VEHICLE DRIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A second housing section (22) can be attached to a first housing section (21) at a plurality of relative mounting angles that differ from each other, and a first connecting surface (21b), which is a connecting surface of the first housing section (21) with the second housing section (22), and a second connecting surface (22b), which is a connecting surface of the second housing section (22) with the first housing section (21), are connected to each other at a plurality of the relative mounting angles.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle drive device comprising a rotating electric machine. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] JP 2023-0048736 A (Patent Literature 1) discloses a vehicle drive device (1) comprising a rotating electric machine (2) and an inverter (9). The vehicle drive device (1) is for all-wheel drive, and two vehicle drive devices (1) with substantially the same configuration are arranged at the front and rear of a vehicle such that the front-rear directions (X) are opposite to each other. Additionally, a housing (10) of the vehicle drive device (1) comprises a device receiving chamber (E1) that accommodates the rotating electric machine (2) and a transmission mechanism (6), and an inverter receiving chamber (E2) that accommodates a control device (9) for the rotating electric machine. CITATION LIST PATENT LITERATURE

[0003] Patent Literature 1: JP 2023-048736 A SUMMARY OF INVENTIONAL PROBLEMS

[0004] Depending on the shape of the mounting space on one side of the vehicle, the arrangement of components on the vehicle side that are electrically connected to an inverter, and similar factors, the inverter placement requirements can differ for each vehicle. However, since the position of the output shaft in the vehicle drive unit is determined by a requirement on the vehicle side, changing the inverter's placement necessitates altering the arrangement of every part within the entire vehicle drive unit and significantly changing the housing's shape. For this reason, a different vehicle drive unit is required for each vehicle, and the development and manufacturing costs tend to increase accordingly.

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to create a vehicle propulsion device in which the arrangement of an inverter can be easily changed from one side of the vehicle, depending on the requirements. SOLUTIONS FOR THE PROBLEMS

[0006] A first vehicle drive device according to the present disclosure comprises a rotating electric machine, a driven element coupled to a wheel, a transmission mechanism transmitting a driving force between the rotating electric machine and the driven element, and a housing accommodating the rotating electric machine and the transmission mechanism, wherein the housing has a first housing section forming a first receiving chamber in which one of the transmission mechanism and the rotating electric machine is received, and a second housing section forming a second receiving chamber in which the other of the transmission mechanism and the rotating electric machine is received, where a direction along an axis of rotation of the rotating electric machine is defined as an axial direction and a direction about the axis of rotation is defined as a circumferential direction.the second housing section is attached to the first housing section in a state in which it is connected to the first housing section from one side in the axial direction, an inverter for driving and controlling the rotating electrical machine is arranged in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section, if a relative angle of the second housing section with respect to the first housing section about an axis parallel to the axial direction is defined as a relative mounting angle, the second housing section can be attached to the first housing section in a plurality of relative mounting angles that differ from one another, and a first connecting surface that is a connecting surface of the first housing section with the second housing section, and a second connecting surface that is a connecting surface of the second housing section with the first housing section,are connected to each other in a majority of the relative mounting angles.

[0007] According to this configuration, the mounting angle of the second housing section relative to the first housing section can be changed without altering the orientation of the first housing section in its installed state. Therefore, the inverter arrangement, along with the second housing section, can be modified depending on the inverter configuration required by the vehicle. Furthermore, according to this configuration, even if the vehicle drive unit is installed on multiple vehicles with varying inverter configuration requirements, the first and second housing sections can be used as common elements for each vehicle. Therefore, the inverter arrangement can be easily modified to meet the specific requirements of the vehicle.

[0008] A second vehicle drive device according to the present disclosure comprises a rotating electric machine, a driven element coupled to a wheel, a transmission mechanism transmitting a driving force between the rotating electric machine and the driven element, and a housing accommodating the rotating electric machine and the transmission mechanism, wherein the housing has a first housing section forming a first receiving chamber in which one of the transmission mechanism and the rotating electric machine is received, and a second housing section forming a second receiving chamber in which the other of the transmission mechanism and the rotating electric machine is received, where a direction along an axis of rotation of the rotating electric machine is defined as an axial direction and a direction about the axis of rotation is defined as a circumferential direction.the second housing section is attached to the first housing section in a state in which it is connected to the first housing section from one side in the axial direction, an inverter for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine is arranged in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section, the housing is mounted on a vehicle via a first mounting element and a second mounting element, the first housing section has a first mounting-fastening section to which the first mounting element is attached, the second housing section has a plurality of second mounting-fastening sections to which the second mounting element is attached, and a plurality of the second mounting-fastening sections are arranged distributed around an axis parallel to the axial direction, and in a state in which the housing is mounted on a vehicle,the second fastening element is attached to at least one of a plurality of the second mounting sections and the second fastening element is not attached to any remaining second mounting sections.

[0009] According to this configuration, since the majority of the second mounting brackets are distributed around the axis parallel to the axial direction, the second housing section can be mounted on the vehicle in any direction based on a requirement from the vehicle side by attaching the second mounting element to at least one of these brackets. Therefore, for example, the direction of the second housing section can be easily changed without altering the direction of the first housing section in its installed state. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the inverter arrangement, along with the second housing section, can be easily modified depending on the inverter arrangement required by the vehicle side.Furthermore, according to this configuration, even if the vehicle drive unit is mounted on multiple vehicles with varying inverter placement requirements, the first and second housing sections can be used as common elements for each vehicle. Therefore, the inverter placement can be easily modified from the vehicle side as needed.

[0010] A third vehicle drive device according to the present disclosure comprises a rotating electric machine, a driven element coupled to a wheel, a transmission mechanism transmitting a driving force between the rotating electric machine and the driven element, and a housing accommodating the rotating electric machine and the transmission mechanism, wherein the housing has a first housing section forming a first receiving chamber in which one of the transmission mechanism and the rotating electric machine is received, and a second housing section forming a second receiving chamber in which the other of the transmission mechanism and the rotating electric machine is received, where a direction along an axis of rotation of the rotating electric machine is defined as an axial direction and a direction about the axis of rotation is defined as a circumferential direction.the second housing section is attached to the first housing section in a state in which it is connected to the first housing section from one side in the axial direction, an inverter for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine is arranged in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section, the housing is mounted on a vehicle via a first mounting element and a second mounting element, the first housing section has a plurality of first mounting sections to which the first mounting element is attached, the second housing section has a second mounting section to which the second mounting element is attached, and a plurality of the first mounting sections are arranged distributed around an axis parallel to the axial direction, and in a state in which the housing is mounted on the vehicle,the first fastening element is attached to at least one of a plurality of the first assembly fastening sections and the first fastening element is not attached to any other first assembly fastening sections.

[0011] According to this configuration, since a plurality of the first mounting brackets are distributed around the axis parallel to the axial direction, the first housing section can be mounted on the vehicle in a direction based on a requirement from the vehicle side by attaching the first fastener to at least one of these brackets. Therefore, for example, the direction of the first housing section can be easily changed without changing the direction of the second housing section in its installed state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle drive device according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the in Fig. 1 illustrated vehicle drive device. Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram that shows an example of connecting a first housing section and a second housing section, which are in Fig. 2 are illustrated, shows. Fig. Figure 4 is a diagram that shows another example of connecting the first housing section and the second housing section, which are shown in Figure 4. Fig. 2 are illustrated, shows. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the in Fig. 2 illustrated second housing section, viewed from a first axial side. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the in Fig. 2 illustrated second housing section, viewed from a second axial side. Fig. 7 is a diagram to illustrate the cooling of a Fig. 2 illustrated rotating electric machines. Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the fastening of a [item] in Fig. 2 illustrated housing on a first fastening element. Fig. 9 is a diagram to illustrate the fastening of a Fig. 2 illustrated housing on a second fastening element. Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of connecting a first housing section and a second housing section according to a second embodiment. Fig. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of connecting the first housing section and the second housing section according to the second embodiment. Fig. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a second assembly fastening section according to a third embodiment. Fig. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating a first assembly fastening section according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating a first assembly fastening section according to a fifth embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS [First embodiment]

[0012] A vehicle drive device 10 according to a first embodiment is described below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle 8 to which a vehicle drive device 10 is mounted. The vehicle drive device 10 comprises a rotating electric machine MG, a driven element coupled to wheels (W1, W2), and a transmission mechanism GT that transmits a driving force between the rotating electric machine MG and the driven element. The vehicle drive device 10 has a housing 20, which accommodates the rotating electric machine MG and the transmission mechanism GT. Here, the direction parallel to an axis of rotation X1 of a rotor 12 contained in the rotating electric machine MG is defined as an axial direction L. The rotor 12 of the rotating electric machine MG is arranged on a first axial side L1, which is a side in the axial direction L, of the transmission mechanism GT. The rotating electric machine MG is a drive source of the vehicle 8.The transmission mechanism GT comprises a speed reducer 16 and a differential gear mechanism 15. Examples of the "output element" include a first side gear 15a, a second side gear 15b, a spline engagement section 15d thereof, a first drive shaft DS1, a second drive shaft DS2, a coupling shaft 17 and the like, which will be described later.

