Vehicle drive device

Abstract

A drive device for a vehicle is provided with a rotating electric machine, a differential transmission device, a power transmission device, a power module, a wiring unit, and a housing in which a first housing part, a second housing part, and a third housing part are formed above a plane including the axis of a rotating shaft of the rotating electric machine and the axis of an output shaft. The first housing portion overlaps the rotating electrical machine when viewed in the axial direction of the rotating electrical machine and overlaps the power transmission device when viewed in the vertical direction, and the second housing portion overlaps the rotating electrical machine when viewed in a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the vertical direction of the rotating electrical machine. The first housing portion is adjacent to the second housing portion and overlaps the output shaft when viewed in the vertical direction, the third housing portion is adjacent to the first housing portion and the second housing portion and overlaps the output shaft when viewed in the vertical direction, and at least a portion of the power module is disposed in the second housing portion or the third housing portion.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In a vehicle drive device including a power module and a rotating electric machine in a casing, there is known a technique for establishing a three-phase wiring portion from the rotating electric machine using only the space above an output member.

[0003] Patent Document 1: International Patent Publication No. 2021 / 172328

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the three-phase wiring portion and the power module are arranged in an overlapping manner in the vertical direction, which easily leads to an increase in the vertical direction. Thus, in a vehicle drive device including a power module and a rotating electric machine in a housing, it is difficult to achieve a reduction in the vertical and horizontal directions while ensuring the mounting space for the power module, the wiring portion, etc. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, in one aspect, an object of the present disclosure is to reduce the size of a vehicle drive device including a power module and a rotating electric machine in a casing in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0006] In one technical solution, a vehicle drive device is provided, which comprises: a rotating electric machine arranged on a first shaft; a differential transmission device arranged on a second shaft parallel to the first shaft and drivingly connected to the wheels; a power transmission device arranged on the first shaft and drivingly connected between the differential transmission device and the rotating electric machine; a power module having a power semiconductor element and converting the power supplied to the rotating electric machine; a smoothing capacitor electrically connected between the power module and a power source; a wiring portion electrically connecting the rotating electric machine and the power module; and a housing for accommodating the rotating electric machine. The rotating electrical machine, the differential transmission device, the power transmission device, the power module, the smoothing capacitor, and the wiring portion, the housing forms a storage portion at a position above the plane containing the first axis and the second axis, the storage portion includes a first storage portion for storing the wiring portion, a second storage portion for storing the smoothing capacitor, and a third storage portion for storing the power module, and the first storage portion, the second storage portion, and the third storage portion are overall L-shaped when viewed in the up and down direction and overlap with the first axis and the second axis.

[0007] In one aspect, according to the present disclosure, a vehicle drive device including a power module and a rotating electric machine in a casing can achieve a reduction in size in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 It is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a vehicle drive device is mounted in a vehicle.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of a vehicle drive device.

[0010] Figure 2A It is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle drive device.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a plan view schematically showing the vehicle drive device of this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 It is a side view schematically showing the vehicle drive device of this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a perspective view of a second terminal portion of the bus bar structure of the vehicle drive device of the present embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a top view of the vehicle drive device according to the first modified example.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a perspective view of a second terminal portion of the bus bar structure of the vehicle drive device according to the first modified example.

[0016] Figure 8 It is a top view of a vehicle drive device according to a second modified example.

[0017] Fig. 9 It is a top view of a vehicle drive device according to a third modified example.

[0018] Fig.10 It is a top view of a vehicle drive device according to a fourth modified example.

[0019] Fig.11 It is a plan view schematically showing a vehicle drive device according to a fifth modified example.

[0020] Fig.12 It is a side view schematically showing a vehicle drive device according to a fifth modified example.

[0021] Fig.13 It is along Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of a portion of line AA.

[0022] Fig.14 This is an exploded perspective view showing various components arranged in the inverter housing room together with the case.

[0023] Fig.15This is a diagram (part 1) for explaining the assembly structure of various components of the above-mentioned inverter device arranged in the inverter housing room together with the assembly steps.

[0024] Fig.16 This is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the assembly structure of various components of the above-mentioned inverter device arranged in the inverter housing room together with the assembly steps.

[0025] Fig.17 This is a diagram (part 3) for explaining the assembly structure of various components of the above-mentioned inverter device arranged in the inverter housing room together with the assembly steps.

[0026] Fig.18 This is a fourth diagram for explaining the assembly structure of various components of the above-mentioned inverter device arranged in the inverter housing room together with the assembly steps.

[0027] Fig.19 This is a diagram (part 5) for explaining the assembly structure of various components of the above-mentioned inverter device arranged in the inverter housing room together with the assembly steps.

[0028] Fig. 20 This is an explanatory diagram of a vehicle drive device having a three-axis structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Below, while referring to the attached Figure 1 The dimensional ratios in the drawings are merely examples and are not limited thereto. Also, for the sake of convenience of description, the shapes and the like in the drawings may be partially exaggerated.

[0030] In the following description, the vertical direction V (refer to Figure 4 The vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle VC (see Figure 1 ), so the vertical direction V is consistent with the vertical direction in the state where the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle VC (hereinafter referred to as the "vehicle mounted state"), more specifically, the vertical direction in the vehicle mounted state and the state where the vehicle VC is stopped on a flat road (a road along a horizontal plane). Moreover, the upper side V1 and the lower side V2 refer to the upper side and the lower side in the vertical direction V. In addition, the directions of the various components in the following description indicate the directions when they are assembled in the vehicle drive device 100. In addition, terms related to the size, configuration direction, configuration position, etc. of each component are concepts that include states with differences caused by errors (errors to an allowable degree in manufacturing).

[0031] In this specification, "drive connection" refers to a state in which two rotating members are connected to be able to transmit a driving force (synonymous with torque), including a state in which the two rotating members are connected to rotate as a whole, or a state in which the two rotating members are connected via one or more transmission components to be able to transmit a driving force. As such a transmission component, various components (for example, shafts, gear mechanisms, belts, chains, etc.) that transmit rotation at the same speed or at a variable speed are included. In addition, as a transmission component, an engagement device (for example, a friction engagement device, a meshing engagement device, etc.) that selectively transmits rotation and driving force may also be included.

[0032] In this specification, "rotating electric machine" is used as a concept including a motor (electric motor), a generator (generator), and a motor / generator that performs the functions of both a motor and a generator as needed. 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 is moved in directions orthogonal to the imaginary straight line, the area where the imaginary straight line intersects with both components exists in at least a portion. In addition, in this specification, regarding the configuration of two components, "overlapping of configuration areas in a specific direction" means that at least a portion of the configuration area in a specific direction of one component is included in the configuration area in a specific direction of another component.

[0033] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram in a plan view showing a state in which the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted in the vehicle VC. Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the vehicle drive device 100 . Figure 2A 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle drive device 100 . Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a vehicle drive device 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing a vehicle drive device 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 3 In order to understand the elements arranged inside the inverter case portion 24, the inverter cover member 203 on the upper part of the inverter case portion 24 is omitted from illustration.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown schematically, the vehicle drive device 100 includes: a rotating electrical machine 1; a pair of output members 6, and a pair of wheels W (see Figure 1 ) are respectively driven and connected; a transmission mechanism 3 transmits driving force between the rotating electric machine 1 and a pair of output members 6; and an inverter device 90 drives and controls the rotating electric machine 1. The vehicle drive device 100 also includes a housing 2 for accommodating the rotating electric machine 1 and the inverter device 90. The housing 2 also accommodates the pair of output members 6 and the transmission mechanism 3.

[0035] One of the pair of output members 6, namely the first output member 61, is drivingly connected to one of the pair of wheels W, namely the first wheel W1, and the other of the pair of output members 6, namely the second output member 62, is drivingly connected to the other of the pair of wheels W, namely the second wheel W2. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle VC equipped with the vehicle drive device 100 includes: a first drive shaft 63 that rotates integrally with the first wheel W1, and a second drive shaft 64 that rotates integrally with the second wheel W2. The first drive shaft 63 is connected to the first wheel W1, for example, via a constant velocity joint, and the second drive shaft 64 is connected to the second wheel W2, for example, via a constant velocity joint. In addition, the first output member 61 is connected to the first drive shaft 63 so as to rotate integrally with the first drive shaft 63, and the second output member 62 is connected to the second drive shaft 64 so as to rotate integrally with the second drive shaft 64.

[0036] The vehicle drive device 100 transmits the output torque of the rotating electric machine 1 to a pair of wheels W via a pair of output members 6, thereby causing the vehicle VC equipped with the vehicle drive device 100 to travel. That is, the rotating electric machine 1 is a driving force source for the pair of wheels W. The pair of wheels W is a pair of left and right wheels in the vehicle VC (for example, a pair of left and right front wheels, or a pair of left and right rear wheels). The rotating electric machine 1 can be, for example, an AC rotating electric machine driven by a three-phase AC (an example of a multi-phase AC). The rotating electric machine 1 is electrically connected to a battery BA (including a storage device such as a capacitor) via an inverter device 90 that performs power conversion between DC power and AC power, receives power supply from the battery BA to perform power operation, or supplies power generated by the inertial force of the vehicle VC to the storage device and stores it.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the rotating electric machine 1 and the pair of output members 6 are separately arranged on two axes parallel to each other (specifically, the first axis C1 and the second axis C2). Specifically, the rotating electric machine 1 is arranged on the first axis C1, and the pair of output members 6 are arranged on the second axis C2 different from the first axis C1. The first axis C1 and the second axis C2 are axes (imaginary axes) arranged parallel to each other. The transmission mechanism 3 is coaxial with the pair of output members 6 (that is, on the second axis C2) and has an output gear (ring gear) 30 drivingly connected to at least one of the pair of output members 6.

