Vehicle drive device

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle drive device. Disclosed is a drive device for a vehicle, which is provided with: a transmission mechanism that transmits a driving force from a driving source to a wheel; a housing that forms an accommodation chamber that accommodates the drive source and / or the transmission mechanism together with oil; and a ventilation hole provided in the housing, the ventilation hole having a housing-side opening that opens to the housing chamber, an atmosphere opening that opens to the atmosphere, and a ventilation chamber that communicates with the housing-side opening and the atmosphere opening. The ventilation chamber includes a first ventilation chamber formed in the housing, and a second ventilation chamber formed in the accommodation chamber by an insulating member attached to the housing.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] It is known that in a vehicle drive device, a breather chamber communicating with the outside of the housing is defined in a motor housing chamber of a housing.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-170906

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, the vent recess (vent chamber) is blocked by a flat vent plate. When the volume of the vent chamber is increased, there is a concern that the vent recess and the housing may be increased in size. Summary of the invention

[0005] Therefore, in one aspect, an object of the present invention is to prevent an increase in the size of a housing and to efficiently ensure a volume required for a ventilation chamber.

[0006] In one aspect, a vehicle drive device is provided, comprising: a transmission mechanism that transmits driving force from a driving source to wheels; a shell that forms a storage chamber that stores at least any one of the driving source and the transmission mechanism together with oil; and a vent hole that is arranged in the shell, the vent hole having: a shell side opening that opens to the storage chamber; an atmospheric opening that opens to the atmosphere; and a ventilation chamber that is connected to the shell side opening and the atmospheric opening, the ventilation chamber comprising: a first ventilation chamber that is formed in the shell; and a second ventilation chamber that is formed by an insulating component installed on the shell.

[0007] In one aspect, according to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently ensure the volume required for the breather chamber while preventing the housing from increasing in size. 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 on a vehicle.

[0009] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of a vehicle drive device.

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

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

[0012] Figure 3A This is a side view schematically showing the vehicle drive device of the first embodiment as viewed from the first axial side A1.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of a flow path forming member.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of the Q6 section.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a side view schematically showing the vehicle drive device of the first embodiment as viewed from the second axial side A2.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle drive device taken along a vertical plane passing through the vent hole of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle drive device based on a vertical plane passing through the vent hole of Example 2.

[0018] Fig. 9 This is a side view schematically showing the partition wall of the vehicle drive device according to the second embodiment, as viewed from the first axial side A1.

[0019] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of the Q10 portion.

[0020] Fig.11 1 is a perspective view of a single state of the insulating component viewed from the first axial side A1.

[0021] Fig.12 is based on Fig.11 The same view is an exploded perspective view of the insulating components.

[0022] Fig.13 1 is a perspective view of the insulating component in a single state as viewed from the second axial side A2 .

[0023] Fig.14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle drive device taken along a vertical plane passing through the vent hole of the comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are merely examples and are not limited thereto. In addition, for the convenience of explanation, the shapes and the like in the drawings are sometimes partially exaggerated. In addition, in the drawings, for the convenience of observation, sometimes only a portion of the parts having the same attribute is marked with a reference figure mark.

[0025] In the following description, the Y direction (refer to Figure 3Aetc.) corresponds to the up-down direction in the use state of the vehicle drive device 100, that is, the up-down direction when the vehicle drive device 100 is arranged in its use state. Moreover, the Y1 side and the Y2 side correspond to the upper side and the lower side along the Y direction. In addition, the up-down direction does not necessarily need to be parallel to the vertical direction, as long as it mainly has a vertical direction component. In addition, the directions of the various components in the following description represent the directions in which 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). A direction (refer to Figure 2 etc.) corresponds to the axial direction. Figure 2 The A1 side and the A2 side along the A direction are defined in the above. Figure 3 etc.) is a direction orthogonal to both the A direction and the Y direction. Figure 3 The X1 side and the X2 side along the X direction are defined in FIG.

[0026] In this specification, "drive connection" refers to the state of connecting two rotating members in a manner that can transmit driving force (synonymous with torque), including the state of connecting the two rotating members in a manner that rotates as a whole, or the state of connecting the two rotating members in a manner that can transmit driving force via one or more transmission parts. Such transmission parts include various parts that transmit rotation at the same speed or at a variable speed (for example, shafts, gear mechanisms, belts, chains, etc.). In addition, as transmission parts, engaging devices that selectively transmit rotation and driving force (for example, friction engaging devices, meshing engaging devices, etc.) may also be included.

[0027] In addition, in this specification, "connected" refers to a state in which two space components are fluidically connected to each other. That is, it refers to a state in which a fluid can travel back and forth between the two space components. In this case, the two space components can be connected directly or indirectly (that is, via other space components).

[0028] In this specification, "rotating electric machine" is used as a concept including any one of 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 at least partially exists. In addition, in this specification, regarding the configuration of two components, "overlapping of configuration areas in a specific direction" means that at least a part of the configuration area in a specific direction of one component is included in the configuration area in a specific direction of another component.

[0029] Figure 1 It is a schematic plan view showing a state in which the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle VC. Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle drive device 100 . Figure 2A 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle drive device 100 .

[0030] like Figure 2A As shown schematically, the vehicle drive device 100 includes a rotating electrical machine 1, and a pair of wheels W (see Figure 1 ) is connected to the rotating electrical machine 1 by a pair of output components 6, and a transmission mechanism 3 that transmits driving force between the rotating electrical machine 1 and the pair of output components 6. The vehicle drive device 100 also includes a housing 2 that accommodates the rotating electrical machine 1. The housing 2 also accommodates a pair of output components 6 and the transmission mechanism 3. In addition, in a modified example, the housing 2 may accommodate only one of the pair of output components 6 (for example, the first output component 61). In addition, as for the use of the vehicle drive device 100, it can be applied to any vehicle having a rotating electrical machine 1, such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, and can also be applied to any vehicle whose driving mode is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, etc. In addition, the driving source may also be only an engine (internal combustion engine).

[0031] The first output member 61 as one of the pair of output members 6 is drivingly connected to the first wheel W1 as one of the pair of wheels W, and the second output member 62 as the other of the pair of output members 6 is drivingly connected to the second wheel W2 as the other of the pair of wheels W. 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 via a constant velocity coupling, for example, and the second drive shaft 64 is connected to the second wheel W2 via a constant velocity coupling, for example. Moreover, the first output member 61 is connected to the first drive shaft 63 in a manner that it rotates integrally with the first drive shaft 63, and the second output member 62 is connected to the second drive shaft 64 in a manner that it rotates integrally with the second drive shaft 64. In addition, the first output member 61 may be in the form of an intermediate shaft. The first output member 61 is supported by the housing 2 via the bearing BR1 on the second axial side A2 so as to be rotatable, and is supported by the housing 2 via the bearing BR2 on the first axial side A1 so as to be rotatable. In addition, in this embodiment, as an example, the bearings BR1 and BR2 are in the form of ball bearings, but they may also be in other forms.

[0032] The vehicle drive device 100 transmits the output torque of the rotary electric machine 1 to a pair of wheels W via a pair of output members 6, so that the vehicle VC equipped with the vehicle drive device 100 travels. That is, the rotary 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 of the vehicle VC (for example, a pair of left and right front wheels or a pair of left and right rear wheels). The rotary electric machine 1 can be, for example, an AC rotary electric machine driven by a three-phase AC.

[0033] 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 has an output gear (ring gear) 30 drivingly connected to at least one of the pair of output members 6, and the output gear 30 is coaxial with the pair of output members 6 (that is, on the second axis C2).