[0014] It should be noted that in the present description, "drive coupling" refers to a state in which two rotating elements are coupled in such a way that they can transmit a driving force, and includes a state in which the two rotating elements are coupled in such a way that they rotate integrally, or a state in which the two rotating elements are coupled in such a way that they can transmit the driving force via one, two, or more transmission elements. Examples of such a transmission element include various elements that transmit rotation at the same speed or at a variable speed, such as a shaft, a gear mechanism, a belt, and a chain.It should be noted that the transmission element may also include engagement devices that selectively transmit rotation and a driving force, for example, a friction-lock engagement device, a positive-lock engagement device, and the like. Here, "drive coupling" with respect to rotary elements of a planetary gear mechanism refers to a state in which the rotary elements are drive-coupled without another rotary element of the planetary gear mechanism being interposed. Furthermore, in this description, "integral rotation" refers to integral rotation, regardless of whether it is separable or inseparable. That is, a plurality of elements rotating integrally may be formed integrally from the same element or from different elements and integrated by welding, spline coupling, or the like.Furthermore, in the present description regarding the arrangement of two elements, “overlap when viewed in a specific direction” means that in a case where a virtual straight line parallel to a line of sight is moved orthogonally to the virtual straight line in every direction, the area in which the virtual straight line intersects both of the two elements is at least partially present.

[0015] The output element is driven by a pair of wheels (W1, W2). The pair of wheels comprises a first wheel W1 and a second wheel W2. The first wheel W1 is driven by the first drive shaft DS1, and the second wheel W2 is driven by the second drive shaft DS2. In the present embodiment, paired side wheels (15a, 15b), which are the output wheels of the differential gear mechanism 15, comprise the first side wheel 15a and the second side wheel 15b. The first side wheel 15a is driven by the first drive shaft DS1 via the coupling shaft 17, and the second side wheel 15b is driven by the second drive shaft DS2. For example, the first side wheel 15a and the coupling shaft 17 are coupled by spline coupling, and the second side wheel 15b and the second drive shaft DS2 are also coupled by spline coupling. These coupling sections are the spline engagement sections 15d.

[0016] In the following description, the direction parallel to the axis of rotation X1 of the rotor 12, as described above, is defined as the "axial direction L". Additionally, one side in the axial direction L is defined as the "first axial side L1", and the other side in the axial direction L is defined as the "second axial side L2". In the present embodiment, the rotating electric machine MG, the speed reducer 16, and the differential gear mechanism 15 are arranged coaxially from the first axial side L1 to the second axial side L2 in the sequence described.The vehicle drive device 10 of the present embodiment has a uniaxial configuration, and the shaft on which the rotating electric machine MG, the speed reducer 16, and the differential gear mechanism 15 are arranged with the axis of rotation X1 as its axis, is the rotating shaft of the vehicle drive device 10 and is also the rotating shaft of the rotating electric machine MG, the speed reducer 16, and the differential gear mechanism 15. The direction about the axis of rotation X1 is defined as a circumferential direction. The direction orthogonal to the axial direction L is defined as a "radial direction Z". In a case where the vehicle drive device 10 is mounted on the vehicle 8 such that the axis of rotation X1 of the rotor 12 is horizontal, a direction in the radial direction Z coincides with an up-down direction.In an installed state, with the vehicle drive device 10 mounted on the vehicle 8, the direction along the vertical direction is defined as the "up-down direction," an upper side is defined as the "upper side in the up-down direction," and a lower side is defined as the "lower side in the up-down direction." The direction orthogonal to the axial direction L and the up-down direction is defined as a "front-back direction H," one side in the front-back direction H is defined as a "first front-back direction H1," and the other side is defined as a "second front-back direction H2." In the present embodiment, the first front-back direction H1 is the front of the vehicle 8, and the second front-back direction H2 is the rear. The direction orthogonal to the front-back direction H of a vehicle body 90 when viewed in the up-down direction is defined as a width direction.In the present embodiment, the "lateral direction" of the vehicle 8 and the axial direction L are parallel, but need not be.

[0017] The rotating electric machine MG acts as a drive source for the wheels (W1, W2). As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the rotating electric machine MG has a stator 11 and a rotor 12 coupled to a rotor shaft 13 to rotate integrally with the rotor shaft 13. The rotating electric machine MG is an internal rotor type. The rotating electric machine MG has a rotor 12 that is rotatably mounted within the stator 11 in the radial direction Z. The rotor 12 has a rotor core 12a and a permanent magnet (not shown) attached to the rotor core 12a. The rotor shaft 13 is cylindrical and coaxial with the rotor core 12a, and a sun gear SG of the planetary gear mechanism, which forms the speed reducer 16, is located on the outer circumferential side of the rotor shaft 13 on the second axial side L2 to rotate integrally with the rotor shaft 13. As described later, the sun gear SG is an input element of the speed reducer 16.In the illustrated example, the rotating electric machine MG is a rotating electric machine of the rotating field type.

[0018] The stator 11 has a cylindrical stator core 11a and a coil wound around the stator core 11a. The coil has a coil head section 11b that projects outwards from the stator core 11a in the axial direction L. The axis of the stator core 11a is the same as the axis of rotation X1 of the rotor 12 described above. In the present embodiment, the axis of the stator core 11a is the same as the axis of rotation X1 of a differential housing 15c to be described later. In the present embodiment, the stator 11 is attached to the housing 20.

[0019] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the speed reducer 16 is designed as a planetary gear mechanism comprising an input element that rotates integrally with the rotor shaft 13, a fixed element attached to the housing 20, an output element that rotates integrally with a differential input element (the differential housing 15c), and a planet gear. This planetary gear mechanism is a complex planetary gear mechanism comprising a sun gear SG, two ring gears (a first ring gear RG1 and a second ring gear RG2), two planet gears (a first planet gear PG1 and a second planet gear PG2) that rotate integrally, and a carrier CR that rotatably supports the two planet gears. In the present embodiment, the first planet gear PG1 is designed to have a smaller diameter than the second planet gear PG2.

[0020] The sun gear SG rotates integrally with the rotor 12 and the rotor shaft 13. The second ring gear RG2 is attached to the housing 20. The first ring gear RG1 is located on the second axial side L2 of the second ring gear RG2 and is coupled to the differential housing 15c to rotate integrally with it. The second planet gear PG2 meshes with the sun gear SG and the second ring gear RG2, and the first planet gear PG1 rotates integrally with the second planet gear PG2 and meshes with the first ring gear RG1. In the present embodiment, the sun gear SG is the input element, the second ring gear RG2 is the fixed element, and the first ring gear RG1 is the output element. The carrier CR is not coupled to any rotating or fixed element.

[0021] The differential gear mechanism 15 is a bevel gear type differential gear mechanism and comprises bevel gear differentials 15p and side gears (15a, 15b). The differential gear 15p is rotatably mounted on a differential gear shaft 15s, which is supported by the differential housing 15c and is arranged to extend along the radial direction Z. The differential gear shaft 15s rotates integrally with the differential housing 15c, and the differential gear 15p is designed to be rotatable around the differential gear shaft 15s and to rotate about the axis of rotation X1 of the differential housing 15c. The majority of the differential gear shafts 15s are arranged radially (for example, in a cross shape) about the axis of rotation X1 of the differential housing 15c, and the differential gear 15p is attached to each of the majority of the differential gear shafts 15s. The differential housing 15c accommodates the differential gears 15p, the side gears (15a, 15b) and the differential gear shafts 15s.

[0022] The side gears (15a, 15b) comprise the first side gear 15a and the second side gear 15b, and paired side gears are arranged spaced apart from each other in the axial direction L. Each of the first side gear 15a and the second side gear 15b meshes with each of the plurality of the differential gears 15p and is arranged to rotate about the axis of rotation X1 of the differential housing 15c. As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, the first side gear 15a is coupled to the coupling shaft 17, which extends along the axial direction L through the interior in the radial direction Z of the speed reducer 16 and the hollow cylindrical rotor shaft 13. The coupling shaft 17 is coupled such that it rotates integrally with the first drive shaft DS1, which is driven by the first wheel W1, a wheel on the first axial side L1. Therefore, the first side gear 15a is driven by the first wheel W1 via the coupling shaft 17. The second side gear 15b is coupled such that it rotates integrally with the second drive shaft DS2, which is driven by the second wheel W2, a wheel on the second axial side L2.

[0023] The first drive shaft DS1, the second drive shaft DS2, the coupling shaft 17, the first side gear 15a, and the second side gear 15b, which are driven by the wheels (W1, W2) and rotate integrally with them, can be considered rotating elements corresponding to output elements. The first side gear 15a and the second side gear 15b constitute the differential gear mechanism 15 and can also be considered output elements. It should be noted that each of the first side gear 15a and the second side gear 15b has a gear section that meshes with the differential gear 15p and a spline engagement section 15d that is coupled to the coupling shaft 17 and the second drive shaft DS2. In terms of function, the gear section corresponds to the rotating element contained in the differential gear mechanism 15, and the spline engagement section 15d corresponds to the output element.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the vehicle drive device 10. The housing 20 has a first housing section 21, which forms a first receiving chamber E1 in which one of the transmission mechanism GT and the rotating electric machine MG are received. The housing 20 has a second housing section 22, which forms a second receiving chamber E2, in which the other of the transmission mechanism GT and the rotating electric machine MG are received. In the present embodiment, the housing 20 has an inverter housing section 23, which forms an inverter receiving chamber E3 in which an inverter 36 for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine MG is received. The second receiving chamber E2 and the inverter receiving chamber E3 are arranged side by side in one direction of the radial direction Z.The second receiving chamber E2 and the inverter receiving chamber E3 are separated from each other by a partition wall (not shown).

[0025] Here, the side of the inverter receiving chamber E3 in the radial direction Z is defined as a first radial side Z1, and the side of the second receiving chamber E2 is defined as a second radial side Z2. The inverter housing section 23 has an opening 23a that opens towards the first radial side Z1, and a cover section 25 that covers the opening 23a. The first housing section 21 has an opening 21a that opens towards the first axial side L1. The second housing section 22 has an opening 22a that opens towards the second axial side L2. In the first housing section 21, a bore 21d is formed on the second axial side L2. In the second housing section 22, a bore 22d is formed on the first axial side L1 (see Fig. 5).

