Motor unit

Abstract

A motor unit is provided, which has: a motor having a rotor and a stator; a housing that accommodates the motor; oil that is accommodated in the housing; an oil circuit that circulates the oil in the accommodation space to cool the motor; and a gear unit. The housing has: a motor accommodation portion that has a motor chamber disposed therein; a gear accommodation portion that has a gear chamber disposed therein; and a partition wall that divides the gear chamber and the motor chamber. The oil circuit has: a flow path disposed inside the housing; and an oil supply structure that is located on the upper side of the motor and supplies oil to the stator core or the coil end. Oil is supplied to the oil supply structure from a portion of the flow path that extends in the axial direction. The partition wall has a portion of the flow path that supplies oil to the oil supply structure, an oil reservoir portion is located at the lower portion of the gear chamber, a pump is fixed to the outer surface of the gear accommodation portion, the pump is located at the lower side of the motor chamber, and is fixed to the surface of the extension portion of the gear accommodation portion that faces the motor accommodation portion, and the suction port of the pump is arranged to face the extension portion.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 202010064838.2, application date January 20, 2020, and invention name “Motor Unit”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a motor unit. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-025797 filed on February 15, 2019, the contents of which are cited herein. Background Art

[0003] Since the motor generates heat when driven, a motor unit having a cooling structure is conventionally known. The motor unit of Patent Document 1 has a structure in which a refrigerant is supplied to the motor from a refrigerant inlet located radially outside the stator core to cool the motor.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-73163

[0005] Typically, the coil has a pair of coil ends that protrude axially to both sides of the stator core. However, in the motor unit of Patent Document 1, since the flow of the refrigerant depends on the stator core, it may not be possible to fully supply oil to the pair of coil ends. Therefore, it may not be possible to fully cool the coil, and further, it may not be possible to fully cool the motor. In addition, the following situation is considered: when the motor unit is mounted on a vehicle, a reservoir for storing oil is provided on the upper side of the stator, and the oil drips from the flow outlet of the reservoir to the stator. However, if the oil is supplied to the reservoir from the radial outside, that is, from the upper side in the direction of gravity, then, for example, when the vehicle is tilted due to a ramp, the bottom surface of the reservoir will tilt, and therefore, the oil will not flow to a portion located above the portion in the direction of gravity than the portion where the oil is supplied, which may make the supply of oil to the stator unstable. Summary of the invention

[0006] One object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a motor unit capable of efficiently cooling a motor.

[0007] A motor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a motor having a rotor rotating around a motor axis extending in a horizontal direction and a stator located radially outside the rotor; a housing having a storage space for storing the motor; oil stored in the housing; an oil passage for circulating the oil in the storage space to cool the motor; and a gear portion connected to the shaft of the rotor on one axial side of the motor axis, the housing comprising: a motor storage portion having a motor chamber for storing the motor provided therein; a gear storage portion having a gear chamber for storing the gear portion provided therein; and a partition wall for dividing the motor. The gear chamber and the motor chamber, the oil circuit comprises: a flow path, which is arranged inside the housing; and an oil supply structure, which is located on the upper side of the motor and supplies the oil to the stator, and the oil is supplied to the oil supply structure from a portion of the flow path extending axially, the partition wall comprises a portion of the flow path that supplies the oil to the oil supply structure, the oil reservoir is located at the lower part of the gear chamber, the pump is fixed to the outer surface of the gear housing portion, the pump is located on the lower side of the motor chamber and fixed to the surface of the extension portion of the gear housing portion facing the motor housing portion, and the suction port of the pump is arranged opposite to the extension portion.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a motor unit capable of efficiently cooling a motor is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of the motor unit according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the motor unit according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a schematic side view of the motor unit according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the casing of the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a side view of the motor unit according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the motor unit according to the first embodiment as seen from below.

[0015] Figure 7 The motor unit of the first embodiment Figure 6 AA section view.

[0016] Figure 8 The motor unit of the first embodiment Figure 6 BB cross-sectional view.

[0017] Fig. 9 It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the motor unit according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Fig.10 It is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing a motor unit according to the second embodiment.

[0019] Fig.11 It is a perspective view showing a stator and a refrigerant supply pipe unit according to the second embodiment.

[0020] Description of symbols

[0021] 1, 100: motor unit; 2: motor; 3: gear part; 5: differential device; 6: housing; 6a: motor storage part; 6b: gear storage part; 6d: extension part; 8: inverter unit; 20: rotor; 21: shaft (motor shaft); 22: hollow part; 23: connecting hole; 30: stator; 31: coil; 31a, 31b: coil end; 32: stator core; 51: ring gear; 61c: partition wall; 68: partition wall opening; 80: storage space; 81: motor chamber; 82: gear chamber; 90: oil path; 91c: shaft inner path; 92: second oil path; 92a: 1st flow path; 92b: 2nd flow path; 92c: 3rd flow path; 92d: 4th flow path; 96: pump; 97: cooler; 97a: contact surface; 92db: 1st straight portion (flow path in the 1st partition wall); 92dc: 2nd connecting hole portion (portion of flow path. Flow path in the 2nd partition wall); 98: 2nd reservoir (oil supply structure); 98a: outflow port; 111: 1st supply pipe (oil supply structure); 111c: 1st injection hole; 112: 2nd supply pipe (oil supply structure); 112c: 2nd injection hole; J2: motor axis; J5: differential axis; O: oil. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] <First embodiment>

[0023] Hereinafter, a motor unit 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be arbitrarily modified within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0024] In the following description, the gravity direction is specified and described based on the positional relationship of the motor unit 1 mounted on a vehicle located on a horizontal road surface. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, an XYZ coordinate system is appropriately shown as a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. In the XYZ coordinate system, the Z-axis direction represents the vertical direction (i.e., the up and down direction), the +Z direction is the upper side (the opposite side of the gravity direction), and the -Z direction is the lower side (the gravity direction). In addition, the X-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction, indicating the front and rear direction of the vehicle on which the motor unit 1 is mounted. In the present embodiment, the +X side is the front side of the vehicle, and the -X side is the rear side of the vehicle. The Y-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, indicating the width direction (left and right direction) of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the +Y side is the left side of the vehicle, and the -Y side is the right side of the vehicle. In addition, the positional relationship in the front and rear directions is not limited to the positional relationship in the present embodiment, and it may also be that the +X side is the rear side of the vehicle, and the -X side is the front side of the vehicle. In this case, the +Y side is the right side of the vehicle, and the -Y side is the left side of the vehicle.

[0025] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the motor axis J2 of the motor 2 (Y-axis direction) is referred to as the "axial direction", the radial direction centered on the motor axis J2 is referred to as the "radial direction", and the circumferential direction centered on the motor axis J2, that is, the direction around the motor axis J2, is referred to as the "circumferential direction".

[0026] In the present specification, “extending in a predetermined direction (or plane)” includes not only the case of extending strictly in the predetermined direction but also the case of extending in a direction inclined within a range of less than 45 degrees with respect to the strict direction.

[0027] Hereinafter, a motor unit 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. The motor unit 1 according to this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHV), or an electric vehicle (EV) that uses a motor as a power source, and is used as a power source for the vehicle.

[0028] use Figure 1 and Figure 2 The motor unit 1 will be described.

[0029] The motor unit 1 includes a motor (main motor) 2 , a gear portion 3 including a reduction gear 4 and a differential device 5 , a housing 6 , oil O stored in the housing 6 , an oil passage 90 , and an inverter unit 8 .

[0030] <Housing>

[0031] The housing 6 has a housing space 80 for housing the motor 2 and the gear unit 3. That is, the housing space 80 houses the motor 2. The housing 6 holds the motor 2 and the gear unit 3 in the housing space 80. The housing space 80 is divided into a motor chamber 81 for housing the motor 2 and a gear chamber 82 for housing the gear unit 3.

[0032] The housing 6 has a partition wall 61c. The storage space 80 is divided into a motor chamber 81 and a gear chamber 82 by the partition wall 61c. In addition, the housing 6 has a closing portion 63 that surrounds the motor chamber 81 and is opposite to the partition wall 61c. The closing portion 63 can be removed from the housing 6. In the assembly process, the operator places the motor 2 in the motor chamber 81 with the closing portion 63 removed. In addition, in the present embodiment, the housing 6 is made of, for example, aluminum die casting, but may also be made of cast iron or the like. In addition, a ventilation device (breather) 7 for adjusting the internal pressure of the motor chamber 81 may also be provided on the upper side of the housing 6.

[0033] An oil reservoir P for storing oil O is provided in the lower region of the storage space 80. In the present embodiment, the bottom 81a of the motor chamber 81 is located above the bottom 82a of the gear chamber 82. In addition, a partition wall opening 68 is provided in the partition wall 61c that divides the motor chamber 81 and the gear chamber 82. The partition wall opening 68 allows the motor chamber 81 to communicate with the gear chamber 82. The partition wall opening 68 allows the oil O stored in the lower region of the motor chamber 81 to move to the gear chamber 82. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the oil reservoir P is located in the lower region of the gear chamber 82.

[0034] The housing 6 has a plurality of ribs. The housing 6 has: a first rib 64 which is parallel to a motor axis J2 extending in a horizontal direction of the motor 2 described later, that is, is horizontal; and a second rib 65 which extends in a circumferential direction of the motor axis J2. Thus, it is possible to suppress the vibration and sound generated by the rotation of the motor 2 from being amplified by the housing 6. In addition, the first rib 64 functions as a partition wall during manufacturing. The partition wall is a portion where molds are integrated with each other during aluminum die casting.

[0035] <Motor>

[0036] The motor 2 is housed in the motor chamber 81 of the housing 6. The motor 2 includes: a rotor 20 that rotates around a motor axis J2 extending in the horizontal direction; a stator 30 that is located radially outside the rotor 20; and a pair of bearings 26 and 27 that support the rotor 20 so that it can rotate. The motor 2 of this embodiment is an inner rotor type motor. In this embodiment, the direction from the motor 2 toward the gear unit 3 in the axial direction is referred to as one axial side (+Y side), and the direction from the gear unit 3 toward the motor 2 is referred to as the other axial side (-Y side).