[0034] The rotating electrical machine 1 is, for example, an inner rotor type. The rotating electrical machine 1 has a stator 11 (see Figure 2 ) is arranged radially inside the rotor 14 which can rotate around the first axis C1.

[0035] The rotor shaft 15 of the rotor 14 is rotatably supported by the housing 2 via the bearing BR3 on the axial second side A2, and is rotatably supported by the housing 2 via the bearing BR4 on the axial first side A1. In the present embodiment, as an example, the bearings BR3 and BR4 are in the form of ball bearings, but may be in other forms. Figure 2 In the example shown, the rotor shaft 15 has an axial oil passage 15a and radial ejection holes 15b. During rotation, the oil in the axial oil passage 15a can be ejected from the radial ejection holes 15b toward the coil end 13 by centrifugal force.

[0036] 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 coaxially arranged with the rotating motor 1. The output gear (planetary carrier) 342 of 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 more than three shafts.

[0037] 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 drivingly connected to the rotating electrical machine 1. In this embodiment, as an example, the rotor 14 of the rotating electrical machine 1 rotates integrally with the input member 16 together with the sun gear 341 of the speed reduction mechanism 34.

[0038] The transmission mechanism 3 also includes a differential gear mechanism 5. The differential gear mechanism 5 distributes the driving force transmitted from the rotating electrical machine 1 to a pair of output members 6. 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 differential gear mechanism 5 can be arranged coaxially (i.e., on the second axis C2) with the pair of output members 6. In addition, the differential gear mechanism 5 can be a bevel gear type differential gear mechanism, and the output gear 30 is connected to the differential case portion 50 provided in the differential gear mechanism 5 in a manner that the output gear 30 rotates integrally with the differential case portion 50.

[0039] Next, refer to Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 The structure of the housing 2 will be described in detail.

[0040] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a top view schematically showing the vehicle drive device 100 of this embodiment. Figure 3 In order to clearly identify components disposed inside the inverter case portion 24 , the inverter cover member 203 on the upper portion of the inverter case portion 24 is omitted from illustration.

[0041] 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 integrated by fastening components such as bolts, and a form integrated by integral molding (for example, casting, casting using aluminum plating, etc.).

[0042] 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 70. In addition, the motor housing portion 21 forms the motor housing chamber S1, which means that the wall portion that delimits 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.

[0043] The motor housing 21 is a cylindrical shape corresponding to the outer shape of the rotating electrical machine 1. However, the motor housing 21 does not need to close all the cylindrical outer peripheral portions. 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 form a wall portion (partition wall portion).

[0044] 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 X direction X2 side 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.

[0045] 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 (for example, 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.

[0046] In addition, the housing 2 can be formed by joining multiple parts (housing parts, cover parts). Therefore, one housing part forming the housing 2 often forms 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.

[0047] 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 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 separating each other. In this case, the rotating motor 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, in the present embodiment, in order to supply oil to the motor storage chamber S1, the motor storage chamber S1 and the inverter storage chamber S4 can be separated.

[0048] In the following description, as an example, the case member 200, the motor cover member 201, the differential cover member 202, and the inverter cover member 203 are joined to form the case 2. The joining method may be fastening by bolts or the like.

[0049] The housing member 200 may be formed as a single member (for example, a single member formed by die casting and made of the same 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 .

[0050] The housing member 200 is open in the axial direction at the first axial side A1 , and is open in the axial direction at the second axial side A2 .

[0051] The motor cover member 201 is provided to cover the opening of the axial first side A1 of the housing member 200 (i.e., the opening of the axial first 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 an end face (joining face) of the axial first side A1 of the housing member 200. In this case, the joining face (matching face) 221 between the motor cover member 201 and the housing member 200 may extend in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0052] The differential cover member 202 is provided to cover the opening of the axial second side A2 of the housing member 200 (i.e., the opening of the axial second side A2 of the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2). The differential cover member 202 may be formed as a single piece. The differential cover member 202 may be joined to an end face (joining face) of the axial second side A2 of the housing member 200. In this case, the joint face (matching face) 222 between the differential cover member 202 and the housing member 200 may extend in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0053] The inverter cover member 203 is provided to cover the opening of the inverter housing chamber S4 of the housing member 200. The inverter cover member 203 may be formed as a one-piece member.

[0054] The inverter device 70 may be in the form of a module, or may be fixed to a wall portion forming the inverter case portion 24 by bolts or the like.

[0055] As described above, the inverter device 70 is housed in the inverter housing chamber S4 of the inverter case portion 24. The inverter device 70 receives power from the battery BA (see Figure 1 ) and supplies power to the rotating electrical machine 1. In addition, the battery BA is arbitrary, but can be a high-voltage battery with a relatively high rated voltage, or a lithium battery, etc. The inverter device 70 mainly includes a power module PM, a smoothing capacitor CM and a busbar structure 72. In addition, the inverter device 70 may also include a control substrate (not shown) on which a control device for controlling the inverter circuit is installed. The busbar structure 72 is arranged between the rotating electrical machine 1 and the power module PM to electrically connect the two.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the inverter case portion 24 is disposed 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).

[0057] The inverter storage chamber S4 includes a first storage portion S41, a second storage portion S42, and a third storage portion S43. In the top view, the inverter storage chamber S4 Figure 3 As shown, it has an L-shaped form. Specifically, if the area between the first axis C1 and the second axis C2 in the X direction is taken 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 electrical machine 1 and the reduction mechanism 34 in the A direction is taken 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 is on the first direction first side X1, and extends only further axially to the second side A2 than the A-direction center.

[0058] More specifically, the first receiving portion S41, the second receiving portion S42, and the third receiving portion S43 are shown in a top view. Figure 3 As shown, the overall configuration is L-shaped. At this time, the first storage portion S41 overlaps with the first axis C1 (i.e., the speed reduction mechanism 34) on the second axial side A2 in the top view, 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 in the top view, 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 in the top view. In addition, the third storage portion S43 can be integrally connected to the first storage portion S41 and the second storage portion S42.

[0059] The first housing portion S41, the second housing portion S42, and the third housing portion S43 are arranged above a plane (not shown) including the first axis C1, which is the axis center of the rotating shaft of the rotating electrical machine 1, and the second axis C2, which is the axis center of the output member 6. In addition, in the present embodiment, as described above, the offset amount in the second direction Y between the central axis (i.e., the second axis C2) of the output gear 30 and the central axis (i.e., the first axis C1) of the rotating electrical machine 1 is set to be relatively small, so that the plane (not shown) including the first axis C1 and the second axis C2 becomes a plane close to the horizontal plane.

[0060] In this embodiment, the busbar structure 72 of the structural components of the inverter device 70 can be arranged in the first storage section S41, the smoothing capacitor CM can be arranged in the second storage section S42, and the power module PM can be arranged in the third storage section S43. In this case, the busbar structure 72 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 can be arranged in the second storage section S42, and a part of the first side X1 of the first direction of the power module PM can be arranged in the first storage section S41.

[0061] Next, refer to Figure 3A as well as Figure 4 The water cooling structure of the rotary electric machine 1 of the present embodiment and the structural components related thereto (the flow path forming member 90 etc.) will be described.

[0062] Figure 3A This is a side view of the vehicle drive device of this embodiment as viewed from the first axial side A1 and briefly shows the vehicle drive device of this embodiment. Figure 3A In order to make the state in the motor housing chamber S1 clear, the motor cover member 201 is omitted from the illustration. Figure 3A In FIG. 2 , the inverter device 70 inside the inverter case portion 24 is schematically shown by a dotted line. Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the flow path forming member 90 .