[0026] The inverter 36 has a plurality of switching elements. The inverter 36 has a plurality of sets (here three sets) of arms, each corresponding to a single-phase AC circuit formed by a series connection of an upper switching element on a DC positive electrode side and a lower switching element on a DC negative electrode side. Each switching element has a freewheeling diode whose forward direction is from the negative electrode to the positive electrode (a direction from the bottom to the top). It is preferred to use power semiconductor elements such as an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), a power metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), a silicon carbide metal-oxide-semiconductor FET (SiC-MOSFET), a SiC static induction transistor (SiC-SIT), and a gallium nitride MOSFET (GaN-MOSFET) as the switching element.In the present embodiment, the inverter 36 is designed as a power module in which switching elements are integrated together with freewheeling diodes.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of connecting the first housing section 21 and the second housing section 22, and Fig. Figure 4 illustrates another example of connecting the first housing section 21 and the second housing section 22. Here, the relative angle of the second housing section 22 with respect to the first housing section 21 about the axis parallel to the axial direction L is defined as a relative attachment angle. The second housing section 22 is attached to the first housing section 21 in a state in which it is connected to the first housing section 21 from the first axial side L1, which is a side in the axial direction L.The second housing section 22 can be attached to the first housing section 21 in a plurality of relative mounting angles that differ from each other, and a first connecting surface 21b, which is a connecting surface of the first housing section 21 with the second housing section 22, and a second connecting surface 22b, which is a connecting surface of the second housing section 22 with the first housing section 21, are connected to each other in a plurality of the relative mounting angles.

[0028] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a state in which the first connecting surface 21b and the second connecting surface 22b are connected in a state in which the relative attachment angle is opposite to that shown in Figure 4. Fig. 3 is changed by 90 degrees. In the present embodiment, the second housing section 22 can be rotated relative to the first housing section 21 about the axis of rotation X1 of the rotating electric machine MG and attached to the first housing section 21. That is, the axis of rotation X1 of the rotating electric machine MG is a relative axis of rotation of the second housing section 22 with respect to the first housing section 21, and the relative attachment angle is a relative angle about the axis of rotation X1 of the second housing section 22 with respect to the first housing section 21. The first connecting surface 21b and the second connecting surface 22b are connected to each other, for example, in a state in which there is no gap for communication between the interior and exterior of the housing 20, an airtight state, an oiltight state, or the like.

[0029] Examples of the plurality of relative mounting angles include, for example, assuming that the relative mounting angle of the arrangement in which the radial direction Z is the same as the vertical direction and the first radial side Z1 is on the top side is 0 degrees, all angles, eight angles every 45 degrees, four angles every 90 degrees, and the like, in the range from -180 degrees to +180 degrees. It should be noted that the plurality of relative mounting angles can be all angles, angles every 45 degrees, and angles every 90 degrees in the range from -135 degrees to +135 degrees, in the range from -90 degrees to +90 degrees, and the like. The plurality of relative mounting angles is determined, for example, by the first connecting surface 21b and the second connecting surface 22b, a mounting mechanism 85 to be described later, and the like.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the first connecting surface 21b and the second connecting surface 22b have an annular shape or a regular polygonal annular shape when viewed in the axial direction along the axial direction L. Here, the mechanism for fastening the first housing section 21 and the second housing section 22 is defined as the fastening mechanism 85. Examples of the fastening mechanism 85 include mechanisms by fastening with bolts, rivets, welding, crimping, brazing, and the like.In the present embodiment, the fastening mechanism 85 of the first housing section 21 and the second housing section 22 comprises a plurality of bolts 80, a plurality of internally threaded bores 82 provided in one of the first housing section 21 and the second housing section 22 into which the bolts 80 are screwed, and a plurality of through bores 81 provided in the other of the first housing section 21 and the second housing section 22 through which the bolts 80 pass. In the illustrated example, a plurality of through bores 81 are formed in the first housing section 21, and a plurality of internally threaded bores 82 are formed in the second housing section 22.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the positions of the majority of the through holes 81 and the majority of the internally threaded holes 82 in the circumferential direction coincide for each of the majority of the relative fastening angles. In the illustrated example, the number of bolts 80, the number of through holes 81, and the number of internally threaded holes 82 are the same, but these numbers can differ. The number of through holes 81 and internally threaded holes 82 used for the actual fastening may be less than the number of through holes 81 and internally threaded holes 82 provided in the first housing section 21 or the second housing section 22.

[0032] Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the second housing section 22, viewed from the first axial side L1. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the second housing section 22, viewed from the second axial side L2. A connecting section 22h for connecting the inverter 36 and the rotating electric machine MG is provided in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section 22.Examples of the connection section 22h include a connection section between the second housing section 22 and the inverter housing section 23 in a case where the second housing section 22 and the inverter housing section 23 are integrally formed, a fixed section of a connector that electrically connects the inverter 36 and the rotating electric machine MG, an outlet of a wire that electrically connects the inverter 36 and the rotating electric machine MG in a case where the second housing section 22 and the inverter housing section 23 are separate sections spaced apart from each other, an outlet for bringing out a three-phase power line of the rotating electric machine MG in a case where a three-phase terminal connector of the rotating electric machine MG is attached to an outer surface of the housing, and the like.

[0033] In the present embodiment, the second housing section 22 and the inverter housing section 23 are integrally fastened. Examples of fastening include bolting, riveting, welding, crimping, brazing, and the like. In the illustrated example, the second housing section 22 and the inverter housing section 23 are integrally formed.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the gear mechanism GT is accommodated in the first receiving chamber E1 of the first housing section 21, and the rotating electric machine MG is accommodated in the second receiving chamber E2 of the second housing section 22. The rotating electric machine MG is attached to the second housing section 22 (attached by four bolts in the illustrated example). In this way, the connecting section 22h is provided in the second housing section 22 in which the rotating electric machine MG is accommodated, and thus it is easy to electrically connect the rotating electric machine MG and the inverter 36 even if the relative mounting angle is changed.

[0035] In the present embodiment, the inverter housing section 23 is integrally attached to the second housing section 22 and arranged such that it projects outwards in the radial direction Z from the second housing section 22 in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section 22, and the connecting section 22h is a connecting section of the second housing section 22 with the inverter housing section 23. In the illustrated example, "outwards in the radial direction Z from the second housing section 22" is a side away from the relative axis of rotation.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the inverter 36 for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine MG is arranged in the partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section 22. The inverter 36 can be located on the inner side in the radial direction Z or on the outer side in the radial direction Z with respect to the outer circumferential surface of the second housing section 22.

[0037] Fig. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the cooling of the rotating electric machine MG. The vehicle drive device 10 has an oil pump OP that draws in and discharges oil OL. The oil pump OP has an intake section 63 that draws in the oil OL. The oil pump OP has a discharge section 64 that discharges the oil OL. In the present embodiment, the rotating electric machine MG is lubricated or cooled by the oil OL. The transmission mechanism GT is lubricated or cooled by the oil OL. For example, the oil OL, which has accumulated in an oil reservoir formed on the lower side of the housing 20, is pumped up by the oil pump OP or flung up by the gear of the transmission mechanism GT to be delivered to target parts requiring lubrication, such as the bearings of the individual gears, and target parts requiring cooling, such as the bearings of the rotor shaft 13 and the coil head section 11b.

[0038] Examples of the oil passage OL include a flow channel formed in a wall of the housing 20, a rotating shaft of the rotating element, or the like, and a flow channel formed by a pipe or the like arranged in the housing 20. The oil passage OL can include the first receiving chamber E1 and the second receiving chamber E2. The oil passage OL can include a passage through which the oil OL supplied to the rotating electric machine MG is supplied to the transmission mechanism GT. Examples of "oil OL" include automatic transmission fluid (ATF), gear oil, and the like.

[0039] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, the oil OL delivered by the discharge section 64 of the oil pump OP is transferred to an oil cooler 61 of the vehicle 8. In the oil cooler 61, heat exchange takes place between the oil OL and a coolant. The coolant is supplied by a radiator 67 (see Figure 7). Fig. 8), which is contained in vehicle 8, is cooled.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the oil OL is stored inside the housing 20, and the position of the oil OL intake section 63 is fixed within the housing 20 relative to the first housing section 21 by the oil pump OP. Here, the state in which the vehicle drive device 10 is mounted on the vehicle 8 is defined as the "installed state." Examples of the intake of the oil OL from inside the housing 20 by the intake section 63 include intake from an oil pan provided in the housing 20, intake from an oil reservoir formed on the upper or lower side of the first receiving chamber E1 in the installed state, intake from an oil reservoir formed on the upper or lower side of the second receiving chamber E2 in the installed state, and the like.In the present embodiment, the specific section of the first housing section 21 is arranged above the intake section 63 in the installed state. Examples of the specific section include the center of the bore 21d, a first mounting / fastening section 21c (to be described later), and the like.

[0041] In the present embodiment, an annular oil channel element 70 is attached to the second housing section 22. The oil channel element 70 has, for example, an annular shape or a regular polygonal annular shape when viewed in the axial direction along the axial direction L. An annular first oil channel 71 and a plurality of (four in the illustrated example) first oil channel connection sections 71a are formed in the oil channel element 70. The first oil channel connection sections 71a are formed at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction. At least one of the first oil channel connection sections 71a formed in the oil channel element 70 is connected to the discharge section 64 of the oil pump OP. At least one of the other first oil channel connection sections 71a formed in the oil channel element 70 is connected to the oil cooler 61. The first oil channel 71 is contained within the passage of the oil OL.The first oil channel connection section 71a, which is not connected to the passage of the oil OL, is sealed in such a way that the oil OL cannot flow in and out, either at the time of the formation of the oil channel element 70 or with a sealing element (not shown) or the like.

