Drive device

Abstract

A drive device capable of reliably supplying refrigerant to the outer side surface of a stator. The housing of the drive device has a refrigerant flow path for the refrigerant to flow. The refrigerant flow path has a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, and a fourth flow path. The refrigerant sent out from the pump flows in the first flow path. The refrigerant supplied to the motor unit flows in the second flow path. The third flow path supplies a portion of the refrigerant flowing in the second flow path to the outer side surface of the stator. The fourth flow path supplies another portion of the refrigerant flowing in the second flow path to the hollow portion of the shaft. The minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the fourth flow path is smaller than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the third flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device. Background Art

[0002] In the past, a drive device having a branched oil flow path is known. For example, the flow path is branched into a flow path connected to the inside of the rotor shaft and a cooling pipe. (For example, refer to Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-129608)

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

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

[0006] However, in the above-mentioned drive device, an orifice is formed at the oil inlet of the cooling pipe. Therefore, when the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path inside the rotor shaft is large, the pressure disappears and oil cannot be supplied to the cooling pipe.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of reliably supplying a refrigerant to an outer surface of a stator.

[0008] An exemplary drive device of the present invention includes a motor part and a housing for accommodating the motor part. The motor part has a rotor and a stator. The rotor has a shaft. The shaft can rotate around a rotation axis extending in the axial direction. The stator is arranged at a position radially outward from the rotor. The shaft has a shaft cylinder part and a hollow part. The shaft cylinder part extends in the axial direction. The hollow part is surrounded by the inner side surface of the shaft cylinder part. The housing has a motor cylinder part, a motor storage space and a refrigerant flow path. The motor cylinder part extends in the axial direction and surrounds the stator. The motor storage space is surrounded by the motor cylinder part and accommodates the motor. Refrigerant flows in the refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant flow path has a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path and a fourth flow path. The refrigerant pumped out from the pump flows in the first flow path. The refrigerant provided to the motor part flows in the second flow path. The third flow path provides a part of the refrigerant flowing through the second flow path to the outer side surface of the stator. The fourth flow path provides another portion of the refrigerant flowing in the second flow path to the hollow portion of the shaft. A minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the fourth flow path is smaller than a minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the third flow path.

[0009] According to the exemplary driving device of the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology capable of reliably supplying refrigerant to the outer side surface of the stator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the drive device viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the drive device viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the drive device viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0013] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the drive device.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle including a drive device.

[0015] Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view of the housing.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a motor side oil passage.

[0017] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the drive device.

[0018] Fig. 9 A perspective view of a limiting component is provided.

[0019] Fig.10 A modification example of the third supply path is shown.

[0020] (Explanation of symbols)

[0021] 1…driving device; 2…motor; 21…rotor; 22…motor shaft; 220…hollow portion; 221…shaft cylinder portion; 222…shaft hole portion; 223…recessed portion; 23…rotor core; 230…rotor through hole; 231…rotor core connecting portion; 24…rotor magnet; 25…stator; 26…stator core; 27…coil; 271…coil end portion; 281…first motor bearing; 282…second motor bearing; 3…gear portion; 31…speed reduction device; 310…transmission shaft; 3101…hollow portion; 3102…transmission shaft cylinder portion; 311…first gear; 312…second gear; 313…third gear; 314…intermediate shaft; 32…differential gear 321…the fourth gear; 341…the first gear bearing; 342…the second gear bearing; 343…the third gear bearing; 344…the fourth gear bearing; 4…the pump; 41…the suction port; 42…the filter device; 43…the discharge port; 5…the housing; 51…the first housing member; 511…the cylinder; 512…the side plate; 5120…the insertion hole; 5121…the hole; 513…the plate; 514…the peripheral wall; 515…the first drive shaft through hole; 516…the second motor bearing retaining portion; 517…the first gear bearing retaining portion; 518…the third gear bearing retaining portion; 519…the side plate opening; 52…the second housing member; 521…the second gear bearing retaining portion 522…the fourth gear bearing holding portion; 523…the second drive shaft through hole; 524…the tray portion; 525…the gear side oil path; 526…the gear side limiting member; 53…the third housing member; 530…the contact portion; 531…the first motor bearing holding portion; 54…the fourth housing member; 55…the motor side oil path; 55a…the first flow path; 55b…the third flow path; 55c…the second flow path; 55d…the fourth flow path; 551…the first oil path; 552…the second oil path; 553…the third oil path; 5530…the connecting pipe; 5531…the connecting flow path; 554…the fourth oil path; 555…the first supply path; 556…the second supply path; 557…the third supply path : 5570…hole portion; 5571…providing limiting member; 5572…annular portion; 5573…limiting portion; 5574…through hole; 5575…large diameter cylinder portion; 5576…small diameter cylinder portion; 5577…opening; 558…oil supply portion; 5581…distribution hole; 559…motor oil reservoir; 5590…drip hole; 61…motor storage portion; 62…gear storage portion; 63…inverter storage portion; 64…pump storage portion; 7…inverter unit; 8…oil cooler; CL…oil; Ds…drive shaft; J2…rotation axis; J4…intermediate axis; J5…differential axis; P…oil reservoir; RE…refrigerant; 200…vehicle; 150…battery. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] In the following description, the direction of gravity is specified for description based on the positional relationship when the drive device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 200 located on a horizontal road. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, the XYZ coordinate system is appropriately shown as a three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system. In the XYZ coordinate system, the Z-axis direction shows the vertical direction (i.e., the up and down direction). The +Z direction is upward (toward the vertical upward direction opposite to the direction of gravity), and the -Z direction is downward (toward the vertical downward direction that is the same as the direction of gravity). In addition, the "Z-axis direction" in the following description is an example of the "second direction" of the present invention. In each component, 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". Furthermore, 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". In addition, in the surface of each component, the surface facing upward is referred to as the "upper surface", and the surface facing downward is referred to as the "lower surface".

[0024] In addition, the X-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction, and indicates the front-rear direction of the vehicle 200 equipped with the drive device 1. In addition, 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, the +X direction may be the rear of the vehicle 200, and the -X direction may be the front of the vehicle 200.

[0025] The Y-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, and indicates the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle 200. The +Y direction is the left side of the vehicle 200, and the -Y direction is the right side of the vehicle 200. However, in the case where the +X direction is the rear side of the vehicle 200, the +Y direction may be the right side of the vehicle 200, and the -Y direction may be the left side of the vehicle 200. That is, regardless of the X-axis direction, only the +Y direction is one side of the left-right direction of the vehicle 200, and the -Y direction is the other side of the left-right direction of the vehicle 200. In addition, depending on the method of mounting the drive device 1 on the vehicle 200, there is also a case where the X-axis direction is the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle 200 and the Y-axis direction is the front-rear direction of the vehicle 200. In the following embodiment, the Y-axis direction is parallel to, for example, the rotation axis J2 of the motor unit 2. In addition, the "Y-axis direction" in the following description is an example of the "axial direction" of the present invention. In addition, the "+Y direction" is an example of the "one axial direction" of the present invention, and the "-Y direction" is an example of the "other axial direction" of the present invention.

