Rotating electric machine and drive device

Abstract

A rotary electric machine includes a de-electrification device in electrical contact with a shaft and a housing, a housing flow path portion, a nozzle member having a nozzle through-hole connected to an inside of the shaft, and a seal member located between a radial direction of the shaft and the housing. The shaft has a hollow first shaft portion and a second shaft portion having a cover portion provided to a portion of the first shaft portion on one side in an axial direction and an extension portion extending from the cover portion to the one side in the axial direction. The extension portion passes through the nozzle through-hole in the axial direction. The de-electrification device is in contact with a portion of the extension portion located on the one side in the axial direction than the nozzle through-hole. The seal member is located on a position on the one side in the axial direction than the nozzle member and on the other side in the axial direction than the de-electrification device. The shaft has a connection flow path portion connected to the inside of the first shaft portion and the inside of the nozzle through-hole. The housing flow path portion opens to an axial gap of the nozzle member and the seal member in the inside of the housing.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A charge release device for releasing charge from the shaft of a rotating electric machine is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a current shunt ring having a conductive portion in contact with the shaft. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6163480. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In rotary motors that include such charge release devices, there are cases where fluid is supplied to the rotor and stator for purposes such as cooling. In such cases, when fluid is applied to the charge release device, the conductivity of the charge release device decreases, sometimes making it difficult to release the charge.

[0005] In view of the above, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a rotary electric motor and a drive device that can suppress the decline in the power removal performance of the power removal device.

[0006] One aspect of the rotary electric motor of the present invention includes: a rotor having a hollow shaft rotatable about a central axis; a stator opposite to the rotor with a gap; a housing housing the rotor and the stator therein; a bearing supporting the shaft for rotation; an electrostatic eliminator fixed to the housing and in electrical contact with the shaft and the housing; a housing flow path disposed within the housing; a nozzle member having a nozzle through-hole connected to the interior of the shaft; and a sealing member located radially between the shaft and the housing. The shaft has: a hollow first shaft portion; and a second shaft portion having a cover and an extension, the cover being disposed on a portion of the first shaft portion on an axial side, the extension extending axially from the cover. The extension passes axially through the nozzle through-hole. The electrostatic eliminator contacts a portion of the extension located on an axial side beyond the nozzle through-hole. The sealing member is located on the axial side of the nozzle member and on the axial side of the de-energizing device. The shaft has a connecting flow path that connects to the interior of the first shaft and the interior of the nozzle through-hole. The housing flow path opens into the axial gap between the nozzle member and the sealing member inside the housing.

[0007] One embodiment of the drive device of the present invention includes: the rotary motor; and a gear mechanism connected to the rotary motor.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the degradation of the current removal performance of the current removal device in a rotating electric motor and a drive device can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the general structure of a drive device according to one embodiment. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of a rotary electric motor according to one embodiment. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the motor housing, a portion of the second shaft, and the power removal device according to one embodiment. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view showing the second shaft portion and the nozzle component according to one embodiment. Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing the second shaft portion and nozzle component according to one embodiment, which is from the perspective of... Figure 4 Diagrams showing the components viewed from different angles. Detailed Implementation

[0010] In the following description, the vertical direction is defined based on the positional relationship of the drive unit of the embodiment mounted on a vehicle located on a horizontal road surface. That is, it is sufficient that the relative positional relationship related to the vertical direction described in the following embodiment is satisfied at least when the drive unit is mounted on a vehicle located on a horizontal road surface.

[0011] In the accompanying drawings, the XYZ coordinate system is appropriately represented as a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. In the XYZ coordinate system, the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction. The side to which the arrow of the Z-axis points (+Z side) is the upper vertical direction, and the opposite side (-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." The X-axis direction is orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and represents the front-rear direction of the vehicle on which the drive unit is mounted. In the following embodiments, the side to which the arrow of the X-axis points (+X side) is the front side of the vehicle, and the opposite side (-X side) is the rear side of the vehicle. The Y-axis direction is orthogonal to both the X-axis and Z-axis directions and represents the left-right direction of the vehicle, i.e., the width direction. In the following implementation, the side pointed to by the arrow on the Y-axis (+Y side) is the left side of the vehicle, and the opposite side (-Y side) is the right side of the vehicle. The front-back direction and the left-right direction are horizontal directions orthogonal to the vertical direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the front-to-back positional relationship is not limited to the positional relationship described in the following embodiments. It can also be that the side pointed to by the arrow on the X-axis (+X side) is the rear side of the vehicle, and the opposite side (-X side) is the front side of the vehicle. In this case, the side pointed to by the arrow on the Y-axis (+Y side) is the right side of the vehicle, and the opposite side (-Y side) is the left side of the vehicle. Additionally, in this specification, "parallel direction" also includes substantially parallel directions, and "orthogonal direction" also includes substantially orthogonal directions.

[0013] The central axis J, appropriately represented in the diagram, is an imaginary axis extending in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. More specifically, the central axis J extends in the Y-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the vertical direction, i.e., the left-right direction of the vehicle. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the central axis J is simply referred to as "axial direction," the radial direction centered on the central axis J is simply referred to as "radial direction," and the circumferential direction centered on the central axis J, i.e., the direction around the central axis J, is simply referred to as "circumferential direction." In the following embodiments, the right side (-Y side) is referred to as "axial side," and the left side (+Y side) is referred to as "axial side."

[0014] Figure 1 The drive unit 100 shown in this embodiment is a drive unit installed in a vehicle and that rotates the axle 64. Vehicles equipped with the drive unit 100 are hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHVs), and electric vehicles (EVs), which use an electric motor as their power source. Figure 1 As shown, the drive unit 100 includes a rotary motor 10 and a gear mechanism 60. The gear mechanism 60 is connected to the rotary motor 10 and transmits the rotation of the rotary motor 10, i.e., the rotation of the rotor 30 described later, to the axle 64 of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the gear mechanism 60 has a gear housing 61, a reduction gear 62 connected to the rotary motor 10, and a differential gear 63 connected to the reduction gear 62.