[0037] An alternating current is supplied from a battery (not shown) to the stator 30 via the inverter unit 8, thereby rotating the rotor 20. The rotor 20 has a shaft 21, a rotor core 24, and a plurality of rotor magnets 25. The rotor 20 (i.e., the shaft 21, the rotor core 24, and the rotor magnets 25) rotates around a motor axis J2 extending in the horizontal direction and in the width direction of the vehicle. The torque of the rotor 20 is transmitted to the gear unit 3.

[0038] The shaft 21 extends axially with the motor axis J2 as the center. The shaft 21 rotates with the motor axis J2 as the center. The shaft 21 is a hollow shaft having a hollow portion 22 extending axially inside. That is, the hollow portion 22 is located inside the shaft 21 and extends axially. A connecting hole 23 is provided in the shaft 21. The connecting hole 23 extends radially so that the hollow portion 22 is connected to the outside of the shaft 21.

[0039] The shaft 21 extends across the motor chamber 81 and the gear chamber 82 of the housing 6. One end of the shaft 21, that is, the end on one axial side, protrudes toward the gear chamber 82. The first gear 41 of the gear unit 3 is fixed to the shaft 21 protruding toward the gear chamber 82.

[0040] The shaft 21 is rotatably supported by a pair of bearings (a first bearing 26 and a second bearing 27). The first bearing 26 and the second bearing 27 are located in the motor chamber 81. In addition, the first bearing 26 and the second bearing 27 are located on both sides of the shaft 21 in the axial direction across the rotor core 24. The first bearing 26 and the second bearing 27 are held by the housing 6. More specifically, the first bearing 26 is held by the sealing portion 63, and the second bearing 27 is held by the partition wall 61c.

[0041] The rotor core 24 is formed by stacking silicon steel sheets. The rotor core 24 is a cylindrical body extending in the axial direction. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of rotor magnets 25 are fixed to the rotor core 24. The plurality of rotor magnets 25 are arranged in the circumferential direction so that magnetic poles are alternated.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the stator 30 has a stator core 32, a coil 31, and an insulating member (not shown) between the stator core 32 and the coil 31. The stator 30 is held in the housing 6. The stator core 32 has a plurality of magnetic pole teeth (not shown) protruding radially inward from the inner circumference of the annular yoke. Coil wires are wound around the magnetic pole teeth. The coil wires hooked on the magnetic pole teeth constitute the coil 31. That is, the coil 31 is wound around the stator core 32 via an insulating member. The coil wire extending from the coil 31 is connected to the inverter unit 8 via a bus bar (not shown). In addition, the insulating member may also be insulating paper.

[0043] The coil 31 has a first coil end 31a and a second coil end 31b. The first coil end 31a protrudes toward the other axial side of the stator core 32. The second coil end 31b protrudes toward one axial side of the stator core 32. That is, the coil 31 has a pair of coil ends 31a and 31b protruding toward both axial sides of the stator core 32, respectively.

[0044] <Gear Department>

[0045] The gear unit 3 is accommodated in the gear chamber 82 of the housing 6. The gear unit 3 is connected to the shaft 21 on one axial side of the motor axis J2. The gear unit 3 includes a reduction gear 4 and a differential device 5. The torque output from the motor 2 is transmitted to the differential device 5 via the reduction gear 4.

[0046] <Reduction gear>

[0047] The reduction gear 4 is connected to the rotor 20 of the motor 2. The reduction gear 4 has a function of reducing the rotation speed of the motor 2 and increasing the torque output from the motor 2 according to the reduction ratio. The reduction gear 4 transmits the torque output from the motor 2 to the differential device 5.

[0048] The reduction gear 4 has a first gear (intermediate drive gear) 41, a second gear (intermediate gear) 42, a third gear (final drive gear) 43, and an intermediate shaft 45. The torque output from the motor 2 is transmitted to the ring gear (gear) 51 of the differential device 5 via the shaft 21 of the motor 2, the first gear 41, the second gear 42, the intermediate shaft 45, and the third gear 43. The gear ratio of each gear and the number of gears can be changed in various ways according to the required reduction ratio. The reduction gear 4 is a parallel axis gear type reducer in which the axis cores of each gear are arranged in parallel.

[0049] The first gear 41 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 21 of the motor 2. The first gear 41 rotates together with the shaft 21 about the motor axis J2. The intermediate shaft 45 extends along the intermediate axis J4 parallel to the motor axis J2. The intermediate shaft 45 rotates about the intermediate axis J4. The second gear 42 and the third gear 43 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate shaft 45. The second gear 42 and the third gear 43 are connected via the intermediate shaft 45. The second gear 42 and the third gear 43 rotate about the intermediate axis J4. The second gear 42 meshes with the first gear 41. The third gear 43 meshes with the ring gear 51 of the differential device 5.

[0050] <Differential gear>

[0051] The differential device 5 is connected to the motor 2 via the reduction gear 4. The differential device 5 is a device for transmitting the torque output from the motor 2 to the wheels of the vehicle. The differential device 5 has the following functions: when the vehicle turns, the speed difference between the left and right wheels is absorbed, and the same torque is transmitted to the axles 55 of the left and right wheels. The differential device 5 has a ring gear 51, a gear housing (not shown), a pair of pinion gears (not shown), a pinion shaft (not shown), and a pair of side gears (not shown).

[0052] The ring gear 51 rotates around a differential axis J5 parallel to the motor axis J2. The torque output from the motor 2 is transmitted to the ring gear 51 via the reduction gear 4. That is, the ring gear 51 is connected to the motor 2 via other gears.

[0053] <Housing>

[0054] Figure 4 : is an exploded view of the housing 6. The first housing member 61 has: a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 61a, which surrounds the motor 2 from the radially outer side; and a side plate portion 61b, which is located on the axial side of the peripheral wall portion 61a. The space inside the peripheral wall portion 61a constitutes the motor chamber 81. The side plate portion 61b has a partition wall 61c and a protruding plate portion 61d. The partition wall 61c covers the opening on the axial side of the peripheral wall portion 61a. In addition to the above-mentioned partition wall opening 68, the partition wall 61c is provided with a through-hole 61f through which the shaft 21 of the motor 2 is inserted. The side plate portion 61b has a partition wall 61c and a protruding plate portion 61d protruding radially outward relative to the peripheral wall portion 61a. The protruding plate portion 61d is provided with a first axle through hole 61e through which a drive shaft (not shown) supporting a wheel passes.

[0055] The closing portion 63 is fixed to the peripheral wall portion 61a of the first housing member 61. The closing portion 63 closes the opening of the cylindrical first housing member 61. The closing portion 63 includes a closing portion body 63a and a cover member 63b. The closing portion body 63a is provided with a window portion 63c penetrating in the axial direction. The cover member 63b closes the window portion 63c from the outside of the storage space 80.

[0056] The second housing member 62 is fixed to the side plate portion 61b of the first housing member 61. The second housing member 62 is a concave shape that opens toward the side plate portion 61b. The opening of the second housing member 62 is covered by the side plate portion 61b. The space between the second housing member 62 and the side plate portion 61b constitutes a gear chamber 82 that accommodates the gear portion 3. The second housing member 62 is provided with a second axle through hole 62e. When viewed from the axial direction, the second axle through hole 62e overlaps with the first axle through hole 61e.

[0057] The peripheral wall portion 61a and the sealing portion 63 of the first housing member 61 constitute a motor chamber 81, which surrounds the motor 2 and accommodates the motor 2. That is, the peripheral wall portion 61a and the sealing portion 63 constitute Figure 1 The motor housing portion 6a is shown.

[0058] Similarly, the side plate portion 61b of the first housing member 61 and the second housing member 62 constitute a gear chamber 82 that surrounds the gear portion 3 and accommodates the gear portion 3. That is, the side plate portion 61b and the second housing member 62 constitute Figure 1 Thus, the housing 6 includes: a motor housing portion 6a having a motor chamber 81 for housing the motor 2 therein; and a gear housing portion 6b having a gear chamber 82 for housing the gear portion 3 therein.

[0059] Figure 5 is a side view of the motor unit 1. In addition, Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the motor unit 1 as seen from below.

[0060] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the gear housing portion 6b has an extension portion 6d extending radially outward relative to the motor housing portion 6a when viewed from the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the extension portion 6d extends toward the rear side and the lower side of the vehicle relative to the motor housing portion 6a. The extension portion 6d accommodates a portion of the gear portion 3. More specifically, a portion of the second gear 42 and a portion of the ring gear 51 are accommodated inside the extension portion 6d.

[0061] <Oil>

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the oil O circulates in an oil passage 90 provided in the housing 6 . The oil passage 90 is a path for supplying the oil O from the oil reservoir P to the motor 2 . The oil passage 90 circulates the oil O in the housing space 80 to cool the motor 2 .

[0063] The oil O is used for lubrication of the reduction gear 4, the differential gear 5, and the bearings. In addition, the oil O is used for cooling the motor 2. The oil O is stored in the lower area of ​​the gear chamber 82, that is, the oil reservoir P. The oil O performs the functions of lubricating oil and cooling oil, so it is preferable to use an oil with a low viscosity equivalent to the automatic transmission lubricating oil (ATF: Automatic Transmission Fluid).

[0064] <Oil circuit>

[0065] like Figure 1As shown, the oil passage 90 is provided in the housing 6. The oil passage 90 is located in the housing space 80 in the housing 6. The oil passage 90 is configured to span the motor chamber 81 and the gear chamber 82 of the housing space 80. The oil passage 90 is a path for guiding the oil O from the oil reservoir P on the lower side of the motor 2 (i.e., the lower area in the housing space 80) via the motor 2 to the oil reservoir P on the lower side of the motor 2 again.

[0066] In addition, in this specification, the "oil path" is a concept that means the path of the oil O that circulates in the storage space 80. Therefore, the "oil path" is a concept that includes not only a "flow path" for the oil to flow stably in one direction, but also a path (such as a reservoir) where the oil temporarily stays and a path where the oil drips.