[0042] The oil channel element 70 comprises an annular second oil channel 72 and a plurality of (four in the illustrated example) second oil channel connection sections 72a. The annular second oil channel 72 is configured such that it is aligned with the annular first oil channel 71 in the axial direction L. The second oil channel connection sections 72a are formed at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction. The second oil channel connection section 72a is configured such that it is arranged adjacent to the first oil channel connection section 71a in the axial direction L. At least one of the second oil channel connection sections 72a formed in the oil channel element 70 is connected to the oil cooler 61. At least one of the other second oil channel connection sections 72a formed in the oil channel element 70 is connected to a channel for supplying the oil OL to a target section to be lubricated. The second oil channel 72 is contained in the passage of oil OL.The second oil channel connection section 72a, which is not connected to the passage of the oil OL, is sealed in such a way that the oil OL cannot flow in and out, either at the time of the formation of the oil channel element 70 or with a sealing element (not shown) or the like.

[0043] In the present embodiment, dripping elements 75 are arranged at a plurality of positions (four positions in the illustrated example) in the circumferential direction within the oil channel element 70. In the illustrated example, the dripping element 75 is integrally formed with the oil channel element 70. The second oil channel connection section 72a is formed in each of the plurality of dripping elements 75. A drip opening 75a is formed in each of the plurality of dripping elements 75.

[0044] In the second housing section 22, the majority of the drip openings 75a for dripping the oil OL onto the rotating electric machine MG from above are arranged at a plurality of different positions in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the majority of the drip openings 75a for dripping the oil OL onto the rotating electric machine MG from above are attached to the second housing section 22 at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction. The positions of the majority of the drip openings 75a in the circumferential direction are determined such that at least one of the majority of the drip openings 75a is arranged above the rotating electric machine MG at each of the plurality of relative mounting angles.

[0045] The drip opening 75a only needs to be located above the rotating electric machine MG and does not need to be directly above the axis of rotation X1. In the present embodiment, the drip opening 75a is provided above the coil head section 11b and arranged so that it allows the oil OL to drip onto the coil head section 11b.

[0046] In the present embodiment, when the housing 20 is mounted on the vehicle 8, some of the majority of the drip openings 75a are arranged above the rotating electric machine MG, and at least some of the remaining drip openings 75a are arranged below the rotating electric machine MG. Here, the drip opening 75a below the rotating electric machine MG can be sealed in the installed state so that the oil OL cannot drip, either at the time of formation of the oil channel element 70 or with a sealing element (not shown) or the like.

[0047] In the drip element 75, which is arranged above the rotating electric machine MG in the installed state, the drip opening 75a can, for example, allow the oil OL to drip onto the rotating electric machine MG, and the second oil channel connection section 72a can be sealed. In the drip element 75, which is arranged below the rotating electric machine MG in the installed state, the second oil channel connection section 72a can, for example, be connected to the oil cooler 61, and the drip opening 75a can be sealed.

[0048] Fig. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first fastening element 91 attached to the housing 20. Fig. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second fastening element 92 attached to the housing 20. The housing 20 is mounted to the vehicle 8 via the first fastening element 91 and the second fastening element 92. The first fastening element 91 and the second fastening element 92 are coupled to the vehicle body 90. In the present embodiment, each of the first fastening element 91 and the second fastening element 92 has a bearing bushing and a support (not shown). Examples of the structure of the vehicle body 90 include a ladder frame structure, a monocoque structure in which a frame element and a body are integrally formed, and the like. In the present embodiment, the vehicle body 90 is a frame supporting every part of the vehicle 8, but it can also be a monocoque body, a ladder frame, a subframe, or the like.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the first housing section 21 has a first mounting section 21c that can secure the first fastener 91. The second housing section 22 has a second mounting section 22c that can secure the second fastener 92 at a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of relative mounting angles. Examples of the first mounting section 21c and the second mounting section 22c include a bolt mounting section, a rivet hole, a welded section, a brazed section, a fitting section, a projecting section, a base section that can form these sections, and the like.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the first mounting-fastening section 21c is a plurality of base sections, subdivided and arranged into three or more. The first mounting-fastening section 21c is positioned on the first housing section 21 such that, in the installed state, it is oriented in a predetermined direction in the circumferential direction with respect to the relative axis of rotation (the axis of rotation X1 in the illustrated example) of the second housing section 22 with respect to the first housing section 21. In this way, the direction of the first housing section 21 in the up-down direction is fixed in the installed state. The first mounting-fastening section 21c has two or more or three or more fastening sections (internally threaded holes, welded sections, or the like).

[0051] In the present embodiment, the second mounting section 22c is an annular base section that extends continuously along the circumferential direction. It should be noted that the second mounting section 22c can also be intermittently formed along the circumferential direction. The number of second mounting sections 22c can be the same as the plurality of relative mounting angles at which the second housing section 22 can be attached to the first housing section 21. In the illustrated example, a plurality of second mounting sections 22c are arranged continuously to form the annular base section. The annular base section has, for example, two or more or three or more attachment points (internal threaded holes, welded sections, or the like) for a relative mounting angle.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the first housing section 21 has the first mounting-fastening section 21c for fastening the first fastening element 91, and the second housing section 22 has a plurality of second mounting-fastening sections 22c for fastening the second fastening element 92. In the present embodiment, the plurality of the second mounting-fastening sections 22c are arranged continuously around the axis parallel to the axial direction L, but can also be arranged distributed around the axis parallel to the axial direction L.

[0053] In the present embodiment, in a state in which the housing 20 is mounted on the vehicle 8, the second fastening element 92 is attached to at least one of the plurality of the second mounting fastening sections 22c, and the second fastening element 92 is not attached to the remaining second mounting fastening sections 22c.

[0054] As described above, in the vehicle drive device 10 according to the present embodiment, the direction of the connecting section 22h of the second housing section 22 can be changed by changing the mounting angle of the second housing section 22 with respect to the first housing section 21, without changing the direction of the first housing section 21 in its installed state. Therefore, the direction of the connecting section 22h for connecting the rotating electric machine MG and the inverter 36, which are provided in the housing 20, can be changed depending on the arrangement of the inverter 36.For example, in a case where the inverter receiving chamber E3, in which the inverter 36 is received, is integrated with the second housing section 22, the arrangement of the inverter receiving chamber E3, together with the direction of the connecting section 22h provided in the second housing section 22, can be changed depending on the arrangement of the inverter 36, which fulfills a requirement from the side of the vehicle 8. Similarly, in a case where the inverter receiving chamber E3 is separate from the second housing section 22, the direction of the connecting section 22h provided in the second housing section 22 can be changed depending on the arrangement of the inverter 36, which fulfills a requirement from the side of the vehicle 8.

[0055] In the vehicle drive device 10 according to the present embodiment, the housing 20 comprises the first housing section 21, which forms the first receiving chamber E1 in which one of the transmission mechanism GT and the rotating electric machine MG is received, and the second housing section 22, which forms the second receiving chamber E2 in which the other of the transmission mechanism GT and the rotating electric machine MG is received, wherein the second housing section 22 is attached to the first housing section 21 in a state in which it is connected to the first housing section 21 from one side in the axial direction L (the first axial side L1), and the inverter 36 for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine MG is arranged in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section 22.the second housing section 22 can be attached to the first housing section 21 at a plurality of relative mounting angles that differ from each other, and the first connecting surface 21b, which is a connecting surface of the first housing section 21 with the second housing section 22, and the second connecting surface 22b, which is a connecting surface of the second housing section 22 with the first housing section 21, are connected.

[0056] According to the vehicle drive device 10 described above, the mounting angle of the second housing section 22 relative to the first housing section 21 can be changed without altering the orientation of the first housing section 21 in its installed state. Therefore, the arrangement of the inverter 36, together with the second housing section 22, can be modified depending on the inverter 36 configuration required by the vehicle. According to this configuration, even if the vehicle drive device 10 is mounted on multiple vehicles 8 with varying inverter 36 configuration requirements, the first housing section 21 and the second housing section 22 can be used as common elements for each vehicle 8. Therefore, the inverter 36 configuration can be easily modified depending on the vehicle's requirements.

[0057] In the vehicle drive device 10 according to the present embodiment, the housing 20 comprises the first housing section 21, which forms the first receiving chamber E1 in which one of the transmission mechanism GT and the rotating electric machine MG is received, and the second housing section 22, which forms the second receiving chamber E2 in which the other of the transmission mechanism GT and the rotating electric machine MG is received, wherein the second housing section 22 is attached to the first housing section 21 in a state in which it is connected to the first housing section 21 from one side in the axial direction L (the first axial side L1), and the inverter 36 for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine MG is arranged in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section 22.the housing 20 is mounted on the vehicle 8 via the first fastening element 91 and the second fastening element 92, the first housing section 21 has the first mounting fastening section 21c to which the first fastening element 91 is attached, the second housing section 22 has a plurality of second mounting fastening sections 22c to which the second fastening element 92 is attached, the plurality of the second mounting fastening sections 22c being distributed around the axis parallel to the axial direction L, and in a state in which the housing 20 is mounted on the vehicle 8, the second fastening element 92 is attached to at least one of the plurality of the second mounting fastening sections 22c and the second fastening element 92 is not attached to the remaining second mounting fastening sections 22c.

[0058] According to this configuration, since the majority of the second mounting sections 22c are distributed around the axis parallel to the axial direction L, the second housing section 22 can be mounted on the vehicle 8 in a direction based on a requirement from the vehicle side by attaching the second mounting element 92 to at least one of the majority of the second mounting sections 22c. Therefore, for example, the direction of the second housing section 22 can be easily changed without changing the direction of the first housing section 21 in its installed state. Furthermore, the arrangement of the inverter 36 can be easily changed together with the second housing section 22, depending on the arrangement of the inverter 36 that meets a requirement from the vehicle side.According to this configuration, even if the vehicle drive device 10 is mounted on a plurality of vehicles 8 with different requirements for the arrangement of the inverter 36, the first housing section 21 and the second housing section 22 can be used as common elements for each vehicle 8. Therefore, the arrangement of the inverter 36 can be easily changed from the vehicle side as required.