[0015] The gear housing 61 internally houses the reduction gear 62, the differential gear 63, and the oil O. The oil O is stored in the lower region within the gear housing 61. The oil O circulates within the refrigerant flow path 90 (described later). The oil O serves as a refrigerant for cooling the rotary motor 10. Furthermore, the oil O serves as lubricating oil for the reduction gear 62 and the differential gear 63. As for the oil O, for example, to perform its functions as both a refrigerant and a lubricant, it is preferable to use an oil with a relatively low viscosity, similar to automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

[0016] The differential 63 has a gear ring 63a. The torque output from the rotary motor 10 is transmitted to the gear ring 63a via the reduction gear 62. The lower end of the gear ring 63a is immersed in oil O stored in the gear housing 61. The oil O is lifted up by the rotation of the gear ring 63a. The lifted oil O is supplied to the reduction gear 62 and the differential 63, for example, as lubricating oil.

[0017] The rotary motor 10 is the part that drives the drive device 100. The rotary motor 10 is located, for example, on one axial side (-Y side) of the gear mechanism 60. In this embodiment, the rotary motor 10 is a motor. The rotary motor 10 includes: a motor housing 20; a rotor 30 having a shaft 31; bearings 34 and 35 supporting the rotor 30 for rotation; a stator 40; a resolver 50; a nozzle component 70; a current-eliminating device 80; and a sealing component 120. The bearings 34 and 35 are, for example, ball bearings.

[0018] In this embodiment, bearings 34 and 35 are ceramic ball bearings. Bearing 34 supports the portion of shaft 31 located on the opposite axial side (+Y side) from stator 40, enabling it to rotate. Bearing 35 supports the portion of shaft 31 located on the opposite axial side (-Y side) from stator 40, enabling it to rotate. Figure 2 As shown, bearing 35 has: an annular inner ring 35a centered on a central axis J; an outer ring 35b centered on the central axis J and located radially outside the inner ring 35a; and a plurality of balls 35c located radially between the inner ring 35a and the outer ring 35b. The structure of bearing 34 is the same as that of bearing 35.

[0019] The motor housing 20 is a casing that houses the rotor 30 and the stator 40. The motor housing 20 is connected to the gear housing 61 on one axial side (-Y side). The motor housing 20 has a main body 21, a partition wall 22, and a motor cover 23. The main body 21 and the partition wall 22 are, for example, part of the same single component. The motor cover 23 is, for example, separate from the main body 21 and the partition wall 22.

[0020] The main body 21 is cylindrical, enclosing the central axis J and opening on one axial side (-Y side). A partition wall 22 is connected to the end of the main body 21 on the other axial side (+Y side). The partition wall 22 axially separates the interior of the motor housing 20 from the interior of the gear housing 61. The partition wall 22 has a partition opening 22a that connects the interior of the motor housing 20 to the interior of the gear housing 61. A bearing 34 is held in the partition wall 22. A motor cover 23 is fixed to the end of the main body 21 on one axial side. The motor cover 23 seals the opening on one axial side of the main body 21. A bearing 35 is held in the motor cover 23.

[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, the motor housing 23 has a hole 23f, which is recessed from the surface of the motor housing 23 on the other axial side (+Y side) towards the axial side (-Y side). The hole 23f is a hole with a bottom on one axial side and an opening towards the other axial side. In this embodiment, the hole 23f is a circular hole centered on the central axis J. Because the hole 23f is provided, the motor housing 23 has a bottom wall portion 23a and a peripheral wall portion 23b. That is, the motor housing 20 has a bottom wall portion 23a and a peripheral wall portion 23b.

[0022] The bottom wall portion 23a is the bottom of the hole portion 23f. A second recess 23g is provided on the surface of the bottom wall portion 23a on the other axial side (+Y side), recessed towards one axial direction. When viewed axially, the inner edge of the second recess 23g is circular about the central axis J. The peripheral wall portion 23b protrudes from the radially outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall portion 23a towards the other axial side (+Y side). The peripheral wall portion 23b surrounds the shaft 31. The inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 23b is the inner peripheral surface of the hole portion 23f. In this embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 23b is cylindrical about the central axis J.

[0023] The peripheral wall portion 23b has a first wall portion 23c, a second wall portion 23d, and a third wall portion 23e. The first wall portion 23c is connected to the radially outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall portion 23a. The second wall portion 23d is connected to the other axial side (+Y side) of the first wall portion 23c. The inner diameter of the second wall portion 23d is larger than the inner diameter of the first wall portion 23c. The axial dimension of the second wall portion 23d is larger than the axial dimension of the first wall portion 23c. The third wall portion 23e is connected to the other axial side of the second wall portion 23d. The inner diameter of the third wall portion 23e is larger than the inner diameter of the second wall portion 23d. The axial dimension of the third wall portion 23e is larger than the axial dimension of the second wall portion 23d. A bearing 35 is held radially inside the third wall portion 23e. That is, the bearing 35 is held within the peripheral wall portion 23b. The outer ring 35b of the bearing 35 is fitted into the radially inside the third wall portion 23e.

[0024] In this embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 23b has a first step portion 24a and a second step portion 24b. The first step portion 24a is a step provided between the inner peripheral surface of the first wall portion 23c and the inner peripheral surface of the second wall portion 23d along the axial direction. The first step portion 24a has a first step surface 24c facing the other side (+Y side) along the axial direction. The first step surface 24c is annular about the central axis J. The first step surface 24c is a flat surface orthogonal to the axial direction. The second step portion 24b is a step provided between the inner peripheral surface of the second wall portion 23d and the inner peripheral surface of the third wall portion 23e along the axial direction. The second step portion 24b has a second step surface 24d facing the other side along the axial direction. The second step surface 24d is annular about the central axis J. The second step surface 24d is a flat surface orthogonal to the axial direction. The bearing 35, which is held in the third wall portion 23e, contacts the second step surface 24d. Therefore, the bearing 35 can be properly positioned axially relative to the motor housing 20. More specifically, the outer ring 35b of the bearing 35 contacts the second stepped surface 24d from the other side of the axial direction.

