Vehicle drive device

Abstract

The invention provides a vehicle drive device capable of appropriately cooling both a rotating electric machine and an inverter module. A vehicle drive device (1) is provided with a rotating electrical machine (10), a power transmission mechanism (20), an inverter module (40), and a housing (50). A first housing chamber (A1) for housing the rotating electric machine (10) and a second housing chamber (A2) for housing the inverter module (40) are formed in the housing (50). The second water path (66) is connected to a first water path (61) for cooling the inverter module (40). The second water passage (66) is provided in a region facing the lower surface of the rotating electrical machine (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle drive device. Background Art

[0002] There is known a vehicle drive device in which a housing chamber for housing a rotating electrical machine and a housing chamber for housing an inverter module are provided in one housing. An example of such a vehicle drive device is disclosed in International Publication No. 2016 / 051535 (Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the vehicle drive device of Patent Document 1, a second housing chamber (inverter housing chamber 62) housing an inverter module (inverter 10) is arranged above a first housing chamber (motor housing chamber 61) housing a rotating electrical machine (motor 30). Furthermore, the rotating electrical machine is also cooled by cooling water that flows through a water channel provided between the bottom of the second housing chamber and the inverter module to cool the inverter module.

[0004] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2016 / 051535

[0005] However, in the vehicle drive device of Patent Document 1, since the cooling water cools the upper surface and the side surface of the rotating electrical machine via the housing, the oil accumulated inside the housing cannot be cooled, and there is a possibility that the rotating electrical machine cannot be cooled sufficiently. Summary of the invention

[0006] Therefore, it is desired to realize a vehicle drive device capable of appropriately cooling both the rotating electric machine and the inverter module.

[0007] The vehicle drive device involved in the present disclosure comprises: a rotating motor; an output member that is drive-connected to a wheel; a power transmission mechanism that transmits driving force between the rotating motor and the output member; an inverter module that is used to drive and control the rotating motor; and a housing that accommodates the rotating motor, the power transmission mechanism and the inverter module, the housing comprising a first storage chamber for accommodating the rotating motor, a second storage chamber for accommodating the inverter module, and a partition wall that divides the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber, an oil storage portion for storing oil is formed in the lower portion of the first storage chamber, a first water channel for cooling water for cooling the inverter module is provided in the second storage chamber or the partition wall, and a second water channel connected to the first water channel is provided in an area of ​​the housing that is opposite to the lower surface of the rotating motor.

[0008] According to this structure, the inverter module can be properly cooled by the cooling water flowing through the first water channel, and the oil accumulated in the oil reservoir can be cooled by the cooling water flowing from the first water channel to the second water channel, thereby properly cooling the rotating electric machine. Therefore, a vehicle drive device capable of properly cooling both the rotating electric machine and the inverter module can be provided.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the technology related to the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description of illustrative and non-limiting embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the vehicle drive device according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 It is the block diagram of the control system.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle drive device.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the layout of various spaces within a vehicle drive device.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the layout of various spaces within a vehicle drive device.

[0015] Figure 6 This is an axial view of a vehicle drive device.

[0016] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the cooling structure.

[0017] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle drive device according to a second embodiment.

[0018] Fig. 9 It is a schematic diagram of the cooling structure.

[0019] Fig.10 It is a bottom view of the shell.

[0020] Fig.11 This is an axial view of another type of vehicle drive device.

[0021] Description of Reference Numerals

[0022] 1...vehicle drive device; 10...rotating electric machine; 11...stator; 11A...stator core; 11B...stator coil; 12...rotor; 12A...rotor core; 13...rotor shaft; 13A...rotating electric machine output gear; 20...power transmission mechanism; 21...counter shaft gear mechanism; 22...first counter shaft gear; 23...second counter shaft gear; 24...counter shaft; 26...differential gear mechanism; 27...differential input gear; 28...differential main body; 30...output member; 31...first output member; 32...second output member; 40...reverse Inverter module; 41... inverter circuit; 42... rotating electrical machine control unit; 43... driver; 44... connection terminal; 50... housing; 51... first housing portion; 51A... housing body portion; 51b... opening portion; 51C... joint portion; 52... first peripheral wall; 52A... peripheral wall; 52B... partition wall; 53... intermediate wall; 54... opposing wall; 54A... opposing wall; 54b... flat portion; 55... second housing portion; 56... second peripheral wall; 57... communicating wall; 58... partition wall; 58A... box-shaped portion; 59... cover portion; 59A. ..hood; 59B...inverter hood; 59C...waterway hood; 60...cooling water circuit; 61...first waterway; 62...waterway in the module; 63...heat exchange waterway; 64...waterway in the partition wall; 65...connecting waterway; 66...second waterway; 67...waterway in the opposite wall; 70...oil circuit; 71...suction oilway; 72...heat exchange oilway; 73...oilway in the partition wall; 74...first supply oilway; 75...second supply oilway; 80...heat exchanger; 90...vehicle control device; A1...first storage room; A2...second storage room; B.. .On-vehicle battery; C...smoothing capacitor; DS1...first drive shaft; DS2...second drive shaft; H1...first storage space (space for storing the rotating motor); H2...second storage space (space for storing a part of the power transmission mechanism); L...axial direction; L1...axial first side; L2...axial second side; R1...first oil storage section (oil storage section); R2...second oil storage section; S1...rotation sensor; S2...current sensor; W...wheel; W1...first wheel; W2...second wheel; X1...first axis; X2...second axis; X3...third axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] [First embodiment]

[0024] A first embodiment of a vehicle drive device will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle drive device 1 includes a rotary electric machine 10, a power transmission mechanism 20, an output member 30 drivingly coupled to a wheel W, and a housing 50. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the vehicle drive device 1 includes an inverter module 40 for driving and controlling the rotating electrical machine 10. The rotating electrical machine 10, the power transmission mechanism 20, the output member 30, and the inverter module 40 are accommodated in a housing 50. A portion of the output member 30 is exposed outside the housing 50.

[0025] In the present embodiment, the term “rotating electric machine” is used as a concept including any of a motor (electric motor), a generator (generator), and a motor / generator that functions as both a motor and a generator as necessary.

[0026] In addition, "drive connection" refers to a state in which two rotating elements are connected in a manner that can transmit driving force. This concept includes a state in which two rotating elements are connected in a manner that rotates as a whole, or a state in which two rotating elements are connected in a manner that can transmit driving force via one or more transmission components. Such transmission components include various components (shafts, gear mechanisms, belts, chains, etc.) that transmit rotation at the same speed or at a variable speed, and may also include an engagement device (friction engagement device, meshing engagement device, etc.) that selectively transmits rotation and driving force.