[0059] In the vehicle drive device 10 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of drip openings 75a, which allow the oil OL to drip from above onto the rotating electric machine MG, are located at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction on the second housing section 22. In a state in which the housing 20 is mounted on the vehicle 8, some of the plurality of drip openings 75a are arranged above the rotating electric machine MG, and at least some of the remaining drip openings 75a are arranged below the rotating electric machine MG.

[0060] According to the vehicle drive device 10 described above, even in a case where the direction of the second housing section 22 is changed depending on which of the majority of the second mounting sections 22c the second fastening element 92 is attached to, at least some of the majority of the drip openings 75a are arranged above the rotating electric machine MG. Therefore, the oil OL can be adequately dripped onto the rotating electric machine MG regardless of the direction of the second housing section 22.

[0061] The vehicle drive device 10 according to the present embodiment further comprises the oil pump OP, which draws in and discharges the oil OL, the oil OL is stored inside the housing 20, and the position of the intake section 63 of the oil OL by the oil pump OP inside the housing 20 is fixed with respect to the first housing section 21.

[0062] According to the vehicle drive device 10 described above, since the position of the intake section 63 is fixed with respect to the first housing section 21, the position of the intake section 63 is not changed depending on the relative mounting angle at which the second housing section 22 is attached. Therefore, regardless of how the relative mounting angle is changed, the oil OL that has accumulated on the lower side inside the housing 20 can be easily and adequately drawn in.

[0063] In the vehicle drive device 10 according to the present embodiment, the plurality of drip openings 75a, which allow the oil OL to drip from above onto the rotating electric machine MG, are fixed at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction on the second housing section 22. The positions of the plurality of drip openings 75a in the circumferential direction are fixed such that at least one of the plurality of drip openings 75a is arranged at each of the plurality of relative mounting angles above the rotating electric machine MG.

[0064] According to the vehicle drive device 10 described above, by using at least one of a plurality of the drip openings 75a, depending on the relative mounting angle of the second housing section 22 in relation to the first housing section 21, the oil OL can be adequately dripped onto the rotating electric machine MG, regardless of the relative mounting angle of the second housing section 22 in relation to the first housing section 21.

[0065] In the vehicle drive device 10 according to the present embodiment, the first connecting surface 21b and the second connecting surface 22b have an annular shape or a regular polygonal annular shape when viewed in the axial direction along the axial direction L. The fastening mechanism 85, which fastens the first housing section 21 and the second housing section 22, has a plurality of bolts 80, a plurality of internally threaded bores 82 provided in one of the first housing section 21 and the second housing section 22 into which the bolts 80 are screwed, and a plurality of through bores 81 provided in the other of the first housing section 21 and the second housing section 22 through which the bolts 80 pass.For each of the majority of the relative mounting angles, the circumferential positions of the majority of the internal threaded bores 82 coincide with the circumferential positions of the majority of the through bores 81.

[0066] According to the vehicle drive device 10 described above, it is possible to achieve a suitable configuration in which the fastening between the first housing section 21 and the second housing section 22 can be released by removing the bolts 80, the second housing section 22 can be fastened to the first housing section 21 in a plurality of relative fastening angles by tightening the bolts 80, and the first connecting surface 21b of the first housing section 21 and the second connecting surface 22b of the second housing section 22 are connected to each other in a plurality of relative fastening angles.

[0067] In the vehicle drive device 10 according to the present embodiment, the housing 20 is mounted on the vehicle 8 via the first fastening element 91 and the second fastening element 92, the first housing section 21 has the first mounting fastening section 21c which can fasten the first fastening element 91, and the second housing section 22 has the second mounting fastening section 22c which can fasten the second fastening element 92 at any of a plurality of positions corresponding to any of the plurality of relative mounting angles.

[0068] According to the vehicle drive device 10 described above, the housing 20 can be appropriately mounted on the vehicle 8 via the first fastening element 91 and the second fastening element 92, irrespective of the relative mounting angle of the first housing section 21 and the second housing section 22.

[0069] In the vehicle drive device 10 according to the present embodiment, the housing 20 further comprises the inverter housing section 23, which forms the inverter receiving chamber E3 in which the inverter 36 is received. If the direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation X1 is defined as the radial direction Z, the inverter housing section 23 is integrally attached to the second housing section 22 and arranged such that it projects outwards in the radial direction Z from the second housing section 22 in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section 22, the connecting section 22h for connecting the inverter 36 and the rotating electric machine MG is provided in this partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section 22, and the connecting section 22h is a connecting section of the second housing section 22 with the inverter housing section 23.

[0070] According to the vehicle drive device 10 described above, by changing the relative mounting angle of the second housing section 22 with respect to the first housing section 21, the direction in which the inverter housing section 23 projects from the second housing section 22 can be changed without changing the direction of the first housing section 21 in its installed state. Therefore, it is possible to easily modify the external shape of the vehicle drive device 10 depending on the shape, arrangement, and the like of the mounting space on the side of the vehicle 8, while using common elements such as the first housing section 21, the second housing section 22, and the inverter housing section 23, which together form the housing 20. [Second embodiment]

[0071] A vehicle drive device 10 according to a second embodiment is described below with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the transmission mechanism GT is housed in the second receiving chamber E2 and has a multi-axis configuration. The main differences from the first embodiment are described below. It should be noted that aspects not specifically described are similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0072] Fig. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of connecting the first housing section 21 and the second housing section 22 according to the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 11 illustrates a state in which the first connecting surface 21b and the second connecting surface 22b are connected in a state in which the relative attachment angle is opposite to that shown in Figure 11. Fig. The angle is changed by 90 degrees. In the present embodiment, the rotating electric machine MG is received in the first receiving chamber E1 of the first housing section 21, and the gear mechanism GT is received in the second receiving chamber E2 of the second housing section 22. Although not shown, the first housing section 21, according to the present embodiment, has the first mounting-fastening section 21c, which can fasten the first fastening element 91, and the second housing section 22 has the second mounting-fastening section 22c, which can fasten the second fastening element 92 at any of a plurality of positions corresponding to any plurality of relative mounting angles. [Third embodiment]

[0073] A vehicle drive device 10 according to a third embodiment is described below with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the second mounting / fastening section 22c is not an annular base section, but rather four elliptical base sections. The main differences from the first embodiment are described below. It should be noted that aspects not specifically described are similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0074] Fig. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating a second mounting-fastening section 22c according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the majority of the second mounting-fastening sections 22c are arranged distributed around the axis parallel to the axial direction L. The second fastening element 92 is attached to the majority of the second mounting-fastening sections 22c (see Figure 12). Fig. 9) In the present embodiment, four angles every 90 degrees or eight angles every 45 degrees can be set as relative mounting angles.

[0075] For example, when installed, the second fastening element 92 (see Fig. 9) attached at a total of four positions, that is, at two positions in the second mounting section 22c on the top side, at one position in the upper section of the second mounting section 22c on the first front-to-back direction H1, and at one position in the upper section of the second mounting section 22c on the second front-to-back direction H2, and the second fastener 92 is not attached to the second mounting section 22c on the bottom side. For example, the second fastener 92 is attached at a total of four positions, that is, at two positions of each of two adjacent second mounting sections 22c, and the second fastener 92 is not attached to the remaining two adjacent second mounting sections 22c. [Fourth embodiment]

[0076] A vehicle drive device 10 according to a fourth embodiment is described below with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first mounting and fastening section 21c is not divided into three subdivided and arranged base sections, but rather has four elliptical base sections. The main differences from the first embodiment are described below. It should be noted that aspects not specifically described are similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0077] Fig. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating a first mounting-fastening section 21c according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the majority of the first mounting-fastening sections 21c are arranged distributed around the axis parallel to the axial direction L. The first fastening element 91 is attached to the majority of the first mounting-fastening sections 21c (see Figure 13). Fig. 8) In the present embodiment, four angles every 90 degrees or eight angles every 45 degrees can be set as relative mounting angles.

[0078] For example, when installed, the first fastening element is 91 (see Fig. 8) attached at a total of four positions, that is, at two positions in the first mounting section 21c on the top side, at one position in the upper section of the first mounting section 21c on the first front-to-back direction H1, and at one position in the upper section of the first mounting section 21c on the second front-to-back direction H2, and the first fastener 91 is not attached to the first mounting section 21c on the bottom side. For example, the first fastener 91 is attached at a total of four positions, that is, at two positions of each of two adjacent first mounting sections 21c, and the first fastener 91 is not attached to the remaining two adjacent first mounting sections 21c. [Fifth embodiment]

[0079] A vehicle drive device 10 according to a fifth embodiment is described below with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first mounting-fastening section 21c is not divided into three subdivided and arranged base sections, but rather is an annular base section in which a plurality of first mounting-fastening sections 21c are continuously arranged. The main differences from the first embodiment are described below. It should be noted that points not specifically described are similar to those in the first embodiment.

[0080] Fig. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating a first mounting-fastening section 21c according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the first mounting-fastening section 21c is an annular base section that extends continuously along the circumferential direction. It should be noted that the first mounting-fastening section 21c can be intermittently formed along the circumferential direction. The number of first mounting-fastening sections 21c can be the same as the plurality of relative mounting angles at which the first housing section 21 can be attached to the second housing section 22. In the illustrated example, a plurality of first mounting-fastening sections 21c are arranged continuously to form the annular base section.The ring-shaped base section, for example, has two or more or three or more attachment points (internal threaded holes, welded sections or the like) for a relative attachment angle.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the first housing section 21 has a plurality of first mounting fastening sections 21c for fastening the first fastening element 91 (see Fig. 8), and the second housing section 22 has the second mounting fastening section 22c for fastening the second fastening element 92 (see Fig. 9) in the present embodiment, the majority of the first mounting fastening sections 21c are arranged continuously around the axis parallel to the axial direction L.