[0025] A resolver holding portion 25 is provided on the surface of the motor cover 23 on the other side (+Y side) of the axial direction. In this embodiment, the resolver holding portion 25 is provided at the periphery of the hole portion 23f in the surface of the motor cover 23 on the other side of the axial direction. The resolver holding portion 25 extends circumferentially and surrounds the shaft 31.

[0026] The motor housing 20 has a through hole 23h that axially penetrates the bottom wall portion 23a. The through hole 23h is a circular hole centered on the central axis J. The through hole 23h has a large-diameter portion 23i and a small-diameter portion 23j. The large-diameter portion 23i opens onto the bottom surface of the second recess 23g in the surface on the other axial side (+Y side) of the bottom wall portion 23a. The small-diameter portion 23j is connected to the axial side (-Y side) of the large-diameter portion 23i via a step. The inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 23j is smaller than the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 23i. The small-diameter portion 23j opens onto the surface on the axial side of the bottom wall portion 23a. The axial dimension of the small-diameter portion 23j is smaller than the axial dimension of the large-diameter portion 23i.

[0027] The motor housing 20 has a housing portion 26 that houses the electrostatic eliminator 80. The housing portion 26 is located on the axial side (-Y side) of the motor cover 23. The housing portion 26 protrudes axially from the motor cover 23. The housing portion 26 has a cylindrical portion 26a and a cover 26b. The cylindrical portion 26a protrudes axially from the axial side of the motor cover 23. Figure 3 As shown, the cylindrical portion 26a is generally cylindrical and opens towards one axial direction. The central axis of the cylindrical portion 26a is parallel to the central axis J of the rotary motor 10 and is positioned radially off-center relative to the central axis J. For example, the central axis of the cylindrical portion 26a is located below the central axis J.

[0028] When viewed axially, the cylindrical portion 26a surrounds the through hole 23h. When viewed axially, a portion of the bottom wall portion 23a is located inside the cylindrical portion 26a. In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 26a and the motor cover 23 are part of the same single component. The cylindrical portion 26a has a plurality of female threaded holes 26c. The plurality of female threaded holes 26c are provided on one axial side (-Y side) of the surface of the cylindrical portion 26a.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the cover 26b is disposed on one axial side (-Y side) of the cylindrical portion 26a. Although not shown in the figure, the cover 26b is fixed to the cylindrical portion 26a by bolts that are screwed into a plurality of female threaded holes 26c respectively. The cover 26b is plate-shaped with the plate surface facing axially.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, the motor housing 20 has a support column portion 26d. The support column portion 26d protrudes axially from the portion inside the cylindrical portion 26a in the axial side (-Y side) of the motor cover 23 when viewed from the axial direction. The support column portion 26d is cylindrical. The support column portion 26d is located within the receiving portion 26. A pair of support column portions 26d are provided at intervals in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. When viewed from the axial direction, the through hole 23h is not located between the pair of support column portions 26. That is, the through hole 23h is configured to be offset from the pair of support column portions 26 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, rotor 30 has a shaft 31 and a rotor body 32. Although not shown in the figure, rotor body 32 has a rotor core and a rotor magnet fixed to the rotor core. The torque of rotor 30 is transmitted to gear mechanism 60.

[0032] Shaft 31 is rotatable about its central axis J. Shaft 31 is supported by bearings 34 and 35 to enable rotation. Shaft 31 is hollow. Shaft 31 is cylindrical, extending axially about its central axis J. A bore 33 is provided in shaft 31, connecting the interior of shaft 31 to its exterior. Shaft 31 extends across the interior of motor housing 20 and gear housing 61. The axial end of shaft 31 on the other side (+Y side) protrudes into the interior of gear housing 61. A speed reduction device 62 is connected to the axial end of shaft 31 on the other side.

[0033] Shaft 31 has a hollow first shaft portion 31a and a hollow second shaft portion 110. In this embodiment, the first shaft portion 31a and the second shaft portion 110 are separate from each other. The first shaft portion 31a is cylindrical in shape, extending axially about a central axis J. The first shaft portion 31a opens on both sides of the axial direction. The first shaft portion 31a extends across the interior of the motor housing 20 and the interior of the gear housing 61. The first shaft portion 31a is supported by bearings 34 and 35 to enable rotation. Alternatively, the first shaft portion 31a may be configured, for example, to be a motor shaft located in the motor housing 20 and a gear shaft located in the gear housing 61 connected axially.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the first shaft portion 31a has a large-diameter portion 31b and a small-diameter portion 31c. The small-diameter portion 31c is connected to one axial side (-Y side) of the large-diameter portion 31b. The outer diameter of the small-diameter portion 31c is smaller than the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 31b. The axial dimension of the small-diameter portion 31c is smaller than the axial dimension of the large-diameter portion 31b. The end of the small-diameter portion 31c on one axial side is the end of the first shaft portion 31a on one axial side. A stepped portion is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter portion 31b and the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 31c, and the stepped portion has a stepped surface facing one axial side.

[0035] The portion of the small-diameter portion 31c located on one axial side (-Y side) is radially inner to the peripheral wall portion 23b. More specifically, the portion of the small-diameter portion 31c located on one axial side is radially inner to the third wall portion 23e. The outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 31c is configured to separate radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 23b. The inner ring 35a of the bearing 35 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 31c. In this embodiment, the axial position at the end of the axial side of the small-diameter portion 31c is the same as the axial position at the end of the axial side of the bearing 35. A retaining ring 36 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 31c. The retaining ring 36 is configured to face the other axial side (+Y side) of the inner ring 35a of the bearing 35.

