Vehicle drive device

Abstract

To achieve a vehicle drive device in which a mount bracket is easy to be downsized even when a connection part of the mount bracket and a vehicle body is located in an upper position than a rotary electric machine and a power transmission mechanism.SOLUTION: A vehicle drive device 10 includes: a first case part 21 accommodating a rotary electric machine and a power transmission mechanism; a second case part 22 accommodating at least one of an inverter module and a power source module; and a mount bracket 72 connected to a vehicle body of a vehicle in an on-vehicle state. In the on-vehicle state, the second case part 22 is arranged in an upper side Z1 with respect to the first case part 21, and the mount bracket 72 is attached to the second case part 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle drive device equipped with a rotating electric machine. [Background technology]

[0002] A vehicle drive device including a rotating electric machine is known. Patent Document 1 describes a vehicle drive device including a rotating electric machine (11), a power transmission mechanism (15), and a pair of mount brackets (2, 8) connected to a vehicle body. One of the pair of mount brackets (2) is fixed to a cover of the rotating electric machine (11), and the other (8) is fixed to a left case of the power transmission mechanism (15). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] China Patent Publication No. 106183763 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When connecting a vehicle drive device as described in Patent Document 1 to a vehicle body coupling located above the vehicle drive device, the vehicle body coupling is separated from the rotating electric machine and the power transmission mechanism in the vertical direction, so that the vertical dimension of the mount bracket needs to be increased. In that case, there is a problem that the mount bracket becomes large in size in order to ensure the necessary strength to minimize the shaking of the vehicle drive device.

[0005] It is therefore desirable to realize a vehicle drive device in which the mount bracket can be easily made smaller even when the connection portion between the mount bracket and the vehicle body is located above the rotating electric machine and the power transmission mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle drive device of the present disclosure comprises a rotating electric machine, an output member drivingly connected to wheels, a power transmission mechanism that transmits driving force between the rotating electric machine and the output member, an inverter module for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine, a power supply module electrically connected to an on-board battery and including at least one of a voltage conversion circuit that converts the voltage of the on-board battery, a charging circuit for charging the on-board battery from an external power source, and a power supply circuit for supplying power from the on-board battery to the outside, a first case portion that houses the rotating electric machine and the power transmission mechanism, a second case portion that houses at least one of the inverter module and the power supply module, and a mount bracket that is connected to the body of the vehicle in an on-board state in which the device is mounted on the vehicle, and in the on-board state, the second case portion is positioned above the first case portion, and the mount bracket is attached to the second case portion.

[0007] With this configuration, the mount bracket is attached to the second case part that is disposed above the first case part when the mount bracket is mounted on the vehicle, so that the vertical dimension of the mount bracket can be easily reduced even when the connection part between the mount bracket and the vehicle body is located above the rotating electric machine and the power transmission mechanism, making it easy to reduce the size and weight of the mount bracket while ensuring its strength. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] Schematic diagram of the vehicle drive device of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the vehicle drive device of FIG. 2 in detail. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle drive device of FIG. 3, seen from a different direction. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a perspective view for explaining the vehicle drive device of FIG. 2 in detail; [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the vehicle drive device of FIG. 5 as viewed from another direction. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an auxiliary mounting bracket of the vehicle drive device of FIG. [Figure 8] Control block diagram of the vehicle drive device of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the arrangement of the inverter modules in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 shows a coolant path including the cooling unit of FIG. 2. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the connection of a vehicle drive device in the vehicle of FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle drive device 10 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle 8 equipped with a vehicle drive device 10. The vehicle drive device 10 includes a rotating electric machine MG, an output member drivingly connected to wheels (W1, W2), and a power transmission mechanism GT that transmits driving force between the rotating electric machine MG and the output member. Here, the direction along the rotation axis X1 of the rotor 12 included in the rotating electric machine MG is defined as an axial direction L. The power transmission mechanism GT is disposed on a first axial side L1, which is one side of the axial direction L, with respect to the rotor 12 of the rotating electric machine MG. The rotating electric machine MG is a driving force source for the vehicle 8. The power transmission mechanism GT includes a reduction gear 16 and a differential gear mechanism 15. Examples of the "output member" include a first side gear 15a, a second side gear 15b, their spline engagement portions 15d, a first drive shaft DS1, a second drive shaft DS2, a connecting shaft 17, and the like, which will be described later.

[0011] The vehicle drive device 10 includes a case 20, which supports an inverter module INV and a power supply module PWR, which will be described later. The case 20 also supports a refrigerant circuit module 46, which will be described later. Note that "support" is not limited to the case where the outside of the case 20 is used, but also includes a form in which the refrigerant circuit module 46 is supported on the inner surface of the case 20. In other words, the inverter module INV, the power supply module PWR, and the refrigerant circuit module 46 may be housed in the case 20, or the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR may be housed in the case 20, and the refrigerant circuit module 46 may be supported outside the case 20.

[0012] In this specification, the term "driving connection" refers to a state in which two rotating elements are connected so as to be able to transmit a driving force, and includes a state in which the two rotating elements are connected so as to rotate integrally, or a state in which the two rotating elements are connected so as to be able to transmit a driving force via one or more transmission members. Such transmission members include various members that transmit rotation at the same speed or at a variable speed, such as shafts, gear mechanisms, belts, chains, etc. In addition, the transmission members may also include engagement devices that selectively transmit rotation and driving force, such as friction engagement devices and meshing engagement devices. However, when the term "driving connection" is used with respect to the rotating elements of a planetary gear mechanism, it refers to a state in which the rotating elements are connected to each other without passing through other rotating elements of the planetary gear mechanism. In addition, in this specification, "rotating integrally" refers to rotating integrally regardless of whether the rotating elements are separable or not. In other words, a plurality of members that rotate integrally may be integrally formed from the same member, or may be made of different members and integrated by welding, spline connection, etc. Furthermore, in this specification, with regard to the arrangement of two elements, "overlapping when viewed in a particular direction" means that when a virtual line parallel to the line of sight is moved in each direction perpendicular to the virtual line, there exists at least a portion of an area where the virtual line intersects both of the two elements.

[0013] The output member is drivingly connected to a pair of wheels (W1, W2). The pair of wheels includes a first wheel W1 and a second wheel W2, the first wheel W1 is drivingly connected to a first drive shaft DS1, and the second wheel W2 is drivingly connected to a second drive shaft DS2. In this embodiment, a pair of side gears (15a, 15b) which are output gears of the differential gear mechanism 15 include a first side gear 15a and a second side gear 15b. The first side gear 15a is drivingly connected to the first drive shaft DS1 via a connecting shaft 17, and the second side gear 15b is drivingly connected to the second drive shaft DS2. For example, the first side gear 15a and the connecting shaft 17 are connected by a spline connection, and the second side gear 15b and the second drive shaft DS2 are also connected by a spline connection. These connecting parts are spline engagement parts 15d.