[0082] In the present embodiment, in a state in which the housing 20 is mounted on the vehicle 8, the first fastening element 91 (see Fig.8) attached to at least one of the majority of the first assembly fastening sections 21c, and the first fastening element 91 is not attached to the remaining first assembly fastening sections 21c. [Other embodiments]

[0083] Next, other embodiments of the vehicle drive device 10 will be described.

[0084] (1) The embodiments described above have, by way of example, described the configuration comprising the speed reducer 16 and the differential gear mechanism 15 as the transmission mechanism GT. However, it is not limited to such an example, and, for instance, the transmission mechanism GT may comprise only the differential gear mechanism 15, without the speed reducer 16. For example, the transmission mechanism GT may be configured to comprise only the speed reducer 16, without the differential gear mechanism 15, and to transmit power from a rotating electric machine MG to a wheel. For example, the speed reducer 16 need not be a planetary gear mechanism with a fixed gear ratio, and the speed reducer 16 may be a speed reduction mechanism comprising a plurality of gear ratios.For example, the GT transmission mechanism does not have to have a uniaxial configuration and can have a multi-axial configuration such as a biaxial or triaxial configuration.

[0085] (2) The embodiments described above, by way of example, include a configuration in which the vehicle drive unit 10 has the oil pump OP and the position of the oil intake section 63 of the oil OL is fixed relative to the first housing section 21. However, it is not limited to such an example, and, for instance, the position of the oil intake section 63 of the oil OL relative to the second housing section 22 may be fixed. For instance, the vehicle drive unit 10 need not have the oil pump OP. For instance, the oil OL need not be stored in the housing 20.

[0086] (3) The embodiments described above, by way of example, include a configuration in which the annular oil channel element 70 is attached to the second housing section 22 and the drip openings 75a provided in the oil channel element 70 are attached at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction. However, it is not limited to such an example, and, for instance, the drip opening 75a may be provided in the housing 20 to be attached to the second housing section 22. For instance, one or a plurality of drip openings 75a may be formed in the annular oil channel element 70, and the oil OL may be dripped from above onto the rotating electric machine MG by changing the attachment position in the circumferential direction of the oil channel element 70 with respect to the second housing section 22, depending on the relative attachment angle.For example, the oil channel element 70, the first oil channel 71 or the second oil channel 72 need not have a ring-shaped form and may have a semicircular form or the like.

[0087] (4) The embodiments described above have, by way of example, described the configuration in which the first connecting surface 21b and the second connecting surface 22b have an annular shape or a regular polygonal annular shape when viewed in the axial direction along the axial direction L, and the first housing section 21 and the second housing section 22 are fastened by the bolts 80. However, it is not limited to such an example, and, for instance, the first connecting surface 21b and the second connecting surface 22b may have a rhombic or rectangular annular shape.

[0088] (5) The above embodiments have described, by way of example, the configuration in which the first housing section 21 has the first mounting-fastening section 21c, which is an annular base section that can fasten the first fastener 91 in a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of relative mounting angles, or the second housing section 22 has the second mounting-fastening section 22c, which is an annular base section that can fasten the second fastener 92 in a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of relative mounting angles. However, it is not limited to such an example, and, for instance, the first housing section 21 and the bracket of the first fastener 91, or the second housing section 22 and the bracket of the second fastener 92, can be integrally formed.For example, the first mounting fastening section 21c can be a regular polygonal annular, rectangular annular, or rhombic annular base section when viewed in the axial direction along the axial direction L. For example, the second mounting fastening section 22c can be a regular polygonal annular, rectangular annular, or rhombic annular base section when viewed in the axial direction along the axial direction L.

[0089] (6) The embodiments described above, by way of example, describe a configuration in which the inverter housing section 23 is integrally attached to the second housing section 22 and is arranged such that it projects outwards in the radial direction Z from the second housing section 22 in a partial region along the circumferential direction of the second housing section 22. However, it is not limited to such an example, and, for instance, the inverter housing section 23 may be arranged such that it does not project outwards in the radial direction Z from the second housing section 22 in that partial region along the circumferential direction of the second housing section 22. For instance, the housing 20 need not include the inverter housing section 23. For instance, the inverter 36 need not be arranged in that partial region along the circumferential direction of the second housing section 22.

[0090] (8) The embodiments described above, by way of example, include a configuration in which the majority of the first mounting sections 21c are distributed around the axis parallel to the axial direction L, and in a state in which the housing 20 is mounted on the vehicle 8, the first fastening element 91 is attached to at least one of the majority of the first mounting sections 21c, and the first fastening element 91 is not attached to any remaining first mounting sections 21c. However, it is not limited to such an example, and, for example, the first fastening element 91 may be attached to all of the majority of the first mounting sections 21c. For example, the majority of the first mounting sections 21c need not be distributed around the axis parallel to the axial direction L. For example, the number of first fastening elements 91 may be one.For example, the number of first assembly fastening sections 21c can be one.

[0091] (7) The embodiments described above, by way of example, include a configuration in which the majority of the second mounting sections 22c are distributed around the axis parallel to the axial direction L, and in a state in which the housing 20 is mounted on the vehicle 8, the second fastening element 92 is attached to at least one of the majority of the second mounting sections 22c, and the second fastening element 92 is not attached to any remaining second mounting sections 22c. However, it is not limited to such an example, and, for example, the second fastening element 92 may be attached to all of the majority of the second mounting sections 22c. For example, the majority of the second mounting sections 22c need not be distributed around the axis parallel to the axial direction L. For example, the number of second fastening elements 92 may be one.For example, the number of second mounting fastening sections 22c can be one.

[0092] (9) The embodiments described above have, by way of example, described the configuration in which, when the housing 20 is mounted on the vehicle 8, some of the majority of the drip openings 75a are arranged above the rotating electric machine MG, and at least some of the remaining drip openings 75a are arranged below the rotating electric machine MG. However, it is not limited to such an example, and, for instance, when the housing 20 is mounted on the vehicle 8, all of the majority of the drip openings 75a may be arranged above the rotating electric machine MG. For instance, the drip openings 75a need not be attached at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction.

[0093] (10) The embodiments described above have, by way of example, described the configuration in which the gear mechanism GT is accommodated in the first receiving chamber E1 of the first housing section 21, the rotating electric machine MG is accommodated in the second receiving chamber E2 of the second housing section 22, and the axis of rotation X1 of the rotating electric machine MG is the relative axis of rotation of the second housing section 22 with respect to the first housing section 21. However, it is not limited to such an example, and, for instance, the rotating electric machine MG may be accommodated in the first receiving chamber E1 of the first housing section 21, and the gear mechanism GT may be accommodated in the second receiving chamber E2 of the second housing section 22.For example, the gear mechanism GT can have a multi-axis configuration such as a biaxial configuration or a triaxial configuration, and the relative axis of rotation of the second housing section 22 with respect to the first housing section 21 can be an axis that is parallel to any one of a plurality of shafts of the gear mechanism GT.

[0094] (11) The embodiments described above, by way of example, include a configuration in which a power supply module PWR comprises a converter 31 and a charging and supply circuit 32. However, it is not limited to such an example, and, for instance, the power supply module PWR need not include the converter 31 or the charging and supply circuit 32.

[0095] (12) The embodiments described above have, by way of example, described the configuration in which the second oil channel connection section 72a is formed in the drip element 75, which is integral with the oil channel element 70. However, it is not limited to such an example, and, for instance, the second oil channel connection section 72a may be formed at a different location than the drip element 75 in the oil channel element 70. For instance, the oil channel element 70 and the drip element 75 may be separate elements.

[0096] (13) It should be noted that the configurations disclosed in the embodiments described above can be used in combination with the configurations disclosed in the other embodiments, provided there is no contradiction. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this description are in every respect merely examples. Therefore, various modifications can be appropriately made without departing from the core of this disclosure. [Summary of embodiments]

[0097] The vehicle drive device according to the present disclosure is described below.

[0098] As one aspect, the vehicle drive device (10) comprises the rotating electric machine (MG), a driven element coupled to a wheel (first wheel W1, second wheel W2), the transmission mechanism (GT) which transmits a driving force between the rotating electric machine (MG) and the driven element, and the housing (20) which accommodates the rotating electric machine (MG) and the transmission mechanism (GT), wherein the housing (20) has the first housing section (21) which forms the first receiving chamber (E1) in which one of the transmission mechanism (GT) and the rotating electric machine (MG) is received, and the second housing section (22) which forms the second receiving chamber (E2) in which the other of the transmission mechanism (GT) and the rotating electric machine (MG) is received.where the direction along the axis of rotation of the rotating electric machine (MG) is defined as the axial direction (L) and the direction around the axis of rotation (X1) is defined as the circumferential direction (X), the second housing section (22) is attached to the first housing section (21) in a state in which it is connected to the first housing section (21) from one side in the axial direction (L) (first axial side L1), the inverter (36) for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine (MG) is arranged in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section (22), the second housing section (22) can be attached to the first housing section (21) at a plurality of relative mounting angles that differ from one another, and the first connecting surface (21b), which is a connecting surface of the first housing section (21) with the second housing section (22), and the second connecting surface (22b),which is a connecting surface of the second housing section (22) with the first housing section (21), are connected to each other in a plurality of the relative mounting angles.