[0038] like Figure 1As shown, the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle VC with the axial direction A oriented along the left-right direction of the vehicle. The axial direction A is a direction parallel to the first axis C1 and the second axis C2, in other words, an axial direction shared by the first axis C1 and the second axis C2. That is, the axial direction A is the direction in which the rotation axis of the rotating electric machine 1 extends, and is also the direction in which the rotation axis of a pair of output components 6 extends. Here, one side of the axial direction A is set as the axial first side A1, and the other side of the axial direction A (the side on the axial direction A opposite to the axial first side A1) is set as the axial second side A2. The axial first side A1 is the side on which the rotating electric machine 1 is configured relative to the transmission mechanism 3 on the axial direction A. As shown Figure 2 As shown, the first output member 61 is the output member 6 disposed on the first axial side A1 of the pair of output members 6. In addition, the second output member 62 is the output member 6 disposed on the second axial side A2 of the pair of output members 6.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle drive device 100 can be mounted on the vehicle VC with the first axial side A1 being the right side of the vehicle and the second axial side A2 being the left side of the vehicle. In this case, the first wheel W1 drivingly connected to the first output member 61 is the right wheel, and the second wheel W2 drivingly connected to the second output member 62 is the left wheel. Figure 1 In the embodiment, it is assumed that the vehicle drive device 100 is a front-wheel drive drive device that drives a pair of left and right front wheels. Figure 1 In the example shown, the first wheel W1 is the right front wheel, and the second wheel W2 is the left front wheel.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the rotating electrical machine 1 includes a rotor 10 and a stator 11. The stator 11 is fixed to the housing 2, and the rotor 10 is supported by the housing 2 in a manner that allows rotation relative to the stator 11. The rotating electrical machine 1 may be an inner rotor type rotating electrical machine, in which case the rotor 10 may be arranged to overlap the stator 11 on the radially inner side relative to the stator 11 when viewed along the radial direction. The radial direction here is a radial direction based on the first axis C1, in other words, a radial direction based on the rotation axis of the rotating electrical machine 1.

[0041] The stator 11 includes a stator core 12 and coil ends 13 protruding from the stator core 12 in the axial direction A. The stator core 12 is wound with a coil, and a portion of the coil protruding from the stator core 12 in the axial direction A forms the coil end 13. The coil end 13 is formed on both sides of the stator core 12 in the axial direction A.

[0042] The transmission mechanism 3 has a reduction mechanism 34 in the power transmission path between the rotating motor 1 and the output gear 30. The reduction mechanism 34 is arbitrary and may include a reduction mechanism using a counter gear, a reduction mechanism using a planetary gear, etc. In the present embodiment, as an example, the reduction mechanism 34 includes a planetary gear mechanism, and the reduction mechanism 34 is arranged coaxially with the rotating motor 1. The transmission gear 3421 from the reduction mechanism 34 is radially meshed with the output gear 30 of the differential gear mechanism 5. Such a vehicle drive device 100 can have a compact structure consisting of two shafts (a first shaft C1 and a second shaft C2). In addition, in a modified example, the vehicle drive device 100 may also have three or more shafts (refer to Fig. 20 (described later).

[0043] In this embodiment, the speed reduction mechanism 34 is arranged coaxially with the rotating electrical machine 1 (i.e., on the first axis C1) in a manner that is drivingly connected to the rotating electrical machine 1. The input member 16 meshing with the sun gear 341 of the speed reduction mechanism 34 is connected to the rotor 10 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor 10. Figure 2 In the illustrated example, the vehicle drive device 100 includes a rotor shaft 15 to which the rotor 10 is fixed, and an input member 16 is connected to the rotor shaft 15 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor shaft 15. Specifically, a portion of the input member 16 on the axial first side A1 may be connected (here, spline-connected) to a portion of the axial second side A2 of the rotor shaft 15. Different from such a structure, the rotor shaft 15 and the input member 16 of the vehicle drive device 100 may be integrally formed of one part.

[0044] In addition, in this embodiment, the planet carrier 342 can support the first pinion 3431 and the second pinion 3432 which rotate integrally with each other so as to be rotatable. The first pinion 3431 can mesh with the ring gear 344. The second pinion 3432 meshes with the sun gear 341. In addition, the axial length of the second pinion 3432 can also be shorter than that of the first pinion 3431.

[0045] In the present embodiment, the first pinion 3431 can be arranged at a position closer to the first axial side A1 than the second pinion 3432. The second pinion 3432 and the first pinion 3431 each rotate around their own axis (rotation), and rotate (revolution) with the planetary carrier 342 around the sun gear 341. The second pinion 3432 and the first pinion 3431 can each be arranged in plurality at intervals along their own orbital trajectory. The planetary carrier 342 can be connected to rotate integrally with the transfer gear 3421 meshing with the output gear 30. In addition, the ring gear 344 can be fixed to the housing 2.

[0046] In addition, the transmission mechanism 3 also includes a differential gear mechanism 5. The differential gear mechanism 5 distributes the driving force transmitted from the rotating electric machine 1 side to a pair of output members 6. The differential gear mechanism 5 can be arranged coaxially with the pair of output members 6 (that is, on the second axis C2). The differential gear mechanism 5 distributes the driving force transmitted from the rotating electric machine 1 side to the output gear 30 to the pair of output members 6. That is, the output gear 30 is drivingly connected to both the pair of output members 6 via the differential gear mechanism 5. In addition, the differential gear mechanism 5 can be a bevel gear type differential gear mechanism, and the output gear 30 can be connected to the differential housing portion 50 so as to rotate integrally with the differential housing portion 50 of the differential gear mechanism 5.

[0047] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the differential gear mechanism 5 distributes the rotation of the output gear 30 to the first side gear 51 and the second side gear 52. The first side gear 51 rotates integrally with the first output member 61, and the second side gear 52 rotates integrally with the second output member 62. The first side gear 51 may be formed in a member different from the member (here, the shaft member) constituting the first output member 61, and may be connected (here, spline-connected) to the first output member 61 so as to rotate integrally with the first output member 61. At least a portion of the first axial side A1 of the first output member 61 is formed in a tubular shape (specifically, a cylindrical shape) extending in the axial direction A, and the first drive shaft 63 (see Figure 1 ) can be inserted into the interior of the first output member 61 (space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface) from the axial first side A1. In addition, the second output member 62 can be connected to the second side gear 52. In addition, the second output member 62 can also be realized by the second drive shaft 64.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the output gear 30 of the differential gear mechanism 5 is preferably arranged near the end of the second axial side A2 in the housing 2. In this case, the gear (not shown) in the reduction mechanism 34 that meshes with the output gear 30 can be arranged at the position closest to the second axial side A2 of the reduction mechanism 34. In this case, the output gear 30 can be arranged close to the second axial side A2 in the entire vehicle drive device 100.

[0049] In this embodiment, the housing 2 includes a motor housing portion 21, a transmission mechanism housing portion 22, an output shaft housing portion 23, and an inverter housing portion 24 in an integrated form. Here, the "integrated form" includes a form in which the motor housing portion 21, the transmission mechanism housing portion 22, the output shaft housing portion 23, and the inverter housing portion 24 are integrated. Here, the "integrated form" includes a form in which the motor housing portion 21 is integrated by fastening components such as bolts, and a form in which the motor housing portion 21 is integrated by integral molding (for example, by casting, aluminum plating, etc.).

[0050] The motor housing portion 21 forms a motor housing chamber S1 for housing the rotating electric machine 1, the transmission mechanism housing portion 22 forms a transmission mechanism housing chamber S2 for housing the transmission mechanism 3, the output shaft housing portion 23 forms an output shaft housing chamber S3 for housing the first output member 61, and the inverter housing portion 24 forms an inverter housing chamber S4 for housing the inverter device 90. In addition, the motor housing portion 21 forms the motor housing chamber S1, which means that the wall portion that divides the boundary of the motor housing chamber S1 forms the motor housing portion 21. This is also the same for the transmission mechanism housing chamber S2, the output shaft housing portion 23, and the inverter housing portion 24.

[0051] The motor housing 21 is a cylindrical shape corresponding to the outer shape of the rotating electrical machine 1. However, the cylindrical outer periphery of the motor housing 21 does not need to be completely closed. For example, the motor housing chamber S1 and the output shaft housing chamber S3 may also be connected. In this case, the side of the motor housing 21 opposite to the output shaft housing chamber S3 may not have a wall portion (partition wall portion).

[0052] The transmission mechanism housing portion 22 is disposed on the second axial side A2 relative to the motor housing portion 21 and the output shaft housing portion 23. The output shaft housing portion 23 is disposed on the second first direction side X2 relative to the motor housing portion 21. The inverter housing portion 24 is disposed on the upper side of the transmission mechanism housing portion 22 and the output shaft housing portion 23. The details of the inverter housing portion 24 will be described later.

[0053] In this embodiment, since the output shaft housing portion 23 is provided, the first output member 61 can be effectively protected from the external environment (such as flying stones, etc.) compared to the case where the first output member 61 is arranged outside the housing 2. In addition, the gap to be ensured between the first output member 61 and the surrounding components can be reduced. However, in a modified example, the first output member 61 can also be arranged outside the housing 2.

[0054] In addition, the housing 2 can be formed by joining a plurality of parts (housing parts, cover parts). Therefore, one housing part forming the housing 2 may form two or more housing parts among the motor housing part 21, the transmission mechanism housing part 22, the output shaft housing part 23, and the inverter housing part 24.

[0055] In addition, the motor storage chamber S1, the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2, the output shaft storage chamber S3, and the inverter storage chamber S4 formed by the housing 2 can also be completely isolated from each other, can be partially connected, or can be shared in a manner without having boundaries. For example, the motor storage chamber S1 and the output shaft storage chamber S3 can also be shared in a manner without having a partition wall separating each other. In this case, the rotating electric machine 1 and the first output component 61 are stored in a common storage chamber formed by the housing 2 (specifically, the motor storage chamber S1 and the output shaft storage chamber S3). In addition, when the rotating electric machine 1 is oil-cooled, the motor storage chamber S1 and the inverter storage chamber S4 can be separated, but when the rotating electric machine 1 is water-cooled, the motor storage chamber S1 and the inverter storage chamber S4 may not be separated.

