Vehicle drive device and vehicle equipped with same

Abstract

A drive device for a vehicle includes an electric motor, an inverter disposed on an upper portion of the electric motor, and a case housing the electric motor and the inverter. In this vehicle drive device, a housing is provided with: a motor housing that houses a motor and has an upper opening; and a cover-shaped inverter tray which is attached to the upper opening of the motor housing and accommodates the inverter, the contact surface between the motor housing and the inverter tray being sealed by a liquid gasket. In addition, the inverter tray has a flange extending outward from the surface of contact with the motor case, and the motor case has a protrusion extending outward so as to face the flange in the vicinity of the surface of contact with the inverter tray.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a vehicle drive device and a vehicle equipped with the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, a drive device in which an inverter for a vehicle and a motor are integrated is known. In such a drive device, for example, a cover-shaped tray (inverter tray) that houses the inverter is attached to a motor housing that houses the motor. In addition, at the time of attachment, in order to prevent water from entering, the inverter tray and the motor housing are sealed by an adhesive liquid gasket or the like.

[0003] However, in the market, in the case of replacing the inverter, in a drive device in which the inverter and the motor are integrated, the inverter needs to be detached from the drive device. However, if the inverter tray and the motor housing are sealed by a liquid gasket or the like, it can be difficult to detach the inverter from the drive device. In view of this, in JP 7076102 B2, the use of a photocurable silicone gel as a seal for preventing water from entering between a housing main body of a waterproof housing for an automobile and a cover portion attached to the housing main body is disclosed.

[0004] In a drive device in which an inverter and a motor are integrated, if a photocurable silicone is used as a seal as described in JP 7076102 B2, the seal can be easily peeled off, and the inverter can be easily detached from the drive device. However, in the case of using a photocurable silicone, a dedicated device is required, and the cost can increase. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application was achieved in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle drive device in which an inverter can be easily detached from a drive device while being low in cost, and a vehicle equipped with the same.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present application, a vehicle drive device is provided that includes a motor, an inverter disposed above the motor, and a housing that houses the motor and the inverter. In the vehicle drive device, the housing includes a motor housing that houses the motor and has an upper opening, and an inverter tray in the shape of a cover that is attached to the upper opening of the motor housing and houses the inverter, and an abutting surface of the motor housing and the inverter tray is sealed by a liquid gasket. In addition, the inverter tray has a flange that is disposed so as to extend outward from the abutting surface with the motor housing, and the motor housing has a protrusion portion that extends outward in opposition to the flange in the vicinity of the abutting surface with the inverter tray. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic configuration view that shows the main configuration of a vehicle drive device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0008] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the abutment portion of the inverter tray and the motor housing.

[0009] Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the protrusion portion and the vicinity thereof.

[0010] Figure 4 is a planar perspective view of the housing.

[0011] Figure 5 is a view of the drive device mounted on a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings and the like.

[0013] [EMBODIMENT]

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic configuration view of a drive device (drive device) 1 of an embodiment of the present application, and is a cross-sectional view as viewed in the width direction of a vehicle on which the drive device 1 is mounted. In the present embodiment, the drive device 1 is an electric powertrain system (ePT) mounted on an electric vehicle (vehicle) 100 (refer to FIG. 1) and is provided with a generator (generator motor) that generates electric power by being driven by an engine and an electric motor (electric (driving) motor) that causes the electric vehicle 100 to travel by being driven by electric power from a storage battery. That is, the electric vehicle 100 on which the drive device 1 is mounted is a so-called series hybrid vehicle. Figure 5

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the drive device 1 is provided with a rotary electric machine 11, an inverter (power conversion device) 12 disposed on the upper portion of the rotary electric machine 11, and a housing 13 that houses the rotary electric machine 11 and the inverter 12. The drive device 1 receives supply of electric power from a storage battery not shown, drives the electric motor 11B of the rotary electric machine 11, and thereby causes the electric vehicle 100 to travel. In addition, the drive device 1 is provided with a cooling fan 14 that is disposed on the upper portion of the rotary electric machine 11 and that is driven by the electric motor 11B. Figure 1 Figure 1 The left direction in FIG. 1 is the front side of the electric vehicle 100, and the right direction is the rear side of the electric vehicle 100.

