Rotary electric motor and drive unit

Abstract

One embodiment of the rotary electric motor of the present invention includes: a rotor capable of rotating about a central axis; a stator surrounding the rotor; and a motor housing housing the rotor and the stator. The motor housing has a refrigerant flow path for refrigerant flow and a pair of flow openings located at opposite ends of the refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant flow path has a meandering flow path extending circumferentially and a pair of end flow paths connecting the ends of the meandering flow path to the flow openings. At least one of the end flow paths has: a first circumferential flow path portion extending circumferentially; a second circumferential flow path portion extending circumferentially and overlapping the first circumferential flow path portion when viewed along the central axis; and an axial flow path portion extending axially, connecting the first circumferential flow path portion and the second circumferential flow path portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to rotary electric motors and drive devices. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the development of rotary motors for driving electric vehicles has become increasingly popular. These rotary motors incorporate cooling structures. Patent Document 1 discloses a structure that uses a motor housing having water channels extending in a rectangular wave pattern along the circumference to cool the motor.

[0003] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-143246 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In the motor housing of Patent Document 1, uniform water channels are provided around the entire circumference to uniformly cool the motor. However, this presents problems such as the need for the water inlet and outlet to be positioned close together, limitations on the relative configuration of the inlet and outlet, and restrictions on the design freedom of surrounding components.

[0007] In view of the above, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide a rotary motor that can ensure the freedom of configuration of the inlet and outlet of the water channel and can uniformly cool the stator.

[0008] One embodiment of the rotary electric motor of the present invention includes: a rotor capable of rotating about a central axis; a stator surrounding the rotor; and a motor housing housing the rotor and the stator. The motor housing has a refrigerant flow path for refrigerant flow and a pair of flow openings located at opposite ends of the refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant flow path has: a meandering flow path extending circumferentially in a wavy manner; and a pair of end flow paths connecting the ends of the meandering flow path and the flow openings. At least one of the end flow paths has: a first circumferential flow path portion extending circumferentially; a second circumferential flow path portion extending circumferentially and overlapping the first circumferential flow path portion when viewed along the central axis; and an axial flow path portion extending axially and connecting the first circumferential flow path portion and the second circumferential flow path portion.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a rotary motor is provided that can ensure the freedom of configuration of the inlet and outlet of the water channel and can uniformly cool the stator. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a side view of a drive device according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2This is a three-dimensional view of the refrigerant flow path according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path according to one embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path in Modified Example 1.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path in Modified Example 2.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path in variation example 3.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path in variation example 4.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path in variation 5.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path in variation 6.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path in variation 7.

[0020] (Symbol Explanation)

[0021] 1. Drive unit; 10. Motor housing; 20. Rotary electric motor; 30. Rotor; 40. Stator; 50, 150, 250, 350, 450, 550, 650, 750. Refrigerant flow path; 51. Winding flow path; 51a, 52a, 52c, 252a, 353a, 453a, 552c, 553c, 652c. Axial flow path; 51b, 252b, 353b, 453b, 552b, 652b, 653e. Circumferential flow path; 52, 152, 252, 352, 452, 552, 652, 752. End. End flow path, 52b, 53b, 452b, 552b, 553b, 652b. First circumferential flow path section, 52c, 53c, 452c. Second axial flow path section (axial flow path section), 52d, 53d, 452d, 552d, 553d, 652d. Second circumferential flow path section, 58. Inlet (flow path opening), 752e. Circumferential flow path section (third circumferential flow path section), 752e, 59. Outlet (flow path opening), 81. Inverter, 82. Inverter housing, 85. Inverter refrigerant flow path, 90. Busbar, J1. Central axis, W. Refrigerant. Detailed Implementation

[0022] In the following description, the vertical direction is defined based on the positional relationship of the drive unit mounted on a vehicle located on a horizontal road surface according to the embodiments. That is, when the drive unit is mounted on a vehicle located on a horizontal road surface, at least the vertically related relative positional relationship described in the following embodiments needs to be satisfied.

[0023] In the accompanying drawings, the XYZ coordinate system is appropriately shown as a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. In the XYZ coordinate system, the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction. The +Z side is the upper vertical direction, and the -Z side is the lower vertical direction. In the following description, the upper vertical direction is simply referred to as the "upper side," and the lower vertical direction is simply referred to as the "lower side."

[0024] The central axis J1, as appropriately illustrated, is an imaginary axis extending in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. More specifically, the central axis J1 extends along the Y-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the vertical direction. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the central axis J1 is simply referred to as the "axial direction," the radial direction centered on the central axis J1 is simply referred to as the "radial direction," and the circumferential direction centered on the central axis J1, i.e., the axis around the central axis J1, is simply referred to as the "circumferential direction." In this embodiment, the +Y side corresponds to "one side of the axial direction," and the -Y side corresponds to "the other side of the axial direction."

[0025] The arrow θ in the appropriate illustration indicates the circumferential direction. In the following explanation, the side of the circumferential direction that moves counterclockwise from the -Y side with respect to the central axis J1, i.e., the side in which the arrow θ points (+θ side), is called the "circumferential side". The opposite side of the side of the circumferential direction that moves clockwise from the +Y side with respect to the central axis J1, i.e., the side in which the arrow θ points (-θ side), is called the "circumferential side".

[0026] Figure 1 This is a side view of the drive device 1 according to one embodiment. Additionally, Figure 1 It is merely a schematic diagram and does not accurately depict the configuration of each part (especially the shape and configuration of the refrigerant flow path 50, and the shape and configuration of the flow ports 58 and 59, etc.).

[0027] The drive unit 1 in this embodiment is a drive unit mounted on a vehicle and rotating the vehicle's axle. The vehicle equipped with drive unit 1 is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHV), an electric vehicle (EV), or other vehicles powered by an electric motor.

[0028] like Figure 1As shown, the drive unit 1 includes a rotary motor 20, an inverter unit 80, and a busbar 90. The rotary motor 20 is the part that drives the drive unit 1. The inverter unit 80 controls the rotary motor 20. The busbar 90 connects the rotary motor 20 to the inverter unit 80. Alternatively, the drive unit 1 may also have a transmission mechanism that transmits the power of the rotary motor 20 to the axle of the vehicle.