[0026] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to a specified axis such as the rotation axis J2 of the motor unit 2 (Y-axis direction) is sometimes referred to as the "axial direction". In addition, the direction orthogonal to the specified axis is referred to as the "radial direction", and the circumferential direction centered on the specified axis is referred to as the "circumferential direction". The direction close to the axis in the radial direction is referred to as the "radial inside", and the direction away from the axis is referred to as the "radial outside". In each component, the radially inner end is referred to as the "radial inner end". And, the outer end is referred to as the "radial outer end". In addition, in the side surfaces of each component, the side surface facing radially inward is referred to as the "radial inner side surface", and the side surface facing radially outward is referred to as the "radial outer side surface".

[0027] In addition, in this specification, "annular" includes not only a shape that is continuously connected without a break in the entire area of ​​the circumference centered on the central axis, but also a shape that has one or more breaks in a part of the entire area centered on the central axis. In addition, it also includes a shape that describes a closed curve in a curved surface intersecting the central axis with the central axis as the center.

[0028] In addition, in the positional relationship between any one of the orientations, lines and planes and any other one, "parallel" includes not only a state in which the two do not intersect at all no matter how much they are extended, but also a state in which they are substantially parallel. In addition, "perpendicular" and "orthogonal" include not only a state in which the two intersect each other at 90 degrees, but also a state in which they are substantially perpendicular and a state in which they are substantially orthogonal. That is, "parallel", "perpendicular" and "orthogonal" include a state in which the positional relationship between the two has an angular deviation to a degree that does not deviate from the main purpose of the present invention.

[0029] In addition, these are names used for explanation only and are not intended to limit actual positional relationships, directions, names, etc.

[0030] <1. Driving device 1>

[0031] Hereinafter, a driving device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. Figures 1 to 3 This is a conceptual diagram of the driving device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the driving device 1 as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the driving device 1 viewed from the X-axis direction. Figure 3 It is a schematic structural diagram of the driving device 1 viewed from the Y-axis direction. Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the driving device 1 . Figure 5 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle 200 having the drive device 1. Figures 1 to 5 This is only a conceptual diagram, and the arrangement and size of each part are not necessarily the same as those of the actual driving device 1 .

[0032] The drive device 1 is mounted on a vehicle 200 such as a hybrid vehicle (HV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), an electric vehicle (EV), etc., which uses at least a motor as a power source. The drive device 1 is used as a power source for the above-mentioned vehicle 200. The vehicle 200 has a drive device 1 and a battery 150. The battery 150 stores electric power for supplying to the drive device 1. In the example of the vehicle 200, the drive device 1 drives the left and right front wheels. In addition, the drive device 1 only needs to drive at least any one wheel.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the drive device 1 includes a motor unit 2, a gear unit 3, a pump 4, a housing 5 and an oil cooler 8. The motor unit 2 includes: a rotor 21 having a motor shaft 22; and a stator 25, which is located radially outward of the rotor 21. The motor shaft 22 can rotate around a rotation axis J2 extending along the Y-axis direction. In addition, the motor shaft 22 is an example of an "axis" of the present invention, and the Y-axis direction is an example of the "axial direction" of the present invention as described above. The gear unit 3 is connected to the end of the motor shaft 22 in the +Y direction. The housing 5 accommodates the motor unit 2 and the gear unit 3. The pump 4 supplies the oil CL accommodated in the housing 5 to the motor unit 2. As described above, the drive device 1 includes the pump 4. The oil cooler 8 cools the oil CL. In the present embodiment, the oil cooler 8 cools the oil CL supplied from the pump 4 to the motor unit 2.

[0034] In addition, the drive device 1 further includes an inverter unit 7 . The inverter unit 7 supplies drive power to the motor unit 2 .

[0035] A storage space for storing the motor unit 2, the gear unit 3, the pump 4, and the inverter unit 7 is provided inside the housing 5. As described later, the storage space is divided into a motor storage section 61 for storing the motor unit 2, a gear storage section 62 for storing the gear unit 3, an inverter storage section 63 for storing the inverter unit 7, and a pump storage section 64 for storing the pump 4. In addition, the inverter unit 7 is fixed integrally with a fourth housing member 54 described later.

[0036] <1-1. Motor section 2>

[0037] The motor unit 2 is accommodated in the motor accommodation portion 61 of the housing 5 . The motor unit 2 includes a rotor 21 and a stator 25 .

[0038] <1-1-1. Rotor 21>

[0039] The rotor 21 rotates about a rotation axis J2 extending in the horizontal direction when power is supplied from a battery (not shown) to the stator 25. The rotor 21 includes a rotor core 23 and a rotor magnet 24 in addition to a motor shaft 22.

[0040] The motor shaft 22 extends along the rotation axis J2. The motor shaft 22 rotates around the rotation axis J2. The motor shaft 22 is rotatably supported by a first motor bearing 281 and a second motor bearing 282. The first motor bearing 281 is, for example, a ball bearing, and is held on a third housing member 53 of the housing 5, which will be described later. The second motor bearing 282 is, for example, a ball bearing, and is held on a side plate portion 512 of the housing 5, which will be described later.

[0041] The motor shaft 22 is a cylindrical hollow shaft. The motor shaft 22 has a hollow portion 220 and a shaft cylinder portion 221 extending in the Y-axis direction. The hollow portion 220 is surrounded by the inner side surface of the shaft cylinder portion and is connected to the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) described later. In detail, the hollow portion 220 is connected to the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) at the end of the -Y direction side of the shaft cylinder portion. In addition, the motor shaft 22 also has an axial hole portion 222. The axial hole portion 222 penetrates the shaft cylinder portion 221 in the radial direction.

[0042] The hollow transmission shaft 310 described later and connected to the gear part 3 is inserted through the end of the motor shaft 22 on the +Y direction side. In the present embodiment, the two are splined. Alternatively, the two can also be joined by a fixing method such as welding. The hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 is connected to the hollow portion 3101 described later of the transmission shaft 310 and the first motor bearing retaining portion 531 that accommodates the first motor bearing 281.

