common substrate. In addition, in the present embodiment, the power module PWR includes a converter 31, a converter control unit 33, a charging power supply circuit 32, and a charging power supply control unit 34.

[0059] In this embodiment, a DC link capacitor 37 (smoothing capacitor) for smoothing the voltage on the DC side of the inverter circuit 36 ​​is provided between the inverter circuit 36 ​​and the vehicle-mounted battery B2 on the DC side of the inverter circuit 36. The inverter module INV may also include the DC link capacitor 37. In addition, the inverter module INV may also include a control substrate ECU described later.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the rotating electrical machine control unit 35 included in the inverter module INV and the converter control unit 33 and the charging and power supply control unit 34 included in the power module PWR are formed on the same substrate to form a control substrate ECU. The control substrate ECU can also be called a unified control substrate that unifies the functions of a plurality of control units.

[0061] A driver 38 is arranged on the upper side Z1 of the inverter circuit 36 ​​in the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, the control substrate ECU is arranged across the rotating electrical machine control unit 35, the converter control unit 33, and the charging power supply control unit 34. Generally, when viewed in the vertical direction, the control substrate ECU is arranged in such a manner that the inverter circuit 36, the driver 38, and the rotating electrical machine control unit 35 overlap, the converter 31 and the converter control unit 33 overlap, and the charging power supply circuit 32 and the charging power supply control unit 34 overlap. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 to Figure 6 As shown, the power module PWR is arranged adjacent to the inverter module INV on the first axial side L1. The control substrate ECU is arranged along the axial direction L to span the rotary electric machine control unit 35, the converter control unit 33, and the charging and power supply control unit 34. Figure 2 to Figure 6 As shown, the control substrate ECU is arranged in the up-down direction Z between the inverter circuit 36 ​​(switching element) and a refrigerant circuit module 46 to be described later.

[0062] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, a connector 39 for electrically connecting a cable (not shown) arranged outside the housing 20 to the inverter module INV, the power module PWR or the control substrate ECU is provided in the first housing portion 21. In the example shown in the figure, the connector 39 is arranged in a through hole of a wall portion formed on the second side H2 in the front-rear direction in the second side wall portion 27 of the first housing portion 21. A plurality of connectors 39 (specifically, five connectors 39) are arranged to be arranged along the axial direction L. For example, a cable for transmitting a control signal to the control substrate ECU, a cable for supplying power to the control substrate ECU, a cable for supplying power to the inverter circuit 36, and a cable for supplying power to the charging power supply circuit 32 are connected to the connector 39.

[0063] Fig. 9 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the control substrate ECU, the inverter module INV, the power module PWR, and the cooling unit 68. When the rotary electric machine MG is driven, a large current flows through the switching elements constituting the inverter circuit 36, and the switching elements generate heat. Therefore, the inverter circuit 36 ​​having a plurality of switching elements generates a large amount of heat. The inverter circuit 36 ​​is cooled by the cooling unit 68 described later.

[0064] The vehicle drive device 10 is provided with a cooling unit 68 for performing heat exchange between the inverter module INV and the coolant Q1. The cooling in the cooling unit 68 also includes a form of direct heat exchange between the cooling target part and the coolant Q1, and a form of heat exchange between the cooling target part and the coolant Q1 via a heat transfer medium such as oil OL and a heat sink. In the present embodiment, the upper surface of the cooling unit 68 in contact with the cooling target part, i.e., the first surface 68a of the cooling unit, is cooled by heat exchange with the coolant Q1 flowing in the cooling unit 68. Examples of "coolant Q1" include antifreeze, water, oil, etc. The coolant Q1 corresponds to the "first refrigerant". The cooling unit 68 corresponds to the "first heat exchanger".