[0014] In the following description, the direction along the rotation axis X1 of the rotor 12 is referred to as the "axial direction L" as described above. One side of the axial direction L is referred to as the "axial first side L1", and the other side of the axial direction L is referred to as the "axial second side L2". In this embodiment, the rotating electric machine MG, the reduction gear 16, and the differential gear mechanism 15 are arranged coaxially in the order described from the axial second side L2 to the axial first side L1. The vehicle drive device 10 of this embodiment has a single shaft configuration, and the shaft on which the rotating electric machine MG, the reduction gear 16, and the differential gear mechanism 15 are arranged, the shaft being centered on the rotation axis X1, is the rotation shaft of the vehicle drive device 10, and is also the rotation shaft of the rotating electric machine MG, the reduction gear 16, and the differential gear mechanism 15. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis X1 of the rotor 12 is referred to as the "radial direction". In the radial direction, the side of the rotation axis X1 of the rotor 12 is referred to as the "radial inner side", and the opposite side is referred to as the "radial outer side". In addition, the direction along the vertical direction in the vehicle mounted state in which the vehicle drive device 10 is mounted on the vehicle 8 is the "upper-vertical direction Z", the upper side is the "upper side Z1 of the vertical direction Z", and the lower side is the "lower side Z2 of the vertical direction Z". When the vehicle drive device 10 is mounted horizontally on the vehicle 8, one of the radial directions coincides with the vertical direction Z. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the axial direction L and the vertical direction Z is the "front-rear direction H", one side of the front-rear direction H is the "first front-rear direction side H1", and the other side is the "second front-rear direction side H2". In this embodiment, the first front-rear direction side H1 is the front side of the vehicle 8, and the second front-rear direction side H2 is the rear side. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction H of the vehicle body 80 when viewed in the vertical direction is the width direction. In this embodiment, the "width direction" of the vehicle 8 and the axial direction L are parallel, but they do not have to be parallel.

[0015] The rotating electric machine MG functions as a driving force source for the wheels (W1, W2). As shown in FIG. 1, the rotating electric machine MG includes a stator 11 and a rotor 12 connected to the rotor shaft 13 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor shaft 13. The rotating electric machine MG is an inner rotor type rotating electric machine. The rotating electric machine MG includes a rotor 12 rotatably provided radially inside the stator 11. The rotor 12 includes a rotor core 12a and a permanent magnet (not shown) fixed to the rotor core 12a. The rotor shaft 13 is formed in a cylindrical shape coaxial with the rotor core 12a, and a sun gear SG of a planetary gear mechanism constituting the reducer 16 is arranged on the outer circumferential side of the rotor shaft 13 on the axial first side L1 so as to rotate integrally with the rotor shaft 13. As will be described later, the sun gear SG is an input element of the reducer 16. In the illustrated example, the rotating electric machine MG is a rotating field type rotating electric machine.

[0016] The stator 11 includes a cylindrical stator core 11a and a coil wound around the stator core 11a. The coil includes a coil end portion 11b protruding from the stator core 11a to the outside in the axial direction L. The axis of the stator core 11a is the same as the rotation axis X1 of the rotor 12 described above. In this embodiment, the axis of the stator core 11a is the same as the rotation axis X1 of a differential case 15c described below. In this embodiment, the stator 11 is fixed to a case 20.

[0017] 1, the reducer 16 is configured as a planetary gear mechanism including an input element that rotates integrally with the rotor shaft 13, a fixed element fixed to the case 20, an output element that rotates integrally with the differential input element (differential case 15c), and planetary gears. This planetary gear mechanism is a composite planetary gear mechanism including one sun gear SG, two ring gears (first ring gear RG1, second ring gear RG2), two planetary gears (first planetary gear PG1, second planetary gear PG2) that rotate integrally, and a carrier CR that rotatably supports the two planetary gears. In this embodiment, the first planetary gear PG1 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the second planetary gear PG2.

[0018] The sun gear SG rotates integrally with the rotor 12 and the rotor shaft 13. The second ring gear RG2 is fixed to the case 20. The first ring gear RG1 is disposed on the axial first side L1 relative to the second ring gear RG2 and is connected to the differential case 15c so as to rotate integrally with the differential case 15c. The second planetary gear PG2 meshes with the sun gear SG and the second ring gear RG2, and the first planetary gear PG1 rotates integrally with the second planetary gear PG2 and meshes with the first ring gear RG1. In this embodiment, the sun gear SG is an input element, the second ring gear RG2 is a fixed element, and the first ring gear RG1 is an output element. The carrier CR is not connected to any rotating element or fixed element.

[0019] The differential gear mechanism 15 is a bevel gear type differential gear mechanism, and includes a pinion 15p, which is a bevel gear, and side gears (15a, 15b). The pinion 15p is rotatably supported by a pinion shaft 15s that is supported by a differential case 15c and arranged to extend along the radial direction. The pinion shaft 15s rotates integrally with the differential case 15c, and the pinion 15p is configured to be rotatable (rotate) about the pinion shaft 15s and rotatable (revolve) about the rotation axis X1 of the differential case 15c. The multiple pinion shafts 15s are arranged radially (for example, in a cross shape) about the rotation axis X1 of the differential case 15c, and the pinion 15p is attached to each of the multiple pinion shafts 15s. The differential case 15c accommodates therein the pinion 15p, the side gears (15a, 15b), and the pinion shaft 15s.

[0020] The side gears (15a, 15b) are provided with a first side gear 15a and a second side gear 15b, and are arranged in a pair spaced apart from each other in the axial direction L. The first side gear 15a and the second side gear 15b are arranged to mesh with the pinions 15p, respectively, and to rotate about the rotation axis X1 of the differential case 15c. As shown in FIG. 1, the first side gear 15a is connected to a connecting shaft 17 that passes through the reduction gear 16 and the radially inner side of the hollow cylindrical rotor shaft 13 and extends along the axial direction L. The connecting shaft 17 is connected to a first drive shaft DS1 that is drivingly connected to a first wheel W1, which is a wheel on the second axial side L2, so as to rotate integrally with the first drive shaft DS1. Therefore, the first side gear 15a is drivingly connected to the first wheel W1 via the connecting shaft 17. Further, the second side gear 15b is connected to rotate integrally with a second drive shaft DS2 which is drivingly connected to a second wheel W2 which is a wheel on the first axial side L1.

[0021] The first drive shaft DS1, the second drive shaft DS2, the connecting shaft 17, the first side gear 15a, and the second side gear 15b, which are drivingly connected to the wheels (W1, W2) and rotate integrally with the wheels, can all be considered as rotating members corresponding to the output members. The first side gear 15a and the second side gear 15b are the differential gear mechanism 15 and can also be considered as output members. Each of the first side gear 15a and the second side gear 15b includes a gear portion that meshes with the pinion 15p and a spline engagement portion 15d that is connected to the connecting shaft 17 or the second drive shaft DS2. When considered functionally separately, the gear portion corresponds to the rotating member included in the differential gear mechanism 15, and the spline engagement portion 15d corresponds to the output member.

[0022] 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the vehicle drive device 10. The vehicle drive device 10 includes an "inverter module INV" for controlling the drive of the rotating electric machine MG. The inverter module INV is a circuit module that controls the drive of the rotating electric machine MG.

[0023] The vehicle drive device 10 includes a first case portion 21 that houses the rotating electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT. The first case portion 21 includes a first side wall portion 26 that is formed to surround a first housing chamber E1 that houses the rotating electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT and to extend in the vertical direction Z when viewed in the vertical direction in a vehicle-mounted state.