[0063] The water cooling structure of the rotating electric machine 1 of the present embodiment is a structure for cooling the rotating electric machine 1 by cooling water. In addition, the cooling water may be, for example, water containing LLC: Long Life Coolant (long-term coolant), which may be circulated by a water pump (not shown). In addition, a heat dissipation unit such as a radiator (not shown) may be provided in the circulation path of the cooling water. In addition, the cooling water may be used not only for cooling the rotating electric machine 1, but also for cooling other structural members, such as the inverter device 70 electrically connected to the rotating electric machine 1.

[0064] The water cooling structure of the rotating electrical machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a coolant supply portion 40 , a coolant discharge portion 42 , and a flow path forming member 90 .

[0065] The refrigerant supply unit 40 communicates with, for example, a discharge side of a water pump (not shown), and supplies cooling water to the refrigerant flow path 300 formed by the flow path forming member 90 .

[0066] The coolant discharge portion 42 communicates with, for example, a suction side of a water pump (not shown), and supplies (discharges) cooling water from the coolant flow path 300 formed by the flow path forming member 90 to the water pump (not shown).

[0067] The refrigerant supply unit 40 and the refrigerant discharge unit 42 may be provided on the upper and lower sides respectively with the first output member 61 interposed therebetween. In this case, the refrigerant supply unit 40 and the refrigerant discharge unit 42 can be established by effectively utilizing the space around the first output member 61.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the flow path forming member 90 is a cylindrical member having an inner peripheral surface radially opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating electrical machine 1. The flow path forming member 90 forms a refrigerant flow path 300 around the rotating electrical machine 1. Figure 4 In the illustrated example, the refrigerant flow path 300 includes a plurality of flow path portions SC1 to SC4 in the circumferential direction, but the structure of the refrigerant flow path 300 is arbitrary.

[0069] The flow path forming member 90 can be formed of a material having good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum. In the present embodiment, as an example, the flow path forming member 90 is embedded in the stator core 12 of the stator 11 by, for example, sintering. In other embodiments, the flow path forming member 90 can also be formed integrally with the stator core 12 by casting or the like.

[0070] In this embodiment, as an example, the flow path forming member 90 is as follows Figure 3A As shown, it is a form of an inner shell fastened to the shell 2. In this case, as Figure 3A As shown, the flow path forming member 90 may have a plurality of fastening portions 500 at one axial end. The plurality of fastening portions 500 are fastened to the housing 2 by bolts (not shown) (see bolt holes BT4). In addition, in a modified example, the flow path forming member 90 may also be formed as a part of the housing 2.

[0071] The flow path forming member 90 is inserted into the cylindrical space of the housing 2. At this time, the outer peripheral surface of the flow path forming member 90 is opposite to the inner peripheral surface of the housing 2 (the inner peripheral surface bounded by the plurality of fastening portions 500) in the radial direction. In addition, hereinafter, the inner peripheral surface of the housing 2 surrounding the flow path forming member 90 is also referred to as the "flow path forming surface 209 of the housing 2" (refer to Figure 5 ). In addition, the inner diameter of the flow path forming surface 209 of the housing 2 may be a constant value larger than the basic outer diameter of the stator core 12 by the basic thickness of the flow path forming member 90 .

[0072] The flow path forming member 90 cooperates with the flow path forming surface 209 of the housing 2 to form the refrigerant flow path 300. Specifically, the refrigerant flow path 300 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the flow path forming member 90 and the flow path forming surface 209 of the housing 2 in the radial direction.

[0073] The refrigerant flow path 300 may extend in the circumferential direction in such a manner that cooling water flows in the circumferential direction throughout the entire circumference. In addition, the refrigerant flow path 300 may also be formed to extend throughout the entire axial direction of the stator core 12 of the rotating electrical machine 1 and to be radially opposed to the outer peripheral surface of the stator core 12. In addition, the refrigerant flow path 300 is closed at both axial ends. For example, a sealing member 97 may be provided between the flow path forming member 90 and the flow path forming surface 209 of the housing 2, at both axial ends of the flow path forming member 90 throughout the entire circumference (see Figure 5 ).

[0074] Next, refer to Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The oil circuit structure of the vehicle drive device 100 of this embodiment and the structural components related thereto are described. The various oil circuits of the oil circuit structure described below are formed by the housing 2 unless otherwise specified. In this specification, the various oil circuits formed by the housing 2 are not only oil circuits formed by the housing 2 alone, but also include the concept of oil circuits formed by the combination of the housing 2 and other structural components (structural components other than the housing 2). In addition, a storage chamber such as the output shaft storage chamber S3 also constitutes an oil circuit.

[0075] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a plane passing through the second axis C2 and the Y direction, Figure 2 An enlarged view of the Q6 portion (a cross-sectional view through the output shaft accommodation chamber S3). Figure 6 This is a side view schematically showing the vehicle drive device 100 of the present embodiment from the second axial side A2 .

[0076] In addition, as described above, the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2 and the output shaft storage chamber S3 overlap with the second axis C2 in a plan view and are adjacent in the axial direction. In addition, the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2 extends in the X direction in a manner to store the speed reduction mechanism 34 and the differential gear mechanism 5, so the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2 and the output shaft storage chamber S3 extend in an L shape in a plan view. Hereinafter, the portion of the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2 that stores the speed reduction mechanism 34 is also referred to as the "speed reduction mechanism storage chamber S21", and the portion that stores the differential gear mechanism 5 is also referred to as the "differential gear storage chamber S22".

[0077] The output shaft housing portion 23 extends around the second axis C2 along the extension direction (i.e., axial direction) of the first output member 61. The output shaft housing portion 23 may be in the form of a peripheral wall portion that forms a space (output shaft storage chamber S3) around the first output member 61. In addition, in this case, the output shaft housing portion 23 may extend radially outward (X direction X2 side) of the rotary electric machine 1 and also form a part of the motor housing portion 21.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the axial second side A2 of the output shaft storage chamber S3 is connected to the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2 (particularly, the differential gear storage chamber S22). In addition, an oil-lubricated object is arranged on the axial first side A1 of the output shaft storage chamber S3. That is, the end of the axial first side A1 of the output shaft storage chamber S3 is connected to the space S31 where the oil-lubricated object is arranged. In the present embodiment, the oil-lubricated object includes the bearing BR2 and the oil seal 700. The oil seal 700 is provided at the end of the axial first side A1 of the first output component 61 to seal the first output component 61 and the housing 2 oil-tightly. In addition, in a modified example, the output shaft storage chamber S3 may also replace the case where it is connected to the space S31 where the bearing BR2 and the oil seal 700 are arranged, and the end of the axial first side A1 includes the space S31 (the space where the bearing BR2 and the oil seal 700 are arranged).

[0079] In this embodiment, the oil is not circulated in the vehicle drive device 100 by a so-called forced lubrication method using an oil pump (mechanical or electric oil pump), but by a lubrication method (natural lubrication method) in which the oil is lifted up by the rotation of the gears and lubricated. However, in a modified example, an oil pump may be used simultaneously for part of the lubrication.

[0080] Specifically, in the present embodiment, a lubrication method is adopted in which various lubrication objects are lifted up and lubricated by the rotation of the output gear 30 (so-called differential ring) of the differential gear mechanism 5 .

[0081] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the vehicle drive device 100 , by adopting such a natural lubrication method, it is possible to achieve cost reduction and size reduction due to not using an oil pump.

[0082] On the other hand, in order to properly supply oil to the bearing BR2 and the oil seal 700 by natural lubrication, the necessity of increasing the oil level or setting additional components such as an oil collecting tank is likely to increase. In addition, in order to increase the oil level, the required amount of oil increases, resulting in increased costs.

[0083] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the surface 231 of the output shaft housing portion 23 (hereinafter also referred to as “the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 231”) facing the first output member 61 is Figure 5 ) and the outer peripheral surface of the first output member 61 are configured so that the axial first side A1 extends to a position lower than the axial second side A2.