[0027] In the present embodiment, the rotating electric machine 10 is arranged on the first axis X1. The power transmission mechanism 20 includes a countershaft gear mechanism 21 and a differential gear mechanism 26, the countershaft gear mechanism 21 is arranged on the second axis X2, and the differential gear mechanism 26 is arranged on the third axis X3. The output member 30 is arranged on the third axis X3. These first axis X1, second axis X2 and third axis X3 are parallel to each other, and in the present embodiment, the direction parallel to them is referred to as the "axial direction L". In addition, one side of the axial direction L (in this example, the side on which the rotating electric machine 10 is arranged relative to the power transmission mechanism 20) is referred to as the "axial first side L1", and the opposite side, that is, the other side of the axial direction L (the side on which the power transmission mechanism 20 is arranged relative to the rotating electric machine 10) is referred to as the "axial second side L2".

[0028] The rotating electric machine 10 includes a stator 11 fixed to a housing 50 as a non-rotating member, and a rotor 12 rotatably supported radially inward of the stator 11. The stator 11 includes a stator core 11A and a stator coil 11B wound around the stator core 11A. The rotor 12 includes a rotor core 12A and a permanent magnet (not shown) fixed to the rotor core 12A.

[0029] The rotor 12 is connected to the rotor shaft 13 in a manner of integral rotation. The rotor shaft 13 is fitted with the radial inner end of the rotor core 12A. The rotor shaft 13 is configured as a hollow shaft extending toward the second axial side L2. A rotary electric machine output gear 13A is formed at the end of the rotor shaft 13 on the second axial side L2. The rotary electric machine output gear 13A meshes with the first countershaft gear 22 of the countershaft gear mechanism 21 constituting the power transmission mechanism 20. In addition, the rotor shaft 13 itself can also be regarded as a member constituting a part of the power transmission mechanism 20.

[0030] The power transmission mechanism 20 transmits driving force between the rotating electrical machine 10 and the output member 30. The power transmission mechanism 20 of the present embodiment includes a counter gear mechanism 21 drivingly coupled to the rotating electrical machine 10 and a differential gear mechanism 26 drivingly coupled to the counter gear mechanism 21.

[0031] The counter gear mechanism 21 includes a first counter gear 22, a second counter gear 23, and a counter shaft 24. The first counter gear 22 meshes with the rotary electric machine output gear 13A. The second counter gear 23 meshes with the differential input gear 27 of the differential gear mechanism 26 constituting the power transmission mechanism 20. The counter shaft 24 connects the first counter gear 22 and the second counter gear 23.

[0032] The differential gear mechanism 26 includes a differential input gear 27 and a differential main body 28. The differential input gear 27 meshes with the second countershaft gear 23. The differential main body 28 includes a pinion gear and a side gear, each of which is a bevel gear, and transmits the rotation input to the differential input gear 27 to a pair of output members 30 (a first output member 31 and a second output member 32). The first output member 31 extends from the differential main body 28 toward the axial first side L1 and is connected to the first wheel W1 via the first drive shaft DS1. The second output member 32 extends from the differential main body 28 toward the axial second side L2 and is connected to the second wheel W2 via the second drive shaft DS2.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the rotating electrical machine 10 is controlled based on a command from a vehicle control device 90 as a higher-level control device. The vehicle drive device 1 includes an inverter module 40 for receiving a command from the vehicle control device 90 and actually driving and controlling the rotating electrical machine 10. The inverter module 40 of this embodiment is modularized by an inverter circuit 41, a rotating electrical machine control unit 42, and a driver 43.

[0034] The inverter circuit 41 is configured to have a plurality of switching elements. The inverter circuit 41 has a plurality of groups (here, three groups) of arms of an AC 1-phase quantity composed of a series circuit of an upper layer side switching element on the DC positive electrode side and a lower layer side switching element on the negative electrode side. In each switching element, a freewheeling diode is provided with the direction from the negative electrode toward the positive electrode (the direction from the lower layer side toward the upper layer side) as the forward direction.

[0035] As switching elements, for example, 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) can be used.

[0036] The rotating motor control unit 42 performs switching control on a plurality of switching elements constituting the inverter circuit 41, so as to convert the DC power supplied from the vehicle-mounted battery B into multi-phase (three-phase in this embodiment) AC power. The rotating motor control unit 42 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 through the stator coil 11B of each of the three phases. The rotational position of the rotor 12 is detected by a rotation sensor S1 such as a rotary transformer or an inductive position sensor. The current flowing through the stator coil 11B is detected by a current sensor S2. In this embodiment, the current sensor S2 is also included in the inverter module 40.

[0037] The driver 43 amplifies the voltage of the switching control signal output from the rotary electric machine control unit 42 , increases the driving force, and supplies the amplified driving force to the inverter circuit 41 .

[0038] In the present embodiment, a smoothing capacitor C for smoothing the voltage on the DC side of the inverter circuit 41 is provided between the vehicle-mounted battery B and the inverter circuit 41. In this example, the smoothing capacitor C is not included in the inverter module 40, but the smoothing capacitor C may be included in the inverter module 40. In addition, a boost converter may be provided, and in this case, the boost converter may also be included in the inverter module 40.

[0039] The inverter module 40 includes a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) connection terminals 44 corresponding to the stator coils 11B of the respective phases. The inverter module 40 is connected to the stator coils 11B of the respective phases via the plurality of connection terminals 44 .

[0040] The housing 50 accommodates the rotating electrical machine 10, the power transmission mechanism 20, a portion of the output member 30, and the inverter module 40. Figure 3 As shown, the housing 50 of the present embodiment includes a first housing portion 51, a second housing portion 55, and a cover portion 59. These are joined in the axial direction L. The first housing portion 51 and the second housing portion 55 are joined in the axial direction L, and the second housing portion 55 and the cover portion 59 are joined in the axial direction L. The second housing portion 55 is joined to the first housing portion 51 from the axial first side L1, and the cover portion 59 is further joined to the second housing portion 55 from the axial first side L1.

[0041] The first housing portion 51 includes a first peripheral wall 52 that surrounds at least the outer periphery of the rotating electrical machine 10, and mainly accommodates the rotating electrical machine 10. In addition, the first peripheral wall 52 is formed so as to also surround the outer periphery of the counter gear mechanism 21 and the differential gear mechanism 26 that constitute the power transmission mechanism 20, and the first housing portion 51 also accommodates the counter gear mechanism 21 and the differential gear mechanism 26. In addition, in the present embodiment, a portion of the rotating electrical machine 10 (a portion on the first axial side L1) is accommodated in the second housing portion 55, and at least a portion of the first accommodation chamber A1 that accommodates the rotating electrical machine 10 is formed inside the first housing portion 51. The counter gear mechanism 21 and the differential gear mechanism 26 are also accommodated in the first accommodation chamber A1.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the first housing chamber A1 is divided into a first housing space H1 for housing the rotating electrical machine 10 and a second housing space H2 for housing a portion of the power transmission mechanism 20 (a portion other than the rotor shaft 13). The first housing portion 51 has an intermediate wall 53 extending radially along the first axis X1 on the second axial side L2 relative to the rotating electrical machine 10. The intermediate wall 53 is formed integrally with the first peripheral wall 52. A through hole is formed in the intermediate wall 53, and the rotor shaft 13 is inserted through the through hole. The first housing chamber A1 is divided into the first housing space H1 and the second housing space H2 by the intermediate wall 53.