[0024] The vehicle drive device 10 includes a second case portion 22 that houses at least one of the inverter module INV and a power supply module PWR (described later). The second case portion 22 includes a second side wall portion 27 that surrounds a second housing chamber E2 that houses at least one of the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR and is formed to extend in the vertical direction Z when viewed in the vertical direction in a vehicle-mounted state. The second case portion 22 is disposed on the upper side Z1 with respect to the first case portion 21 in a vehicle-mounted state.

[0025] In this embodiment, the second case portion 22 has a first opening 20a of the second housing chamber E2 that opens toward the upper side Z1. The second case portion 22 also has a first cover portion 23 that covers the first opening 20a. The second housing chamber E2 also houses the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR.

[0026] In this embodiment, the case 20 is integrally formed with the first storage chamber E1, the second storage chamber E2, and a partition wall 28 that partitions the first storage chamber E1 and the second storage chamber E2. That is, in this embodiment, a form in which the first case part 21, the second case part 22, and the partition wall 28 are integrally formed by the same member is illustrated. However, the structure of the case 20 is not limited to this. For example, the case 20 may be formed such that the first case part 21 and the second case part 22 are integrally formed without the partition wall 28. In addition, for example, the case 20 may be formed such that the first case part 21 and the second case part 22 are formed by different members without the partition wall 28, and are integrated by fastening members such as bolts, welding, or the like. When the first case part 21 and the second case part 22 are formed by different members, a wall of at least one member is present at the boundary between the first case part 21 and the second case part 22. When the case 20 is integrated by combining separate members, one or both of the walls at the boundary may be considered as a partition wall 28.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first case portion 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape with both sides open in the axial direction L, and includes a cylindrical first side wall portion 26. The first side wall portion 26 surrounds the power transmission mechanism GT from the radial outside, and corresponds to a portion surrounding the first housing chamber E1 of the case 20. The opening formed on the second axial side L2 is the second opening 20b, and the opening formed on the first axial side L1 is the third opening 20c. The second opening 20b is closed by the second cover portion 24, and the third opening 20c is closed by the third cover portion 25. The second cover portion 24 and the third cover portion 25 are formed with through holes through which the above-mentioned drive shafts (first drive shaft DS1, second drive shaft DS2) penetrate.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first housing chamber E1 and the second housing chamber E2 are arranged to be aligned in the vertical direction Z. The inverter module INV is arranged above the rotating electric machine MG at a position Z1 above the rotating electric machine MG and overlaps with the rotating electric machine MG when viewed in the vertical direction Z. The power supply module PWR (described later) is arranged adjacent to the inverter module INV on a first axial side L1. As shown in FIG. 2, the power supply module PWR is arranged above the power transmission mechanism GT at a position Z1 above the power transmission mechanism GT and overlaps with the power transmission mechanism GT when viewed in the vertical direction Z.

[0029] The case 20 includes a case body 20m that is a housing member that is the core of the first housing chamber E1 and the second housing chamber E2. The case body 20m includes a first case portion 21 and a second case portion 22. The case body 20m also includes a partition wall 28 that partitions the first housing chamber E1 and the second housing chamber E2.

[0030] Here, a state in which the vehicle driving device 10 is mounted on the body 80 of the vehicle 8 (see FIG. 11) is referred to as an "on-vehicle state." In this embodiment, the second accommodation chamber E2 is disposed at a position overlapping with the rotating electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT accommodated in the first case portion 21 when viewed in the up-down direction in the on-vehicle state.

[0031] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the vehicle drive device 10. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle drive device 10 of Fig. 3, seen from another direction. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the vehicle drive device 10. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the vehicle drive device 10 of Fig. 5, seen from another direction. Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the first case portion 21, seen from the lower side Z2, and is a perspective view showing the auxiliary mount bracket 74.

[0032] The vehicle drive device 10 includes a mount member 70 that is connected to the vehicle body 80 in the mounted state. The mount member 70 includes a mount bush 71 and a mount bracket 72, which will be described later. In the example shown in Figs. 5 and 6, a boss portion 27b is provided on each of a pair of outer surfaces of the second side wall portion 27 that face opposite each other with the second accommodation chamber E2 in between. A mount bracket 72 is attached to each of the pair of boss portions 27b. In this embodiment, the mount bracket 72 is fastened to the boss portion 27b by a bolt. The vehicle drive device 10 also includes an auxiliary mount member 75, which will be described later. The auxiliary mount member 75 includes an auxiliary mount bush 73 and an auxiliary mount bracket 74, which will be described later.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of the vehicle drive device 10. The vehicle drive device 10 includes a "power supply module PWR." The power supply module PWR includes at least one of a voltage conversion circuit (converter 31) electrically connected to the vehicle battery B2 and converting the voltage of the vehicle battery B2, a charging circuit (charging power supply circuit 32) electrically connected to the vehicle battery B2 for charging the vehicle battery B2 from the external power source 30, and a power supply circuit (charging power supply circuit 32) electrically connected to the vehicle battery B2 for supplying power from the vehicle battery B2 to the outside. In this embodiment, a form including a charging power supply circuit 32 having a bidirectional function of charging the vehicle battery B2 and supplying power from the vehicle battery B2 is illustrated. That is, the charging power supply circuit 32 has the functions of a "charging circuit" and a "power supply circuit." In addition, in this embodiment, a high-voltage circuit unit including the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR is formed.

[0034] 8, the rotating electric machine MG is electrically connected to an in-vehicle battery B2, which is a DC power source configured with an electricity storage device such as a secondary battery or a capacitor, via an inverter circuit 36. The rotating electric machine MG has a function as a motor (electric motor) that receives power from the in-vehicle battery B2 to generate power, and a function as a generator (electric power generator) that receives power from the wheels (W1, W2) to generate power.

[0035] The rotating electric machine MG generates driving force by being powered by the electric power stored in the vehicle-mounted battery B2, and also generates electric power by the driving force transmitted from the pair of wheels (W1, W2) to charge the vehicle-mounted battery B2. The vehicle-mounted battery B2 is a high-voltage DC power source with a rated voltage of about 48 volts to 400 volts. The vehicle-mounted battery B2 has a large electric capacity and is large in size because it supplies electric power to the rotating electric machine MG, which serves as the driving force source for the wheels. The vehicle-mounted battery B2 is arranged, for example, under the floor of a cabin 95 of the vehicle 8 in order to ensure space for the cabin 95 (see FIG. 11) and the like.

[0036] In this embodiment, the in-vehicle battery B2 is configured to be chargeable not only by the power generated by the rotating electric machine MG, but also by the power supplied from an external power source 30 such as an AC commercial power source having a rated voltage of about 100 V to 240 V. Therefore, the in-vehicle battery B2 is configured to be connectable to the external power source 30 via a charging power supply circuit 32. In addition, a charging power supply control unit 34 is provided to control the charging power supply circuit 32.

[0037] In recent years, it has been proposed to use the vehicle battery B2 of an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle as an emergency power source in the event of a disaster or the like. The charging power supply circuit 32 is configured to have a function of a power supply circuit in addition to a function of a charging circuit so that the vehicle battery B2 can be used as such an emergency power source. Of course, when such use of the vehicle battery B2 is not taken into consideration, the charging power supply circuit 32 may be configured to have only the function of a charging circuit.