[0029] The rotary electric motor 20 includes a rotor 30, a stator 40, a motor housing 10, and bearings 71 and 73. The rotor 30 is rotatable about a central axis J1 extending axially. The stator 40 surrounds the rotor 30 radially outward. A motor chamber 10A is provided inside the motor housing 10. The motor housing 10 houses the rotor 30 and the stator 40 within the motor chamber 10A. The bearings 71 and 73 are held on the motor housing 10 and rotatably support the rotor 30. The bearings 71 and 73 are, for example, ball bearings.

[0030] The rotor 30 has a shaft 31 and a rotor body 32. The shaft 31 is capable of rotating about the central axis J1.

[0031] Shaft 31 extends axially around the central axis J1. Shaft 31 is housed within the motor chamber 10A and fixed to the rotor body 32. Shaft 31 is rotatably supported by bearings 71 and 73.

[0032] The rotor body 32 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 31. More specifically, the rotor body 32 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 31. Although not shown in the figure, the rotor body 32 has a rotor core and a rotor magnet fixed to the rotor core.

[0033] The stator 40 is fixed inside the motor housing 10. The stator 40 has a stator core 41 and a coil assembly 42. The stator core 41 is annular, surrounding the rotor 30. The coil assembly 42 has a plurality of coils 42c mounted circumferentially on the stator core 41. The plurality of coils 42c are mounted on the stator core 41 via an insulator (not shown).

[0034] The motor housing 10 has a first housing component 11, a second housing component 12, and a third housing component 13. The first housing component 11 surrounds the stator 40 and the rotor 30 radially outward. The second housing component 12 is located on the opposite axial side (-Y side) of the first housing component 11 and is fixed to the first housing component 11. The second housing component 12 is located on one axial side (+Y side) of the third housing component 13 and is fixed to the first housing component 11. Although not shown in the figure, the axial connections between the first housing component 11 and the second housing component 12, and between the first housing component 11 and the third housing component 13, are sealed by sealing components. The sealing components are, for example, metal gaskets or liquid gaskets.

[0035] The first housing component 11 is a cylindrical component that surrounds the rotary motor 20 radially outward. In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the first housing component 11 is cylindrical about the central axis J1. The first housing component 11 has an opening on the other axial side (-Y side). The stator core 41 is fitted inside the first housing component 11. The first housing component 11 has a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 11b extending axially.

[0036] The second housing component 12 closes the opening on the other side of the axial direction of the first housing component 11. The second housing component 12 has a cover portion 12a extending along a plane orthogonal to the central axis J1 and a bearing retaining portion 12d disposed on the cover portion 12a. The bearing retaining portion 12d retains the bearing 71.

[0037] The third housing component 13 has an opposing wall portion 13a extending along a plane orthogonal to the central axis J1 and a bearing retaining portion 13c disposed on the opposing wall portion 13a. The bearing retaining portion 13c retains the bearing 73.

[0038] The motor housing 10 has a refrigerant flow path 50 and a pair of flow ports 58 and 59. The refrigerant flow path 50 is a flow path for refrigerant W, such as water, to flow through. The refrigerant is, for example, water. The pair of flow ports 58 and 59 are located at both ends of the refrigerant flow path 50. One of the flow ports 58 and 59 is the inlet 58 through which refrigerant W flows into the refrigerant flow path 50, and the other is the outlet 59 through which refrigerant W flows out of the refrigerant flow path 50.

[0039] A refrigerant flow path 50 is provided in the peripheral wall portion 11b of the first housing member 11. The refrigerant flow path 50 has openings at both axial ends of the peripheral wall portion 11b. The opening on one axial side (+Y side) of the refrigerant flow path 50 is closed by the second housing member 12. In addition, the opening on the other axial side (-Y side) of the refrigerant flow path 50 is closed by the third housing member 13.

[0040] The refrigerant W flowing in the refrigerant flow path 50 is cooled by a cooling device (not shown). The refrigerant W flowing in the refrigerant flow path 50 cools the motor housing 10, thereby indirectly cooling the stator 40 fixed to the motor housing 10.

[0041] In this embodiment, the refrigerant flow path 50 is arranged axially along the entire axial length of the stator 40. Therefore, the refrigerant W flowing in the refrigerant flow path 50 cools the motor housing 10 throughout the entire axial length. As a result, the refrigerant flow path 50 can uniformly cool the stator 40 along its entire axial length.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the refrigerant flow path 50 according to one embodiment. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path 50 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerant flow path 50 surrounds the stator 40 from the radial outside.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerant flow path 50 has a meandering flow path 51 and a pair of end flow paths 52 and 53. The pair of end flow paths 52 and 53 are respectively disposed at the ends of the meandering flow path 51. The pair of end flow paths 52 and 53 connect the ends of the meandering flow path 51 to flow ports 58 and 59.

[0044] In the following description, when distinguishing between a pair of end flow paths 52 and 53, they will be referred to as the first end flow path 52 and the second end flow path 53, respectively. The first end flow path 52 is located on the upstream side relative to the meandering flow path 51, and the second end flow path 53 is located on the downstream side relative to the meandering flow path 51. Therefore, the first end flow path 52 connects the end of the meandering flow path 51 to the inlet 58. The second end flow path 53 connects the end of the meandering flow path 51 to the outlet 59.

[0045] The meandering flow path 51 extends in a wavy shape along the circumference. The meandering flow path 51 is provided along the entire axial length of the stator 40. Thus, the refrigerant W flowing in the meandering flow path 51 cools the entire axial length of the stator 40. Furthermore, the meandering flow path 51 in this embodiment is rectangularly wavy. By forming the meandering flow path 51 as rectangularly wavy, compared to a sinusoidal wave shape, a more compact water channel can be formed, enabling uniform cooling of the stator 40. In this specification, the concept of rectangular wavy not only includes cases where the water channel meanders in a strictly rectangular shape, but also cases where the corners of the rectangle bend with a predetermined curvature (i.e., approximately rectangularly wavy).