[0043] like Figure 3 to Figure 5 As shown, a first oil reservoir R1 for storing oil is formed at the lower portion of the first storage space H1 in the first storage chamber A1. The oil stored in the first oil reservoir R1 mainly cools the stator 11 (especially the stator coil 11B in this case). In this embodiment, the first oil reservoir R1 is equivalent to the "oil reservoir". Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, a second oil reservoir R2 for storing oil is formed at the lower portion of the second storage space H2 in the first storage chamber A1. The oil stored in the second oil reservoir R2 is mainly lifted up by the differential input gear 27 of the differential gear mechanism 26 to cool and lubricate the counter gear mechanism 21 and the differential gear mechanism 26.

[0044] In the present embodiment, the first housing portion 51 has an intermediate wall 53, thereby dividing the first storage chamber A1 into a first storage space H1 and a second storage space H2. As a result, the oil level of the first oil reservoir R1 below the first storage space H1 and the oil level of the second oil reservoir R2 below the second storage space H2 are different from each other.

[0045] In addition, the first case portion 51 has an opposing wall 54 in a region opposing the lower surface of the rotating electrical machine 10 (stator 11). Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the opposing wall 54 is formed as a curved wall portion extending in the axial direction L within a certain circumferential range of the rotating electrical machine 10. In the present embodiment, the opposing wall 54 is formed so that a portion of the first circumferential wall 52 is thicker than other portions. The opposing wall 54 and the stator 11 are in close contact in the radial direction.

[0046] The opposing wall 54 is formed with an opposing wall inner water channel 67. In the present embodiment, a plurality of (two in this example) opposing wall inner water channels 67 are formed to be arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotating electrical machine 10. The opposing wall inner water channel 67 is formed to extend in the axial direction L within a certain circumferential range of the rotating electrical machine 10. Such an opposing wall inner water channel 67 can be formed by a casting hole when the housing 50 is formed by casting.

[0047] The second housing portion 55 is joined to the side surface of the first housing portion 51 on the axial first side L1. The second housing portion 55 includes a second peripheral wall 56 that surrounds at least the outer periphery of the inverter module 40, and mainly accommodates the inverter module 40. The second peripheral wall 56 is formed so as to also surround the outer periphery of the smoothing capacitor C, and the second housing portion 55 also accommodates the smoothing capacitor C. In addition, in the present embodiment, the second peripheral wall 56 is formed so as to surround the outer periphery of a portion of the rotating electric machine 10 (specifically, a portion of the stator coil 11B that protrudes from the stator core 11A toward the axial first side L1), and the second housing portion 55 also accommodates a portion of the rotating electric machine 10.

[0048] In this way, a part of the first storage chamber A1 and a second storage chamber A2 for storing the inverter module 40 are formed inside the second housing portion 55. The second housing portion 55 has a partition wall 58 extending radially along the first axis X1 on the first axial side L1 relative to the rotating electrical machine 10. The partition wall 58 is formed integrally with the second peripheral wall 56. The interior of the second housing portion 55 is divided into the first storage chamber A1 and the second storage chamber A2 by the partition wall 58.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the connection terminal 44 in the inverter module 40 connected to the rotating electric machine 10 is configured to pass through the partition wall 58. The connection terminal 44 passes through the partition wall 58, and is thereby configured to span the first storage chamber A1 and the second storage chamber A2, so that the first storage chamber A1 and the second storage chamber A2 are directly connected in the axial direction L. Therefore, the inverter module 40 can be electrically connected to the rotating electric machine 10 in a path close to the shortest. The plurality of connection terminals 44 are configured to be arranged along the partition wall 58. In addition, in the present embodiment, a plurality of wiring harnesses (such as rotary transformer wiring, control wiring and power wiring of the electric oil pump, and thermistor wiring for coil temperature detection, etc.) are also configured to pass through the partition wall 58.

[0050] In addition, the second housing portion 55 has a connecting wall 57 connecting the partition wall 58 and the opposing wall 54 of the first housing portion 51. The connecting wall 57 is formed as a curved wall portion extending in the axial direction L within a certain circumferential range of the rotating electrical machine 10, similarly to the opposing wall 54. When the first housing portion 51 and the second housing portion 55 are joined, the connecting wall 57 and the opposing wall 54 are seamlessly integrated in the axial direction L. The above-mentioned opposing wall internal water channel 67 is also formed in the connecting wall 57, and is continuous throughout the connecting wall 57 and the opposing wall 54.

[0051] The cover portion 59 is joined to the side surface of the axial first side L1 of the second housing portion 55. The cover portion 59 of this embodiment is formed into a flat plate extending substantially in the radial direction. The second storage chamber A2 is formed by a space surrounded by the cover portion 59, the second peripheral wall 56 of the second housing portion 55, and the partition wall 58 of the second housing portion 55.

[0052] Next, a cooling mechanism for cooling the rotating electrical machine 10 and the inverter module 40 will be described. Figure 7 As shown, the cooling mechanism of the rotating electrical machine 10 and the inverter module 40 of the present embodiment includes a cooling water circuit 60 for circulating cooling water, an oil circuit 70 for circulating oil, and a heat exchanger 80 for performing heat exchange between the cooling water and the oil.

[0053] The cooling water circuit 60 is supplied with cooling water discharged from a water pump (not shown) through an external hose (not shown). The cooling water circuit 60 of the present embodiment includes a first water passage 61 mainly used to cool the inverter module 40 and a second water passage 66 mainly used to cool the rotating electrical machine 10. The first water passage 61 is connected to the downstream side of the water pump and the external hose, and the second water passage 66 is connected to the downstream side of the first water passage 61.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first water channel 61 is provided in the second storage chamber A2 and the partition wall 58. The first water channel 61 of this embodiment includes an intra-module water channel 62, a heat exchange water channel 63, and an intra-partition wall water channel 64. The heat exchange water channel 63 is connected to the downstream side of the intra-module water channel 62, and the intra-partition wall water channel 64 is connected to the downstream side of the heat exchange water channel 63.