[0038] In this embodiment, the vehicle-mounted battery B2 also supplies power to the low-voltage DC power supply B1, which has a rated voltage of about 12 volts to 24 volts. The low-voltage DC power supply B1 serves as a power source for auxiliary devices such as headlights, power windows, power steering, vehicle-mounted air conditioner, and electric oil pump of the vehicle 8, and as a power source for various control devices in the vehicle 8. Conventionally, in a typical vehicle 8, the low-voltage DC power supply B1 is charged by power generated by an alternator linked to a driving force source (for example, an internal combustion engine) of the vehicle 8. However, in this embodiment, the low-voltage DC power supply B1 is configured to be charged by power from the vehicle-mounted battery B2 (high-voltage DC power supply) which has a higher voltage and a larger storage capacity than the low-voltage DC power supply B1. This eliminates the need to mount an alternator, and also makes it possible to suppress power loss of the driving force source of the vehicle 8 (the rotating electric machine MG in this embodiment) associated with driving the alternator.

[0039] In order to charge the low-voltage DC power supply B1 with the power of the vehicle-mounted battery B2 in this way, a converter 31 (voltage conversion circuit) that converts the voltage of the vehicle-mounted battery B2 is provided. As described above, since the rated voltage of the vehicle-mounted battery B2 is higher than the rated voltage of the low-voltage DC power supply B1, the converter 31 is, for example, a step-down DC / DC converter. There are non-insulated DC / DC converters such as chopper type and charge pump type, and insulated type using a transformer. When it is preferable that the circuit to which power is supplied from the vehicle-mounted battery B2 and the circuit to which power is supplied from the low-voltage DC power supply B1 are electrically insulated, the converter 31 may be an insulated type. The insulated DC / DC converter is configured to include a switching element, and the converter 31 is controlled by a converter control unit 33.

[0040] Some vehicles 8 are equipped with an AC power socket (alternating current power socket) for supplying power to general home appliances and the like. Such an AC power socket is configured to be capable of outputting alternating current with a rated voltage of 100 volts to 200 volts. The AC power supplied from the AC power socket is generated from the vehicle battery B2 by using an inverter (not shown). Such an inverter also corresponds to a voltage conversion circuit, and when the vehicle has the inverter, the inverter and an inverter control unit that controls it can also be included in the power supply module PWR.

[0041] Thus, the power supply module PWR is electrically connected to the vehicle-mounted battery B2 and includes at least one of the converter 31 (voltage conversion circuit) that converts the voltage of the vehicle-mounted battery B2, a charging circuit for charging the vehicle-mounted battery B2 from the external power source 30, and a power supply circuit for supplying power from the vehicle-mounted battery B2 to the outside. In this embodiment, the charging and power supply control unit 34 and the converter control unit 33 described above are also included in the power supply module PWR.

[0042] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the rotating electric machine MG is driven and controlled by a rotating electric machine control unit 35 based on a target torque of the rotating electric machine MG that is set according to a command from a vehicle control device 100 that is a higher-level control device. The rotating electric machine control unit 35 controls switching of an inverter circuit 36 ​​that is composed of a plurality of switching elements, and causes the inverter circuit 36 ​​to convert power between a direct current and a multi-phase (three-phase in this embodiment) alternating current. The operating voltage of the rotating electric machine control unit 35 is about 3.3 volts to 5 volts, the input / output voltage of the inverter circuit 36 ​​is about 48 volts to 400 volts, and the voltage of a switching control signal of the switching element that constitutes the inverter circuit 36 ​​is about 15 volts to 24 volts. For this reason, a driver 38 that amplifies the voltage of the switching control signal output from the rotating electric machine control unit 35, increases the driving force, and supplies it to the inverter circuit 36 ​​is provided between the rotating electric machine control unit 35 and the inverter circuit 36.

[0043] The inverter circuit 36 ​​is configured with a plurality of switching elements. The inverter circuit 36 ​​includes a plurality of sets (three sets in this case) of arms for one AC phase, each set being configured with a series circuit of an upper-stage switching element on the positive side of DC and a lower-stage switching element on the negative side. Each switching element is provided with a freewheel diode with a forward direction from the negative electrode to the positive electrode (from the lower stage to the upper stage). It is preferable to apply a power semiconductor element such as an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor), a power MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor), a SiC-MOSFET (Silicon Carbide - Metal Oxide Semiconductor FET), a SiC-SIT (SiC - Static Induction Transistor), or a GaN-MOSFET (Gallium Nitride - MOSFET) to the switching element. In this embodiment, the inverter circuit 36 ​​is configured as a power module in which switching elements are integrated together with a freewheel diode.

[0044] The inverter module INV is configured to include at least switching elements that configure the inverter circuit 36. In this embodiment, the inverter module INV further includes a rotating electric machine control unit 35 and a driver 38. That is, in this embodiment, the inverter module INV is configured to include the rotating electric machine control unit 35, the driver 38, and the inverter circuit 36.

[0045] The rotating electric machine control unit 35 performs current feedback control based on the rotational position of the rotor 12 (magnetic pole position of the permanent magnet), the rotational speed of the rotor 12, and the current flowing through the stator coils of each of the three phases, to drive and control the rotating electric machine MG via the inverter circuit 36. The rotational position of the rotor 12 is detected by a rotation sensor S1 such as a resolver or an inductive position sensor. The current flowing through the stator coil is detected by a current sensor S2. The current sensor S2 is preferably a non-contact type current sensor installed near a power line such as a bus bar connecting the inverter circuit 36 ​​and the stator coil of the rotating electric machine MG.

[0046] The power supply module PWR is configured to include at least a converter 31 (voltage conversion circuit) and a charging power supply circuit 32. In this embodiment, the converter 31 and the charging power supply circuit 32 are configured using a common board. In this embodiment, the power supply module PWR is also configured to include the converter 31, a converter control unit 33, the charging power supply circuit 32, and a charging power supply control unit 34.

[0047] In this embodiment, a DC link capacitor 37 (smoothing capacitor) that smoothes the voltage on the DC side of the inverter circuit 36 ​​is provided on the DC side of the inverter circuit 36, that is, between the inverter circuit 36 ​​and the in-vehicle battery B2. The inverter module INV may include the DC link capacitor 37. The inverter module INV may also include a control board ECU, which will be described later.

[0048] In this embodiment, the rotating electric machine control unit 35 included in the inverter module INV, and the converter control unit 33 and the charging power supply control unit 34 included in the power supply module PWR are formed on one and the same board to configure a control board ECU. The control board ECU can also be called an integrated control board in which the functions of multiple control units are integrated.

[0049] A driver 38 is disposed on the upper side Z1 of the inverter circuit 36 ​​in the vertical direction Z. A control board ECU is disposed across the rotating electric machine control unit 35, the converter control unit 33, and the charging power supply control unit 34. The control board ECU is disposed so that the inverter circuit 36, the driver 38, and the rotating electric machine control unit 35 overlap, the converter 31 and the converter control unit 33 overlap, and the charging power supply circuit 32 and the charging power supply control unit 34 overlap when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 2 to 6, the power supply module PWR is disposed adjacent to the inverter module INV on the first axial side L1. The control board ECU is disposed across the rotating electric machine control unit 35, the converter control unit 33, and the charging power supply control unit 34 along the axial direction L. The control board ECU is disposed between the inverter circuit 36 ​​(switching element) and a refrigerant circuit module 46 described later in the vertical direction Z, as shown in Figs. 2 to 6.

