drive unit

Abstract

The housing of the drive unit has a refrigerant flow path for refrigerant to flow through. The refrigerant flow path includes a first flow path, a second flow path, and a connecting flow path. Refrigerant pumped from the pump flows in the first flow path. Refrigerant supplied to the motor unit flows in the second flow path. The first and second flow paths are connected to the connecting flow path. At least a portion of the connecting flow path is disposed within a motor housing space housing the motor unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a driving device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, drive devices with a refrigerant flow path for cooling the motor inside the casing were known. (See, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-129608)

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-129608 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, as Figure 9 As shown, sometimes multiple components A and B constituting the housing H of the drive device have refrigerant C flow paths Pa and Pb, respectively. When the flow paths Pa and Pb are connected to each other, in order to prevent refrigerant C leakage, it is necessary to seal the connection between the flow paths Pa and Pb formed in the separate components A and B.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to connect the refrigerant flow paths to each other without implementing strict sealing.

[0009] Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0010] An exemplary drive device of the present invention includes a motor unit and a housing housing the motor unit. The motor unit has a rotor and a stator. The rotor has a shaft rotatable about an axially extending axis of rotation. The shaft is rotatable about the axially extending axis of rotation. The stator is disposed radially outward from the rotor. The housing has a first housing, a second housing, a motor housing space, and a refrigerant flow path. The first housing extends axially and surrounds the stator. The second housing is mounted on one axial end of the first housing. The motor housing space is surrounded by the first housing and the second housing and houses the motor unit. The refrigerant flow path allows refrigerant to flow. The refrigerant flow path has: a first flow path disposed in the first housing; a second flow path disposed in the second housing; and a connecting flow path. The refrigerant pumped from the pump flows in the first flow path. The refrigerant supplied to the motor unit flows in the second flow path. The connecting flow path connects the first flow path and the second flow path. At least a portion of the connecting flow path is disposed within the motor housing space.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to the exemplary drive device of the present invention, the flow paths of lubricant can be connected to each other without the need for strict sealing. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the drive unit viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the drive unit viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the drive unit viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a 3D view of the drive unit.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle with a drive unit.

[0018] Figure 6 It is an exploded 3D view of the outer shell.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the oil circuit on the motor side.

[0020] Figure 8A The first modified example of the connecting pipe is shown.

[0021] Figure 8B A second variation of the connecting pipe is shown.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a previous example of a flow path connection.

[0023] (Symbol Explanation)

[0024] 1. Drive unit; 2. Motor section; 21. Rotor; 22. Motor shaft; 220. Hollow section; 221. Shaft sleeve section; 222. Shaft hole section; 223. Recess; 23. Rotor core; 230. Rotor through hole; 231. Rotor connecting section; 24. Rotor magnet; 25. Stator; 26. Stator core; 27. Coil; 271. Coil edge; 281. First motor bearing; 282. Second motor bearing; 3. Gear section; 31. Reducer; 310. Transmission shaft; 3101. Hollow section; 3102. Transmission shaft sleeve section; 311. First gear; 312. Second gear; 313. Third gear ; 314 Intermediate shaft; 32 Differential device; 321 Fourth gear; 341 First gear bearing; 342 Second gear bearing; 343 Third gear bearing; 344 Fourth gear bearing; 4 Pump; 41 Inlet; 42 Filter; 43 Outlet; 5 Housing; 51 First housing component; 511 Cylindrical part; 5111 Locating pin; 512 Side plate part; 5120 Through hole; 5121 Hole part; 513 Plate part; 514 Peripheral wall part; 515 First drive shaft through hole; 516 Second motor bearing retainer; 517 First gear bearing retainer; 518 519 Third gear bearing retaining part; 52 Side plate opening; 52 Second housing component; 521 Second gear bearing retaining part; 522 Fourth gear bearing retaining part; 523 Second drive shaft through hole; 524 Receiving plate part; 525 Gear side oil passage; 526 Gear side limiting component; 53 Third housing component; 530 Contact part; 531 First motor bearing retaining part; 54 Fourth housing component; 55 Motor side oil passage; 55a First flow path; 55b Second flow path; 55c Third flow path; 55d Fourth flow path; 551 First oil passage; 552 Second oil passage ; 553 Third oil passage; 5530 Connecting pipe; 5531 Connecting flow path; 5532 Cylindrical section; 554 Fourth oil passage; 555 First supply path; 556 Second supply path; 557 Third supply path; 558 Oil supply section; 5581 Distribution hole; 61 Motor housing section; 62 Gear housing section; 63 Inverter housing section; 64 Pump housing section; 7 Inverter unit; 8 Oil cooler; CL oil; Ds drive shaft; J2 Rotary shaft; J4 Intermediate shaft; J5 Differential shaft; P Oil storage section; RE refrigerant; 200 Vehicle; 150 Battery Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] In the following description, the direction of gravity is defined based on the positional relationship of the drive unit 1 mounted on the vehicle 200 located on a horizontal road surface. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, an XYZ coordinate system is appropriately shown as a three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system. In the XYZ coordinate system, the Z-axis direction represents the vertical direction (i.e., the up-down direction). The +Z direction is upward (vertically upward, opposite to the direction of gravity), and the -Z direction is downward (vertically downward, in the same direction as gravity). Additionally, the "Z-axis direction" in the following description is an example of the "second direction" of the present invention. In each structural element, the upper end is referred to as the "upper end," and the position of the upper end in the axial direction is referred to as the "upper end." Similarly, the lower end is referred to as the "lower end," and the position of the lower end in the axial direction is referred to as the "lower end." Furthermore, in the surfaces of each structural element, the surface facing upward is referred to as the "upper surface," and the surface facing downward is referred to as the "lower surface."

[0027] Furthermore, the X-axis direction is orthogonal to the Z-axis direction, and it represents the forward and backward direction of the vehicle 200 on which the drive unit 1 is mounted. Additionally, the "X-axis direction" in the following description is an example of the "first direction" of the present invention. The +X direction is the front of the vehicle 200, and the -X direction is the rear of the vehicle 200. However, it is also possible that the +X direction is the rear of the vehicle 200, and the -X direction is the front of the vehicle 200.

[0028] The Y-axis direction is orthogonal to both the X-axis and Z-axis directions, representing the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle 200. The +Y direction is to the left of the vehicle 200, and the -Y direction is to the right of the vehicle 200. However, if the +X direction is behind the vehicle 200, the +Y direction can also be to the right of the vehicle 200, and the -Y direction to the left of the vehicle 200. That is, regardless of the X-axis direction, the +Y direction is simply considered to be one side of the left-right direction of the vehicle 200, and the -Y direction is the other side. Furthermore, depending on the mounting method of the drive unit 1 relative to the vehicle 200, the X-axis direction can also be the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle 200, and the Y-axis direction can be the front-rear direction of the vehicle 200. In the following embodiments, the Y-axis direction is, for example, parallel to the rotation axis J2 of the motor unit 2. Additionally, the "Y-axis direction" in the following description is an example of the "axial direction" of the present invention. Furthermore, the "+Y direction" is an example of the "axial side" of the present invention, and the "-Y direction" is an example of the "axial other side" of the present invention.

