drive device

Abstract

The present application aims at making the driving device more compact. In the driving device, a pump and a cooler are respectively arranged on the radially outer side of a housing cylindrical portion, and are arranged in the circumferential direction. A fluid path connecting the pump and the cooler has a first fluid path and a second fluid path which are linear. The first fluid path connects the pump and the linear second fluid path, and is connected to the cooler via the second fluid path. The smallest first angle formed by a first line segment and a second line segment, which connect a connecting portion of the first fluid path and the second fluid path and an end portion of the first fluid path, and which connect the connecting portion and an end portion of the second fluid path on the cooler side, respectively, is directed toward the rotation axis when viewed in the axial direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a driving device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the past, in a driving device mounted on a vehicle or the like, a technique of supplying oil taken up by an oil pump to a motor is known. For example, an oil pump of a rotary electric machine mounted on a vehicle is disposed inside a frame that houses a stator. (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-17700)

[0003] [Patent Literature]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-17700 SUMMARY

[0006] However, if the oil pump is disposed inside the frame together with the stator or is disposed at a position further axially outward than the stator as in the above-described device, the frame tends to be large-sized. Therefore, the driving device can be large-sized.

[0007] An object of the present application is to make a driving device more compact.

[0008] An exemplary driving device of the present application includes a motor portion, a housing cylinder portion, a pump, and a cooler. The motor portion has a rotor and a stator. The rotor has a motor shaft. The motor shaft is rotatable about a rotational axis extending in an axial direction. The stator is disposed at a position radially outward of the rotor. The housing cylinder portion is a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction. The pump transports a fluid. The cooler cools the fluid. The housing cylinder portion has a motor housing portion and a fluid path. The motor housing portion houses the motor portion. The fluid path is disposed at a position radially outward of the motor housing portion and connects the pump and the cooler. The pump and the cooler are respectively disposed at radially outer sides of the housing cylinder portion and are arranged in a circumferential direction. The fluid path includes a first fluid path and a second fluid path extending in straight lines. One end portion of the first fluid path is connected to the pump. The other end portion of the first fluid path is connected to the second fluid path and is connected to the cooler via the second fluid path. From an axial direction, a direction in which the first fluid path extends and a direction in which the second fluid path extends cross each other. A first line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting the connection portion of the first fluid path and the second fluid path and the one end portion of the first fluid path. A second line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting the connection portion and the end portion of the second fluid path on the cooler side. From the axial direction, a smallest first angle formed by the first line segment and the second line segment faces the rotational axis.

[0009] According to the example drive device of the present application, the drive device can be made more compact. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the drive device viewed from the X-axis direction.

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

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the lower surface of the drive device.

[0013] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drive device viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0014] Figure 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the drive device viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0015] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle on which the drive device is mounted.

[0016] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration example of the intermediate shaft.

[0017] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the second flow path.

[0018] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a modification example of the drive device viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0019] Figure 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the tank.

[0020] Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the tank.

[0021] Figure 12A is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a first modification example of the tank.

[0022] Figure 12B is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a second modification example of the tank.

[0023] Figure 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modification example of the third flow outlet.

[0024] (SYMBOL EXPLANATION)

[0025] 100, 100a drive device; 200 battery; 300 vehicle; 1 motor shaft; 2 motor portion; 21 rotor; 210 first shaft; 2101 first shaft cylindrical portion; 2102 first hollow portion; 2103 shaft through-hole; 211 rotor core; 2111 rotor through-hole; 212 magnet; 22 stator; 221 stator core; 222 coil portion; 2221 coil end portion; 223 protruding portion; 3 gear portion; 31 reduction device; 310 second shaft; 3101 second shaft cylindrical portion; 3102 second hollow portion; 311 main drive gear; 312 intermediate driven gear; 313 final drive gear; 314 intermediate shaft; 32 differential device; 321 ring gear; 4 housing; 401 motor housing portion; 402 gear housing portion; 41 housing cylindrical portion; 411 recessed portion; 42 partition wall; 4201 partition wall through-hole; 4202 first output shaft through-hole; 4203 opening portion; 421 first motor bearing holding portion; 4211 first motor bearing; 422 first gear bearing holding portion; 4221 first gear bearing; 423 first intermediate bearing holding portion; 4231 first intermediate bearing; 424 first output bearing holding portion; 4241 first output bearing; 43 gear side cover portion; 4301 second output shaft through-hole; 431 second gear bearing holding portion; 4311 second gear bearing; 432 second intermediate bearing holding portion; 4321 second intermediate bearing; 433 second output bearing holding portion; 4331 second output bearing; 434 tray portion; 4341 hole portion; 44 motor side cover portion; 441 second motor bearing holding portion; 4411 second motor bearing; 5 pump; 50 fixed portion; 51 first flow inlet; 52 first flow outlet; 6 cooler; 61 second flow inlet; 62 second flow outlet; 7, 7a fluid flow path; 71 first flow path; 72 second flow path; 721 first fluid path; 722 second fluid path; 7221 seal plug; 723 third fluid path; 724 fourth fluid path; 725 fifth fluid path; 73 third flow path; 74 fourth flow path; 741 third flow inlet; 742 third flow outlet; 75 fifth flow path; 751 supply restriction member; 76 sixth flow path; 761 internal flow path; 762 fluid supply member; 763 supply hole; 77 seventh flow path; 771 supply restriction member; 8 tank; 81 first tank member; 82 second tank member; 83 seal member; 84 bottom surface; 85 inclined surface; F fluid; P fluid accumulation portion; Ds output shaft; J1 rotational axis; J2 intermediate axis; J3 differential axis; Cp1, Cp2 connection portion; Lv1 first imaginary line; Lv2 second imaginary line; L1 first line segment; L2 second line segment; L3 third line segment; L4 fourth line segment; L5 fifth line segment; L6 sixth line segment; Cv imaginary circle; Pv imaginary plane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] An exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] In the following description, the direction of gravity is defined based on the positional relationship when the driving device 100 is mounted on the vehicle 300 located on a horizontal road surface. In the drawings, the XYZ coordinate system is appropriately shown as a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. In the XYZ coordinate system, the Z-axis direction indicates the vertical direction (i.e., the up-down direction). The +Z direction is upward (toward the vertical direction opposite to the direction of gravity), and the -Z direction is downward (toward the vertical direction identical to the direction of gravity). In the following description, the "Z-axis direction" is an example of the "second direction" of the present application. The "-Z direction" is an example of "one side of the second direction" of the present application, and the "+Z direction" is an example of "the other side of the second direction" of the present application.

[0028] In addition, the X-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction, and indicates the front-rear direction of the vehicle 300 on which the driving device 100 is mounted. The +X direction is the front of the vehicle 300, and the -X direction is the rear of the vehicle 300. However, the +X direction can also be the rear of the vehicle 300, and the -X direction can also be the front of the vehicle 300. In the following description, the "X-axis direction" is an example of the "first direction" of the present application. The "-X direction" is an example of "one side of the first direction" of the present application, and the "+X direction" is an example of "the other side of the first direction" of the present application.

[0029] 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 300. The +Y direction is the left of the vehicle 300, and the -Y direction is the right of the vehicle 300. However, in the case where the +X direction is the rear of the vehicle 300, the +Y direction can also be the right of the vehicle 300, and the -Y direction can also be the left of the vehicle 300. That is, regardless of the X-axis direction, only the +Y direction becomes one side of the left-right direction of the vehicle 300, and the -Y direction becomes the other side of the left-right direction of the vehicle 300. In addition, depending on the mounting method of the driving device 100 to the vehicle 300, there can be a case where the X-axis direction is the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle 300, and the Y-axis direction is the front-rear direction of the vehicle 300. In the following embodiments, the Y-axis direction is parallel to, for example, the rotation axis J1 of the motor portion 2, and the like. In the following description, the "Y-axis direction" is an example of the "axial direction" of the present application. In addition, the "+Y direction" is an example of "one side of the axial direction" of the present application, and the "-Y direction" is an example of "the other side of the axial direction" of the present application.

[0030] In the following description, the direction parallel to the axis defined by the rotational axis J1 of the motor portion 2 and the like is sometimes referred to simply as the "axial direction" unless otherwise specified. In addition, the direction orthogonal to the defined axis is referred to simply as the "radial direction". The direction approaching the axis in the radial direction is referred to as the "radial inner side", and the direction away from the axis is referred to as the "radial outer side". In each of the constituent elements, the end portion on the radial inner side is referred to as the "radial inner end portion". In addition, the end portion on the outer side is referred to as the "radial outer end portion". In addition, in the side surface of each of the constituent elements, 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".

[0031] In addition, the direction of rotation centered on the defined axis is referred to as the "circumferential direction Dr". The counterclockwise direction is referred to as the "one circumferential direction Dr1", and the clockwise direction is referred to as the "other circumferential direction Dr2" when the +Y direction is observed from the -Y direction.

[0032] In addition, in the present specification, "annular" includes not only a shape continuously connected without a gap in the entire region of the circumferential direction Dr centered on the defined axis, but also a shape having one or more gaps in a part of the entire region centered on the defined axis. In addition, a shape in which a closed curve is drawn on a curved surface intersecting the defined axis centered on the defined axis is also included.

[0033] In addition, in the positional relationship between any one of the directions, lines, and surfaces and the other, "parallel" includes not only a state in which the two do not intersect at all to some extent, but also a substantially parallel state. In addition, "perpendicular" and "orthogonal" include not only a state in which the two intersect each other at 90 degrees, but also a substantially perpendicular state and a substantially orthogonal state. That is, "parallel", "perpendicular", and "orthogonal" each include a state in which there is an angular deviation in the positional relationship between the two to some extent without departing from the gist of the present application.

[0034] In addition, these are names for explanation only and do not mean to limit the actual positional relationship, direction, name, and the like.

[0035] <1. Embodiment>

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a structure example of the drive device 100 as viewed from the X-axis direction. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the drive device 100 as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the lower surface of the drive device 100. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drive device 100 as viewed from the Y-axis direction. Figure 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the drive device 100 as viewed from the Y-axis direction. Figure 6is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle 300 on which the drive device 100 is mounted. In addition, Figure 3 The drive device 100 is viewed from the -Z direction toward the +Z direction. Figure 4 and Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional structure when the drive device 100 is cut by an imaginary plane including the dotted line B-B of Figure 3 and perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. Figure 4 is a view of the cross-sectional structure viewed from the -Y direction toward the +Y direction. Figure 5 is a view of the cross-sectional structure viewed obliquely from the -Y direction toward the +Y direction in the Figure 4 In addition, Figures 1-5 is a conceptual view, and the arrangement and size of each part are not limited to those of the actual drive device 100. In addition, Figure 6 conceptually illustrates the vehicle 300.