[0043] The rotor core 23 is a cylindrical body extending in the Y-axis direction. The rotor core 23 is fixed to the radially outer side of the motor shaft 22. As described above, the rotor 21 has the rotor core 23. In addition, a plurality of rotor magnets 24 are fixed to the rotor core 23. The magnetic poles of the plurality of rotor magnets 24 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0044] The rotor core 23 has a rotor through hole 230. The rotor through hole 230 penetrates the rotor core 23 in the Y-axis direction and is connected to the shaft hole portion 222. The rotor through hole 230 is connected to the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) via the hollow portion 220. In detail, the rotor core 23 has a rotor communicating portion 231. The rotor communicating portion 231 is a space that penetrates from the radial inner side surface of the rotor core 23 to the rotor through hole 230, and connects the rotor through hole 230 and the shaft hole portion 222. The rotor through hole 230 is used as a flow path for the oil CL that cools the rotor 21 from the inside. As described later, the oil CL that flows in the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 can flow into the rotor through hole 230 via the shaft hole portion 222 and the rotor communicating portion 231. In this way, when the rotor 21 rotates, the oil CL flows out from the end of the rotor through hole 230 in the Y-axis direction. The oil CL is supplied to the end of the stator 25 in the Y-axis direction, particularly to the coil end 271 described later disposed at the end in the Y-axis direction of the stator 25, by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotor 21. The end of the stator 25 in the Y-axis direction, particularly the coil end 271 of the stator 25, can be cooled by the oil CL.

[0045] <1-1-2. Stator 25>

[0046] The stator 25 surrounds the rotor 21 from the radially outer side and drives the rotor 21 to rotate. As described above, the stator 25 is arranged at a position radially outward from the rotor 21. That is, the motor unit 2 is an inner rotor type motor in which the rotor 21 is rotatably arranged inside the stator 25. The stator 25 has a stator core 26, a coil 27, and an insulator (not shown) between the stator core 26 and the coil 27. The stator 25 is retained in the housing 5. The stator core 26 has a plurality of magnetic pole teeth (not shown) from the inner circumference of the annular yoke to the radially inner side.

[0047] Coil wire is wound between the magnetic pole teeth. The coil wire hung on the magnetic pole teeth constitutes the coil 27. The coil wire is connected to the inverter unit 7 via a bus bar (not shown). The coil 27 has a coil end 271 protruding from the axial end surface of the stator core 26. The coil end 271 protrudes further in the axial direction than the end of the rotor core 23 of the rotor 21.

[0048] <1-2. Gear unit 3>

[0049] Then, the gear unit 3 transmits the driving force of the motor unit 2 to the drive shaft Ds that drives the wheels of the vehicle 200. The gear unit 3 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the gear unit 3 is accommodated in the gear accommodation portion 62 of the housing 5 . The gear unit 3 includes a speed reduction device 31 and a differential device 32 .

[0050] <1-2-1. Speed ​​reduction device 31>

[0051] The reduction gear 31 is connected to the motor shaft 22 . The reduction gear 31 reduces the rotation speed of the motor unit 2 , increases the torque output from the motor unit 2 by the reduction ratio, and transmits the increased torque to the differential device 32 .

[0052] The reduction gear 31 has 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 device 32 via the motor shaft 22, the transmission shaft 310, the first gear 311, the second gear 312, the intermediate shaft 314 and the third gear 313. The transmission ratio of each gear and the number of gears can be changed in various ways according to the required reduction ratio. The reduction gear 31 is a parallel axis gear type reducer in which the shaft cores of each gear are arranged in parallel. The motor shaft 22 and the transmission shaft 310 are spline-matched.

[0053] The transmission shaft 310 extends along the Y-axis direction with the rotation axis J2 as the center, and rotates with the motor shaft 22 with the rotation axis J2 as the center. The motor shaft 22 is rotatably supported by the first gear bearing 341 and the second gear bearing 342. The first gear bearing 341 is, for example, a ball bearing, and as described later, is held by the side plate portion 512 of the housing 5. The second gear bearing 342 is, for example, a ball bearing, and is held by the second housing member 52 described later.

[0054] The transmission shaft 310 is a cylindrical hollow shaft. The transmission shaft 310 has a hollow portion 3101 and a cylindrical transmission shaft cylinder portion 3102 extending in the Y-axis direction. The hollow portion 3101 is surrounded by the inner side surface of the transmission shaft cylinder portion 3102, and the end portion on the +Y direction side of the transmission shaft cylinder portion 3102 is connected to the gear side oil passage 525 described later. The end portion on the -Y direction side of the transmission shaft cylinder portion 3102 is connected to the end portion on the +Y direction side of the motor shaft 22. In addition, the end portion on the +Y direction side of the transmission shaft cylinder portion 3102 is rotatably held by the second gear bearing holding portion 521 via the second gear bearing 342.

[0055] In addition, without being limited to the example of the present embodiment, the transmission shaft 310 may be the same component as the motor shaft 22, that is, it may be integral. In other words, the motor shaft 22 may 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 end portion of the motor shaft 22 on the +Y direction side protrudes toward the gear housing portion 62 side and is rotatably supported by the second gear bearing 342. In addition, the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 is connected to the first motor bearing retaining portion 531 that accommodates the first motor bearing 281 and the second gear bearing retaining portion 521 that accommodates the second gear bearing 342.

[0056] The first gear 311 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the transmission shaft 310. The first gear 311 may be the same component as the transmission shaft 310 or another component. In the case where 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 shrink fit or the like. The first gear 311 can rotate together with the transmission shaft 310 about the rotation axis J2.

[0057] The intermediate shaft 314 extends along the intermediate axis J4 parallel to the rotation axis J2, and is supported by the housing 5 in a manner that can rotate around the intermediate axis J4. Both ends of the intermediate shaft 314 are rotatably supported by the third gear bearing 343 and the fourth gear bearing 344. The third gear bearing 343 is, for example, a ball bearing, and is held on the side plate portion 512 of the housing 5. The fourth gear bearing 344 is, for example, a ball bearing, and is held by the second housing member 52.

[0058] The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate shaft 314. The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 can be the same components as the intermediate shaft 314, or different components. In the case where the second gear 312 and the intermediate shaft 314 are different components, the two are firmly fixed by shrink fit or the like. In the case where the third gear 313 and the intermediate shaft 314 are different components, the two are firmly fixed by shrink fit or the like. The third gear 313 is arranged on the side of the side plate 512 (i.e., in the -Y direction) compared with the second gear 312. The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 are connected by the intermediate shaft 314. The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 can rotate around the intermediate axis J4. The second gear 312 is meshed with the first gear 311. The third gear 313 is meshed with the fourth gear 321 of the differential device 32.

[0059] The torque of the transmission shaft 310 is transmitted from the first gear 311 to the second gear 312. The torque transmitted to the second gear 312 is transmitted to the third gear 313 via the intermediate shaft 314. In addition, 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.

[0060] <1-2-2. Differential device 32>

[0061] The differential device 32 is mounted on the drive shaft Ds. The differential device 32 transmits the output torque of the motor unit 2 to the drive shaft Ds. The drive shaft Ds is mounted on the left and right of the differential device 32, respectively. The differential device 32 has, for example, the following functions: when the vehicle 200 turns, it absorbs the speed difference between the left and right wheels (drive shaft Ds) and transmits the same torque to the left and right drive shafts Ds. The differential device 32 has, for example, a fourth gear (ring gear) 321, a gear box (not shown), a pair of pinion gears (not shown), a pinion shaft (not shown), and a pair of half-axle gears (not shown).