[0046] The meandering flow path 51 has a plurality of axial flow path portions 51a extending axially and a plurality of circumferential flow path portions 51b extending circumferentially. The plurality of axial flow path portions 51a extend parallel to each other. The plurality of axial flow path portions 51a extend approximately at equal intervals circumferentially. The meandering flow path 51 of this embodiment has five axial flow path portions 51a. The circumferential flow path portions 51b connect adjacent axial flow path portions 51a in the circumferential direction to each other. The meandering flow path 51 of this embodiment has four circumferential flow path portions 51b. Two of the four circumferential flow path portions 51b connect the ends of adjacent axial flow path portions 51a on one axial side (+Y side) to each other, and the other two connect the ends of adjacent axial flow path portions 51a on the other axial side (-Y side) to each other.

[0047] The first end flow path 52 is disposed at the end of the meandering flow path 51 on the other circumferential side (-θ side). The first end flow path 52 has a first axial flow path portion 52a, a second axial flow path portion (axial flow path portion) 52c, a first circumferential flow path portion 52b, and a second circumferential flow path portion 52d. In the first end flow path 52, the refrigerant W flows in the order of the first axial flow path portion 52a, the first circumferential flow path portion 52b, the second axial flow path portion 52c, and the second circumferential flow path portion 52d.

[0048] The first axial flow path 52a and the second axial flow path 52c extend parallel to each other along the axial direction. The first axial flow path 52a is disposed between the meandering flow path 51 and the second axial flow path 52c. An inlet 58 is disposed in the path of the first axial flow path 52a. In this embodiment, the inlet 58 is disposed in the middle of the first axial flow path 52a, but the inlet 58 may also be disposed at the end of the upstream side of the first axial flow path 52a.

[0049] In the first axial flow path 52a, the refrigerant W mainly flows from one axial side (+Y side) to the other axial side (-Y side). In the second axial flow path 52c, the refrigerant W flows from the other axial side (-Y side) to one axial side (+Y side).

[0050] The flow path length of the first axial flow path 52a is shorter than the flow path length of the second axial flow path 52c. The axial positions of the ends of the first axial flow path 52a and the second axial flow path 52c on the other side (-Y side) are aligned with each other. On the other hand, the end of the first axial flow path 52a on one side (+Y side) is located on the other side (-Y side) of the axial flow path 52c than the end of the second axial flow path 52c on one side (+Y side). In the motor housing 10, the second circumferential flow path 52d passes through the region of the first axial flow path 52a on one side (+Y side). That is, the first axial flow path 52a and the second circumferential flow path 52d overlap axially.

[0051] The first circumferential flow path 52b and the second circumferential flow path 52d extend circumferentially. The first circumferential flow path 52b connects the ends of the first axial flow path 52a and the second axial flow path 52c on the opposite side (-Y side) of their axial direction to each other. On the other hand, the second circumferential flow path 52d connects the end of the second axial flow path 52c on one side (+Y side) of its axial direction to the end of the meandering flow path 51.

[0052] Refrigerant W flows in opposite directions in the first circumferential flow path 52b and the second circumferential flow path 52d. In the first circumferential flow path 52b, refrigerant W flows from one circumferential side (+θ side) to the other circumferential side (-θ side). In the second circumferential flow path 52d, refrigerant W flows from the other circumferential side (-θ side) to one circumferential side (+θ side).

[0053] The second circumferential flow path 52d overlaps with the first circumferential flow path 52b when viewed along the central axis J1. Furthermore, the first circumferential flow path 52b and the second circumferential flow path 52d are connected by the second axial flow path 52c. Therefore, the first circumferential flow path 52b, the second axial flow path 52c, and the second circumferential flow path 52d are formed in a U-shaped fold in the first end flow path 52. According to this structure, the refrigerant W changes its flow direction in the first end flow path 52 from the other circumferential side (-θ side) to the circumferential side (+θ side).

[0054] The second end flow path 53 is disposed at the end of the circumferential side (+θ side) of the meandering flow path 51. The second end flow path 53 has a first axial flow path portion 53a, a second axial flow path portion (axial flow path portion) 53c, a first circumferential flow path portion 53b, and a second circumferential flow path portion 53d. In the second end flow path 53, the refrigerant W flows in the order of the second circumferential flow path portion 53d, the second axial flow path portion 53c, the first circumferential flow path portion 53b, and the first axial flow path portion 53a.

[0055] The first axial flow path portion 53a and the second axial flow path portion 53c extend parallel to each other along the axial direction. The first axial flow path portion 53a is disposed between the meandering flow path 51 and the second axial flow path portion 53c. More specifically, the first axial flow path portion 53a is disposed between the meandering flow path 51 and the second axial flow path portion 53c. An outlet 59 is disposed in the path of the first axial flow path portion 53a. In this embodiment, the outlet 59 is disposed in the middle of the first axial flow path portion 53a, but the outlet 59 may also be provided at the downstream end of the first axial flow path portion 53a.

[0056] The refrigerant W flows in opposite directions along the axial direction in the first axial flow path 53a and the second axial flow path 53c. In the first axial flow path 53a, the refrigerant W mainly flows from one axial side (+Y side) to the other axial side (-Y side). In the second axial flow path 53c, the refrigerant W flows from the other axial side (-Y side) to one axial side (+Y side).

[0057] The flow path length of the first axial flow path 53a is shorter than the flow path length of the second axial flow path 53c. The axial positions of the ends of the first axial flow path 53a and the second axial flow path 53c on one axial side (+Y side) are aligned with each other. On the other hand, the end of the first axial flow path 53a on the other axial side (-Y side) is located on the axial side (+Y side) closer than the end of the second axial flow path 53c on the other axial side (-Y side). In the motor housing 10, the second circumferential flow path 53d passes through the region on the other axial side (-Y side) of the first axial flow path 53a. That is, the first axial flow path 53a and the second circumferential flow path 53d overlap axially.

[0058] The first circumferential flow path 53b and the second circumferential flow path 53d extend circumferentially. The first circumferential flow path 53b connects the ends of the first axial flow path 53a and the second axial flow path 53c on one axial side (+Y side) to each other. On the other hand, the second circumferential flow path 53d connects the end of the second axial flow path 53c on the other axial side (-Y side) to the end of the meandering flow path 51.