[0036] The second shaft portion 110 is connected to one axial side (-Y side) of the first shaft portion 31a. The second shaft portion 110 is fixed to the opening on one axial side of the first shaft portion 31a. Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the second shaft portion 110 is cylindrical, extending axially around the central axis J. The second shaft portion 110 has a cover portion 111 and an extension portion 112.

[0037] The cover 111 is cylindrical with the central axis J as its center. For example... Figure 2As shown, the cover portion 111 is provided on one axial side (-Y side) of the first shaft portion 31a. In this embodiment, the cover portion 111 is provided at the end of one axial side of the first shaft portion 31a. The cover portion 111 is fitted into the end of one axial side of the first shaft portion 31a. The cover portion 111 is pressed into the interior of the first shaft portion 31a. Thus, the second shaft portion 110 is fixed to the first shaft portion 31a.

[0038] The cover portion 111 is located radially inside the bearing 35. The cover portion 111 overlaps with the bearing 35 radially. In other words, the cover portion 111 overlaps with the bearing 35 when viewed radially. In this embodiment, the axial position of the end of the axial side (-Y side) of the cover portion 111 is the same as the axial position of the end of the axial side of the first shaft portion 31a and the axial position of the end of the axial side of the bearing 35. The end faces of the axial side of the cover portion 111, the end faces of the axial side of the first shaft portion 31a, and the end faces of the axial side of the inner ring 35a of the bearing 35 are arranged on the same imaginary plane orthogonal to the axial direction.

[0039] The cover portion 111 has a first recess 113, which is a recess that is recessed from one axial side (-Y side) to the other axial side (+Y side) of the cover portion 111. Figure 5 As shown, when viewed axially, the inner periphery of the first recess 113 is circular with the central axis J as its center. Figure 2 As shown, the axial dimension of the first recess 113 is greater than half the axial dimension of the cover 111.

[0040] The cover portion 111 has a cover portion through hole 114, which axially extends through the cover portion 111. In this embodiment, the cover portion through hole 114 axially extends through the portion of the cover portion 111 in which the first recess 113 is provided. The end of the cover portion through hole 114 on one axial side (-Y side) opens into the first opening portion 113. Figure 5 As shown, the end of the cover through hole 114 on one axial side (-Y side) spans the bottom surface 113a on the other axial side (+Y side) of the inner surface of the first recess 113 and the inner surface 113b on the radially outer side of the inner surface of the first recess 113 to open.

[0041] like Figure 2As shown, the end of the cover through hole 114 on the other axial side (+Y side) opens onto the end face of the cover portion 111 on the other axial side. The end of the cover through hole 114 on the other axial side opens inward toward the first shaft portion 31a. The cover through hole 114 is a circular hole. The inner diameter of the cover through hole 114 increases as it faces the other axial side. The inner circumferential surface of the cover through hole 114 is cylindrical, with its inner diameter increasing linearly as it faces the other axial side. The shape of the inner circumferential surface of the cover through hole 114 is the same as the outer circumferential surface of the frustum of a cone, whose outer diameter increases as it faces the other axial side. The cover through hole 114 is located radially outward of the central axis J. Figure 4 As shown, multiple cover through holes 114 are provided at intervals along the circumference. The multiple cover through holes 114 are arranged at equal intervals throughout the circumference. In this embodiment, six cover through holes 114 are provided.

[0042] In this embodiment, each cover through-hole 114 constitutes a connecting flow path 115. That is, the shaft 31 has a connecting flow path 115. The inner circumferential surface of the connecting flow path 115 is the inner circumferential surface of the cover through-hole 114. The connecting flow path 115 is provided on the cover 111. In this embodiment, multiple connecting flow path 115s are provided in a manner that surrounds the extension 112 when viewed from the axial direction. The multiple connecting flow path 115s are arranged at equal intervals along the circumference. In this embodiment, six connecting flow path 115s are provided.

[0043] In this embodiment, since the connecting flow path portion 115 is provided on the cover portion 111, the connecting flow path portion 115 can be easily formed by providing a cover portion through hole 114 that extends through the cover portion 111 axially. Therefore, the connecting flow path portion 115 is easier to form than, for example, when the connecting flow path portion 115 is provided on the extension portion 112.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the connecting flow path 115 extends axially. In this embodiment, the connecting flow path 115 connects the interior of the first shaft portion 31a to the interior of the first recess 113. The connecting flow path 115 opens into both the interior of the first shaft portion 31a and the interior of the first recess 113. In this embodiment, the connecting flow path 115 connects to the interior of the nozzle through-hole 70a (described later) via the interior of the first recess 113. Thus, the connecting flow path 115 is connected to both the interior of the first shaft portion 31a and the interior of the nozzle through-hole 70a. Figure 5 As shown, the connecting flow path 115 opens across the bottom surface 113a on the other side (+Y side) of the inner surface of the first recess 113 and the inner peripheral surface 113b on the radially outer side of the inner surface of the first recess 113.

[0045] like Figure 2As shown, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting flow path 115 increases as it moves toward the other side of the axial direction (+Y side). In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting flow path 115 increases as it approaches the interior of the first shaft portion 31a. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting flow path 115 is the interior area of ​​the connecting flow path 115 in a section orthogonal to the axial direction. The radially outer portion of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting flow path 115 is located radially outer as it moves toward the other side of the axial direction. That is, the radially outer portion of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting flow path 115 is located radially outer as it approaches the interior of the first shaft portion 31a.