[0062] The fourth gear 321 can rotate around the differential axis J5 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. In addition, a portion of the fourth gear 321 on the -Z direction side is immersed in the lower oil reservoir P in the gear housing 62. For example, when the fourth gear 321 of the differential device 32 rotates, the oil CL is stirred up by the tooth surface of the fourth gear 321. A portion of the oil is provided to the interior of the gear housing 62 and is used for lubrication of the gears and bearings of the reduction gear 31 and the differential device 32 in the gear housing 62. In addition, after another portion of the stirred oil CL is accumulated in the tray portion 524 described later, it is provided to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 through the gear side oil passage 525 described later and the hollow portion 3101 of the transmission shaft 310 for cooling the stator 25.

[0063] <1-3. Pump 4 and oil cooler 8>

[0064] Next, the pump 4 is an electric pump driven by electricity, and is connected to the inverter unit 7 via a harness cable (not shown). That is, the pump 4 is driven by the inverter unit 7. The pump 4 can be a DC pump, a centrifugal pump, etc. The pump 4 is set in the pump storage portion 64 formed in the housing 5. For example, the pump 4 is fixed to the housing 5 by bolts not shown.

[0065] The suction port 41 of the pump 4 is inserted into the first oil passage 551 in a manner that blocks the first oil passage 551 described later. The suction port 41 of the pump 4 is connected to the filter device 42 via the first oil passage 551 described later. The filter device 42 is arranged in the gear storage portion 62 of the housing 5. The filter device 42 is arranged in the oil reservoir portion P described later of the gear storage portion 62 (see Figure 2 The filter device 42 sucks the oil CL from the inlet (not shown) arranged on the lower surface thereof by the drive of the pump 4, and supplies the oil to the suction port 41 of the pump 4. A filter structure such as a filter (not shown) is installed on the filter device 42. By installing the filter structure, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from mixing into the pump 4 and foreign matter from mixing into the motor unit 2.

[0066] The discharge port 43 of the pump 4 opens to the pump housing 64. That is, the oil CL protruding from the pump 4 fills the pump housing 64. The pump housing 64 is connected to the second oil passage 552 described later. The pump 4 discharges the oil CL sucked from the suction port 41 from the discharge port 43 and sends it to the oil cooler 8 via the second oil passage 552.

[0067] The oil cooler 8 performs heat exchange between the oil CL sent from the pump 4 via the second oil passage 552 and the refrigerant RE supplied from a system different from the motor-side oil passage 55 described later including the second oil passage 552. Thus, the oil cooler 8 cools the oil CL sent from the pump 4. The oil CL cooled by the oil cooler 8 is 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 IGBT or SIC element (not shown) of the inverter unit 7.

[0068] The pump housing portion 64 is formed on the peripheral wall portion 514 surrounding the inverter housing portion 63 (see Figure 3 ). For example, the pump housing portion 64 can be arranged using a dead space other than the space occupied by the inverter unit 7 in the inverter housing portion 63. In this way, since the pump 4 can be arranged compactly, it can contribute to the miniaturization of the drive device 1.

[0069] <1-4. Shell 5>

[0070] Next, the structure of the housing 5 will be described. Figure 6 is an exploded view of the housing 5. Figure 6 As shown, the housing 5 has a first housing component 51. The first housing component 51 has a cylindrical barrel 511. That is, the housing 5 has a barrel 511. The barrel 511 extends in the Y-axis direction and surrounds the stator 25. In addition, the barrel 511 is an example of a "motor barrel" of the present invention. In addition, the first housing component 51 also has a side plate 512. That is, the housing 5 has a side plate 512. The side plate 512 covers the end of the barrel 511 on the +Y direction side. In the present embodiment, the barrel 511 and the side plate 512 are the same components. However, this example is not limited thereto, and the barrel 511 and the side plate 512 may also be different components.

[0071] The housing 5 further includes a second housing member 52. The second housing member 52 is attached to an end portion on the +Y direction side of the side plate portion 512. The second housing member 52 and the side plate portion 512 constitute a gear housing portion 62 to be described later.

[0072] The housing 5 further includes a third housing member 53. The third housing member 53 is an example of a "motor cover" of the present invention. The third housing member 53 is mounted on the end of the cylinder 511 on the -Y direction side. The end on the -Y direction side corresponds to the "one axial end" of the present invention. The third housing member 53 closes and blocks the end of the cylinder 511 on the -Y direction side.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown, the contact portion 530 where the third housing member 53 contacts the cylinder 511 is annular when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The housing 5 has a contact portion 530 that is connected and connected to make the cylinder 511 and the third housing member 53 contact each other. The third housing member 53 has a first motor bearing 281 that rotatably supports the shaft cylinder 221. In addition, the first motor bearing 281 is an example of a "bearing" in the present invention. In addition, the third housing member 53 has a first motor bearing retaining portion 531 that retains the first motor bearing 281. In addition, the first motor bearing retaining portion 531 is an example of a "bearing retaining portion" in the present invention. The first motor bearing retaining portion 531 rotatably supports the end portion of the motor shaft 22 on the -Y direction side via the first motor bearing 281.

[0074] The housing 5 further includes a fourth housing member 54 . The fourth housing member 54 is disposed vertically above the cylinder 511 . The vertically above is perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. The fourth housing member 54 is mounted on the upper portion of the first housing member 51 .

[0075] In addition, the housing 5 further includes a motor housing portion 61. The motor housing portion 61 is surrounded by the cylinder portion 511 and houses the motor portion 2. In addition, the motor housing portion 61 is an example of the "motor housing space" of the present invention. Specifically, the motor housing portion 61 is a space surrounded by the cylinder portion 511, the side plate portion 512, and the third housing member 53, and houses the motor portion 2.

[0076] In addition, the housing 5 further includes a gear housing portion 62. The gear housing portion 62 is a space surrounded by the side plate portion 512 and the second housing member 52, and houses the gear portion 3. An oil reservoir P for accumulating oil CL is provided at the lower part in the vertical direction of the gear housing portion 62. The motor housing portion 61 and the gear housing portion 62 are divided by the side plate portion 512.

[0077] In addition, the housing 5 also has an inverter storage portion 63 for storing the inverter unit 7. The inverter storage portion 63 is a space surrounded by the cylinder portion 511, the plate portion 513 described later, and the peripheral wall portion 514 described later. The inverter storage portion 63 is open 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, by integrally fixing the inverter unit 7 on the lower side of the fourth housing member 54, the inverter unit 7 is fixed downward in the inverter storage portion 63. In addition, an inverter cooling path not shown in the figure may also be provided on the fourth housing member 54.

[0078] In addition, the housing 5 has a pump housing portion 64. The pump housing portion 64 houses the pump 4. The pump housing portion 64 is formed in the first housing member 51. That is, the first housing member 51 also has the pump housing portion 64.

