Vehicle drive device and vehicle

Abstract

To realize a vehicle drive device in which an arrangement region for a frame member and a vehicle drive device can be easily suppressed in the vertical direction.SOLUTION: A vehicle drive device 10 includes a mount member 70 which is connected to a frame member 81 that constitutes a vehicle body in an on-vehicle state where the vehicle drive device is mounted on a vehicle body of a vehicle. The positional relationship between the mount member 70 and a control valve V is set such that the control valve V which is the uppermost arrangement part arranged on an uppermost side Z1 excluding the mount member 70 is arranged at a position that overlaps in the vertical view with a specific shaped part 81a being an opening penetrating the frame member 81 in a vertical direction Z in the on-vehicle state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle drive device and a vehicle equipped with the vehicle drive device. [Background technology]

[0002] JP 2019-051888 A (Patent Document 1) discloses a vehicle drive device including a rotating electric machine (16) and an inverter (30). In this Patent Document 1, the vehicle includes a frame member (cross member 8) that is spanned across a pair of left and right front side frames (2) via a mount bracket (7). A motor unit (15) including a rotating electric machine (16) is suspended from the lower part of the frame member (8), and an inverter module (E1) including an inverter (30) is mounted on the upper part of the frame member (8). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-051888 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the frame member spanning between the pair of left and right front side frames is required to have a sufficient thickness in the vertical direction because it is a member that contributes to the rigidity of the vehicle body, and furthermore, it is necessary to secure an area for arranging a motor and an inverter of a vehicle drive device on both sides of the frame member in the vertical direction. Therefore, there was a problem that the area for arranging the vehicle drive device sandwiched between the frame members became large in the vertical direction.

[0005] It is therefore desirable to realize a vehicle drive device that can easily keep the arrangement area of ​​the frame member and the vehicle drive device small in the vertical direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The vehicle drive transmission device according to the present disclosure includes 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 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 the outside, and a power supply module connected to a frame member that constitutes the vehicle body when mounted on the vehicle body. The vehicle-mounted vehicle assembly includes a mounting member that is attached to the frame member via the mounting member, and a case that, when mounted on the vehicle, houses the rotating electric machine and the power transmission mechanism and supports the inverter module and the power supply module.The positional relationship between the mounting member and the uppermost portion is set so that, when mounted on the vehicle, the uppermost portion, which is located at the topmost position excluding the mounting member, is positioned in a position that overlaps, when viewed in the vertical direction, with a specific shaped portion, which is a recess that is recessed upward in the underside of the frame member or an opening that penetrates the frame member in the vertical direction.

[0007] According to this configuration, when mounted on the vehicle, the uppermost portion, which is located at the top of the vehicle drive device excluding the mount member, is positioned so as to overlap the specific shaped portion, which is a recess or opening in the underside of the frame member, in a vertical view, so that the upper end of the uppermost portion can be positioned inside the specific shaped portion, or even if the uppermost portion is not positioned inside the specific shaped portion, a gap can be secured between the vehicle drive device and the underside of the frame member while the placement area of ​​the vehicle drive device and the placement area of ​​the frame member can be brought closer together in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is easy to keep the placement areas of the vehicle drive device and the frame member small in the vertical direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a vehicle drive device according to a first embodiment; [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; [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a top view of a frame member to which the vehicle drive device of FIG. 1 is connected. [Figure 13] 13 is a side view of the frame member of FIG. 12 [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the frame member and the vehicle drive device of FIG. 12 . [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a frame member of the second embodiment; [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a frame member of the third embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] [First embodiment] Hereinafter, a vehicle drive device 10 according to a first embodiment 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 the term "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. That is, 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. At least a part of the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR may be attached to the outside of the case 20. A part of the power supply module PWR may be fixed to the outside of 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 when the vehicle drive device 10 is mounted on the vehicle 8 is the "upper-lower 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 on the vehicle 8 so that the rotation axis X1 is horizontal, 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 is parallel to the axial direction L, 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 the power supply module PWR (described later). The second case portion 22 includes a second side wall portion 27 that is formed to surround a second housing chamber E2 that houses at least one of the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR and to extend in the vertical direction Z when viewed in the vertical direction in a state in which the vehicle is mounted. The second case portion 22 is disposed on the upper side Z1 with respect to the first case portion 21 in a state in which the vehicle is mounted. In this embodiment, the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR are housed in the second case portion 22.