[0037] <1-1. Drive device 100>

[0038] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 6 , the drive device 100 is mounted on a vehicle 300 that uses at least a motor as a power source. The vehicle 300 is, for example, a hybrid vehicle (HV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), an electric vehicle (EV), or the like. The drive device 100 is used as a power source of the above-described vehicle 300. The vehicle 300 has the drive device 100 and a battery 200. The battery 200 accumulates electric power to be supplied to the drive device 100. If it is an example of the vehicle 300, the drive device 100 drives the front wheels on the left and right. In addition, the drive device 100 can drive at least any one of the wheels.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1-5 , the drive device 100 includes a motor shaft 1, a motor portion 2, a gear portion 3, a housing 4, a pump 5, a cooler 6, and a fluid flow path 7.

[0040] The motor shaft 1 extends in the Y-axis direction along a rotation axis J1 parallel to the horizontal direction and is rotatable about the rotation axis J1. In the present embodiment, the motor shaft 1 is divided at a central portion in the Y-axis direction and has a first shaft 210 and a second shaft 310 described later. However, the example is not limited thereto, and the motor shaft 1 can not be divided at the central portion in the Y-axis direction, and for example, can have only the first shaft 210. In this case, the end portion of the first shaft 210 on the +Y direction side is supported to be rotatable by a second gear bearing holding portion 431 via a second gear bearing 4311 described later.

[0041] <1-2. Motor portion 2>

[0042] Next, with reference to Figures 1-5Motor 2 is the drive source for drive unit 100, powered by electricity from inverter unit (not shown). Figure 1 As shown, the motor unit 2 has a rotor 21 and a stator 22. As described above, the drive unit 100 has a motor unit 2. The rotor 21 has a first shaft 210. The first shaft 210 is rotatable about a rotation axis J1 extending in the Y-axis direction. The stator 22 is disposed radially outward from the rotor 21. That is, the motor unit 2 is an internal rotor type motor. The rotor 21 rotates by supplying power to the stator 22 from the power supply unit (not shown) of the drive unit 100.

[0043] The first shaft 210 is a cylindrical shape extending along the Y-axis. The first shaft 210 has a first shaft cylindrical portion 2101 and a first hollow portion 2102. The first shaft cylindrical portion 2101 extends along the rotation axis J1 in the Y-axis direction. The first hollow portion 2102 is a space surrounded by the first shaft cylindrical portion 2101 and is disposed inside the first shaft cylindrical portion 2101.

[0044] Additionally, the first shaft 210 also has a radially penetrating shaft through-hole 2103. The shaft through-hole 2103 is disposed on the first shaft sleeve portion 2101 and radially penetrates the first shaft sleeve portion 2101. Fluid F flows inside the first shaft 210. Fluid F is used as a lubricant for lubricating the gear portion 3. Additionally, fluid F is also used as a refrigerant for cooling the motor portion 2 and the gear portion 3. To provide both lubrication and refrigerant functions, it is preferable that fluid F is an oil, for example, equivalent to low-viscosity automatic transmission fluid (ATF). When the motor shaft 1 rotates, the fluid F inside the first shaft 210 flows out through the shaft through-hole 2103 from the first hollow portion 2102 to the outside of the first shaft 210 due to centrifugal force. In this embodiment, as... Figure 1 As shown, the shaft through hole 2103 is located at a position closer to the -Y direction than the +Y direction end of the rotor 21 and closer to the +Y direction than the -Y direction end of the rotor 21, and is connected to the rotor through hole 2111 described later.

[0045] However, not limited to the above example, the shaft through hole 2103 may also be configured at a position closer to the +Y direction than the end of the rotor 21 on the +Y direction side, or at a position closer to the -Y direction than the end of the rotor 21 on the -Y direction side. That is, at least a portion of the shaft through holes 2103 may be configured at at least one of these positions. In addition, the shaft through hole 2103 may be a single hole, or multiple holes may be configured in the circumferential Dr or Y-axis directions.

[0046] Further, the rotor 21 has a rotor core 211 and magnets 212. In the present embodiment, the rotor core 211 is a laminate of a plurality of plate-shaped electromagnetic steel sheets. The rotor core 211 is a cylinder extending in the Y-axis direction, and is fixed to the radially outer side surface of the first shaft 210. The plurality of magnets 212 are fixed to the rotor core 211. The magnetic poles of the plurality of magnets 212 are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction Dr.

[0047] Further, the rotor core 211 has a rotor through-hole 2111. The rotor through-hole 2111 penetrates the rotor core 211 in the Y-axis direction, and is connected to the shaft through-hole 2103. The rotor through-hole 2111 is utilized as a flow path of the fluid F that also functions as a refrigerant. When the rotor 21 rotates, the fluid F flowing in the first hollow portion 2102 of the first shaft 210 flows into the rotor through-hole 2111 via the shaft through-hole 2103. Further, the fluid F that has flowed into the rotor through-hole 2111 flows out to the outside from the end portions on both sides of the Y-axis direction of the rotor through-hole 2111. A part of the fluid F that has flowed out splashes toward the stator 22, for example, the coil portion 222 (particularly, the coil end portion 2221), and the like. Further, a part of the fluid F that has flowed out scatters toward the first motor bearing 4211 and the second motor bearing 4411 that rotatably support the first shaft 210, and the like, lubricates and cools them.

[0048] The stator 22 has a stator core 221 and a coil portion 222. The stator 22 is held by the housing cylinder portion 41 described later. The stator core 221 has a plurality of magnetic pole teeth (not shown) extending to the radially inner side from the inner peripheral surface of a circular ring-shaped yoke. The coil portion 222 is formed by winding a wire on the magnetic pole teeth with an insulator (omitted from the drawing) interposed. The coil portion 222 has a coil end portion 2221 protruding from the axial end surface of the stator core 221.

[0049] The stator 22 also has a protruding portion 223 (for example, refer to Figure 4 ). The protruding portion 223 protrudes to the radially outer side at the radially outer end portion of the stator 22, and extends in the Y-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the protruding portion 223 is a portion for fixing the stator 22 with respect to the housing 4. The protruding portion 223 is provided at the radially outer end portion of the stator core 221. The protruding portion 223 of the stator 22 is a plurality, and is arranged in the circumferential direction. A through-hole (omitted from the drawing) extending in the Y-axis direction is formed in the protruding portion 223. A bolt extending in the Y-axis direction is inserted through this through-hole. By screwing this bolt with, for example, the partition wall 42 described later of the housing 4, the stator 22 is fixed to the housing 4. Further, a recessed portion 411 (for example, refer to Figure 4 ) is provided on the inner side surface of the housing cylinder portion 41. The recessed portion 411 is recessed to the radially outer side, and extends in the Y-axis direction. At least a part of the protruding portion 223 is received in the recessed portion 411. Thus, it is possible to more reliably prevent the stator 22 from rotating in the circumferential direction with respect to the housing cylinder portion 41.

[0050] <1-3. Gear section 3>

[0051] Next, the gear section 3 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The gear section 3 is installed on the +Y-axis direction side of the motor shaft 1. As described above, the drive device 100 has the gear section 3. In detail, the gear section 3 is installed on the +Y-axis direction side of the first shaft 210, and transmits the power of the motor section 2 to the output shaft Ds. The gear section 3 has a reduction device 31 and a differential device 32.

[0052] <1-3-1. Reduction device 31>

[0053] The reduction device 31 is connected to the motor shaft 1, in detail, the +Y-axis direction side of the first shaft 210. The reduction device 31 has a function of reducing the rotational speed of the motor shaft 1, and increasing the torque output from the motor section 2 in accordance with the reduction ratio. The reduction device 31 transmits the torque output from the motor section 2 to the differential device 32.

[0054] The reduction device 31 has a second shaft 310. The second shaft 310 is a cylindrical shape extending in the Y-axis direction, and is connected to the end portion of the +Y-axis direction side of the first shaft 210. As described above, the gear section 3 has the second shaft 310. The second shaft 310 is rotatable together with the first shaft 210 about the rotational axis J1. In the present embodiment, the second shaft 310 is inserted into the end portion of the +Y-axis direction side of the first shaft 210, and is connected by spline fitting. However, it is not limited to this example, and the two may, for example, be connected by a threaded coupling using a male screw and a female screw, or may be joined by a fixing method such as press-fitting, welding, or the like. In the case of using a fixing method such as press-fitting, welding, or the like, a sawtooth that combines a recess and a protrusion extending in the Y-axis direction can be used. By using such a structure, rotation can be reliably transmitted.

[0055] The second shaft 310 has a second shaft cylinder portion 3101 and a second hollow portion 3102. The second shaft cylinder portion 3101 extends in the Y-axis direction along the rotational axis J1. The end portion of the -Y-axis direction side of the second shaft cylinder portion 3101 is inserted and connected to the end portion of the +Y-axis direction side of the first shaft cylinder portion 2101. The second hollow portion 3102 is a space surrounded by the second shaft cylinder portion 3101, and is disposed inside the second shaft cylinder portion 3101, in connection with the first hollow portion 2102.

[0056] Further, the reduction gear 31 has a main drive gear 311, an intermediate driven gear 312, and a final drive gear 313. Further, the main drive gear 311 is an example of the "first gear" of the present application. The intermediate driven gear 312 is an example of the "second gear" of the present application, and the final drive gear 313 is an example of the "third gear" of the present application. The main drive gear 311 is rotatable together with the motor shaft 1 with the rotational axis J1 as a center. The intermediate driven gear 312 is engaged with the main drive gear 311. The final drive gear 313 is engaged with the ring gear 321 described later. Further, the reduction gear 31 has an intermediate shaft 314. The torque output from the motor section 2 is transmitted to the ring gear 321 of the differential 32 via the second shaft 310, the main drive gear 311, the intermediate driven gear 312, the intermediate shaft 314, and the final drive gear 313.

[0057] The main drive gear 311 is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the motor shaft 1, specifically, on the radially outer side surface of the second shaft cylinder section 3101. The main drive gear 311 can be the same member as the second shaft cylinder section 3101, or can be a different member. In the latter case, the main drive gear 311 is firmly fixed to the second shaft cylinder section 3101 by shrink fitting or the like.

[0058] The intermediate driven gear 312 and the final drive gear 313 are rotatable together with the intermediate shaft 314 with the intermediate axis J2 extending in the Y-axis direction as a center.