[0084] Specifically, the inner peripheral surface 231 of the peripheral wall includes an inclined surface that forms a step difference between the axial first side A1 and the axial second side A2. Such an inclined surface can be achieved by making the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface 231 of the peripheral wall (the inner diameter around the first axis C1) increase as it moves toward the axial first side A1. However, in other embodiments, a step may be formed instead of or in addition to the inclined surface. In this case, the step may also be formed in a manner that the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface 231 of the peripheral wall (the inner diameter around the first axis C1) gradually increases as it moves toward the axial first side A1.

[0085] In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the first output member 61 also includes an inclined surface that forms a step difference between the axial first side A1 and the axial second side A2. Such an inclined surface can be realized by making the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the first output member 61 (the outer diameter around the first axis C1) increase toward the axial first side A1. In this case, the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the first output member 61 can be a constant value relative to the inner diameter of the inner peripheral surface 231 of the peripheral wall at each position along the axial direction. However, in other embodiments, a step can be formed instead of or in addition to the inclined surface.

[0086] Such an inner peripheral surface 231 of the peripheral wall and the outer peripheral surface of the first output member 61 can have the following function, that is, by using the effect of gravity, the oil supplied from the axial second side A2 by the rotation of the output gear 30 of the differential gear mechanism 5 can flow toward the axial first side A1 along the inclined surface at a relatively large flow rate. Specifically, the oil supplied from the axial second side A2 by the rotation of the output gear 30 of the differential gear mechanism 5 (see Figure 5 After falling onto the surface of the first output member 61, the first output member 61 flows along the surface of the first output member 61 toward the axial first side A1 (refer to Figure 5 At this time, the inclination of the surface of the first output member 61 promotes the flow of oil to the axial first side A1. In addition, the oil supplied from the axial second side A2 by the rotation of the output gear 30 of the differential gear mechanism 5 (see Figure 5 The oil then flows along the surface portion of the inner peripheral surface 231 of the peripheral wall facing upward toward the first axial side A1 (see arrow R61). Figure 5 At this time, the inclination of the inner peripheral surface 231 of the peripheral wall promotes the flow of oil toward the axial first side A1. As a result, oil can be supplied at an appropriate flow rate to the end of the axial first side A1 of the first output member 61 or to the lubricated object (bearing BR2, oil seal 700) disposed near the end.

[0087] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the oil raised by the rotation of the output gear 30 of the differential gear mechanism 5 can be appropriately supplied to the lubricated object (bearing BR2, oil seal 700) without providing additional components such as an oil collecting tank. Therefore, it is possible to achieve miniaturization and cost reduction by natural lubrication, and it is possible to appropriately supply oil to the lubricated object (bearing BR2, oil seal 700) located at a relatively far position from the output gear 30 of the differential gear mechanism 5 in the axial direction.

[0088] In this embodiment, a portion of the transmission mechanism housing portion 22 located at the boundary with the output shaft housing portion 23 in the axial direction (hereinafter also referred to as “bearing support portion 223”) has a cavity portion S223 (see Figure 5 ). In addition, the bearing support portion 223 is a portion located around the bearing BR1 and supporting the bearing BR1. In this case, the cavity portion S223 can be formed radially outside the bearing BR1 and at a height where the oil lifted by the rotation of the output gear 30 of the differential gear mechanism 5 is applied. In addition, two or more cavity portions S223 can be provided around the bearing BR1, for example, directly above in the up-down direction (the 12 o'clock position) and at a position lower than directly above (for example, the 11 o'clock position).

[0089] By providing such a cavity portion S223, the oil stirred up by the rotation of the output gear 30 of the differential gear mechanism 5 can be introduced into the output shaft accommodation chamber S3 from the axial second side A2 at an appropriate flow rate. In addition, the oil stirred up by the rotation of the output gear 30 of the differential gear mechanism 5 can be directly introduced into the cavity portion S223. Therefore, the oil can be introduced into the output shaft accommodation chamber S3 from the axial second side A2 at an appropriate flow rate without providing additional components such as an oil collecting tank.

[0090] In this embodiment, if Figure 2 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the oil supplied to the motor housing chamber S1 and the output shaft housing chamber S3 for lubrication or the like is returned to the transmission mechanism housing chamber S2 (particularly the differential gear housing chamber S22 ) via a return flow path 290 formed in the lower portion of the housing 2 .

[0091] The end of the return flow path 290 on the axial second side A2 opens to the differential gear housing chamber S22, and the end of the axial first side A1 communicates with the output shaft housing chamber S3. The output shaft housing portion 23 may have an opening or cutout 99 (see FIG. 1 ) for ensuring communication between the output shaft housing chamber S3 and the return flow path 290. Figure 3A ). Thus, the oil can be efficiently introduced from the output shaft accommodation chamber S3 to the return flow path 290.

[0092] Next, the main reference Figure 6The structure in the transmission mechanism accommodation chamber S2 among the oil path structures will be mainly described.

[0093] In the present embodiment, as described above, since the natural lubrication method is adopted, it is useful to return the oil used for lubricating various lubricated objects to the lower part of the differential gear storage chamber S22 (the oil reservoir for the output gear 30 to be immersed) relatively quickly. For example, in the case where the return flow path such as the above-mentioned return flow path 290 is opened in the reduction mechanism storage chamber S21 outside the differential gear storage chamber S22 in the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2, the oil returning to the lower part of the differential gear storage chamber S22 via the return flow path is likely to be insufficient. In this case, there is a concern that the oil temperature sensor is not immersed in the oil due to the driving state of the vehicle, and the internal air temperature is measured. In order to avoid the above-mentioned undesirable situation, although the overall oil volume can be increased, in this case, the cost increase caused by the increase in the oil volume and the increase in the stirring loss caused by the rise in the oil level in the quiet state (stirring loss of the output gear 30) may become a problem.

[0094] Therefore, in this embodiment, the return flow path 290 opens at the lower part (lower than the second axis C2) of the differential gear storage chamber S22 in the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2. At this time, the end of the axial second side A2 of the return flow path 290 (the opening on the side of the differential gear storage chamber S22) preferably overlaps with the output gear 30 when viewed along the axial direction. As a result, the oil used for lubricating various lubricating objects including the above-mentioned bearing BR2, oil seal 700, etc. can be relatively quickly returned to the lower part of the differential gear storage chamber S22 (the oil reservoir for the output gear 30 to be immersed).

[0095] In this embodiment, as described above, the flow path forming member 90 is provided on the radially outer side of the rotating electric machine 1. The radially inner side of the flow path forming member 90 is engaged with the stator core 12, and the radially outer side is sealed on both sides of the axial direction relative to the flow path forming surface 209 of the housing 2. That is, the flow path forming member 90 is provided to separate the space S11 (refer to FIG. 1 ) where the coil end 13 (in this embodiment, the coil end 13-1 on the lead side) on the axial second side A2 in the motor housing chamber S1 is located. Figure 2 ), and the space S12 where the coil end 13 on the first axial side A1 is located (refer to Figure 2 ) is provided in a manner to prevent the movement of oil between the coil ends 13 (in this embodiment, the coil ends 13-1 on the lead side) on the axial second side A2 in the motor housing chamber S1. Figure 2 ), and the space S12 where the coil end 13-2 on the first axial side A1 is located (refer to Figure 2) is not actually connected between the above-mentioned axial directions. That is, a refrigerant flow path 300 is formed in the entire circumferential area of ​​the rotating electric machine 1, and there is no gap in the radial direction between the rotating electric machine 1 and the flow path forming component 90, so there is no movement of oil through the gap (movement between space S11 and space S12). Therefore, the oil sprayed toward each coil end 13 via the axial oil path 15a of the rotor shaft 15 and the radial ejection holes 15b of the rotor shaft 15 (the oil sprayed by the centrifugal force when the rotor rotates) cannot return to the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2 through only one return flow path. Specifically, the oil injected into the coil end 13 in the space S12 can be connected to the output shaft storage chamber S3 through the space S12 (refer to Figure 2 ), and returns to the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2 (especially the differential gear storage chamber S22) through the above-mentioned return flow path 290. On the other hand, the oil injected into the coil end 13 in the space S11 cannot actually return to the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2 (especially the differential gear storage chamber S22) through the above-mentioned return flow path 290.