[0056] In the following description, as an example, the case 2 is formed by joining the case member 200, the motor cover member 201, the differential cover member 202, and the inverter cover member 203. The joining method may be fastening by bolts or the like.

[0057] The case member 200 may be formed as a single-piece member (for example, a single member formed by die casting and using a common material). In this case, the motor housing chamber S1 and the transmission mechanism housing chamber S2 may be partitioned by a single partition wall 26 .

[0058] The housing member 200 is open in the axial direction A at the axial first side A1 , and is open in the axial direction A at the axial second side A2 .

[0059] The motor cover member 201 is provided to cover the opening of the first axial side A1 in the housing member 200 (i.e., the opening of the first axial side A1 of the motor housing chamber S1). The motor cover member 201 may be formed as a one-piece member. The motor cover member 201 may be joined to the end face (joint face) of the first axial side A1 of the housing member 200. In this case, the joint face (joint face) 221 between the motor cover member 201 and the housing member 200 may extend in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction A.

[0060] The differential cover member 202 is provided to cover the opening of the second axial side A2 in the housing member 200 (i.e., the opening of the second axial side A2 of the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2). The differential cover member 202 may be formed as a one-piece member. The differential cover member 202 may be joined to the end face (joint face) of the second axial side A2 of the housing member 200. In this case, the joint face (joint face) 222 between the differential cover member 202 and the housing member 200 may extend in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction A.

[0061] The inverter cover member 203 is provided to cover the opening of the inverter housing chamber S4 in the case member 200. The inverter cover member 203 may be formed as a one-piece member.

[0062] The inverter device 90 may be in the form of a module, or may be fixed to the wall portion forming the inverter housing portion 24 by bolts or the like. The inverter device 90 includes: a power module PM (described later) including a plurality of switching elements (power semiconductor elements, not shown) constituting an inverter circuit; a control substrate 900 (see Fig.14 ), a control device for controlling the inverter circuit is installed; a smoothing capacitor CM (described later) for smoothing the voltage between the positive and negative electrodes on the DC side of the inverter circuit; and a busbar structure 70. In addition, the inverter device 90 may also include various sensors such as a current sensor, a Y capacitor 906 (see Fig.14 ) such filters, various wiring (including connectors, etc.) (refer to Fig.14 ) etc. In addition, the inverter device 90 may include a cooling water path for cooling the power module PM. In addition, the smoothing capacitor CM may be in the form of a module in which a plurality of capacitor elements and terminals are molded with resin.

[0063] The bus bar structure 70 is a wiring portion that electrically connects the rotating electrical machine 1 and the power module PM. The bus bar structure 70 includes a first terminal portion 71 connected to a power line (not shown) of the rotating electrical machine 1, a second terminal portion 72 electrically connected to the power module PM, and a bus bar 73 extending between the first terminal portion 71 and the second terminal portion 72, for each phase of the rotating electrical machine 1. The bus bar structure 70 will be described in more detail later.

[0064] Here, if Figure 3 As shown, the direction in which the inverter device 90 is arranged when viewed along the axial direction of the axial direction A is set as the first direction X, and the direction orthogonal to both the axial direction A and the first direction X is set as the second direction Y. In addition, one side of the first direction X is set as the first direction first side X1, the other side of the first direction X (the side opposite to the first direction first side X1 on the first direction X) is set as the first direction second side X2, one side of the second direction Y is set as the second direction first side Y1, and the other side of the second direction Y (the side opposite to the second direction first side Y1 on the second direction Y) is set as the second direction second side Y2. The first direction first side X1 is the side on the first direction X where the rotating electrical machine 1 is arranged relative to the inverter device 90.

[0065] In the following description, the second direction has an up-down component. In this case, the second direction may be parallel to the gravity direction (vertical direction) or may be inclined when the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted in the vehicle VC. For example, the vehicle drive device 100 may be mounted on the vehicle VC with the first side Y1 in the second direction as the upper side V1 and the second side Y2 in the second direction as the lower side V2. In addition, the vehicle drive device 100 may be mounted on the vehicle VC with the first side X1 in the first direction as the front side L1 (the front side of the vehicle front-to-rear direction L) and the second side X2 in the first direction as the rear side L2 (the rear side of the vehicle front-to-rear direction L). As Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle drive device 100 can be mounted at a position closer to the front side L1 than the center of the vehicle VC in the vehicle front-rear direction L. In addition, when the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted at a position closer to the rear side L2 than the center of the vehicle VC in the vehicle front-rear direction L, by mounting the vehicle drive device 100 on the vehicle VC in an orientation such that the first side X1 in the first direction is the rear side L2 and the second side X2 in the first direction is the front side L1, it is possible to configure the inverter device 90 to be arranged at a position closer to the center of the vehicle front-rear direction L than the rotating electric machine 1. In this way, when the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted at a position closer to the rear side L2 than the center of the vehicle VC in the vehicle front-rear direction L, the pair of wheels W driven by the vehicle drive device 100 can be, for example, a pair of left and right rear wheels.

[0066] When the vehicle VC includes a pair of left and right front wheels and a pair of left and right rear wheels, the pair of left and right front wheels and the pair of left and right rear wheels that are not driven by the vehicle drive device 10 may be configured such that Figure 1 In the example shown, a pair of left and right rear wheels) is driven by a drive device other than the vehicle drive device 100. The drive device other than the vehicle drive device 100 is, for example, a drive device having a structure that transmits the output torque of an internal combustion engine (an example of a driving force source other than a rotating electric machine) to a pair of wheels of a driven object, a drive device having a structure that transmits the output torque of a rotating electric machine (a rotating electric machine different from the rotating electric machine 1 provided in the vehicle drive device 100) to a pair of wheels of a driven object, or a drive device having a structure that transmits the output torque of both an internal combustion engine and a rotating electric machine (a rotating electric machine different from the rotating electric machine 1 provided in the vehicle drive device 100) to a pair of wheels of a driven object. The drive device other than the vehicle drive device 100 may also be a drive device having the same structure as the vehicle drive device 100.

[0067] However, the rotating electric machine 1 in the vehicle drive device 100 can have a size that is largest in the second direction Y when viewed axially. In addition, the size of the rotating electric machine 1 is determined based on the required output, etc. Therefore, in order to reduce the overall size of the vehicle drive device 100 as the second direction, it is useful to configure the main components of the vehicle drive device 100 (main components other than the rotating electric machine 1) to overlap with the rotating electric machine 1 when viewed in the first direction X. In particular, in the case where the vehicle drive device 100 includes an output gear 30 having a relatively large outer diameter, the positional relationship between the output gear 30 and the rotating electric machine 1 can significantly affect the overall size of the vehicle drive device 100 as the second direction.

[0068] Considering this point, the pair of output members 6 concentric with the central axis of the output gear 30 is preferably arranged so as to overlap with the rotor shaft 15 of the vehicle drive device 100 when viewed in the first direction. In this case, the output gear 30 and the rotary electric machine 1 can be set in a relative positional relationship so that the outer shape (for example, the circular outer shape portion) of the output member 6 overlaps with the outer shape (for example, the circular outer shape portion) of the rotor shaft 15 when viewed in the first direction. By arranging the output gear 30 and the rotary electric machine 1 in such a positional relationship, the influence of the output gear 30 on the overall size of the vehicle drive device 100 as the second direction Y can be reduced or eliminated. That is, the overall size of the vehicle drive device 100 as the second direction is substantially determined by the size of the rotary electric machine 1 (and the size of the motor housing portion 21 associated therewith), so under the condition of the same size of the rotary electric machine 1, the overall size of the vehicle drive device 100 as the second direction Y can be minimized.

[0069] Next, refer to Figure 3 The following drawings illustrate characteristic structures related to the arrangement and wiring structure (three-phase wiring structure) of the inverter device 90 of this embodiment.

[0070] Figure 5 1 is a perspective view of the second terminal portion 72 of the bus bar structure 70 of the vehicle drive device 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0071] As described above, the inverter device 90 is housed in the inverter housing chamber S4 of the inverter housing portion 24. The inverter device 90 mainly includes a power module PM, a smoothing capacitor CM, and a bus bar structure 70. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the arrangement region of the power module PM and the smoothing capacitor CM is indicated by a surrounded portion 300 of a dashed line.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the inverter case portion 24 is arranged so as to overlap with the first axis C1 and the second axis C2 in a plan view (a view viewed along the second direction Y, the same applies hereinafter).

[0073] The inverter storage chamber S4 includes a first storage section S41, a second storage section S42, and a third storage section S43. In the following description of the configuration of the first storage section S41, the second storage section S42, and the third storage section S43, a part or all of the space between the lines P1 and P2 in the up and down directions and the space where structural elements other than the inverter housing section 24 are not configured will also be referred to as "invalid space."

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown, the inverter storage chamber S4 has an L-shaped form when viewed from above. Specifically, if the area between the first axis C1 and the second axis C2 in the X direction is set as the X-direction center, the inverter storage chamber S4 extends to both sides of the X direction relative to the X-direction center in a manner that crosses the X-direction center. In addition, if the area between the rotating motor 1 and the reduction mechanism 34 in the A direction is set as the A-direction center, the inverter storage chamber S4 is on the first direction second side X2, and extends to both sides of the A direction relative to the A-direction center in a manner that crosses the A-direction center. On the other hand, the inverter storage chamber S4 extends only axially to the second side A2 compared to the A-direction center on the first direction first side X1.