[0065] like Fig. 9 As shown, in this embodiment, an inverter circuit 36 ​​(switching element), a DC link capacitor 37, a converter 31, and a charging power supply circuit 32 are installed on the upper surface of the cooling unit 68, that is, the first surface 68a of the cooling unit. The DC link capacitor 37 that smoothes the pulsating DC voltage generates heat due to the flow of current. In addition, the converter 31 has a switching element, and the switching element also generates heat due to the current flowing during the switching operation. In addition, since the current supplied from the external power supply 30 and used to charge the vehicle-mounted battery B2 flows in the charging power supply circuit 32, the charging power supply circuit 32 also generates heat. The cooling unit 68 has a part of the coolant path 65 described later, and the above-mentioned heat generating components are appropriately cooled by mounting them on the first surface 68a of the cooling unit. In addition, the component that generates the most heat and becomes high temperature is the inverter circuit 36.

[0066] like Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown, in the present embodiment, a power module PWR is installed on the lower surface of the cooling unit 68, that is, the second surface 68b of the cooling unit. In addition, an inverter module INV may also be installed on the second surface 68b of the cooling unit. That is, the power module PWR or the inverter module INV may also be installed on both the first surface 68a of the cooling unit and the second surface 68b of the cooling unit. In the example shown in the figure, the cooling unit 68 is provided in such a manner that the coolant Q1 flows from the inverter module INV side to the power module PWR side. In addition, the cooling unit 68 may also be provided in such a manner that the coolant Q1 flows from the power module PWR side to the inverter module INV side.

[0067] In the case where the converter 31 and the charging power supply circuit 32 of the power module PWR are both transformer-type, it is preferred to share a transformer component that tends to become larger in volume. In addition, like the DC link capacitor 37, the transformer is also a component that generates relatively more heat. Therefore, it is preferred that the transformer is also arranged at a position that is lower than the cooling unit 68 by Z2 and overlaps with the power transmission mechanism GT when viewed in the up and down direction. In this way, by effectively utilizing the space lower than the cooling unit 68 by Z2, it is easy to achieve miniaturization of the entire vehicle drive device 10. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In the illustrated example, the capacitor 131 included in the power module PWR is disposed on the upper side Z1 of the cooling unit 68 . In addition, the transformer 132 included in the power module PWR is disposed on the lower side Z2 of the cooling unit 68 .

[0068] Fig.10 Schematically shows the oil path 60 and the coolant path 65. The vehicle drive device 10 includes the coolant path 65 through which the coolant Q1 flows. In the present embodiment, the coolant path 65 is a liquid path of the coolant Q1 provided in the housing 20. The coolant path 65 corresponds to the "first refrigerant circuit" through which the coolant Q1 circulates.

[0069] An oil cooler 61 for performing heat exchange between the coolant Q1 and the oil OL is provided in the coolant path 65. A first refrigerant pump 66 is provided in the coolant path 65. In addition, a radiator 67 for performing heat exchange between the coolant Q1 and the outside air is provided in the coolant path 65. In addition, a condenser 49 described later is provided in the coolant path 65. In the illustrated example, the first refrigerant pump 66 is arranged on the upstream side of the oil cooler 61, but it can also be arranged on the downstream side. In addition, in the illustrated example, the first refrigerant pump 66 is arranged on the downstream side of the radiator 67 of the coolant path 65, but it can also be arranged on the upstream side. In addition, in the illustrated example, a cooling unit 68 is provided on the upstream side relative to the oil cooler 61. The oil cooler 61 corresponds to the "second heat exchanger".