[0059] Refrigerant W flows from one circumferential side (+θ side) to the other circumferential side (-θ side) in the first circumferential flow path 53b. Refrigerant W flows from the other circumferential side (-θ side) to one circumferential side (+θ side) in the second circumferential flow path 53d.

[0060] The second circumferential flow path 53d overlaps with the first circumferential flow path 53b when viewed along the central axis J1. Furthermore, the first circumferential flow path 53b and the second circumferential flow path 53d are connected by the second axial flow path 53c. Therefore, the first circumferential flow path 53b, the second axial flow path 53c, and the second circumferential flow path 53d form a U-shaped fold in the second end flow path 53. According to this structure, the refrigerant W changes its flow direction from one circumferential side (+θ side) to the other circumferential side (-θ side) in the second end flow path 53.

[0061] In this embodiment, five axial flow path portions 51a are provided on the meandering flow path 51, and two axial flow path portions 52a, 52c, 53a, and 53c are provided on the first end flow path 52 and the second end flow path 53, respectively. That is, nine axial flow path portions 51a, 52a, 52c, 53a, and 53c are provided on the refrigerant flow path 50. All the axial flow path portions 51a, 52a, 52c, 53a, and 53c are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference. Therefore, the refrigerant flow path 50 of this embodiment can uniformly cool the stator 40 along the circumference.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first end flow path 52 has a first circumferential flow path portion 52b, a second axial flow path portion 52c, and a second circumferential flow path portion 52d that are folded back in a U-shape around the flow inlet 58. Similarly, the second end flow path 53 has a first circumferential flow path portion 53b, a second axial flow path portion 53c, and a second circumferential flow path portion 53d that are folded back in a U-shape around the flow outlet 59. Therefore, a flow path surrounding the flow outlets 58 and 59 is provided around the flow outlets (flow inlet 58 and flow outlet 59). According to this embodiment, regardless of the arrangement of the flow outlets 58 and 59, the area around the flow outlets 58 and 59 can be cooled uniformly using the flow path surrounding the flow outlets 58 and 59. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the freedom of arrangement of the flow outlets 58 and 59 can be ensured, and the stator 40 can be cooled uniformly around the flow outlets 58 and 59.

[0063] In this embodiment, a second axial flow path 52c and a second axial flow path 53c are arranged circumferentially between a pair of flow paths 58 and 59. According to this embodiment, even when the pair of flow paths 58 and 59 are circumferentially separated, the refrigerant W can still flow and cool the region between the flow paths 58 and 59 through the second axial flow path 52c and the second axial flow path 53c. As a result, the stator 40 can be cooled uniformly circumferentially regardless of the arrangement of the flow paths 58 and 59.

[0064] In this embodiment, the pair of end flow paths 52 and 53 are both configured in a U-shape that folds back circumferentially. That is, the pair of end flow paths 52 and 53 in this embodiment each have a first circumferential flow path portion 52b and 53b, a second circumferential flow path portion 52d and 53d, and a second axial flow path portion 52c and 53c. Therefore, flow paths surrounding the two flow paths 58 and 59 are respectively provided around the flow paths 58 and 59, increasing the degree of freedom in the arrangement of each flow path 58 and 59. Moreover, since two second axial flow path portions 52c and 53c are arranged between the pair of flow paths 58 and 59, the stator 40 can be cooled uniformly even when the interval between the pair of flow paths 58 and 59 is large.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the end flow paths of both parties have first circumferential flow path portions 52b and 53b, second circumferential flow path portions 52d and 53d, and axial flow path portions 52c and 53c respectively has been described. However, as long as at least one of the end flow paths 52 and 53 has these flow paths, the aforementioned certain effects can be obtained.

[0066] According to this embodiment, in the direction of the central axis J1, the inlet 58 is disposed between the first circumferential flow path 52b and the second circumferential flow path 52d. Similarly, in the direction of the central axis J1, the outlet 59 is disposed between the first circumferential flow path 53b and the second circumferential flow path 53d. According to this embodiment, since flow paths are respectively provided on both sides of the flow paths 58 and 59, it is easy to arrange the flow paths around the flow paths 58 and 59 without gaps, and the stator 40 can be cooled uniformly.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, the inverter unit 80 includes an inverter 81 and an inverter housing 82 that houses the inverter 81. That is, the drive unit 1 includes an inverter 81 and an inverter housing 82. The inverter 81 converts the direct current (DC) from a battery (not shown) into alternating current (AC). The inverter 81 is connected to the stator 40 via a busbar 90. The AC current converted by the inverter 81 is supplied to the stator 40 via the busbar 90. In other words, the inverter 81 converts the DC current supplied from the battery into AC current and supplies it to the stator 40.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown, the inverter housing 82 is disposed on the upper side of the motor housing 10. Viewed from the central axis J1 direction, the inverter housing 82 is located radially outward of the motor housing 10. The inverter housing 82 is fixed to the peripheral wall portion 11b of the first housing component 11.

[0069] The inverter housing 82 has an inverter refrigerant flow path 85, an inverter inlet 88, and an inverter outlet 89. That is, the inverter housing 82 is provided with an inverter refrigerant flow path 85, an inverter inlet 88, and an inverter outlet 89.

[0070] Refrigerant W flows in the inverter refrigerant flow path 85. The refrigerant W flowing through the inverter refrigerant flow path 85 flows near the inverter 81. Thus, the refrigerant W cools the inverter 81.

[0071] The inverter inlet 88 is located at the upstream end of the inverter refrigerant flow path 85. Conversely, the inverter outlet 89 is located at the downstream end of the inverter refrigerant flow path 85. The inverter outlet 89 is connected to the inlet 58 of the refrigerant flow path 50. Refrigerant W flows into the inverter refrigerant flow path 85 from the inverter inlet 88, and then flows into the refrigerant flow path 50 via the inverter outlet 89 and inlet 58, exiting at outlet 59. In this way, the refrigerant W sequentially cools the inverter 81 and the stator 40.

[0072] According to this embodiment, one of the flow ports 58 and 59 (specifically, the inlet 58) is connected to the inverter refrigerant flow path 85 provided in the inverter housing 82. The inverter refrigerant flow path 85 and the refrigerant flow path 50 are directly connected without piping. According to this embodiment, compared to the case where piping is provided between the inverter refrigerant flow path 85 and the refrigerant flow path 50, the number of components constituting the rotary motor 20 can be reduced. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the overall flow path for the refrigerant W can be made shorter, reducing the overall pipe resistance of the refrigerant W flow path.