[0016] ​​The rotary electric machine 11 includes a generator 11A, a motor 11B, and a drive machine housing (motor housing) 13B that constitutes a part of the housing 13 described later. The generator 11A is a generator motor that generates electric power by being driven by an engine not shown, and is, for example, a three-phase motor. The motor 11B is a drive motor (motor) that is driven by receiving supply of electric power from a battery not shown, and rotates a drive wheel via an axle of the electric vehicle 100, and is, for example, a three-phase motor. In addition, the motor 11B is rotated by the drive wheel at the time of deceleration of the electric vehicle 100 or the like, and generates regenerative electric power. That is, the motor 11B also functions as a generator. The motor housing 13B is open upward, and internally houses the generator 11A and the motor 11B.

[0017] The inverter 12 includes electrical components 121 constituted by power modules, capacitors, and the like, and an inverter tray 13A that constitutes a part of the housing 13 described later, and has a built-in high-voltage circuit. The inverter 12 is disposed on the rotary electric machine 11 in a state of being inclined downward toward the front direction of the electric vehicle 100. The inverter 12 is electrically connected to the rotary electric machine 11 (generator 11A, motor 11B), converts direct-current electric power output from the battery into alternating-current electric power, and supplies the alternating-current electric power to the motor 11B, thereby driving the motor 11B. In addition, the inverter 12 converts alternating-current electric power into direct-current electric power, and supplies the direct-current electric power to the battery, thereby charging the battery, with respect to electric power generated by the generator 11A and regenerative electric power of the motor 11B. The inverter tray 13A is constituted in a lid shape that is open downward, and the electrical components 121 are disposed on an inner surface thereof.

[0018] The housing 13 is constituted in a substantially rectangular shape by a metal such as aluminum, and is disposed in a manner that one face (front face) faces the front direction of the electric vehicle 100. The housing 13 houses the rotary electric machine 11 (generator 11A, motor 11B) and the inverter 12. The housing 13 is constituted by the inverter tray 13A that is a lid shape in which the electrical components 121 of the inverter 12 are disposed on an inner surface, and the motor housing 13B that is open upward and houses the rotary electric machine 11 (generator 11A, motor 11B). The front end of the outer edge portion of the inverter tray 13A and the front end of the outer edge portion of the motor housing 13B are in abutment and fixed, and thus the inverter tray 13A and the motor housing 13B constitute one housing 13. In addition, the abutment surface 131 of the inverter tray 13A and the motor housing 13B is sealed by a FIPG (Formed In Place Gasket) that is a liquid gasket of adhesion. Thus, the waterproofness of the housing 13 is improved.

[0019] In addition, the housing 13 has a chamfered portion 132 that is formed in a chamfered surface shape by chamfering a corner portion located on the front side upper portion (hereinafter, also simply referred to as front side upper portion) of the electric vehicle 100.

[0020] As described above, the drive unit 1 is an integrated unit of the inverter 12 and the rotating motor (electric motor) 11, and the contact surface 131 between the inverter tray 13A and the motor housing 13B is sealed by an adhesive liquid gasket.

[0021] However, in the market, when replacing an inverter in a drive unit that integrates the inverter and motor, the inverter needs to be removed from the drive unit. However, if adhesive liquid gaskets or similar seals are used to waterproof the inverter tray and motor housing, it can be difficult to remove the inverter from the drive unit. On the other hand, while using photocurable silicone gel as a sealant allows for easy inverter removal, the material cost is higher than liquid gaskets such as FIPG, and it also requires specialized irradiation equipment and electricity, potentially increasing costs. Therefore, it is preferable to remove the inverter without using photocurable silicone gels. Furthermore, since inverters are not removed frequently, it is also preferable to remove them without requiring specialized equipment.

[0022] Therefore, in this embodiment, in the contact surface 131 between the motor housing 13B and the inverter tray 13A, a flange 133 extending outward is provided on the inverter tray 13A, and a protrusion 134 extending outward opposite to the flange 133 is provided on the motor housing 13B. Thus, by inserting a pry bar or similar object into the gap between the flange 133 and the protrusion 134, the inverter tray 13A is lifted using a lever principle, allowing easy removal of the liquid gasket (sealant) between the inverter tray 13A and the motor housing 13B. In other words, the inverter 12 can be easily removed from the drive unit 1 without using photocurable silicone or similar materials.

[0023] The structure of the housing 13 will be described in detail below.

[0024] Figure 2 This is an enlarged view of the contact area between the inverter tray 13A and the motor housing 13B.