[0059] It is preferable that the intermediate axis J2 be disposed at a position on the -X direction side from the rotational axis J1 and on the +X direction side from the differential axis J3, and at a position on the -Z direction side from the rotational axis J1 and the differential axis J3. Figure 7 is a conceptual view showing an example of the disposition of the intermediate axis J2. Further, Figure 7 The disposition of the intermediate axis J2 is observed from the +Y direction toward the -Y direction. The smallest fourth angle θd formed by the fifth line segment L5 and the sixth line segment L6 as observed from the Y-axis direction is an obtuse angle. Further, the fifth line segment L5 is an imaginary line segment connecting the intermediate axis J2 and the rotational axis J1. The sixth line segment L6 is an imaginary line segment connecting the intermediate axis J2 and the differential axis J3. By disposing the intermediate axis J2 at a position on the X-axis direction between the rotational axis J1 and the differential axis J3 and on the -Z direction side from the differential axis J3, and making the fourth angle θd an obtuse angle, it is possible to make the intermediate axis J2 closer to the rotational axis J1 and the differential axis J3 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, it is possible to make the interval of the rotational axis J1 and the differential axis J3 from the intermediate axis J2 narrower in the Z-axis direction. Thus, it is possible to further reduce the size of the gear section 3 in the Z-axis direction, and therefore it is possible to further downsize the drive device 100 in the Z-axis direction. However, in the case of the example shown in Figure 7The examples of the intermediate shaft J2 do not exclude a configuration in which the intermediate shaft J2 is disposed on the +X direction side of the rotation shaft Jl, a configuration in which the intermediate shaft J2 is disposed on the -X direction side of the differential shaft J3, and a configuration in which the intermediate shaft J2 is not disposed on the -Z direction side of the differential shaft J3.

[0060] The intermediate shaft 314 extends along an intermediate shaft line J2 extending in the Y-axis direction and is rotatable about the intermediate shaft line J2. The intermediate shaft line J2 is parallel to the rotation shaft line Jl. The intermediate driven gear 312 and the final drive gear 313 are disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the intermediate shaft 314. At least one of the intermediate driven gear 312 and the final drive gear 313 can be the same component as the intermediate shaft 314 or can be a different component from the intermediate shaft 314. In the latter case, at least one of the intermediate driven gear 312 and the final drive gear 313 is firmly fixed to the intermediate shaft 314 by shrink fitting or the like.

[0061] Torque of the first shaft 210 is transmitted to the main drive gear 311 via the second shaft 310, and further transmitted from the main drive gear 311 to the intermediate driven gear 312. Also, torque transmitted to the intermediate driven gear 312 is transmitted to the final drive gear 313 via the intermediate shaft 314. Furthermore, torque is transmitted from the final drive gear 313 to the ring gear 321 of the differential 32.

[0062] <1-3-2. Differential 32>

[0063] The differential 32 is mounted on the output shaft Ds. As described above, the gear portion 3 has the differential 32. The differential 32 has the ring gear 321. The ring gear 321 is rotatable about a differential shaft line J3 extending in the Y-axis direction. In the present embodiment, the differential shaft line J3 is disposed at a position on the -X direction side and on the -Z direction side of the rotation shaft line Jl. In addition, the X-axis direction is perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and the X-axis direction. The ring gear 321 transmits torque transmitted to the differential 32 from the motor portion 2 via the reduction gear 31 to the output shaft Ds. The output shaft Ds is mounted on the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side of the differential 32, respectively. A drive wheel of the vehicle 300 is mounted on each of the output shafts Ds. The differential 32, for example, absorbs a difference in rotational speed of the output shafts Ds on the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side when the vehicle 300 turns, and transmits torque to each of the output shafts Ds.

[0064] <1-4. Housing 4>

[0065] Hereinafter, the Figures 1-5The housing 4 is described in detail. The housing 4 houses the motor shaft 1. In addition, the housing 4 also houses the motor portion 2 and the gear portion 3. As described above, the drive device 100 is provided with the housing 4. In detail, the housing 4 has a motor housing portion 401 that houses the motor portion 2 and a gear housing portion 402 that houses the gear portion 3. The motor housing portion 401 is a space surrounded by the housing cylindrical portion 41, the partition wall 42, and the motor side cover portion 44, and houses the rotor 21, the stator 22, and the like. The gear housing portion 402 is a space surrounded by the partition wall 42 and the gear side cover portion 43 described later, and houses the reduction device 31, the differential device 32, and the like.

[0066] A fluid accumulation portion P that accumulates the fluid F is provided in a lower portion in the gear housing portion 402. A portion of the differential device 32 is immersed in the fluid accumulation portion P. The fluid F accumulated in the fluid accumulation portion P is stirred by the operation of the differential device 32 and is supplied to the inside of the gear housing portion 402. For example, in the present embodiment, a portion of the ring gear 321 on the -Z direction side is provided inside the fluid accumulation portion P on the -Z direction side of the gear housing portion 402 (see FIG. 6). When the ring gear 321 of the differential device 32 rotates, the fluid F is stirred by the tooth surface of the ring gear 321. The fluid F that is stirred is supplied to each gear and each bearing of the reduction device 31 and the differential device 32 inside the gear housing portion 402, for providing lubrication and cooling at the target. Figure 1 ) When the ring gear 321 of the differential device 32 rotates, the fluid F is stirred by the tooth surface of the ring gear 321. The fluid F that is stirred is supplied to each gear and each bearing of the reduction device 31 and the differential device 32 inside the gear housing portion 402, for providing lubrication and cooling at the target.

[0067] The housing 4 has the cylindrical housing cylindrical portion 41, the partition wall 42, the motor side cover portion 44, and the gear side cover portion 43. In addition, in the present embodiment, they are formed using a metal material such as iron, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. In addition, in order to suppress hetero-metal contact corrosion in the contact portion, it is preferable that they are formed using the same material. However, it is not limited to this example, and they can also be formed using a material other than a metal material, and at least a portion of them can be formed using a different material.

[0068] <1-4-1. Housing Cylindrical Portion 41>

[0069] The housing cylindrical portion 41 extends in the Y-axis direction. The housing cylindrical portion 41 has the motor housing portion 401 that houses the motor portion 2. As described above, the housing 4 has the housing cylindrical portion 41. The motor portion 2, the fluid supply member 762 described later, and the like are provided inside the housing cylindrical portion 41. In addition, the stator core 221 is fixed to the inner side surface of the housing cylindrical portion 41.

[0070] <1-4-2. Partition Wall 42>

[0071] The partition wall 42 extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis J1. As described above, the housing 4 has the partition wall 42. The partition wall 42 closes an end portion of the +Y direction side of the housing cylindrical portion 41. In the present embodiment, the partition wall 42 extends in a direction perpendicular to the Y axis direction. In addition, the housing cylindrical portion 41 and the partition wall 42 are different portions of the same member. By being integrally formed, the rigidity of both can be improved. However, the housing cylindrical portion 41 and the partition wall 42 can also be separate bodies, without being limited to this example.

[0072] The partition wall 42 has a partition wall through-hole 4201 through which the motor shaft 1 is inserted, a first output shaft through-hole 4202, and an opening portion 4203. The partition wall through-hole 4201, the first output shaft through-hole 4202, and the opening portion 4203 each pass through the partition wall 42 in the Y axis direction. The center of the partition wall through-hole 4201 coincides with the rotation axis J1. The motor shaft 1 is inserted through the partition wall through-hole 4201. The center of the first output shaft through-hole 4202 coincides with the differential axis J3. The output shaft Ds of the -Y direction side is inserted in the first output shaft through-hole 4202. A seal (not shown) that seals between the output shaft Ds and the first output shaft through-hole 4202 is disposed in a gap between the two. In addition, the seal means that different members are in close contact with each other to the extent that, for example, the fluid F inside the members does not leak to the outside, and the extent that foreign matter such as water, dust, dirt, and the like from the outside does not intrude. The same applies to the seal below. The opening portion 4203 is disposed on the -Z direction side of the partition wall 42, and connects the motor housing portion 401 and the gear housing portion 402. The fluid F that has fallen to the -Z direction side of the motor housing portion 401 flows into the gear housing portion 402 from the opening portion 4203, lubricates and cools a portion of the gear portion 3, and is then stored in the fluid storage portion P.

[0073] The partition wall 42 further includes a first motor bearing holding portion 421, a first gear bearing holding portion 422, a first intermediate bearing holding portion 423, and a first output bearing holding portion 424.

[0074] The first motor bearing holding portion 421 is disposed on an end surface of the -Y direction side of the partition wall 42. The first motor bearing holding portion 421 is disposed along an outer edge portion of the -Y direction side end portion of the partition wall through-hole 4201. The housing 4 has the first motor bearing holding portion 421. The first motor bearing holding portion 421 rotatably holds the +Y direction side end portion of the first shaft 210 via a first motor bearing 4211.

[0075] The first gear bearing holding portion 422, the first intermediate bearing holding portion 423, and the first output shaft bearing holding portion 424 are arranged at the end surface of the partition wall 42 on the +Y direction side. The first gear bearing holding portion 422 is arranged along the outer edge portion of the end portion of the partition wall through-hole 4201 on the +Y direction side, and rotatably holds the end portion of the second shaft 310 on the -Y direction side via the first gear bearing 4221. The first intermediate bearing holding portion 423 rotatably holds the end portion of the intermediate shaft 314 on the -Y direction side via the first intermediate bearing 4231. The first output shaft bearing holding portion 424 is arranged along the outer edge portion of the end portion of the first output shaft through-hole 4202 on the +Y direction side, and holds the output shaft Ds on the -Y direction side so as to be rotatable via the first output shaft bearing 4241.

[0076] Further, the partition wall 42 has a third flow path 73 of the fluid flow path 7, which will be described later. The third flow path 73 will be described later.

[0077] <1-4-3. GEAR SIDE COVER PORTION 43>

[0078] The gear side cover portion 43 is a cover-cylindrical member. The cover portion (omitted) of the gear side cover portion 43 expands in a direction intersecting the rotation axis J1. The cylindrical portion (omitted) of the gear side cover portion 43 extends in the Y axis direction. As described above, the housing 4 has the gear side cover portion 43. The gear side cover portion 43 is arranged at the end portion of the partition wall 42 on the +Y direction side, and constitutes the gear housing portion 402 that houses the gear portion 3 together with the partition wall 42.