[0073] According to this embodiment, the refrigerant flow path 50 is disposed downstream of the inverter refrigerant flow path 85. Therefore, the refrigerant W cools the stator 40 after cooling the inverter 81. Generally, the inverter 81 is more prone to rapid heating than the stator 40. According to this embodiment, the inverter 81 can be cooled using the refrigerant W, which uses a low-temperature refrigerant cooled by a cooling device (not shown), thus suppressing a rapid temperature rise in the inverter 81.

[0074] In this embodiment, one of the flow ports 58 and 59 (specifically, the inlet 58) overlaps radially with the inverter housing 82. According to this embodiment, the distance between the inlet 58 and the inverter refrigerant flow path 85 can be shortened, and the refrigerant flow path 50 can be connected to the inverter refrigerant flow path 85 with the shortest possible distance.

[0075] On the other hand, the other flow port (specifically, the outlet 59) of the pair of flow ports 58 and 59 is offset from the inverter housing 82 in the circumferential direction. A piping connected to the outlet 59 is connected to a cooling device for the refrigerant W (not shown). According to this embodiment, the outlet 59 is offset from the inverter housing 82 in the circumferential direction, thereby preventing interference between the piping connected to the outlet 59 and the inverter housing 82. Furthermore, compared to using a more curved piping to avoid interference with the inverter housing 82, the overall piping resistance of the flow path can be suppressed as the piping connected to the outlet 59. Moreover, according to this embodiment, the structural freedom of the piping connected to the flow port 58 is increased, which enhances the design freedom of the path for refrigerant W circulation.

[0076] In this embodiment, the busbar 90 electrically connects the stator 40 to the inverter unit 80. In this embodiment, three busbars 90 are provided in the drive unit 1, corresponding to the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase coils 42c of the stator 40. The busbar 90 extends vertically. The busbar 90 is made of a low-resistivity metal material such as copper alloy. The busbar 90 is plate-shaped along a plane orthogonal to the central axis J1.

[0077] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the first end flow path 52 connected to the inlet 58 and the busbar 90 overlap axially. A large current for driving the rotary motor 20 flows through the busbar 90. Therefore, the busbar 90 is prone to heat generation when the rotary motor 20 is driven. According to this embodiment, the refrigerant W flows in the vicinity of the busbar 90 and the lead wire 42d of the coil 42c connected to the busbar 90 immediately after flowing into the refrigerant flow path 50. According to this embodiment, the low-temperature refrigerant W immediately after flowing into the refrigerant flow path 50 can be used to cool the busbar 90 and the lead wire 42d of the coil 42c. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, heat transfer via the busbar 90 to the electronic components connected to the busbar 90 can be suppressed.

[0078] <Variation Example>

[0079] Hereinafter, the refrigerant flow path of the modified examples that can be used in the above embodiments will be described. In addition, in each modified example, the same reference numerals are given to the constituent elements that are the same as those in the above embodiments, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0080] (Variation Example 1)

[0081] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path 150 in Modified Example 1.

[0082] The refrigerant flow path 150 in this variant has the same meandering flow path 51 and a pair of end flow paths 152, 153 as in the above embodiment.

[0083] The first end flow path 152 has a first axial flow path portion 152a, a second axial flow path portion 52c, a first circumferential flow path portion 52b, and a second circumferential flow path portion 52d. Similarly, the second end flow path 153 has a first axial flow path portion 153a, a second axial flow path portion 53c, a first circumferential flow path portion 53b, and a second circumferential flow path portion 53d. In this modified example, the inlet 58 is disposed at the end of the first axial flow path portion 152a on one axial side (+Y side). Similarly, the outlet 59 is disposed at the end of the first axial flow path portion 153a on the other axial side (-Y side).

[0084] In this modified example, the first axial flow path portions 152a and 153a extend in a direction inclined circumferentially relative to the axial direction. In this modified example, the first axial flow path portions 152a and 153a are inclined circumferentially to one side (+θ side) as they move toward the axial side (+Y side).

[0085] According to this modified example, similarly to the above embodiment, the end flow paths 152 and 153 have first circumferential flow path portions 52b and 53b, second circumferential flow path portions 52d and 53d, and second axial flow path portions 52c and 53c. Therefore, the freedom of arrangement of the flow path openings 58 and 59 can be ensured, and the stator 40 can be cooled uniformly around the flow path openings 58 and 59.

[0086] Furthermore, according to this modified example, similarly to the above embodiment, each pair of end flow paths 152 and 153 has a first circumferential flow path portion 52b and 53b, a second circumferential flow path portion 52d and 53d, and a second axial flow path portion 52c and 53c, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the configuration of their respective flow path openings 58 and 59.

[0087] According to this modified example, similar to the above embodiment, a second axial flow path portion 52c and a second axial flow path portion 53c are arranged between a pair of flow path openings 58 and 59 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, even if a pair of flow path openings 58 and 59 are separated in the circumferential direction, the flow path can be arranged without gaps, and the stator 40 can be cooled uniformly.

[0088] (Variation Example 2)

[0089] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path 250 in Modified Example 2.

[0090] The refrigerant flow path 250 in this variant has the same meandering flow path 51 and a pair of terminal flow paths 252, 253 as in the above embodiment.

[0091] The first end flow path 252 has a circumferential flow path portion 252b and an axial flow path portion 252a. The circumferential flow path portion 252b extends from the end of the meandering flow path 51 on the other side of the circumference (-θ side) to the other side of the circumference. The axial flow path portion 252a extends from the end of the circumferential flow path portion 252b on the other side of the circumference (-θ side) to the other side of the axial direction (-Y side).

[0092] Furthermore, the second end flow path 253, like the embodiment described above, has a first axial flow path portion 53a, a second axial flow path portion 53c, a first circumferential flow path portion 53b, and a second circumferential flow path portion 53d. An outlet 59 is disposed at the end of the first axial flow path portion 53a on the other side (-Y side) of the axial direction.