[0067] The oil passage 90 includes a first oil passage 91 passing through the inside of the motor 2 and a second oil passage (oil passage) 92 passing through the outside of the motor 2. The first oil passage 91 and the second oil passage 92 circulate the oil O inside the housing 6. The oil O cools the motor 2 from the inside and the outside in the first oil passage 91 and the second oil passage 92.

[0068] (Common portion of the first and second oil passages)

[0069] First, the common parts of the first oil passage 91 and the second oil passage 92 are described. The first oil passage 91 and the second oil passage 92 are both paths for supplying oil O from the oil reservoir P to the motor 2 and recovering the oil O to the oil reservoir P again. In the first oil passage 91 and the second oil passage 92, the oil O drips from the upper side of the motor 2 and accumulates in the lower area in the motor chamber 81. The oil O accumulated in the lower area in the motor chamber 81 moves to the lower area (i.e., the oil reservoir P) in the gear chamber 82 via the partition wall opening 68. That is, the first oil passage 91 and the second oil passage 92 include paths for moving the oil O from the lower area in the motor chamber 81 to the lower area in the gear chamber 82.

[0070] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the motor unit 1. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In FIG. 8 , the inverter unit 8 is omitted from illustration. The liquid level OL of the oil O accumulated in the lower region of the motor chamber 81 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0071] The partition wall opening 68 penetrates the partition wall 61c in the axial direction, so that the motor chamber 81 and the gear chamber 82 are connected. When viewed from the axial direction, the width of the partition wall opening 68 in the horizontal direction becomes wider as it goes upward. The vertical position of the lower end 68a of the partition wall opening 68 is located near the lower end of the stator 30. The vertical position of the upper end 68b of the partition wall opening 68 is located slightly above the lower end of the rotor 20. The horizontal width of the upper end 68b of the partition wall opening 68 is larger than that of the lower end 68a.

[0072] By driving the motor 2, the amount of oil O supplied per unit time from the oil passage 90 (i.e., the first oil passage 91 and the second oil passage 92) to the motor 2 is increased. As a result, the liquid level OL of the oil O accumulated in the area on the lower side of the motor chamber 81 rises. As described above, when viewed from the axial direction, the width of the partition wall opening 68 in the horizontal direction becomes wider as it goes toward the upper side. Therefore, the liquid level OL of the oil O in the motor chamber 81 rises, and the amount of oil O moving from the motor chamber 81 to the gear chamber 82 via the partition wall opening 68 increases. As a result, the liquid level OL of the oil O in the motor chamber 81 can be suppressed from becoming too high. That is, it is possible to suppress the rotor 20 in the motor chamber 81 from being immersed in the oil O or splashing the oil O excessively. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the rotation efficiency of the motor 2 from being reduced due to the flow resistance of the oil O.

[0073] (1st oil circuit)

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, in the first oil passage 91, the differential device 5 splashes the oil O from the oil reservoir P and guides it to the inside of the rotor 20. Inside the rotor 20, the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the rotor 20 is applied to the oil O. As a result, the oil O is evenly diffused toward the stator 30 surrounding the rotor 20 from the radial outside, thereby cooling the stator 30.

[0075] The first oil passage 91 includes a splashing passage 91a, a shaft supply passage 91b, a shaft inner passage 91c, and a rotor inner passage 91d. In addition, a first reservoir 93 is provided in the passage of the first oil passage 91. The first reservoir 93 is provided in the gear chamber 82. In addition, the first reservoir 93 has a function of temporarily storing a predetermined amount of oil O.

[0076] The splash path 91a is a path for the first reservoir 93 to receive the oil O splashed from the oil reservoir P by the rotation of the ring gear 51 of the differential device 5. Figure 3As shown, the first reservoir 93 is arranged between the intermediate axis J4 and the differential axis J5. Specifically, the first reservoir 93 is located between the intermediate axis J4 and the differential axis J5 in the front-rear direction. The first reservoir 93 is open on the upper side. The first reservoir 93 receives the oil O splashed by the ring gear 51. In addition, when the liquid level of the oil reservoir P is high, such as just after the motor 2 is driven, in addition to the ring gear 51, the first reservoir 93 also receives the oil O splashed by the second gear 42 and the third gear 43.

[0077] The shaft supply path 91b guides the oil O from the first reservoir 93 to the hollow portion 22 of the shaft 21. Figure 1 As shown, the shaft inner path 91c is a path for the oil O to pass through the hollow portion 22 of the shaft 21. That is, the oil passage 90 has the shaft inner path 91c located in the hollow portion 22. The rotor inner path 91d is a path for the oil O to splash radially outward from the communicating hole 23 of the shaft 21 through the inside of the rotor core 24 and reach the stator 30.

[0078] In the shaft path 91c, centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the rotor 20 is applied to the oil O inside the rotor 20. As a result, the oil O continuously splashes radially outward from the rotor 20. In addition, as the oil O splashes, the path inside the rotor 20 becomes negative pressure, and the oil O accumulated in the first reservoir 93 is sucked into the inside of the rotor 20, and the oil O fills the path inside the rotor 20.

[0079] The oil O reaching the stator 30 removes heat from the stator 30. The oil O cooling the stator 30 drips down the stator 30 and accumulates in the lower region of the motor chamber 81. The oil O accumulated in the lower region of the motor chamber 81 moves to the gear chamber 82 via the partition wall opening 68 provided in the partition wall 61c.

[0080] (Oil circuit No. 2)

[0081] The second oil path (flow path) 92 includes a first oil path (flow path) 92a, a second oil path (flow path) 92b, a third oil path (flow path) 92c, and a fourth oil path (flow path) 92d. That is, the second oil path 92 includes a first flow path 92a, a second flow path 92b, a third flow path 92c, and a fourth flow path 92d. A pump 96, a cooler 97, and a second reservoir (oil supply structure) 98 are provided in the path of the second oil path 92. That is, the second oil path 92, i.e., the oil path 90 includes a flow path and an oil supply structure provided inside the housing 6. In the present embodiment, as flow paths inside the housing 6 (including the inside of the wall portion of the housing 6), at least the first flow path 92a, the second flow path 92b, the third flow path 92c, and the fourth flow path 92d are provided. In addition, the oil supply structure is accommodated inside the housing 6. The oil supply structure has a reservoir for storing oil O, and in the present embodiment, the reservoir is a second reservoir 98. The oil supply structure is located on the upper side of the motor 2, and supplies the oil O to the stator core 32 or the coil ends 31a, 31b. The pump 96 supplies the oil O to the motor 2. In addition, the cooler 97 cools the oil O passing through the second oil path 92. In the second oil path 92, the oil O passes through each part in the order of the first flow path 92a, the pump 96, the second flow path 92b, the cooler 97, the third flow path 92c, the fourth flow path 92d, and the second reservoir 98, and is supplied to the motor 2.

[0082] The first flow path 92a, the second flow path 92b, the third flow path 92c, and the fourth flow path 92d pass through the wall portion of the housing 6 surrounding the storage space 80. The first flow path 92a connects the oil reservoir P in the lower region of the storage space 80 to the pump 96. The second flow path 92b connects the pump 96 to the cooler 97. The third flow path 92c connects the cooler 97 to the fourth flow path 92d. The fourth flow path 92d connects the third flow path 92c to the upper region of the storage space 80.

[0083] In this embodiment, the first flow path 92a, the second flow path 92b, the third flow path 92c, and the fourth flow path 92d pass through the inside of the wall of the housing 6 surrounding the storage space 80. Therefore, when forming the flow paths, there is no need to separately provide a pipe, which can contribute to a reduction in the number of components.

[0084] The pump 96 is an electric pump driven by electricity. The pump 96 sucks up the oil O from the oil reservoir P via the first flow path 92a, and supplies the oil O to the motor 2 via the second flow path 92b, the cooler 97, the third flow path 92c, the fourth flow path 92d, and the second reservoir 98. That is, the pump 96 is provided to circulate the oil O in the second oil path 92.

[0085] like Figure 6As shown, the pump 96 has a pump mechanism 96p, a pump motor 96m, a suction port 96a, and a pump outlet 96b. In the present embodiment, the pump mechanism 96p is a roller type pump that rotates by meshing with an external gear and an internal gear (not shown). The pump motor 96m rotates the internal gear of the pump mechanism 96p. The gap between the internal gear and the external gear of the pump mechanism 96p is connected to the suction port 96a and the pump outlet 96b.

[0086] The suction port 96a of the pump 96 is connected to the first flow path 92a. In addition, the pump outlet 96b of the pump 96 is connected to the second flow path 92b. The pump 96 sucks up the oil O from the oil reservoir P via the first flow path 92a, and supplies the oil to the motor 2 via the second flow path 92b, the cooler 97, the third flow path 92c, the fourth flow path 92d, and the second reservoir 98.

[0087] The pump motor 96m rotates the internal gear of the pump mechanism portion 96p. The rotation axis line J6 of the pump motor 96m is parallel to the motor axis line J2. The pump 96 having the pump motor 96m tends to become elongated in the direction of the rotation axis line J6. According to the present embodiment, by making the rotation axis line J6 of the pump motor 96m parallel to the motor axis line J2, the radial dimension of the motor unit 1 can be miniaturized. In addition, by miniaturizing the radial dimension of the motor unit 1, it is easy to configure the pump 96 to overlap with the extension portion 6d of the housing 6 when viewed from the axial direction. As a result, the axial projection area of ​​the motor unit 1 can be suppressed from increasing, so that the motor unit 1 can be miniaturized.

[0088] The pump 96 is located at the lower side of the motor chamber 81. In addition, the pump 96 is fixed to the surface of the extension portion 6d facing the motor housing portion 6a. The suction port 96a of the pump 96 is arranged opposite to the extension portion 6d. The first flow path 92a connected to the suction port 96a of the pump 96 passes through the wall surface of the extension portion 6d in a straight line along the axial direction and opens to the lower area in the gear chamber 82. That is, the first flow path 92a extending in the axial direction and connected to the pump 96 from the lower area in the gear chamber 82 (that is, the oil reservoir P) is provided in the extension portion 6d.