[0075] More specifically, if Figure 3 As shown, the first storage portion S41, the second storage portion S42, and the third storage portion S43 are configured as an L-shape as a whole when viewed from above. At this time, the first storage portion S41 overlaps with the first axis C1 (i.e., the reduction mechanism 34) on the second axial side A2 when viewed from above, and overlaps with the rotating electrical machine 1 when viewed along the axial direction A. In addition, the second storage portion S42 overlaps with the second axis C2 when viewed from above, and overlaps with the rotating electrical machine 1 when viewed along the first direction X. The third storage portion S43 is adjacent to the first storage portion S41 and the second storage portion S42, and overlaps with the second axis C2 when viewed from above. In addition, the third storage portion S43 can be integrally connected to the first storage portion S41 and the second storage portion S42.

[0076] The first storage section S41, the second storage section S42, and the third storage section S43 are arranged on a plane PL10 (see Figure 4 ) is positioned on the upper side. In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the offset in the second direction Y between the center axis (i.e., the second axis C2) of the output gear 30 and the center axis (i.e., the first axis C1) of the rotating motor 1 is set to be relatively small, so that the plane PL10 is a plane close to the horizontal plane.

[0077] The first storage portion S41, the second storage portion S42, and the third storage portion S43 are preferably formed so as not to affect the size of the housing 2 as a whole in the second direction Y, so as to prevent the size of the housing 2 as a whole from increasing. In this embodiment, the size of the housing 2 as a whole in the second direction Y is determined by the size of the rotating electrical machine 1 in the second direction Y (see Figure 4 The first storage portion S41, the second storage portion S42, and the third storage portion S43 are arranged at the position closest to the first side Y1 in the second direction than the motor housing portion 21 (see Figure 4 The side wall portion 240 is located at a position close to the second side Y2 in the second direction (the line P2) relative to the motor housing chamber S1 in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction. Specifically, the housing 2 includes a side wall portion 240, which divides the boundary of the inverter housing chamber S4 (the first housing portion S41, the second housing portion S42, and the third housing portion S43) relative to the motor housing chamber S1 in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction, and the side wall portion 240 extends toward the second side Y2 in the second direction from the highest position (line P2) of the motor housing portion 21. In this case, it is possible to achieve a reduction in the size of the housing 2 as a whole in the second direction Y. In addition, the end surface of the second direction first side Y1 of the side wall portion 240 can extend in the same plane perpendicular to the second direction Y, and can form a docking surface for the inverter cover component 203 to be installed. In this case, the inverter cover component 203 can also be arranged at a position close to the second side Y2 in the second direction from the highest position (line P2) of the motor housing portion 21. In addition, regarding the side wall portion 240, dividing the boundary between the inverter storage chamber S4 and the motor storage chamber S1 in the direction perpendicular to the Y direction refers to a method of forming a boundary between the inverter storage chamber S4 and the motor storage chamber S1 in the direction perpendicular to the Y direction (the X direction, the A direction, or the direction of any combination thereof). In this case, the boundary position (the boundary position in the X direction, the boundary position in the A direction, or the boundary position in the direction of any combination thereof) does not need to be constant at each position along the Y direction. For example, the position in the X direction of the side wall portion of the side wall portion 240 that divides the boundary between the second storage section S42 and the motor storage chamber S1 can correspond to the outer shape of the rotating motor 1, and the closer it is to the Y1 side along the Y direction, the closer it is to the X1 side.

[0078] In addition, the first housing portion S41, the second housing portion S42, and the third housing portion S43 are preferably arranged between the two end surfaces of the housing member 200 in the axial direction A. That is, the first housing portion S41, the second housing portion S42, and the third housing portion S43 are preferably arranged to accommodate substantially the entirety between the joint surface (butt surface) 221 between the motor cover member 201 and the housing member 200 and the joint surface (butt surface) 222 between the differential cover member 202 and the housing member 200 in the axial direction A. In this case, it is easy to arrange the first housing portion S41, the second housing portion S42, and the third housing portion S43 in a manner that does not affect the body shape in the axial direction A.

[0079] In addition, the first storage portion S41, the second storage portion S42, and the third storage portion S43 are preferably formed so as not to affect the body shape of the housing 2 as a whole in the first direction X, so as to prevent the body shape of the housing 2 as a whole from increasing. In the present embodiment, the boundary (outer shape) of the second side X2 in the first direction of the body shape of the housing 2 as a whole in the first direction X is determined by the body shape of the differential gear mechanism 5, specifically, by the body shape of the transmission mechanism housing portion 22 in the first direction X. In addition, the boundary (outer shape) of the first side X1 in the first direction of the body shape of the housing 2 as a whole in the first direction X is determined by the body shape of the rotating electrical machine 1.

[0080] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 100 as a whole can be miniaturized in the first direction X and the second direction Y, that is, the vehicle drive device 100 can be miniaturized in the axial direction. This can improve the mountability of the vehicle drive device 100 on the vehicle VC.

[0081] As long as the first storage section S41 and the third storage section S43 are arranged at a position closer to the second side Y2 in the second direction than the above-mentioned line P2, the size of each of the first storage section S41 and the third storage section S43 in the Y direction is arbitrary and can be the same. For example, the first storage section S41 and the third storage section S43 can be determined in different ways according to the structural elements of the inverter device 90 (described later) respectively stored. In this embodiment, as an example, the size of the rotating electric machine 1 when viewed axially is larger than the size of the output gear 30, so for the second side A2 in the axial direction around the first axis C1 and relative to the center in the A direction, it is easier to form an invalid space (a space closer to the second side Y2 in the second direction than the line P2) than for the second side A2 in the axial direction around the second axis C2 and relative to the center in the A direction. Therefore, the size of the third storage section S43 in the second direction Y (for example, the maximum size, the average size) can preferably be set larger than the same size of the motor storage chamber S1. The second storage portion S42 and the third storage portion S43 can be formed by efficiently utilizing the space around the second axis C2 and closer to the second side Y2 in the second direction than the line P2.

[0082] Here, as long as the first storage section S41, the second storage section S42, and the third storage section S43 are located closer to the second side Y2 in the second direction than the highest position (line P2) of the motor housing section 21, the dimensions of the first storage section S41, the second storage section S42, and the third storage section S43 in the Y direction are arbitrary and may be the same. However, the dimensions of the first storage section S41, the second storage section S42, and the third storage section S43 in the Y direction may be determined in different ways according to the structural elements of the inverter device 90 to be stored (described later). In other words, the components to be respectively arranged in the first storage section S41, the second storage section S42, and the third storage section S43 may also be determined according to the maximum dimensions in the Y direction that can be ensured in each of the first storage section S41, the second storage section S42, and the third storage section S43.

[0083] In this regard, in the present embodiment, the bus bar structure 70, which is a structural element of the inverter device 90, is arranged in the first storage section S41, the smoothing capacitor CM is arranged in the second storage section S42, and the power module PM is arranged in the third storage section S43. In this case, the bus bar structure 70 and the power module PM are adjacent to each other in the first direction X, and the power module PM and the smoothing capacitor CM are adjacent to each other in the axial direction A. In addition, the boundaries of the first storage section S41, the second storage section S42, and the third storage section S43 do not need to be strict. For example, a part of the axial first side A1 of the power module PM may be arranged in the second storage section S42, or a part of the first side X1 of the first direction of the power module PM may be arranged in the first storage section S41.

[0084] Here, in this embodiment, the speed reduction mechanism 34 disposed on the second side Y2 in the second direction of the first housing portion S41 includes a planetary gear mechanism, and the mounting space around the first axis C1 (mounting space of the speed reduction mechanism 34) is relatively large. For example, if it is limited to the first axial side A1 relative to the output gear 30 in the differential gear mechanism 5, the mounting space of the differential gear mechanism 5 is likely to be smaller than the mounting space of the planetary gear mechanism.

[0085] Taking this into consideration, in the present embodiment, a busbar structure 70 having a relatively small but sufficient loading space (dimension) in the second direction Y is arranged in the first storage portion S41. In the present embodiment, in the busbar structure 70, the first terminal portions 71 of the three phases are arranged in a manner arranged along the first direction X, and the busbars 73 of the three phases extend in the axial direction A in a manner that does not overlap each other (arranged in the first direction X) when viewed in the up and down direction. The ends of the axial first sides A1 of the busbars 73 of the three phases are joined to the first terminal portions 71. Thus, the busbars 73 of the three phases can be easily arranged even when the dimension of the second direction Y of the invalid space in the loading range is relatively small. As a result, miniaturization of the housing 2 can be achieved.

[0086] In addition, in this embodiment, the first terminal portion 71 is formed to penetrate in the axial direction A (see Figure 4 The first terminal portion 71 represented by the dotted line, etc.) forms a portion of the side wall portion 240 that separates the motor storage chamber S1 from the first storage portion S41. As a result, the power line (three-phase wiring) of the rotating electric machine 1 can be taken out to the inverter storage chamber S4 at a relatively short distance from the motor storage chamber S1, and the wiring space can be reduced compared to the case where the power line (three-phase wiring) is taken out to the inverter storage chamber S4 via the output shaft storage chamber S3, etc. As a result, the housing 2 can be miniaturized. In addition, as Figure 4 As shown, the first terminal portion 71 overlaps with the rotating electrical machine 1 together with the bus bar 73 when viewed in the axial direction (i.e., is arranged in the above-mentioned ineffective space). In addition, the first terminal portion 71 and the bus bar 73 do not overlap with the output member 6 when viewed along the second direction Y. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the position of the first terminal portion 71 when viewed in the axial direction is schematically indicated by a dotted line.

[0087] In addition, in this embodiment, as an example, the size of the output gear 30 when viewed in the axial direction (radial size) is significantly larger than the size of the output member 6, so when the second axis C2 is around, the axial first side A1 is more likely to form an ineffective space (a space closer to the second direction second side Y2 than the line P2) than the axial second side A2. Therefore, the size of the second housing portion S42 in the second direction Y (e.g., the maximum size, the average size) can be set larger than the same size of the third housing portion S43.