[0029] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the specified axis such as the rotation axis J2 of the motor part 2 (Y-axis direction) is sometimes simply referred to as "axial direction". Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to the specified axis is simply referred to as "radial direction", and the circumferential direction centered on the specified axis is referred to as "circumferential direction". Within the radial direction, the direction closer to the axis is referred to as "radial inner side", and the direction away from the axis is referred to as "radial outer side". In each structural element, the end point of the radial inner side is referred to as the "radial inner end point". Additionally, the end point of the outer side is referred to as the "radial outer end point". Furthermore, in the side surfaces of each structural element, the side surface facing the radial inner side is referred to as the "radial inner side surface", and the side surface facing the radial outer side is referred to as the "radial outer side surface".

[0030] Furthermore, in this specification, "ring-shaped" includes not only shapes that are continuously connected without slits throughout the entire circumferential region centered on the central axis, but also shapes that have more than one slit in a portion of the entire region centered on the central axis. It also includes shapes that depict closed curves in surfaces intersecting the central axis.

[0031] Furthermore, in the positional relationship between any of the orientations, lines, and planes and any other of them, "parallel" includes not only the state where the two do not intersect at all when extended to any point, but also the state where they are substantially parallel. In addition, "perpendicular" and "orthogonal" include not only the state where the two intersect each other at 90 degrees, but also the states where they are substantially perpendicular and substantially orthogonal. That is to say, "parallel," "perpendicular," and "orthogonal" respectively include states where there is an angular deviation in the positional relationship between the two without departing from the spirit of this invention.

[0032] Furthermore, these names are used merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to define actual positional relationships, directions, or names.

[0033] <1. Drive Unit 1>

[0034] Hereinafter, a driving device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figures 1 to 3 This is a conceptual diagram of the drive device 1 in the implementation method. Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the drive unit 1 viewed from the Z-axis direction. Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the drive unit 1 viewed from the X-axis direction. Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the drive unit 1 viewed from the Y-axis direction. Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of drive unit 1. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle 200 equipped with a drive unit 1. Additionally, Figures 1 to 5 This is just a concept drawing; the configuration and dimensions of each part may not be the same as the actual drive unit 1.

[0035] Drive unit 1 is installed in vehicles 200, such as hybrid electric vehicles (HV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHV), and electric vehicles (EV), which use at least a motor as a power source (see reference). Figure 5 The drive unit 1 serves as the power source for the vehicle 200. The vehicle 200 has the drive unit 1 and a battery 150. The battery 150 stores electricity for supplying to the drive unit 1. Taking the vehicle 200 as an example, the drive unit 1 drives the left and right front wheels. Furthermore, the drive unit 1 only needs to drive at least any one of the wheels.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the drive unit 1 includes a motor section 2, a gear section 3, a pump 4, a housing 5, and an oil cooler 8. The motor section 2 has a rotor 21 and a stator 25. The rotor 21 has a motor shaft 22, and the stator 25 is disposed radially outward from the rotor 21. The motor shaft 22 is rotatable about a rotation axis J2 extending along the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the motor shaft 22 is an example of the "shaft" of the present invention, and as described above, the Y-axis direction is an example of the "axial direction" of the present invention. The gear section 3 is connected to the +Y end of the motor shaft 22. The housing 5 houses the motor section 2 and the gear section 3. The pump 4 supplies oil CL, housed within the housing 5, to the motor section 2. As described above, the drive unit 1 includes a pump 4. The oil cooler 8 cools the oil CL. In this embodiment, the oil cooler 8 cools the oil CL supplied from the pump 4 to the motor section 2.

[0037] In addition, the drive unit 1 also includes an inverter unit 7. The inverter unit 7 supplies drive power to the motor unit 2.

[0038] Inside the housing 5, there is a housing space for accommodating the motor unit 2, the gear unit 3, the pump 4, and the inverter unit 7. As described later, the housing space is divided into: a motor housing 61 for accommodating the motor unit 2; a gear housing 62 for accommodating the gear unit 3; an inverter housing 63 for accommodating the inverter unit 7; and a pump housing 64 for accommodating the pump 4. Furthermore, the inverter unit 7 is integrally fixed to the fourth housing member 54, which will be described later.

[0039] <1-1. Motor Section 2>

[0040] The motor section 2 is housed in the motor housing section 61 of the outer casing 5. The motor section 2 has a rotor 21 and a stator 25.

[0041] <1-1-1. Rotor 21>

[0042] By supplying power to the stator 25 from a battery (not shown), the rotor 21 rotates around a horizontally extending axis of rotation J2. In addition to the motor shaft 22, the rotor 21 also has a rotor core 23 and a rotor magnet 24.

[0043] The motor shaft 22 extends along the rotation axis J2. The motor shaft 22 rotates about the rotation axis J2. The motor shaft 22 is supported by a first motor bearing 281 and a second motor bearing 282 to enable rotation. The first motor bearing 281 is, for example, a ball bearing and is held in the third housing member 53 described later in the housing 5. The second motor bearing 282 is, for example, a ball bearing and is held in the side plate portion 512 described later in the housing 5.

[0044] The motor shaft 22 is a cylindrical hollow shaft. The motor shaft 22 has a hollow portion 220 and a shaft sleeve portion 221 extending along the Y-axis direction. The hollow portion 220 is surrounded by the inner surface of the shaft sleeve portion and is connected to the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d), described later. Specifically, the end of the hollow portion 220 on the -Y direction side of the shaft sleeve portion is connected to the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d). Furthermore, the motor shaft 22 also has a shaft hole portion 222. The shaft hole portion 222 radially penetrates the shaft sleeve portion 221.

[0045] The hollow transmission shaft 310 of the gear section 3 (described later) is inserted and connected to the end of the motor shaft 22 on the +Y direction side. In this embodiment, the two are splined together. Alternatively, they can be joined by a fixing method such as welding. The hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 communicates with the hollow portion 3101 of the transmission shaft 310 (described later) and the first motor bearing retaining portion 531 that houses the first motor bearing 281.

[0046] The rotor core 23 is a cylinder extending along the Y-axis. The rotor core 23 is fixed to the radially outer surface of the motor shaft 22. As described above, the rotor 21 has the rotor core 23. Furthermore, a plurality of rotor magnets 24 are fixed at the rotor core 23. The plurality of rotor magnets 24 are arranged circumferentially in a manner that alternating magnetic poles.