[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 an inverter module INV and a 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 integrally formed with the first case part 21 and the second case part 22 without the partition wall 28. In addition, for example, the case 20 may be integrally formed with the first case part 21 and the second case part 22 without the partition wall 28, and may be integrally formed with the first case part 21 and the second case part 22 by fastening members such as bolts or welding. 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. 10) 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 77.

[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 76 and an auxiliary mount bracket 77, 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 to arrange the transformer below the cooling unit 68 on the Z2 side and overlapping with the power transmission mechanism GT in the vertical direction. By effectively utilizing the space below the cooling unit 68 on the Z2 side in this manner, 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 arranged above the cooling unit 68 on the Z1 side. In addition, the transformer 132 provided in the power supply module PWR is arranged below the cooling unit 68 on the Z2 side.

[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 a vehicle 8. The vehicle 8 includes a vehicle drive device 10 and a vehicle body 80 including a frame member 81. Examples of the structure of the vehicle body 80 including the frame member 81 include a ladder frame structure and a monocoque structure in which the frame member and the body are integrally configured. 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] As shown in FIG. 11 , the vehicle drive device 10 includes a mount bracket 72 that is connected to the body 80 of the vehicle 8 in a vehicle-mounted state. 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 in the vehicle-mounted state. 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 77 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 77 is attached to the first case portion 21. In this embodiment, the auxiliary mount bracket 77 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 while mounted on the vehicle. The auxiliary mount member 75 includes an auxiliary mount bush 76 that is arranged between the frame member 81 and an auxiliary mount bracket 77. The mount bush 71 and the auxiliary mount bush 76 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 77 has one end attached to the first case portion 21 and the other end connected to the vehicle body 80. The auxiliary mount bracket 77 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 76 is attached to the other end of the auxiliary mount bracket 77. Furthermore, the auxiliary mount bracket 77 is formed such that a straight line connecting one end and the other end is aligned with the front-rear direction H.

[0080] In this embodiment, the auxiliary mount bracket 77 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 77 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 78 attached to the first case part 21. In addition, one end of the auxiliary mount bracket 77 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 78 is fixed to the first case part 21.

[0081] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a frame member 81 to which the mount member 70 of the vehicle drive device 10 is connected. Fig. 13 is a side view of the frame member 81. Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the vehicle drive device 10 and the frame member 81, seen from the same direction as Fig. 6. In Fig. 14, the end of the frame member 81 in the axial direction L is omitted.

[0082] The frame member 81 is provided with a specifically shaped portion 81a which is a recess recessed into the upper side Z1 of the lower surface of the frame member 81 or an opening which penetrates the frame member 81 in the up-down direction Z. The frame member 81 is also provided with a mount attachment portion 81b to which the mount member 70 is attached. In this embodiment, the specifically shaped portion 81a is an opening which penetrates the frame member 81 in the up-down direction Z. The mount attachment portion 81b is an opening which penetrates the frame member 81 in the up-down direction Z.

[0083] In this embodiment, the frame member 81 includes mount attachment portions 81b to which the pair of mount members 70 are respectively attached. In the illustrated example, a specific shape portion 81a is provided between the pair of mount attachment portions 81b in the width direction (axial direction L).

[0084] In this embodiment, the frame member 81 is a member formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the width direction (axial direction L). The frame member 81 also includes an upper plate 83 and a lower plate 84 disposed on the lower side Z2 of the upper plate 83. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the specific shape portion 81a is formed by an upper opening 83a formed in the upper plate 83 and a lower opening 84a formed in the lower plate 84. The mount attachment portion 81b is formed by an upper opening 83b formed in the upper plate 83 and a lower opening 84b formed in the lower plate 84. In the example shown in the figure, the lower opening 84a is formed wider than the upper opening 83a.