[0070] The vehicle drive device 10 is provided with a third refrigerant circuit 40 in which a third refrigerant Q3 circulates. A condenser 49 is connected to the third refrigerant circuit 40. In the condenser 49, heat exchange is performed between the third refrigerant Q3 and the coolant Q1. The third refrigerant circuit 40 includes: a third refrigerant first path 40a including a flow path of the third refrigerant Q3 from the condenser 49 to the evaporator 44, a third refrigerant second path 40b including a flow path of the third refrigerant Q3 from the compressor 42 to the condenser 49, and a third refrigerant third path 40c including a flow path of the third refrigerant Q3 including the cooler 52. For example, the third refrigerant Q3 flowing in the third refrigerant first path 40a is set to be low temperature compared to the third refrigerant second path 40b and the third refrigerant third path 40c. In addition, for example, the third refrigerant Q3 flowing in the third refrigerant third path 40c is set to be low temperature compared to the third refrigerant second path 40b. In the present embodiment, the third refrigerant Q3 is a refrigerant for a vehicle air conditioner. In the present embodiment, the condenser 49 is a water-cooled condenser. The condenser 49 corresponds to a "third heat exchanger".

[0071] A part of the flow path constituting the third refrigerant circuit 40 can also be formed by using the first cover portion 23 of the shell 20 (see Figure 2 ). For example, the control valves V (first valve V1, second valve V2, third valve V3, fourth valve V4) that control the flow rate or flow path of the third refrigerant Q3 in the third refrigerant circuit 40 are mounted on the first cover first surface 23a of the first cover portion 23. In addition, for example, the accumulator 41, the condenser 49, and the cooler 52 are mounted on the first cover second surface 23b of the first cover portion 23.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle drive device 10 includes a refrigerant circuit module 46. The refrigerant circuit module 46 constitutes at least a portion of the third refrigerant circuit 40. In the present embodiment, the refrigerant circuit module 46 is composed of the third refrigerant circuit 40 formed in the first cover portion 23 and the control valve V. Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown, the refrigerant circuit module 46 is arranged at the upper side Z1 of the vertical direction Z relative to the inverter module INV and the power module PWR and overlaps with the inverter module INV and the power module PWR when viewed in the vertical direction. Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown, the refrigerant circuit module 46 is integrally fixed to the housing 20 .

[0073] Here, the portion where the third refrigerant circuit 40 is formed in the first cover portion 23 is set as a refrigerant manifold 47. A condenser 49 for cooling the third refrigerant Q3 by heat exchange with the coolant Q1 is also mounted on the refrigerant manifold 47 as a functional component constituting the third refrigerant circuit 40 (see Fig.10 ).

[0074] The refrigerant circuit module 46 includes a refrigerant manifold 47 constituting a flow path of the third refrigerant Q3 in the third refrigerant circuit 40, and a control valve V installed on the refrigerant manifold 47. In addition, the refrigerant circuit module 46 only needs to constitute at least a part of the third refrigerant circuit 40 that circulates the third refrigerant Q3, and in addition to the refrigerant manifold 47, the refrigerant circuit module 46 may include a pressure accumulator 41, a condenser 49, and a cooler 52 in addition to the control valve V.

[0075] exist Figure 3 to Figure 6 In the example shown, the refrigerant manifold 47 is provided with a connection portion 48 of a pipe that connects functional components such as the evaporator 44 and the cab condenser 43 that are not integrated with the vehicle drive device 10 to the refrigerant manifold 47. Preferably, the connection portion 48 is formed on the first cover first surface 23a, similarly to the control valve V.

[0076] like Fig.10 As shown, in the third refrigerant circuit 40, there is formed a path (third refrigerant first path 40a) from the condenser 49 via the first valve V1 through the evaporator 44 and reaching the accumulator 41; and a path (third refrigerant second path 40b) from the condenser 49 via the second valve V2 to the accumulator 41, and further via the compressor 42, the cab condenser 43 and returning to the condenser 49 via the third valve V3.

[0077] The evaporator 44 is a functional component that is the core of refrigeration. It obtains heat from the surroundings by vaporizing the third refrigerant Q3 and releases cold air into the vehicle interior. The accumulator 41 separates the liquid from the third refrigerant Q3 that mixes gas and liquid, and supplies only the gas (third refrigerant gas) to the compressor 42. The compressor 42 compresses the third refrigerant gas of relatively low temperature and low pressure and sets it to high temperature and high pressure. The cab condenser 43 is a heat source for heating based on a heat pump method, and releases the heat condensed by the compressor 42 into the vehicle interior. The third refrigerant Q3 flowing out of the cab condenser 43 flows to the condenser 49 via the third valve V3 serving as an expansion valve.