[0079] 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 cylinder portion 511 in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. The peripheral wall portion 514 surrounds the inverter storage portion 63 when viewed from the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and the X-axis direction. In detail, the plate portion 513 extends from the outer surface of the cylinder portion 511 in the -X direction. The peripheral wall portion 514 protrudes from the upper end portion of the cylinder portion 511 and the plate portion 513 in the +Z direction, and surrounds the inverter storage portion 63 when viewed from the vertical direction (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0080] The first housing member 51 also has an insertion hole 5120 , a first drive shaft passage hole 515 , a second motor bearing retaining portion 516 , a first gear bearing retaining portion 517 , a third gear bearing retaining portion 518 , and a side plate opening 519 .

[0081] The insertion hole 5120 and the first drive shaft through hole 515 are arranged on the side plate portion 512, and penetrate 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 arranged on the -Y direction side of the insertion hole 5120. A first gear bearing retaining portion 517 is arranged on the +Y direction side of the insertion hole 5120.

[0082] The drive shaft Ds passes through the first drive shaft through hole 515 in a rotatable state. In addition, a second drive shaft through hole 523 is arranged on the second housing component 52. The second drive shaft through hole 523 is a hole that passes through the second housing component 52 in the axial direction. The drive shaft Ds passes through the second drive shaft through hole 523 rotatably. When viewed from the axial direction, the second drive shaft through hole 523 overlaps with the first drive shaft through hole 515. Thus, the drive shaft Ds arranged at both ends of the axial direction (Y direction) of the differential device 32 rotates around the differential axis J5. In order to suppress the leakage of oil CL, 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. An axle (not shown) that rotates the wheel is connected to the front end of the drive shaft Ds.

[0083] The second motor bearing retaining portion 516 extends from the edge of the insertion hole 5120 in the -Y direction. The outer ring of the second motor bearing 282 is fixed to the second motor bearing retaining portion 516. The end of the motor shaft 22 on the +Y direction side is fixed to the inner ring of the second motor bearing 282. In addition, the first motor bearing retaining portion 531 is arranged 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 consistent 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 end of the motor shaft 22 on the -Y direction side 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.

[0084] The first gear bearing retaining portion 517 extends from the edge of the insertion hole 5120 in 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. In addition, the second gear bearing retaining portion 521 is arranged on the -Y direction side of the second housing member 52. The center axes of the second gear bearing retaining portion 521 and the first gear bearing retaining portion 517 are consistent 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. As a result, the transmission shaft 310 is rotatably supported on the side plate portion 512 and the second housing member 52 of the housing 5 via the first gear bearing 341 and the second gear bearing 342.

[0085] Next, the third gear bearing holding portion 518 is a cylindrical shape extending from the side plate portion 512 in the +Y direction. The third gear bearing holding portion 518 is arranged in the -X direction and the +Z direction compared to the first gear bearing holding portion 517. And, the outer ring of the third gear bearing 343 is fixed to the third gear bearing holding portion 518. In addition, the intermediate shaft 314 is fixed to the inner ring of the third gear bearing 343. In addition, the fourth gear bearing holding portion 522 is arranged on the -Y direction side of the second housing member 52. The fourth gear bearing holding portion 522 is a cylindrical shape extending from the second housing member 52 in the -Y direction. The central axes of the third gear bearing holding portion 518 and the fourth gear bearing holding portion 522 coincide with the intermediate axis J4. The outer ring of the fourth gear bearing 344 is fixed to the fourth gear bearing holding portion 522. In addition, the end of the intermediate shaft 314 on the +Y direction side is fixed to the inner ring of the fourth gear bearing 344. Thus, the intermediate shaft 314 is rotatably supported by 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 .

[0086] The side plate opening 519 is arranged on the side plate portion 512 that divides the motor housing portion 61 and the gear housing portion 62. The housing 5 has the side plate opening 519. The side plate opening 519 penetrates the side plate portion 512 in the axial direction, connecting the motor housing portion 61 and the gear housing portion 62. The side plate opening 519 particularly allows the lower portion of the motor housing portion 61 to communicate with the lower portion of the gear housing portion 62. The side plate opening 519 allows the oil CL accumulated in the lower portion of the motor housing portion 61 to move to the gear housing portion 62. The oil CL moved to the gear housing portion 62 can flow into the oil reservoir P.

[0087] Next, the structure of the second housing member 52 is described. The second housing member 52 is mounted on the +Y direction side of the side plate portion 512 of the first housing member 51. The shape of the second housing member 52 is a concave shape that opens toward the side plate portion 512. The opening of the second housing member 52 is covered by the side plate portion 512. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 5 , the second housing member 52 includes a second gear bearing holding portion 521, a fourth gear bearing holding portion 522, and a second drive shaft passage hole 523. In addition, since these descriptions are as described above, they are omitted here.

[0088] The second housing member 52 includes a tray portion 524 , a gear-side oil passage 525 , and a gear-side restricting member 526 . In other words, the housing 5 includes a tray portion 524 , a gear-side oil passage 525 , and a gear-side restricting member 526 .

[0089] The tray portion 524 is arranged at a position radially outward relative to the differential axis J5 of the fourth gear 321, and is open in the +Z direction (i.e., vertically upward). The oil CL stirred up by the fourth gear 321 is stored in the tray portion 524. The tray portion 524 extends from the side plate portion 512 in the +Y direction. The end of the tray portion 524 on the +Y direction side is connected to the inner surface of the second housing member 52 facing the -Y direction.

[0090] The gear side oil circuit 525 is formed inside the second housing member 52. The gear side oil circuit 525 is a passage for the oil CL connecting the end of the tray portion 524 on the +Y direction side and the second gear bearing retaining portion 521. In addition, one end of the oil circuit 627 is connected to the end of the tray portion 524 on the +Y direction side, and is connected to the tray portion 524. The other end of the gear side oil circuit 525 is connected to the second gear bearing retaining portion 521. The oil CL accumulated in the tray portion 524 is supplied to the gear side oil circuit 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. In addition, another portion of the oil CL supplied to the gear side oil passage 525 flows from the end portion on the +Y direction side of the transmission shaft 310 into the hollow portion 3101 and flows in the -Y direction, and flows into the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22.

[0091] The gear-side limiting component 526 limits the amount of oil CL provided from the gear-side oil passage 525 to the second gear bearing 342. By this limitation, it is possible to ensure that the oil CL is provided from the gear-side oil passage 525 to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 through the hollow portion 3101 of the transmission shaft 310. The gear-side limiting component 526 includes an annular portion (reference numerals omitted) that is opposed to the second gear bearing 342 in the Y-axis direction, and a cylindrical portion (reference numerals omitted) that extends from the radial inner end of the annular portion in the -Y direction and is inserted through the interior of the transmission shaft 310. The annular portion has a through hole (reference numerals omitted) that passes through the annular portion in the Y-axis direction. The oil CL is provided to the second gear bearing 342 through the through hole, and is provided to the interior of the transmission shaft 310 through the cylindrical portion.