[0088] Considering this point, in the present embodiment, as described above, the smoothing capacitor CM is arranged in the second housing portion S42, and the power module PM is arranged in the third housing portion S43. Thus, even when the dimension of the smoothing capacitor CM in the axial direction A is larger than that of the power module PM, it is easy to accommodate the smoothing capacitor CM in the second housing portion S42, which can make the dimension in the second direction Y relatively large. Thus, according to the present embodiment, the ineffective space around the second axis C2 and closer to the second side Y2 in the second direction than the line P2 can be efficiently utilized, and the smoothing capacitor CM and the power module PM can be efficiently arranged.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, it is also possible to Figure 3 As shown, the inverter device 90 is used to generate power from the high voltage battery BA (refer to Figure 1 ) A connector CN1 for high-voltage system wiring (wiring of the power system) that receives power supply is provided on the axial first side A1 of the second storage portion S42. That is, the connector CN1 may also be provided in a portion of the side wall portion 240 that demarcates the axial first side A1 of the second storage portion S42. In this case, a current path from the high-voltage battery BA via the smoothing capacitor CM, the power module PM, and the busbar structure 70 to the rotating electrical machine 1 can be efficiently set. That is, the current path from the high-voltage battery BA to the rotating electrical machine 1 is a C-shaped path (a path in the axial direction A on the second side X2 in the first direction, a path in the axial direction X on the second side A2 in the first direction, and a path in the axial direction A on the first side X1 in the first direction) when viewed along the second direction Y. Thus, an efficient path that substantially does not have unnecessary paths such as folding back can be realized. In addition, in a modified example, the connector CN1 may also be arranged at a portion of the side wall portion 240 that demarcates the first direction second side X2 of the second storage portion S42 (i.e., the first direction second side X2 of the inverter housing portion 24 and the axial first side A1). In this case, an efficient path that substantially does not have an unnecessary path such as a turnaround can also be realized.

[0090] In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the ineffective space around the second axis C2 gradually increases from the axial second side A2 toward the axial first side A1. Therefore, the size of the inverter housing portion 24 (particularly the second storage portion S42 and the third storage portion S43) of the inverter device 90 in the second direction Y can be gradually increased from the axial second side A2 toward the axial first side A1 without changing the position of the inverter housing portion 24 closest to the second direction first side Y1. In this case, in the second storage portion S42 and the third storage portion S43 of the inverter housing portion 24, the various components of the inverter device 90 can also be arranged in a distribution manner such that the size of the component located on the axial first side A1 in the second direction Y is larger than the component located on the axial second side A2. In addition, in the present embodiment, the size of the smoothing capacitor CM in the second direction Y is larger than that of the power module PM, so the smoothing capacitor CM is arranged in the second storage portion S42, and the power module PM is arranged in the third storage portion S43.

[0091] However, in the differential gear mechanism 5, regarding the size around the second axis C2, there is a tendency that the output gear 30 is the largest among the components of the differential gear mechanism 5. Therefore, when the output gear 30 in the differential gear mechanism 5 is arranged close to the axial second side A2, the space around the second axis C2 that is closer to the axial first side A1 than the output gear 30 can be ensured in a manner that is relatively wide in the radial direction and continuous in the axial direction A, and other components can be efficiently arranged.

[0092] In this regard, in the present embodiment, the second terminal portion 72 is arranged at a position closer to the first axial side A1 than the output gear 30, and is connected to the power module PM at the second axial side A2 of the power module PM. Thus, the second terminal portion 72 can be efficiently arranged by utilizing the ineffective space that is easier to ensure at the first axial side A1 than at the output gear 30. As a result, the housing 2 can be miniaturized.

[0093] like Figure 5As shown, the second terminal portion 72 may be in the form of a terminal-side bus bar 721 of each of the three phases provided inside the resin portion 722. The terminal-side bus bar 721 extends along the first direction X, and the end portion on the first side X1 of the first direction is respectively joined to the bus bars 73 of the three phases, and the end portion on the second side X2 of the first direction is joined to the terminal portion on the power module PM side. In addition, the terminal-side bus bar 721 may also extend along the first direction X in the resin portion 722 in such a manner that the right angle direction of the plate faces the axial direction A. In this case, the second terminal portion 72 can also be arranged when the space in the axial direction A is relatively small. In addition, when the portion of the second terminal portion 72 on the second side X2 of the first direction (the portion inside the resin portion 722 described later) faces the axial direction A in the right angle direction of the plate, only a relatively small space in the axial direction A (space corresponding to the thickness of the plate) is required, but on the other hand, a relatively large space in the second direction Y (dimension in the width direction of the plate) is required.

[0094] However, in the present embodiment, the portion of the second terminal portion 72 on the second side X2 in the first direction (the portion in the resin portion 722) can be efficiently arranged by utilizing the relatively large ineffective space in the second direction Y that is easily secured on the first axial side A1 compared to the output gear 30. For example, the portion of the second terminal portion 72 on the second side X2 in the first direction (the portion in the resin portion 722 described later) can also be arranged at a position closer to the first axial side A1 than the output gear 30 and near the axial position of the joint surface (butt surface) 222 between the differential cover member 202 and the housing member 200 (for example, closer to the second axial side A2 or the first axial side A1 than the butt surface 222). In this case, the portion of the second terminal portion 72 on the second side X2 in the first direction can be efficiently arranged. As a result, as described above, the ends of the three bus bars 73 extending in the axial direction A on the second axial side A2 can be efficiently connected to the power module PM by utilizing the second terminal portion 72.

[0095] Next, refer to Figures 6 to 10 , several variations relative to the above-mentioned embodiment are described. Hereinafter, the components that are different from the above-mentioned embodiment are described in detail, and other components may be the same as the above-mentioned embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the components that may be the same as the above-mentioned embodiment (the same also applies to components that are only configured differently) are sometimes marked with the same reference numerals and the description is omitted.

[0096] Figure 6 is a top view of a vehicle drive device 100A according to a first modified example. Figure 7 1 is a perspective view of a second terminal portion 72A of a bus bar structure 70A of a vehicle drive device 100A according to a first modified example.

[0097] A vehicle drive device 100A according to the first modification example differs from the vehicle drive device 100 according to the above-described embodiment mainly in that the bus bar structure 70 is replaced by a bus bar structure 70A.

[0098] The bus bar structure 70A of the first modified example is different from the bus bar structure 70A of the above-described embodiment mainly in that the second terminal portion 72 is replaced by a second terminal portion 72A.

[0099] Specifically, the busbar structure 70A of the first variant is a form in which the terminal side busbars 721A of the three phases are provided inside the resin part 722A, and when viewed in the up-down direction, it includes L-shaped parts arranged in a non-overlapping manner. Specifically, the terminal side busbar 721A of the second terminal part 72A extends along the first direction X, is connected or continuous with the end of the axial second side A2 of each busbar 73 of the three phases on the second side X2 of the first direction, and is connected to the power module PM on the first side X1 of the first direction. Moreover, the terminal side busbar 721A of the second terminal part 72A and the busbars 73 of the three phases form an overall L-shaped form when viewed from above. In this case, the terminal side busbar 721A of the second terminal part 72A and the busbars 73 of the three phases can also extend in substantially the same plane perpendicular to the second direction Y. As a result, the busbar structure 70A can be efficiently arranged by utilizing the relatively small ineffective space in the second direction Y in the first storage part S41. As a result, the housing 2 can be miniaturized. In addition, the bus bar structure 70A (the same applies to the bus bar structure 70) may include a current sensor 77A. That is, the current sensor 77A for detecting the current of each phase may be arranged using the first housing portion S41.

[0100] In the first modification, the bus bar structure 70A is substantially disposed only in the first housing portion S41. In the above embodiment, a portion of the bus bar structure 70, namely the second terminal portion 72, is disposed in the third housing portion S43. In this way, the bus bar structure 70 may be disposed not only in the first housing portion S41 but also in the third housing portion S43 as appropriate.

[0101] According to the first modification example, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

[0102] Figure 8 It is a plan view of a vehicle drive device 100B according to a second modification.

[0103] The vehicle drive device 100B of the second modified example is different from the vehicle drive device 100 of the above-mentioned embodiment in that the housing 2 is replaced by a housing 2B. The housing 2B is different from the above-mentioned housing 2 in that the inverter housing portion 24 is replaced by an inverter housing portion 24B. The shape and configuration of the inverter housing portion 24B are substantially the same as those of the inverter housing portion 24 of the above-mentioned embodiment. Figure 8 The relationship is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise when viewed from above.

[0104] In the second modification, the arrangement of the power module PM, the smoothing capacitor CM, and the bus bar structure 70 in the inverter housing chamber S4 is mainly different from that in the above-mentioned embodiment. That is, in the second modification, the arrangement of the power module PM, the smoothing capacitor CM, and the bus bar structure 70 in the inverter housing chamber S4 is substantially different from that in the above-mentioned embodiment. Figure 8 The relationship is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise when viewed from above.

[0105] Specifically, in the second variant, the first storage portion S41 of the above embodiment is located at the same position as the third storage portion S43 of the above embodiment, and the third storage portion S43 of the above embodiment is located at the same position as the second storage portion S42 of the above embodiment. Moreover, the second storage portion S42 overlaps with the rotating electrical machine 1 when viewed from above. In the case of the second variant, the first storage portion S41, the second storage portion S42, and the third storage portion S43 overlap when viewed from above. Figure 8 As shown, the overall configuration is L-shaped. At this time, the first housing portion S41 overlaps with the second axis C2 (differential gear mechanism 5) on the second axial side A2 when viewed from above, the second housing portion S42 overlaps with the first axis C1 (rotating electric machine 1) on the first axial side A1 when viewed from above, and the third housing portion S43 overlaps with the second axis C2 (output component 6) on the first axial side A1 when viewed from above.