[0055] The module-internal water path 62 is a water path formed in the inverter module 40 disposed in the second storage chamber A2. The module-internal water path 62 is formed in the inverter module 40 so that cooling water flows, for example, along a radiator that is thermally connected to a plurality of switching elements constituting the inverter circuit 41. Thus, the switching elements that generate relatively large amounts of heat when the vehicle is running can be well cooled.

[0056] The heat exchange water path 63 is a water path formed in the heat exchanger 80 disposed in the second storage chamber A2. The heat exchange water path 63 is disposed in parallel with the heat exchange oil path 72 constituting the oil circuit 70 in the heat exchanger 80. In the present embodiment, the cooling water flowing through the heat exchange water path 63 cools the oil flowing through the heat exchange oil path 72 by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 80.

[0057] The partition wall water channel 64 is a water channel formed in the partition wall 58. The partition wall water channel 64 is formed in a region below the partition wall 58. The partition wall water channel 64 extends from the outlet of the cooling water in the heat exchanger 80 to the vicinity of the communication wall 57.

[0058] The second water passage 66 is provided in a region of the first housing portion 51 and the second housing portion 55 that is opposite to the lower surface of the rotating electrical machine 10. The second water passage 66 is provided in a region that is opposite to the surface of the stator 11 that faces downward (i.e., the surface of the outer peripheral surface of the stator 11 that is lower than the first axis X1). In addition, "upper" and "lower" are upper and lower when the vehicle drive device 1 is mounted on the vehicle.

[0059] The second water passage 66 of the present embodiment includes an opposing wall inner water passage 67. The opposing wall inner water passage 67 is connected to the downstream side of the partition wall inner water passage 64. The opposing wall inner water passage 67 is formed to extend along the axial direction L over the communicating wall 57 of the second housing portion 55 and the opposing wall 54 of the first housing portion 51. The oil stored in the first oil storage portion R1 can be cooled by the cooling water flowing through the opposing wall inner water passage 67, and the stator core 11A can be cooled by the cooled oil.

[0060] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the opposing wall 54 in which the opposing wall inner water channel 67 is formed is in contact with the stator core 11A, the stator core 11A can also be directly cooled by the opposing wall 54 cooled by the cooling water.

[0061] The oil circuit 70 is arranged in the housing 50. In the present embodiment, the oil circuit 70 is mainly arranged in the second housing portion 55. The oil circuit 70 includes an intake oil circuit 71, a heat exchange oil circuit 72, an oil circuit in a partition wall 73, a first oil supply circuit 74, and a second oil supply circuit 75. An oil pump (specifically, an electric oil pump) not shown in the figure is connected to the downstream side of the intake oil circuit 71, and the heat exchange oil circuit 72 is connected to the downstream side of the oil pump. In addition, the oil circuit in a partition wall 73 is connected to the downstream side of the heat exchange oil circuit 72, and the first oil supply circuit 74 and the second oil supply circuit 75 are connected to the downstream side of the oil circuit in a partition wall 73 in parallel.

[0062] The suction oil passage 71 is formed to communicate with the first oil reservoir R1 formed at the lower portion of the first storage space H1 in the first storage chamber A1. The oil stored in the first oil reservoir R1 is sucked into the oil pump through the suction oil passage 71.

[0063] The heat exchange oil path 72 is an oil path formed in the heat exchanger 80 disposed in the second storage chamber A2. The heat exchange oil path 72 is disposed in parallel with the heat exchange water path 63 constituting the cooling water circuit 60 in the heat exchanger 80. In the present embodiment, the oil flowing through the heat exchange oil path 72 is cooled in the heat exchanger 80 by heat exchange with the cooling water flowing through the heat exchange water path 63.

[0064] The partition wall internal oil passage 73 is an oil passage formed in the partition wall 58. The partition wall internal oil passage 73 is formed in a region from the vicinity of the central portion to the upper side of the partition wall 58. The partition wall internal oil passage 73 extends from the oil outlet in the heat exchanger 80 to the vicinity of the second peripheral wall 56. The partition wall internal oil passage 73 is formed at a position in the circumferential direction different from the partition wall internal water passage 64 also formed in the partition wall 58.

[0065] The first oil supply passage 74 is formed inside the rotor shaft 13 and inside the rotor 12 (rotor core 12A) from the vicinity of the center of the partition wall 58 of the partition wall inner oil passage 73. The oil flowing through the first oil supply passage 74 cools the rotor core 12A and the permanent magnets, and further falls from the radially inner side to the portion (coil end) of the stator coil 11B protruding from the stator core 11A in the axial direction L to cool the portion.

[0066] The second oil supply passage 75 extends from the vicinity of the upper end of the partition wall 58 of the intra-wall oil passage 73 in the axial direction L. The oil flowing through the second oil supply passage 75 cools the stator core 11A while flowing down along the outer surface of the stator 11 (stator core 11A).

[0067] The oil passing through the first and second oil supply passages 74 and 75 and cooling the rotary electric machine 10 is collected again and stored in the first oil reservoir R1 formed at the lower portion of the first housing space H1 . The oil is sucked into the oil pump through the suction oil passage 71 and circulates in the oil circuit 70 .

[0068] The heat exchanger 80 performs heat exchange between the cooling water flowing through the cooling water circuit 60 (heat exchange water path 63) and the oil flowing through the oil circuit 70 (heat exchange oil path 72). In addition, the heat exchanger 80 of this embodiment is also a so-called oil cooler, which cools the oil flowing through the oil circuit 70 by heat exchange with an external refrigerant (such as coolant, external air, etc.). The heat exchanger 80 is arranged in the second storage chamber A2. The heat exchanger 80 is arranged in the lower part of the second storage chamber A2 in a state of contacting the partition wall 58.

[0069] In the present embodiment, since the rotating electrical machine 10 can be cooled satisfactorily by combining water cooling and oil cooling, low-grade components can be used as the stator coil 11B and the permanent magnets, thereby achieving cost reduction.

[0070] In addition, since the inverter module 40 is disposed adjacent to the rotating electrical machine 10 in the axial direction L, the vehicle drive device 1 does not increase in size in the vertical direction, and the degree of freedom in arranging the external hose to the cooling water circuit 60 can be increased. In addition, a plurality of connection terminals 44 can be provided to penetrate the partition wall 58, and the connection between the inverter module 40 and the rotating electrical machine 10 can be shortened.

[0071] Furthermore, since the heat exchanger 80 is built in the second housing chamber A2, an intermediate hose required in an external structure is not required, and the cooling water circuit 60 and the oil circuit 70 can be simplified.