[0096] Therefore, in this embodiment, as the second return flow path, a return flow path 292 is provided to communicate the space S11 with the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2. Specifically, the end of the return flow path 292 on the axial first side A1 is communicated with the space S11 of the motor storage chamber S1, and the end of the return flow path 292 on the axial second side A2 is communicated with the lower part of the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2 (the lower part of the oil collecting tank 920 described later). In this embodiment, the end of the return flow path 292 on the axial second side A2 opens at the lower part of the speed reduction mechanism storage chamber S21 (below the first axis C1). At this time, the end of the return flow path 292 on the axial second side A2 (the opening on the speed reduction mechanism storage chamber S21 side) is preferably opened below the second axis C2. Thus, the oil used for cooling the coil end 13 in the above-mentioned space S11 can be returned to the lower part (the oil reservoir in which the output gear 30 is immersed) in the differential gear storage chamber S22 via the speed reduction mechanism storage chamber S21. In other words, a water cooling structure based on the flow path forming member 90 can be realized around the stator core 12, and the oil supplied into the motor housing chamber S1 can be efficiently returned to the lower part of the differential gear housing chamber S22 (the oil reservoir into which the output gear 30 is immersed).

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, the end portion of the return flow path 292 on the second axial side A2 (the opening on the speed reduction mechanism storage chamber S21 side) is disposed in the oil collection tank 920 in the speed reduction mechanism storage chamber S21. Figure 6 As shown, the return flow path 292 may be in the form of a hole that axially penetrates a partition wall portion that axially separates the motor housing chamber S1 and the transmission mechanism housing chamber S2 of the housing 2 .

[0098] like Figure 6As shown, the oil collecting tank 920 extends radially outward of the axial wall portion 9201 around the speed reduction mechanism 34 in the speed reduction mechanism storage chamber S21, and has an inlet 921 at a position where the oil raised by the rotation of the output gear 30 can be captured. In addition, the oil collecting tank 920 has a discharge port 922 opened to the differential gear storage chamber S22 at the lower part. In this case, the end of the axial second side A2 of the return flow path 292 (the opening on the speed reduction mechanism storage chamber S21 side) can also be set near the discharge port 922. As a result, the oil used for cooling the coil end 13 in the above-mentioned space S11 can be relatively quickly returned to the lower part of the differential gear storage chamber S22 (the oil reservoir for the output gear 30 to be immersed) through the lower part of the oil collecting tank 920. In addition, the oil collecting tank 920 can also be connected to the axial oil passage 15a of the rotor shaft 15 in a manner that supplies oil to the axial oil passage 15a of the rotor shaft 15. In addition, the lower portion of the oil collecting tank 920 refers to a portion below the center of the oil collecting tank 920 in the vertical direction, for example, a portion below the first axis C1.

[0099] In addition, in a modified example, the return flow path 292 may be connected to the return flow path 290. For example, the return flow path 292 may be formed as a flow path that connects the space S11 and the return flow path 290. In this case, the length of the return flow path as a whole can be reduced, and an efficient return flow path structure can be realized.

[0100] An oil temperature sensor 98 is provided at the lower part of the oil collecting tank 920 (at Figure 6 In this case, the oil temperature sensor 98 is disposed near the discharge port 922 of the oil collecting tank 920. Thus, even when the vehicle is running, the possibility of the oil temperature sensor 98 being above the oil level can be reduced, so the reliability of the sensor information from the oil temperature sensor 98 can be improved.

[0101] Thus, in this embodiment, as described above, the oil lifted by the rotation of the output gear 30 of the differential gear mechanism 5 is introduced from the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2 to the output shaft storage chamber S3 via the cavity portion S223 located above the second axis C2. Furthermore, after the oil flows downward due to gravity and lubricates the bearing BR2 and the like, it returns from the output shaft storage chamber S3 to the differential gear storage chamber S22 via the end of the return flow path 290 located below the second axis C2 (the end of the axial second side A2). Thus, the oil can be lifted again by the rotation of the output gear 30 of the differential gear mechanism 5.

[0102] In addition, the oil stirred up by the rotation of the output gear 30 of the differential gear mechanism 5 is introduced to the axial oil passage 15a of the rotor shaft 15 through the oil collecting tank 920. Specifically, the oil collecting tank 920 is provided with a communication port 75 at the upper portion. The communication port 75 is an opening portion on the radial outer side of the radial communication passage 74, and the radial inner end of the communication passage 74 is connected to the axial oil passage 16a of the input member 16. In this case, the oil stirred up by the rotation of the output gear 30 of the differential gear mechanism 5 enters the communication passage 74 from the communication port 75 of the oil collecting tank 920, and then is supplied to the axial oil passage 15a of the rotor shaft 15 through the axial oil passage 16a. As described above, the oil supplied to the axial oil passage 15a is sprayed from the spray hole 15b to the coil end 13 of the rotary electric machine 1. As a result, the coil end 13 can be efficiently cooled by the oil stirred up by the rotation of the output gear 30 of the differential gear mechanism 5. Moreover, the oil ejected toward the coil end 13 in the space S12 of the motor housing chamber S1 returns from the space S12 to the transmission mechanism housing chamber S2 via the end of the return flow path 290 located below the second axis C2 (the end of the axial second side A2). In addition, the oil ejected toward the coil end 13 in the space S11 of the motor housing chamber S1 returns from the space S11 to the transmission mechanism housing chamber S2 via the end of the return flow path 292 located below the second axis C2 (the end of the axial second side A2). The oil thus returned to the transmission mechanism housing chamber S2 returns from the discharge port 922 located below the second axis C2 in the oil collecting tank 920 to the differential gear housing chamber S22. Thus, it can be lifted up again by the rotation of the output gear 30 of the differential gear mechanism 5.

[0103] Next, refer to Figure 3 as well as Figure 7 The preferred configuration of the vent hole 150 of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0104] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle drive device 100 taken along a vertical plane passing through the vent hole 150 .

[0105] The vent hole 150 has the function of opening the motor housing chamber S1 and the transmission mechanism housing chamber S2 formed by the housing 2 of the vehicle drive device 100 to atmospheric pressure. The vent hole 150 is provided at the upper portion of the housing 2 so that the oil in the housing 2 (for example, the oil stored in the lower portion) is not easily intruded when the vehicle behavior changes.

[0106] Specifically, if Figure 7As shown, the vent hole 150, as a portion that mainly forms a vent chamber, includes a first passage 151 extending in the axial direction A, and a second passage 152 extending in the up-down direction. Both ends of the first passage 151 are open, forming a first opening 153 opening to the motor storage chamber S1, and a second opening 154 opening to the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2. The lower end of the second passage 152 is connected to the first passage 151 (opening), and forms a third opening 156 whose upper end is open to the atmosphere. In addition, a vent valve 158 can be installed in the third opening 156. The detailed structure of the vent valve 158 is arbitrary, but for example, it can also have a structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Gazette No. 2007-127139, and its contents can be incorporated into this application by reference.