[0050] 3 and 4, the first case portion 21 is provided with a connector 39 for electrically connecting a cable (not shown) arranged outside the case 20 to the inverter module INV, the power supply module PWR, or the control board ECU. In the illustrated example, the connector 39 is arranged in a through hole formed in a wall portion on the second side H2 in the front-rear direction in the second side wall portion 27 of the first case portion 21. The multiple connectors 39 (specifically, five connectors 39) are arranged to be aligned along the axial direction L. To the connector 39, for example, a cable for transmitting a control signal to the control board ECU, a cable for supplying power to the control board ECU, a cable for supplying power to the inverter circuit 36, and a cable for supplying power to the charging power supply circuit 32 are connected.

[0051] 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of the control board ECU, the inverter module INV, the power supply module PWR, and the cooling unit 68. When the rotating electric machine MG is driven, a large current flows through the switching elements constituting the inverter circuit 36, causing the switching elements to generate heat. Therefore, the inverter circuit 36, which includes a plurality of switching elements, generates a large amount of heat. The inverter circuit 36 ​​is cooled by the cooling unit 68, which will be described later.

[0052] The vehicle drive device 10 includes a cooling unit 68 that exchanges heat between the inverter module INV and the coolant Q1. The cooling in the cooling unit 68 includes a form of direct heat exchange between the cooling target part and the coolant Q1, and a form of heat exchange with the coolant Q1 via a heat transfer medium such as oil OL or a heat sink. In this embodiment, a cooling unit first surface 68a, which is the upper surface of the cooling unit 68 that contacts the cooling target part, is cooled by heat exchange with the coolant Q1 flowing inside the cooling unit 68. Examples of the "coolant Q1" include antifreeze, water, and oil. The coolant Q1 corresponds to the "first refrigerant." The cooling unit 68 corresponds to the "first heat exchanger."

[0053] As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the inverter circuit 36 ​​(switching element), the DC link capacitor 37, the converter 31, and the charging power supply circuit 32 are attached to the cooling unit first surface 68a, which is the upper surface of the cooling unit 68. The DC link capacitor 37, which smoothes the DC voltage that generates pulsation, generates heat due to the inflow and outflow of current. The converter 31 also includes a switching element, which also generates heat due to the current that flows during switching operation. The charging power supply circuit 32 also generates heat because a current that is supplied from the external power source 30 and is used to charge the in-vehicle battery B2 flows through it. The cooling unit 68 includes a part of the coolant path 65 described later, and these heat-generating members are appropriately cooled by being attached to the cooling unit first surface 68a. It should be noted that the inverter circuit 36 ​​generates the most heat and has the highest temperature.

[0054] As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, in this embodiment, the power supply module PWR is attached to the cooling unit second surface 68b, which is the lower surface of the cooling unit 68. The inverter module INV may also be attached to the cooling unit second surface 68b. That is, the power supply module PWR or the inverter module INV may be attached to both the cooling unit first surface 68a and the cooling unit second surface 68b. In the illustrated example, the cooling unit 68 is provided so that the cooling liquid Q1 flows from the inverter module INV side to the power supply module PWR side. The cooling unit 68 may also be provided so that the cooling liquid Q1 flows from the power supply module PWR side to the inverter module INV side.

[0055] In the case where the converter 31 and the charging power supply circuit 32 provided in the power supply module PWR are both transformer-type, it is preferable to share the transformer components, which tend to become large in size. In addition, like the DC link capacitor 37, the transformer is also a component that is relatively resistant to heat. Therefore, it is preferable that the transformer is also disposed on the lower side Z2 of the cooling unit 68 and in a position overlapping with the power transmission mechanism GT in the up-down view. In this way, by effectively utilizing the space on the lower side Z2 of the cooling unit 68, it is easy to reduce the overall size of the vehicle drive device 10. In the example shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the capacitor 131 provided in the power supply module PWR is disposed on the upper side Z1 of the cooling unit 68. In addition, the transformer 132 provided in the power supply module PWR is disposed on the lower side Z2 of the cooling unit 68.

[0056] 10 is a diagram illustrating the oil path 60 and the coolant path 65. The vehicle drive device 10 includes the coolant path 65 through which the coolant Q1 flows. In this embodiment, the coolant path 65 is a liquid path for the coolant Q1 provided in the case 20. The coolant path 65 corresponds to a "first refrigerant circuit" through which the coolant Q1 circulates.

[0057] The coolant path 65 is provided with an oil cooler 61 that exchanges heat between the coolant Q1 and oil OL. The coolant path 65 is provided with a first refrigerant pump 66. The coolant path 65 is also provided with a radiator 67 that exchanges heat between the coolant Q1 and outside air. The coolant path 65 is also provided with a condenser 49, which will be described later. In the illustrated example, the first refrigerant pump 66 is disposed upstream of the oil cooler 61, but may be disposed downstream. In the illustrated example, the first refrigerant pump 66 is disposed downstream of the radiator 67 in the coolant path 65, but may be disposed upstream. In the illustrated example, a cooling unit 68 is provided upstream of the oil cooler 61. The oil cooler 61 corresponds to the "second heat exchanger."

[0058] The vehicle drive device 10 includes a third refrigerant circuit 40 in which the third refrigerant Q3 circulates. A condenser 49 is connected to the third refrigerant circuit 40. In the condenser 49, heat exchange occurs between the third refrigerant Q3 and the cooling liquid Q1. The third refrigerant circuit 40 includes a third refrigerant first path 40a including a path of the third refrigerant Q3 from the condenser 49 to the evaporator 44, a third refrigerant second path 40b including a path of the third refrigerant Q3 from the compressor 42 to the condenser 49, and a third refrigerant third path 40c including a path of the third refrigerant Q3 including the chiller 52. For example, the third refrigerant Q3 flowing through the third refrigerant first path 40a is at a lower temperature than the third refrigerant second path 40b and the third refrigerant third path 40c. Also, for example, the third refrigerant Q3 flowing through the third refrigerant third path 40c is at a lower temperature than the third refrigerant second path 40b. In this embodiment, the third refrigerant Q3 is a refrigerant for an in-vehicle air conditioner. In this embodiment, the condenser 49 is a water-cooled condenser. The condenser 49 corresponds to the "third heat exchanger."

[0059] A part of the flow path constituting the third refrigerant circuit 40 can also be formed by utilizing the first cover part 23 (see FIG. 2) of the case 20. For example, a control valve V (first valve V1, second valve V2, third valve V3, fourth valve V4) that controls the flow rate or flow path of the third refrigerant Q3 in the third refrigerant circuit 40 is attached to the first cover first surface 23a of the first cover part 23. In addition, for example, the accumulator 41, the condenser 49, and the chiller 52 are attached to the first cover second surface 23b of the first cover part 23.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle drive device 10 includes a refrigerant circuit module 46. The refrigerant circuit module 46 constitutes at least a part of the third refrigerant circuit 40. In the present embodiment, the refrigerant circuit module 46 is constituted by the third refrigerant circuit 40 formed in the first cover part 23 and a control valve V. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the refrigerant circuit module 46 is disposed on the upper side Z1 in the vertical direction Z with respect to the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR and at a position overlapping with the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR as viewed in the vertical direction. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the refrigerant circuit module 46 is fixed integrally to the case 20.