[0106] The second modified example is suitable for the case where the radial size of the speed reduction mechanism 34 is relatively large. In this case, the second storage portion S42 (further the first storage portion S41 and the third storage portion S43) can overlap with the speed reduction mechanism 34 when viewed along the axial direction A. That is, the vertical extension range of the inverter storage chamber S4 can overlap with the vertical extension range of the speed reduction mechanism 34.

[0107] According to the second modified example, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained. In the second modified example, the side wall portion 240 of the inverter housing portion 24B can be extended toward the second direction second side Y2 (refer to the second modified example) from the portion of the housing 2B where the inverter housing portion 24B is not arranged when viewed from above (the portion on the first direction first side X1 and the axial direction second side A2 side), that is, the highest position of the transmission mechanism housing portion 22. Figure 4 ) is extended. In this case, it is possible to reduce the size of the housing 2B as a whole in the second direction Y.

[0108] In the second modified example, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, the bus bar structure 70 is mainly arranged in the first storage section S41, the smoothing capacitor CM is mainly arranged in the second storage section S42, and the power module PM is mainly arranged in the third storage section S43, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the smoothing capacitor CM may be mainly arranged in the first storage section S41, the bus bar structure 70 may be mainly arranged in the second storage section S42, and the power module PM may be mainly arranged in the third storage section S43. In this case, the connector CN1 may also be arranged in the first storage section S41.

[0109] Fig. 9 It is a plan view of a vehicle drive device 100C according to a third modified example.

[0110] The vehicle drive device 100C of the third modified example is different from the vehicle drive device 100 of the above-mentioned embodiment in that the housing 2 is replaced by a housing 2C. The housing 2C is different from the above-mentioned housing 2 in that the inverter housing portion 24 is replaced by an inverter housing portion 24C. The shape and configuration of the inverter housing portion 24C are substantially the same as those of the inverter housing portion 24 of the above-mentioned embodiment. Fig. 9 The relationship is rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise when viewed from above.

[0111] Accordingly, the vehicle drive device 100C of the third modification is different from the vehicle drive device 100 of the above-mentioned embodiment mainly in the arrangement of the power module PM, the smoothing capacitor CM, and the bus bar structure 70 in the inverter housing chamber S4. That is, in the third modification, the arrangement of the power module PM, the smoothing capacitor CM, and the bus bar structure 70 in the inverter housing chamber S4 is substantially different from that of the above-mentioned embodiment. Fig. 9 The relationship is rotated 180 degrees counterclockwise when viewed from above.

[0112] Specifically, in the third variant, the first storage portion S41 of the above embodiment is located at the same position as the second storage portion S42 of the above embodiment, and the second storage portion S42 of the above embodiment is located at the same position as the first storage portion S41 of the above embodiment. Moreover, the third storage portion S43 overlaps with the rotating electrical machine 1 when viewed from above. In the case of the third variant, as well, Fig. 9As shown, the first housing portion S41, the second housing portion S42, and the third housing portion S43 are configured as an L-shape as a whole when viewed from above. At this time, the first housing portion S41 overlaps with the second axis C2 (output component 6) on the first axial side A1 when viewed from above, the second housing portion S42 overlaps with the first axis C1 (speed reduction mechanism 34) on the second axial side A2 when viewed from above, and the third housing portion S43 overlaps with the first axis C1 (rotating electric machine 1) on the first axial side A1 when viewed from above.

[0113] The third modified example is suitable for the case where the radial size of the differential gear mechanism 5 is relatively large. In this case, the third storage portion S43 (further the first storage portion S41 and the second storage portion S42) can overlap with the differential gear mechanism 5 when viewed along the axial direction A. That is, the vertical extension range of the inverter storage chamber S4 can overlap with the vertical extension range of the differential gear mechanism 5.

[0114] According to the third modified example, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned embodiment can be obtained. In the third modified example, the side wall portion 240 of the inverter housing portion 24C can be further toward the second direction second side Y2 (refer to the second side Y2 of the transmission mechanism housing portion 22) than the portion of the housing 2C where the inverter housing portion 24C is not configured when viewed from above (the portion on the second side X2 in the first direction and on the second side A2 in the axial direction), that is, the highest position of the transmission mechanism housing portion 22. Figure 4 ) is extended. In this case, it is possible to reduce the size of the housing 2C as a whole in the second direction Y.

[0115] In addition, in the third modified example, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, the bus bar structure 70 is mainly arranged in the first storage section S41, the smoothing capacitor CM is mainly arranged in the second storage section S42, and the power module PM is mainly arranged in the third storage section S43, but it is not limited to this. For example, the smoothing capacitor CM may be mainly arranged in the first storage section S41, the bus bar structure 70 may be mainly arranged in the second storage section S42, and the power module PM may be mainly arranged in the third storage section S43. In this case, the connector CN1 may also be arranged in the first storage section S41.

[0116] Fig.10 It is a plan view of a vehicle drive device 100D according to a fourth modified example.

[0117] The vehicle drive device 100D of the fourth modified example is different from the vehicle drive device 100 of the above-mentioned embodiment in that the housing 2 is replaced by a housing 2D. The housing 2D is different from the above-mentioned housing 2 in that the inverter housing portion 24 is replaced by an inverter housing portion 24D. The shape and configuration of the inverter housing portion 24D are substantially the same as those of the inverter housing portion 24 of the above-mentioned embodiment. Fig.10The relationship is rotated 270 degrees counterclockwise when viewed from above.

[0118] Accordingly, the vehicle drive device 100D of the fourth modification is different from the vehicle drive device 100 of the above-mentioned embodiment mainly in the arrangement of the power module PM, the smoothing capacitor CM, and the bus bar structure 70 in the inverter housing chamber S4. That is, in the fourth modification, the arrangement of the power module PM, the smoothing capacitor CM, and the bus bar structure 70 in the inverter housing chamber S4 is substantially different from that of the above-mentioned embodiment. Fig.10 The relationship is rotated 270 degrees counterclockwise when viewed from above.

[0119] Specifically, in the fourth variant, the second storage portion S42 of the above embodiment is located at the same position as the third storage portion S43 of the above embodiment, and the third storage portion S43 of the above embodiment is located at the same position as the first storage portion S41 of the above embodiment. Moreover, the first storage portion S41 overlaps with the rotating electrical machine 1 when viewed from above. In the case of the fourth variant, as well, Fig.10 As shown, the first housing portion S41, the second housing portion S42, and the third housing portion S43 are configured as an L-shape as a whole when viewed from above. At this time, the first housing portion S41 overlaps with the first axis C1 (rotating electric machine 1) on the first axial side A1 when viewed from above, the second housing portion S42 overlaps with the second axis C2 (differential gear mechanism 5) on the second axial side A2 when viewed from above, and the third housing portion S43 overlaps with the first axis C1 (speed reduction mechanism 34) on the second axial side A2 when viewed from above.

[0120] In the fourth modification, the vehicle drive device 100D of the fourth modification is different from the vehicle drive device 100 of the above-mentioned embodiment in that the first output member 61 in the form of an intermediate shaft is not provided. In this case, the drive shaft (not shown) can be directly drive-connected to the vehicle drive device 100D. In addition, in the fourth modification, the housing 2D is different from the above-mentioned housing 2 in that the output shaft housing portion 23 is not provided.

[0121] The fourth modification is suitable for the case where the output member 6 (for example, including the intermediate shaft and the drive shaft installed in the vehicle drive device 100D) is relatively large in the radial direction. In this case, the vertical extension range of the inverter housing chamber S4 can overlap the vertical extension range of the output member 6.

[0122] According to the fourth variant, the same effect as the above-mentioned embodiment can also be obtained. That is, the power module PM, the smoothing capacitor CM, and the busbar structure 70 can be arranged in the inverter storage chamber S4 that is L-shaped when viewed from above without overlapping each other in the vertical direction. As a result, the size of the vehicle drive device 100D in the vertical direction can be reduced. In addition, the inverter housing portion 24D, like the inverter housing portion 24 of the above-mentioned embodiment, can be arranged in a manner that does not protrude from other parts of the housing 2 (parts other than the inverter housing portion 24D) when viewed from above, thereby preventing the increase in the horizontal size of the vehicle drive device 100D caused by the inverter housing portion 24D.

[0123] In addition, in the fourth modified example, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, the bus bar structure 70 is mainly arranged in the first storage section S41, the smoothing capacitor CM is mainly arranged in the second storage section S42, and the power module PM is mainly arranged in the third storage section S43, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the smoothing capacitor CM may be mainly arranged in the first storage section S41, the bus bar structure 70 may be mainly arranged in the second storage section S42, and the power module PM may be mainly arranged in the third storage section S43. In this case, the connector CN1 may also be arranged in the first storage section S41.

[0124] Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a vehicle drive device 100E according to a fifth modified example. Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing a vehicle drive device 100E according to a fifth modified example. Fig.11 In order to understand the elements disposed inside the inverter housing portion 24, the inverter cover member 203 covering the upper portion of the inverter housing portion 24 is omitted (see FIG. 2 ). Fig.12 ). In addition, Fig.12 In order to understand the state in the motor housing chamber S1, the motor cover member 201 is omitted from illustration, and the rotor of the rotary electric machine 1 is also omitted from illustration. Fig.13 It is along Fig.11 A cross-sectional view of a portion of line AA.

[0125] A vehicle drive device 100E according to the fifth modification example differs from the vehicle drive device 100 according to the above-described embodiment mainly in that the first terminal portion 71 of the bus bar structure 70 is replaced by a terminal device 71E of the bus bar structure 70E.

[0126] The terminal device 71E is a terminal block that connects the bus bar 73 and the power line bus bar 89. The bus bar 73 is a three-corresponding plate-shaped structure, and may include a portion extending linearly in the axial direction. In addition, the bus bar 73 may be arranged in the inverter housing portion 24. The end of the bus bar 73 on the A direction A1 side is fastened to the terminal device 71E by a bolt BT1. In addition, Fig.11 In the embodiment, the terminal device 71E has a leg portion 942 of a fixing portion 94, and the fixing portion 94 is fastened to the housing 2 by a bolt BT3.