[0046] An extension 112 extends from the cover 111 toward one axial side (-Y side). The extension 112 is cylindrical about the central axis J. The outer diameter of the extension 112 is smaller than the outer diameter of the cover 111 and the inner diameter of the first recess 113. In this embodiment, the extension 112 extends axially from the bottom surface 113a of the inner surface of the first recess 113, which is located on the other axial side (+Y side). The end of the extension 112 on the other axial side is located within the first recess 113. The outer peripheral surface of the extension 112 is configured to separate radially inward from the inner peripheral surface 113b of the first recess 113. The extension 112 protrudes further axially than the interior of the first recess 113.

[0047] The extension 112 passes through the through hole 23h axially. The outer peripheral surface of the extension 112 is configured to separate radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 23h. The end of the extension 112 on one axial side (-Y side) is located inside the receiving portion 26. The axial dimension of the extension 112 is larger than the axial dimension of the cover portion 111. The axial dimension of the portion of the extension 112 located on the axial side closer to the interior of the first recess 113 is larger than the axial dimension of the cover portion 111.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the stator 40 is radially spaced from the rotor 30. More specifically, the stator 40 is located radially outside the rotor 30. The stator 40 is fixed inside the motor housing 20. The stator 40 has a stator core 41 and a coil assembly 42.

[0049] The stator core 41 is annular, surrounding the central axis J of the rotary electric machine 10. The stator core 41 is located radially outward of the rotor 30. The stator core 41 surrounds the rotor 30. The stator core 41 is constructed, for example, by stacking multiple plate members such as electromagnetic steel plates axially. Although not shown in the figure, the stator core 41 has: a cylindrical core back extending axially; and multiple pole teeth extending radially inward from the core back.

[0050] The coil assembly 42 has a plurality of coils 42c mounted circumferentially on the stator core 41. The plurality of coils 42c are respectively mounted on each pole tooth of the stator core 41 via an insulator (not shown). The coil assembly 42 has coil end ends 42a, 42b protruding axially from the stator core 41.

[0051] The resolver 50 can detect the rotation of the rotor 30. The resolver 50 is housed inside the motor housing 20. The resolver 50 has a resolver rotor 51 and a resolver stator 52. The resolver rotor 51 is fixed to the shaft 31. The resolver rotor 51 is annular, surrounding the shaft 31. In this embodiment, the resolver rotor 51 is annular, centered on the central axis J. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the resolver rotor 51 surrounds the end of the smaller diameter portion 31c on the other axial side (+Y side). The resolver rotor 51 is plate-shaped with its plate surface facing axially. The surface of the resolver rotor 51 on the other axial side contacts the stepped surface of the stepped portion provided between the larger diameter portion 31b and the smaller diameter portion 31c on the axial side. The resolver rotor 51 protrudes radially outward beyond the outer peripheral surface of the larger diameter portion 31b. The resolver rotor 51 is arranged on the other axial side of the bearing 35 at intervals.

[0052] The resolver stator 52 is located radially outside the resolver rotor 51. The resolver stator 52 is annular, surrounding the resolver rotor 51. The resolver stator 52 is held in the resolver holding section 25. Although not shown in the figure, the resolver stator 52 has coils. By rotating the resolver rotor 51 together with the shaft 31, an induced voltage corresponding to the circumferential position of the resolver rotor 51 is generated in the coils of the resolver stator 52. The resolver 50 can detect the rotation of the resolver rotor 51 and the shaft 31 based on the change in the induced voltage generated in the coils of the resolver stator 52. Thus, the resolver 50 can detect the rotation of the rotor 30.

[0053] The static eliminator 80 is housed inside the storage section 26. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the current-eliminating device 80 is located radially outside the portion of the extension 112 located within the receiving portion 26. The control device 80 is located, for example, below the extension 112. The current-eliminating device 80 includes a retaining member 81, a brush portion 82, and a fixed portion 83. In this embodiment, the retaining member 81 is a rectangular parallelepiped that extends radially. The retaining member 81 holds the brush portion 82.

[0054] The brush portion 82 protrudes radially inward from the retainer portion 81. The brush portion 82 is generally cuboid in shape. In this embodiment, the brush portion 82 is a carbon brush. The brush portion 82 is located radially outward from the extension portion 112. The radially inner end of the brush portion 82 is in electrical contact with the outer peripheral surface of the extension portion 112. Thus, the current-eliminating device 60 is in electrical contact with the shaft 31. In this embodiment, the current-eliminating device 80 contacts the portion of the extension portion 112 that is axially closer (-Y side) than the nozzle through-hole 70a described later. The outer peripheral surface of the extension portion 112 rubs against the radially inner end of the brush portion 82 while the shaft 31 rotates. Furthermore, in this specification, "electrical contact between one object and another object" simply means that current can flow between the two objects.

[0055] The fixed portion 83 protrudes from the retaining member 81 in a direction orthogonal to both the axial direction and the direction in which the brush portion 82 protrudes from the retaining member 81. The fixed portion 83 is plate-shaped with its plate surface facing the axial direction. The fixed portion 83 is made of metal. Although not shown in the figure, the fixed portion 83 is electrically connected to the brush portion 82, for example, inside the retaining member 81. A pair of fixed portions 83 are provided in a direction orthogonal to both the axial direction and the direction in which the brush portion 82 protrudes from the retaining member 81, clamping the retaining member 81. The pair of fixed portions 83 are respectively fixed to a pair of support columns 26d by bolts. Thus, the current-eliminating device 80 is fixed to the motor housing 20. The fixed portion 83 is in electrical contact with the motor housing 20 via the support columns 26d. Thus, the current-eliminating device 80 is in electrical contact with the motor housing 20.

[0056] As described above, the fixed part 83 is electrically connected to the brush part 82. Therefore, the brush part 82 is in electrical contact with the shaft 31, and the fixed part 83 is in electrical contact with the motor housing 2. The current removal device 80 then electrically connects the shaft 31 to the motor housing 20. Thus, the current generated on the shaft 31 can flow sequentially from the support column part 26d to the motor housing 20 via the brush part 82 and the fixed part 83. This suppresses the flow of current from the shaft 31 to the bearings 34 and 35 that support the shaft 31 for rotation. Therefore, electro-corrosion in the bearings 34 and 35 can be suppressed.