[0079] The gear side cover portion 43 is detachably mounted at the end portion of the partition wall 42 on the +Y direction side. The mounting of the gear side cover portion 43 with respect to the partition wall 42 can be, for example, fixation by screws, but is not limited thereto, and can widely adopt methods such as screwing-in, press-fitting, and the like that can firmly fix the gear side cover portion 43 to the partition wall 42. Thereby, the gear side cover portion 43 can be in close contact with the partition wall 42. In addition, the close contact refers to airtightness having a degree that the fluid F inside the member does not leak to the outside, and a degree that foreign matter such as water, dust, dirt, and the like on the outside does not intrude. The same applies to the close contact below.

[0080] The gear side cover portion 43 has a second output shaft through-hole 4301. The center of the second output shaft through-hole 4301 coincides with the differential axis J3. The output shaft Ds on the +Y direction side is inserted through the second output shaft through-hole 4301. An oil seal (not shown) that seals between the output shaft Ds and the second output shaft through-hole 4301 is arranged in the gap therebetween.

[0081] Further, the gear side cover portion 43 has a second gear bearing holding portion 431, a second intermediate bearing holding portion 432, and a second output bearing holding portion 433. The second gear bearing holding portion 431, the second intermediate bearing holding portion 432, and the second output bearing holding portion 433 are arranged on the -Y direction side of the gear side cover portion 43. The second gear bearing holding portion 431 holds the end portion on the +Y direction side of the second shaft 310 to be rotatable via a second gear bearing 4311. The second intermediate bearing holding portion 432 holds the end portion on the +Y direction side of the intermediate shaft 314 to be rotatable via a second intermediate bearing 4321. The second output bearing holding portion 433 is arranged along the outer edge portion of the end portion on the -Y direction side of the second output shaft through hole 4301, and holds the output shaft Ds on the +Y direction side to be rotatable via a second output bearing 4331.

[0082] Further, the gear side cover portion 43 has a tray portion 434 (see, for example, Figure 1 ). The tray portion 434 is arranged on the -Y direction side of the gear side cover portion 43, and has a recessed portion (omitted symbol) recessed in the -Z direction (vertically downward) and a single or a plurality of hole portions 4341. The hole portions 4341 penetrate the tray portion 434. The fluid F stirred up by the ring gear 321 is discharged through the hole portions 4341 after being accumulated in the tray portion 434, and is supplied to each gear, bearing, and the like in the gear housing portion 402 to lubricate or cool them.

[0083] Further, the gear side cover portion 43 has a fifth flow path 75 of the fluid flow path 7 described later. The fifth flow path 75 will be described later.

[0084] <1-4-4. Motor side cover portion 44>

[0085] The motor side cover portion 44 is attached to the end portion on the -Y direction side of the housing cylinder portion 41 in a detachable manner, and closes and plugs the end portion on the -Y direction side of the housing cylinder portion 41. The fixation of the motor side cover portion 44 with respect to the housing cylinder portion 41 can be, for example, fixation by screws, but is not limited thereto, and can widely employ secure fixation means such as screwing in and pressing in. Thus, the motor side cover portion 44 can be in close contact with the housing cylinder portion 41.

[0086] The motor side cover portion 44 has a second motor bearing holding portion 441. The second motor bearing holding portion 441 is arranged on the +Y direction side of the motor side cover portion 44. The housing 4 has the second motor bearing holding portion 441. The second motor bearing holding portion 441 rotatably holds the end portion on the -Y direction side of the first shaft 210 via a second motor bearing 4411.

[0087] <1-5. Pump 5, cooler 6, and fluid flow path 7>

[0088] Next, the pump 5, the cooler 6, and the fluid flow path 7 will be described with reference to Figures 1-5, indicating the pump 5, the cooler 6, and the fluid flow path 7. As described above, the driving device 100 is provided with the pump 5 and the cooler 6. The pump 5 transports the fluid F. The cooler 6 cools the fluid F. In addition, the driving device 100 is provided with the fluid flow path 7. The fluid F flows in the fluid flow path 7.

[0089] The pump 5 is an electric pump driven by an inverter unit (omitted from the drawing). The pump 5 can employ a direct current pump, a centrifugal pump, or the like. The pump 5 is fixed to the housing cylindrical portion 41. As shown in, for example, Figure 4 The pump 5 has a plurality of fixing portions 50 fixed to the housing cylindrical portion 41. The fixing portions 50 are arranged along the outer edge portion of the pump 5 as viewed in the Y-axis direction. Through-holes (omitted from the drawing) extending in the Y-axis direction are formed in the fixing portions 50. Screws extending in the Y-axis direction are inserted into the through-holes. The pump 5 is fixed to the housing 4 by screwing the screws to, for example, the housing cylindrical portion 41 of the housing 4. Here, the third line segment L3 is an imaginary line segment connecting the two protruding portions 223 arranged closest to the pump 5 to each other as viewed in the Y-axis direction. The fourth line segment L4 is an imaginary line segment connecting the two fixing portions 50 arranged closest to the stator 22 to each other as viewed in the Y-axis direction. At this time, it is preferable that the third line segment L3 be parallel to the fourth line segment L4 as viewed in the Y-axis direction. In this way, as viewed in the Y-axis direction, the protruding portions 223 of the stator 22 and the fixing portions 50 of the pump 5 are not arranged between the third line segment L3 and the fourth line segment L4, and thus the interval between the stator 22 and the pump 5 in the radial direction can be further reduced. Therefore, the driving device 100 can be further downsized.

[0090] In addition, as shown in Figure 4 , the pump 5 is arranged at a position closer to the -X direction side than the rotational axis J1 and closer to the +X direction side than the differential axis J3. In addition, in the present embodiment, the pump 5 is arranged at a position closer to the -Z direction side than the differential axis J3. By arranging the pump 5 between the rotational axis J1 of the motor shaft 1 and the differential axis J3 of the ring gear 321 (or the output shaft Ds) in the X-axis direction, it is easy to arrange the flow inlet of the filter of the pump 5 (i.e., one end portion of the first flow path 71 described later) at the center in the X-axis direction of the gear housing portion 402 that houses the gear portion 3. Therefore, for example, even if the driving device 100 is inclined around the Y-axis direction, the flow inlet of the filter of the pump 5 (one end portion of the first flow path 71) is less likely to depart from the liquid surface of the fluid reservoir P on the -Z direction side of the gear housing portion 402. Therefore, even if the driving device 100 is inclined, the pump 5 can continue to draw the fluid F from the fluid reservoir P.

[0091] The fluid flow path 7 supplies a part of the fluid F accumulated in the fluid accumulation portion P of the gear housing portion 402 to the inside of the motor shaft 1, and another part to the outside of the motor portion 2. The pump 5 and the cooler 6 are arranged midway through the fluid flow path 7. That is, the fluid F drawn by the pump 5 is supplied to the inside of the motor shaft 1 and to the outside of the motor portion 2 after passing through the cooler 6.

[0092] The fluid flow path 7 has a first flow path 71, a second flow path 72, a third flow path 73, a fourth flow path 74, a fifth flow path 75, and a sixth flow path 76. The first flow path 71 connects the gear housing portion 402 and the first flow inlet 51 of the pump 5. The second flow path 72 connects the first flow outlet 52 of the pump 5 and one end portion of the third flow path 73 via the cooler 6. The third flow path 73 is arranged inside the partition wall 42 and extends in a direction intersecting the rotational axis J1. The fourth flow path 74 connects another end portion of the third flow path 73 and one end portion of the fifth flow path 75. The fifth flow path 75 is arranged inside the gear-side cover portion 43. The other end portion of the fifth flow path 75 is connected to the end portion of the +Y direction side of the second shaft 310. One end portion of the sixth flow path 76 is connected to the other end portion of the third flow path 73. The other end portion of the sixth flow path 76 is arranged inside the housing cylindrical portion 41.

[0093] Thus, the fluid F sent out from the pump 5 and flowing in the third flow path 73 can be supplied to the inside of the motor portion 2 through the fourth flow path 74, the fifth flow path 75, the inside of the second shaft 310, and the inside of the first shaft 210, and can be supplied to the outside (e.g., the stator 22) of the motor portion 2 through the sixth flow path 76. That is, the same pump 5 can be used to supply the fluid F to the inside and outside of the motor portion 2 through different flow paths such as the fourth flow path 74 and the fifth flow path 75 and the sixth flow path 76. Therefore, since multiple pumps 5 do not need to be mounted, the driving device 100 can be further downsized. Furthermore, since the manufacturing cost and the number of manufacturing steps can be reduced, the productivity of the driving device 100 can be improved. In addition, the fourth flow path 74 and the sixth flow path 76, which supply the fluid F to the inside and outside of the motor portion 2, branch at the other end portion of the third flow path 73, so the fluid flow path 7 can be simplified. Furthermore, by connecting the second flow path 72 via the cooler 6 and the one end portion of the third flow path 73 inside the partition wall 42, the cooled fluid F can be supplied to the inside and outside of the motor portion 2 through a shorter path.

[0094] The first flow inlet 51 of the pump 5 is inserted at one end of the first flow path 71. A filter is connected at the other end of the first flow path 71. The filter is disposed at a position closer to the -Z direction than the differential axis J3 and at a position closer to the -Z direction than the liquid surface of the fluid volume storage portion P. In the present embodiment, the filter is disposed in the fluid volume storage portion P of the gear housing portion 402. To be more specific, the flow inlet (not shown) of the filter is disposed at a position closer to the -Z direction (i.e., vertically downward) than the liquid surface of the fluid volume storage portion P. Thus, the inflow of air into the first flow path 71 can be prevented. Further, by disposing the filter closer to the -Z direction than the differential axis J3, the first flow path 71 can be made shorter, and thus the flow path resistance acting on the fluid F flowing in the first flow path 71 can be reduced. The fluid F is sucked from the flow inlet of the filter by the driving of the pump 5, is supplied to the first flow inlet 51 of the pump 5 through the first flow path 71, and is drawn by the pump 5. A filter structure (not shown) such as a filter paper is mounted on the filter. By mounting the filter structure, the mixing of foreign matter into the pump 5 and the motor portion 2, and the like can be suppressed.

[0095] The second flow path 72 is disposed radially outward of the motor housing portion 401 and connects the pump 5 and the cooler 6. Further, the second flow path 72 is an example of the "fluid path" of the present application. The housing cylindrical portion 41 has the second flow path 72.

[0096] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the second flow path 72. Further, Figure 8 enlarged view of the portion D enclosed by the dashed line of Figure 4 The one end of the second flow path 72 is connected to the first flow outlet 52 of the pump 5. The pump 5 sends out the fluid F sucked from the first flow inlet 51 from the first flow outlet 52 and sends it out to the cooler 6 via the second flow path 72.