[0047] The rotor core 23 has a rotor through-hole 230. The rotor through-hole 230 extends through the rotor core 23 in the Y-axis direction and connects to the shaft hole 222. The rotor through-hole 230 is connected to the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) via the hollow portion 220. Specifically, the rotor core 23 has a rotor connecting portion 231. The rotor connecting portion 231 is a space that extends from the radially inner side of the rotor core 23 to the rotor through-hole 230, connecting the rotor through-hole 230 to the shaft hole 222. The rotor through-hole 230 serves as a flow path for oil CL that cools the rotor 21 from the inside. The oil CL flowing in the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22, as described later, can flow into the rotor through-hole 230 via the shaft hole 222 and the rotor connecting portion 231. Thus, when the rotor 21 rotates, the oil CL flows out from the Y-axis end of the rotor through-hole 230. The oil CL is supplied to the Y-axis end of the stator 25 by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotor 21, and in particular to the coil end 271 (described later) located at the Y-axis end of the stator 25. The oil CL can cool the Y-axis end of the stator 25, and in particular, cool the coil end 271 of the stator 25.

[0048] <1-1-2. Stator 25>

[0049] The stator 25 surrounds the rotor 21 radially outward, driving the rotor 21 to rotate. As described above, the stator 25 is configured to be radially outward from the rotor 21. That is, the motor section 2 is an inner rotor type motor in which the rotor 21 is rotatably disposed inside the stator 25. The stator 25 has a stator core 26, a coil 27, and an insulating member (not shown), which is sandwiched between the stator core 26 and the coil 27. The stator 25 is held in the housing 5. The stator core 26 has a plurality of magnetic pole teeth (not shown) extending radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the annular yoke.

[0050] A coil wire is wound between the pole teeth. The coil wire wound around the pole teeth constitutes coil 27. The coil wire is connected to inverter unit 7 via a busbar (not shown). Coil 27 has a coil end 271 protruding from the axial end face of stator core 26. Coil end 271 protrudes axially further than the end of rotor core 23 of rotor 21.

[0051] <1-2. Gear Section 3>

[0052] Next, gear 3 transmits the driving force of motor 2 to the drive shaft Ds of the drive wheels of vehicle 200. Details of gear 3 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 As shown, the gear section 3 is housed in the gear housing section 62 of the housing 5. The gear section 3 has a reduction gear 31 and a differential gear 32.

[0053] <1-2-1. Speed ​​Reduction Device 31>

[0054] The reduction gear 31 is connected to the motor shaft 22. The reduction gear 31 reduces the rotational speed of the motor 2 according to the reduction ratio, thereby increasing the torque output from the motor 2, and transmits the increased torque to the differential gear 32.

[0055] The reduction gear 31 includes a transmission shaft 310, a first gear (intermediate drive gear) 311, a second gear (intermediate gear) 312, a third gear (final drive gear) 313, and an intermediate shaft 314. The torque output from the motor unit 2 is transmitted to the fourth gear 321 of the differential gear 32 via the motor shaft 22, transmission shaft 310, first gear 311, second gear 312, intermediate shaft 314, and third gear 313. The gear ratio and number of gears can be varied to achieve the required reduction ratio. The reduction gear 31 is a parallel-shaft gear reducer with all gear shafts arranged in parallel. The motor shaft 22 and transmission shaft 310 are splined together.

[0056] The transmission shaft 310 extends along the Y-axis with rotation axis J2 as its center, and rotates together with the motor shaft 22 with rotation axis J2 as its center. The motor shaft 22 is supported by a first gear bearing 341 and a second gear bearing 342 to enable rotation. As described later, the first gear bearing 341 is, for example, a ball bearing and is held in the side plate portion 512 of the housing 5. The second gear bearing 342 is, for example, a ball bearing and is held in the second housing member 52, described later.

[0057] The transmission shaft 310 is a cylindrical hollow shaft. The motor shaft 310 has a hollow portion 3101 and a cylindrical transmission shaft section 3102 extending along the Y-axis. The hollow portion 3101 is surrounded by the inner surface of the transmission shaft section 3102, and its +Y direction end is connected to the gear-side oil passage 525 (described later). The -Y direction end of the transmission shaft section 3102 is connected to the +Y direction end of the motor shaft 22. Furthermore, the +Y direction end of the transmission shaft section 3102 is supported by a second gear bearing retainer 521 via a second gear bearing 342, allowing it to rotate.

[0058] Furthermore, not limited to the example of this embodiment, the transmission shaft 310 may also be the same component as the motor shaft 22, that is, integral with the motor shaft 22. In other words, the motor shaft 22 may also be a hollow shaft extending across the motor housing portion 61 and the gear housing portion 62 of the housing 5. In this case, the +Y direction side end of the motor shaft 22 protrudes toward the gear housing portion 62 and is supported by the second gear bearing 342 to be rotatable. In addition, the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 communicates with the first motor bearing holding portion 531 that houses the first motor bearing 281 and the second gear bearing holding portion 521 that houses the second gear bearing 342.

[0059] The first gear 311 is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the transmission shaft 310. The first gear 311 can be the same component as the transmission shaft 310 or a different component. When the first gear 311 and the transmission shaft 310 are different components, the first gear 311 and the transmission shaft 310 are firmly fixed by means of heat fitting or the like. The first gear 311 can rotate together with the transmission shaft 310 around the rotation axis J2.

[0060] The intermediate shaft 314 extends along an intermediate axis J4 parallel to the rotation axis J2 and is supported by the housing 5 so that it can rotate about the intermediate axis J4. The two ends of the intermediate shaft 314 are rotatably supported by a third gear bearing 343 and a fourth gear bearing 344. The third gear bearing 343 is, for example, a ball bearing and is held in the side plate portion 512 of the housing 5. The fourth gear bearing 344 is, for example, a ball bearing and is held in the second housing member 52.

[0061] The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 are disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate shaft 314. The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 can be components identical to or different from the intermediate shaft 314. When the second gear 312 and the intermediate shaft 314 are different components, they are securely fixed together by heat fitting or the like. When the third gear 313 and the intermediate shaft 314 are different components, they are also securely fixed together by heat fitting or the like. The third gear 313 is positioned on the side of the side plate portion 512 (i.e., in the -Y direction) closer to the second gear 312. The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 are connected via the intermediate shaft 314. The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 are rotatable about the intermediate axis J4. The second gear 312 meshes with the first gear 311. The third gear 313 meshes with the fourth gear 321 of the differential device 32.

[0062] The torque transmitted from the transmission shaft 310 is transmitted from the first gear 311 to the second gear 312. Furthermore, the torque transmitted to the second gear 312 is transmitted to the third gear 313 via the intermediate shaft 314. Additionally, the torque transmitted to the third gear 313 is transmitted to the fourth gear 321 of the differential device 32. In this way, the reduction gear 31 transmits the torque output from the motor unit 2 to the differential device 32.

[0063] <1-2-2. Differential Device 32>

[0064] The differential 32 is mounted on the drive shaft Ds. The differential 32 transmits the output torque of the motor 2 to the drive shaft Ds. The drive shafts Ds are mounted on the left and right sides of the differential 32. The differential 32, for example, functions to absorb the speed difference between the left and right wheels (drive shafts Ds) when the vehicle 200 turns, while simultaneously transmitting the same torque to both drive shafts Ds. The differential 32, for example, includes a fourth gear (ring gear) 321, a gear housing (not shown), a pair of pinions (not shown), a pinion shaft (not shown), and a pair of side gears (not shown).