[0025] As described above, the housing 13 consists of an inverter tray 13A for housing the inverter 12 and an upward-opening motor housing 13B for housing the rotating electric motor 11 (generator 11A, motor 11B). Figure 2 As shown, a flange 133 extending outward is formed at the front end of the outer edge of the inverter tray 13A. The flange 133 abuts against the front end of the outer edge of the motor housing 13B and is fastened by bolts or the like. Thus, the inverter tray 13A and the motor housing 13B constitute a housing 13. Furthermore, as described above, the contact surface between the inverter tray 13A (flange 133) and the motor housing 13B is sealed by a FIPG, which serves as a liquid gasket.

[0026] Additionally, in the motor housing 13B, near the contact surface 131 with the inverter tray 13A, a protrusion 134 is provided that extends outward in a manner opposite to the flange 133.

[0027] Furthermore, one or more protrusions 134 are provided on each side of the motor housing 13B. Here, the housing 13 is formed in a generally rectangular shape and is arranged with its front surface facing the front direction of the vehicle 100. Therefore, the protrusions 134 are provided at least on the front side, the width direction side, and the rear side of the vehicle 100.

[0028] Figure 3 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the protrusion 134 and the vicinity of the protrusion 134.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, the protrusion 134 is positioned opposite the flange 133, and a gap 135 is formed between the protrusion 134 and the flange 133. Therefore, when removing the inverter 12 from the drive unit 1, a pry bar or similar object is inserted into the gap 135, and the inverter tray 13A is lifted using leverage, allowing the liquid gasket (sealant) between the inverter tray 13A and the motor housing 13B to be easily removed. In other words, the inverter 12 can be easily removed from the drive unit 1.

[0030] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, a triangular rib 136 serving as a reinforcing rib is provided at the lower part of the protrusion 134. This increases the rigidity of the protrusion 134. Furthermore, while the reinforcing rib is a triangular rib 136 in this embodiment, it is not limited to any rib that improves the rigidity of the protrusion 134.

[0031] Additionally, although not shown in the diagram, the housing 13 has a positioning part consisting of a positioning pin and a positioning hole near the protrusion 134. This positioning part positions the motor housing 13B and the inverter tray 13A. Thus, by providing a positioning part near the protrusion 134, misalignment between the motor housing 13B and the inverter tray 13A can be suppressed when the inverter 12 is removed from the drive unit 1, making the disassembly operation easier. Furthermore, in terms of balance, it is preferable that the positioning parts are typically set at two diagonally on the inverter tray 13A, but in this embodiment, as described above, the inverter 12 is tilted downwards towards the front of the electric vehicle 100. Therefore, when the inverter tray 13A is removed from or attached to the drive unit 1, the inverter tray 13A is prone to misalignment, and the electrical components 121 mounted on the inner surface of the inverter tray 13A may interfere with the housing 13 (motor housing 13B). Therefore, it is preferable to provide three or more positioning parts.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a top-view perspective view of the shell 13.

[0033] likeFigure 4 As shown, the housing 13 includes a protector 14 that covers the protrusion 134. The protector 14 is made of a metal plate such as an iron plate, covers the protrusion 134, and is fixed to the housing 13 in a detachable manner by bolts or the like. Figures 1 to 3 (This is a picture showing the state after the protector 14 has been removed). Additionally, in Figure 4 In the diagram, only the protector 14 covering the protrusion 134 on the front and width sides of the vehicle 100 is shown, but the protector 14 is also provided on the rear side of the vehicle 100 in a manner that covers the protrusion 134 on the rear side of the vehicle 100.

[0034] Thus, since a protector 14 made of a metal plate is provided on the outer side of the protrusion 134, in the event of a collision between the vehicle 100 and a component of the vehicle 100, which interferes with the inverter tray 13A, the component first interferes with the protector 14. As a result, the collision energy is mitigated, and since the protector 14, which interferes with the component, interferes with the protrusion 134, the collision energy towards the inverter tray 13A is further mitigated. Therefore, damage to the inverter tray 13A can be prevented. Furthermore, as described above, the rigidity of the protrusion 134 is strengthened by the reinforcing rib 136, so the highly rigid protrusion 134 can withstand the collision energy towards the inverter tray 13A. Therefore, by providing the reinforcing rib 136 at the lower part of the protrusion 134, damage to the inverter tray 13A can be further prevented.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protrusions 134 on the front side, the width direction side, and the rear side of the vehicle 100 are respectively covered by the protector 14, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, it is also possible to only provide a protector 14 covering the protrusions 134 on the front side of the vehicle 100. Even in this case, in the event of a frontal collision with a vehicle with the greatest impact energy towards the inverter tray 13A, damage to the inverter tray 13A can be prevented by the protector 14 and the protrusions 134.