[0097] The second flow path 72 is connected to the third flow path 73 by the inside of the cooler 6. The refrigerant RE such as water supplied from the outside is supplied to the cooler 6 through a path different from the second flow path 72. The cooler 6 performs heat exchange between the fluid F and the refrigerant RE and reduces the temperature of the fluid F flowing in the second flow path 72.

[0098] Here, the pump 5 and cooler 6 are respectively disposed on the radially outer side of the housing cylindrical portion 41 and arranged circumferentially Dr. The cooler 6 is disposed at a position Dr1 further circumferentially than the pump 5. This further shortens the flow path between the pump 5 and the cooler 6. In this embodiment, viewed from the Y-axis direction, the pump 5 is disposed at a position Dr2 further circumferentially than the first imaginary line Lv1 passing through the rotation axis J1 and the radially outer end of the protrusion 223. Viewed from the Y-axis direction, the cooler 6 is disposed at a position Dr1 further circumferentially than the first imaginary line Lv1. Thus, since the pump 5 and cooler 6 are not disposed on the first imaginary line Lv1 in the Y direction, the radial distance between the pump 5 and cooler 6 and the rotation axis J1 can be further reduced. Therefore, the drive device 100 can be further miniaturized. However, the circumferential arrangement of the pump 5 and cooler 6 is not limited to this example. For example, the cooler 6 may also be disposed at a position Dr2 further circumferentially than the pump 5.

[0099] More preferably, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the first imaginary line Lv1 intersects with the second imaginary line Lv2, which runs from the rotation axis J1 toward the connecting portion Cp1 (described later). Furthermore, the connecting portion Cp1, as described later, is the portion where the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 connect. This allows the connecting portion Cp1 to be closer to the rotation axis J1 in the radial direction, thus further reducing the radial dimension of the housing cylinder 41. Therefore, the drive device 100 can be further miniaturized.

[0100] In addition, preferred options include Figure 3 As shown, the first inlet 51 of pump 5 is located on the +Y direction side of pump 5. The first outlet 52 of pump 5 is located on the -Y direction side of pump 5. The second inlet 61 of cooler 6 is located on the -Y direction side of cooler 6 and is connected to the first outlet 52 of pump 5. The second outlet 62 of cooler 6 is located on the +Y direction side of cooler 6 and is connected to the third flow path 73.

[0101] By arranging the first inlet 51 on the +Y direction side and the first outlet 52 on the -Y direction side of the pump 5, the width of the pump 5 in the circumferential direction (Dr) can be further reduced. Similarly, by arranging the second inlet 61 on the -Y direction side and the second outlet 62 on the +Y direction side of the cooler 6, the width of the cooler 6 in the circumferential direction (Dr) can be further reduced. Therefore, the pump 5 and the cooler 6 can be arranged more compactly. Furthermore, by connecting the first outlet 52 and the second inlet 61 on the -Y direction side, the portion of the second flow path 72 connecting the first outlet 52 and the second inlet 61 can be shortened. Therefore, the flow path connecting the first outlet 52 of the pump 5 and the second inlet 61 of the cooler 6 can be further shortened.

[0102] However, the configuration of the first inlet 51 and first outlet 52 of pump 5 and the second inlet 61 and second outlet 62 of cooler 6 is not limited to the above examples. That is, the above examples do not exclude structures in which the first inlet 51 is not configured on the +Y direction side of pump 5, the first outlet 52 is not configured on the -Y direction side of pump 5, the second inlet 61 is not configured on the -Y direction side of cooler 6, and the second outlet 62 is not configured on the +Y direction side of cooler 6.

[0103] In addition, preferred options include Figure 3 As shown, the second inlet 61 of the cooler 6 is disposed on the -Y direction side and circumferentially on the Dr2 side. The second outlet 62 of the cooler 6 is disposed on the +Y direction side and circumferentially on the Dr1 side. Thus, in the cooler 6, the second inlet 61 and the second outlet 62 can be disposed diagonally, for example, in a radially viewed plan view. Therefore, since the interval between the second inlet 61 and the second outlet 62 can be longer, the portion of the second flow path 72 disposed within the cooler 6 can be longer. Therefore, the fluid F can be sufficiently cooled by the cooler 6. However, the arrangement of the second inlet 61 and the second outlet 62 of the cooler 6 is not limited to the example described above. That is, the above example does not exclude a structure in which the second inlet 61 is not disposed on the -Y direction side and circumferentially on the Dr2 side, or a structure in which the second outlet 62 is not disposed on the +Y direction side and circumferentially on the Dr1 side.

[0104] Next, as described above, a third flow path 73 is formed inside the partition wall 42. The other end of the third flow path 73 is configured to be closer to the +Z direction than one end of the third flow path 73. Preferably, viewed axially, the third flow path 73 extends linearly from one end toward the other end. This allows for a further reduction in the flow path length of the third flow path 73.

[0105] As described above, the fourth flow path 74 connects the other end of the third flow path 73 to one end of the fifth flow path 75. The fourth flow path 74 has a third flow inlet 741. The third flow inlet 741 is disposed on the partition wall 42. In other words, the partition wall 42 has a third flow inlet 741. The third flow inlet 741 is a hole extending from the end face of the partition wall 42 in the +Y direction direction to the -Y direction direction, connecting the other end of the third flow path 73 to one end of the fourth flow path 74.

[0106] Additionally, the fourth flow path 74 has a third flow outlet 742. The third flow outlet 742 of the fourth flow path 74 is disposed on the gear side cover portion 43. In other words, the gear side cover portion 43 has a third flow outlet 742. The third flow outlet 742 connects the other end of the fourth flow path 74 and one end of the fifth flow path 75.

[0107] Further, the fourth flow path 74 has the tank 8. The tank 8 will be described later.

[0108] Next, as described above, the fifth flow path 75 is formed inside the gear side cover portion 43. The other end portion of the fifth flow path 75 is connected to the second gear bearing holding portion 431. A part of the fluid F flowing into the second gear bearing holding portion 431 through the fifth flow path 75 performs lubrication and cooling of the second gear bearing 4311. Further, another part of the fluid F flowing into the second gear bearing holding portion 431 through the fifth flow path 75 flows into the inside of the motor shaft 1 from the end portion of the +Y direction side of the second shaft 310, and is supplied to the motor portion 2 side.

[0109] Here, the supply restricting member 751 is provided on the second gear bearing holding portion 431. In other words, the housing 4 includes the supply restricting member 751. The supply restricting member 751 restricts the amount of the fluid F supplied from the fifth flow path 75 to the second gear bearing 4311. By this restriction, the fluid F supplied from the fifth flow path 75 to the motor portion 2 side through the second hollow portion 3102 of the second shaft 310 can be ensured. The supply restricting member 751 has a ring-shaped portion (omitted symbol) opposed to the second gear bearing 4311 in the Y axis direction, and a cylindrical portion (omitted symbol) extending in the -Y direction from the radially inner end portion of the ring-shaped portion and inserted through the end portion of the +Y direction side of the second shaft 310. The ring-shaped portion has a through-hole (omitted symbol) through which the Y axis direction is penetrated. The fluid F is supplied to the second gear bearing 4311 through this through-hole, and is supplied to the inside of the second shaft 310 through the cylindrical portion.

[0110] Next, the sixth flow path 76 has an internal flow path 761. The internal flow path 761 is a flow path of the fluid F formed inside the partition wall 42. One end portion of the internal flow path 761 is connected to the other end portion of the third flow path 73. The other end portion of the internal flow path 761 is opened at the end surface of the -Y direction side of the partition wall 42. In the present embodiment, the internal flow path 761 is a portion of the sixth flow path 76 on the one end portion side.

[0111] Further, the sixth flow path 76 further includes a fluid supplying member 762. The fluid supplying member 762 is provided on the radially outer side of the stator 22, and supplies the fluid F to the stator 22. In the present embodiment, the fluid supplying member 762 is a portion of the sixth flow path 76 on the other end portion side. The fluid supplying member 762 is accommodated in the motor accommodating portion 401. The end portion of the +Y direction side of the fluid supplying member 762 is connected to the other end portion of the internal flow path 761. The end portion of the -Y direction side of the fluid supplying member 762 is fixed to the motor side cover portion 44.

[0112] In the present embodiment, the fluid supply member 762 is a cylindrical shape extending in the Y-axis direction. However, the fluid supply member 762 can also be a tray shape having a recessed portion recessed in the -Z direction (vertically downward) and opened in the +Z direction (vertically upward), without being limited to this example. The fluid F supplied from the third flow path 73 to the sixth flow path 76 flows inside the fluid supply member 762.

[0113] The fluid supply member 762 has at least one supply hole 763. The supply hole 763 is opened toward at least one of the stator 22, the first motor bearing 4211, and the second motor bearing 4411. The supply hole 763 is a hole that penetrates the fluid supply member 762. For example, in the present embodiment, a plurality of supply holes 763 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. The supply hole 763 arranged on the most +Y direction side is opened toward the first motor bearing 4211. The supply hole 763 arranged on the most -Y direction side is opened toward the second motor bearing 4411. In the Y-axis direction, the supply holes 763 arranged therebetween are opened toward the radially outer side surface of the stator 22 and the end portion (for example, the coil end portion 2221) of the stator 22 in the Y-axis direction. In this way, the supply hole 763 can supply the fluid F flowing out of the supply hole 763 to at least any one of the stator 22, the first motor bearing 4211, and the second motor bearing 4411. Therefore, cooling and lubrication of these members can be performed.

[0114] Here, the fluid flow path 7 branches at the other end of the third flow path 73 into the fourth flow path 74 and the sixth flow path 76. It is preferable that the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the fourth flow path 74 be narrower than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the sixth flow path 76. In addition, it is preferable that the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the third flow path 73 be wider than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the sixth flow path 76. For example, the diameter of the third flow inlet 741 of the fourth flow path 74 is smaller than the smaller one of the inner diameter of the internal flow path 761 in the sixth flow path 76 and the inner diameter of the fluid supply member 762. In addition, the inner diameter of the third flow path 73 is larger than the smaller one of the inner diameter of the internal flow path 761 in the sixth flow path 76 and the inner diameter of the fluid supply member 762. By making the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the fourth flow path 74 narrower than the sixth flow path 76, it is possible to reduce the fluid pressure reduction of the fluid F flowing in the third flow path 73. Therefore, for example, even if the fluid supply member 762 is located in the +Z direction (vertically upward) compared to the third flow inlet 741 of the fourth flow path 74 or the viscosity of the fluid F is high, it is possible to sufficiently supply the fluid F to the fluid supply member 762 through the sixth flow path 76. However, this example does not exclude a structure in which the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the fourth flow path 74 is not narrower than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the sixth flow path 76 or a structure in which the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the third flow path 73 is not wider than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the sixth flow path 76.