[0093] According to this modified example, similarly to the above embodiment, the second end flow path 253 has a first circumferential flow path portion 53b, a second circumferential flow path portion 53d, and a second axial flow path portion 53c. Therefore, the freedom of arrangement of the outlet 59 can be ensured, and the stator 40 can be cooled uniformly around the outlet 59.

[0094] According to this modified example, similar to the above embodiment, a second axial flow path portion 53c is arranged between a pair of flow paths 58 and 59 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, even if a pair of flow paths 58 and 59 are separated in the circumferential direction, the flow path can be arranged without gaps, and the stator 40 can be cooled uniformly.

[0095] According to this modified example, similar to the above embodiment, in the direction of the central axis J1, the outlet 59 is disposed between the first circumferential flow path 53b and the second circumferential flow path 53d, so that the flow path can be disposed around the outlet 59 without gaps.

[0096] (Variation Example 3)

[0097] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path 350 in Modified Example 3.

[0098] The refrigerant flow path 350 of Modified Example 3 has a structure similar to that of the refrigerant flow path 250 of Modified Example 2. The refrigerant flow path 350 of Modified Example 3 has a structure in which the first end flow path and the second end flow path of the refrigerant flow path 250 of Modified Example 2 are reversed. Therefore, the effect of the refrigerant flow path 350 of Modified Example 3 is the same as that of the refrigerant flow path 250 of Modified Example 2.

[0099] The refrigerant flow path 350 in this variant example has the same meandering flow path 51 and a pair of terminal flow paths 352, 353 as in the above embodiment.

[0100] The first end flow path 352, like the embodiment described above, has a first axial flow path portion 52a, a second axial flow path portion 52c, a first circumferential flow path portion 52b, and a second circumferential flow path portion 52d. The second end flow path 353 has a circumferential flow path portion 353b and an axial flow path portion 353a. The circumferential flow path portion 353b extends from the end of the meandering flow path 51 on the circumferential side (+θ side) toward the circumferential side. The axial flow path portion 353a extends from the end of the circumferential flow path portion 353b on the circumferential side (+θ side) toward the axial side (+Y side).

[0101] (Variation Example 4)

[0102] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path 450 in variant example 4.

[0103] The refrigerant flow path 450 in this variant has the same meandering flow path 51 and a pair of terminal flow paths 452, 453 as in the above embodiment.

[0104] The first end flow path 452 has a first axial flow path section 452a, a second axial flow path section (axial flow path section) 452c, two third axial flow path sections 452f, a first circumferential flow path section 452b, a second circumferential flow path section 452d, and two third circumferential flow path sections 452e. In the first end flow path 452, the refrigerant W flows in the following order: first axial flow path section 452a, third circumferential flow path section 452e, third axial flow path section 452f, third circumferential flow path section 452e, third axial flow path section 452f, first circumferential flow path section 452b, second axial flow path section 452c, and second circumferential flow path section 452d.

[0105] An inlet 58 is disposed in the path of the first axial flow path 452a. Two third axial flow paths 452f and two third circumferential flow paths 452e extend circumferentially between the first axial flow path 452a and the first circumferential flow path 452b. The first circumferential flow path 452b and the second circumferential flow path 452d extend circumferentially. The second circumferential flow path 452d overlaps with the first circumferential flow path 452b when viewed along the central axis J1. The first circumferential flow path 452b and the second circumferential flow path 452d are connected by the second axial flow path 452c. Therefore, the first circumferential flow path 452b, the second axial flow path 452c, and the second circumferential flow path 452d are configured in a U-shape to change the flow direction from the other side of the circumference (-θ side) to one side of the circumference (+θ side).

[0106] The second end flow path 453 has a circumferential flow path portion 453b and an axial flow path portion 453a. The circumferential flow path portion 453b extends from the end of the meandering flow path 51 on one circumferential side (+θ side) toward the other circumferential side. The axial flow path portion 453a extends from the end of the circumferential flow path portion 453b on one circumferential side (+θ side) toward the other axial side (-Y side).

[0107] According to this modified example, similarly to the above embodiment, the first end flow path 452 has a first circumferential flow path portion 452b, a second circumferential flow path portion 452d, and a second axial flow path portion 452c. Therefore, the freedom of arrangement of the inlet 58 can be ensured, and the stator 40 can be cooled uniformly around the inlet 58.

[0108] According to this modified example, similar to the above embodiment, a second axial flow path portion 452c and two third axial flow path portions 452f are arranged between a pair of flow path openings 58 and 59 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, even if a pair of flow path openings 58 and 59 are separated in the circumferential direction, the flow path can be arranged without gaps, and the stator 40 can be cooled uniformly.

[0109] According to this modified example, similar to the above embodiment, in the direction of the central axis J1, the inlet 58 is disposed between the first circumferential flow path 452b and the second circumferential flow path 452d, so that the flow path can be disposed without gaps around the inlet 58.

[0110] (Variation Example 5)

[0111] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path 550 in Modified Example 5.

[0112] The refrigerant flow path 550 in this variation has the same meandering flow path 51 and a pair of end flow paths 552 and 553 as in the above embodiment. In this variation, the first end flow path 552 and the second end flow path 553 are arranged to overlap each other in the axial direction.

[0113] The first end flow path 552 has an axial flow path portion 552c, a first circumferential flow path portion 552b, and a second circumferential flow path portion 552d. In the first end flow path 552, the refrigerant W flows in the order of the first circumferential flow path portion 552b, the axial flow path portion 552c, and the second circumferential flow path portion 552d.

[0114] A flow inlet 58 is disposed in the path of the first circumferential flow path 552b. The first circumferential flow path 552b and the second circumferential flow path 552d extend circumferentially. The second circumferential flow path 552d overlaps with the first circumferential flow path 552b when viewed along the central axis J1. The first circumferential flow path 552b and the second circumferential flow path 552d are connected by an axial flow path 552c. Therefore, the first circumferential flow path 552b, the axial flow path 552c, and the second circumferential flow path 552d are configured in a U-shape to change the flow direction from the other side of the circumference (-θ side) to one side of the circumference (+θ side).