[0078] The compressor 42 , the cabin condenser 43 , and the evaporator 44 are included in a cabin air conditioning unit that adjusts the temperature and air volume during cooling and heating and selects an exhaust port in the vehicle air conditioner.

[0079] In addition, in the present embodiment, the battery heat sink 54 also cools the vehicle-mounted battery B2 by heat exchange with the second refrigerant Q2, and the second refrigerant Q2 whose temperature has risen is cooled by heat exchange with the third refrigerant Q3 in the cooler 52. Therefore, as a path for the third refrigerant Q3 to reach the accumulator 41 from the condenser 49 via the fourth valve V4 and the cooler 52, a third refrigerant third path 40c is formed.

[0080] The second refrigerant Q2 flowing out of the cooler 52 returns to the cooler 52 via the battery heat sink 54 and the second refrigerant pump 53. The second refrigerant circuit 50 is connected to the cooler 52. The cooler 52 performs heat exchange between the second refrigerant Q2 and the third refrigerant Q3. For example, the second refrigerant Q2 whose temperature rises due to heat exchange with the battery heat sink 54 is cooled in the cooler 52. By having a second refrigerant circuit 50 for cooling the vehicle battery B2 and a third refrigerant third path 40c for cooling the second refrigerant Q2 flowing in the second refrigerant circuit 50, it is easy to relax the input and output current restrictions relative to the vehicle battery B2 even in the case of rapid charging, high-speed driving, etc., when the current flowing in the vehicle battery B2 increases and the temperature of the vehicle battery B2 rises. Examples of the "second refrigerant Q2" include antifreeze, water, oil, etc. The cooler 52 corresponds to the "fourth heat exchanger".

[0081] The coolant path 65 is provided with an onboard device 90 that utilizes the heat of the coolant Q1. In the present embodiment, examples of the onboard device 90 include a heat exchanger for a cab heater, a heat exchanger for heating electronic devices such as a low-voltage DC power supply B1 and an onboard battery B2 in cold weather, and the like. In addition, a structure in which the heat of the coolant Q1 is utilized by connecting the cooler 52, the battery heat sink 54, etc. to the coolant path 65, or a structure in which the heat of the coolant Q1 is utilized in the condenser 49 may be employed. In such a case, the condenser 49, the cooler 52, and the battery heat sink 54 function as the onboard device 90 that utilizes the heat of the coolant Q1.

[0082] In the present embodiment, a switching valve V8 is provided in the cooling liquid path 65 for causing the cooling liquid Q1 to flow to either the radiator 67 or the vehicle-mounted device 90. When the cooling liquid Q1 needs to be cooled or the heat of the cooling liquid Q1 does not need to be used in the vehicle-mounted device 90, the cooling liquid Q1 flows to the radiator 67 through the switching valve V8. However, when the cooling liquid Q1 does not need to be cooled or the heat of the cooling liquid Q1 is used by the vehicle-mounted device 90 during cold weather, the cooling liquid Q1 flows to the vehicle-mounted device 90 through the switching valve V8 without passing through the radiator 67.

[0083] The vehicle drive device 10 is provided with an oil path 60 through which the oil OL flows. In the present embodiment, the oil path 60 is an oil path provided in the housing 20. In the vehicle drive device 10, the rotary electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT are often lubricated and cooled by the oil OL, and the vehicle drive device 10 of the present embodiment is also lubricated by the oil OL stored in the second storage chamber E2. For example, the oil OL stored in the oil reservoir formed on the lower side Z2 of the housing 20 is supplied to the lubrication target positions such as the bearings of each gear, the bearings of the rotor shaft 13, the cooling target positions such as the coil end 11b, etc. through the oil pump OP and the lifting of the gears of the power transmission mechanism GT.