[0115] In addition to this, the fluid flow path 7 can include a flow path that supplies the fluid F flowing in the sixth flow path 76 to the end portion of the -Y direction side of the motor shaft 1. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modification of the drive device 100 viewed from the X-axis direction. In addition, Figure 9 The structure of the drive device 100a of the modification is viewed from the -X direction to the +X direction. In addition, Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram, and the arrangement and size of each portion are not limited to be the same as the actual drive device 100a.

[0116] In Figure 9 , the fluid flow path 7a further includes a seventh flow path 77. One end portion of the seventh flow path 77 is connected to the end portion of the -Y direction side of the sixth flow path 76. The other end portion of the seventh flow path 77 is connected to the end portion of the -Y direction side of the first shaft 210. In detail, the seventh flow path 77 is arranged in the motor side cover portion 44, in connection with the second motor bearing holding portion 441. In other words, the motor side cover portion 44 has the seventh flow path 77. A part of the fluid F flowing from the sixth flow path 76 into the seventh flow path 77 is supplied to the second motor bearing 4411, and lubricates and cools the second motor bearing 4411. In addition, the other end portion of the seventh flow path 77 is connected to the end portion of the -Y direction side of the first shaft 210 via the second motor bearing holding portion 441. The other part of the fluid F flowing from the sixth flow path 76 to the seventh flow path 77 is supplied to the inside of the motor portion 2 via the second motor bearing holding portion 441. In this way, it is also possible to supply the fluid F via the sixth flow path 76 and the seventh flow path 77 to the -Y direction of the first shaft 210. Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently supply more fluid F to the inside of the motor portion 2.

[0117] In addition, in Figure 9 , the supply restricting member 771 is arranged in the second motor bearing holding portion 441. In other words, the housing 4 includes the supply restricting member 771. The supply restricting member 771 restricts the amount of the fluid F supplied from the seventh flow path 77 to the second motor bearing 4411. By this restriction, it is possible to secure the fluid F supplied from the seventh flow path 77 to the inside of the motor portion 2 through the first hollow portion 2102 of the first shaft 210. The supply restricting member 771 has a ring-shaped portion (omitted) opposed to the second motor bearing 4411 in the Y-axis direction, and a cylindrical portion (omitted) extending from the radially inner end portion of the ring-shaped portion to the -Y direction and inserted through the end portion of the -Y direction side of the first shaft 210. The ring-shaped portion has a through-hole (omitted) that penetrates the ring-shaped portion in the Y-axis direction. The fluid F is supplied to the second motor bearing 4411 through this through-hole, and is supplied to the inside of the first shaft 210 through the cylindrical portion.

[0118] <1-6. Second flow path 72>

[0119] Next, referring to Figures 4-5 andFigure 8 The second flow path 72 will be described in more detail.

[0120] The second flow path 72 includes a first fluid path 721 and a second fluid path 722. The first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 each extend in a straight line. One end portion of the first fluid path 721 is connected to the pump 5. The other end portion of the first fluid path 721 is connected to the second fluid path 722, and is connected to the cooler 6 via the second fluid path 722. In detail, the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 are disposed inside the housing cylindrical portion 41. The other end portion of the first fluid path 721 is connected to a portion between the two end portions of the second fluid path 722. The other end portion of the second fluid path 722 is opened to the radially outer side surface of the housing cylindrical portion 41. In order to prevent leakage of the fluid F, one end portion of the second fluid path 722 is plugged with a sealing plug 7221.

[0121] In addition, the second flow path 72 includes a third fluid path 723, a fourth fluid path 724, and a fifth fluid path 725. The third fluid path 723 is disposed inside the housing cylindrical portion 41, and connects one end portion of the second fluid path 722 and the second flow inlet 61 of the cooler 6. The fourth fluid path 724 is disposed inside the cooler 6, and connects the third fluid path 723 and the fifth fluid path 725. In the present embodiment, one end portion of the fourth fluid path 724 is the second flow inlet 61, and the other end portion of the fourth fluid path 724 is the second flow outlet 62. The fluid F flowing in the fourth fluid path 724 is cooled by exchanging heat with the refrigerant RE of the other pipe. The fifth fluid path 725 is disposed inside the housing cylindrical portion 41, and connects the second flow outlet 62 of the cooler 6 and one end portion of the third flow path 73.

[0122] When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the direction in which the first fluid path 721 extends and the direction in which the second fluid path 722 extends intersect. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, a first line segment L1 is an imaginary line segment connecting the connection portion Cp1 of the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 and one end portion of the first fluid path 721. A second line segment L2 is an imaginary line segment connecting the connection portion Cp1 and the cooler 6 side end portion of the second fluid path 722. At this time, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the smallest first angle θa formed by the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2 is oriented toward the rotation axis J1. Figure 8

[0123] ​Since the direction of extension of the first fluid path 721 intersects the direction of extension of the second fluid path 722, the minimum first angle θa formed by the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2 is greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Furthermore, viewed from the Y-axis direction, the first angle θa is oriented towards the rotation axis J1. As a result, the width between the radially inner and radially outer ends of the space occupied by the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 can be further reduced. Therefore, the radial dimension of the housing cylinder portion 41 can be further reduced. In addition, the pump 5 and cooler 6, which are arranged circumferentially, can be positioned further radially inner. Therefore, the drive device 100 can be further miniaturized.

[0124] Preferably, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the first angle θa is an obtuse angle (refer to...). Figure 8 By making the first angle θa an obtuse angle, the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 can be made to be closer to the motor housing 401 in the radial direction. Alternatively, if the first angle θa is an acute angle when the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 are formed within the housing cylinder 41, the connecting portion Cp1 of the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 needs to be further away from the motor housing 401 in the radial direction. Therefore, the radial dimension of the housing cylinder 41 can be reduced, thus enabling further miniaturization of the drive unit 100. Furthermore, a sealing plug 7221 for preventing leakage of fluid F is disposed at the radially outer end of the second fluid path 722. By making the first angle θa an obtuse angle, the radially outer end of the second fluid path 722 can be easily moved away from the cooler 6 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, interference between the sealing plug 7221 and the cooler 6 can be prevented, thus preventing the cooler 6 from being obstructed in its configuration. Furthermore, since the radially outer end of the second fluid path 722 can be positioned more radially inward, the increase in the radial dimension of the housing cylinder 41 can be suppressed. Therefore, the enlargement of the drive unit 100 can be prevented. However, the above example does not preclude a structure where the first angle θa is a right angle or an acute angle when viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0125] Furthermore, preferably, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the smallest second angle θb formed by the direction of extension of the first fluid path 721 and the direction of extension of the second fluid path 722 is smaller than the smallest third angle θc formed by the tangent direction Dt and the direction of extension of the first fluid path 721 (refer to...). Figure 8). Here, the tangent direction Dt is a direction in which a tangent Lt at the cooler 6 side end of the second fluid path 722 extends. The tangent Lt is tangent to an imaginary circle Cv from the Y-axis direction. The imaginary circle Cv is centered on the rotational axis J1 and passes through the cooler 6 side end of the second fluid path 722. In other words, the imaginary circle Cv passes through the connecting portion Cp2 of the second fluid path 722 and the third fluid path 723. By setting θb < θc, the sealing plug 7221 arranged at the radially outer end of the second fluid path 722 can be more easily separated from the cooler 6, and thus the radially outer end of the second fluid path 722 can be more reliably prevented from becoming an obstacle to the arrangement of the cooler 6. In addition, since the radially outer end of the second fluid path 722 can be arranged at a position closer to the radially inner side, an increase in the radial dimension of the housing cylindrical portion 41 can be suppressed. Thus, the enlargement of the drive device 100 can be suppressed. However, this example does not exclude a structure in which θb ≥ θc.

[0126] In addition, it is preferable that at least one of the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 extend in a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. In other words, at least one of the direction in which the first fluid path 721 extends and the direction in which the second fluid path 722 extends is parallel to an imaginary plane Pv orthogonal to the Y-axis direction. For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, both the direction in which the first fluid path 721 extends and the direction in which the second fluid path 722 extends are parallel to the imaginary plane Pv. By causing at least one of the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 to extend in a direction orthogonal to the Y-axis direction, the at least one can be more easily formed within the housing cylindrical portion 41. However, this example does not exclude a structure in which both the direction in which the first fluid path 721 extends and the direction in which the second fluid path 722 extends cross the imaginary plane Pv. Figure 5

[0127] <1-7. Tank 8>

[0128] Next, the tank 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 15, etc. Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figures 10-13 Figure 10 is a conceptual view showing the arrangement of the tank 8. Figure 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a structure example of the tank 8. Figure 12A is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a first modification example of the tank 8. Figure 12B is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a second modification example of the tank 8. Figure 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modification example of the third fluid outlet 742. In addition, Figure 10 schematically shows a case in which the tank 8 is arranged in the housing 40. Figure 3 ​​A cross-sectional configuration of the drive device 100 cut by an imaginary plane perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and passing through the double-dotted line C-C is shown in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the illustration of the gear portion 3 and the like is omitted for the sake of observation. Figure 10 Figure 11 An enlarged view of the portion A enclosed by the dotted line in FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 4. Figure 1 Figures 12A-13 The portions A enclosed by the dotted lines in FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively, correspond to the portion A enclosed by the dotted line in FIG. 1. Figure 1

[0129] As described above, the fourth flow path 74 has the tank 8. The tank 8 is connected to the other end portion of the third flow path 73 through the third flow inlet 741 and to one end portion of the fifth flow path 75 through the third flow outlet 742. The flow path cross-sectional area of the tank 8 is wider than the flow path cross-sectional area of the third flow inlet 741. In the tank 8, the fluid F flows in the +Y direction. The "flow path cross-sectional area" is the cross-sectional area of the internal space of the tank 8 when the tank 8 is cut by an imaginary plane perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid F flows. In this way, since it is possible to ensure that the volume of the internal space of the tank 8 is large, it is possible to store the fluid F flowing from the third flow path 73 into the fourth flow path 74 in the tank 8. Therefore, by providing the tank 8, it is possible to smoothly supply the fluid F from the fourth flow path 74 to the fifth flow path 75 without interruption.