[0065] The fourth gear 321 can rotate around the differential axis J5, which is parallel to the rotation axis J2. The torque output from the motor unit 2 is transmitted to the fourth gear 321 via the reduction gear 31. Furthermore, the -Z direction side of the fourth gear 321 is immersed in the lower oil storage section P inside the gear housing 62. For example, when the fourth gear 321 of the differential device 32 rotates, the oil CL is lifted by the tooth surface of the fourth gear 321. A portion of the oil is supplied to the interior of the gear housing 62 to lubricate the gears and bearings of the reduction gear 31 and the differential device 32 within the gear housing 62. Moreover, another portion of the lifted oil CL, after accumulating in the receiving plate section 524 (described later), passes through the gear-side oil passage 525 (described later) and the hollow section 3101 of the transmission shaft 310 to the hollow section 220 of the motor shaft 22 for cooling the stator 25.

[0066] <1-3. Pump 4 and Oil Cooler 8>

[0067] Next, pump 4 is an electrically driven electric pump, connected to inverter unit 7 via a wiring harness cable (not shown). That is, pump 4 is driven by inverter unit 7. Pump 4 can be a subcycloidal pump, centrifugal pump, etc. Pump 4 is disposed in pump housing 64 formed in housing 5. For example, pump 4 is fixed relative to housing 5 by bolts not shown.

[0068] The suction port 41 of pump 4 is inserted into the first oil passage 551, which is described later, by blocking the first oil passage 551. The suction port 41 of pump 4 is connected to the strainer 42 via the first oil passage 551. The strainer 42 is disposed in the gear housing 62 of the housing 5. The strainer 42 is disposed in the oil reservoir P (described later) of the gear housing 62. Figure 2 In the process of pumping pump 4, oil CL is drawn into the filter 42 through an inlet (not shown) located on its lower surface and supplied to the suction port 41 of pump 4. A filter element or other filter structure (not shown) is installed at the filter 42. By installing the filter structure, foreign matter can be prevented from entering pump 4 and motor 2.

[0069] The outlet 43 of pump 4 opens into pump housing 64. That is, oil CL discharged from pump 4 fills pump housing 64. Pump housing 64 is connected to a second oil passage 552, which will be described later. Oil CL drawn in by pump 4 from suction port 41 is discharged from outlet 43 and sent to oil cooler 8 via second oil passage 552.

[0070] The oil cooler 8 performs heat exchange between the oil CL delivered from the pump 4 via the second oil passage 552 and the refrigerant RE supplied through a system different from the motor-side oil passage 55 (described later), which includes the second oil passage 552. Thus, the oil cooler 8 cools the oil CL delivered from the pump 4. The oil CL, cooled by the oil cooler 8, is then supplied to the motor unit 2 via the third oil passage 553 and the fourth oil passage 554 (described later). The refrigerant RE is supplied to the oil cooler 8 after cooling the IGBTs or SiC elements (not shown) of the inverter unit 7.

[0071] Pump housing 64 is formed in the peripheral wall portion 514 surrounding the inverter housing 63 (see reference). Figure 3 For example, the pump housing 64 can be configured using the unused space other than that occupied by the inverter unit 7 in the inverter housing 63. In this way, the pump 4 can be configured compactly, thus contributing to the miniaturization of the drive unit 1.

[0072] <1-4. Outer Shell 4>

[0073] Next, the structure of the outer shell 5 will be explained. Figure 6 This is an exploded view of shell 5. (See diagram below.) Figure 6 As shown, the outer casing 5 has a first outer casing member 51. The first outer casing member 51 has a cylindrical portion 511. That is, the outer casing 5 has a cylindrical portion 511. The cylindrical portion 511 extends along the Y-axis direction and surrounds the stator 25. In addition, the cylindrical portion 511 is an example of the "first outer casing" of the present invention. Furthermore, the first outer casing member 51 also has a side plate portion 512. That is, the outer casing 5 has a side plate portion 512. The side plate portion 512 covers the end of the cylindrical portion 511 on the +Y direction side. In addition, the end on the +Y direction side corresponds to the "other end in the axial direction". In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 511 and the side plate portion 512 are the same member. However, it is not limited to this example, and the cylindrical portion 511 and the side plate portion 512 may also be different members.

[0074] In addition, the outer casing 5 also has a second outer casing member 52. The second outer casing member 52 is mounted on the end of the side plate portion 512 in the +Y direction. The second outer casing member 52 and the side plate portion 512 constitute the gear receiving portion 62 described later.

[0075] Furthermore, the outer casing 5 also has a third outer casing member 53. Additionally, the third outer casing member 53 is an example of the "second outer casing" of the present invention. The third outer casing member 53 is mounted on the end of the cylindrical portion 511 in the -Y direction direction. Furthermore, the end in the -Y direction direction corresponds to an "axial end". The third outer casing member 53 closes and seals the end of the cylindrical portion 511 in the -Y direction direction.

[0076] like Figure 3 As shown, the contact portion 530 where the third housing member 53 contacts the cylindrical portion 511 is annular when viewed along the Y-axis. The housing 5 has an integral contact portion 530 where the cylindrical portion 511 contacts the third housing member 53. The third housing member 53 has a first motor bearing 281 that supports the motor shaft 22 for rotation. Furthermore, the first motor bearing 281 is an example of a "bearing" according to the present invention. Moreover, the third housing member 53 has a first motor bearing retaining portion 531 that holds the first motor bearing 281. The first motor bearing retaining portion 531 supports the end of the motor shaft 22 on the -Y direction side for rotation via the first motor bearing 281.

[0077] Furthermore, the outer casing 5 also has a fourth outer casing member 54. The fourth outer casing member 54 is disposed vertically above the cylindrical portion 511. Additionally, the vertical position above is perpendicular to the axial direction. The fourth outer casing member 54 is mounted on the upper part of the first outer casing member 51.

[0078] Furthermore, the outer casing 5 also has a motor housing section 61. The motor housing section 61 is surrounded by the cylindrical section 511 and the third outer casing member 53, and houses the motor section 2. In addition, the motor housing section 61 is an example of the "motor housing space" of the present invention. In detail, the motor housing section 61 is a space surrounded by the cylindrical section 511, the side plate section 512 and the third outer casing member 53, and houses the motor section 2.

[0079] Furthermore, the housing 5 also has a gear receiving section 62. The gear receiving section 62 is a space surrounded by the side plate section 512 and the second housing member 52, and houses the gear section 3. The lower part of the gear receiving section 62 in the vertical direction has an oil storage section P for storing oil supply CL. The motor receiving section 61 and the gear receiving section 62 are separated by the side plate section 512.

[0080] Furthermore, the housing 5 also has an inverter housing section 63 that houses the inverter unit 7. The inverter housing section 63 is a space surrounded by the cylindrical section 511, the plate section 513 (described later), and the peripheral wall section 514 (described later). The inverter housing section 63 opens in the +Z direction. The opening is covered by the fourth housing member 54. In addition, the inverter unit 7 is integrally fixed to the fourth housing member 54. That is, the inverter unit 7 is integrally fixed to the lower side of the fourth housing member 54, and the inverter unit 7 is fixed downward to the inverter housing section 63. Alternatively, an inverter cooling path (not shown) may be provided at the fourth housing member 54.