[0084] The oil path 60 includes a first storage chamber E1. In addition, the oil path 60 includes a flow path formed in the wall of the housing 20, the rotating shaft of the rotating component, etc., and a flow path formed by a tube arranged in the housing 20. In the example shown in the figure, although the oil OL in the oil path 60 is branched and supplied to the rotating motor MG or the power transmission mechanism GT, it can also be a path where the oil OL supplied to the rotating motor MG is supplied to the power transmission mechanism GT. In addition, it can also be a path where the oil OL supplied to the power transmission mechanism GT is supplied to the rotating motor MG. Examples of "oil OL" include Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), gear oil, etc.

[0085] Fig.11 It is an example of a vehicle body 80 provided in the vehicle 8. Examples of the structure of the vehicle body 80 include a ladder frame structure, a single shell structure that integrally forms a frame member and a vehicle body, etc. In the present embodiment, the vehicle body 80 is a frame that supports various parts of the vehicle 8, but it may also be a single shell vehicle body, a ladder frame, a subframe, etc.

[0086] The vehicle drive device 10 includes a mounting member 70 connected to a frame member 81 constituting a vehicle body 80 in the above-mentioned vehicle-mounted state. The housing 20 is suspended from the frame member 81 via the mounting member 70 in the vehicle-mounted state. In the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 10 includes a pair of mounting members 70. In addition, the pair of mounting members 70 are arranged to be separated from each other in the width direction (axial direction L). Examples of the frame member 81 include left and right members of the vehicle body 80, i.e., beams, a cross beam connecting the left and right beams, a cross beam of a trapezoidal frame, a floor plate portion of a single-shell vehicle body, a cross beam of a floor plate portion, a cross beam on the front side of the vehicle, a cross beam on the rear side of the vehicle, and the like.

[0087] return Figure 6The vehicle drive device 10 includes a mounting bracket 72 connected to the body 80 of the vehicle 8 when mounted on the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 10 includes a pair of mounting brackets 72. The pair of mounting brackets 72 are arranged at positions that do not overlap with the second storage chamber E2 when viewed in the up-down direction when mounted on the vehicle. The mounting bracket 72 is mounted to the second housing portion 22. In the present embodiment, the pair of mounting components 70 include mounting bushings 71 and mounting brackets 72, respectively. In addition, the mounting bracket 72 is fixed to the second housing portion 22.

[0088] In this embodiment, the mounting member 70 includes a mounting bushing 71 disposed between the frame member 81 and the mounting bracket 72. In addition, the pair of mounting brackets 72 are connected to a cross member. Here, the "cross member" is a frame member 81 disposed so as to extend in the width direction (axial direction L) of the vehicle body 80.

[0089] The vehicle drive device 10 includes an auxiliary mounting bracket 74 which is arranged at the lower side Z2 than the pair of mounting brackets 72 in the vehicle mounted state and connected to the vehicle body 80. The auxiliary mounting bracket 74 is mounted on the first housing portion 21. In the present embodiment, the auxiliary mounting bracket 74 is connected to a cross member (frame member 81) which is arranged to extend in the width direction (axial direction L) of the vehicle body 80.

[0090] The vehicle drive device 10 includes an auxiliary mounting member 75 connected to a frame member 81 constituting a vehicle body 80 when mounted on the vehicle. The auxiliary mounting member 75 includes an auxiliary mounting bushing 73 disposed between the frame member 81 and the auxiliary mounting bracket 74. The mounting bushing 71 and the auxiliary mounting bushing 73 absorb, for example, vibration from the vehicle drive device 10 to the vehicle compartment, impact from the road surface to the vehicle drive device 10, and the like.