[0057] The nozzle component 70 is a component used to supply oil O, which is a fluid, to the interior of the shaft 31. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the nozzle member 70 is manufactured, for example, by machining a metal sheet member through stamping or other mechanical processes. The nozzle member 70 is disposed within the peripheral wall portion 23b. The nozzle member 70 is configured to be separate from the other axial side (+Y side) of the bottom wall portion 23a. The nozzle member 70 has a supply cylinder portion 71, a flange portion 72, and a protruding cylinder portion 73.

[0058] The supply cylinder 71 extends axially. In this embodiment, the supply cylinder 71 is cylindrical about the central axis J. The supply cylinder 71 is open on both axial sides. The extension 112 passes radially inward through the supply cylinder 71 axially. The end of the supply cylinder 71 on the other axial side (+Y side) is located within the first recess 113. The outer peripheral surface of the supply cylinder 71 is configured to separate radially inward from the inner peripheral surface 113b of the first recess 113. The supply cylinder 71 has a discharge cylinder 71a and a guide cylinder 71b.

[0059] The discharge cylinder 71a is cylindrical, centered on the central axis J and opening on the other axial side (+Y side). The end of the discharge cylinder 71a on the other axial side is the end of the supply cylinder 71 on the other axial side. The inner and outer diameters of the discharge cylinder 71a are the same throughout the axial direction. The discharge cylinder 71a opens inward toward the interior of the first recess 113. The portion of the discharge cylinder 71a on the other axial side is located within the first recess 113. The end of the discharge cylinder 71a on the other axial side is positioned apart from the bottom surface 113a of the first recess 113 on one axial side (-Y side). The end of the discharge cylinder 71a on the other axial side is axially spaced from the portion of the bottom surface 113a of the first recess 113 that is radially inward than the portion connecting the flow path 115 opening. The portion of the discharge cylinder 71a on one axial side (-Y side) is located on one axial side than the interior of the first recess 113.

[0060] The guide cylinder portion 71b is connected to the discharge cylinder portion 71a on one axial side (-Y side). The guide cylinder portion 71b is cylindrical and opens towards one axial side with the central axis J as its center. The end of the guide cylinder portion 71b on one axial side is the end of the supply cylinder portion 71 on one axial side. The inner and outer diameters of the guide cylinder portion 71b increase as it faces towards one axial side. The guide cylinder portion 71b is a frustum-shaped cylinder with both its inner and outer diameters increasing as it faces towards one axial side. The outer diameter at the end of the guide cylinder portion 71b on the other axial side (+Y side) is the same as the outer diameter at the end of the discharge cylinder portion 71a on one axial side, and is smaller than the inner diameter of the first recess 113. The inner diameter at the end of the guide cylinder portion 71b on the other axial side is the same as the inner diameter at the end of the discharge cylinder portion 71a on one axial side. The outer diameter at the end of the guide cylinder portion 71b on one axial side is larger than the inner diameter of the first recess 113.

[0061] The guide tube portion 71b is configured to be separate from the cover portion 111 on one axial side (-Y side). The guide tube portion 71b and the cover portion 111 are axially spaced apart. The guide tube portion 71b is located radially inside the second wall portion 23d. The opening on one axial side of the guide tube portion 71b is axially spaced apart from the second recess 23g. The axial dimension of the guide tube portion 71b is larger than the axial dimension of the discharge tube portion 71a.

[0062] The supply cylinder 71 forms a nozzle through-hole 70a. That is, the nozzle member 70 has a nozzle through-hole 70a. The interior of the nozzle through-hole 70a is the interior of the supply cylinder 71. The nozzle through-hole 70a extends through the nozzle member 70 along the axial direction. The nozzle through-hole 70a is a circular hole centered on the central axis J. The inner diameter of the portion of the nozzle through-hole 70a formed by the discharge cylinder 71a is the same throughout the axial direction. The inner diameter of the portion of the nozzle through-hole 70a formed by the guide cylinder 71b increases towards the axial side (-Y side).

[0063] The extension 112 passes through the nozzle through-hole 70a axially. The inner circumferential surface of the nozzle through-hole 70a is configured to separate radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the extension 112. A gap is provided radially across the entire circumference between the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle through-hole 70a and the outer circumferential surface of the extension 112. Oil O flowing through the nozzle through-hole 70a flows in the radial gap between the inner circumferential surface of the nozzle through-hole 70a and the outer circumferential surface of the extension 112. The nozzle through-hole 70a opens toward the interior of the first recess 113. In this embodiment, the nozzle through-hole 70a is connected to the interior of the first recess 113 and the interior of the connecting flow path 115 and the shaft 31.

[0064] The opening on the other axial side (+Y side) of the nozzle through-hole 70a is configured to separate from the bottom surface 113a of the first recess 113 towards the axial side (-Y side). The opening on the other axial side of the nozzle through-hole 70a is axially spaced from the portion of the bottom surface 113a of the first recess 113 that is radially inward of the portion connecting the flow path portion 115. The inner edge of the opening on the other axial side of the nozzle through-hole 70a is located radially inward of the opening in the bottom surface 113a of the connecting flow path portion 115.

[0065] The flange portion 72 extends radially outward from the supply cylinder portion 71. In this embodiment, the flange portion 72 protrudes radially outward from the end of the supply cylinder portion 71 on one axial side (-Y side). The flange portion 72 is annular around the central axis J. In this embodiment, the flange portion 72 is annular with the central axis J as its center. The flange portion 72 is plate-shaped with its plate surface facing axially. The radially outer edge of the flange portion 72 contacts the first stepped surface 24c. The portion of the flange portion 72, excluding the radially outer edge, is axially opposed to the bottom wall portion 23a with a gap. The flange portion 72 is configured to face one axial side of the bearing 35. Thus, in this embodiment, a portion of the nozzle member 70 is axially opposed to the bearing 35.