[0072] Thus, the vehicle drive device 1 of the first embodiment includes: a rotating electric machine 10; an output member 30, which is drivingly connected to the wheel W; a power transmission mechanism 20, which transmits driving force between the rotating electric machine 10 and the output member 30; an inverter module 40, which is used to drive and control the rotating electric machine 10; and a housing 50, which accommodates the rotating electric machine 10, the power transmission mechanism 20 and the inverter module 40, and the housing 50 includes a first housing portion 51 that forms at least a part of the first housing chamber A1 for accommodating the rotating electric machine 10, and a side surface of the first housing portion 51. The second shell portion 55 forms at least a part of a second storage chamber A2 for storing the inverter module 40, and has a dividing wall 58 for dividing the first storage chamber A1 and the second storage chamber A2. A first oil storage portion R1 for storing oil is formed in the lower part of the first storage chamber A1. A first water channel 61 for cooling water for cooling the inverter module 40 is provided in the second storage chamber A2 or the dividing wall 58. A second water channel 66 connected to the first water channel 61 is provided in an area of ​​the first shell portion 51 opposite to the lower surface of the rotating motor 10.

[0073] According to this structure, since the second housing portion 55 forming at least a part of the second storage chamber A2 is joined to the side surface of the first housing portion 51, it is possible to achieve miniaturization of the vehicle drive device 1 in the vertical direction. In addition, the inverter module 40 can be appropriately cooled by the cooling water flowing through the first water path 61, and the oil accumulated in the first oil reservoir R1 can be cooled by the cooling water flowing from the first water path 61 to the second water path 66, thereby appropriately cooling the rotating electrical machine 10. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle drive device 1 that can achieve miniaturization in the vertical direction and appropriately cool the rotating electrical machine 10 and the inverter module 40.

[0074] As one embodiment, it is preferable that an oil circuit 70 for circulating oil is provided in the housing 50, and a heat exchanger 80 for performing heat exchange between cooling water and oil is disposed in the second housing chamber A2.

[0075] According to this structure, compared with a structure in which the heat exchanger 80 is arranged outside the housing 50, since external piping connecting the housing 50 and the heat exchanger 80 is not required, the flow paths of the cooling water and the oil can be simplified.

[0076] As one embodiment, it is preferable that an intermediate wall 53 is provided in the first housing chamber A1 , and the intermediate wall 53 partitions a first housing space H1 for housing the rotating electrical machine 10 and a second housing space H2 for housing a part of the power transmission mechanism 20 .

[0077] According to this structure, the oil is retained in the lower part of the first housing space H1 for housing the rotating electric machine 10 by the intermediate wall 53, and the oil can be effectively cooled by the cooling water flowing through the second water path 66, thereby effectively cooling the rotating electric machine 10. In addition, the first housing space H1 for housing the rotating electric machine 10 and the second housing space H2 for housing a part of the power transmission mechanism 20 can each be individually set to an appropriate oil level.

[0078] As one aspect, it is preferable that the plurality of connection terminals 44 connected to the rotating electrical machine 10 in the inverter module 40 are arranged in a row along the partition wall 58 .

[0079] According to this structure, it is possible to shorten the electrical connection components for electrically connecting the inverter module 40 and the rotating electrical machine 10 .

[0080] [Second embodiment]

[0081] A second embodiment of a vehicle drive device is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The vehicle drive device 1 of this embodiment is different from the first embodiment mainly in the specific structure of the housing 50 and the configuration structure of the inverter module 40. Hereinafter, the vehicle drive device 1 of this embodiment will be mainly described with respect to the differences from the first embodiment. In addition, for the points not particularly described, the same reference numerals are marked as in the first embodiment and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0082] In this embodiment, if Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the housing 50 that accommodates the rotating electrical machine 10, the power transmission mechanism 20, a part of the output member 30, and the inverter module 40 includes a housing body 51A and a cover 59A. The housing 50 of the first embodiment includes a first housing portion 51, a second housing portion 55, and a cover 59. In contrast, the housing 50 of the present embodiment, except for the cover 59A, is composed of an integrated housing body 51A. The housing body 51A and the cover 59A are joined in the axial direction L.

[0083] The housing body 51A includes a peripheral wall 52A that surrounds at least the outer periphery of the rotating electrical machine 10, and accommodates the rotating electrical machine 10. The housing body 51A includes a first accommodation chamber A1 inside the peripheral wall 52A. The peripheral wall 52A is formed to also surround the outer periphery of the counter gear mechanism 21 and the differential gear mechanism 26 that constitute the power transmission mechanism 20, and the housing body 51A also accommodates the counter gear mechanism 21 and the differential gear mechanism 26. The counter gear mechanism 21 and the differential gear mechanism 26 are also accommodated in the first accommodation chamber A1.

[0084] The housing body 51A has an opening 51b that opens in the axial direction L (specifically, the axial first side L1). The cover 59A is joined to the housing body 51A in a manner that covers the opening 51b of the housing body 51A. The cover 59A is joined to the housing body 51A from the axial first side L1. A joint 51C (joint surface; see Figure 8 ) is formed roughly in an annular shape that is one size larger than the outer shape of the rotating electrical machine 10. In addition, although not shown in the figure, another cover portion is also joined to the housing body portion 51A from the second axial side L2.

[0085] The shell body 51A has a box-shaped portion 58A opened upward at a position adjacent to the surrounding wall 52A on the upper side. The box-shaped portion 58A is formed into a box shape having a bottom portion and a side wall portion surrounding it. The inverter module 40 is stored inside the box-shaped portion 58A. The shell body 51A has a second storage chamber A2 inside the box-shaped portion 58A. The second storage chamber A2 is arranged adjacent to the surrounding wall 52A of the shell body 51A above. A portion of the surrounding wall 52A (the portion on the upper side) also serves as a dividing wall 52B that divides the first storage chamber A1 and the second storage chamber A2.

[0086] Furthermore, the upper opening of the box-shaped portion 58A is covered by an inverter cover 59B joined to the box-shaped portion 58A from above.

[0087] In this embodiment, if Figure 8 As shown, the connection terminal 44 of the inverter module 40 is arranged in the case 50 in a state of penetrating the case main body portion 51A (the box-shaped portion 58A in the example shown in the figure).

[0088] The vehicle drive device 1 of the present embodiment also includes a cooling mechanism for the rotating electrical machine 10 and the inverter module 40. Fig. 9 As shown, the cooling mechanism includes a cooling water circuit 60 for circulating cooling water, an oil circuit 70 for circulating oil, and a heat exchanger 80 for performing heat exchange between the cooling water and the oil.

[0089] The cooling water circuit 60 includes a first water passage 61 mainly for cooling the inverter module 40 , a second water passage 66 mainly for cooling the rotating electrical machine 10 , and a communication water passage 65 connecting the first water passage 61 and the second water passage 66 .