[0127] The power line bus bar 89 may be in the form of three corresponding to three. The power line bus bar 89 is connected from the coil end 13 on the A direction A2 side of the rotating electric machine 1 (see Fig.13 ) is led out. In addition, the power line bus bar 89 may extend toward the A direction A2 side from the end surface of the stator core 12 of the rotating electrical machine 1 on the A direction A2 side. One end of the power line bus bar 89 is connected to the stator coil 130 (refer to Fig.13 ) is connected, and the other end is fastened to the terminal device 71E by a bolt BT2. In addition, the power line bus bar 89 can also be implemented as a structural element of the rotating electrical machine 1.

[0128] The terminal device 71E is attached to the case 2 on the A direction A2 side of the rotating electrical machine 1 . The terminal device 71E electrically connects the bus bar 73 and a power line bus bar 89 from the rotating electrical machine 1 .

[0129] Thus, according to the fifth modification, the fastening positions of the bolts BT1 and BT2 are respectively set on the upper surface of each linear conductor portion 92 and the side surface of the lower end portion 920B. Therefore, according to the fifth modification, compared with a comparative structure (not shown) in which the fastening positions of the bolts BT1 and BT2 are offset in a direction intersecting the up-down direction, the size of the vehicle drive device 100E in this direction can be reduced.

[0130] In addition, if Fig.12 As shown, the power line bus bar 89 has a fastening portion 892 extending radially inward at the coil end 13 on the A direction A2 side of the rotating electric machine 1. The fastening portion 892 is in a plate-like form and has a bolt insertion hole 8920. The fastening portion 892 of the power line bus bar 89 of each phase is in axial contact with the side surface (the side surface facing the A direction A1 side) of the lower end 920B of each conductor portion 92 in a one-to-one relationship, and is fastened in the axial direction by a bolt BT2. At this time, the bolt insertion hole 8920 (refer to Fig.13) may have an inner diameter that is relatively large relative to the outer diameter of the shaft portion of the bolt BT2. In the case of such tightening, even if the allowable degree of positional deviation between each power line bus bar 89 and the lower end portion 920B of each conductor portion 92 becomes higher, and the allowable tolerance such as the allowable dimensional tolerance in the power line bus bar 89 is relatively loose, it is difficult to generate significant stress caused by the tightening of the bolt BT2.

[0131] In the fifth modification, when viewed in the axial direction, the lower end 920B of each conductor portion 92 is arranged at a position radially inward of the stator core 12 of the rotating electrical machine 1. That is, the joint portion (fastening portion 892) between each conductor portion 92 and the power line bus bar 89 from the rotating electrical machine 1 is arranged radially inward of the stator core 12 of the rotating electrical machine 1. Thus, the fastening operation between each conductor portion 92 and the power line bus bar 89 from the rotating electrical machine 1 can be performed with good workability by utilizing the space radially inward of the stator core 12.

[0132] Next, refer to Figures 14 to 19 , and the assembly method is further described in detail. Figures 1 to 5 The embodiments described, or referring to Figures 11 to 13 The fifth modification example described above corresponds to, but can also be similarly applied to, Figures 6 to 10 Other variations of the above.

[0133] Fig.14 2 is an exploded perspective view showing various components (hereinafter also referred to as "various components of the inverter device 90") arranged in the inverter storage chamber S4 together with the housing 2. Fig.14 In FIG. 1 , regarding the case 2 , only the inverter cover member 203 is shown in a state of being exploded relative to other case members (the case member 200 , the motor cover member 201 , and the differential cover member 202 ).

[0134] In this embodiment, if Fig.14 As shown, various components of the inverter device 90 arranged in the inverter storage room S4 include a control substrate 900, a shielding plate 902, a fixing plate 904, a current sensor module 905, a power module PM, a smoothing capacitor CM, a Y capacitor 906, a terminal block 908, and a wiring harness 909 with a connector.

[0135] The shielding plate 902 is disposed between the power module PM and the control substrate 900. The shielding plate 902 has a function of stabilizing the operation of the control substrate 900 by shielding the noise (high-pitched wave, etc.) generated from the power module PM. The fixing plate 904 forms a seat (base) for fixing the control substrate 900. The current sensor module 905 is a module in which the second terminal portion 72 of the bus bar structure 70, the bus bar 73, and the current sensor 77A are integrated. The terminal block 908 is similar to the reference Figures 11 to 13 The above-mentioned terminal device 71E of the fifth modified example corresponds to the above-mentioned terminal device 71E. The harness 909 with connector includes a bundle of wiring for connecting low-voltage system components (for example, an angle sensor and a temperature sensor arranged in the motor housing chamber S1) and the control board 900.

[0136] Figures 15 to 19 The diagram explains the assembly structure of various components of the inverter device 90 disposed in the inverter housing chamber S4 together with the assembly procedure. Figures 15 to 19 The diagram is a plan view showing each state in a relationship where the figure numbers increase in order of the assembly steps.

[0137] exist Fig.15 2 shows the housing 2 in a state before the inverter cover member 203 is assembled. Fig.15 In the illustrated state, the inverter housing chamber S4 is empty, and the various components of the inverter device 90 described above are not arranged.

[0138] The bottom portion 27 of the inverter storage chamber S4 in the housing 2 is formed with holes 270 and 271 penetrating the motor storage chamber S1, a water channel forming portion 273, positioning pins 2741 to 2747, holes 2752 to 2755 for positioning pins, and fastening holes 276. In addition, the bottom portion 27 of the inverter storage chamber S4 in the housing 2 is in the form of a partition wall that separates the motor storage chamber S1, the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2, and the output shaft storage chamber S3 from the inverter storage chamber S4. In addition, the water channel forming portion 273 is in the form of a recessed portion that is recessed toward the second direction second side Y2, forming a part of the bottom portion 27.

[0139] In this embodiment, if Fig.14 As shown, in the inverter housing chamber S4, various components of the inverter device 90 are stacked in order from the first layer, substantially in three layers in the Y direction, with the bottom surface portion 27 side being the first layer.

[0140] exist Fig.16 , the states of the first-layer components, namely, the current sensor module 905, the power module PM, the smoothing capacitor CM, the Y capacitor 906, the terminal block 908, and the harness 909 with a connector, are shown among the various components of the inverter device 90.

[0141] Specifically, if Fig.16 As shown, the terminal block 908 is fixed to the bottom surface portion 27 of the housing 2 by bolts BT3.

[0142] In addition, the four corners of the power module PM are fixed to the bottom surface 27 of the housing 2 by fasteners BT11. At this time, the power module PM is positioned in the housing 2 via positioning pins 2742 and 2743. The power module PM is provided to cover the water channel forming portion 273. In addition, a sealing member (not shown) for ensuring water tightness may be provided at the bottom of the power module PM.

[0143] In addition, the Y capacitor 906 is fixed to the bottom surface portion 27 of the case 2 by the fastener BT14. At this time, the Y capacitor 906 is positioned to the case 2 via positioning pins (not shown) fitted into the positioning pin holes 2754 and 2755.

[0144] The smoothing capacitor CM is positioned in the case 2 via positioning pins (not shown) inserted into the positioning pin holes 2752 and 2753, and is fixed to the power module PM and the Y capacitor 906 by fasteners BT13 and BT15, respectively. The fasteners BT13 and BT15 have the function of electrically connecting and fixing the terminals.

[0145] The current sensor module 905 is fixed to the bottom surface 27 of the housing 2 by the fastener BT10. The current sensor module 905 is fixed to the terminal block 908 by the bolt BT1 and to the power module PM by the fastener BT12. At this time, the current sensor module 905 is positioned in the housing 2 via the positioning pins 2741 and 2745.

[0146] The wire harness 909 with connectors has connectors CN4 and CN5 at the end, and the connector CN4 is fitted into the hole 270 of the bottom surface 27 of the housing 2. The connector CN4 of the wire harness 909 with connectors is also fixed to the bottom surface 27 of the housing 2 by a fastener BT5. In addition, the wire harness 909 with connectors is electrically connected to the low-voltage system wiring (not shown) in the motor storage chamber S1 via the connector CN4.

[0147] In addition, Fig.16 , a water temperature sensor harness 910 is shown. One end of the water temperature sensor harness 910 may be fixed to the bottom surface portion 27 (near the water channel forming portion 273) of the housing 2 by a fastener BT7.

[0148] exist Fig.17 , a state in which the shielding plate 902 and the fixing plate 904, which are the second-layer components among the various components of the inverter device 90, are arranged is shown.

[0149] The shield plate 902 is fixed to the bottom surface portion 27 of the housing 2 by the fastener BT21. At this time, the shield plate 902 is positioned to the housing 2 via the positioning pins 2746.

[0150] The fixing plate 904 is fixed to the bottom surface 27 of the housing 2 together with the smoothing capacitor CM by the fastener BT23 (i.e., fastened together). The fixing plate 904 has a fastening hole 9042 that functions as a seat for the control substrate 900. The fixing plate 904 is provided to cover the first side Y1 in the second direction of the smoothing capacitor CM so as to provide a seat for the control substrate 900. Fig.17 As shown, the fixing plate 904 has a triangular shape when viewed from above, and is fixed near the three vertices by fasteners BT23. In addition, in this embodiment, the fastening holes 9042 are provided at two locations near the center of the triangle when viewed from above.

[0151] exist Fig.18 , the state of the control substrate 900 , which is a third-layer component among various components of the inverter device 90 , is shown.