[0066] The protruding cylindrical portion 73 protrudes from the radially outer edge of the flange portion 72 toward the other axial side (+Y side). The protruding cylindrical portion 73 is cylindrical about the central axis J. The protruding cylindrical portion 73 is recessed into the radially inner side of the second wall portion 23d. Thus, the nozzle member 70 is fitted into the interior of the peripheral wall portion 23b. The axially opposite end of the protruding cylindrical portion 73 is axially opposite to the bearing 35. The axially opposite end of the protruding cylindrical portion 73 contacts the outer ring 35b of the bearing 35. The axially opposite end of the protruding cylindrical portion 73 is located on the axial side (-Y side) of the same side as the axially opposite end of the supply cylindrical portion 71. The inner circumferential surface of the protruding cylindrical portion 73 is located radially outward of the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring 35b of the bearing 35. At least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the protruding cylindrical portion 73 contacts, for example, the inner circumferential surface of the second wall portion 23d.

[0067] In this embodiment, the nozzle member 70 is positioned axially by the flange portion 72 contacting the first stepped surface 24c and the protruding cylindrical portion 73 contacting the bearing 35. In this embodiment, by placing the nozzle member 70 within the peripheral wall portion 23b and then placing the bearing 35, the nozzle member 70 can be fixed axially by the bearing 35. Alternatively, the flange portion 72 may not contact the first stepped surface 24c but may be positioned with a gap between them, and the protruding cylindrical portion 73 may not contact the bearing 35 but may be positioned with a gap between them.

[0068] The nozzle component 70 has a through portion 74 that axially extends through the portion of the nozzle component 70 opposite to the bearing 35. In this embodiment, the portion of the nozzle component 70 opposite to the bearing 35 includes a flange portion 72 and a protruding cylindrical portion 73. In this embodiment, the through portion 74 is provided in the flange portion 72. Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the through portion 74 is a circular hole that extends axially through the flange portion 72. Multiple through portions 74 are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, two through portions 74 are provided such that they are radially positioned to sandwich the central axis J. Figure 2 As shown, the through portion 74 and the inner ring 35a of the bearing 35 are axially spaced apart. The through portion 74 is a supply hole for supplying oil O, which is a fluid, to the bearing 35. The inner diameter of the through portion 74 is smaller than the inner diameter of the injection through hole 70a.

[0069] The sealing member 120 is annular, surrounding the shaft 31. In this embodiment, the sealing member 120 is annular with the central axis J as its center. The sealing member 120 is located radially between the shaft 31 and the motor housing 20. In this embodiment, the sealing member 120 is fixed within the large-diameter hole 23i provided in the through hole 23h of the bottom wall portion 23a. The sealing member 120 is located on the axial side (-Y side) of the nozzle member 70 and on the axial side (+Y side) of the de-energizer 80.

[0070] The outer radial edge of the sealing member 120 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter bore 23i. The inner radial edge of the sealing member 120 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the extension 112. Thus, the sealing member 120 closes the radial distance between the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter bore 23i and the outer circumferential surface of the extension 112. In this embodiment, the inner radial edge of the sealing member 120 can elastically deform in the radial direction and press against the outer circumferential surface of the extension 112 by elastic force. In this embodiment, the sealing member 120 is an oil seal.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, a refrigerant flow path 90 for circulating oil O, which is used as a refrigerant, is provided in the drive device 100. The refrigerant flow path 90 is configured to span the interior of the motor housing 20 and the interior of the gear housing 61. The refrigerant flow path 90 is a path for supplying oil O stored in the gear housing 61 to the rotary motor 10 and then returning it to the gear housing 61. The refrigerant flow path 90 is provided with a pump 96, a cooler 97, and a refrigerant supply section 95. In the following description, the upstream side of the flow direction of oil O in the refrigerant flow path 90 is simply referred to as the "upstream side," and the downstream side of the flow direction of oil O in the refrigerant flow path 90 is simply referred to as the "downstream side." The refrigerant flow path 90 has a gear-side flow path section 91, an intermediate flow path section 92, and a rotary motor-side flow path section 93.

[0072] The gear-side flow path 91 has a first portion 91a and a second portion 91b. The first portion 91a and the second portion 91b are provided, for example, in the wall of the gear housing 61. The first portion 91a connects the oil supply O storage portion inside the gear housing 61 to the pump 96. The second flow path 91b connects the pump 96 to the cooler 97.

[0073] The intermediate flow path 92 is configured to span the wall of the gear housing 61 and the wall of the motor housing 20. The intermediate flow path 92 connects the gear-side flow path 91 to the rotary motor-side flow path 93. More specifically, the intermediate flow path 92 connects the cooler 97 to the third flow path 93c, which will be described later.

[0074] A rotary motor-side flow path 93 is provided on the rotary motor 10. The rotary motor-side flow path 93 has a first flow path 93a, a second flow path 93b, and a third flow path 93c. That is, the rotary motor 10 has a first flow path 93a, a second flow path 93b, and a third flow path 93c. The first flow path 93a and the third flow path 93c are provided on the wall of the motor housing 20. The second flow path 93b has a fourth flow path 93d and a refrigerant supply section 95, both provided on the wall of the motor housing 20. In this embodiment, the first flow path 93a, the third flow path 93c, and the fourth flow path 93d are provided on the motor cover 23. The first flow path 93a and the second flow path 93b are connected to the third flow path 93c. In this embodiment, the first flow path 93a and the second flow path 93b branch off from the third flow path 93c.