[0107] According to such a structure, the vent hole 150 can open the motor housing chamber S1 to atmospheric pressure via the first opening 153 and the third opening 156 opened in the motor housing chamber S1. In addition, the vent hole 150 can open the transmission mechanism housing chamber S2 to atmospheric pressure via the second opening 154 and the third opening 156 opened in the transmission mechanism housing chamber S2. Therefore, compared with a structure in which a vent hole for the motor housing chamber S1 and a vent hole for the transmission mechanism housing chamber S2 are separately provided, an efficient structure can be realized.

[0108] In this embodiment, from Figure 3 As can be seen from the position of the vent valve 158 shown, the third opening 156 is arranged near the center of the housing 2 when viewed in the up-down direction. Specifically, the third opening 156 is arranged between the first axis C1 and the second axis C2 in the first direction X (an example of a direction perpendicular to the first axis), and is arranged between the center position of the rotating electrical machine 1 and the center position of the reduction mechanism 34 in the axial direction A (an example of a direction parallel to the first axis). In addition, the center position of the rotating electrical machine 1 in the axial direction A can correspond to the axial center position of the stator core 12, for example. In addition, the center position of the reduction mechanism 34 in the axial direction A can correspond to the middle position between the position of the most axial first side A1 and the position of the most axial second side A2 of the reduction mechanism 34.

[0109] According to such an arrangement of the ventilation hole 150 , the ventilation hole 150 can be easily established by utilizing a dead space that is easily formed in the axial direction A between the rotary electric machine 1 and the speed reduction mechanism 34 and between the first axis C1 and the second axis C2 .

[0110] In particular, the third opening 156 is preferably arranged closer to the axial second side A2 (i.e., the side close to the speed reduction mechanism 34) than the coil end 13-1 on the axial second side A2. This is because the third opening 156 is more easily formed on the axial second side A2 than the coil end 13-1 on the axial second side A2. Figure 2 In addition, Figure 2 The range indicated by Q1 in FIG. 1 is a part of such a dead zone and is located between the bearing BR3 and the bearing BR1 in the first direction X.

[0111] However, in the present embodiment, as described above, the inverter housing chamber S4 (inverter case portion 24 ) forms the upper portion of the case 2 and extends over a relatively wide range.

[0112] Therefore, in this embodiment, Figure 3 From the position of the vent valve 158 shown, it can be seen that the third opening 156 is arranged at a position away from the inverter storage chamber S4 (inverter housing portion 24) when viewed in the up and down direction. In particular, in the present embodiment, it is arranged near the L-shaped corner of the inverter storage chamber S4. Thus, it is possible to establish the inverter storage chamber S4 as described above, and the third opening 156 of the vent 150 can be arranged near the center of the housing 2 when viewed in the up and down direction. In other words, according to the present embodiment, by forming the inverter storage chamber S4 into an L-shape, it is possible to reduce the volume of the vehicle drive device 100 in the up and down direction, and it is possible to arrange the third opening 156 of the vent 150 near the center of the housing 2 when viewed in the up and down direction.

[0113] Next, refer to Figure 8 The following figures illustrate another embodiment (hereinafter, also referred to as "embodiment 2" for distinction) which is different from the above-mentioned embodiment (hereinafter, also referred to as "embodiment 1" for distinction). In the following, regarding embodiment 2, the structure which is different from the above-mentioned embodiment 1 is mainly described, but other structures not described in relation to embodiment 2 may be the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment 1.

[0114] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle drive device 100A taken along a vertical plane passing through the vent hole 150A according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 This is a side view schematically showing the partition wall 26 of the vehicle drive device 100A according to the second embodiment, as viewed from the first axial side A1. Fig. 9 In the figure, for the sake of convenience, a part of the structure in the motor housing chamber S1 (rotating electric machine 1, etc.) is omitted. Fig. 9 In the figure, for the sake of ease of observation, a portion (cover portion 169) of the insulating component 160 described later is omitted from illustration.

[0115] The vehicle driving device 100A of the second embodiment is different from the vehicle driving device 100 of the first embodiment mainly in that the vent hole 150 is replaced with a vent hole 150A.

[0116] The structure of the vent hole 150A on the motor housing chamber S1 side is different from that of the vent hole 150 of the first embodiment.

[0117] Specifically, the vent hole 150A has an opening 155A on the motor housing chamber S1 side formed by the housing 2A instead of the first opening 153 of the vent hole 150 of the first embodiment. The vent hole 150A is different from the vent hole 150 of the first embodiment in that it opens to the motor housing chamber S1 via an insulating member 160 that is a member different from the housing 2A described later.

[0118] The insulating member 160 is formed of an insulating material (eg, a resin material) having electrical insulation properties, and forms an insulating portion of the vent 150A. That is, the vent 150A includes an insulating portion formed of the insulating member 160 in addition to a conductor portion formed of the housing 2A.

[0119] In the second embodiment, the insulating member 160 forms a ventilation chamber of the vent hole 150A together with the housing 2A. Specifically, the ventilation chamber of the vent hole 150A includes a space portion (an example of a second ventilation chamber) formed by the insulating member 160 in addition to the space portions (an example of a first ventilation chamber) of the first passage 151 and the second passage 152 formed by the housing 2A.

[0120] Figure 10 to Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the insulating member 160, Fig.10 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of the Q10 section, Fig.11 is a perspective view of a single state of the insulating component 160 as viewed from the first axial side A1, Fig.12 is with Fig.11 The same view is an exploded perspective view of the insulating component 160 . Fig.13 1 is a perspective view of the insulating member 160 in a single state as viewed from the second axial side A2 .

[0121] The insulating member 160 is mounted on the partition wall 26 of the housing 2A so as to be located in the motor housing chamber S1. The insulating member 160 may be mounted in any manner, but may be mounted through the bolt hole BT5 (see Fig.11 ) etc. are fastened to the partition wall 26.

[0122] The insulating member 160 includes a main body portion 161 and a cover portion 169 .

[0123] The main body 161 is formed with a common passage 162 that overlaps with the first passage 151 when viewed in the axial direction A. The axial dimension of the common passage 162 can be relatively small. The main body 161 has an outer peripheral wall portion 1620 that delimits the common passage 162 when viewed in the axial direction. The outer peripheral wall portion 1620 is formed in a manner protruding from the outer peripheral edge of the main wall portion 1610 of the main body 161 toward the axial first side A1. The main wall portion 1610 of the main body 161 extends in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axial direction A.

[0124] The main body 161 forms a common passage 162 in a manner that communicates with the first passage 151. Specifically, the main wall portion 1610 of the main body 161 has a through hole 1613 in the axial direction A, and the common passage 162 communicates with the first passage 151 via the through hole 1613. In the second embodiment, the through hole 1613 is formed on the inner circumferential side of the cylindrical fitting portion 165. The cylindrical fitting portion 165 is formed on the axial first side A1 of the main wall portion 1610 of the main body 161. In this case, the insulating member 160 is fitted with the housing 2A in a manner that the cylindrical fitting portion 165 is inserted into the first passage 151 via the opening 155A.

[0125] The main body 161 also forms two passages communicating with the common passage 162, namely, a ventilation passage 163 and a drain passage 164. The main body 161 has a ventilation hollow protrusion 1630 defining the ventilation passage 163 and a drain hollow protrusion 1640 defining the drain passage 164.