[0085] In this embodiment, the frame member 81 has a height dimension equal to or greater than the distance between the upper plates 83 in the up-down direction Z, and includes a side wall 85 extending in the width direction (axial direction L). In the example shown in Fig. 14, the frame member 81 includes a pair of side walls 85 spaced apart in a direction intersecting the width direction (axial direction L). Furthermore, the upper plate 83 and the side wall 85 are the same member.

[0086] In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the mount member 70 and the uppermost portion is set so that the uppermost portion, which is arranged on the uppermost side Z1 excluding the mount member 70 in the vehicle drive device 10 in the above-mentioned vehicle-mounted state, is arranged at a position overlapping the specific shape portion 81a in a vertical view. In the example shown in Fig. 14, the uppermost portion is arranged between the pair of mount members 70 in the width direction (axial direction L). Examples of the "uppermost portion" include the refrigerant circuit module 46, the inverter module INV, the power supply module PWR, members attached to the upper surface of the case 20, the bulge at the top of the case 20, parts of them, etc.

[0087] In this embodiment, the "topmost portion" is a component constituting at least one of the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR, which is arranged on the upper surface of the second case portion 22 so as to protrude from the upper surface of the second case portion 22 to the upper side Z1, or a component constituting a heat medium circuit for performing heat exchange between at least one of the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR and a heat medium. In the illustrated example, the heat medium circuit is a first refrigerant circuit (cooling liquid path 65 shown in FIG. 10) in which the cooling liquid Q1 circulates. In this embodiment, the component that is the topmost portion is located inside the specific shape portion 81a, which is a recess or an opening, when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0088] Examples of components constituting at least one of the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR arranged on the upper surface of the second case portion 22 include a converter 31, a charging power supply circuit 32, a converter control unit 33, a charging power supply control unit 34, a rotating machine control unit 35, an inverter circuit 36, a DC link capacitor 37, a driver 38, a capacitor 131, a transformer 132, some of the wiring thereof, connectors for electrical wiring, various connecting members, electrical circuit components that can be arranged outside the case without any problems, etc.

[0089] Examples of components constituting the heat medium circuit arranged on the upper surface of the second case portion 22 include an oil cooler 61, a first refrigerant pump 66, a cooling unit 68, a condenser 49, and parts of the piping thereof. When the second refrigerant circuit 50 or the third refrigerant circuit 40 is formed as part of the heat medium circuit (coolant path 65), the components constituting the heat medium circuit include a control valve V, an accumulator 41, a refrigerant manifold 47, a connection portion 48, a chiller 52, and parts of the piping thereof. In the illustrated example, the components constituting the heat medium circuit arranged on the upper surface of the second case portion 22 are the components constituting the refrigerant circuit module 46 that are arranged on the first surface 23a of the first cover.

[0090] In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the mount member 70 and the uppermost portion is set so that the upper end of the uppermost portion fits inside the specific shaped portion 81a. Also, the upper end of the uppermost portion is disposed within a region surrounded by the inner surface of the recess or opening serving as the specific shaped portion 81a. In the illustrated example, the upper end of the uppermost portion is the upper end of the control valve V of the refrigerant circuit module 46, and the positional relationship between the mount member 70 and the uppermost portion is set so that the upper end fits inside the specific shaped portion 81a when viewed in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

[0091] In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the mount member 70 and the uppermost portion is set so that, in the above-mentioned vehicle-mounted state, the uppermost portion (control valve V in the illustrated example) is arranged at a position overlapping with the specific shape portion 81a in a horizontal view. Also, the positional relationship between the mount member 70 and the uppermost portion is set so that, in the vehicle-mounted state, the upper end of the uppermost portion is arranged at a position overlapping with the specific shape portion 81a in a horizontal view. In the illustrated example, the side wall 85 of the frame member 81 and the upper end of the uppermost portion are arranged at a position overlapping. In the illustrated example, the upper end of the uppermost portion is located on the upper side Z1 than the lower end of the side wall 85 of the frame member 81. Note that the positional relationship between the mount member 70 and the case 20 may be set so that the upper surface of the case 20 is located on the upper side Z1 than the lower end of the side wall 85 of the frame member 81. In the illustrated example, the upper surface of the case 20 is the first cover first surface 23a.