[0092] <1-5. Motor side oil passage 55>

[0093] Next, refer to Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 7 , explaining the motor side oil circuit 55. Figure 7 2 is a schematic diagram showing a structural example of the motor side oil passage 55. Figure 7 Looking from +Z direction to -Z direction.

[0094] For example Figures 1 to 3As shown, the housing 5 also has a motor-side oil circuit 55 for the flow of oil CL. In addition, the motor-side oil circuit 55 is an example of the "refrigerant flow circuit" of the present invention. In addition, the oil CL is a lubricating liquid and is an example of the "refrigerant" of the present invention. A part of the motor-side oil circuit 55 is arranged in the first housing member 51, and the remaining part is arranged in the third housing member 53. The motor-side oil circuit 55 is a flow path for the oil CL sucked up from the oil reservoir P of the gear storage portion 62 by the pump 4 and cooled by the oil cooler 8 to flow toward the motor unit 2.

[0095] 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 in the first housing member 51 .

[0096] As described above, the first oil passage 551 connects the gear housing 62 and the suction port 41 of the pump 4, particularly connects the vertical lower portion of the gear housing 62 and the suction port 41 of the pump 4. In this embodiment, the first oil passage 551 is formed inside the side plate 512.

[0097] The second oil passage 552 connects the discharge port 43 of the pump 4 and the oil cooler 8, and supplies the oil CL discharged from the pump 4 to the oil cooler 8. The third oil passage 553 is connected to the fourth oil passage 554 via a connecting passage 5531 described later. In addition, the second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553 constitute a first passage 55a. The motor-side oil passage 55 has a first passage 55a through which the oil CL delivered from the pump 4 flows. The first passage 55a is arranged on the first housing member 51.

[0098] The second oil circuit 552 and the third oil circuit 553 (first flow path 55a) are arranged on either the plate portion 513 or the peripheral wall portion 514. For example, in the present embodiment, the second oil circuit 552 and the third oil circuit 553 are formed inside the peripheral wall portion 514. However, this example is not limiting, and at least one of the second oil circuit 552 and the third oil circuit 553 (first flow path 55a) may also be formed inside the plate portion 513. In this way, for example, the second oil circuit 552 and the third oil circuit 553 (first flow path 55a) can be arranged using a dead space other than the space occupied by the inverter unit 7 in the inverter housing portion 63. Therefore, since the motor-side oil circuit 55 can be compactly arranged, it can contribute to the miniaturization of the drive device 1.

[0099] The fourth oil passage 554 connects the third oil passage 553 and the motor housing portion 61. The fourth oil passage 554 is disposed in the third housing member 53. In other words, the fourth oil passage 554 is a through hole formed in the third housing member 53. Thus, the fourth oil passage 554 can be disposed without increasing the number of components of the drive device 1.

[0100] In addition, the motor side oil passage 55 further includes a connecting passage 5531. The connecting passage 5531 connects the third oil passage 553 (first passage 55a) and the fourth oil passage 554 (second passage 55b) in the motor housing portion 61. In addition, the connecting passage 5531 is arranged on the inner side of the contact portion 530 between the first housing member 51 and the third housing member 53 when viewed from the axial direction (for example, see Figure 3 In this way, a part of the connecting flow path 5531 can be reliably arranged in the motor housing portion 61.

[0101] In this embodiment, the end of the third oil passage 553 (first passage 55a) and the end of the fourth oil passage 554 (second passage 55b) connected by the connecting passage 5531 face each other with a gap. In this way, the connecting passage 5531 can be formed into a simple structure.

[0102] The connecting flow path 5531 is a space surrounded by the inner side surface of the connecting pipe 5530. The housing 5 has a cylindrical connecting pipe 5530 that connects the third oil path 553 (first flow path 55a) and the fourth oil path 554 (second flow path 55b). The connecting pipe 5530 extends in the Y-axis direction.

[0103] Next, the fourth oil passage 554 has a first supply passage 555, a second supply passage 556, and a third supply passage 557. The first supply passage 555 is connected to the third oil passage 553 via the connecting flow passage 5531. The second supply passage 556 connects the first supply passage 555 and the oil supply portion 558. The third supply passage 557 connects the first supply passage 555 and the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22. That is, one end of the fourth oil passage 554 is the first supply passage 555, and the other end of the fourth oil passage 554 is branched into the second supply passage 556 and the third supply passage 557.

[0104] In other words, the motor side oil passage 55 has a first supply passage 555. The first supply passage 555 constitutes a second flow passage 55b. The motor side oil passage 55 has a second flow passage 55b. The oil CL supplied to the motor unit 2 flows in the first supply passage 555 (second flow passage 55b).

[0105] In addition, the motor-side oil passage 55 also includes a second supply passage 556 and a third supply passage 557. In addition, the second supply passage 556 constitutes the third flow passage 55c, and the third supply passage 557 constitutes the fourth flow passage 55d. The motor-side oil passage 55 includes the third flow passage 55c and the fourth flow passage 55d. The second supply passage 556 (third flow passage 55c) supplies a part of the oil CL flowing in the first supply passage 555 (second flow passage 55b) to the outer side surface of the stator 25. The third supply passage 557 (fourth flow passage 55d) supplies another part of the oil CL flowing in the first supply passage 555 (second flow passage 55b) to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22. In addition, the third supply passage 557 also supplies the oil CL to the first motor bearing 281.

[0106] The first supply path 555 (second flow path 55b), the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c), and the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) are arranged on the third housing member 53. Thus, the first supply path 555 (second flow path 55b), the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c), and the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) can be arranged without increasing the number of components of the drive device 1.

[0107] In addition, 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, it is possible to suppress the increase in the size of the third housing member 53 in the Y-axis direction associated with the configuration of the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) and the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d).

[0108] The minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) is smaller than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c). The minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) for supplying the oil CL to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 is smaller than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) for supplying the oil CL to the outside of the stator 25. Therefore, the 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 the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d). Therefore, even if the fluid pressure of the oil CL flowing in the motor-side oil path 55 is not too strong, a sufficient amount of the oil CL can flow in the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) and be supplied to the outer side surface of the stator 25.

[0109] The third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) includes a hole portion 5570. The hole portion 5570 extends from the first supply path 555 (second flow path 55b) and is arranged inside the third housing member 53. The hole portion 5570 communicates with the first motor bearing holding portion 531 from the first supply path 555 (second flow path 55b). One end of the hole portion 5570 is connected to the first supply path 555 (second flow path 55b). The other end of the hole portion 5570 is connected to the inside of the first motor bearing holding portion 531. It is preferred that the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the hole portion 5570 is smaller than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c). In this way, by adjusting the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the hole portion 5570, the amount of oil CL supplied to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 can be adjusted. However, this example does not exclude a structure in which the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the hole portion 5570 is equal to or larger than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c).