[0091] One end of the auxiliary mounting bracket 74 is mounted on the first housing portion 21, and the other end is connected to the vehicle body 80. The auxiliary mounting bracket 74 is formed so that a straight line connecting the one end and the other end intersects with a straight line connecting the pair of mounting brackets 72 when viewed in the up-down direction. In the present embodiment, an auxiliary mounting bushing 73 is mounted on the other end of the auxiliary mounting bracket 74. In addition, the auxiliary mounting bracket 74 is formed so that a straight line connecting the one end and the other end is along the front-rear direction H.

[0092] In this embodiment, the auxiliary mounting bracket 74 is mounted so as to be able to swing around a predetermined axis. Figure 7In the example shown, one end of the auxiliary mounting bracket 74 is mounted on the first housing portion 21 by being clamped by the first housing portion 21 and a mounting member 76 mounted on the first housing portion 21 in the vertical direction Z. In addition, one end of the auxiliary mounting bracket 74 is mounted so as to be swingable relative to the first housing portion 21 around an axis X2 along the vertical direction Z. In addition, the mounting member 76 is fixed to the first housing portion 21.

[0093] As described above, in the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 10 comprises: a first housing portion 21 accommodating a rotating electrical machine MG and a power transmission mechanism GT; a second housing portion 22 accommodating at least one of an inverter module INV and a power module PWR; and a mounting bracket 72 connected to a body 80 of the vehicle 8 when the vehicle 8 is mounted, i.e., in the on-vehicle state. In the on-vehicle state, the second housing portion 22 is arranged on the upper side Z1 relative to the first housing portion 21, and the mounting bracket 72 is mounted on the second housing portion 22.

[0094] According to the vehicle drive device 10, the bracket 72 is mounted on the second housing portion 22 disposed on the upper side Z1 relative to the first housing portion 21 in the vehicle mounted state. Therefore, even when the vehicle drive device 10 is mounted and disposed on a portion of the vehicle body 80 on the upper side Z1 relative to the rotary electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT, it is easy to shorten the dimension of the mounting bracket 72 in the vertical direction Z. Therefore, it is easy to ensure the strength of the mounting bracket 72 and to achieve the miniaturization and lightness of the mounting bracket 72. In addition, even when the output component is disposed at a position close to the rotary electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT and there is no sufficient space for the bracket 72 on both sides of the axial direction L of the first housing portion 21, by mounting the mounting bracket 72 on the second housing portion 22, it is easy to ensure a space that can obtain the strength required for the mounting bracket 72.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the second housing portion 22 has a side wall portion (second side wall portion 27) that is formed to surround a storage chamber (second storage chamber E2) that stores the inverter module INV and the power module PWR when viewed in the up and down direction in the vehicle-mounted state and extends in the up and down direction Z. A protrusion 27b is provided on each of a pair of outer surfaces of the side wall portion (second side wall portion 27) that face opposite sides across the storage chamber (second storage chamber E2), and a mounting bracket 72 is installed on each of the pair of protrusions 27b.

[0096] According to the vehicle drive device 10, the mounting bracket 72 can be appropriately mounted on the second housing portion 22. In addition, since the pair of mounting brackets 72 are arranged on opposite sides of each other with the storage chamber (second storage chamber E2) sandwiched therebetween, it is easy to ensure a wide support interval based on the pair of mounting brackets 72. Therefore, it is easy to achieve stable support of the vehicle drive device 10.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 10 includes a pair of mounting brackets 72, and the second housing portion 22 includes: a storage chamber (second storage chamber E2) for storing an inverter module INV and a power module PWR, an opening portion (first opening portion 20a) of the storage chamber (second storage chamber E2) opening toward the upper side Z1, and a cover portion (first cover portion 23) covering the opening portion (first opening portion 20a). When observed in the up and down directions in the vehicle-mounted state, the storage chamber (second storage chamber E2) is arranged at a position overlapping with the rotating electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT accommodated in the first housing portion 21, and the pair of mounting brackets 72 are arranged at a position not overlapping with the storage chamber (second storage chamber E2).