[0081] Additionally, the housing 5 has a pump housing 64. The pump housing 64 houses the pump 4. The pump housing 64 is formed on the first housing member 51. That is, the first housing member 51 also has a pump housing 64.

[0082] Next, the first housing member 51 also has a plate portion 513 and a peripheral wall portion 514. That is, the housing 5 has a plate portion 513 and a peripheral wall portion 514. The plate portion 513 extends from the cylindrical portion 511 in the X-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. The peripheral wall portion 514 surrounds the inverter housing portion 63 when viewed from the Z-axis direction, which is perpendicular to both the Y-axis and X-axis directions. In detail, the plate portion 513 extends from the outer side of the cylindrical portion 511 in the -X direction. The peripheral wall portion 514 protrudes from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 511 and the plate portion 513 in the +Z direction, surrounding the inverter housing portion 63 when viewed from the vertical direction (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0083] In addition, the first housing component 51 also has an insertion hole 5120, a first drive shaft through hole 515, a second motor bearing retaining part 516, a first gear bearing retaining part 517, a third gear bearing retaining part 518, and a side plate opening 519.

[0084] An insertion hole 5120 and a first drive shaft through hole 515 are disposed on the side plate portion 512 and extend through the side plate portion 512 along the Y-axis direction. The center of the insertion hole 5120 coincides with the rotation axis J2. A second motor bearing retaining portion 516 is disposed on the -Y direction side of the insertion hole 5120. A first motor bearing retaining portion 517 is disposed on the +Y direction side of the insertion hole 5120.

[0085] The drive shaft Ds rotatably passes through the first drive shaft through hole 515. Additionally, a second drive shaft through hole 523 is provided at the second housing member 52. The second drive shaft through hole 523 is an axially penetrating hole through the second housing member 52. The drive shaft Ds rotatably passes through the second drive shaft through hole 523. When viewed axially, the second drive shaft through hole 523 overlaps with the first drive shaft through hole 515. Thus, the drive shafts Ds, located at both ends in the Y-axis direction of the differential device 32, rotate about the differential axis J5. Oil seals (not shown) are provided between the drive shaft Ds and the first drive shaft through hole 515, and between the drive shaft Ds and the second drive shaft through hole 523, to suppress oil CL leakage. An axle (not shown) for rotating the wheels is connected to the front end of the drive shaft Ds.

[0086] The second motor bearing retaining portion 516 extends from the edge of the through hole 5120 along the -Y direction. The outer ring of the second motor bearing 282 is fixed to the second motor bearing retaining portion 516. The +Y direction end of the motor shaft 22 is fixed to the inner ring of the second motor bearing 282. Furthermore, a first motor bearing retaining portion 531 is disposed on the +Y direction side of the third housing member 53. The central axes of the first motor bearing retaining portion 531 and the second motor bearing retaining portion 516 are respectively aligned with the rotation axis J2. The outer ring of the first motor bearing 281 is fixed to the first motor bearing retaining portion 531. The -Y direction end of the motor shaft 22 is fixed to the inner ring of the first motor bearing 281. Thus, the motor unit 2 rotatably supports both ends of the rotor 21 in the Y-axis direction to the housing 5 via the first motor bearing 281 and the second motor bearing 282.

[0087] The first gear bearing retaining portion 517 extends from the edge of the through hole 5120 along the +Y direction. The outer ring of the first gear bearing 341 is fixed to the first gear bearing retaining portion 517. The end of the transmission shaft 310 on the -Y direction side is fixed to the inner ring of the first gear bearing 341. Additionally, a second gear bearing retaining portion 521 is disposed on the -Y direction side of the second housing member 52. The central axes of the second gear bearing retaining portion 521 and the first gear bearing retaining portion 517 are aligned with the rotation axis J2. The outer ring of the second gear bearing 342 is fixed to the second gear bearing retaining portion 521. The transmission shaft 310 is fixed to the inner ring of the second gear bearing 342. Thus, the transmission shaft 310 is rotatably supported on the side plate portion 512 of the housing 5 and the second housing member 52 via the first gear bearing 341 and the second gear bearing 342.

[0088] Next, the third gear bearing retaining portion 518 is cylindrical, extending from the side plate portion 512 along the +Y direction. The third gear bearing retaining portion 518 is positioned further towards the -X direction and further towards the +Z direction than the first gear bearing retaining portion 517. Furthermore, the outer ring of the third gear bearing 343 is fixed to the third gear bearing retaining portion 518. Additionally, an intermediate shaft 314 is fixed to the inner ring of the third gear bearing 343. Furthermore, a fourth gear bearing retaining portion 522 is disposed on the -Y direction side of the second housing member 52. The fourth gear bearing retaining portion 522 is cylindrical, extending from the second housing member 52 along the -Y direction. The central axes of the third gear bearing retaining portion 518 and the fourth gear bearing retaining portion 522 are aligned with the intermediate axis J4. The outer ring of the fourth gear bearing 344 is fixed to the fourth gear bearing retaining portion 522. Furthermore, the +Y direction end of the intermediate shaft 314 is fixed to the inner ring of the fourth gear bearing 344. Thus, the intermediate shaft 314 is rotatably supported on the side plate portion 512 of the housing 5 and the second housing member 52 via the third gear bearing 343 and the fourth gear bearing 344.

[0089] A side plate opening 519 is disposed on the side plate portion 512 that divides the motor housing portion 61 and the gear housing portion 62. The housing 5 includes the side plate opening 519. The side plate opening 519 extends axially through the side plate portion 512 and connects the motor housing portion 61 and the gear housing portion 62. Specifically, the side plate opening 519 communicates with the lower part of the motor housing portion 61 and the lower part of the gear housing portion 62. The side plate opening 519 allows oil CL accumulated in the lower part of the motor housing portion 61 to move to the gear housing portion 62. The oil CL that moves to the gear housing portion 62 can flow into the oil storage portion P.

[0090] Next, the structure of the second outer casing member 52 will be described. The second outer casing member 52 is mounted on the +Y direction side of the side plate portion 512 of the first outer casing member 51. The second outer casing member 52 has a concave shape with an opening towards the side plate portion 512. The opening of the second outer casing member 52 is covered by the side plate portion 512. Figure 1 As shown, the second housing member 52 has a second gear bearing retaining portion 521, a fourth gear bearing retaining portion 522, and a second drive shaft through hole 523. Furthermore, the description of these members is as previously stated and therefore omitted here.

[0091] The second housing component 52 has a receiving plate portion 524, a gear-side oil passage 525, and a gear-side limiting member 526. In other words, the housing 5 has a receiving plate portion 524, a gear-side oil passage 525, and a gear-side limiting member 526.