[0061] Here, the portion of the first cover part 23 where the third refrigerant circuit 40 is formed is referred to as a refrigerant manifold 47. A condenser 49 (see FIG. 10) for cooling the third refrigerant Q3 by heat exchange with the cooling liquid Q1 is further attached to the refrigerant manifold 47 as a functional component constituting the third refrigerant circuit 40.

[0062] The refrigerant circuit module 46 includes a refrigerant manifold 47 that configures a flow path for the third refrigerant Q3 in the third refrigerant circuit 40, and a control valve V attached to the refrigerant manifold 47. Note that the refrigerant circuit module 46 only needs to configure at least a part of the third refrigerant circuit 40 that circulates the third refrigerant Q3, and the refrigerant circuit module 46 may also include, in addition to the refrigerant manifold 47, the control valve V, an accumulator 41, a condenser 49, and a chiller 52.

[0063] 3 to 6, the refrigerant manifold 47 is provided with a piping connection 48 that connects the refrigerant manifold 47 to functional components that are not integrated with the vehicle drive device 10, such as the evaporator 44 and the cabin condenser 43. It is preferable that the connection 48 is formed on the first cover first surface 23a, similar to the control valve V.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 10, the third refrigerant circuit 40 includes a path (third refrigerant first path 40a) that runs from the condenser 49 via the first valve V1, through the evaporator 44 to the accumulator 41, and a path (third refrigerant second path 40b) that runs from the condenser 49 via the second valve V2 to the accumulator 41, further through the compressor 42 and the cabin condenser 43, and back to the condenser 49 via the third valve V3.

[0065] The evaporator 44 is a functional component that is the core of the cooling system, and removes heat from the surroundings by vaporizing the third refrigerant Q3, and releases cool air into the vehicle cabin. The accumulator 41 separates the liquid from the third refrigerant Q3, which is a mixture of gas and liquid, and supplies only the gas (third refrigerant gas) to the compressor 42. The compressor 42 compresses the third refrigerant gas, which is relatively low temperature and low pressure, to a high temperature and high pressure. The cabin condenser 43 is a heat source for heating using a heat pump system, and releases heat condensed by the compressor 42 into the vehicle cabin. The third refrigerant Q3 that leaves the cabin condenser 43 flows to the condenser 49 via the third valve V3, which is an expansion valve.

[0066] The above-mentioned compressor 42, cabin condenser 43, and evaporator 44 are included in a cabin air conditioning unit that adjusts the temperature and air volume during heating and cooling and selects the air outlet in the vehicle air conditioner.

[0067] In this embodiment, the battery heat sink 54 also cools the in-vehicle battery B2 by heat exchange with the second refrigerant Q2, and the second refrigerant Q2 whose temperature has increased is cooled by heat exchange with the third refrigerant Q3 in the chiller 52. For this reason, a third refrigerant third path 40c is formed as a path through which the third refrigerant Q3 travels from the condenser 49 to the accumulator 41 via the fourth valve V4 and the chiller 52.

[0068] The chiller 52 is connected to a second refrigerant circuit 50 through which the second refrigerant Q2 discharged from the chiller 52 returns to the chiller 52 via a battery heat sink 54 and a second refrigerant pump 53. The chiller 52 exchanges heat between the second refrigerant Q2 and the third refrigerant Q3. For example, the second refrigerant Q2 whose temperature has increased due to heat exchange with the battery heat sink 54 is cooled in the chiller 52. By providing the second refrigerant circuit 50 for cooling the vehicle-mounted battery B2 and the third refrigerant third passage 40c for cooling the second refrigerant Q2 flowing through the second refrigerant circuit 50, it becomes easier to relax the restriction on the input / output current to the vehicle-mounted battery B2 even in cases where the current flowing through the vehicle-mounted battery B2 increases and the temperature of the vehicle-mounted battery B2 rises, such as during quick charging or high-speed driving. Examples of the "second refrigerant Q2" include antifreeze, water, oil, and the like. The chiller 52 corresponds to the "fourth heat exchanger."

[0069] The coolant path 65 is provided with an in-vehicle device 90 that utilizes the heat of the coolant Q1. In this embodiment, examples of the in-vehicle device 90 include a heat exchanger for a cabin heater, and a heat exchanger for warming electronic devices such as a low-voltage DC power source B1 and an in-vehicle battery B2 in cold weather. In addition, the chiller 52, the battery heat sink 54, and the like may be connected to the coolant path 65 to utilize the heat of the coolant Q1, or the condenser 49 may utilize the heat of the coolant Q1. In such a case, the condenser 49, the chiller 52, and the battery heat sink 54 function as the in-vehicle device 90 that utilizes the heat of the coolant Q1.

[0070] In this embodiment, a switching valve V8 that causes the coolant Q1 to flow to either the radiator 67 or the in-vehicle device 90 is provided in the coolant path 65. When it is necessary to cool the coolant Q1, or when it is not necessary to utilize the heat of the coolant Q1 in the in-vehicle device 90, the switching valve V8 causes the coolant Q1 to flow to the radiator 67. However, when it is not necessary to cool the coolant Q1 in cold weather, or when the heat of the coolant Q1 is to be utilized in the in-vehicle device 90, the switching valve V8 causes the coolant Q1 to flow to the in-vehicle device 90 without passing through the radiator 67.

[0071] The vehicle drive device 10 includes an oil path 60 through which the oil OL flows. In this embodiment, the oil path 60 is an oil passage provided in the case 20. In the vehicle drive device 10, the rotating electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT are often lubricated and cooled by the oil OL, and in the vehicle drive device 10 of this embodiment, the oil OL accommodated in the second accommodation chamber E2 is also lubricated by the oil OL. For example, the oil OL accumulated in an oil reservoir formed on the lower side Z2 of the case 20 is scooped up by the oil pump OP and the gears of the power transmission mechanism GT, and is supplied to the parts to be lubricated, such as the bearings of each gear, the bearings of the rotor shaft 13, and the parts to be cooled, such as the coil end portion 11b.

[0072] The oil path 60 includes a first storage chamber E1. The oil path 60 also includes flow paths formed in the wall of the case 20 or the rotating shaft of the rotating member, and flow paths formed by pipes arranged in the case 20. In the illustrated example, the oil path 60 is a path through which the oil OL branches and is supplied to the rotating electric machine MG or the power transmission mechanism GT, but it may be, for example, a path through which the oil OL supplied to the rotating electric machine MG is supplied to the power transmission mechanism GT. It may also be a path through which the oil OL supplied to the power transmission mechanism GT is supplied to the rotating electric machine MG. Examples of the "oil OL" include automatic transmission fluid (ATF), gear oil, etc.