[0110] Next, the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) is connected to the oil supply portion 558. The oil supply portion 558 is housed in the motor housing portion 61 together with the motor portion 2. The drive device 1 also has an oil supply portion 558. The oil supply portion 558 is a tubular component extending in the Y-axis direction, and is arranged at a position radially outward of the stator 25 and vertically above the rotation axis J2 (i.e., in the +Z direction). The interior of the oil supply portion 558 is connected to the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c). In addition, the interior of the oil supply portion 558 is connected to the third gear bearing retaining portion 518 via the hole portion 5121 that passes through the side plate portion 512 in the Y-axis direction.

[0111] The oil supply portion 558 has a diffusion hole 5581. The diffusion hole 5581 penetrates from the inner side surface to the outer side surface of the oil supply portion 558 and opens toward the outer side surface of the stator 25. In this way, the oil supply portion 558 can diffuse the oil CL flowing in the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) from the diffusion hole 5581 toward the outer side surface of the stator 25, and can cool the stator 25 from the radial outer side surface of the stator 25.

[0112] In addition, the means for supplying the oil CL supplied from the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) to the outer surface of the stator is not limited to the above-mentioned example. Figure 8 2 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the drive device 1. Figure 8 The driving device 1 is viewed from the X-axis direction. Figure 8As shown, the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) may be connected to the motor oil reservoir 559 instead of the oil supply portion 558. The motor oil reservoir 559 is a tray that is arranged at the upper portion of the motor housing portion 61 and is open vertically upward (i.e., in the +Z direction). The motor oil reservoir 74 is arranged vertically above the stator 25 in the motor housing portion 61. A drip hole 5590 is formed at the bottom of the motor oil reservoir 74. The motor portion 2 can be cooled by dripping oil CL from the drip hole 5590. The drip hole 5590 is formed, for example, at the upper portion of the coil end portion 271 of the stator 25. The coil end portion 271 is cooled by the oil CL dripping from the drip hole 5590.

[0113] Next, 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 23. For example, the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 is connected via the recess 223, the shaft hole portion 222, and the rotor connecting portion 231 (see Figure 5 ) is connected to the rotor through hole 230. That is, the rotor through hole 230 is connected to the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) via the first motor bearing retaining portion 531 and the hollow portion 220. Therefore, when the rotor 21 rotates, the oil CL is supplied from the end of the rotor through hole 230 in the Y-axis direction to the end of the stator 25 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the end of the stator 25 in the Y-axis direction, especially the coil end 271 of the stator 25, can be cooled by the oil CL supplied from the rotor through hole 230.

[0114] In addition, the oil CL that has cooled the motor part 2 is accumulated in the lower part of the motor housing part 61, and then flows into the oil reservoir P in the lower part of the gear housing part 62 through the side plate opening 519. That is, the oil CL that is supplied from the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) to the radial outer side surface of the stator 25 via the oil supply portion 558 to cool the stator 25 is accumulated in the lower part of the motor housing part 61, and then flows into the oil reservoir P in the lower part of the gear housing part 62 through the side plate opening 519. In addition, the oil CL that is supplied from the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) to the coil end 271 and the like via the rotor through hole 230 is accumulated in the lower part of the motor housing part 61, and then flows into the oil reservoir P in the lower part of the gear housing part 62 through the side plate opening 519.

[0115] A supply limiting member 5571 for limiting the amount of oil CL supplied to the hollow portion 220 is disposed in the third supply passage 557 (fourth flow passage 55d). Figure 7As shown, in the first motor bearing holding portion 531, a limiting member 5571 is provided at the end of the shaft tube portion 221 on the -Y direction side. The drive device 1 includes the limiting member 5571. The end on the -Y direction side is an example of "one axial end" of the present invention.

[0116] Fig. 9 : is a stereoscopic view of the supply limiting component 5571. The supply limiting component 5571 has an annular portion 5572 extending in a direction intersecting the rotation axis J2, and a cylindrical limiting portion 5573 extending from the radial inner end of the annular portion 5572 in the +Y direction. In addition, the +Y direction is an example of the "other axial direction" of the present invention. The space surrounded by the inner circumferential surface of the limiting portion 5573 is a part of the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d). The minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the limiting portion 5573 is smaller than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c). In this way, by configuring the supply limiting component 5571 in the -Y direction of the shaft cylinder portion 221, the amount of oil CL supplied to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 can be limited, so that the oil CL accumulates on the -Y direction side of the annular portion 5572. Furthermore, by adjusting the flow path cross-sectional area, the dimension in the Y-axis direction, etc. of the restricting portion 5573, the fluid pressure, the amount, etc. of the oil CL supplied to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 can be adjusted. Therefore, by these adjustments, the oil CL can be supplied to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 without interruption.

[0117] For example, in this embodiment, the ratio of the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) to the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the restricting portion 5573 is 3: 1. By making the flow path cross-sectional areas of both channels such that the oil CL can be supplied to the restricting member 5571 and the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 in a well-balanced manner.

[0118] It is preferred that the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first supply path 555 (second flow path 55b) is greater than the sum of the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) and the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d). In this way, a sufficient amount of oil CL can be continuously supplied from the first supply path 555 (second flow path 55b) to the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) and the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d). Therefore, in the first supply path 555 (second flow path 55b), the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) and the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d), the fluid pressure of the oil CL can be prevented from decreasing and the fluid pressure can be increased. However, this example does not exclude a structure in which the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first supply path 555 (second flow path 55b) is less than the sum of the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) and the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d).

[0119] In the present embodiment, the annular portion 5572 extends in the radial direction with the rotation axis J2 as a reference. For example, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the radial inner end of the annular portion 5572 is arranged at a position radially inward of the radial inner end of the end on the -Y direction side of the shaft cylinder portion 221. On the other hand, the radial outer end of the annular portion 5572 is arranged at a position radially outward of the shaft cylinder portion 221. The annular portion 5572 is opposite to the first motor bearing 281 in the Y-axis direction. In this way, the annular portion 5572 can be used to limit the amount of oil CL provided from the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) to the first motor bearing 281.

[0120] Preferably Fig. 9 As shown, the annular portion 5572 has a through hole 5574 that penetrates along the Y-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the four through holes 5574 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis J2. However, this example is not limited to the example, and the number of through holes 5574 may be one or a plurality other than four. By configuring the through holes 5574 on the annular portion 5572, the amount of oil CL provided from the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) to the first motor bearing 281 can be adjusted by adjusting the diameter and number of the through holes 5574. In addition, this example does not exclude a structure in which the through holes 5574 are not configured on the annular portion 5572.