[0098] According to the above-mentioned vehicle drive device 10, the relatively heavy rotating electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT are arranged at a position overlapping with the storage chamber (second storage chamber E2), and the pair of mounting brackets 72 are arranged on the outside that does not overlap with the storage chamber (second storage chamber E2) when viewed in the up-down direction, so it is easy to stably support the vehicle drive device 10 by the pair of mounting brackets 72. In addition, according to this structure, when the cover part (first cover part 23) is removed and the parts are assembled from the opening part (first opening part 20a) into the storage chamber (second storage chamber E2), maintenance work in the storage chamber (second storage chamber E2), etc. is performed, the pair of mounting brackets 72 can be not hindered. Therefore, it is also easy to ensure the operability of the storage chamber (second storage chamber E2) of the vehicle drive device 10.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 10 includes a pair of mounting brackets 72, and also includes an auxiliary mounting bracket 74 which is arranged at a lower side Z2 than the pair of mounting brackets 72 and connected to the vehicle body 80 when mounted on the vehicle. The auxiliary mounting bracket 74 is mounted on the first housing portion 21, and the direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the vehicle 8 when viewed in the up and down direction is set as the width direction (axial direction L). The pair of mounting brackets 72 are mounted on a cross beam (frame component 81) which is arranged in a manner extending along the width direction (axial direction L) of the vehicle body 80.

[0100] According to the above-described vehicle drive device 10 , the vehicle drive device 10 can be supported by the vehicle body 80 at two upper points and at least one lower point, so that the vehicle drive device 10 can be supported stably.

[0101] [Other implementation methods]

[0102] Next, other embodiments of the vehicle drive device 10 will be described.

[0103] (1) In the above-mentioned embodiment, as the power transmission mechanism GT, a structure having a speed reducer 16 and a differential gear mechanism 15 is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the power transmission mechanism GT may be in a form that does not have the speed reducer 16 but only has the differential gear mechanism 15. In addition, for example, the power transmission mechanism GT may be in a structure that does not have the differential gear mechanism 15 but only has the speed reducer 16, and transmits power from one rotating electric machine MG to one wheel. In addition, for example, the speed reducer 16 may not be a planetary gear mechanism with a fixed speed ratio, and the speed reducer 16 may be a speed reduction mechanism with multiple speed ratios. In addition, for example, the power transmission mechanism GT may not be a single-axis structure but may be a structure having multiple axes such as two axes or three axes.

[0104] (2) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the mounting bracket 72 is mounted on the protrusion 27b of the second side wall portion 27 provided on the second housing portion 22 is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the bracket 72 may be mounted on the first cover portion 23 of the second housing portion 22. In addition, the mounting bracket 72 may be mounted on the second housing portion 22 by welding, riveting, brazing, etc. instead of fastening with bolts. In addition, the second housing portion 22 and the mounting bracket 72 may be integrally formed.

[0105] (3) In the above embodiment, the second housing portion 22 is described as an example in which the second housing portion 22 includes the first opening portion 20a that opens toward the upper side Z1, and the first cover portion 23. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the second housing portion 22 may not be open at the upper side Z1, but may be open toward the axial direction L or the front-rear direction H. In addition, the second housing portion 22 may not include the first cover portion 23. In addition, for example, when viewed in the up-down direction in the vehicle-mounted state, the second storage chamber E2 may not be arranged in a position that overlaps with the rotating electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT. In addition, for example, when viewed in the up-down direction, the pair of mounting brackets 72 may be arranged in a position that overlaps with the second storage chamber E2.

[0106] (4) In the above embodiment, the vehicle drive device 10 is provided with a pair of mounting brackets 72, and the pair of mounting brackets 72 are mounted on a cross member (frame member 81) arranged so as to extend in the width direction (axial direction L) of the vehicle body 80. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the mounting bracket 72 may be mounted on a frame member 81 arranged so as to extend in the front-rear direction H of the vehicle body 80. In addition, for example, the vehicle drive device 10 may include only one mounting bracket 72 or may include three or more mounting brackets 72.