[0092] The receiving plate portion 524 is located radially outward from the fourth gear 321, relative to the differential axis J5, and opens in the +Z direction (i.e., vertically upward). Oil CL, lifted by the fourth gear 321, is stored in the receiving plate portion 524. The receiving plate portion 524 extends from the side plate portion 512 in the +Y direction. The +Y direction end of the receiving plate portion 524 is connected to the inner surface of the second housing member 52 facing the -Y direction.

[0093] A gear-side oil passage 525 is formed inside the second housing member 52. The gear-side oil passage 525 is a passage for oil CL that connects the +Y direction side end of the receiving disk portion 524 and the second gear bearing holding portion 521. Furthermore, one end of the gear-side oil passage 525 is connected to the +Y direction side end of the receiving disk portion 524, thus connecting to the receiving disk portion 524. The other end of the gear-side oil passage 525 is connected to the second gear bearing holding portion 521. Oil CL stored in the receiving disk portion 524 is supplied to the gear-side oil passage 525. Figure 2 As shown, a portion of the oil CL supplied to the gear-side oil passage 525 is supplied to the second gear bearing 342. Furthermore, another portion of the oil CL supplied to the gear-side oil passage 525 flows from the end of the transmission shaft 310 in the +Y direction direction into the hollow portion 3101 and flows in the -Y direction into the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22.

[0094] The gear-side limiting member 526 restricts the amount of oil CL supplied from the gear-side oil passage 525 to the second gear bearing 342. This restriction ensures that the oil CL supplied from the gear-side oil passage 525 through the hollow portion 3101 of the transmission shaft 310 and into the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22. The gear-side limiting member 526 has: an annular portion (notation omitted) opposite to the second gear bearing 342 in the Y-axis direction; and a cylindrical portion (notation omitted) extending from the radially inner end of the annular portion along the -Y direction and inserted into the interior of the transmission shaft 310. The annular portion has a through hole (notation omitted) penetrating the annular portion in the Y-axis direction. The oil CL is supplied to the second gear bearing 342 through the through hole and to the interior of the transmission shaft 310 through the cylindrical portion.

[0095] <1-5. Motor-side oil passage 55>

[0096] Next, refer to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 7 The oil circuit 55 on the motor side will be explained. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the motor-side oil passage 55. Additionally, Figure 7 Observe from the +Z direction toward the -Z direction.

[0097] For example, such as Figures 1 to 3 The housing 5 also has a motor-side oil passage 55 for supplying oil CL. Furthermore, the motor-side oil passage 55 is an example of the "refrigerant flow path" of the present invention. Moreover, the oil CL is a lubricant, an example of the "refrigerant" of the present invention. A portion of the motor-side oil passage 55 is disposed in the first housing member 51, and the remaining portion is disposed in the third housing member 53. The motor-side oil passage 55 is a flow path for the oil CL, which is drawn up from the oil reservoir P of the gear housing 62 by the pump 4 and cooled by the oil cooler 8, to flow towards the motor unit 2.

[0098] The motor-side oil passage 55 includes a first oil passage 551, a second oil passage 552, a third oil passage 553, and a fourth oil passage 554. The first oil passage 551, the second oil passage 552, and the third oil passage 553 are formed on the first housing member 51.

[0099] As previously described, the first oil passage 551 connects the gear housing 62 to the suction port 41 of the pump 4, and in particular connects the lower vertical portion of the gear housing 62 to the suction port 41 of the pump 4. In this embodiment, the first oil passage 551 is formed inside the side plate portion 512.

[0100] The second oil passage 552 connects the outlet 43 of pump 4 to the oil cooler 8, supplying oil CL discharged from pump 4 to the oil cooler 8. The third oil passage 553 is connected to the fourth oil passage 554 via the connecting flow path 5531 described later. Furthermore, the second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553 constitute a first flow path 55a. The motor-side oil passage 55 has a first flow path 55a for the flow of oil CL delivered from pump 4. The first flow path 55a is disposed on the first housing member 51.

[0101] The second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) are disposed in either the plate portion 513 or the peripheral wall portion 514. For example, in one embodiment, the second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) are formed inside the peripheral wall portion 514. However, it is not limited to the above example, and at least one of the second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553 may also be formed inside the plate portion 513. In this way, for example, the second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) can be disposed in the unused space other than the space occupied by the inverter unit 7 in the inverter housing portion 63. Therefore, the motor-side oil passage 55 can be disposed compactly, which helps to miniaturize the drive device 1.

[0102] The fourth oil passage 554 connects the third oil passage 553 to the motor housing 61. The fourth oil passage 554 is formed inside the third housing member 53. In other words, the fourth oil passage 554 is a through hole formed in the third housing member 53. In this way, the fourth oil passage 554 can be configured without increasing the number of components in the drive unit 1.

[0103] Furthermore, the motor-side oil passage 55 also has a connecting flow path 5531. The connecting flow path 5531 connects the second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) to the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b described later). Specifically, the +Y direction end of the connecting flow path 5531 is connected to the -Y direction end of the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a). The -Y direction end of the connecting flow path 5531 is connected to the +Y direction end of the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b). At least a portion of the connecting flow path 5531 is disposed within the motor housing 61. In this way, even if oil leakage occurs at the connection portion between at least one of the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) and the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b) and the connecting flow path 5531, the leaked oil will flow into the motor housing 61. Therefore, a strict seal is not required at the connection points, allowing the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) to be connected to the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b) with a simple structure. This allows the flow paths of the oil CL to be connected without the need for a strict seal. Furthermore, depending on the internal pressure of the motor-side oil passage 55, leakage of the oil CL at the connection points can easily occur. Therefore, if the internal pressure of the motor-side oil passage 55 becomes excessively high, leakage of the oil CL at the connection points can reduce the internal pressure, thereby extending the lifespan of the motor-side oil passage 55.

[0104] When viewed along the axial direction, the connecting flow path 5531 is disposed inside the contact portion 530 between the first housing member 51 and the third housing member 53 (see, for example, reference). Figure 3 In this way, a portion of the connecting flow path 5531 can be reliably configured within the motor housing 61.

[0105] In this embodiment, the ends of the third oil passage 553 (first oil passage 55a) and the fourth oil passage 554 (second oil passage 55b), which are connected by the connecting flow path 5531, are positioned opposite each other with a gap. In this way, the connecting flow path 5531 can be made into a simple structure.

[0106] The connecting flow path 5531 is a space surrounded by the inner side of the connecting pipe 5530. The housing 5 has a cylindrical connecting pipe 5530 that connects the first oil passage 551, the second oil passage 552, and the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) to the first supply path 555 (second flow path 55b) of the fourth oil passage 554 (described later). Furthermore, the connecting pipe 5530 is an example of a "connecting member" of the present invention. The connecting pipe 5530 extends along the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the connecting pipe 5530 is a different member from the first housing member 51 and the third housing member 53. One end of the connecting pipe 5530 is connected to the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a). The other end of the connecting pipe 5530 is connected to the first supply path 555 (second flow path 55b) of the fourth oil passage 554. In this way, the ends of the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) and the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b) can be easily positioned via the connecting pipe 5530. Furthermore, when the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) is disposed on the first housing member 51 and the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b) is disposed on the third housing member 53, the connecting pipe 5530 can be used to position the third housing member 53 relative to the first housing member 51. Therefore, it is easy to install the third housing member 53 onto the first housing member 51, and for example, the number of positioning pins 5111 used for the aforementioned positioning can be reduced.