[0089] According to the present embodiment, the pump 96 is arranged at the lower side of the motor chamber 81, so it is easy to arrange the suction port 96a near the oil reservoir P. As a result, the first flow path 92a connecting the oil reservoir P and the suction port 96a can be shortened. In addition, the first flow path 92a can be made a straight flow path so that the distance between the oil reservoir P and the suction port 96a is closer. By making the first flow path 92a a straight and short flow path, the pressure loss of the path from the oil reservoir P to the pump 96 can be reduced, thereby achieving effective circulation of the oil O.

[0090] like Figure 1As shown, the second flow path 92b and the third flow path 92c are connected to the cooler 97. The second flow path 92b and the third flow path 92c are connected via the internal flow path of the cooler 97. The cooler 97 is connected to a cooling water pipe 97j through which cooling water cooled by a radiator (not shown) passes. The oil O passing through the cooler 97 is cooled by heat exchange with the cooling water passing through the cooling water pipe 97j. In addition, the inverter unit 8 is provided in the path of the cooling water pipe 97j. The cooling water passing through the cooling water pipe 97j cools the inverter unit 8.

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, the cooler 97 is located on the lower side of the motor chamber 81 in the vertical direction. The cooler 97 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the motor housing portion 6a facing radially outward. The cooler 97 has a contact surface 97a that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the motor housing portion 6a. The contact surface 97a is located on the lower side of the motor chamber 81 in the vertical direction. Figure 1 As shown, the oil O supplied to the motor 2 is temporarily accumulated in the lower area of ​​the motor chamber 81, and then moves to the lower area of ​​the gear chamber 82 through the partition wall opening 68. That is, the first oil passage 91 and the second oil passage 92 pass through the lower area of ​​the motor chamber 81. According to the present embodiment, the cooler 97 is located on the lower side of the motor chamber 81 with respect to the contact surface 97a of the motor housing portion 6a. Thus, the first oil passage 91 and the second oil passage 92 include a path passing through the motor 2 and the contact surface 97a in the lower area of ​​the motor chamber 81. Therefore, the contact surface 97a can be used to cool the oil O that passes through the lower area of ​​the motor chamber 81 via the wall surface of the motor housing portion 6a. By cooling the oil O accumulated in the lower area of ​​the motor chamber 81, the stator 30 of the motor 2 immersed in the oil O can be cooled from the lower side. Thus, the motor 2 can be effectively cooled. In addition, the contact surface 97a of the cooler 97 and the partition wall opening 68 overlap each other at least partially in the radial direction of the motor axis J2. The oil O flowing from the lower area of ​​the motor chamber 81 to the gear chamber 82 side passes through the partition wall opening 68. According to this embodiment, the oil O passing through the partition wall opening 68 can be cooled by the contact surface 97a of the cooler 97.

[0092] like Figure 5 As shown, the cooler 97 and the pump 96 at least partially overlap with the extension portion 6d of the gear housing portion 6b when viewed from the axial direction. The gear unit 3 is housed inside the extension portion 6d. The axial projection area of ​​the extension portion 6d is determined by the size of each gear of the gear unit 3. According to this embodiment, by configuring the cooler 97 and the pump 96 to overlap with the extension portion 6d in the axial direction, the axial projection area of ​​the motor unit 1 can be suppressed from being enlarged due to the cooler 97 and the pump 96. As a result, the axial projection area of ​​the motor unit 1 can be suppressed from being enlarged, making the motor unit 1 miniaturized.

[0093] According to the present embodiment, at least a portion of the cooler 97 and the pump 96 overlaps with the second gear 42 of the gear unit 3 when viewed from the axial direction. Therefore, even when the projection area of ​​the extension portion 6d viewed from the axial direction is minimized along the outer shape of each gear of the gear unit 3, a structure in which the cooler 97 and the pump 96 overlap with the extension portion 6d when viewed from the axial direction can be achieved. As a result, the axial projection area of ​​the motor unit 1 can be suppressed from increasing, thereby miniaturizing the motor unit 1.

[0094] According to the present embodiment, the lower end of the cooler 97 and the lower end of the pump 96 are at approximately the same position as the lower end of the extension 6d. That is, the cooler 97 and the pump 96 do not extend further downward from the lower end of the extension 6d. Therefore, the motor unit 1 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the axial dimension of the cooler 97 is longer than the radial dimension.

[0095] The vertical position of the cooler 97 overlaps with the vertical position of the differential axis J5 . This prevents the cooler 97 from being arranged to protrude vertically upward or downward, thereby achieving vertical miniaturization of the motor unit 1 .

[0096] like Figure 5 As shown, the cooler 97 and the pump 96 are located on the lower side of the motor chamber 81 in the vertical direction. The motor unit 1 is arranged, for example, in the engine hood of the vehicle. In addition, in the motor unit 1, the cooler 97 and the pump 96 are protrusions protruding relative to the housing 6. According to this embodiment, by arranging the cooler 97 and the pump 96 on the lower side of the motor chamber 81 in the vertical direction, even if the vehicle collides with an object due to an accident or the like, it is possible to prevent the cooler 97 and the pump 96, which are protrusions, from piercing the object.

[0097] According to the present embodiment, the pump 96 and the cooler 97 are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the case 6. Therefore, compared with a case where the pump 96 and the cooler 97 are fixed to a structure outside the case 6, it is possible to contribute to miniaturization of the motor unit 1.

[0098] like Figure 7 As shown, the second flow path 92b passes through the interior of the wall of the motor housing portion 6a. The second flow path 92b includes a straight portion 92ba and a connecting hole portion 92bb. In the second flow path 92b, the oil O flows in the order of the straight portion 92ba and the connecting hole portion 92bb.

[0099] The straight portion 92ba extends linearly in the circumferential direction of the motor axis J2. One end of the upstream side of the straight portion 92ba is connected to the pump outlet 96b of the pump 96. The other end of the downstream side of the straight portion 92ba extends to the radial inner side of the cooler 97 and is connected to the connection hole 92bb.

[0100] The connection hole portion 92bb extends in the radial direction. The connection hole portion 92bb opens to the outer peripheral surface of the motor housing portion 6a. The opening of the connection hole portion 92bb is connected to the inlet port 97b of the cooler 97.

[0101] According to the present embodiment, the second flow path 92b extends in the circumferential direction of the motor axis J2 inside the wall portion of the motor housing portion 6a. In addition, the axial position of the second flow path 92b overlaps with the axial position of the stator 30. That is, the axial positions of the second flow path 92b and the stator 30 overlap with each other. Therefore, the stator 30 can be cooled by the oil O passing through the second flow path 92b.

[0102] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the third flow path 92c passes through the interior of the wall portion of the motor housing portion 6a. The third flow path 92c includes the first connection hole portion 92ca, the first straight portion 92cb, the second straight portion 92cbc, the third straight portion 92cc, and the second connection hole portion 92cd. In the third flow path 92c, the oil O flows in the order of the first connection hole portion 92ca, the first straight portion 92cb, the second straight portion 92cbc, the third straight portion 92cc, and the second connection hole portion 92cd.

[0103] The first connection hole portion 92ca extends in the radial direction. The first connection hole portion 92ca opens to the outer peripheral surface of the motor housing portion 6a. The first connection hole portion 92ca opens to be connected to the outlet port 97c of the cooler 97.

[0104] The first straight portion 92cb extends linearly along the circumferential direction of the motor axis J2. One end of the upstream side of the first straight portion 92cb is connected to the first connection hole portion 92ca. In addition, the other end of the downstream side of the first straight portion 92cb is connected to the second straight portion 92cbc. One end of the first straight portion 92cb opens to the outer peripheral surface of the motor housing portion 6a and is covered by the cover member.

[0105] The second straight portion 92cbc extends linearly along the axial direction of the motor axis J2. One end of the upstream side of the second straight portion 92cbc is connected to the first straight portion 92cb. In addition, the other end of the downstream side of the second straight portion 92cbc is connected to the third straight portion 92cc. One end of the second straight portion 92cbc opens to the outer peripheral surface of the motor housing portion 6a and is covered by a cover member.

[0106] The third straight portion 92cc extends linearly along the circumferential direction of the motor axis J2. One end of the upstream side of the third straight portion 92cc is connected to the second straight portion 92cbc. In addition, the other end of the downstream side of the third straight portion 92cc is connected to the second connection hole portion 92cd. One end of the third straight portion 92cc opens to the outer peripheral surface of the motor housing portion 6a and is covered by a cover member. The third straight portion 92cc is provided on the partition wall 61c.

[0107] One end of the upstream side of the second connection hole portion 92cd is connected to the third straight portion 92cc. In addition, the other end of the downstream side of the second connection hole portion 92cd is connected to the fourth flow path 92d. The second connection hole portion 92cd opens to the upper side of the outer peripheral surface of the motor housing portion 6a and is covered by a cover member. The second connection hole portion 92cd opens to the +X axis side, that is, the front side, of the motor housing portion 6a and is covered by a cover member. The second connection hole portion 92cd is provided in the partition wall 61c.

[0108] According to the present embodiment, the third flow path 92c extends in the circumferential direction and axial direction of the motor axis J2 inside the wall portion of the motor housing portion 6a. In addition, the axial position of the third flow path 92c overlaps with the axial position of the stator 30. In addition, the radial position of the third flow path 92c overlaps with the radial position of the stator 30. That is, the axial positions of the third flow path 92c and the stator 30 overlap with each other. Therefore, the stator 30 can be cooled by the oil O passing through the third flow path 92c. In particular, the oil O just after passing through the cooler 97 flows to the third flow path 92c. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the stator 30 can be effectively cooled by the oil O flowing in the third flow path 92c. In addition, in the present embodiment, in the second oil path 92, the cooler 97 is arranged on the downstream side of the pump 96. However, the cooler 97 can also be arranged on the upstream side of the pump 96 in the second oil path 92. In this case, a structure is adopted in which a pump 96 is arranged in a flow path (equivalent to the third flow path 92c in this embodiment) connecting the cooler 97 to the upper region of the storage space 80. Even in this case, when the axial position of the flow path connecting the cooler 97 to the upper region of the storage space 80 overlaps with the axial position of the stator 30, the stator 30 can be effectively cooled by the oil O that has just passed through the cooler 97.