[0073] 11 is an example of a vehicle body 80 provided on the vehicle 8. Examples of the structure of the vehicle body 80 include a ladder frame structure, a monocoque structure in which a frame member and a body are integrally configured, and the like. In this embodiment, the vehicle body 80 is a frame that supports each part of the vehicle 8, but it may also be a monocoque body, a ladder frame, a subframe, or the like.

[0074] The vehicle drive device 10 includes a mount member 70 that is connected to a frame member 81 that constitutes a vehicle body 80 in the above-mentioned vehicle-mounted state. The case 20 is suspended from the frame member 81 via the mount member 70 in the vehicle-mounted state. In this embodiment, the vehicle drive device 10 includes a pair of mount members 70. The pair of mount members 70 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the width direction (axial direction L). Examples of the frame members 81 include side members that are left and right members of the vehicle body 80, cross members that connect the left and right side members, cross members of a ladder frame, a floor portion of a monocoque body, cross members of the floor portion, cross members on the front side of the vehicle, and cross members on the rear side of the vehicle.

[0075] Returning to FIG. 6 , the vehicle drive device 10 includes a mount bracket 72 that is connected to the body 80 of the vehicle 8 when mounted on the vehicle. In this embodiment, the vehicle drive device 10 includes a pair of mount brackets 72. The pair of mount brackets 72 are disposed in positions that do not overlap with the second accommodation chamber E2 when viewed in the up-down direction when mounted on the vehicle. The mount bracket 72 is attached to the second case portion 22. In this embodiment, the pair of mount members 70 each include a mount bush 71 and a mount bracket 72. The mount bracket 72 is fixed to the second case portion 22.

[0076] In this embodiment, the mount member 70 includes a mount bush 71 disposed between a frame member 81 and a mount bracket 72. The pair of mount brackets 72 are connected to a cross member. Here, the "cross member" refers to the frame member 81 disposed to extend in the width direction (axial direction L) of the vehicle body 80.

[0077] The vehicle drive device 10 includes an auxiliary mount bracket 74 that is disposed on a lower side Z2 than the pair of mount brackets 72 when mounted on the vehicle and is connected to the vehicle body 80. The auxiliary mount bracket 74 is attached to the first case portion 21. In this embodiment, the auxiliary mount bracket 74 is connected to a cross member (frame member 81) that is disposed so as to extend in the width direction (axial direction L) of the vehicle body 80.

[0078] The vehicle drive device 10 includes an auxiliary mount member 75 that is connected to a frame member 81 that constitutes a vehicle body 80 when mounted on the vehicle. The auxiliary mount member 75 includes an auxiliary mount bush 73 that is arranged between the frame member 81 and an auxiliary mount bracket 74. The mount bush 71 and the auxiliary mount bush 73 absorb, for example, vibrations from the vehicle drive device 10 to the passenger compartment, shocks from the road surface to the vehicle drive device 10, and the like.

[0079] The auxiliary mount bracket 74 has one end attached to the first case portion 21 and the other end connected to the vehicle body 80. The auxiliary mount bracket 74 is formed such that a straight line connecting one end and the other end intersects with a straight line connecting the pair of mount brackets 72 when viewed in the up-down direction. In this embodiment, an auxiliary mount bush 73 is attached to the other end of the auxiliary mount bracket 74. In addition, the auxiliary mount bracket 74 is formed such that a straight line connecting one end and the other end is along the front-rear direction H.

[0080] In this embodiment, the auxiliary mount bracket 74 is attached so as to be swingable around a predetermined axis. In the example shown in Fig. 7, one end of the auxiliary mount bracket 74 is attached to the first case part 21 by being sandwiched in the up-down direction Z between the first case part 21 and an attachment member 76 attached to the first case part 21. In addition, one end of the auxiliary mount bracket 74 is attached to the first case part 21 so as to be swingable around an axis X2 along the up-down direction Z. In addition, the attachment member 76 is fixed to the first case part 21.

[0081] As described above, in this embodiment, the vehicle driving device 10 comprises a first case portion 21 in which the rotating electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT are housed, a second case portion 22 in which at least one of the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR is housed, and a mount bracket 72 that is connected to the body 80 of the vehicle 8 in an on-board state in which the vehicle is mounted on the vehicle 8, and in the on-board state, the second case portion 22 is positioned on the upper side Z1 relative to the first case portion 21, and the mount bracket 72 is attached to the second case portion 22.

[0082] According to the vehicle drive device 10 described above, since the mount bracket 72 is attached to the second case part 22 that is disposed on the upper side Z1 relative to the first case part 21 in the vehicle-mounted state, even when the vehicle drive device 10 is attached to a part of the vehicle body 80 that is disposed on the upper side Z1 relative to the rotating electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT, the dimension of the mount bracket 72 in the vertical direction Z can be easily shortened. Therefore, the mount bracket 72 can be easily made smaller and lighter while ensuring its strength. In addition, even when the output member is disposed in a position close to the rotating electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT and there is not enough space for the mount bracket 72 on both sides of the first case part 21 in the axial direction L, by attaching the mount bracket 72 to the second case part 22, it is easy to ensure a space that provides the necessary strength for the mount bracket 72.

[0083] In this embodiment, the second case portion 22 has a side wall portion (second side wall portion 27) that surrounds a storage chamber (second storage chamber E2) in which the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR are housed and is formed to extend in the vertical direction Z when viewed in the vertical direction when mounted on the vehicle, and a boss portion 27b is provided on each of a pair of outer surfaces of the side wall portion (second side wall portion 27) facing opposite each other across the storage chamber (second storage chamber E2), and a mounting bracket 72 is attached to each of the pair of boss portions 27b.

[0084] According to the vehicle drive device 10 described above, the mount brackets 72 can be appropriately attached to the second case portion 22. Moreover, since the pair of mount brackets 72 are disposed on opposite sides of the accommodation chamber (the second accommodation chamber E2), it is easy to ensure a wide support interval between the pair of mount brackets 72. Therefore, it is easy to stabilize the support of the vehicle drive device 10.

[0085] In this embodiment, the vehicle driving device 10 has a pair of mounting brackets 72, and the second case portion 22 has an accommodation chamber (second accommodation chamber E2) in which the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR are accommodated, and an opening (first opening 20a) of the accommodation chamber (second accommodation chamber E2) that opens toward the upper side Z1 and a cover portion (first cover portion 23) that covers the opening (first opening 20a), and when viewed in the vertical direction when mounted on the vehicle, the accommodation chamber (second accommodation chamber E2) is positioned at a position overlapping with the rotating electric machine MG and power transmission mechanism GT accommodated in the first case portion 21, and the pair of mounting brackets 72 are positioned at a position not overlapping with the accommodation chamber (second accommodation chamber E2).

[0086] According to the above-mentioned vehicle drive device 10, the rotating electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT, which are relatively heavy, are arranged in a position overlapping with the accommodation chamber (second accommodation chamber E2), and the pair of mount brackets 72 are arranged outside the accommodation chamber (second accommodation chamber E2) in the up-down view, so that the pair of mount brackets 72 can easily stably support the vehicle drive device 10. Furthermore, according to this configuration, when removing the cover part (first cover part 23) and performing the assembling work of the member into the accommodation chamber (second accommodation chamber E2) from the opening part (first opening part 20a) or the maintenance work in the accommodation chamber (second accommodation chamber E2), the pair of mount brackets 72 can be prevented from being an obstacle. Therefore, it is easy to ensure the workability to the accommodation chamber (second accommodation chamber E2) of the vehicle drive device 10.