[0036] Figure 5 The figure shows the drive unit 1 mounted on the electric vehicle 100, and is a side view of the front side of the electric vehicle 100.

[0037] like Figure 5 As shown, the drive unit 1 is disposed at the front side of the electric vehicle 100, a radiator 2 is disposed at the front of the vehicle 100 relative to the drive unit 1, a side beam 3 is disposed at the side side of the vehicle 100 relative to the drive unit 1, and a brake booster 4 is disposed at the rear of the vehicle 100 relative to the drive unit 1.

[0038] The radiator 2 includes an electric fan and a fan motor 21 that drives the fan. The fan motor 21 is positioned in front of the protrusion 134 on the front side of the vehicle 100. In the event of a vehicle collision, if the rigid fan motor 21 interferes with the inverter tray 13A, the inverter tray 13A may be damaged. However, in the drive unit 1 of this embodiment, the motor housing 13B has a protrusion 134 on the front side of the vehicle 100, and a protector 14 is provided to cover the protrusion 134. Furthermore, the housing 13 (inverter tray 13A) has a chamfered portion 132 formed by chamfering the corner located on the upper front side of the vehicle 100. Therefore, in the event of a vehicle collision, the fan motor 21 first interferes with the protector 14, and then the protector 14, which interferes with this component, interferes with the protrusion 134, which is reinforced by reinforcing ribs 136. Therefore, the impact energy to the inverter tray 13A is mitigated by the protector 14, allowing the highly rigid protrusion 134 to absorb the impact energy. This prevents damage to the inverter tray 13A. Furthermore, the upper front corner of the vehicle 100 of the housing 13 (inverter tray 13A) is chamfered, preventing the fan motor 21 from interfering with the corner and applying load locally. In other words, the impact energy of the fan motor 21 is dispersed, further preventing damage to the inverter tray 13A.

[0039] The side beam 3 is disposed on the side of the vehicle 100 relative to the drive unit 1, that is, on the outside of the protrusion 134 disposed on the width direction side of the vehicle 100.

[0040] In addition, the brake booster 4 is an electric booster, which is located at the rear of the vehicle 100, that is, behind the protrusion 134 on the rear side of the vehicle, relative to the drive unit 1.

[0041] As described above, the motor housing 13B of the drive unit 1 has protrusions 134 on the front side, the width direction side, and the rear side of the vehicle 100, and a protector 14 is provided to cover the protrusions 134. Therefore, in the event of a vehicle collision, if the side beam 3, the brake booster 4, and the inverter tray 13A interfere, the side beam 3 and the brake booster 4 first interfere with the protector 14, and the protector 14, which interferes with the side beam 3 and the brake booster 4, interferes with the protrusions 134, which are reinforced with stiffening ribs 136. Therefore, the impact energy to the inverter tray 13A is mitigated by the protector 14, and the impact energy can be absorbed by the highly rigid protrusions 134. Therefore, damage to the inverter tray 13A can be prevented.

[0042] In this way, by positioning the fan motor 21 of the radiator 2, the side beam 3, and the brake booster 4 in front of the protrusion 134 on the front side of the vehicle 100, outside the protrusion 134 on the width side, and behind the protrusion 134 on the rear side, respectively, damage to the inverter tray 13A can be prevented during vehicle collisions.

[0043] The following effects can be obtained from the vehicle drive unit 1 and the vehicle 100 equipped with the vehicle drive unit 1 according to the above embodiments.

[0044] The vehicle drive unit 1 includes a housing 13, which comprises: a motor housing 13B that houses the motor 11 and has an opening at the top; and a cover-shaped inverter tray 13A that is mounted on the opening at the top of the motor housing 13B and houses the inverter 12. The contact surface 131 between the motor housing 13B and the inverter tray 13A is sealed by a liquid gasket. Furthermore, the inverter tray 13A has a flange 133 extending outward from the contact surface 131, and the motor housing 13B has a protrusion 134 near the contact surface 131 that extends outward opposite to the flange 133. Thus, by inserting a pry bar or similar object into the gap 135 between the flange 133 and the protrusion 134 opposite to the flange 133, the liquid gasket (seal) between the inverter tray 13A and the motor housing 13B can be easily removed using leverage. That is, the inverter 12 can be easily removed from the drive unit 1 without using photocurable silicone or the like. Therefore, a vehicle drive unit 1 that is low-cost and allows for easy removal of the inverter 12 from the drive unit 1 can be provided.