[0130] The tank 8 has a cylindrical first tank member 81 and a cylindrical second tank member 82. The first tank member 81 extends from the +Y direction side of the partition wall 42 toward the +Y direction. The second tank member 82 extends from the -Y direction side of the gear-side cover portion 43 toward the -Y direction and is connected to the end portion of the first tank member 81 on the +Y direction side. In other words, the partition wall 42 has the first tank member 81 and the gear-side cover portion 43 has the second tank member 82. In this way, it is possible to constitute the tank 8 by the first tank member 81 on the partition wall 42 side and the second tank member 82 on the gear-side cover portion 43 side.

[0131] In the present embodiment, the tank 8 further has a sealing member 83. The end portion of the first tank member 81 on the +Y direction side is connected to the end portion of the second tank member 82 on the -Y direction side with the sealing member 83 interposed therebetween. The sealing member 83 can employ, for example, a ring-shaped gasket provided therebetween. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, by fixing the gear-side cover portion 43 to the partition wall 42 in a state in which the both are butted against each other with the sealing member 83 interposed therebetween, it is possible to form the tank 8. In this way, it is possible to seal the connecting portion of the end portion of the first tank member 81 on the +Y direction side and the end portion of the second tank member 82 on the -Y direction side with the sealing member 83. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the fluid F from leaking at the joint portion therebetween. Figure 11

[0132] In addition, the structure of the tank 8 is not limited to the example of the present embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the tank 8 can be constituted by a single tank member 81. In this case, the end portion of the tank member 81 on the +Y direction side is connected to the end portion of the tank member 81 on the -Y direction side with the sealing member 83 interposed therebetween. In this way, it is possible to seal the connecting portion of the end portion of the tank member 81 on the +Y direction side and the end portion of the tank member 81 on the -Y direction side with the sealing member 83. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the fluid F from leaking at the joint portion therebetween. Figure 12A Figure 12B ​​​​​As shown, one of the end portion of the +Y direction side of the first tank member 81 and the end portion of the -Y direction side of the second tank member 82 can also be fitted with the other.

[0133] For example, in Figure 12A the outer diameter of the end portion of the +Y direction side of the first tank member 81 and the inner diameter of the end portion of the -Y direction side of the second tank member 82, as viewed from the Y axis direction, are the same to the extent that the fitting configuration of both can be formed. In Figure 12A the end portion of the +Y direction side of the first tank member 81 is fitted with the end portion of the -Y direction side of the second tank member 82.

[0134] Further, in Figure 12B the inner diameter of the end portion of the +Y direction side of the first tank member 81 and the outer diameter of the end portion of the -Y direction side of the second tank member 82, as viewed from the Y axis direction, are the same to the extent that the fitting configuration of both can be formed. In Figure 12B the end portion of the -Y direction side of the second tank member 82 is fitted into the end portion of the +Y direction side of the first tank member 81.

[0135] Thus, by the fitting configuration of the end portion of the +Y direction side of the first tank member 81 and the end portion of the -Y direction side of the second tank member 82, the tank 8 can be configured. In comparison with a structure in which the two are connected in abutment as Figure 11 Thus, by the fitting configuration of the end portion of the +Y direction side of the first tank member 81 and the end portion of the -Y direction side of the second tank member 82, the tank 8 can be configured. In comparison with a structure in which the two are connected in abutment as

[0136] Further, the tank 8 has a third flow outlet 742 and a bottom surface 84. The X-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction (vertical direction). The third flow outlet 742 is disposed on the -Z direction side (vertically lower side) and the -X direction side of the tank 8 as viewed in the Y-axis direction, and is connected to the fifth flow path 75. It is preferable that the bottom surface 84 extend in the -Z direction (vertically downward) as it goes toward the -X direction. Further, the inclination of the bottom surface 84 is set in accordance with the inclination of the driving device 100 when the vehicle 300 on which the driving device 100 is mounted is curved to the left or right, or the like. In this way, for example, even when the driving device 100 is inclined when the vehicle 300 on which the driving device 100 is mounted is turned to the right or left, or the like, it is possible to concentrate the fluid F to the -X direction side of the tank 8 in which the third flow outlet 742 is disposed. Therefore, it is possible to supply the fluid F in the tank 8 to the fifth flow path 75 without interruption. Therefore, it is possible to stably supply the fluid F to the second shaft 310 even when the driving device 100 is inclined. However, this example does not exclude a structure in which the bottom surface 84 does not expand toward the -Z direction (vertically downward) as it goes toward the -X direction. For example, the bottom surface 84 can be parallel to the X-axis direction as viewed in the axial direction, or can extend toward the +Z direction (vertically upward) as it goes toward the -X direction. In the latter case, the fluid F is moderately accumulated in the tank 8.

[0137] The third flow outlet 742 is the other end portion of the fourth flow path 74. It is preferable that, as shown in Figure 11 , the third flow outlet 742 be disposed at the end portion on the +Y direction side of the tank 8. In this way, it is possible to smoothly flow the fluid F through the fifth flow path 75.

[0138] However, the disposition of the third flow outlet 742 is not limited to Figure 11 the example. For example, as shown in Figure 13 , the third flow outlet 742 can be disposed away from the end portion on the +Y direction side of the tank 8 toward the -Y direction. In this way, it is possible to moderately accumulate the fluid F in the tank 8 while supplying the fluid F to the fifth flow path 75.

[0139] Further, it is preferable that, as in this embodiment, the tank 8 also have an inclined surface 85. The inclined surface 85 is disposed opposite the third flow inlet 741, and extends in the +Y direction as it goes toward the -Z direction (vertically downward) (for example, refer to Figure 10 ). In this way, it is easy to guide the fluid F that flows into the tank 8 from the third flow inlet 741 and comes into contact with the inclined surface 85 in the -Z direction (vertically downward).

[0140] At this time, the inner surface of the one end portion of the fifth flow path 75 is connected to the inclined surface 85. The direction in which the one end portion of the fifth flow path 75 extends is parallel to the inclined surface 85. In this way, it is possible to smoothly flow the fluid F that flows along the inclined surface 85 to the one end portion of the fifth flow path 75.

[0141] However, the example of the present embodiment does not exclude a structure in which the tank 8 does not have the inclined surface 85. Alternatively, even in the case where the tank 8 has the inclined surface 85, the example of the present embodiment does not exclude a structure in which the inner surface of the one end portion of the fifth flow path 75 is not directly connected to the inclined surface 85, or a structure in which the direction in which the one end portion of the fifth flow path 75 extends is not parallel to the inclined surface 85.

[0142] <2. OTHER>

[0143] The foregoing describes an embodiment of the present application. The scope of the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The present application can be implemented by applying various modifications to the above-described embodiment without departing from the gist of the present application. Furthermore, matters described in the above-described embodiment can be appropriately and arbitrarily combined within a range not causing contradiction.

[0144] The present application can be used for an apparatus for supplying a fluid in a housing to a motor portion.

Claims

1. A drive device characterized by comprising: includes: a motor portion having a rotor having a motor shaft rotatable about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction, and a stator disposed at a position radially outward of the rotor; a cylindrical housing cylinder portion extending in the axial direction; a pump that conveys a fluid; and a cooler that cools the fluid, the housing cylinder portion has: a motor housing portion that houses the motor portion; and a fluid path that is disposed at a position radially outward of the motor housing portion and connects the pump and the cooler, the pump and the cooler are respectively disposed at radially outer faces of the housing cylinder portion and are arranged in a circumferential direction, the fluid path includes a first fluid path and a second fluid path that extend in straight lines, one end portion of the first fluid path is connected to the pump, the other end portion of the first fluid path is connected to the second fluid path, and is connected to the cooler via the second fluid path, from an axial direction, a direction in which the first fluid path extends and a direction in which the second fluid path extends intersect each other, a first line segment is an imaginary line segment that connects a connecting portion of the first fluid path and the second fluid path and the one end portion of the first fluid path, a second line segment is an imaginary line segment that connects the connecting portion and an end portion of the second fluid path on a cooler side, from the axial direction, the rotation axis is located within a circumferential range of a smallest first angle formed by the first line segment and the second line segment, from the axial direction, the first angle is an obtuse angle.

2. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein from the axial direction, a tangent direction at the end portion of the second fluid path on the cooler side is a direction in which a tangent to an imaginary circle that is centered on the rotation axis and passes through the end portion of the second fluid path extends, from the axial direction, a smallest second angle formed by the direction in which the first fluid path extends and the direction in which the second fluid path extends is smaller than a smallest third angle formed by the tangent direction and the direction in which the first fluid path extends.

3. The drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the stator has at least one protruding portion that protrudes radially outward at a radially outer end portion of the stator, from the axial direction, the cooler is disposed at a position that is located on a circumferential one side of a first imaginary line that passes through the rotation axis and a radially outer end portion of one of the protruding portions, from the axial direction, the pump is disposed at a position that is located on a circumferential other side of the first imaginary line.

4. The drive device according to claim 3, wherein from the axial direction, the first imaginary line intersects a second imaginary line that extends from the rotation axis toward the connecting portion.

5. The drive device according to claim 3, wherein the pump has a plurality of fixed portions that are fixed to the housing cylinder portion, the fixed portions are disposed along an outer edge portion of the pump as viewed in the axial direction, the protruding portion of the stator is a plurality of and is arranged in the circumferential direction, a third line segment is an imaginary line segment that connects two of the protruding portions that are disposed closest to the pump to each other as viewed in the axial direction, A fourth line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting the two fixing portions disposed closest to the stator to each other as viewed in the axial direction, The third line segment is parallel to the fourth line segment as viewed in the axial direction.

6. The drive apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein At least one of a direction in which the first fluid path extends and a direction in which the second fluid path extends is parallel to an imaginary plane orthogonal to the axial direction.

7. The drive apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The drive apparatus further includes a gear portion installed on one side of the motor shaft in the axial direction, The gear portion has a differential device having a ring gear rotatable about a differential axis extending in the axial direction, A direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the axial direction is a first direction, The differential axis is disposed on one side of the rotational axis in the first direction, The pump is disposed on one side of the rotational axis in the first direction and on the other side of the differential axis in the first direction.

8. The drive apparatus according to claim 7, wherein The gear portion further has: a first gear rotatable about the rotational axis together with the motor shaft; a second gear engaged with the first gear; and a third gear engaged with the ring gear, The up-down direction is a second direction, The second gear and the third gear are rotatable about an intermediate axis extending in the axial direction, The intermediate axis is disposed on one side of the rotational axis in the first direction and on the other side of the differential axis in the first direction, and is disposed on one side of the rotational axis and the differential axis in the second direction, A fifth line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting the intermediate axis and the rotational axis, A sixth line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting the intermediate axis and the differential axis, A smallest fourth angle formed by the fifth line segment and the sixth line segment as viewed in the axial direction is an obtuse angle.