[0087] In this embodiment, the vehicle driving device 10 includes a pair of mount brackets 72, and further includes an auxiliary mount bracket 74 that is positioned below the pair of mount brackets 72 in a vehicle-mounted state Z2 and connected to the vehicle body 80, and the auxiliary mount bracket 74 is attached to the first case portion 21, and the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the vehicle 8 when viewed in the vertical direction is the width direction (axial direction L), and the pair of mount brackets 72 are attached to a cross member (frame member 81) arranged to extend in the width direction (axial direction L) of the vehicle body 80.

[0088] According to the vehicle drive device 10 described above, since the vehicle drive device 10 can be supported on the vehicle body 80 at two points on the upper part and at least one point on the lower part, it is easy to stabilize the support of the vehicle drive device 10.

[0089] Other embodiments Next, other embodiments of the vehicle drive device 10 will be described.

[0090] (1) In the above embodiment, the power transmission mechanism GT is described as including the reduction gear 16 and the differential gear mechanism 15. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and may be configured such that the power transmission mechanism GT does not include the reduction gear 16 and includes only the differential gear mechanism 15. For example, the power transmission mechanism GT may be configured such that the reduction gear 16 does not include the differential gear mechanism 15 and includes only the reduction gear 16, and transmits power from one rotating electric machine MG to one wheel. For example, the reduction gear 16 is not required to be a planetary gear mechanism with a fixed gear ratio, and the reduction gear 16 may be a reduction mechanism with a multiple-stage gear ratio. For example, the power transmission mechanism GT is not required to be a single-shaft configuration, and may be a multiple-shaft configuration such as a two-shaft or three-shaft configuration.

[0091] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the mount bracket 72 is attached to the boss portion 27b provided on the second side wall portion 27 of the second case portion 22. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the mount bracket 72 may be attached to the first cover portion 23 of the second case portion 22. Furthermore, the mount bracket 72 may be attached to the second case portion 22 by welding, crimping, brazing, or the like, instead of fastening with bolts. Furthermore, the second case portion 22 and the mount bracket 72 may be integrally formed.

[0092] (3) In the above embodiment, the second case part 22 includes the first opening 20a that opens toward the upper side Z1 and the first cover part 23. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the second case part 22 may open toward the axial direction L or the front-rear direction H instead of the upper side Z1. The second case part 22 may not include the first cover part 23. For example, the second housing chamber E2 may not be disposed at a position overlapping with the rotating electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT when viewed in the vertical direction in the mounted state. For example, the pair of mount brackets 72 may be disposed at a position overlapping with the second housing chamber E2 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0093] (4) In the above embodiment, the vehicle drive device 10 includes a pair of mount brackets 72, and the pair of mount brackets 72 are attached to a cross member (frame member 81) arranged to extend in the width direction (axial direction L) of the vehicle body 80. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the mount brackets 72 may be attached to a frame member 81 arranged to extend in the front-rear direction H of the vehicle body 80. Furthermore, for example, the vehicle drive device 10 may include only one mount bracket 72 or three or more mount brackets 72.

[0094] (5) In the above embodiment, the auxiliary mount bracket 74 is attached to a cross member (frame member 81) arranged to extend in the width direction (axial direction L) of the vehicle body 80. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the auxiliary mount bracket 74 may be attached to a frame member 81 arranged to extend in the front-rear direction H of the vehicle body 80. Furthermore, for example, the vehicle drive device 10 may be provided with a plurality of auxiliary mount brackets 74. Furthermore, for example, the vehicle drive device 10 may not be provided with the auxiliary mount bracket 74.

[0095] (6) In the above embodiment, the power supply module PWR has been described as including the converter 31 and the charging power supply circuit 32. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the power supply module PWR does not need to include the converter 31 or the charging power supply circuit 32.

[0096] (7) In the above embodiment, the mounting bracket 72 is fixed to the second case 22, and the auxiliary mounting bracket 74 is attached to the first case 21 so as to be swingable about the axis X2. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the mounting bracket 72 may be attached to the second case 22 so as to be swingable about a predetermined axis. Furthermore, the auxiliary mounting bracket 74 may be fixed to the second case 22. Furthermore, the vehicle drive device 10 may not include the mounting bush 71 or the auxiliary mounting bush 73.

[0097] (8) The configurations disclosed in the above-described embodiments can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs. As for other configurations, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 8: vehicle, 10: vehicle drive device, 20: case, 21: first case part, 22: second case part, 23: first cover part (cover part), 27: second side wall part (side wall part), 27b: boss part, 30: external power source, 31: converter (voltage conversion circuit), 32: charging power supply circuit (charging circuit, power supply circuit), 72: mount bracket, 74: auxiliary mount bracket, 80: vehicle body, 81: frame member (cross member), B2: on-board battery, E2: second housing (housing), GT: power transmission mechanism, INV: inverter module, MG: rotating electric machine, PWR: power supply module

Claims

1. A rotating electric machine; An output member drivingly connected to the wheels; a power transmission mechanism that transmits a driving force between the rotating electric machine and the output member; an inverter module for driving and controlling the rotating electric machine; a power supply module electrically connected to an on-board battery, the power supply module including at least one of a voltage conversion circuit for converting the voltage of the on-board battery, a charging circuit for charging the on-board battery from an external power source, and a power supply circuit for supplying power from the on-board battery to an external device; a first case portion that accommodates the rotating electric machine and the power transmission mechanism; a second case portion in which at least one of the inverter module and the power supply module is housed; A mount bracket that is connected to a body of the vehicle in a vehicle-mounted state, Equipped with In the mounted state, the second case portion is disposed above the first case portion, The mounting bracket is attached to the second case portion.

2. the second case portion includes a side wall portion that is formed to surround an accommodation chamber in which the inverter module and the power supply module are accommodated and to extend in the vertical direction when viewed in the vertical direction in the vehicle-mounted state, A boss portion is provided on each of a pair of outer surfaces of the side wall portion facing opposite sides of the storage chamber, The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 , wherein the mount bracket is attached to each of the pair of boss portions.

3. A pair of the mounting brackets is provided, the second case portion includes an accommodation chamber in which the inverter module and the power supply module are accommodated, an opening portion of the accommodation chamber that opens upward, and a cover portion that covers the opening portion, When viewed in the up-down direction in the vehicle-mounted state, the housing chamber is disposed at a position overlapping with the rotating electric machine and the power transmission mechanism housed in the first case portion, The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pair of mounting brackets are arranged at positions not overlapping with the accommodation chamber.

4. a pair of the mount brackets, and further comprising an auxiliary mount bracket that is disposed below the pair of mount brackets in the vehicle-mounted state and is connected to the vehicle body, the auxiliary mounting bracket is attached to the first case portion, When viewed from above and below, the direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the vehicle is defined as the width direction, 3. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of mounting brackets are attached to a cross member disposed to extend in the width direction of the vehicle body.

Images