[0045] The housing 13 of the vehicle drive unit 1 is rectangular, and at least one protrusion 134 is provided on each side of the motor housing 13B (housing 13). This allows the inverter tray 13A to be lifted from all directions using a pry bar or similar lever principle, thereby peeling off the liquid gasket (seal). In other words, the inverter 12 can be removed from the drive unit 1 more easily.

[0046] Furthermore, since protrusions 134 are provided on each side of the housing 13, even in the event of a vehicle collision or when components inside the vehicle 100 interfere with the inverter tray 13A from various directions, the protrusions 134 can mitigate the impact energy from the components. In other words, damage to the inverter tray 13A can be prevented.

[0047] The protrusions 134 of the vehicle drive unit 1 are respectively disposed on the front side, the width direction side, and the rear side of the vehicle 100. Therefore, the inverter tray 13A can be lifted from the front, rear, left, and right sides of the vehicle 100 using a pry bar or the like, leveraging the principle to peel off the liquid gasket (seal). That is, the inverter 12 can be more easily removed from the drive unit 1.

[0048] Furthermore, the protrusions 134 are respectively disposed on the front side, the width direction side, and the rear side of the vehicle 100. Therefore, even if components inside the vehicle 100 interfere with the inverter tray 13A in the front-rear and left-right directions during a vehicle collision, the protrusions 134 can mitigate the impact energy from the components. That is, damage to the inverter tray 13A can be prevented.

[0049] The housing 13 of the vehicle drive unit 1 has a positioning part near the protrusion 134 for positioning the motor housing 13B and the inverter tray 13A. As a result, when the inverter 12 is removed from the drive unit 1, the misalignment between the motor housing 13B and the inverter tray 13A is suppressed, making the disassembly operation easier.

[0050] In the vehicle drive unit 1, the seal that seals the contact surface 131 between the motor housing 13B and the inverter tray 13A is FIPG (Formed In Place Gasket). That is, instead of using a photocurable silicone gel, which is more expensive than liquid gaskets like FIPG and requires specialized irradiation equipment and electricity, a costly material is not used. Therefore, lower costs can be achieved.

[0051] The vehicle drive unit 1 has a reinforcing rib 136 provided at the lower part of the protrusion 134 in the motor housing 13B. This increases the rigidity of the protrusion 134. Therefore, in the event of a vehicle collision or similar incident where components within the vehicle 100 interfere with the inverter tray 13A, the interference is mitigated by the rigid protrusion 134, which is strengthened by the reinforcing rib 136. In other words, the highly rigid protrusion 134 can withstand the impact energy from component interference. This further prevents damage to the inverter tray 13A.

[0052] The vehicle drive unit 1 includes a protector 14, which is made of a metal plate and is provided on the housing 13 to cover the protrusion 134. Therefore, in the event of a collision involving the vehicle 100, if a component of the vehicle 100 interferes with the inverter tray 13A, this component will first interfere with the protector 14. This mitigates the impact energy. Furthermore, since the protector 14, which interferes with this component, also interferes with the protrusion 134, the protrusion 134 can absorb the impact energy towards the inverter tray 13A. Therefore, damage to the inverter tray 13A can be further prevented.

[0053] The vehicle 100, equipped with the vehicle drive unit 1, has a fan motor 21 for the radiator 2 positioned in front of the protrusion 134 on the front side of the vehicle. Therefore, in the event of a vehicle collision, if the fan motor 21 interferes with the inverter tray 13A, the collision energy towards the inverter tray 13A is mitigated because the fan motor 21 interferes with the protrusion 134 on the front side of the vehicle 100. This prevents damage to the inverter tray 13A.

[0054] The vehicle 100, equipped with a vehicle drive unit 1, has a side beam 3 disposed on the outer side of the protrusion 134 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, in the event of a vehicle collision, where the side beam 3 interferes with the inverter tray 13A, the side beam 3 interferes with the protrusion 134 in the width direction of the vehicle 100, thus mitigating the impact energy towards the inverter tray 13A. Therefore, damage to the inverter tray 13A can be prevented.