[0115] The second end flow path 553 has an axial flow path portion 553c, a first circumferential flow path portion 553b, and a second circumferential flow path portion 553d. In the second end flow path 553, the refrigerant W flows in the order of the second circumferential flow path portion 553b, the axial flow path portion 553c, and the first circumferential flow path portion 553d.

[0116] An outlet 59 is disposed in the path of the first circumferential flow path 553b. The first circumferential flow path 553b and the second circumferential flow path 553d extend circumferentially. The second circumferential flow path 553d overlaps with the first circumferential flow path 553b when viewed along the central axis J1. The first circumferential flow path 553b and the second circumferential flow path 553d are connected by an axial flow path 553c. Therefore, the first circumferential flow path 553b, the axial flow path 553c, and the second circumferential flow path 553d are configured in a U-shape to change the flow direction from one circumferential side (+θ side) to the other circumferential side (-θ side).

[0117] According to this modified example, similarly to the above embodiment, the pair of end flow paths 552 and 553 each have a first circumferential flow path portion 552b, 553b, a second circumferential flow path portion 552d, 553d, and an axial flow path portion 552c, 553d. Therefore, the freedom of arrangement of the inlet 58 and the outlet 59 can be ensured, and the stator 40 can be uniformly cooled around the inlet 58 and the outlet 59.

[0118] In the refrigerant flow path 550 of this modified example, the four circumferential flow path portions 552b, 552d, 553b, and 553d of a pair of end flow paths 552 and 553 are arranged overlapping in the axial direction. Therefore, multiple circumferential flow path portions 552b, 552d, 553b, and 553d can be arranged in parallel around the flow openings 58 and 59, enabling uniform cooling of the area around the flow openings 58 and 59. Furthermore, even if the pair of end flow paths 552 and 553 are significantly separated from each other in the circumferential direction, uniform cooling of the area around the end flow paths 552 and 553 can still be achieved by arranging circumferential flow path portions between the pair of end flow paths 552 and 553.

[0119] According to this modification, the inlet 58 is disposed in the path of the first circumferential flow path 552b extending circumferentially. Therefore, when the piping connected to the inlet 58 extends circumferentially and the refrigerant W flows circumferentially into the refrigerant flow path 550, the refrigerant W can flow smoothly within the refrigerant flow path 550. Similarly, according to this modification, the outlet 59 is disposed in the path of the first circumferential flow path 553b extending circumferentially. Therefore, when the piping connected to the outlet 59 extends circumferentially, the refrigerant W can flow smoothly out of the outlet 59 in the circumferential direction.

[0120] (Variation Example 6)

[0121] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path 650 in Modified Example 6.

[0122] The refrigerant flow path 650 in this variation has the same meandering flow path 51 and a pair of end flow paths 652 and 653 as in the above embodiment. In this variation, the first end flow path 652 and the second end flow path 653 are arranged to overlap each other in the axial direction.

[0123] The first end flow path 652 has an axial flow path portion 652c, a first circumferential flow path portion 652b, and a second circumferential flow path portion 652d. In the first end flow path 652, the refrigerant W flows in the order of the first circumferential flow path portion 652b, the axial flow path portion 652c, and the second circumferential flow path portion 652d.

[0124] A flow inlet 58 is disposed in the path of the first circumferential flow path 652b. The first circumferential flow path 652b and the second circumferential flow path 652d extend circumferentially. The second circumferential flow path 652d overlaps with the first circumferential flow path 652b when viewed along the central axis J1. The first circumferential flow path 652b and the second circumferential flow path 652d are connected by an axial flow path 652c. Therefore, the first circumferential flow path 652b, the axial flow path 652c, and the second circumferential flow path 652d are configured in a U-shape to change the flow direction from the other side of the circumference (-θ side) to one side of the circumference (+θ side).

[0125] The second end flow path 653 has a circumferential flow path section 653e extending from one circumferential side (+θ side) of the meandering flow path 51 to the other circumferential side. An outlet 59 is disposed in the path of the circumferential flow path section 653e.

[0126] According to this modified example, similarly to the above embodiment, the first end flow path 652 has a first circumferential flow path portion 652b, a second circumferential flow path portion 652d, and an axial flow path portion 652c. Therefore, the freedom of arrangement of the inlet 58 can be ensured, and the stator 40 can be cooled uniformly around the inlet 58.

[0127] In the refrigerant flow path 650 of this modified example, the three circumferential flow path portions 652b, 652d, and 653e of a pair of terminal flow paths 652 and 653 are arranged overlapping in the axial direction. That is, according to this modified example, multiple circumferential flow path portions 652b, 652d, and 653e can be arranged in parallel around the flow path openings 58 and 59, which can uniformly cool the area around the flow path openings 58 and 59.

[0128] According to this modified example, the inlet 58 and the outlet 59 are respectively disposed in the paths of the circumferential flow paths 652b and 653e. Therefore, the refrigerant W can flow smoothly in the circumferential direction in the inlet 58 and the outlet 59.

[0129] (Variation Example 7)

[0130] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path 750 in Modified Example 7.

[0131] The refrigerant flow path 750 in this variant has the same meandering flow path 51 and a pair of terminal flow paths 752, 753 as in the above embodiment.

[0132] The first end flow path 752 (another end flow path) has a circumferential flow path section (third circumferential flow path section) 752e extending from the other circumferential side (-θ side) of the meandering flow path 51 to the other circumferential side. An inlet 58 is arranged in the path of the circumferential flow path section 752e. That is, the circumferential flow path section 752e directly connects the outlet 59 to the end of the meandering flow path 51.

[0133] The second end flow path 753 (one end flow path) has, similarly to the above embodiment, a first axial flow path portion 53a, a second axial flow path portion 53c, a first circumferential flow path portion 53b, and a second circumferential flow path portion 53d. An outlet 59 is disposed at the end of the first axial flow path portion 53a on the other side of the axial direction (-Y side).

[0134] According to this modified example, similarly to the above embodiment, the second end flow path 753 has a first circumferential flow path portion 53b, a second circumferential flow path portion 53d, and a second axial flow path portion 53c. Therefore, the freedom of arrangement of the outlet 59 can be ensured, and the stator 40 can be cooled uniformly around the outlet 59.