[0109] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9As shown, the fourth flow path 92d passes through the interior of the wall portion of the motor housing portion 6a. The fourth flow path 92d includes the first connection hole portion 92da, the first straight portion 92db and the second connection hole portion 92dc. In the fourth flow path 92d, the oil O flows in the order of the first connection hole portion 92da, the first straight portion 92db and the second connection hole portion 92dc. In addition, the first connection hole portion 92da can also be referred to as the third connection hole portion 92da. The first straight portion 92db can also be referred to as the fourth straight portion 92db. The second connection hole portion 92dc can also be referred to as the fourth connection hole portion 92dc. The fourth flow path 92d is provided in the partition wall 61c. That is, the partition wall 61c has the fourth flow path 92d as a part of the flow path for supplying the oil O to the second reservoir 98.

[0110] The first connection hole portion 92da opens to the second connection hole portion 92cd of the third flow path 92c. The first connection hole portion 92da connects the third flow path 92c and the fourth flow path 92d.

[0111] The first straight portion 92db extends linearly along the circumferential direction of the motor axis J2. One end of the upstream side of the first straight portion 92d is connected to the first connection hole portion 92da. In addition, a plurality of second connection hole portions 92dc are connected to the first straight portion 92db. That is, a plurality of second connection hole portions 92dc are provided in the fourth flow path 92d. In the present embodiment, two second connection hole portions 92dc are connected to the first straight portion 92db.

[0112] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 1 A detailed partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. Fig. 9 The direction of the X and Y directions is Figure 7 and Figure 8 Different. That is, Fig. 9 It is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the X-axis. Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the Y-axis. In addition, the second connection hole portion 92dc extends in the axial direction. The second connection hole portion 92dc penetrates the wall portion of the motor housing portion 6a inwardly. One end of the second connection hole portion 92cd opens to the motor chamber 81 on the upper side of the second reservoir 98. That is, oil O is supplied to the second reservoir 98 from the second connection hole portion 92dc extending in the axial direction. The second connection hole portion 92dc is part of the flow path. That is, oil O is supplied to the oil supply structure from the part of the flow path extending in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the oil O flows in the second connection hole portion 92dc to the other axial side (-Y side) and is supplied to the second reservoir 98.

[0113] According to the present embodiment, the second connection hole portion 92dc opens along the axial direction of the motor axis J2. Thus, compared with the case where the oil O is supplied to the second reservoir 98 from the radial direction of the motor axis J2, even when the vehicle (not shown) equipped with the motor unit 1 is tilted due to a slope or the like, the oil O can be reliably supplied to the second reservoir 98. That is, for example, the case where the oil O is supplied to the second reservoir 98 from the upper side in the gravity direction. In this case, if the bottom surface of the second reservoir 98 is tilted, the oil O does not flow to the portion located above the portion where the oil O is supplied in the gravity direction. In contrast, when the oil O is supplied from the horizontal direction to the gravity direction as in the present embodiment, the oil O is supplied to the second reservoir 98 in a state where the oil O has a tendency to flow in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the oil O flows strongly along the bottom surface of the second reservoir 98. Thus, even if the bottom surface of the second reservoir 98 is slightly tilted, the oil O flows along the bottom surface and the wall surface of the second reservoir 98. Therefore, it is easy to supply the oil O to the entire bottom surface of the second reservoir 98. Therefore, it is not easily affected by the inclination due to a ramp or the like, and the oil O can be reliably supplied to the motor 2. In addition, in the present embodiment, the direction in which the oil O flows in the second connection hole portion (part of the flow path) 92dc and the direction in which the oil O flows in the shaft inner path 91c are the same. Specifically, the oil O in the second connection hole portion 92dc flows to the other axial side (-Y side), and the oil O in the shaft inner path 91c flows to the other axial side. Therefore, the length of the oil path that guides the oil O from the oil reservoir portion P to the second reservoir 98 via the second connection hole portion 92dc and the length of the oil path that guides the oil O from the oil reservoir portion P to the shaft inner path 91c can be suppressed to be short. In addition, it is not necessary to provide an oil path in the closing portion 63 that can be removed relative to the first housing member 61, so the structure of the housing 6 can be simplified compared to the case where the oil path is provided in the closing portion 63.

[0114] In addition, if Figure 8 As shown, according to the present embodiment, the second connection hole portions 92dc are respectively provided on the +X axis side and the -X axis side in the radial direction of the motor axis J2, specifically, in the horizontal direction with the motor axis J2 as the center. That is, the plurality of second connection hole portions 92dc are arranged on both sides of the motor axis J2 in the front-rear direction, that is, respectively arranged on the front side and the rear side of the motor axis J2. Thus, even when the vehicle (not shown) equipped with the motor unit 1 is tilted due to a slope or the like, the oil O can be uniformly supplied to the +X axis side and the -X axis side of the second reservoir 98, so that the entire motor 2 can be uniformly cooled.

[0115] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the first straight portion 92cb of the third flow path 92c, the third straight portion 92cc, and the first straight portion 92db of the fourth flow path 92d extend linearly in different directions along the circumferential direction of the motor axis J2. The second straight portion 92cbc of the third flow path 92c extends linearly along the axial direction of the motor axis J2. Generally speaking, it is difficult to form a curved flow path in the wall portion of the housing 6 made of a metal material. However, if it is a linear flow path, it can be easily provided on the wall portion of the housing 6 by cutting.

[0116] like Figure 6 As shown, according to the present embodiment, the position of the pump 96 and the position of the cooler 97 overlap each other in the axial direction. The cooler 97 is connected to the pump 96 via the second flow path 92b. That is, the second oil circuit 92 is provided with a second flow path 92b that connects the pump 96 and the cooler 97. According to the present embodiment, by overlapping the axial positions of the pump 96 and the cooler 97, it is possible to achieve a structure in which the second flow path 92b extends linearly in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. That is, the second flow path 92b can be made a linear shorter flow path, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the path from the pump 96 to the cooler 97, and achieving effective circulation of the oil O.

[0117] like Figure 1 As shown, the second reservoir 98 is located in the motor chamber 81 of the storage space 80. The second reservoir 98 is located on the upper side of the motor 2. The second reservoir 98 stores the oil O provided to the motor chamber 81 via the third flow path 92c and the fourth flow path 92d. The second reservoir 98 has a plurality of flow outlets 98a. Each flow outlet 98a opens toward the stator core 32 or the coil ends 31a, 31b. That is, the second reservoir 98, i.e., the reservoir has a flow outlet 98a that opens toward the stator core 32 or the coil ends 31a, 31b. The oil O accumulated in the second reservoir 98 is provided to the motor 2 from each flow outlet 98a. The oil O flowing out of the flow outlet 98a of the second reservoir 98 flows along the outer peripheral surface of the motor 2 from the upper side to the lower side, taking away the heat of the motor 2. In this way, the motor 2 can be cooled as a whole.

[0118] The second reservoir 98 extends in the axial direction. In addition, the outflow port 98a of the second reservoir 98 is provided at both ends of the axial direction of the second reservoir 98. The outflow port 98a is located on the upper side of the coil ends 31a, 31b. Thus, the oil O can be supplied to the coil ends 31a, 31b located at both ends of the stator 30 in the axial direction to directly cool the coil 31.

[0119] The oil O that has cooled the coil 31 drips downward and accumulates in the lower region of the motor chamber 81. The oil O accumulated in the lower region of the motor chamber 81 moves to the gear chamber 82 through the partition wall opening 68 provided in the partition wall 61c.

[0120] According to the present embodiment, a cooler 97 for cooling the oil O is provided in the path of the second oil path 92. The oil O that has passed through the second oil path 92 and has been cooled by the cooler 97 merges with the oil O that has passed through the first oil path 91 in the oil reservoir P. In the oil reservoir P, the oil O that has passed through the first oil path 91 and the second oil path 92 are mixed with each other to exchange heat. Therefore, the cooling effect of the cooler 97 disposed in the path of the second oil path 92 can be applied to the oil O that has passed through the first oil path 91.

[0121] In addition, according to the present embodiment, a part of the second oil passage 92 is provided in the partition wall 61c of the housing 6. That is, the partition wall 61c has a part of the flow passage for supplying the oil O to the oil supply structure. The partition wall 61c has a certain thickness relative to the axial direction in order to hold the second bearing 27. Therefore, even in the case where the second oil passage 92 for supplying the oil O to the second reservoir 98 is formed in the partition wall 61c, it is not necessary to make the partition wall 61c thick, and the motor unit 1 can be miniaturized. In detail, in the present embodiment, the flow passage includes: a first partition wall inner flow passage, which is located in the partition wall 61c; and a plurality of second partition wall inner flow passages, which are located in the partition wall 61c, branched from the first partition wall inner flow passage and extend in the axial direction. The plurality of second partition wall inner flow passages are arranged on the downstream side of the first partition wall inner flow passage. Specifically, the first partition wall inner flow passage includes the first straight portion 92db of the fourth flow passage 92d. The plurality of second connecting holes 92dc in the second partition wall flow paths include the fourth flow path 92d. Furthermore, the oil O is supplied to the second reservoir 98, i.e., the oil supply structure, from the plurality of second partition wall flow paths. According to the present embodiment, by making the flow path branch in the partition wall 61c, it is not necessary to separately provide a pipe for branching, etc., so that the number of components can be reduced and the structure can be simplified. In addition, the oil O can be supplied to the second reservoir 98 in a wide range and efficiently from the plurality of second partition wall flow paths.

[0122] <Inverter unit>

[0123] The inverter unit 8 is electrically connected to the motor 2. The inverter unit 8 controls the current supplied to the motor 2. Figure 5 As shown, the inverter unit 8 is fixed to the case 6. More specifically, the inverter unit 8 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the motor housing portion 6a that faces the radial direction outward.

[0124] The inverter unit 8 at least partially overlaps with the extension portion 6d of the gear housing portion 6b when viewed from the axial direction. According to the present embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction, by arranging the inverter unit 8 to overlap with the extension portion 6d, it is possible to suppress the axial projection area of ​​the motor unit 1 from increasing due to the inverter unit 8. Thus, it is possible to suppress the axial projection area of ​​the motor unit 1 from increasing, thereby miniaturizing the motor unit 1.