[0055] The vehicle 100, equipped with a vehicle drive unit 1, has a brake booster 4 positioned behind the protrusion 134 on the rear side of the vehicle. Therefore, in the event of a vehicle collision, where the brake booster 4 interferes with the inverter tray 13A, the collision energy towards the inverter tray 13A is mitigated. This prevents damage to the inverter tray 13A.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electric vehicle 100 equipped with the vehicle drive unit 1 is designated as a series hybrid vehicle, but it is not limited to this and may also be other hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, etc. Additionally, the vehicle drive unit 1 may also be mounted on vehicles other than electric vehicles.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, the rotary motor 11 housed in the housing 13 is configured to include a generator 11A and a motor (electric motor) 11B, but it is not limited to this. For example, the rotary motor 11 housed in the housing 13 may also be composed of only an electric motor (drive motor).

[0058] In addition, in this embodiment, the housing 13 is set to be approximately rectangular, but it is not limited to this. The shape of the housing 13 may also be a polygon other than a rectangle, or it may not be a polygon at all.

[0059] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that one or more protrusions 134 are provided on each side of the motor housing 13B, and that they are respectively provided on the front side, the width direction side, and the rear side of the vehicle 100, but are not necessarily limited to these locations. That is, as long as at least one protrusion 134 is provided on the motor housing 13B, the inverter 12 can be easily removed from the drive unit 1.

[0060] In addition, as in this embodiment, it is preferable to have a positioning part near the protrusion 134, but it is not limited to this and may not have a positioning part.

[0061] In addition, in this embodiment, the liquid gasket that seals the contact surface 131 between the motor housing 13B and the inverter tray 13A is set as FIPG, but it is not limited to this and may be other liquid gaskets.

[0062] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, the housing 13 preferably includes a protector 14 covering the protrusion 134 and a reinforcing rib 136 below the protrusion 134, but it is not limited to this; the housing 13 may also lack the protector 14 and the reinforcing rib 136. In this case, as long as the motor housing 13B has the protrusion 134, it is possible to achieve the effect of at least being able to easily remove the inverter 12 from the drive unit 1.

[0063] In addition, in this embodiment, a fan motor 21 for a radiator 2 is arranged in front of the protrusion 134 on the front side of the vehicle, a side beam 3 is arranged on the outer side of the protrusion 134 on the width side of the vehicle, and a brake booster 4 is arranged behind the protrusion 134 on the rear side of the vehicle. However, the arrangement of the components inside the vehicle 100 is not limited to this.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, the housing 13 has a chamfered portion 132 formed by chamfering the corner located on the upper front side of the electric vehicle 100 into a chamfered surface, but it is not limited to this and the housing 13 may not have a chamfered portion 132.

[0065] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the above embodiments are merely examples of applications of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific structures of the above embodiments.

Claims

1. A vehicle drive unit comprising: an electric motor; an inverter disposed on the upper part of the electric motor; and a housing housing the electric motor and the inverter, characterized in that, The housing includes: a motor housing that houses the motor and has an opening at the top; and a cover-shaped inverter tray that is mounted to the opening at the top of the motor housing and houses the inverter. The contact surface between the motor housing and the inverter tray is sealed by a liquid gasket. The inverter tray has a flange extending outward from the contact surface with the motor housing. The motor housing has a protrusion extending outward in a manner opposite to the flange near the contact surface with the inverter tray.

2. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The shell is polygonal. The protrusion is provided on at least one side of each side of the motor housing.

3. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protrusions are respectively disposed on the front side, the width side, and the rear side of the vehicle equipped with the vehicle drive device.

4. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing has a positioning part near the protrusion for positioning the motor housing and the inverter tray.

5. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid gasket is a formed-in-place gasket.

6. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also has at least one of the reinforcing ribs or protectors. The reinforcing rib is located at the lower part of the protrusion on the motor housing. The protector is made of a metal plate and is disposed on the housing in such a way that it at least covers the protrusion on the front side of the vehicle.

7. A vehicle equipped with a vehicle drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The protrusion is at least located on the front side of the vehicle. A fan motor for a radiator is positioned in front of the protrusion on the front side of the vehicle.

8. A vehicle equipped with a vehicle drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The protrusion is disposed at least on the width side of the vehicle. A side beam is provided on the outer side of the protrusion on the vehicle width side.

9. A vehicle equipped with a vehicle drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The protrusion is located at least on the rear side of the vehicle. A brake booster is located behind the protrusion on the rear side of the vehicle.

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