[0092] As described above, in this embodiment, the vehicle driving device 10 is provided with a mounting member 70 that is connected to a frame member 81 that constitutes the vehicle body 80 when mounted on the vehicle body 80 of the vehicle 8, and the positional relationship between the mounting member 70 and the uppermost portion (control valve V) that is positioned on the uppermost side Z1 excluding the mounting member 70 when mounted on the vehicle is set so that it is positioned in a position that overlaps, when viewed in the vertical direction, with a specific shape portion 81a that is a recess recessed into the upper side Z1 of the underside of the frame member 81 or an opening that penetrates the frame member 81 in the vertical direction Z.

[0093] According to the vehicle drive device 10 described above, when mounted on the vehicle, the uppermost portion (control valve V) that is disposed on the uppermost side Z1 of the vehicle drive device 10 excluding the mount member 70 is disposed at a position that overlaps with the specific shaped portion 81a, which is a recess or opening in the lower surface of the frame member 81, as viewed in the vertical direction, so that the upper end of the uppermost portion can be disposed inside the specific shaped portion 81a, or even if the uppermost portion is not disposed inside the specific shaped portion 81a, the arrangement area of ​​the vehicle drive device 10 and the arrangement area of ​​the frame member 81 can be brought closer to each other in the vertical direction Z while ensuring a gap between the vehicle drive device 10 and the lower surface of the frame member 81. Therefore, it is easy to keep the arrangement areas of the vehicle drive device 10 and the frame member 81 small in the vertical direction Z.

[0094] Furthermore, in the vehicle drive device 10 of the present embodiment, the positional relationship between the mount member 70 and the uppermost portion (control valve V) is set so that the upper end of the uppermost portion is contained inside the specific shape portion 81a.

[0095] According to the vehicle drive device 10 described above, the arrangement area of ​​the vehicle drive device 10 and the arrangement area of ​​the frame member 81 can be made to overlap in the vertical direction Z while ensuring a gap between the vehicle drive device 10 and the underside of the frame member 81. Therefore, it is easy to further reduce the arrangement area of ​​the vehicle drive device 10 and the frame member 81 in the vertical direction Z.

[0096] In addition, in the vehicle drive device 10 of this embodiment, the case 20 includes a first case portion 21 in which the rotating electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT are housed, and a second case portion 22 arranged on the upper side Z1 relative to the first case portion 21 and housing at least one of the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR, and the uppermost portion (control valve V) is a component constituting at least one of the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR, which is arranged on the upper surface of the second case portion 22 so as to protrude from the upper surface of the second case portion 22 to the upper side Z1, or a component constituting a heat medium circuit (coolant path 65) for performing heat exchange between at least one of the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR and a heat medium.

[0097] According to the above-described vehicle drive device 10, in a configuration in which the second case portion 22 housing at least one of the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR is disposed on the upper side Z1 of the first case portion 21 housing the rotating electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT, components related to at least one of the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR arranged to protrude from the upper surface of the second case portion 22 to the upper side Z1 can be disposed in a position overlapping with the specific shape portion 81a of the frame member 81 in a vertical view. Therefore, it is easy to suppress the expansion of the arrangement area of ​​the vehicle drive device 10 and the frame member 81 in the vertical direction Z due to these components being disposed on the upper surface (first cover first surface 23a) of the second case portion 22.