[0090] The first water passage 61 is formed to pass through the second housing chamber A2 disposed above the rotating electrical machine 10. The first water passage 61 is formed, for example, in the inverter module 40 so that cooling water flows along a radiator thermally connected to a plurality of switching elements constituting the inverter circuit 41. The switching elements included in the inverter module 40 can be well cooled by the cooling water flowing through the first water passage 61. The first water passage 61 passes through the bottom surface of the box-shaped portion 58A and communicates with the lower portion of the box-shaped portion 58A.

[0091] The communication water passage 65 is connected to the downstream side of the first water passage 61. In the present embodiment, the heat exchanger 80 is disposed in a longitudinal position below the box-shaped portion 58A and to the side of the peripheral wall 52A. The communication water passage 65 is formed to pass through the inside of the heat exchanger 80, and the cooling water flowing through the communication water passage 65 cools the oil flowing through the heat exchange oil passage 72 by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 80. In addition, the communication water passage 65 extends downward from the lower portion of the heat exchanger 80 toward the lower portion of the housing body portion 51A.

[0092] The portion of the communicating water channel 65 that is on the upstream side of the heat exchanger 80 extends in a manner that moves away from the axis of the rotating electrical machine 10 in the width direction (direction orthogonal to the axial direction L) as it moves downward. The portion of the communicating water channel 65 that passes through the interior of the heat exchanger 80 extends downward. The portion of the communicating water channel 65 that is on the downstream side of the heat exchanger 80 extends in a manner that moves closer to the axis of the rotating electrical machine 10 in the width direction as it moves downward. In this way, the communicating water channel 65 is provided along the peripheral wall 52A on the side of the peripheral wall 52A. In addition, the communicating water channel 65 does not need to be closely along the peripheral wall 52A, and it only needs to be provided roughly along the peripheral wall 52A.

[0093] The second water channel 66 is connected to the downstream side of the communication water channel 65. The second water channel 66 is provided in a region of the housing body 51A that is opposite to the lower surface of the rotating electrical machine 10. The second water channel 66 is provided in a region that is opposite to the surface of the stator 11 that faces downward (i.e., the surface of the outer peripheral surface of the stator 11 that is lower than the first axis X1), i.e., the opposing wall 54A. The oil stored in the first oil storage portion R1 can be cooled by the cooling water flowing through the second water channel 66, and the rotating electrical machine 10 (stator core 11A) can be cooled by the cooled oil. In addition, the stator core 11A is in contact with the opposing wall 54A formed with the second water channel 66, and the stator core 11A can also be directly cooled by the opposing wall 54A cooled by the cooling water.

[0094] In the present embodiment, the second water channel 66 is provided between the opposing wall 54A and the water channel cover 59C connected thereto. Fig.10 As shown, in the case where the opposing wall 54A has a flat portion 54b, a groove may be formed in the flat portion 54b to form a second water channel 66 between the opposing wall 54A and the water channel cover 59C. In addition, the flat portion 54b functions as a butt joint with the water channel cover 59C. In this case, the entire water channel cover 59C may be formed flat, or a groove of the same shape may be formed on one side of the water channel cover 59C, and the second water channel 66 is formed to straddle the opposing wall 54A and the water channel cover 59C.

[0095] Such a structure can form the second water channel 66 by cutting, for example, and is therefore suitable for forming the second water channel 66 of a relatively complex shape. Fig.10 In the example of , the second water channel 66 (groove) is formed into a labyrinth shape by combining a plurality of branch portions and a plurality of winding portions. In this way, the flow rate of the cooling water flowing through the second water channel 66 can be increased. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the oil accumulated in the first oil reservoir R1 can be improved, and the cooling efficiency of the rotating electrical machine 10 can be improved.

[0096] like Figure 8As shown, when viewed along the axial direction L, the second water channel 66 is provided in an area overlapping with the joint 51C of the housing body 51A and the cover 59A. When viewed along the axial direction L, the second water channel 66 is provided in an area overlapping with a portion of the joint 51C located below the rotating electrical machine 10. In the present embodiment, the second water channel 66 is arranged above the lower end of the joint 51C of the housing body 51A and the cover 59A. Therefore, it is possible to avoid enlarging the size of the vehicle drive device 1 in the up-and-down direction (especially, enlarging the size downward), while appropriately cooling both the rotating electrical machine 10 and the inverter module 40.

[0097] Thus, the vehicle drive device 1 of the second embodiment includes: a rotating electric machine 10; an output member 30, which is drivingly connected to the wheel W; a power transmission mechanism 20, which transmits driving force between the rotating electric machine 10 and the output member 30; an inverter module 40, which is used to drive and control the rotating electric machine 10; and a housing 50, which accommodates the rotating electric machine 10, the power transmission mechanism 20 and the inverter module 40, the housing 50 includes a first storage chamber A1 for accommodating the rotating electric machine 10, a second storage chamber A2 for accommodating the inverter module 40, and a partition wall 52B that divides the first storage chamber A1 and the second storage chamber A2, a first oil storage portion R1 for storing oil is formed at the lower part of the first storage chamber A1, a first water path 61 for cooling water for cooling the inverter module 40 is provided in the second storage chamber A2, and a second water path 66 connected to the first water path 61 is provided in an area of ​​the housing 50 opposite to the lower surface of the rotating electric machine 10.

[0098] According to this structure, the inverter module 40 can be appropriately cooled by the cooling water flowing through the first water path 61, and the oil accumulated in the first oil reservoir R1 can be cooled by the cooling water flowing from the first water path 61 to the second water path 66, thereby appropriately cooling the rotating electric machine 10. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle drive device 1 that can appropriately cool both the rotating electric machine 10 and the inverter module 40.

[0099] As one embodiment, the shell 50 preferably comprises: a shell body 51A, which forms at least a portion of the first storage chamber A1 and comprises an opening 51b opening in the axial direction L; and a cover 59A, which is joined to the shell body 51A in a manner covering the opening 51b, and the second water channel 66 is arranged on the upper side than the lower end of the joint 51C between the shell body 51A and the cover 59A.

[0100] According to this configuration, it is easy to suppress an increase in the size of the vehicle drive device 1 in the vertical direction due to the provision of the second water channel 66 .

[0101] As one embodiment, the second storage chamber A2 is preferably arranged adjacent to a peripheral wall 52A of the case body 51A forming at least a portion of the first storage chamber A1, and a communication water channel 65 connecting the first water channel 61 and the second water channel 66 is provided along the peripheral wall 52A.

[0102] According to this configuration, the cooling water that cools the inverter module 40 while flowing through the first water passage 61 can be guided to the second water passage 66 via an appropriate path. Therefore, the oil stored in the first oil reservoir R1 and the rotary electric machine 10 can be appropriately cooled while avoiding an increase in the size of the vehicle drive device 1.