[0126] The hollow protrusion 1630 for ventilation is cylindrical in shape and protrudes from the main wall portion 1610 of the main body 161 to the axial second side A2. The hollow protrusion 1630 for ventilation can protrude to the axial second side A2 in a manner that it reaches the vicinity of the partition wall 26 along the axial direction A. The hollow protrusion 1630 for ventilation extends along the axial direction A, is connected to the main wall portion 1610 on the axial first side A1, and opens on the axial second side A2. Therefore, the ventilation passage 163 formed by the hollow protrusion 1630 for ventilation is connected to the common passage 162 on the axial first side A1, and is connected (opened) to the motor housing chamber S1 on the axial second side A2. The opening on the axial second side A2 of the hollow protrusion 1630 for ventilation forms a vent 1631. The hollow protrusion 1630 for ventilation is preferably arranged at a relatively high position. For example, the hollow protrusion 1630 for ventilation is arranged above the through hole 1613 and is arranged at the highest position of the common passage 162 when viewed along the axial direction A (see Fig. 9 Thus, the possibility of oil intrusion into the ventilation passage 163 can be effectively reduced.

[0127] The hollow protrusion 1640 for discharge is cylindrical in shape and protrudes from the main wall portion 1610 of the main body 161 to the second axial side A2. The hollow protrusion 1640 for discharge can protrude to the second axial side A2 in a manner that reaches the vicinity of the partition wall 26 along the axial direction A. The hollow protrusion 1640 for discharge extends along the axial direction A, is connected to the main wall portion 1610 on the first axial side A1, and opens on the second axial side A2. Therefore, the discharge passage 164 formed by the hollow protrusion 1640 for discharge is connected to the common passage 162 on the first axial side A1, and is connected (opened) to the motor housing chamber S1 on the second axial side A2. The opening on the second axial side A2 of the hollow protrusion 1640 for discharge forms a discharge hole 1641. The hollow protrusion 1640 for discharge is set at a relatively low position. For example, the hollow protrusion 1640 for discharge is arranged below the through hole 1613 and is arranged at the lowest position of the common passage 162 when viewed along the axial direction A (see Fig. 9 Thus, the oil that has entered the vent hole 150A can be returned to the motor housing chamber S1 from the drain passage 164 without being insufficient.

[0128] The cover portion 169 is provided to cover the axial first side A1 of the common passage 162. Therefore, the cover portion 169 is combined with the main body portion 161 in a manner of abutting against the end surface of the axial first side A1 of the peripheral wall portion 1620. The method of combining the cover portion 169 with the main body portion 161 is arbitrary, for example, it can also be achieved by fitting, bonding, etc. In addition, a sealing component (not shown) can also be provided between the main body portion 161 and the cover portion 169, but in order to reduce the number of components, it is preferably omitted.

[0129] Thus, the insulating member 160 includes the main body 161 and the cover 169, and can form a new ventilation chamber (a ventilation chamber different from the space formed by the housing 2A) by using the common passage 162, the ventilation passage 163, and the exhaust passage 164. Thus, it is easy to ensure the volume required for the ventilation chamber as the entire vent hole 150A.

[0130] In addition, the insulating member 160 forms a ventilation passage 163 through the hollow protrusion 1630 for ventilation, so the volume of the ventilation passage 163 can be relatively increased by the axial length of the hollow protrusion 1630 for ventilation. The same is true for the discharge passage 164. Therefore, it is easier to ensure the volume required for the ventilation chamber as the entire vent hole 150A. In addition, the insulating member 160 can be formed of a resin material or the like, so the space formed by the insulating member 160 is different from the space formed by the housing 2A, and the shape freedom is high. Therefore, the hollow protrusion 1630 for ventilation and the hollow protrusion 1640 for discharge can be formed with a relatively high shape freedom.

[0131] However, in the motor housing chamber S1, oil (for example, oil ejected through the ejection hole 15b) is scattered due to the rotation of the rotor 14 of the rotary electric machine 1. Therefore, oil is easily applied to the vent hole 150A arranged near the rotary electric machine 1, and thus oil easily intrudes into the breather chamber.

[0132] In this regard, in the second embodiment, as described above, the hollow protrusion 1630 for ventilation and the hollow protrusion 1640 for discharge are located closer to the axial second side A2 than the main wall portion 1610. For example, the hollow protrusion 1630 for ventilation and the hollow protrusion 1640 for discharge are located closer to the axial second side A2 than the axial position of the most axial first side A1 in the first passage 151. Thus, the possibility of oil intruding into the ventilation chamber through the ventilation hole 1631 and the discharge hole 1641 can be effectively reduced. In particular, when the hollow protrusion 1630 for ventilation and the hollow protrusion 1640 for discharge extend to the vicinity of the partition wall 26 in the axial direction A, the possibility of oil intruding into the ventilation chamber through the ventilation hole 1631 and the discharge hole 1641 can be greatly reduced.

[0133] In the second embodiment, the vent hole 150A is disposed between the partition wall 26 and the rotating electrical machine 1 in the axial direction, avoiding the rotation angle sensor 88. That is, the vent hole 150A can be disposed by efficiently utilizing the dead space between the partition wall 26 and the rotating electrical machine 1 in the axial direction. Figure 8 As shown, the hollow protrusion 1630 for ventilation and the hollow protrusion 1640 for discharge extend axially to the second axial side A2 of the rotation angle sensor 88. That is, the axial arrangement range of the ventilation passage 163 and the discharge passage 164 overlaps with the rotation angle sensor 88. Thus, the vent hole 150A can be arranged axially between the partition wall 26 and the rotary electric machine 1 together with the rotation angle sensor 88, and the volume of the ventilation chamber of the vent hole 150A can be increased efficiently. In addition, in the present embodiment 2, the rotation angle sensor 88 is in the form of a resolver, for example, but it can also be in other forms.

[0134] Next, with Fig.14 The comparative example shown is used to illustrate the further effects of the second embodiment.

[0135] Fig.14 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle driving device 100A taken along a vertical plane passing through the vent hole 150 ′ of the comparative example.

[0136] The vent hole 150 ′ of the comparative example is different from the vent hole 150A of the second embodiment in that the insulating member 160 is replaced with a metallic cover member 28 ′.

[0137] The cover member 28' is formed of the same material as the housing 2A (eg, aluminum), for example. The cover member 28' is in the form of a flat plate and covers the opening 155A at the axial first side A1 of the first passage 151. In addition, the cover member 28' may form a discharge hole 1641' and a vent hole 1631'.

[0138] Here, in the comparative example and the second embodiment, the first passage 151 is opposite to the coil end 13-1 when viewed along the axial direction A. Therefore, if the first passage 151 is extended toward the first axial side A1, the electrical insulation distance between the coil end 13-1 and the end portion of the housing 2A on the first axial side A1 (specifically, the outer peripheral edge portion around the first passage 151) becomes shorter. Therefore, due to the necessity (constraint) of ensuring the required electrical insulation distance between the coil end 13-1 and the end portion of the housing 2A on the first axial side A1, it is difficult to extend the first passage 151 toward the first axial side A1 to increase the volume of the ventilation chamber.

[0139] In the comparative example, the cover member 28' is a conductor axially opposed to the coil end 13-1, so the required electrical insulation distance L14 (see Fig.14 ) and is configured to be away from the coil end 13-1 at a distance greater than ).

[0140] In contrast, according to the second embodiment, the insulating member 160 is provided to cover the portion 29 (a portion of the partition wall 26) around the first passage 151 in the housing 2A. Thus, the insulating member 160 is located between the portion 29 around the first passage 151 of the housing 2A and the coil end 13-1. As a result, the electrical insulation between the coil end 13-1 and the end portion of the axial first side A1 of the housing 2A (the portion 29 around the first passage 151) can be improved. In other words, the insulating member 160 can be axially opposed to the coil end 13-1 and close to the coil end 13-1. Thus, by bringing the insulating member 160 close to the coil end 13-1 (for example, close to a distance smaller than the insulation distance L14), the volume of the ventilation chamber formed by the insulating member 160 (for example, the volume of the common passage 162) can be increased. Thus, according to the second embodiment, even when the ventilation hole 150A is arranged at a position opposite to the coil end 13-1 in the axial direction, the required insulation distance with respect to the coil end 13-1 can be ensured, and the required volume of the ventilation chamber of the ventilation hole 150A can be ensured.