[0107] (5) In the above embodiment, the auxiliary mounting bracket 74 is mounted on the cross member (frame member 81) arranged so as to extend in the width direction (axial direction L) of the vehicle body 80. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the auxiliary mounting bracket 74 may be mounted on the frame member 81 arranged so as to extend in the front-rear direction H of the vehicle body 80. In addition, for example, the vehicle drive device 10 may include a plurality of auxiliary mounting brackets 74. In addition, for example, the vehicle drive device 10 may not include the auxiliary mounting bracket 74.

[0108] (6) In the above embodiment, the power module PWR is described as including the converter 31 and the charging power supply circuit 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the power module PWR may not include the converter 31 or the charging power supply circuit 32.

[0109] (7) In the above embodiment, the mounting bracket 72 is fixed to the second housing 22, and the auxiliary mounting bracket 74 is mounted to the first housing 21 in a manner that allows swinging around the axis X2. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the mounting bracket 72 may be mounted to the second housing 22 in a manner that allows swinging around a predetermined axis. In addition, the auxiliary mounting bracket 74 may be fixed to the second housing 22. In addition, the vehicle drive device 10 may not include the mounting bushing 71 or the auxiliary mounting bushing 73.

[0110] (8) In addition, the structure disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiment can be combined with the structure disclosed in other embodiments for application as long as no contradiction occurs. With respect to other structures, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative in all aspects. Therefore, various changes can be appropriately made without departing from the scope of the purpose of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle drive device, characterized in that: have: Rotating electrical machines; An output member drivingly connected to the wheels; a power transmission mechanism for transmitting driving force between the rotating electrical machine and the output member; An inverter module, which is used to drive and control the above-mentioned rotating motor; a power module electrically connected to the vehicle battery and comprising at least one of a voltage conversion circuit for converting the voltage of the vehicle battery, a charging circuit for charging the vehicle battery from an external power source, and a power supply circuit for supplying power from the vehicle battery to the outside; A first housing portion, which accommodates the rotating electrical machine and the power transmission mechanism; a second housing portion, which accommodates at least one of the inverter module and the power module; and The mounting bracket is connected to the body of the vehicle when mounted on the vehicle, i.e., in the vehicle-mounted state. In the vehicle-mounted state, the second housing portion is arranged on the upper side relative to the first housing portion. The mounting bracket is mounted to the second housing portion.

2. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second housing portion includes a side wall portion, which is formed to surround a storage chamber storing the inverter module and the power module and extend in the vertical direction when viewed in the vertical direction in the vehicle-mounted state. A protrusion is provided on each of a pair of outer surfaces of the side wall portion that face opposite sides across the storage chamber. The mounting bracket is mounted on each of the pair of protrusions.

3. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A pair of the above-mentioned mounting brackets is provided, The second housing portion includes: a storage chamber for storing the inverter module and the power module, an opening of the storage chamber opened upward, and a cover portion covering the opening. When viewed from the top and bottom in the above vehicle-mounted state, The storage chamber is arranged at a position overlapping with the rotating electrical machine and the power transmission mechanism stored in the first housing portion. The pair of mounting brackets are arranged at positions not overlapping with the storage chamber.

4. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The invention comprises a pair of the above-mentioned mounting brackets, and further comprises an auxiliary mounting bracket which is arranged below the pair of the above-mentioned mounting brackets and connected to the above-mentioned vehicle body in the above-mentioned vehicle-mounted state. The auxiliary mounting bracket is mounted on the first housing portion. When viewed in the up-down direction, a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the vehicle is defined as a width direction. The pair of mounting brackets are mounted to a cross member arranged to extend in the width direction of the vehicle body.

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