[0103] As one aspect, the second water channel 66 is preferably formed in a maze shape.

[0104] According to this configuration, the flow rate of the cooling water flowing through the second water passage 66 can be increased, the cooling efficiency of the oil stored in the first oil reservoir R1 can be improved, and the cooling efficiency of the rotating electric machine 10 can be improved.

[0105] [Other implementation methods]

[0106] (1) In the above-mentioned embodiments, the structure in which the facing wall 54 and the stator 11 are in close contact in the radial direction is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and a radial gap may exist between the facing wall 54 and the stator 11 .

[0107] (2) In the first embodiment described above, the second water passage 66 (the water passage in the opposing wall 67) is formed to span the connecting wall 57 of the second housing portion 55 and the opposing wall 54 of the first housing portion 51. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and the second water passage 66 may be formed only in one of the first housing portion 51 and the second housing portion 55. In this case, in a state belonging to either the first housing portion 51 or the second housing portion 55, the portion corresponding to the opposing wall 54 and the portion corresponding to the connecting wall 57 are integrally formed, and the second water passage 66 may be formed inside them.

[0108] In this manner, the second water channel connected to the first water channel is provided in a region of at least one of the first casing portion and the second casing portion that faces the lower surface of the rotating electrical machine.

[0109] (3) In the first embodiment, the first housing portion 51 and the second housing portion 55 together form the first storage chamber A1. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the first storage chamber A1 may be formed by only the first housing portion 51.

[0110] (4) In the first embodiment, the second storage chamber A2 is formed by only the second housing portion 55. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. For example, the second storage chamber A2 may be formed by the second housing portion 55 and a bowl-shaped third housing portion used instead of the cover portion 59.

[0111] (5) In the above-mentioned embodiments, the first housing portion 51 or the housing body portion 51A has an intermediate wall 53 that divides the first housing space H1 for housing the rotating electrical machine 10 and the second housing space H2 for housing a part of the power transmission mechanism 20. Such an intermediate wall 53 may completely divide the first housing space H1 and the second housing space H2, or may not completely divide the first housing space H1 and the second housing space H2 to such an extent that the oil in the first housing chamber A1 can be disconnected. In addition, the first housing portion 51 or the housing body portion 51A may not have the intermediate wall 53, and the rotating electrical machine 10 and the power transmission mechanism 20 may be housed in an integrated space.

[0112] (6) In the first embodiment described above, the connection terminal 44 of the inverter module 40 is arranged in the housing 50 in a state of penetrating the partition wall 58. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and for example, the connection terminal 44 may be arranged to penetrate the second peripheral wall 56 and be exposed to the outside of the housing 50. In addition, in the structure of the second embodiment, the connection terminal 44 of the inverter module 40 may be arranged in the housing 50 in a state of penetrating the portion of the peripheral wall 52A that also serves as the partition wall 52B.

[0113] (7) In the above-mentioned embodiments, the structure in which the portion for cooling the plurality of switching elements constituting the inverter circuit 41 is formed in the inverter module 40 is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and for example, the portion for cooling the switching elements may be formed in the partition wall 58 or the portion of the peripheral wall 52A that also serves as the partition wall 52B.

[0114] (8) In the first embodiment described above, the structure in which the heat exchanger 80 is arranged in the second storage chamber A2 is described as an example. However, it is not limited to such a structure. For example, the heat exchanger 80 may be formed in the partition wall 58. That is, the heat exchange water path 63 and the heat exchange oil path 72 may be formed in the interior of the partition wall 58 in a manner that flows opposite to each other, so that this part functions as the heat exchanger 80. In addition, in the structure of the second embodiment, the heat exchanger 80 may also be formed in the portion of the peripheral wall 52A that also serves as the partition wall 52B.

[0115] In this way, it is preferable that the heat exchanger 80 for performing heat exchange between the cooling water and the oil is disposed in the second storage chamber A2, or is formed on the partition wall 58 or the partition wall 52B.

[0116] (9) In the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 80 is arranged in the housing 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure, and the heat exchanger 80 may be arranged in a state of being exposed outside the housing 50.

[0117] (10) In the above embodiments, the cooling water flows through the first water channel 61 and then flows into the second water channel 66. However, the present invention is not limited to this structure, and the cooling water may flow through the second water channel 66 and then flow into the first water channel 61.

[0118] (11) In the first embodiment, the first housing portion 51 and the second housing portion 55 are integrally formed. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and at least one of the first housing portion 51 and the second housing portion 55 may be formed by combining a plurality of components.

[0119] (12) In the first embodiment described above, the structure in which the second housing portion 55 is joined to the side surface of the first housing portion 51 in the axial direction L is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and for example, the second housing portion 55 may be joined to the side surface of the first housing portion 51 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction L (more specifically, in a direction orthogonal to both the axial direction L and the vertical direction).

[0120] (13) In the second embodiment described above, the second storage chamber A2 is described as an example in which the second storage chamber A2 is disposed adjacent to the peripheral wall 52A of the housing body 51A. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure. Fig.11 As shown, the second storage chamber A2 may be arranged adjacent to the circumferential wall 52A of the housing body 51A laterally.

[0121] (14) In the above-mentioned embodiments, the power transmission mechanism 20 includes the countershaft gear mechanism 21 and the differential gear mechanism 26. However, it is not limited to such a structure, and the power transmission mechanism 20 may also be configured to include a speed reducer, a multi-stage transmission, and a continuously variable transmission. In this case, the vehicle drive device 1 is not limited to the three-axis structure as in the present embodiment, but may be a single-axis structure, a two-axis structure, or a structure with four or more axes.

[0122] (15) The structures disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments (including the above-mentioned embodiments and other embodiments; the same applies to the following) may also be combined and applied with the structures disclosed in other embodiments as long as no contradiction occurs. With regard to other structures, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative in all respects and can be appropriately changed within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0123] [Summary of implementation methods]

[0124] In summary, the vehicle drive device according to the present disclosure preferably includes the following structures.

[0125] A vehicle drive device (1) comprises: a rotating electric machine (10); an output member (30) drivingly connected to a wheel (W); a power transmission mechanism (20) transmitting a driving force between the rotating electric machine (10) and the output member (30); an inverter module (40) for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine (10); and a housing (50) accommodating the rotating electric machine (10), the power transmission mechanism (20) and the inverter module (40), wherein the housing (50) comprises a first housing chamber (A1) for accommodating the rotating electric machine (10), and a second housing chamber (A2) for accommodating the inverter module (40). A second storage chamber (A2) of the module (40), and a dividing wall (58, 52B) dividing the first storage chamber (A1) and the second storage chamber (A2), an oil storage portion (R1) for storing oil is formed at the lower portion of the first storage chamber (A1), a first water path (61) for cooling water for cooling the inverter module (40) is provided in the second storage chamber (A2) or the dividing wall (58, 52B), and a second water path (66) connected to the first water path (61) is provided in an area of ​​the housing (50) opposite to the lower surface of the rotating motor (10).