[0125] According to the present embodiment, at least a portion of the inverter unit 8 overlaps with the ring gear 51 of the gear unit 3 when viewed from the axial direction. Therefore, even when the projection area of ​​the extension portion 6d when viewed from the axial direction is made as small as possible along the outer shape of each gear of the gear unit 3, a structure in which the inverter unit 8 overlaps with the extension portion 6d when viewed from the axial direction can be achieved. As a result, the axial projection area of ​​the motor unit 1 can be suppressed from increasing, thereby miniaturizing the motor unit 1.

[0126] According to the present embodiment, when viewed from the vertical direction, the inverter unit 8 is located on the opposite side of the cooler 97 across the motor axis J2. Therefore, the area overlapping with the extension portion 6d when viewed from the axial direction can be effectively utilized to reduce the size of the motor unit 1 in the horizontal direction, thereby achieving miniaturization of the motor unit 1.

[0127] like Figure 1 As shown, a cooling water pipe 97j extending from a radiator (not shown) is connected to the inverter unit 8. Thus, the inverter unit 8 can be effectively cooled. In addition, the cooling water flowing in the cooling water pipe 97j passes through the housing portion of the inverter unit 8 and cools the motor housing portion 6a in contact with the housing portion.

[0128] <Second embodiment>

[0129] Next, the motor unit 100 of the second embodiment of the present invention is described. In addition, in the second embodiment, the same names and the same reference numerals are sometimes given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted. In the present embodiment, a prescribed direction in the circumferential direction is referred to as one circumferential side θ1, and a direction opposite to the prescribed direction is referred to as the other circumferential side θ2. In the present embodiment, one circumferential side θ1 is a direction toward the front side (+X side) at a position above the motor axis J2, and the other circumferential side θ2 is a direction toward the rear side (-X side) at a position above the motor axis J2.

[0130] like Fig.10 As shown, the motor unit 100 includes a motor 2, a gear portion 3 including a reduction gear 4 and a differential device 5, a housing 6, a breather 7, oil O accommodated in the housing 6, a refrigerant supply pipe unit 110, and an oil circuit 90. In this embodiment, the motor unit 100 does not include an inverter unit. In other words, the motor unit 100 adopts a structure that is separate from the inverter unit. In addition, the motor unit 100 may also include an inverter unit. In other words, the motor unit 100 may also adopt a structure that is integrated with the inverter unit.

[0131] The stator core 32 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the motor housing portion 6a. Fig.11As shown, the stator core 32 has a stator core body 32a and a fixing portion 32b. That is, the stator 30 has a fixing portion 32b. The stator core body 32a has: a cylindrical core back 32d extending in the axial direction; and a plurality of teeth 32e extending radially inward from the core back 32d. The plurality of teeth 32e are arranged at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction. The plurality of teeth 32e are arranged at equal intervals throughout the entire circumference of the circumference.

[0132] The fixing portion 32b protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the stator core body 32a. That is, the fixing portion 32b protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the stator 30. The fixing portion 32b is fixed to the motor housing portion 6a. That is, the fixing portion 32b is fixed to the housing 6. A plurality of fixing portions 32b are provided at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction. For example, four fixing portions 32b are provided. The four fixing portions 32b are arranged at equal intervals throughout the entire circumference of the circumference.

[0133] One of the fixing portions 32b protrudes upward from the stator core body 32a. Another of the fixing portions 32b protrudes downward from the stator core body 32a. Still another of the fixing portions 32b protrudes forward (+X side) from the stator core body 32a. The remaining one of the fixing portions 32b protrudes rearward (-X side) from the stator core body 32a.

[0134] In addition, in the following description, the fixing portion 32b protruding from the stator core body 32a to the upper side is referred to as the “upper fixing portion 32b”, the fixing portion 32b protruding from the stator core body 32a to the front side is referred to as the “front fixing portion 32b”, the fixing portion 32b protruding from the stator core body 32a to the lower side is referred to as the “lower fixing portion 32b”, and the fixing portion 32b protruding from the stator core body 32a to the rear side is referred to as the “rear fixing portion 32b”.

[0135] The fixing portion 32b extends axially. In the present embodiment, the fixing portion 32b extends from the end on the left side (+Y side) of the stator core 32 to the end on the right side (-Y side) of the stator core 32. That is, the fixing portion 32b extends over the entire axial length of the stator core 32. The fixing portion 32b has a through hole 32c that penetrates the fixing portion 32b axially. The through hole 32c is provided for passage of a bolt not shown extending axially. The bolt passes through the through hole 32c from the right side (-Y side) and is screwed into the illustrated internal threaded hole provided in the motor housing portion 6a or the partition wall 61c. By screwing the bolt into the internal threaded hole, the fixing portion 32b is fixed to the motor housing portion 6a or the partition wall 61c. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the stator core body 32a contacts the inner peripheral surface of the motor housing portion 6a at least at one or more locations in the circumferential direction. That is, a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the stator core body 32a located between a pair of circumferentially adjacent fixing portions 32b contacts a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the motor housing portion 6a in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the outer circumferential surface of the stator core body 32a and the inner circumferential surface of the motor housing portion 6a are spaced apart in the circumferential direction and contact each other at multiple locations, for example, four locations. Therefore, the inner circumferential surface of the motor housing portion 6a is fitted with the outer circumferential surface of the stator core body 32a. The stator 30 is fixed to the housing 6 by the above structure.

[0136] like Fig.11 As shown, in this embodiment, the coil ends 31a, 31b are annular shaped with the motor axis J2 as the center. Although not shown in the figure, the coil ends 31a, 31b may include a binding member for binding the coils 31 or a jumper wire for connecting the coils 31 to each other.

[0137] like Fig.10 As shown, the shell 6 contains oil O as a refrigerant inside. That is, in the present embodiment, the refrigerant is oil O. The oil O is contained inside the motor housing portion 6a and inside the gear housing portion 6b. In addition, in the present specification, "the oil is contained inside a certain part" means that as long as the oil is located inside the certain part in at least a part of the process of driving the motor, the oil may not be located inside the certain part when the motor stops. For example, in the present embodiment, the oil O is contained inside the motor housing portion 6a means that as long as the oil is located inside the motor housing portion 6a in at least a part of the process of driving the motor 2, the oil O inside the motor housing portion 6a may also move to the gear housing portion 6b through the partition wall opening 68 when the motor 2 stops. In addition, a part of the oil O transported to the inside of the motor housing portion 6a through the oil path 90 may also remain inside the motor housing portion 6a when the motor 2 stops.

[0138] The breather 7 is configured to allow the inside and outside of the housing 6 to communicate with each other. For example, when the internal pressure of the housing 6 is higher than the external pressure and the pressure difference between the internal pressure and the external pressure is greater than a predetermined value, or when the motor unit 100 vibrates, the breather 7 allows the inside and outside of the housing 6 to communicate with each other. In the present embodiment, the breather 7 is provided on the top wall portion, that is, the upper wall portion, of the housing 6. The breather 7 is provided, for example, on the top wall portion of the motor housing portion 6a.

[0139] The refrigerant supply pipe unit 110 is housed inside the motor housing portion 6a. That is, the refrigerant supply pipe unit 110 is housed inside the shell 6. The refrigerant supply pipe unit 110 is arranged between the inner circumferential surface of the shell 6 and the outer circumferential surface of the stator 30. The refrigerant supply pipe unit 110 is located on the upper side of the stator 30. Specifically, the refrigerant supply pipe unit 110 is arranged between the top wall portion of the motor housing portion 6a and the upper end portion of the outer circumferential surface of the stator core body 32a. The left end (+Y side) of the refrigerant supply pipe unit 110 is fixed to the wall portion or the partition wall 61c of the motor housing portion 6a. The left end of the refrigerant supply pipe unit 110 is connected to the fourth flow path 92d. The right end (-Y side) of the refrigerant supply pipe unit 110 is fixed to the top wall portion or the closed portion 63 of the motor housing portion 6a. That is, the refrigerant supply pipe unit 110 is fixed to the shell 6.

[0140] like Fig.11 As shown, the refrigerant supply pipe unit 110 includes a first supply pipe (supply pipe) 111, a second supply pipe (supply pipe) 112, a connecting portion 119, a first elastic ring component (not shown), and a second elastic ring component (not shown). That is, the motor unit 100 includes a first supply pipe 111, a second supply pipe 112, a connecting portion 119, a first elastic ring component (not shown), and a second elastic ring component (not shown).

[0141] The first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 are cylindrically shaped and extend in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 are cylindrical pipes extending linearly in the axial direction. The first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 are arranged at intervals from each other in the front-to-back direction. That is, the second supply pipe 112 is arranged at intervals from the first supply pipe 111. The first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 are parallel to each other. The first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 are located radially outside the stator 30. In the present embodiment, the radial position of the first supply pipe 111 and the radial position of the second supply pipe 112 are the same as each other. The first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 are arranged on the upper side of the stator core body 32a. The position of the first supply pipe 111 in the up-down direction and the position of the second supply pipe 112 in the up-down direction are the same as each other.

[0142] When viewed from the axial direction, the upper fixing portion 32b is arranged between the first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112. That is, when viewed from the axial direction, an imaginary straight line (not shown) passing through the central axis of the first supply pipe 111 and the central axis of the second supply pipe 112 intersects with the upper fixing portion 32b. When viewed from the front-to-back direction, the first supply pipe 111, the second supply pipe 112, and the upper fixing portion 32b overlap each other. The first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 are arranged on both sides of the upper fixing portion 32b in the front-to-back direction. The first supply pipe 111 is located on the front side (+X side) of the upper fixing portion 32b, and the second supply pipe 112 is located on the rear side (-X side) of the upper fixing portion 32b. In addition, the first supply pipe 111 is located on one circumferential side θ1 of the upper fixing portion 32b, and the second supply pipe 112 is located on the other circumferential side θ2 of the upper fixing portion 32b.