[0098] As described above, in a vehicle 8 equipped with the vehicle driving device 10 of this embodiment and a vehicle body 80 equipped with a frame member 81, the direction perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction H of the vehicle body 80 when viewed in the vertical direction is the width direction (axial direction L), and the frame member 81 is arranged to extend at least in the width direction, the vehicle driving device 10 has a pair of mount members 70, the pair of mount members 70 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the width direction, the uppermost portion is arranged between the pair of mount members 70 in the width direction, and the frame member 81 has mount attachment portions 81b to which each of the pair of mount members 70 is attached, and a specific shape portion 81a is provided between the pair of mount attachment portions 81b in the width direction.

[0099] According to the above-mentioned vehicle 8, the vehicle driving device 10 can be properly supported in a suspended state by the frame member 81, and the uppermost portion of the vehicle driving device 10 can be properly positioned at a position overlapping with the specific shape portion 81a of the frame member 81 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0100] Second Embodiment The frame member 81 of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 15. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an upper opening 83a is not formed in the upper plate 83, and the specific shape portion 81a is a recess in the lower surface of the frame member 81. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that points that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0101] Fig. 15 is a side view showing frame member 81 of this embodiment, and is a view corresponding to Fig. 13. In this embodiment, a portion recessed toward upper side Z1 relative to other portions of the lower surface of frame member 81 is specific shape portion 81a.

[0102] Third embodiment The frame member 81 of the third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 16. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the specific shape portion 81a is a recess formed by curving the frame member 81. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that points that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0103] Fig. 15 is a side view showing a frame member 81 of this embodiment, and is a view corresponding to Fig. 13. In this embodiment, a portion recessed on the upper side Z1 from other portions of the lower surface of the frame member 81 is the specific shape portion 81a. In the illustrated example, the upper plate 83 of the frame member 81 is curved to form the recess. Note that both the upper plate 83 and the lower plate 84 of the frame member 81 may be curved to form the recess.

[0104] Other embodiments Next, other embodiments of the vehicle drive device 10 will be described.

[0105] (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.

[0106] (2) In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described as an example in which the upper end of the control valve V, which is the upper end of the uppermost portion, fits inside the specific shaped portion 81a. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and the upper end of the uppermost portion may be, for example, the upper end of the piping of the refrigerant circuit module 46, the upper end of the inverter module INV, the upper end of the power supply module PWR, etc. Also, the specific shaped portion 81a may be an opening, and the positional relationship between the mount member 70 and the uppermost portion may be set so that the upper end of the uppermost portion is located on the upper side Z1 of the opening.

[0107] (3) In the above embodiment, the case 20 is described as including a first case portion 21 that houses the rotating electric machine MG and the power transmission mechanism GT, and a second case portion 22 that is disposed on the upper side Z1 of the first case portion 21 and houses at least one of the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and for example, the rotating electric machine MG or the power transmission mechanism GT may be housed in the second case portion 22. Also, for example, the inverter module INV and the power supply module PWR may be housed in the first case portion 21. Also, the case 20 may be configured to include only the first case portion 21 or the second case portion 22.

[0108] (4) In the above embodiment, the uppermost portion is disposed between the pair of mount members 70 in the width direction, the frame member 81 includes mount attachment portions 81b to which the pair of mount members 70 are attached, and the specific shape portion 81a is provided between the pair of mount attachment portions 81b in the width direction. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the uppermost portion does not have to be disposed between the pair of mount members 70 in the width direction, and the specific shape portion 81a does not have to be disposed between the pair of mount attachment portions 81b in the width direction. Also, for example, the mount attachment portion 81b may not be an opening, and the mount member 70 may be attached to the frame member 81 by welding, crimping, brazing, or the like. Also, the vehicle drive device 10 may be configured to include only one mount member 70.

[0109] (5) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the vehicle body 80 includes the frame member 81. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the frame member 81 that is integral with the mount member 70 of the vehicle drive device 10 may be bridged across a pair of left and right front side frames of the vehicle body 80. In other words, the vehicle drive device 10 may be configured to include the frame member 81.