[0107] For example, the +Y direction end of the connecting pipe 5530 is inserted into the -Y direction end of the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a). The -Y direction end of the connecting pipe 5530 is inserted into the +Y direction end of the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b). However, the shape of the connecting pipe 5530 is not limited to the above examples. Figure 8A A first modified example of the connecting pipe 5530 is shown. Figure 8B A second variation of the connecting pipe 5530 is shown.

[0108] For example, such as Figure 8A As shown, the first housing member 51 may have a cylindrical portion 5532 that extends in the -Y direction from the outer edge of the end of the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) on the -Y direction side (i.e., the opening facing the motor housing 61). Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 5532 may be inserted into the end of the connecting pipe 5530 on the +Y direction side. And / or the third housing member 53 may have a cylindrical portion that extends in the +Y direction from the outer edge of the end of the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b) on the +Y direction side (i.e., the opening facing the motor housing 61), and this cylindrical portion is inserted into the end of the connecting pipe 5530 on the -Y direction side.

[0109] Or, such as Figure 8BAs shown, the connecting pipe 5530 can also be integral with one of the first housing member 51 and the third housing member 53, and a different component from the other. In the above case, the connecting flow path 5531 is integral with one of the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) and the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b), and is connected to the other of the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) and the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b). In this way, the positioning between the end of the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) and the end of the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b) can be easily achieved through the connecting pipe 5530. Furthermore, with the second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) disposed on the first housing member 51 and the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b) disposed on the third housing member 53, the third housing member 53 can be positioned relative to the first housing member 51 using the connecting pipe 5530. Therefore, it is easy to install the third housing member 53 onto the first housing member 51, and for example, the number of positioning pins 5111 used for the aforementioned positioning can be reduced.

[0110] For example, the connecting pipe 5530 may also be a cylindrical component that extends in the -Y direction from the outer edge of the end of the first housing component 51 along the -Y direction side of the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) (i.e., the opening facing the motor housing 61). Alternatively, the connecting pipe 5530 may also be a cylindrical component that extends in the +Y direction from the outer edge of the end of the third housing component 53 along the +Y direction side of the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b) (i.e., the opening facing the motor housing 61).

[0111] Next, the fourth oil passage 554 has a first supply path 555, a second supply path 556, and a third supply path 557. The first supply path 555 is connected to the third oil passage 553 via a connecting flow path 5531. The second supply path 556 connects the first supply path 555 to the oil supply unit 558. The third supply path 557 connects the first supply path 555 to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22. That is, one end of the fourth oil passage 554 is the first supply path 555, and the other end of the fourth oil passage 554 branches into the second supply path 556 and the third supply path 557.

[0112] In other words, the motor-side oil passage 55 has a first supply path 555. Furthermore, the first supply path 555 constitutes a second flow path 55b. The motor-side oil passage 55 has a second flow path 55b disposed on the third housing member 53. Oil CL supplied to the motor section 2 flows in the first supply path 555 (second flow path 55b).

[0113] Furthermore, the motor-side oil passage 55 also has a second supply path 556 and a third supply path 557. Additionally, the second supply path 556 forms a third flow path 55c, and the third supply path 557 forms a fourth flow path 55d. The motor-side oil passage 55 has both a third flow path 55c and a fourth flow path 55d. The second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) supplies a portion of the oil CL flowing in the first supply path 555 (second flow path 55b) to the outer surface of the stator 25. The third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) supplies the remaining portion of the oil CL flowing in the first supply path 555 (second flow path 55b) to the first motor bearing 281. In this way, a portion of the oil CL delivered from the pump 4 can be used to cool the outer surface of the stator 25, and the remaining portion can be used to lubricate the first motor bearing 281 that supports the motor shaft 22 for rotation.

[0114] The second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) and the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) extend in a direction intersecting the Y-axis direction. In this way, the increase in the size of the third housing member 53 in the Y-axis direction due to the arrangement of the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) and the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) can be suppressed.

[0115] Preferably, the inner diameter of the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) is larger than the inner diameter of the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d). Specifically, the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) is larger than the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path in the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d). As a result, oil CL flowing in the first supply path 555 (second flow path 55b) is more likely to flow to the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) than to the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d). Therefore, even without significantly increasing the pressure of the oil CL flowing in the motor-side oil passage 55, a sufficient amount of oil CL can flow to the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) and be supplied to the outer surface of the stator 25. Furthermore, the above examples do not exclude structures where the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) is smaller than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d), or structures where the two are equal.

[0116] Next, the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) is connected to the oil supply section 558. The oil supply section 558 and the motor section 2 are housed together in the motor housing section 61. Furthermore, the oil supply section 558 is an example of the "refrigerant supply section" of the present invention. The drive unit 1 also includes the oil supply section 558. Specifically, the oil supply section 558 is a cylindrical member extending along the Y-axis direction and is positioned radially outward from the stator 25 and vertically upward (i.e., in the +Z direction) from the rotation axis J2. The interior of the oil supply section 558 is connected to the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c). Moreover, the interior of the oil supply section 558 is connected to the third gear bearing holding section 518 via a hole 5121 penetrating the side plate section 512 along the Y-axis direction.

[0117] The oil supply section 558 has a distribution hole 5581. Furthermore, the distribution hole 5581 is an example of the "refrigerant supply hole" of the present invention. The distribution hole 5581 extends from the inner side of the oil supply section 558 to the outer side and opens toward the outer side of the stator 25. In this way, the oil supply section 558 can distribute the oil CL flowing in the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) from the distribution hole 5581 toward the outer side of the stator 25, thereby cooling the stator 25 from its radially outer surface.

[0118] Furthermore, the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) is connected to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 via the first motor bearing holding portion 531. As described above, the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 is connected to the rotor through hole 230 of the rotor core portion 23. For example, the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 is connected to the rotor through hole 230 via the recess 223, the shaft hole portion 222, and the rotor connecting portion 231. That is, the rotor through hole 230 is connected to the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) via the first motor bearing holding portion 531 and the hollow portion 220. Therefore, when the rotor 21 rotates, oil CL is supplied from the Y-axis end of the rotor through hole 230 to the Y-axis end of the stator 25. Therefore, by the oil CL supplied from the rotor through hole 230, the Y-axis end of the stator 25 can be cooled, especially the coil edge 271 of the stator 25.