[0099] According to this configuration, the mounting angle of the second housing section (22) relative to the first housing section (21) can be changed without altering the orientation of the first housing section (21) in its installed state. Therefore, the arrangement of the inverter (36), together with the second housing section (22), can be modified depending on the inverter (36) configuration required by the vehicle. According to this configuration, even if the vehicle drive unit (10) is mounted on multiple vehicles (8) with varying inverter (36) configuration requirements, the first housing section (21) and the second housing section (22) can be used as common elements for each vehicle (8). Therefore, the inverter (36) configuration can be easily modified according to the vehicle's requirements.

[0100] As one aspect, the vehicle drive device (10) comprises the rotating electric machine (MG), a driven element coupled to a wheel (first wheel W1, second wheel W2), the transmission mechanism (GT) which transmits a driving force between the rotating electric machine (MG) and the driven element, and the housing (20) which accommodates the rotating electric machine (MG) and the transmission mechanism (GT), wherein the housing (20) has the first housing section (21) which forms the first receiving chamber (E1) in which one of the transmission mechanism (GT) and the rotating electric machine (MG) is received, and the second housing section (22) which forms the second receiving chamber (E2) in which the other of the transmission mechanism (GT) and the rotating electric machine (MG) is received.where the direction along the axis of rotation (X1) of the rotating electric machine (MG) is defined as the axial direction (L) and the direction around the axis of rotation (X1) is defined as the circumferential direction (X), the second housing section (22) is attached to the first housing section (21) in a state in which it is connected to the first housing section (21) from one side in the axial direction (L) (first axial side L1), the inverter (36) for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine (MG) is arranged in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section (22), the housing (20) is mounted on the vehicle (8) via the first mounting element (91) and the second mounting element (92), the first housing section (21) has the first mounting-fastening section (21c) to which the first mounting element (91) is attached,the second housing section (22) has a plurality of second mounting sections (22c) to which the second fastening element (92) is attached, and a plurality of the second mounting sections (22c) are arranged distributed around an axis parallel to the axial direction (L), and in a state in which the housing (20) is mounted on the vehicle (8), the second fastening element (92) is attached to at least one of a plurality of the second mounting sections (22c) and the second fastening element (92) is not attached to any remaining second mounting sections (22c).

[0101] According to this configuration, since the majority of the second mounting brackets (22c) are distributed around the axis parallel to the axial direction L, the second housing section (22) can be mounted on the vehicle (8) in a direction based on a requirement from the vehicle side by attaching the second mounting element (92) to at least one of the majority of the second mounting brackets (22c). Therefore, for example, the direction of the second housing section (22) can be easily changed without changing the direction of the first housing section (21) in its installed state. According to this configuration, the arrangement of the inverter (36) can also be easily changed along with the second housing section (22), depending on the inverter (36) arrangement required by the vehicle side.According to this configuration, even if the vehicle drive device (10) is mounted on a plurality of vehicles (8) with different requirements for the arrangement of the inverter (36), the first housing section (21) and the second housing section (22) can be used as common elements for each vehicle 8. Therefore, the arrangement of the inverter (36) can be easily changed from the vehicle side as required.

[0102] As one aspect, the vehicle drive device (10) comprises the rotating electric machine (MG), a driven element coupled to a wheel (first wheel W1, second wheel W2), the transmission mechanism (GT) which transmits a driving force between the rotating electric machine (MG) and the driven element, and the housing (20) which accommodates the rotating electric machine (MG) and the transmission mechanism (GT), wherein the housing (20) has the first housing section (21) which forms the first receiving chamber (E1) in which one of the transmission mechanism (GT) and the rotating electric machine (MG) is received, and the second housing section (22) which forms the second receiving chamber (E2) in which the other of the transmission mechanism (GT) and the rotating electric machine (MG) is received.where the direction along the axis of rotation (X1) of the rotating electric machine (MG) is defined as the axial direction (L) and the direction around the axis of rotation (X1) is defined as the circumferential direction (X), the second housing section (22) is attached to the first housing section (21) in a state in which it is connected to the first housing section (21) from one side in the axial direction (L) (first axial side L1), the inverter (36) for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine (MG) is arranged in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section (22), the housing (20) is mounted on the vehicle (8) via the first mounting element (91) and the second mounting element (92), the first housing section (21) has a plurality of first mounting sections (21c) to which the first mounting element (91) is attached,the second housing section (22) has the second mounting-fastening section (22c) to which the second fastening element (92) is attached, and a plurality of the first mounting-fastening sections (21c) are arranged distributed around an axis parallel to the axial direction L, and in a state in which the housing (20) is mounted on the vehicle (8), the first fastening element (91) is attached to at least one of a plurality of the first mounting-fastening sections (21c) and the first fastening element (91) is not attached to the remaining first mounting-fastening sections (21c).

[0103] According to this configuration, since the majority of the first mounting fastening sections (21c) are distributed around the axis parallel to the axial direction L, the first housing section (21) can be mounted on the vehicle (8) in a direction based on a requirement from the vehicle side by attaching the first fastening element (91) to at least one of the majority of the first mounting fastening sections (21c). Therefore, for example, the direction of the first housing section (21) can be easily changed without changing the direction of the second housing section (22) in the installed state.

[0104] As one aspect, the vehicle drive device (10) further comprises the oil pump (OP) which draws in and discharges oil (OL), oil (OL) is stored inside the housing (20), the position of the intake section (63) of the oil (OL) by the oil pump (OP) inside the housing (20) is fixed with respect to the first housing section (21), the drip opening (75a) which drips oil (OL) from above onto the rotating electric machine MG is fixed at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction on the second housing section (22), and in a state in which the housing (20) is mounted on the vehicle (8), some of a plurality of the drip openings (75a) are arranged above the rotating electric machine (MG), and at least some of the remaining drip openings (75a) are arranged below the rotating electric machine (MG).

[0105] According to the vehicle drive device (10) described above, even if the direction of the second housing section (22) is changed depending on which of the majority of the second mounting sections (22c) the second fastening element (92) is attached to, at least some of the majority of the drip openings (75a) are arranged above the rotating electric machine (MG). Therefore, the oil (OL) can be adequately dripped onto the rotating electric machine (MG) regardless of the direction of the second housing section (22).

[0106] As one aspect, the vehicle drive device (10) further includes the oil pump (OP) which draws in and discharges oil (OL), oil (OL) is stored inside the housing (20), and the position of the intake section (63) of the oil (OL) by the oil pump (OP) inside the housing (20) is fixed in relation to the first housing section (21).

[0107] According to the vehicle drive device (10) described above, since the position of the intake section (63) is fixed relative to the first housing section (21), the position of the intake section (63) does not change depending on the relative mounting angle at which the second housing section (22) is attached. Therefore, regardless of how the relative mounting angle is changed, the oil (OL) that has accumulated on the lower side inside the housing (20) can be easily and adequately drawn in.

[0108] As one aspect, the drip opening (75a), which allows oil (OL) to drip from above onto the rotating electric machine (MG), is fixed at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction on the second housing section (22), if the relative angle of the second housing section (22) with respect to the first housing section (21) about an axis parallel to the axial direction (L) is defined as a relative mounting angle, positions of a plurality of the drip openings (75a) in the circumferential direction are fixed such that at least one arbitrary from a plurality of the drip openings (75a) is arranged above the rotating electric machine (MG) at each of a plurality of the relative mounting angles.

[0109] According to the vehicle drive device (10) described above, by using at least one of a plurality of the drip openings (75a) depending on the relative mounting angle of the second housing section (22) in relation to the first housing section (21), the oil (OL) can be adequately dripped onto the rotating electric machine (MG) regardless of the relative mounting angle of the second housing section (22) in relation to the first housing section (21).

[0110] In one aspect, the first connecting surface (21b), which is a connecting surface of the first housing section (21) with the second housing section (22), and the second connecting surface (22b), which is a connecting surface of the second housing section (22) with the first housing section (21), are connected to each other; the first connecting surface (21b) and the second connecting surface (22b) have an annular shape or a regular polygonal annular shape when viewed in an axial direction along the axial direction (L); the fastening mechanism (85), which fastens the first housing section (21) and the second housing section (22), has a plurality of bolts (80), a plurality of internally threaded bores (82) provided in one of the first housing section (21) and the second housing section (22) into which the bolts (80) are screwed, and a plurality of through bores (81).which are provided in the other by the first housing section (21) and the second housing section (22) and through which the bolts (80) pass, and if the relative angle of the second housing section (22) with respect to the first housing section (21) about an axis parallel to the axial direction L is defined as a relative mounting angle, then for each of a plurality of the relative mounting angles, the positions in the circumferential direction of a plurality of the internal threaded bores (82) coincide with the positions in the circumferential direction of a plurality of the through bores (81).

[0111] According to the vehicle drive device 10 described above, it is possible to achieve a suitable configuration in which the fastening between the first housing section (21) and the second housing section (22) can be released by removing the bolts (80), the second housing section (22) can be fastened to the first housing section (21) at a plurality of relative fastening angles by tightening the bolts (80), and the first connecting surface (21b) of the first housing section (21) and the second connecting surface (22b) of the second housing section (22) are connected to each other at a plurality of relative fastening angles.

[0112] As one aspect, the housing (20) further comprises the inverter housing section (23), which forms the inverter receiving chamber (E3) in which the inverter (36) is received. If the direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation (X1) is defined as the radial direction (Z), the inverter housing section (23) is integrally attached to the second housing section (22) and arranged such that it projects outwards in the radial direction (Z) from the second housing section (22) in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section (22). The connecting section (22h) for connecting the inverter (36) and the rotating electrical machine (MG) is provided in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section (22), and the connecting section (22h) is a connecting section of the second housing section (22) with the inverter housing section (23).