[0143] When viewed from the radial direction, specifically, when viewed from the upper side, the upper fixing portion 32b is located between the first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112. That is, when viewed from the radial direction, the fixing portion 32b is arranged between the first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112. The first supply pipe 111 extends in the direction in which the fixing portion 32b extends. The second supply pipe 112 extends in the direction in which the fixing portion 32b extends. According to the present embodiment, by the refrigerant injected from the first supply pipe 111 and the refrigerant injected from the second supply pipe 112, the stator 30 can be cooled in a wide range on both sides of the upper fixing portion 32b along the direction in which the fixing portion 32b extends, that is, in the axial direction.

[0144] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first supply pipe 111 includes a first supply pipe main body 111a, a small diameter portion 111b connected to the left end (+Y side) of the first supply pipe main body 111a, and a first injection hole (injection hole) 111c penetrating the peripheral wall of the first supply pipe main body 111a. That is, the first supply pipe 111 includes the first injection hole 111c penetrating the peripheral wall of the first supply pipe 111. The first injection hole 111c opens toward the stator core 32 or the coil ends 31a, 31b.

[0145] The main body 111a of the first supply pipe is in the shape of a cylinder extending in the axial direction. The small diameter portion 111b is in the shape of a cylinder extending in the axial direction. The outer diameter of the small diameter portion 111b is smaller than the outer diameter of the main body 111a of the first supply pipe. The first supply pipe 111 is installed on the wall portion or the partition wall 61c of the motor housing portion 6a in such a manner that the small diameter portion 111b is inserted from the right side (-Y side) into a hole portion (not shown) provided in the wall portion or the partition wall 61c of the motor housing portion 6a. The small diameter portion 111b opens to the left side (+Y side). The small diameter portion 111b is connected to the fourth flow path 92d. As a result, the interior of the first supply pipe 111, that is, the supply pipe internal flow path 192d described later, is connected to the fourth flow path 92d.

[0146] The first injection hole 111c extends in a tube diameter direction perpendicular to the central axis of the first supply pipe 111, so that the inside and outside of the first supply pipe 111 are connected. The first injection hole 111c is, for example, in the shape of a circular hole. The first injection hole 111c is located between the inner circumferential surface of the shell 6 and the outer circumferential surface of the stator 30. The first injection hole 111c injects oil O, that is, refrigerant, between the inner circumferential surface of the shell 6 and the outer circumferential surface of the stator 30. The first injection hole 111c injects refrigerant at least onto the outer circumferential surface of the stator 30. That is, the first supply pipe 111 injects refrigerant at least onto the outer circumferential surface of the stator 30. The first supply pipe 111 supplies refrigerant to at least the upper end of the outer circumferential surface of the stator 30.

[0147] A plurality of first injection holes 111c are provided. A plurality of first injection holes 111c are provided at intervals in the axial direction (Y-axis direction). According to the present embodiment, the stator 30 can be cooled over a large range in the axial direction by using the oil O injected from the plurality of first injection holes 111c arranged in the axial direction. In addition, a plurality of first injection holes 111c are also provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. According to the present embodiment, the stator 30 can be cooled over a large range in the circumferential direction by using the oil O injected from the plurality of first injection holes 111c arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0148] The second supply pipe 112 includes a second supply pipe main body 112a, a small diameter portion 112b connected to the left end (+Y side) of the second supply pipe main body 112a, and a second injection hole (injection hole) 112c penetrating the peripheral wall of the second supply pipe main body 112a. That is, the second supply pipe 112 includes the second injection hole 112c penetrating the peripheral wall of the second supply pipe 112. The second injection hole 112c opens toward the stator core 32 or the coil ends 31a, 31b.

[0149] The second supply pipe body 112a is in the shape of a cylinder extending in the axial direction. The small diameter portion 112b is in the shape of a cylinder extending in the axial direction. The outer diameter of the small diameter portion 112b is smaller than the outer diameter of the second supply pipe body 112a. The second supply pipe 112 is installed on the wall portion or the partition wall 61c of the motor housing portion 6a in such a manner that the small diameter portion 112b is inserted from the right side (-Y side) into a hole portion (not shown) provided in the wall portion or the partition wall 61c of the motor housing portion 6a. The small diameter portion 112b opens to the left side (+Y side). The small diameter portion 112b is connected to the fourth flow path 92d. As a result, the interior of the second supply pipe 112, that is, the supply pipe internal flow path 192d described later, is connected to the fourth flow path 92d.

[0150] The second injection hole 112c extends in a tube diameter direction perpendicular to the central axis of the second supply pipe 112, so that the inside and outside of the second supply pipe 112 are connected. The second injection hole 112c is, for example, in the shape of a circular hole. The second injection hole 112c is located between the inner circumferential surface of the shell 6 and the outer circumferential surface of the stator 30. The second injection hole 112c injects oil O, that is, refrigerant, between the inner circumferential surface of the shell 6 and the outer circumferential surface of the stator 30. The second injection hole 112c injects refrigerant at least onto the outer circumferential surface of the stator 30. That is, the second supply pipe 112 injects refrigerant at least onto the outer circumferential surface of the stator 30. The second supply pipe 112 supplies refrigerant to at least the upper end of the outer circumferential surface of the stator 30.

[0151] A plurality of second injection holes 112c are provided. A plurality of second injection holes 112c are provided at intervals in the axial direction (Y-axis direction). According to the present embodiment, the stator 30 can be cooled over a large range in the axial direction by using the oil O injected from the plurality of second injection holes 112c arranged in the axial direction. In addition, a plurality of second injection holes 112c are also provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. According to the present embodiment, the stator 30 can also be cooled over a large range in the circumferential direction by using the oil O injected from the plurality of second injection holes 112c arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0152] The connecting portion 119 connects the first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112. According to the present embodiment, the first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 are connected by the connecting portion 119, so that the relative position accuracy of the first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 can be ensured, thereby making it easy to install the first supply pipe 111, the second supply pipe 112 and the connecting portion 119 in the housing 6. The connecting portion 119 is connected to the end of the first supply pipe 111 and the end of the second supply pipe 112. The connecting portion 119 is fixed to the top wall portion of the motor housing portion 6a. According to the present embodiment, the connecting portion 119 connects the end of the first supply pipe 111 and the end of the second supply pipe 112, so it is easy to arrange the connecting portion 119 and the fixing portion 32b to be offset when viewed from the radial direction. In addition, both ends of the first supply pipe 111 are supported by the connecting portion 119 and the shell 6 in a double-supported state, and both ends of the second supply pipe 112 are supported by the connecting portion 119 and the shell 6 in a double-supported state. Therefore, the installation posture of the first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 to the shell 6 is stabilized. In addition, the refrigerant injected from the first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 is not easily blocked by the connecting portion 119. The refrigerant can be injected from the first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 in a wide range, respectively, so that the cooling efficiency of the stator 30 can be improved. In addition, the refrigerant injected from the first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 can be provided not only to the outer peripheral surface of the stator 30, but also to, for example, the bearing 26 of the closing portion 63.

[0153] The connection portion 119 is connected to the end portion of the first supply pipe 111 different from the end portion where the small diameter portion 111b is located, that is, the right end portion (-Y side), and closes the right end portion of the first supply pipe 111. The connection portion 119 is connected to the end portion of the second supply pipe 112 different from the end portion where the small diameter portion 112b is located, that is, the right end portion, and closes the right end portion of the second supply pipe 112. That is, the connection portion 119 is connected to the downstream end portion of the first supply pipe 111 and the downstream end portion of the second supply pipe 112. According to the present embodiment, the connection portion 119 can support the downstream ends of the first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 while closing the downstream ends. Unlike the present embodiment, for example, compared to the case where a connecting component connecting the first supply pipe and the second supply pipe, a plug component closing the downstream end of the first supply pipe, and a plug component closing the downstream end of the second supply pipe are separately provided, according to the present embodiment, the number of components is reduced and the structure is simplified, making assembly easier.

[0154] like Fig.11As shown, the connecting portion 119 is plate-shaped. The connecting portion 119 extends in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction). The connecting portion 119 has a mounting hole 119d. The mounting hole 119d is, for example, in the shape of a circular hole, and in the present embodiment, a pair of holes are provided at both ends of the front-to-back direction of the connecting portion 119. Each mounting hole 119d is inserted from the right side (-Y side) by a bolt not shown in the figure. The bolt inserted into each mounting hole 119d is screwed into an internal threaded hole not shown in the figure on the top wall portion of the motor housing portion 6a, thereby fixing the refrigerant supply pipe unit 110 to the shell 6.

[0155] The first supply pipe 111, the second supply pipe 112, and the connecting portion 119 in the refrigerant supply pipe unit 110 are part of one component. The first supply pipe 111, the second supply pipe 112, and the connecting portion 119 are made of, for example, resin. Unlike the present embodiment, for example, compared to a case where the first supply pipe, the second supply pipe, and the connecting portion are constituted by different components, according to the present embodiment, the number of components can be reduced, thereby reducing the number of work steps for assembling the first supply pipe 111, the second supply pipe 112, and the connecting portion 119. In addition, since the relative position accuracy of the first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 is stably ensured, it is easy to assemble the refrigerant supply pipe unit 110 to the shell 6.

[0156] Although not particularly shown, the first elastic ring member is an annular member that can be elastically deformed, such as an O-ring. The first elastic ring member is fitted with the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 111b of the first supply pipe 111. That is, the first elastic ring member is fitted with the outer peripheral surface of the end portion different from the end portion connected to the connecting portion 119, that is, the end portion on the upstream side, of the two ends of the first supply pipe 111. According to the present embodiment, the first elastic ring member is arranged between the end portion on the upstream side of the first supply pipe 111 and the hole portion (not shown) provided in the wall portion of the motor housing portion 6a or the partition wall 61c. Thus, the sealing between the end portion on the upstream side of the first supply pipe 111 and the hole portion is ensured, so that the refrigerant can be efficiently supplied from the first supply pipe 111 to the outer peripheral surface of the stator 30. In addition, since the vibration-proof function is obtained by the first elastic ring member, it is possible to suppress the noise caused by vibration between the first supply pipe 111 and the hole portion.