9. A drive apparatus characterized by comprising: including: a motor portion having a rotor having a motor shaft rotatable about a rotational axis extending in the axial direction, and a stator disposed on a radially outer side of the rotor; a cylindrical housing cylinder portion extending in the axial direction; a pump that conveys a fluid; and a cooler that cools the fluid, The housing cylinder portion has: a motor housing portion that houses the motor portion; and a fluid path connecting the pump and the cooler and disposed on a radially outer side of the motor housing portion, The pump and the cooler are respectively disposed on radially outer sides of the housing cylinder portion and are arranged in a circumferential direction, The fluid path includes a first fluid path and a second fluid path extending in straight lines, One end portion of the first fluid path is connected to the pump, The other end portion of the first fluid path is connected to the second fluid path, and is connected to the cooler via the second fluid path, A direction in which the first fluid path extends and a direction in which the second fluid path extends cross each other as viewed in the axial direction, The first line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting an end portion of the first fluid path and a connection portion of the first fluid path and the second fluid path, The second line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting the connection portion and an end portion of the cooler side of the second fluid path, The rotation axis is located within a circumferential range of a smallest first angle formed by the first line segment and the second line segment as viewed in an axial direction, A tangent direction at the end portion of the cooler side of the second fluid path as viewed in the axial direction is a direction in which a tangent to an imaginary circle centered on the rotation axis and passing through the end portion of the cooler side of the second fluid path extends, A smallest second angle formed by a direction in which the first fluid path extends and a direction in which the second fluid path extends as viewed in the axial direction is smaller than a smallest third angle formed by the tangent direction and the direction in which the first fluid path extends.

10. The drive apparatus according to claim 9, wherein The stator has at least one protrusion protruding radially outward at a radially outer end portion of the stator, The cooler is disposed at a position on a circumferential one side of a first imaginary line passing through the rotation axis and a radially outer end portion of one of the protrusions as viewed in the axial direction, The pump is disposed at a position on a circumferential other side of the first imaginary line as viewed in the axial direction.

11. The drive apparatus according to claim 10, wherein The first imaginary line intersects a second imaginary line that extends from the rotation axis toward the connection portion as viewed in the axial direction.

12. The drive apparatus according to claim 10, wherein The pump has a plurality of fixed portions fixed to the housing cylindrical portion, The fixed portions are disposed along an outer edge portion of the pump as viewed in the axial direction, The protrusions of the stator are a plurality and arranged in a circumferential direction, A third line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting two of the protrusions disposed closest to the pump to each other as viewed in the axial direction, A fourth line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting two of the fixed portions disposed closest to the stator to each other as viewed in the axial direction, The third line segment is parallel to the fourth line segment as viewed in the axial direction.

13. The drive apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein At least one of a direction in which the first fluid path extends and a direction in which the second fluid path extends is parallel to an imaginary plane orthogonal to the axial direction.

14. The drive apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein The drive apparatus further includes a gear portion installed on one side of the motor shaft in the axial direction, The gear portion has a differential device having a ring gear rotatable about a differential axis extending in the axial direction, A direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the axial direction is a first direction, The differential axis is disposed at a position on one side of the rotation axis in the first direction, The pump is disposed at a position on one side of the rotation axis in the first direction and on an other side of the differential axis in the first direction.

15. The drive apparatus according to claim 14, wherein The gear portion further has A first gear that is rotatable together with the motor shaft about the rotation axis; A second gear that is engaged with the first gear; and A third gear that is engaged with the ring gear, The up-down direction is a second direction, The second gear and the third gear are rotatable about an intermediate axis that extends in an axial direction, The intermediate axis is disposed at a position that is on one side of the rotation axis in the first direction and on the other side of the differential axis in the first direction, and at a position that is on one side of the rotation axis and the differential axis in the second direction, A fifth line segment is an imaginary line segment that connects the intermediate axis and the rotation axis, A sixth line segment is an imaginary line segment that connects the intermediate axis and the differential axis, A smallest fourth angle that is formed by the fifth line segment and the sixth line segment is an obtuse angle when viewed in an axial direction.

16. A drive apparatus characterized by comprising: Comprise: A motor portion having a rotor with a motor shaft that is rotatable about a rotation axis that extends in an axial direction, and a stator that is disposed at a position that is radially outward of the rotor; A cylindrical housing cylinder portion that extends in an axial direction; A pump that conveys a fluid; and A cooler that cools the fluid, The housing cylinder portion has: A motor housing portion that houses the motor portion; and A fluid path that is disposed at a position that is radially outward of the motor housing portion and that connects the pump and the cooler, The pump and the cooler are respectively disposed at radially outer faces of the housing cylinder portion and are arranged in a circumferential direction, The fluid path includes a first fluid path and a second fluid path that extend in straight lines, One end portion of the first fluid path is connected to the pump, The other end portion of the first fluid path is connected to the second fluid path, and is connected to the cooler via the second fluid path, When viewed in an axial direction, a direction in which the first fluid path extends and a direction in which the second fluid path extends cross each other, A first line segment is an imaginary line segment that connects a connecting portion of the first fluid path and the second fluid path and one end portion of the first fluid path, A second line segment is an imaginary line segment that connects the connecting portion and an end portion of the second fluid path on the cooler side, When viewed in an axial direction, the rotation axis is located within a circumferential range of a smallest first angle that is formed by the first line segment and the second line segment, The stator has a plurality of protrusions that protrude radially outward at radially outer end portions of the stator and are arranged in a circumferential direction, When viewed in an axial direction, the cooler is disposed at a position that is on one circumferential side of a first imaginary line that passes through the rotation axis and a radially outer end portion of one of the plurality of protrusions, When viewed in an axial direction, the pump is disposed at a position that is on the other circumferential side of the first imaginary line, The pump has a plurality of fixing portions that are fixed to the housing cylinder portion, The fixing portions are disposed along outer edge portions of the pump when viewed in an axial direction, A third line segment is an imaginary line segment that connects two of the protrusions that are disposed closest to the pump to each other when viewed in an axial direction, A fourth line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting the two fixing portions disposed closest to the stator to each other as viewed in the axial direction, The third line segment is parallel to the fourth line segment as viewed in the axial direction.

17. The drive apparatus according to claim 16, wherein The first imaginary line intersects a second imaginary line from the rotation axis toward the connecting portion as viewed in the axial direction.

18. The drive apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, wherein At least one of the direction in which the first fluid path extends and the direction in which the second fluid path extends is parallel to an imaginary plane orthogonal to the axial direction.

19. The drive apparatus according to claim 16 or 17, wherein The drive apparatus further includes a gear portion installed on the one side of the motor shaft in the axial direction, The gear portion has a differential device having a ring gear rotatable about a differential axis extending in the axial direction, A direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the axial direction is a first direction, The differential axis is disposed on the one side of the rotation axis in the first direction, The pump is disposed on the one side of the rotation axis in the first direction and on the other side of the differential axis in the first direction.

20. The drive apparatus according to claim 19, wherein The gear portion further has: a first gear rotatable about the rotation axis together with the motor shaft; a second gear engaged with the first gear; and a third gear engaged with the ring gear, The up-down direction is a second direction, The second gear and the third gear are rotatable about an intermediate axis extending in the axial direction, The intermediate axis is disposed on the one side of the rotation axis in the first direction and on the other side of the differential axis in the first direction, and is disposed on the one side of the rotation axis and the differential axis in the second direction, A fifth line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting the intermediate axis and the rotation axis, A sixth line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting the intermediate axis and the differential axis, A smallest fourth angle formed by the fifth line segment and the sixth line segment as viewed in the axial direction is an obtuse angle.

21. A drive apparatus characterized by comprising: includes: a motor portion having a rotor having a motor shaft rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction, and a stator disposed on the radially outer side of the rotor; a cylindrical housing cylinder portion extending in the axial direction; a pump that conveys a fluid; and a cooler that cools the fluid, The housing cylinder portion has: a motor housing portion that houses the motor portion; and a fluid path connecting the pump and the cooler, disposed on the radially outer side of the motor housing portion, The pump and the cooler are respectively disposed on the radially outer side of the housing cylinder portion and are arranged in the circumferential direction, The fluid path includes a first fluid path and a second fluid path extending in a straight line shape, One end portion of the first fluid path is connected to the pump, The other end of the first fluid path is connected to the second fluid path, and is connected to the cooler via the second fluid path, The first fluid path extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the second fluid path extends, as viewed in the axial direction, A first line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting an end of the first fluid path and a connecting portion of the first fluid path and the second fluid path, A second line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting the connecting portion and an end of the second fluid path on the side of the cooler, The rotational axis is located within a circumferential range of a smallest first angle formed by the first line segment and the second line segment, as viewed in the axial direction, The drive device further includes a gear portion installed on the axial one side of the motor shaft, The gear portion has a differential device having a ring gear rotatable about a differential axis extending in the axial direction, A direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the axial direction is a first direction, The differential axis is disposed on the one side of the rotational axis in the first direction, The pump is disposed on the one side of the rotational axis in the first direction and on the other side of the differential axis in the first direction, The gear portion further has: a first gear rotatable about the rotational axis together with the motor shaft; a second gear engaged with the first gear; and a third gear engaged with the ring gear, The up-down direction is a second direction, The second gear and the third gear are rotatable about an intermediate axis extending in the axial direction, The intermediate axis is disposed on the one side of the rotational axis in the first direction and on the other side of the differential axis in the first direction, and is disposed on the one side of the rotational axis and the differential axis in the second direction, A fifth line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting the intermediate axis and the rotational axis, A sixth line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting the intermediate axis and the differential axis, The smallest fourth angle formed by the fifth line segment and the sixth line segment, as viewed in the axial direction, is an obtuse angle.

22. The drive device according to claim 21, wherein The stator has at least one protrusion protruding radially outward from a radially outer end portion of the stator, The cooler is disposed on the one circumferential side of a first imaginary line passing through the rotational axis and a radially outer end portion of one of the protrusions, as viewed in the axial direction, The pump is disposed on the other circumferential side of the first imaginary line, as viewed in the axial direction.

23. The drive device according to claim 22, wherein The first imaginary line intersects a second imaginary line extending from the rotational axis toward the connecting portion, as viewed in the axial direction.

24. The drive device according to claim 21 or 22, wherein At least one of the direction in which the first fluid path extends and the direction in which the second fluid path extends is parallel to an imaginary plane orthogonal to the axial direction.

Images