[0110] (6) 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.

[0111] (7) 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.

[0112] (8) In the above embodiment, the vehicle drive device 10 includes a pair of mount brackets 72, and the auxiliary mount bracket 77 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 77 may be attached to the frame member 81 arranged to extend in the front-rear direction H of the vehicle body 80. For example, the vehicle drive device 10 may include multiple auxiliary mount brackets 77. For example, the vehicle drive device 10 may include only one mount bracket 72, or three or more mount brackets 72. For example, the vehicle drive device 10 may not include the auxiliary mount bracket 77.

[0113] (9) 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.

[0114] (10) In the above embodiment, the mounting bracket 72 is fixed to the second case 22, and the auxiliary mounting bracket 77 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 77 may be fixed to the second case 22. Furthermore, the vehicle drive device 10 does not have to include the mounting bush 71 or the auxiliary mounting bush 76.

[0115] (11) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the positional relationship between the mount member 70 and the uppermost portion is set so that the upper end of the uppermost portion is positioned to overlap the specific shaped portion 81a in a horizontal view when mounted on the vehicle. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the upper end of the uppermost portion may not overlap the specific shaped portion 81a in a horizontal view, and the upper end of the uppermost portion may be positioned on the lower side Z2 below the frame member 81. In such a case, the arrangement area of ​​the vehicle drive device 10 and the arrangement area of ​​the frame member 81 can be brought closer to each other in the up-down direction Z, while a gap can be secured between the lower surface of the frame member 81 and the vehicle drive device 10.

[0116] (12) 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]

[0117] 8: vehicle, 10: vehicle drive device, 20: case, 21: first case part, 22: second case part, 30: external power source, 31: converter (voltage conversion circuit), 32: charging power supply circuit (charging circuit, power supply circuit), 65: coolant path (heat medium circuit), 70: mount member, 80: vehicle body, 81: frame member, 81a: specific shape part, 81b: mount attachment part, V: control valve (topmost part), B2: on-board battery, MG: rotating electric machine, GT: power transmission mechanism, INV: inverter module, 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 mount member that is connected to a frame member that constitutes a vehicle body in an on-vehicle state in which the vehicle body is mounted on the vehicle; a case that is suspended from the frame member via the mount member in the vehicle-mounted state, houses the rotating electric machine and the power transmission mechanism, and supports the inverter module and the power supply module; Equipped with A vehicle drive device in which the positional relationship between the mounting member and the uppermost portion, which is located at the topmost position excluding the mounting member, when mounted on the vehicle, is set so that the positional relationship between the mounting member and the uppermost portion overlaps, when viewed in the vertical direction, with a specific shape portion which is a recess recessed upward in the undersurface of the frame member or an opening which penetrates the frame member in the vertical direction.

2. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 , wherein a positional relationship between the mount member and the uppermost portion is set so that an upper end of the uppermost portion is contained inside the specific shape portion.

3. the case includes a first case portion in which the rotating electric machine and the power transmission mechanism are housed, and a second case portion that is disposed above the first case portion and in which at least one of the inverter module and the power supply module is housed, 2. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein the uppermost portion is a component constituting at least one of the inverter module and the power supply module, arranged on the upper surface of the second case portion so as to protrude upward from the upper surface of the second case portion, or a component constituting a heat medium circuit for performing heat exchange between at least one of the inverter module and the power supply module and a heat medium.

4. A vehicle drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the vehicle body including the frame member; A vehicle equipped with When viewed in the up-down direction, the direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction of the vehicle body is defined as the width direction, The frame member is disposed to extend in at least the width direction, The vehicle drive device includes a pair of the mount members, The pair of mounting members are spaced apart from each other in the width direction, the uppermost portion is disposed between the pair of mounting members in the width direction, A vehicle, wherein the frame member has mount attachment portions to which each of the pair of mount members is attached, and the specific shape portion is provided between the pair of mount attachment portions in the width direction.

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