[0157] Although not particularly shown, the second elastic ring component is an annular component that can be elastically deformed, such as an O-ring. The second elastic ring component is fitted with the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 112b of the second supply pipe 112. That is, the second elastic ring component is fitted with the outer peripheral surface of the end portion different from the end portion connected to the connecting portion 119, that is, the end portion on the upstream side, of the two ends of the second supply pipe 112. According to the present embodiment, the second elastic ring component is arranged between the end portion on the upstream side of the second supply pipe 112 and the hole portion (not shown) provided in the wall portion of the motor housing portion 6a or the partition wall 61c. Thus, the sealing between the end portion on the upstream side of the second supply pipe 112 and the hole portion is ensured, so that the refrigerant can be efficiently supplied from the second supply pipe 112 to the outer peripheral surface of the stator 30. In addition, since the vibration-proof function is obtained by the second elastic ring component, it is possible to suppress the noise caused by vibration between the second supply pipe 112 and the hole portion.

[0158] like Fig.10 As shown, the oil circuit 90 has a first oil circuit 91 and a second oil circuit 92. The second oil circuit 92 has a first flow path 92a, a second flow path 92b, a third flow path 92c, a fourth flow path 92d, and a flow path 192d in the supply pipe. A pump 96, a cooler 97, and supply pipes (oil supply structures) 111 and 112 are provided in the path of the second oil circuit 92. That is, the second oil circuit 92, that is, the oil circuit 90 has a flow path and an oil supply structure provided inside the housing 6. The oil supply structure has supply pipes 111 and 112 in which the oil O flows, and the supply pipes 111 and 112 have injection holes 111c and 112c that open toward the stator core 32 or the coil ends 31a and 31b. In the present embodiment, the supply pipes 111 and 112 as the oil supply structure constitute a part of the refrigerant supply pipe unit 110. The oil supply structure is located on the upper side of the motor 2 and supplies oil O to the stator core 32 or the coil ends 31 a and 31 b.

[0159] The fourth flow path 92d is provided in the partition wall 61c. The fourth flow path 92d is connected to the first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 of the refrigerant supply pipe unit 110. That is, the fourth flow path 92d connects the third flow path 92c to the refrigerant supply pipe unit 110. The partition wall 61c has the fourth flow path 92d as a part of the flow path for supplying oil O to the supply pipes 111 and 112. The fourth flow path 92d has a first straight portion 92db and a second connecting hole portion (a part of the flow path) 92dc. In the present embodiment, oil O is supplied to the supply pipes 111 and 112, that is, the oil supply structure, from the second connecting hole portion 92dc extending in the axial direction, that is, the part of the flow path. Therefore, the same effect as that of the first embodiment is obtained. Furthermore, since the oil O is supplied through the injection holes 111 c and 112 c of the supply pipes 111 and 112 , the oil O can be stably supplied to the stator core 32 or the coil ends 31 a and 31 b even when the vehicle is running on a slope, for example.

[0160] In the present embodiment, a plurality of supply pipes 111 and 112 are provided as an oil supply structure. The plurality of supply pipes 111 and 112 include a first supply pipe 111 and a second supply pipe 112. In conjunction with this, a plurality of second connection hole portions 92dc are also provided. A pair of second connection hole portions 92dc are provided, branching from the first straight portion 92db. Each second connection hole portion 92dc is connected to each supply pipe 111 and 112. In the present embodiment, the flow path branches inside the wall portion of the housing 6, so there is no need to provide additional branching pipes, etc., which can reduce the number of components and simplify the structure. In addition, oil O can be provided to the stator 30 over a large range and efficiently from the plurality of supply pipes 111 and 112.

[0161] The supply pipe internal flow path 192d is a flow path of the refrigerant disposed inside the refrigerant supply pipe unit 110. That is, the supply pipe internal flow path 192d is located inside the refrigerant supply pipe unit 110. The supply pipe internal flow path 192d extends in the axial direction. The supply pipe internal flow path 192d is connected to the fourth flow path 92d. Fig.11As shown, a plurality of supply pipe internal flow paths 192d are provided in the refrigerant supply pipe unit 110, and a pair is provided in the present embodiment. The pair of supply pipe internal flow paths 192d are respectively connected to the fourth flow path 92d. The pair of supply pipe internal flow paths 192d are flow paths located on the downstream side of the fourth flow path 92d in the second oil path 92. According to the present embodiment, the refrigerant supply pipe unit 110 can constitute a part of the oil path 90, so that the degree of freedom of the shape of the oil path 90 can be increased and the structure of the oil path 90 can be simplified. One of the pair of supply pipe internal flow paths 192d is located inside the first supply pipe 111 and is connected to the first injection hole 111c opened to the peripheral wall of the first supply pipe 111. The other of the pair of supply pipe internal flow paths 192d is located inside the second supply pipe 112 and is connected to the second injection hole 112c opened to the peripheral wall of the second supply pipe 112. That is, the supply pipe internal flow path 192d is connected to the injection holes 111c and 112c.

[0162] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and for example, as described below, structural changes and the like can be made within a scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0163] In the second embodiment, the first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 are examples of cylindrical pipes extending linearly in the axial direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 may also be pipes other than pipes or block-shaped pipes. Alternatively, at least one of the first supply pipe 111 and the second supply pipe 112 may extend in a shape other than a linear shape, such as a curved shape.

[0164] The pump 96 is not limited to an electric pump, and may be, for example, a mechanical pump having a portion connected to the shaft 21 and capable of delivering the oil O as the shaft 21 rotates around the motor axis J2.

[0165] The embodiments of the present invention and their variations are described above, but the various structures and their combinations in the embodiments are only examples, and addition, omission, substitution and other changes of the structures can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

Claims

1. A motor unit comprising: A motor having a rotor that rotates around a motor axis extending in a horizontal direction and a stator located radially outside the rotor; A housing having a storage space for storing the motor; Oil, which is contained in the housing; an oil circuit that circulates the oil in the storage space to cool the motor; and a gear portion connected to the shaft of the rotor on one axial side of the motor axis, The housing has: a motor housing portion, wherein a motor chamber for housing the motor is provided inside the motor housing portion; a gear housing portion, wherein a gear chamber for housing the gear portion is provided inside the gear housing portion, the gear housing portion having an extension portion extending radially outward from the motor housing portion; as well as a partition wall that divides the gear chamber and the motor chamber, The oil circuit has: a flow path disposed inside the housing; and an oil supply structure, which is located on the upper side of the motor and supplies the oil to the stator, supplying the oil to the oil supply structure from a portion of the flow path extending in the axial direction, The partition wall has a portion of the flow path that supplies the oil to the oil supply structure. The oil reservoir is located at the lower part of the gear chamber. The pump is fixed to the outer surface of the gear receiving portion. The pump is located at the lower side of the motor chamber and is fixed to the surface of the extension portion of the gear housing portion that faces the motor housing portion. The suction port of the pump is arranged to face the extension portion.

2. The motor unit according to claim 1, wherein: The gear portion has: a first gear rotatable about the motor axis; and a second gear which is rotatable about an intermediate axis parallel to the motor axis and meshes with the first gear; When viewed in the axial direction, at least a portion of the pump overlaps with the second gear.

3. The motor unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The motor unit also has a cooler. When viewed in the axial direction, at least a portion of the cooler overlaps with the protruding portion.

4. The motor unit according to claim 1, wherein: The motor unit also has a cooler. The gear portion has: a first gear rotatable about the motor axis; and a second gear which is rotatable about an intermediate axis parallel to the motor axis and meshes with the first gear; When viewed in the axial direction, at least a portion of the cooler overlaps with the second gear.

5. The motor unit according to claim 1, wherein: The motor unit also has a cooler. The gear portion has: a first gear, which is rotatable around the motor axis; a second gear which is rotatable about an intermediate axis parallel to the motor axis and meshes with the first gear; a third gear connected to the second gear via an intermediate shaft; as well as a ring gear meshing with the third gear and rotatable about a differential axis parallel to the motor axis, In a vertical direction, the cooler overlaps with the differential axis.

6. The motor unit according to claim 1, wherein: The motor unit also has a cooler. The pump overlaps the cooler in the axial direction.

7. The motor unit according to claim 1, wherein: The flow path has: a first partition wall inner flow path, which is located in the partition wall and extends linearly along the circumferential direction of the motor axis; and a second partition wall inner flow path, which is located in the partition wall and extends axially from the first partition wall inner flow path; The end of the flow path in the second partition wall has a second connecting hole portion opened in the axial direction. The oil is supplied to the oil supply structure from the second partition wall internal flow path.

8. The motor unit according to claim 1, wherein: The flow path includes a third flow path extending in the axial direction inside the motor housing portion. The third flow path overlaps with the stator in the axial direction and the radial direction.

9. The motor unit according to claim 7, wherein: The rotor has the shaft extending in the axial direction with the motor axis as the center. The shaft has: a hollow portion located in the shaft and extending in the axial direction; and a communicating hole extending in a radial direction and connecting the hollow portion with the outside of the shaft, The oil passage has an in-shaft path located in the hollow portion, The direction in which the oil flows in the portion of the flow path and the direction in which the oil flows in the path within the shaft are the same.

10. The motor unit according to claim 1, wherein: The motor unit also has an inverter unit, which is electrically connected to the motor and fixed to the housing. When viewed in the axial direction, at least a portion of the inverter unit overlaps with the protruding portion of the gear housing portion.

11. The motor unit according to claim 10, wherein: The gear portion has: a first gear, which is rotatable around the motor axis; a second gear which is rotatable about an intermediate axis parallel to the motor axis and meshes with the first gear; a third gear connected to the second gear via an intermediate shaft; as well as a ring gear meshing with the third gear and rotatable about a differential axis parallel to the motor axis, When viewed in the axial direction, at least a portion of the inverter unit overlaps with the ring gear.

12. The motor unit according to claim 1, wherein: The motor unit also has: an inverter unit, which is electrically connected to the motor and fixed to the housing; as well as Cooler, When viewed in the vertical direction, the inverter unit is located on the opposite side of the cooler across the motor axis.

Images