[0126] According to this structure, the inverter module (40) can be appropriately cooled by the cooling water flowing through the first water path (61), and the oil accumulated in the oil reservoir (R1) can be cooled by the cooling water flowing from the first water path (61) to the second water path (66), thereby appropriately cooling the rotating electrical machine (10). Therefore, a vehicle drive device (1) capable of appropriately cooling both the rotating electrical machine (10) and the inverter module (40) can be provided.

[0127] As a method, it is preferred that: the direction along the axis of the above-mentioned rotating motor (10) is set as the axial direction (L), the above-mentioned housing (50) comprises: a housing body (51A), which forms at least a part of the above-mentioned first storage chamber (A1) and has an opening portion (51b) opening toward the above-mentioned axial direction (L); and a cover portion (59A), which is joined to the above-mentioned housing body (51A) in a manner covering the above-mentioned opening portion (51b), and the above-mentioned second water channel (66) is arranged on the upper side than the lower end of the joint (51C) of the above-mentioned housing body (51A) and the above-mentioned cover portion (59A).

[0128] According to this structure, it is easy to suppress the increase in size of the vehicle drive device (1) in the vertical direction due to the provision of the second water channel (66).

[0129] As a method, it is preferred that: the second storage chamber (A2) is arranged adjacent to the peripheral wall (52A) of the shell body (51A) forming at least a part of the first storage chamber (A1), and a connecting water path (55) connecting the first water path (61) and the second water path (66) is provided along the peripheral wall (52A).

[0130] According to this structure, the cooling water that cools the inverter module (40) when flowing through the first water path (61) can be guided to the second water path (66) via a reasonable path. Therefore, the vehicle drive device (1) can be prevented from being enlarged, and the oil accumulated in the oil storage portion (R1) and the rotating electric machine (10) can be appropriately cooled.

[0131] As one embodiment, the second water channel (66) is preferably formed in a maze shape.

[0132] According to this structure, the flow rate of the cooling water flowing through the second water path (66) can be increased, the cooling efficiency of the oil stored in the oil storage portion (R1) can be improved, and the cooling efficiency of the rotating electric machine (10) can be improved.

[0133] As a mode, the above-mentioned shell (50) preferably comprises: a first shell portion (51), forming at least a portion of the above-mentioned first storage chamber (A1); and a second shell portion (55), forming at least a portion of the above-mentioned second storage chamber (A2) and comprising the above-mentioned dividing wall (58), and the second shell portion (55) is joined to the side of the above-mentioned first shell portion (51).

[0134] According to this structure, since the second housing portion (55) forming at least a part of the second storage chamber (A2) is joined to the side surface of the first housing portion (51), the vehicle drive device (1) can be miniaturized in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle drive device (1) that can be miniaturized in the vertical direction and appropriately cool the rotating electric machine (10) and the inverter module (40).

[0135] As a method, it is preferred that an oil circuit (70) for circulating the oil is provided in the shell (50), and a heat exchanger (80) for performing heat exchange between the cooling water and the oil is arranged in the second storage chamber (A2) or formed on the partition wall (58, 52B).

[0136] According to this structure, compared with a structure in which the heat exchanger (80) is arranged outside the housing (50), since external piping connecting the housing (50) and the heat exchanger (80) is not required, the flow path of cooling water and the flow path of oil can be simplified.

[0137] As one embodiment, it is preferred that an intermediate wall (53) is provided in the first housing chamber (A1), the intermediate wall (53) dividing a space (H1) for housing the rotating electrical machine (10) and a space (H2) for housing a portion of the power transmission mechanism (20).

[0138] According to this structure, the oil is retained in the lower part of the space (H1) for accommodating the rotating electric machine (10) by the intermediate wall (53), and the oil can be effectively cooled by the cooling water flowing through the second water path (66), thereby effectively cooling the rotating electric machine (10). In addition, the space (H1) for accommodating the rotating electric machine (10) and the space (H2) for accommodating a part of the power transmission mechanism (20) can each be individually set to an appropriate oil level.

[0139] As one embodiment, it is preferred that a plurality of connection terminals (44) in the inverter module (40) connected to the rotating electrical machine (10) are arranged to be aligned along the partition wall (58, 52B).

[0140] According to this structure, it is possible to shorten the electrical connection component for electrically connecting the inverter module (40) and the rotating electrical machine (10).

[0141] The vehicle drive device according to the present disclosure only needs to be able to achieve at least one of the above-mentioned effects.

Claims

1. A vehicle drive device, wherein: have: Rotating electrical machines; An output member drivingly connected to the wheels; a power transmission mechanism that transmits driving force between the rotating electric machine and the output member; An inverter module, which is used to drive and control the rotating electrical machine; as well as a housing that accommodates the rotating electrical machine, the power transmission mechanism, and the inverter module, The housing includes a first storage chamber for storing the rotating electrical machine, a second storage chamber for storing the inverter module, and a partition wall for partitioning the first storage chamber and the second storage chamber. An oil storage portion for storing oil is formed at a lower portion of the first storage chamber. The second storage chamber or the partition wall is provided with a first water passage through which cooling water for cooling the inverter module flows. A second water channel connected to the first water channel is provided in a region of the housing that faces the lower surface of the rotating electrical machine.

2. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes: a housing body portion that forms at least a portion of the first storage chamber and includes an opening portion that opens toward the axial direction; and a cover portion that is joined to the housing body portion in a manner that covers the opening portion. The second water channel is arranged above a lower end of a joint portion between the casing body and the cover.

3. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second storage chamber is arranged adjacent to a peripheral wall of the housing body that forms at least a portion of the first storage chamber. A communication water channel connecting the first water channel and the second water channel is provided along the peripheral wall.

4. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second water channel is formed in a maze shape.

5. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The housing includes a first housing portion that forms at least a portion of the first storage chamber and a second housing portion that forms at least a portion of the second storage chamber and includes the partition wall, the second housing portion being joined to a side surface of the first housing portion.

6. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: An oil circuit for circulating the oil is arranged in the housing. A heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the cooling water and the oil is disposed in the second storage chamber or formed on the partition wall.

7. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first housing chamber is provided with an intermediate wall that partitions a space for housing the rotating electrical machine and a space for housing a part of the power transmission mechanism.

8. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A plurality of connection terminals in the inverter module that are connected to the rotating electric machine are arranged to be aligned along the partition wall.

Images