[0135] According to this modified example, similar to the above embodiment, a second axial flow path portion 53c is arranged between a pair of flow paths 58 and 59 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, even if a pair of flow paths 58 and 59 are separated in the circumferential direction, the flow path can be arranged without gaps, and the stator 40 can be cooled uniformly.

[0136] According to this modified example, similar to the above embodiment, in the direction of the central axis J1, the outlet 59 is disposed between the first circumferential flow path 53b and the second circumferential flow path 53d, so that the flow path can be disposed around the outlet 59 without gaps.

[0137] According to this modification, a region A without a flow path is disposed on the other axial side (-Y side) of the circumferential flow path portion 752e of the first end flow path 752. According to this modification, when the motor housing 10 has a region A where a flow path cannot be disposed, region A can be surrounded by the circumferential flow path portion 752e, the second axial flow path portion 53c, and the meandering flow path 51. As a result, cooling of region A can be promoted.

[0138] Furthermore, according to this modified example, since the inlet 58 is provided in the circumferential flow path 752e, the refrigerant W with the lowest temperature flows. Therefore, by arranging the circumferential flow path 752e adjacent to region A in the axial direction, the cooling of region A can be promoted more effectively.

[0139] The application of the drive device of the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, the drive device can be mounted on a vehicle for purposes other than rotating an axle, or on equipment outside of a vehicle. The posture when using the drive device is not particularly limited. The central axis of the motor can be inclined relative to a horizontal direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, or it can extend along the vertical direction. The structures described above can be appropriately combined within a range that does not contradict each other.

[0140] For example, there is no particular limitation on the number of housing components that make up the motor housing. The motor housing can be constructed by fixing two housing components together, or by fixing four or more housing components together.

Claims

1. A rotary electric motor, characterized in that, include: A rotor capable of rotating around its central axis; The stator surrounding the rotor; as well as A motor housing that houses the rotor and the stator. The motor housing has: The refrigerant flow path for refrigerant flow; and A pair of flow ports located at both ends of the refrigerant flow path, The refrigerant flow path has the following characteristics: A meandering flow path extending in a wavy pattern along the circumference; as well as A pair of end flow paths connecting the end of the meandering flow path and the flow path opening. At least one of the said end flow paths has: A first axial flow path portion extends axially and is provided with the flow path opening; A first circumferential flow path portion that is connected to the first axial flow path portion and extends circumferentially; The second circumferential flow path extends circumferentially and overlaps with the first circumferential flow path when viewed along the central axis. as well as The second axial flow path extends axially and connects the first circumferential flow path and the second circumferential flow path. In the direction of the central axis, the flow path is disposed between the first circumferential flow path and the second circumferential flow path.

2. A rotary electric motor, characterized in that, include: A rotor capable of rotating around its central axis; The stator surrounding the rotor; as well as A motor housing that houses the rotor and the stator. The motor housing has: Refrigerant flow path for refrigerant flow; and A pair of flow ports located at both ends of the refrigerant flow path, The refrigerant flow path has the following characteristics: A meandering flow path extending in a wavy pattern along the circumference; as well as A pair of end flow paths connecting the end of the meandering flow path and the flow path opening. At least one of the said end flow paths has: A first axial flow path portion extends axially and is provided with the flow path opening; A first circumferential flow path portion that is connected to the first axial flow path portion and extends circumferentially; The second circumferential flow path extends circumferentially and overlaps with the first circumferential flow path when viewed along the central axis. as well as The second axial flow path extends axially and connects the first circumferential flow path and the second circumferential flow path. A second axial flow path is disposed between the circumferential directions of the pair of flow paths.

3. A rotary electric motor, characterized in that, include: A rotor capable of rotating around its central axis; The stator surrounding the rotor; as well as A motor housing that houses the rotor and the stator. The motor housing has: The refrigerant flow path for refrigerant flow; and A pair of flow ports located at both ends of the refrigerant flow path, The refrigerant flow path has the following characteristics: A meandering flow path extending in a wavy pattern along the circumference; as well as A pair of end flow paths connecting the end of the meandering flow path and the flow path opening. At least one of the said end flow paths has: A first axial flow path portion extends axially and is provided with the flow path opening; A first circumferential flow path portion that is connected to the first axial flow path portion and extends circumferentially; The second circumferential flow path extends circumferentially and overlaps with the first circumferential flow path when viewed along the central axis. as well as The second axial flow path extends axially and connects the first circumferential flow path and the second circumferential flow path. Each pair of end flow paths has a first axial flow path portion, a first circumferential flow path portion, a second circumferential flow path portion, and a second axial flow path portion.

4. A rotary electric motor, characterized in that, include: A rotor capable of rotating around its central axis; The stator surrounding the rotor; as well as A motor housing that houses the rotor and the stator. The motor housing has: The refrigerant flow path for refrigerant flow; and A pair of flow ports located at both ends of the refrigerant flow path, The refrigerant flow path has the following characteristics: A meandering flow path extending in a wavy pattern along the circumference; as well as A pair of end flow paths connecting the end of the meandering flow path and the flow path opening. At least one of the said end flow paths has: A first axial flow path portion extends axially and is provided with the flow path opening; A first circumferential flow path portion that is connected to the first axial flow path portion and extends circumferentially; The second circumferential flow path extends circumferentially and overlaps with the first circumferential flow path when viewed along the central axis. as well as The second axial flow path extends axially and connects the first circumferential flow path and the second circumferential flow path. One of the said end flow paths has a first axial flow path portion, a first circumferential flow path portion, a second circumferential flow path portion, and a second axial flow path portion. Another of the said end flow paths has a third circumferential flow path portion that directly connects the flow path opening to the end of the meandering flow path.

5. A driving device, characterized in that, include: The rotary motor according to any one of claims 1 to 4; Inverter connected to the stator; as well as An inverter housing that houses the inverter. One of the flow ports is connected to the inverter refrigerant flow path disposed on the inverter housing.

6. The driving device according to claim 5, characterized in that, Viewed from the central axis, the inverter housing is located radially outside the motor housing. One of the flow paths overlaps radially with the inverter housing. Another flow path is configured circumferentially offset from the inverter housing.

7. The driving device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Includes busbars connecting the stator and the inverter. At least a portion of the end flow path and the busbar connected to one of the flow outlets overlap axially.

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