[0141] In the second embodiment, the second opening 154 is provided similar to the first embodiment, but the second opening 154 may be omitted. That is, the vent hole 150A may not be opened in the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2.

[0142] In the second embodiment, the third opening 156 is provided similar to the first embodiment. However, an opening corresponding to the third opening 156 (an air opening opened to the atmosphere) may be provided at a position different from that of the first embodiment.

[0143] In addition, in the second embodiment, the hollow protrusion 1630 for ventilation and the hollow protrusion 1640 for discharge are provided as a preferred structure, but either or both of them may be omitted. For example, a vent hole may be provided on the upper side of the cover 169 when the hollow protrusion 1630 for ventilation is omitted.

[0144] In addition, in the second embodiment, the vent hole 1631 of the vent hole 150A opens to the motor storage chamber S1, but the vent hole 1631 may be provided in a manner that opens to the transmission mechanism storage chamber S2. In this case, the hollow protrusion 1630 for ventilation may be omitted, or a similar hollow protrusion for ventilation may be provided except that the vent hole 1631 is not provided. Even in the latter case, the volume required for the ventilation chamber of the vent hole 150A can still be efficiently ensured.

[0145] In addition, in the second embodiment, the discharge hole 1641 of the vent hole 150A opens to the motor housing chamber S1, but the discharge hole 1641 may be provided in a manner that it opens to the transmission mechanism housing chamber S2. In this case, the hollow protrusion 1640 for discharge may be omitted, or a similar hollow protrusion for discharge may be provided except that the discharge hole 1641 is not provided. Even in the latter case, the volume required for the ventilation chamber of the vent hole 150A can still be efficiently ensured.

[0146] In the second embodiment, the rotating electrical machine 1 and the transmission mechanism 3 are provided, but either one of them may be omitted. For example, when the rotating electrical machine 1 is omitted (for example, when an engine is provided), an insulating member corresponding to the insulating member 160 may be provided on the second opening 154 side.

[0147] Although each embodiment is described in detail above, it is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the technical claims. In addition, all or a plurality of the structural components of the above-mentioned embodiments can also be combined.

[0148] In addition, regarding the above embodiments, the following contents are disclosed.

[0149] In the above-mentioned prior art, in a structure in which oil also flows into a housing chamber other than the motor housing chamber (for example, a housing chamber of the transmission mechanism), a separate space dedicated to the breather chamber is required, making it difficult to reduce the volume of the vehicle drive device.

[0150] Therefore, in one aspect, an object of the invention described below is to eliminate or reduce the increase in volume of a vehicle drive device caused by a vent hole.

[0151] (Note 1)

[0152] A vehicle driving device, comprising:

[0153] A rotating electric machine is arranged with the first axis as the axis center;

[0154] a transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force from the rotating electric machine to the wheels and includes a first transmission mechanism portion disposed about the first axis as an axis, and a second transmission mechanism portion disposed about a second axis parallel to the first axis as an axis;

[0155] a housing that accommodates the rotating electrical machine and the transmission mechanism; and

[0156] A vent hole is provided in the housing.

[0157] In the housing, oil can travel back and forth between the first housing chamber housing the rotating electrical machine and the second housing chamber housing the transmission mechanism.

[0158] The vent hole has a first opening opened in the first storage chamber, a second opening opened in the second storage chamber, and a third opening opened to the atmosphere.

[0159] The third opening is arranged between the first axis and the second axis in a direction perpendicular to the first axis and between a center position of the rotating motor and a center position of the first transmission mechanism in a direction parallel to the first axis when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0160] (Supplementary Note 2) The vehicle drive device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein:

[0161] The rotating electrical machine has a first coil end on a side close to the first transmission mechanism portion in the axial direction and a second coil end on a side away from the first transmission mechanism portion in the axial direction.

[0162] The third opening is closer to the first transmission mechanism portion in the axial direction than the first coil end when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0163] (Supplementary Note 3) The vehicle drive device according to Supplementary Note 1 further comprises:

[0164] a first output member, which is one of a pair of output members drivingly connected between a pair of wheels and the transmission mechanism;

[0165] a first bearing that rotatably supports a rotor shaft of the rotating electrical machine on a side close to the first transmission mechanism portion in the axial direction; and

[0166] a second bearing rotatably supporting the first output member on a side close to the second transmission mechanism portion in the axial direction,

[0167] The third opening is disposed between the first bearing and the second bearing in a direction perpendicular to the first axis when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0168] (Supplementary Note 4) The vehicle drive device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, further comprising:

[0169] an inverter device that receives power from a battery and supplies power to the rotating electrical machine,

[0170] The housing also accommodates the inverter device.

[0171] The third opening is disposed at a position in the housing away from a third storage chamber that stores the inverter device when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0172] (Supplementary Note 5) The vehicle drive device according to Supplementary Note 3 further comprises:

[0173] an inverter device that receives power from a battery and supplies power to the rotating electric machine, and includes a power module and a wiring portion that electrically connects the rotating electric machine and the power module.

[0174] The housing also accommodates the inverter device.

[0175] The third storage chamber in the housing for storing the inverter device overlaps the first transmission mechanism, the second transmission mechanism, and the first output member when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0176] The third opening is disposed at a position away from the third storage chamber when viewed in the up-down direction.

[0177] Description of Reference Numerals

[0178] 100…Vehicle drive device, 1…Rotating electric machine (drive source), 2…Casing, 3…Transmission mechanism, 13-1…Coil end (coil end), 150A…Vent, 151…First passage (vent chamber, first ventilation chamber), 152…Second passage (vent chamber, first ventilation chamber), 156…Third opening (atmospheric opening), 160…Insulating component, 162…Common passage (vent chamber, second ventilation chamber), 163…Ventilation passage (vent chamber, second ventilation chamber), 164…Discharge passage (vent chamber, second ventilation chamber), 1631…Vent (casing side opening), 1641…Discharge hole (casing side opening), 88…Rotation angle sensor.

Claims

1. A vehicle drive device, comprising: a transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force from the driving source to the wheels; a housing forming a housing chamber for housing at least one of the driving source and the transmission mechanism together with oil; and A vent hole is provided in the housing. The above-mentioned vent has: The shell side is open, and it opens to the storage chamber; an atmospheric opening, which opens to the atmosphere; and a ventilation chamber connected to the housing side opening and the atmosphere opening, The ventilation chamber comprises: A first ventilation chamber formed in the housing; and The second ventilation chamber, The second ventilation chamber is formed in the storage chamber by an insulating member attached to the housing.

2. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein: The driving source includes a rotating motor. The storage chamber stores the rotating electrical machine. The insulating member is closer to the rotating electrical machine than the first breather chamber in the axial direction and is opposed to the rotating electrical machine when viewed in the axial direction.

3. The vehicle drive device according to claim 2, wherein: The insulating member further forms the housing-side opening.

4. The vehicle drive device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The case-side opening is located at an axial position farther from the rotating electrical machine than an axial position of a side of the first breather chamber closest to the rotating electrical machine.

5. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein: The driving source includes a rotating motor. further comprising a rotation angle sensor that generates sensor information of a rotation angle of the rotating electrical machine, The storage chamber stores the rotating motor and the rotation angle sensor. The second breather chamber and the rotation angle sensor are overlapped in their axial arrangement ranges.

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