[0113] According to the vehicle drive device (10) described above, by changing the relative mounting angle of the second housing section (22) with respect to the first housing section (21), the direction in which the inverter housing section (23) projects from the second housing section (22) can be changed without changing the direction of the first housing section (21) in its installed state. Therefore, it is possible to easily modify the external shape of the vehicle drive device (10) depending on the shape, arrangement, and the like of the mounting space on the side of the vehicle (8), while using common elements such as the first housing section (21), the second housing section (22), and the inverter housing section (23), which together form the housing (20).

[0114] As one aspect, the housing (20) is mounted on the vehicle (8) via the first fastening element (91) and the second fastening element (92). The first housing section (21) has the first mounting fastening section (21c) which can fasten the first fastening element (91). The second housing section (22) has the second mounting fastening section (22c) which can fasten the second fastening element (92). In the first housing section (21), the first mounting fastening section (21c) can fasten the first fastening element (91) at a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of the relative mounting angles, or the second mounting fastening section (22c) can fasten the second fastening element (92) at a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of the relative mounting angles.

[0115] According to the vehicle drive device (10) described above, the housing (20) can be appropriately mounted on the vehicle (8) via the first fastening element (91) and the second fastening element (92), irrespective of the relative mounting angle of the first housing section (21) and the second housing section (22).

[0116] As one aspect, if the relative angle of the second housing section (22) with respect to the first housing section (21) about an axis parallel to the axial direction (L) is defined as a relative mounting angle, a plurality of the first mounting fastening sections (21c) are provided distributed on the first housing section (21) about an axis parallel to the axial direction, so that the first fastening element (91) can be attached at a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of the relative mounting angles, or a plurality of the second mounting fastening sections (22c) are provided distributed on the second housing section (22) about an axis parallel to the axial direction, so that the second fastening element (92) can be attached at a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of the relative mounting angles.

[0117] According to the vehicle drive device (10) described above, the housing (20) can be appropriately mounted on the vehicle (8) via the first fastening element (91) and the second fastening element (92), irrespective of the relative mounting angle of the first housing section (21) and the second housing section (22).

[0118] The vehicle propulsion device according to the present disclosure only needs to be capable of achieving at least one of the effects described above. LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS

[0119] 8: Vehicle, 10: Vehicle drive device, 20: Housing, 21: First housing section, 21b: First connecting surface, 21c: First mounting section, 22: Second housing section, 22b: Second connecting surface, 22c: Second mounting section, 22h: Connecting section, 23: Inverter housing section, 36: Inverter, 63: Intake section, 75a: Drip orifice, 80: Bolt, 81: Through hole, 82: Internal threaded hole, 85: Mounting mechanism, 91: First fastener, 92: Second fastener, E1: First receiving chamber, E2: Second receiving chamber, E3: Inverter receiving chamber, GT: Gear mechanism, MG: Rotating electric machine, OL: Oil, OP: Oil pump, and X1: Shaft of rotation QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2023-0048736 A

[0002] JP 2023-048736 A

[0003]

Claims

Vehicle drive device comprising: a rotating electric machine, a driven element coupled to a wheel, a transmission mechanism transmitting a driving force between the rotating electric machine and the driven element, and a housing accommodating the rotating electric machine and the transmission mechanism, wherein the housing comprises a first housing section forming a first receiving chamber in which one of the transmission mechanism and the rotating electric machine is received, and a second housing section forming a second receiving chamber in which the other of the transmission mechanism and the rotating electric machine is received, where a direction along an axis of rotation of the rotating electric machine is defined as an axial direction and a direction around the axis of rotation is defined as a circumferential direction.the second housing section is attached to the first housing section in a state in which it is connected to the first housing section from one side in the axial direction, an inverter for driving and controlling the rotating electrical machine is arranged in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section, if a relative angle of the second housing section with respect to the first housing section about an axis parallel to the axial direction is defined as a relative mounting angle, the second housing section can be attached to the first housing section in a plurality of relative mounting angles that differ from one another, and a first connecting surface that is a connecting surface of the first housing section with the second housing section, and a second connecting surface that is a connecting surface of the second housing section with the first housing section,are connected to each other in a majority of the relative mounting angles. Vehicle drive device comprising: a rotating electric machine, a driven element coupled to a wheel, a transmission mechanism transmitting a driving force between the rotating electric machine and the driven element, and a housing accommodating the rotating electric machine and the transmission mechanism, wherein the housing comprises a first housing section forming a first receiving chamber in which one of the transmission mechanism and the rotating electric machine is received, and a second housing section forming a second receiving chamber in which the other of the transmission mechanism and the rotating electric machine is received, where a direction along an axis of rotation of the rotating electric machine is defined as an axial direction and a direction around the axis of rotation is defined as a circumferential direction.the second housing section is attached to the first housing section in a state in which it is connected to the first housing section from one side in the axial direction, an inverter for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine is arranged in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section, the housing is mounted on a vehicle via a first mounting element and a second mounting element, the first housing section has a first mounting-fastening section to which the first mounting element is attached, the second housing section has a plurality of second mounting-fastening sections to which the second mounting element is attached, and a plurality of the second mounting-fastening sections are arranged distributed around an axis parallel to the axial direction, and in a state in which the housing is mounted on a vehicle,the second fastening element is attached to at least one of a plurality of the second mounting sections and the second fastening element is not attached to any remaining second mounting sections. Vehicle drive device comprising: a rotating electric machine, a driven element coupled to a wheel, a transmission mechanism transmitting a driving force between the rotating electric machine and the driven element, and a housing accommodating the rotating electric machine and the transmission mechanism, wherein the housing comprises a first housing section forming a first receiving chamber in which one of the transmission mechanism and the rotating electric machine is received, and a second housing section forming a second receiving chamber in which the other of the transmission mechanism and the rotating electric machine is received, where a direction along an axis of rotation of the rotating electric machine is defined as an axial direction and a direction around the axis of rotation is defined as a circumferential direction.the second housing section is attached to the first housing section in a state in which it is connected to the first housing section from one side in the axial direction, an inverter for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine is arranged in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section, the housing is mounted on a vehicle via a first mounting element and a second mounting element, the first housing section has a plurality of first mounting sections to which the first mounting element is attached, the second housing section has a second mounting section to which the second mounting element is attached, and a plurality of the first mounting sections are arranged distributed around an axis parallel to the axial direction, and in a state in which the housing is mounted on a vehicle,the first fastening element is attached to at least one of a plurality of the first assembly fastening sections and the first fastening element is not attached to any other first assembly fastening sections. Vehicle drive device according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an oil pump that draws in and discharges oil, wherein oil is stored inside the housing, a position of an oil intake section through the oil pump is fixed inside the housing in relation to the first housing section, a drip opening that allows oil to drip from above onto the rotating electric machine is fixed at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction on the second housing section, and in a state in which the housing is mounted on a vehicle, some of a plurality of the drip openings are arranged above the rotating electric machine and at least some of the remaining drip openings are arranged below the rotating electric machine. Vehicle drive device according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an oil pump that draws in and discharges oil, wherein oil is stored inside the housing, and a position of an intake section for oil through the oil pump inside the housing is fixed in relation to the first housing section. Vehicle drive device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a drip opening, which allows oil to drip from above onto the rotating electric machine, is fixed at a plurality of positions in the circumferential direction on the second housing section, if a relative angle of the second housing section with respect to the first housing section about an axis parallel to the axial direction is defined as a relative mounting angle, positions of a plurality of the drip openings in the circumferential direction are fixed such that at least one arbitrary from a plurality of the drip openings is arranged above the rotating electric machine at each of a plurality of the relative mounting angles. Vehicle drive device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a first connecting surface, which is a connecting surface of the first housing section with the second housing section, and a second connecting surface, which is a connecting surface of the second housing section with the first housing section, are connected to each other, the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface having an annular shape or a regular polygonal annular shape when viewed in an axial direction along the axial direction, a fastening mechanism that fastens the first housing section and the second housing section, a plurality of bolts, a plurality of internally threaded bores provided in one of the first housing section and the second housing section into which the bolts are screwed, and a plurality of through bores,which are provided in the other of the first housing section and the second housing section and through which the bolts pass, and if a relative angle of the second housing section with respect to the first housing section about an axis parallel to the axial direction is defined as a relative mounting angle, at each of a plurality of the relative mounting angles the positions in the circumferential direction of a plurality of the internal threaded holes coincide with the positions in the circumferential direction of a plurality of the through holes. Vehicle drive device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing further comprises an inverter housing section which forms an inverter receiving chamber in which the inverter is received, where a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation is defined as a radial direction, the inverter housing section is integrally attached to the second housing section and is arranged such that it projects outwards in the radial direction from the second housing section in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section, a connecting section for connecting the inverter and the rotating electrical machine is provided in a partial area in the circumferential direction of the second housing section, and the connecting section is a connecting section of the second housing section with the inverter housing section. Vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is mounted on a vehicle via a first fastening element and a second fastening element, the first housing section has a first mounting fastening section that can fasten the first fastening element, the second housing section has a second mounting fastening section that can fasten the second fastening element, the first mounting fastening section can fasten the first fastening element in a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of the relative fastening angles, or the second mounting fastening section can fasten the second fastening element in a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of the relative fastening angles. Vehicle drive device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein if a relative angle of the second housing section with respect to the first housing section about an axis parallel to the axial direction is defined as a relative mounting angle, a plurality of the first mounting fastening sections are provided distributed on the first housing section about an axis parallel to the axial direction, so that the first fastening element can be attached at a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of the relative mounting angles, or a plurality of the second mounting fastening sections are provided distributed on the second housing section about an axis parallel to the axial direction, so that the second fastening element can be attached at a plurality of positions corresponding to a plurality of the relative mounting angles.

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