[0119] Furthermore, the oil CL, after cooling the motor section 2, accumulates in the lower part of the motor housing section 61 and flows through the side plate opening 519 to the oil storage section P at the lower part of the gear housing section 62. In other words, the oil CL supplied from the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) via the oil supply section 558 to the radially outer surface of the stator 25 and cooling the stator 25, accumulates in the lower part of the motor housing section 61 and flows through the side plate opening 519 to the oil storage section P at the lower part of the gear housing section 62. Moreover, the oil CL supplied from the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) via the rotor through hole 230 to the coil edge 271, etc., accumulates in the lower part of the motor housing section 61 and flows through the side plate opening 519 to the oil storage section P at the lower part of the gear housing section 62.

[0120] <2. Other>

[0121] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications can be made to the above embodiments and implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the matters described in the above embodiments can be appropriately combined arbitrarily without causing contradictions.

[0122] Industrial availability

[0123] This invention is useful, for example, for drive motors of vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles (HV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHV), and electric vehicles (EV).

Claims

1. A driving device, comprising: Motor section; Housing, which houses the motor unit; An inverter unit that supplies drive power to the motor unit; as well as The pump supplies refrigerant contained within the housing to the motor unit. The motor unit has: A rotor having a shaft rotatable about a rotation axis extending axially; and The stator is arranged radially outward from the rotor; The outer casing has: A first housing extends axially and surrounds the stator; The second housing is mounted on one axial end of the first housing; A motor housing space, which is surrounded by the first housing and the second housing, and houses the motor portion; as well as A refrigerant flow path, wherein the refrigerant flow path supplies the refrigerant flow; A side panel portion that covers the other axial end of the first housing; An inverter housing section that houses the inverter unit; A plate portion that extends from the first housing in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction; The peripheral wall portion, when viewed along a second direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the first direction, surrounds the inverter housing portion; and Pump housing section, the pump housing section housing the pump, The refrigerant flow path has the following characteristics: A first flow path is disposed in the first housing, and the refrigerant pumped from the pump flows in the first flow path; A second flow path is disposed in the second housing, and the refrigerant supplied to the motor unit flows in the second flow path; as well as A connecting flow path, wherein the connecting flow path connects the first flow path and the second flow path. At least a portion of the connecting flow path is disposed within the motor housing space. The inverter housing is a space surrounded by the first outer casing, the plate portion, and the peripheral wall portion. The first flow path is disposed in either the plate portion or the peripheral wall portion. The pump housing is formed in the peripheral wall surrounding the inverter housing.

2. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein, The outer casing has an integral contact portion that contacts the first outer casing and the second outer casing. When viewed along the axial direction, the connecting flow path is located inside the contact portion.

3. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein, The second housing has a bearing that supports the shaft so that it can rotate. The refrigerant is a lubricating fluid. The refrigerant flow path has the following characteristics: A third flow path supplies a portion of the refrigerant flowing in the second flow path to the outer surface of the stator; as well as A fourth flow path supplies another portion of the refrigerant flowing in the second flow path to the bearing.

4. The driving device according to claim 2, wherein, The second housing has a bearing that supports the shaft so that it can rotate. The refrigerant is a lubricating fluid. The refrigerant flow path has the following characteristics: A third flow path supplies a portion of the refrigerant flowing in the second flow path to the outer surface of the stator; as well as A fourth flow path supplies another portion of the refrigerant flowing in the second flow path to the bearing.

5. The driving device according to claim 3, wherein, The third and fourth flow paths extend in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

6. The driving device according to claim 4, wherein, The third and fourth flow paths extend in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

7. The driving device according to claim 3, wherein, The minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path is larger than that of the fourth flow path.

8. The driving device according to claim 4, wherein, The minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path is larger than that of the fourth flow path.

9. The driving device according to claim 5, wherein, The minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path is larger than that of the fourth flow path.

10. The driving device according to claim 6, wherein, The minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path is larger than that of the fourth flow path.

11. The drive device according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein, It also includes a refrigerant supply section, which is a cylindrical section extending axially and positioned radially outward from the stator and vertically above the axis of rotation. The interior of the refrigerant supply section is connected to the third flow path. The refrigerant supply section has a refrigerant supply hole that extends from the inner side of the refrigerant supply section to the outer side and opens toward the outer side of the stator.

12. The drive device according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein, The shaft also has: A cylindrical section, which extends axially; Hollow section, the hollow section being surrounded by the inner side of the shaft cylinder and connected to the fourth flow path; and The shaft hole portion extends radially through the shaft cylinder portion. The rotor has a rotor core fixed to the radially outer surface of the shaft. The rotor core has a rotor through hole that axially penetrates the rotor core and connects to the shaft hole. The rotor through-hole is connected to the fourth flow path via the hollow portion.

13. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The ends of the first flow path and the ends of the second flow path, which are connected by the connecting flow path, are opposite each other with a gap.

14. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The outer casing has a cylindrical connecting member that connects the first flow path and the second flow path. The connecting flow path is the space surrounded by the inner surface of the connecting member. One end of the connecting member is connected to the first flow path; The other end of the connecting member is connected to the second flow path.

15. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The outer casing has a cylindrical connecting member that connects the first flow path and the second flow path. The connecting flow path is the space surrounded by the inner surface of the connecting member. The connecting flow path is integral with one of the first flow path and the second flow path, and is connected to the other of the first flow path and the second flow path.

16. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, At least a portion of the first flow path overlaps with the motor housing space in the first direction.

17. A driving device, Includes a motor unit and a housing that houses the motor unit. The motor unit has: A rotor having a shaft rotatable about a rotation axis extending axially; and The stator is arranged radially outward from the rotor; The outer casing has: A first housing extends axially and surrounds the stator; The second housing is mounted on one axial end of the first housing; A motor housing space, which is surrounded by the first housing and the second housing, and houses the motor portion; as well as Refrigerant flow path, wherein the refrigerant flow path is for refrigerant flow. The refrigerant flow path has the following characteristics: A first flow path is disposed in the first housing, and the refrigerant pumped from the pump flows in the first flow path; A second flow path is disposed in the second housing, and the refrigerant supplied to the motor unit flows in the second flow path; as well as A connecting flow path, wherein the connecting flow path connects the first flow path and the second flow path. At least a portion of the connecting flow path is disposed within the motor housing space. It also includes an inverter unit that supplies drive power to the motor unit. The outer casing also has: A side panel portion that covers the other axial end of the first housing; An inverter housing section that houses the inverter unit; A plate portion, the plate portion extending from the outer side of the first housing toward one side of the first direction in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction; and The peripheral wall portion, when viewed along a second direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the first direction, surrounds the inverter housing portion. The inverter housing is a space surrounded by the first outer casing, the plate portion, and the peripheral wall portion. The first flow path is disposed in either the plate portion or the peripheral wall portion. At least a portion of the first flow path overlaps with the motor housing space in the first direction. When viewed from the axial direction, the plate portion is closer to the other side of the second direction than one end of the first housing in the second direction, and closer to one side of the second direction than the other end of the first housing in the second direction.

18. The driving device according to claim 17, wherein, It also includes a pump that supplies the refrigerant contained within the housing to the motor unit. The housing also has a pump housing section for housing the pump. The pump housing is formed in the peripheral wall surrounding the inverter housing.

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