[0152] The control substrate 900 is relatively large and is provided to cover the power module PM and the smoothing capacitor CM. The control substrate 900 is fixed to the bottom surface 27 of the housing 2 by fasteners BT33 at four of the six locations on the outer periphery, and is fixed to the housing 2 together with the shielding plate 902 by fasteners BT34 at the remaining two locations (i.e., fastened together). At this time, the control substrate 900 is positioned in the housing 2 together with the shielding plate 902 via the positioning pins 2744, and is positioned in the housing 2 via the positioning pins 2747. In addition, the control substrate 900 is fixed to the fastening holes 9042 of the fixing plate 904 at two locations in the center by fasteners BT32. By using the fixing plate 904, even a relatively large control substrate 900 can be stably fixed to the housing 2.

[0153] In addition, connectors CN5, CN6, and CN7 are connected to the control substrate 900. In addition, the connector CN5 can be the end of the harness 909 with a connector, and is also electrically connected to the water temperature sensor harness 910. The connectors CN6 and CN7 can be the ends of the harness for high-voltage detection and the harness for control system / low-voltage power supply, respectively.

[0154] Furthermore, a terminal TM3 from the current sensor 77A of the current sensor module 905 and a terminal TM5 (gate driving terminal, etc.) from the power module PM are connected to the control substrate 900 by soldering.

[0155] In addition, Fig.18In the embodiment, while the control substrate 900 is being fastened, the Y capacitor 906 is fixed to the connector CN1 by the fastener BT31. The fastener BT31 has a function of electrically connecting and fastening the terminals.

[0156] exist Fig.19 2 shows a state where various components of the inverter device 90 in the inverter housing chamber S4 are covered by the inverter cover member 203. The inverter cover member 203 is fixed to the end surface (end surface on the second direction first side Y1) of the side wall portion 240 of the inverter case portion 24 by a fastener BT40.

[0157] Thus, according to the present embodiment, various components of the inverter device 90 in the inverter housing chamber S4 can be arranged in multiple layers. By arranging various components of the inverter device 90 in multiple layers, the size of the inverter housing chamber S4 in the second direction Y can be reduced, and as a result, the size of the housing 2 (and the vehicle drive device 100) in the second direction Y can be reduced.

[0158] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since all the fasteners (bolts BT1, fasteners BT5 to BT34) used in the inverter housing chamber S4 do not overlap when viewed in the second direction Y, the assemblability is also good.

[0159] In addition, according to this embodiment, since various components of the inverter device 90 are directly fastened to the bottom surface portion 27 of the housing 2, stable fixation can be performed. In addition, only a part of the components can be removed, and the maintainability is also good.

[0160] Here, as described above, in the present embodiment, the speed reduction mechanism 34 disposed on the second side Y2 in the second direction of the first storage portion S41 includes a planetary gear mechanism, and the mounting space around the first axis C1 (mounting space of the speed reduction mechanism 34) is relatively large. For example, if it is limited to being closer to the first axial side A1 than the output gear 30 in the differential gear mechanism 5, the mounting space of the planetary gear mechanism is likely to be larger than the mounting space of the differential gear mechanism 5. In other words, when the boundary positions of the first side Y1 in the second direction of the first storage portion S41, the second storage portion S42, and the third storage portion S43 are substantially the same (i.e., when the inverter cover component 203 is planar), the size of the first storage portion S41 in the second direction Y is likely to be the smallest.

[0161] Taking this into consideration, in the present embodiment, the relatively large control substrate 900 is disposed in the second storage section S42 and the third storage section S43, avoiding the first storage section S41. In particular, the size of the current sensor 77A of the current sensor module 905 in the second direction Y is relatively large, so the control substrate 900 is disposed in a range that does not overlap with the current sensor 77A of the current sensor module 905 when viewed from above. In addition, the control substrate 900 can overlap with the current sensor 77A when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the second direction Y. Thus, the inverter device 90 including the relatively large control substrate 900 and the current sensor 77A having a relatively large size in the second direction Y can be stored in the inverter storage chamber S4, and the size of the housing 2 (and the vehicle drive device 100) in the second direction Y can be reduced.

[0162] The above embodiments are described in detail, but are not limited to specific embodiments, and various deformations and changes can be made within the scope of the claims. In addition, all or multiple structural elements of the above embodiments can be combined. In addition, the effects of the dependent items in the effects of the embodiments are additional effects that are distinguished from the superordinate concept (independent item).

[0163] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, considering that the ineffective space around the second axis C2 gradually increases from the axial second side A2 toward the axial first side A1, the smoothing capacitor CM is arranged in the second storage section S42 and the power module PM is arranged in the third storage section S43, but it is not limited to this. For example, the smoothing capacitor CM may be arranged in the third storage section S43, and the power module PM may be arranged in the second storage section S42. In this case, the control substrate 900, the cooling water channel and other structures may be arranged in a stacked manner on the second direction first side Y1 and / or the second direction second side Y2 of the power module PM. Such a structure is suitable for a case where the dimension of the second direction Y of the stacked structure including the power module PM is significantly larger than the dimension of the second direction Y of the smoothing capacitor CM.

[0164] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the vehicle drive device 100 (the same also applies to the vehicle drive device 100A, etc.) has a two-axis structure of the first axis C1 and the second axis C2, but as mentioned above, it is not limited to this. Fig. 20As shown in the vehicle drive device 100F, the counter gear mechanism 4 is used instead of the speed reduction mechanism 34. In this case, the counter gear mechanism 4 is provided with a first counter gear 42 meshing with the gear 17 of the input member 16 from the rotary electric machine 1, a second counter gear 43 meshing with the output gear 30 of the differential gear mechanism 5, and a counter shaft 41 that rotates integrally. In addition, the second counter gear 43 can be formed to have a smaller diameter than the first counter gear 42. In this case, it becomes a three-axis structure including the third axis C3 in addition to the first axis C1 and the second axis C2. The structure of the housing 2 of the above-mentioned embodiment and the like can also be applied to the case of this three-axis structure.

[0165] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the smoothing capacitor CM is arranged at substantially the same position as the power module PM in the first direction X, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a part or all of the smoothing capacitor CM may be arranged at a position closer to the second side X2 in the first direction than the power module PM. In this case, the smoothing capacitor CM may also be arranged on the side of the housing 2 on the second side X2 in the first direction.

[0166] Description of Reference Numerals

[0167] 1…rotating motor; 2…housing; 21…motor housing portion (fourth storage portion); 240…side wall portion; 34…speed reduction mechanism (power transmission device); 30…output gear (ring gear); 5…differential gear mechanism (differential transmission device); 70; 70A…bus bar structure (wiring portion); 71…first terminal portion; 72…second terminal portion; 73…bus bar; 721…terminal side bus bar (bus bar); BA…battery (power source); A…axial direction; Y…up and down direction; PM…power module; CM…smoothing capacitor; S1…motor storage chamber (fourth storage chamber); S4…inverter storage chamber (storage chamber); S41…first storage section; S42…second storage section; S43…third storage section; P2…line (the highest position of the fourth storage section); C1…first axis; C2…second axis.

Claims

1. A vehicle drive device, wherein: have: A rotating motor is arranged on the first shaft; A differential transmission device, arranged on a second shaft parallel to the first shaft, and drivingly connected to the wheels; a power transmission device disposed on the first shaft and drivingly connected between the differential transmission device and the rotating electric machine; A power module having a power semiconductor element and converting electric power supplied to the rotating electric machine; a smoothing capacitor electrically connected between the power module and a power source; a wiring portion electrically connecting the rotating electrical machine and the power module; as well as a housing that accommodates the rotating electrical machine, the differential transmission device, the power transmission device, the power module, the smoothing capacitor, and the wiring portion, The housing forms a storage portion at a position above a plane including the first axis and the second axis. The storage section includes a first storage section for storing the wiring section, a second storage section for storing the smoothing capacitor, and a third storage section for storing the power module. The first housing portion, the second housing portion, and the third housing portion are L-shaped as a whole when viewed in the up-down direction and overlap with the first axis and the second axis.

2. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein: The wiring portion, the smoothing capacitor, and the power module overlap the rotating electric machine when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a vertical direction.

3. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing further forms a fourth housing portion for housing the rotating electrical machine, and includes a side wall portion that defines a boundary of the housing portion in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction. The side wall portion is located below a highest position of the fourth housing portion.

4. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein: The first housing portion overlaps with the rotating electrical machine when viewed in the axial direction, and overlaps with the power transmission device when viewed in the up-down direction. The second housing portion overlaps with the rotating electrical machine when viewed in a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the up-down direction, and overlaps with the second shaft when viewed in the up-down direction. The third housing portion is adjacent to the first housing portion and the second housing portion, and overlaps with the second axis when viewed in the up-down direction.

5. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein: An end portion of the wiring portion on the rotating electric machine side passes through a wall portion of the case forming a lower portion of the housing portion in the up-down direction.

6. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein: The wiring portion includes, for each phase of the rotating electrical machine, a first terminal portion connected to a power line of the rotating electrical machine, a second terminal portion electrically connected to the power module, and a bus bar between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion. The first terminal portions associated with each phase are arranged so as to be aligned in a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the up-down direction.

7. The vehicle drive device according to claim 6, wherein: The second terminal portion for each phase is connected to a side farther from the smoothing capacitor in the axial direction or a side facing the bus bar in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, among four sides around the power module when viewed in the up-down direction.

8. The vehicle drive device according to claim 6, wherein: The bus bars are arranged so as not to overlap each other when viewed in the up-down direction.

9. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein: The smoothing capacitor and the power module are adjacent to each other in an axial direction or in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction when viewed in the up-down direction.

10. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein: The wiring portion, the smoothing capacitor, and the power module overlap the differential transmission device when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a vertical direction.

11. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein: The wiring portion, the smoothing capacitor, and the power module overlap the power transmission device when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a vertical direction.

12. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein: The wiring portion, the smoothing capacitor, and the power module overlap with the output member disposed on the second axis when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction.

Images