[0121] The restriction portion 5573 is inserted through the end portion of the shaft cylinder portion 221 on the -Y direction side and is arranged in the hollow portion 220. The restriction portion 5573 includes a large diameter cylinder portion 5575 and a small diameter cylinder portion 5576 (see Fig. 9 ). The large diameter cylinder 5575 is a bottomed cylinder extending from the radial inner end of the annular portion 5572 in the +Y direction. An opening 5577 is arranged at the bottom of the large diameter cylinder 5575 extending in a direction intersecting the Y axis direction. The small diameter cylinder 5576 is a cylinder extending from the outer edge of the opening 5577 in the +Y direction. When viewed from the Y axis direction, the diameter of the small diameter cylinder 5576 is smaller than that of the large diameter cylinder 5575.

[0122] In this embodiment, the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the small diameter cylinder 5576 is smaller than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55d). Therefore, by adjusting the flow path cross-sectional area, the length in the Y-axis direction, etc. of the small diameter cylinder 5576, the fluid pressure and amount of the oil CL supplied to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 can be adjusted.

[0123] <1-6. Modification of the third supply path>

[0124] In the above embodiment, the supply limiting member 5571 is disposed in the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d). However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the supply limiting member 5571 may not be disposed in the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d). Fig.10 A modification example of the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) is shown.

[0125] exist Fig.10 In the embodiment, the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the hole portion 5570 is smaller than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c). By adjusting the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the hole portion 5570 and the length from one end to the other end of the hole portion 5570, the amount of CL supplied to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 can be adjusted.

[0126] The ratio of the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) to the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the hole 5570 is, for example, 3: 1. By making the flow path cross-sectional areas of both channels such that the oil CL can be supplied to the outer surface of the stator 25 and the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 in a well-balanced manner.

[0127] <2. Others>

[0128] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The present invention can be implemented by applying various changes to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the matters described in the above embodiments can be appropriately combined in any manner without causing contradictions.

[0129] The present invention is useful in a driving motor for a vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle (HV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), or an electric vehicle (EV).

Claims

1. A driving device, characterized in that: include: a motor unit including: a rotor having a shaft rotatable about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction; and a stator disposed radially outward of the rotor; and a housing for housing the motor unit, The shaft has: a shaft cylinder portion extending in the axial direction; and a hollow portion surrounded by the inner side surface of the shaft tube portion, The housing has: A motor cylinder portion extending in the axial direction and surrounding the stator; a motor cover mounted on an end portion of one axial side of the housing; A motor housing space surrounded by the motor cylinder and housing the motor portion; as well as a refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows, The refrigerant flow path has: a first flow path through which the refrigerant delivered from the pump flows; a second flow path through which the refrigerant supplied to the motor unit flows; providing a portion of the refrigerant flowing through the second flow path to a third flow path on an outer side surface of the stator; as well as supplying another portion of the refrigerant flowing through the second flow path to a fourth flow path of the hollow portion of the shaft, The minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the fourth flow path is smaller than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the third flow path, The driving device further includes a limiting component, which is disposed at one axial end of the shaft tube portion. The provision limiting component comprises: an annular portion extending in a direction intersecting the rotation axis; and a cylindrical restricting portion extending from the radial inner end of the annular portion in the other axial direction, The space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface of the restricting portion is a part of the fourth flow path. A minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the restriction portion is smaller than a minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the third flow path.

2. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ratio of the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path to the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the restriction portion is 3:

1.

3. The driving device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The motor cover has: a bearing that rotatably supports the shaft cylinder portion; and a bearing holding portion for holding the bearing, The annular portion is opposed to the bearing in the axial direction.

4. The driving device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The annular portion has a through hole extending therethrough in the axial direction.

5. The driving device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path are arranged in the motor cover.

6. A driving device, characterized in that: include: a motor unit including: a rotor having a shaft rotatable about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction; and a stator disposed radially outward of the rotor; and a housing for housing the motor unit, The shaft has: a shaft cylinder portion extending in the axial direction; and a hollow portion surrounded by the inner side surface of the shaft tube portion, The housing has: A motor cylinder portion extending in the axial direction and surrounding the stator; a motor cover mounted on an end portion of one axial side of the housing; A motor housing space surrounded by the motor cylinder and housing the motor portion; as well as a refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows, The refrigerant flow path has: a first flow path through which the refrigerant delivered from the pump flows; a second flow path through which the refrigerant supplied to the motor unit flows; providing a portion of the refrigerant flowing through the second flow path to a third flow path on an outer side surface of the stator; as well as supplying another portion of the refrigerant flowing through the second flow path to a fourth flow path of the hollow portion of the shaft, The minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the fourth flow path is smaller than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the third flow path, The fourth flow path includes a hole portion extending from the second flow path and arranged inside the motor cover portion, The minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the hole portion is smaller than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the third flow path.

7. The driving device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The ratio of the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path to the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the hole portion is 3:

1.

8. The driving device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path are arranged in the motor cover.

9. A driving device, characterized in that: include: a motor unit including: a rotor having a shaft rotatable about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction; and a stator disposed radially outward of the rotor; and a housing for housing the motor unit, The shaft has: a shaft cylinder portion extending in the axial direction; and a hollow portion surrounded by the inner side surface of the shaft tube portion, The housing has: A motor cylinder portion extending in the axial direction and surrounding the stator; a motor cover mounted on an end portion of one axial side of the housing; A motor housing space surrounded by the motor cylinder and housing the motor portion; as well as a refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows, The refrigerant flow path has: a first flow path through which the refrigerant delivered from the pump flows; a second flow path through which the refrigerant supplied to the motor unit flows; providing a portion of the refrigerant flowing through the second flow path to a third flow path on an outer side surface of the stator; as well as supplying another portion of the refrigerant flowing through the second flow path to a fourth flow path of the hollow portion of the shaft, The minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the fourth flow path is smaller than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the third flow path, The minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow path is greater than the sum of the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path and the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth flow path.

10. The driving device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path are arranged in the motor cover.

11. A driving device, characterized in that: include: a motor unit including: a rotor having a shaft rotatable about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction; and a stator disposed radially outward of the rotor; and a housing for housing the motor unit, The shaft has: a shaft cylinder portion extending in the axial direction; and a hollow portion surrounded by the inner side surface of the shaft tube portion, The housing has: A motor cylinder portion extending in the axial direction and surrounding the stator; a motor cover mounted on an end portion of one axial side of the housing; A motor housing space surrounded by the motor cylinder and housing the motor portion; as well as a refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows, The refrigerant flow path has: a first flow path through which the refrigerant delivered from the pump flows; a second flow path through which the refrigerant supplied to the motor unit flows; providing a portion of the refrigerant flowing through the second flow path to a third flow path on an outer side surface of the stator; as well as supplying another portion of the refrigerant flowing through the second flow path to a fourth flow path of the hollow portion of the shaft, The minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the fourth flow path is smaller than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the third flow path, The second flow path, the third flow path, and the fourth flow path are arranged in the motor cover.

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