[0075] The first flow path 93a is a flow path that supplies oil O, which is a fluid, to the interior of the peripheral wall 23b. The upstream end of the first flow path 93a is connected to the downstream end of the third flow path 93c. The downstream end of the first flow path 93a opens into the interior of the peripheral wall 23b. Figure 2 As shown, the downstream end of the first flow path 93a opens onto the surface of the bottom wall portion 23a on the other side (+Y side) of the axial direction. In this embodiment, the downstream end of the first flow path 93a opens toward the interior of the second recess 23g. The downstream end of the first flow path 93a is a supply port 93e for supplying oil O into the peripheral wall portion 23b.

[0076] The first flow path portion 93a opens into the axial gap 27 between the nozzle member 70 and the sealing member 120 inside the motor housing 20. In this embodiment, the axial gap 27 is a portion located in the internal space of the peripheral wall portion 23b, on the axial side (-Y side) of the nozzle member 70 and on the axial side (+Y side) of the sealing member 120. The axial gap 27 includes the space radially inward of the first wall portion 23c and the internal space of the second recess 23g. In addition, in this embodiment, the first flow path portion 93a corresponds to the "housing flow path portion" provided in the motor housing 20.

[0077] like Figure 1 As shown, the second flow path 93b is a flow path that supplies oil O, which is a fluid, to the stator 40. The upstream end of the fourth flow path 93d in the second flow path 93b is connected to the downstream end of the third flow path 93c. The downstream end of the fourth flow path 93d is connected to the upstream end of the refrigerant supply section 95.

[0078] In this embodiment, the refrigerant supply section 95 is a tubular shape extending axially. In other words, in this embodiment, the refrigerant supply section 95 is a tube extending axially. The two axial ends of the refrigerant supply section 95 are supported by the motor housing 20. The end of the refrigerant supply section 95 on the other axial side (+Y side) is supported, for example, by the partition wall 22. The end of the refrigerant supply section 95 on one axial side (-Y side) is supported, for example, by the motor cover 23.

[0079] The refrigerant supply section 95 is located radially outside the stator 40. In this embodiment, the refrigerant supply section 95 is located above the stator 40. In this embodiment, the flow direction of oil O within the refrigerant supply section 95 is from one axial side to the other axial side. That is, in the flow direction of oil O within the refrigerant supply section 95, the axial side is the upstream side, and the other axial side is the downstream side. The refrigerant supply section 95 has a supply port 95a, which supplies oil O as refrigerant to the stator 40. In this embodiment, the supply port 95a is a spray port that sprays a portion of the oil O flowing into the refrigerant supply section 95 to the outside of the refrigerant supply section 95. Multiple supply ports 95a are provided.

[0080] When the pump 96 is driven, the oil O stored in the gear housing 61 is drawn up through the first part 91a and flows into the cooler 97 through the second part 91b. After being cooled in the cooler 97, the oil O flows through the intermediate flow path 92 and into the rotary motor side flow path 93 from the third flow path 93c. The oil O flowing into the third flow path 93c branches into the first flow path 93a and the second flow path 93b. Figure 2 As shown, the oil O flowing into the first flow path 93a flows into the interior of the peripheral wall portion 23b. In this embodiment, the oil O from the first flow path 93a flows into the second recess 23g disposed in the bottom wall portion 23a. The oil O from the first flow path 93a flows into the axial gap 27.

[0081] A portion of the oil O flowing into the axial clearance 27 passes through the nozzle through-hole 70a and flows into the interior of the first recess 113. More specifically, a portion of the oil O flowing into the axial clearance 27 passes sequentially through the guide cylinder portion 71b and the discharge cylinder portion 71a, and flows into the interior of the first recess 113. Another portion of the oil O flowing into the axial clearance 27 from the first flow path portion 93a flows through the through-section 74 to the axially opposite side (+Y side) of the flange portion 72. The oil O flowing through the through-section 74 to the axially opposite side of the flange portion 72 flows, for example, along the axially opposite side of the flange portion 72 and the inner circumferential surface of the protruding cylinder portion 73 and is supplied to the bearing 35. The amount of oil O flowing through the through-section 74 is less than the amount of oil O flowing through the nozzle through-hole 70a.

[0082] A portion of the oil O flowing into the interior of the first recess 113 passes through multiple connecting flow paths 115 and flows into the interior of the first shaft portion 31a. A portion of the oil O flowing into the interior of the first shaft portion 31a flows axially to the other side (+Y side) within the first shaft portion 31a. For example... Figure 1 As shown, oil O flowing from nozzle component 70 into shaft 31 and into the first shaft portion 31a to the other side of the axial direction passes through hole portion 33, through the interior of rotor body 32, and splashes into stator 40.

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, another portion of the oil O flowing into the interior of the first recess 113 is discharged from the interior of the first recess 113 towards the axial side (-Y side) via a portion located radially outward from the discharge cylinder 71a. The oil O discharged from the interior of the first recess 113 towards the axial side flows, for example, along the outer peripheral surface of the supply cylinder 71, the surface of the flange 72 on the other axial side (+Y side), and the inner peripheral surface of the protruding cylinder 73, and is supplied to the bearing 35. The amount of oil O discharged from the interior of the first recess 113 towards the axial side is less than the amount of oil O discharged through the connecting flow path 115 into the first shaft portion 31a.

[0084] like Figure 1 As shown, the oil O flowing into the second flow path 93b flows through the fourth flow path 93d into the interior of the refrigerant supply section 95. The oil O flowing into the refrigerant supply section 95 is injected from the supply port 95a and supplied to the stator 40. Thus, by providing the first flow path 93a and the second flow path 93b, which branch off from the third flow path 93, the oil O delivered from the gear housing 61 can be supplied appropriately and easily through the peripheral wall 23b to the shaft 31, and can be supplied from the refrigerant supply section 95a to the stator 40.

[0085] In this embodiment, a portion of the oil O stirred up by the gear ring 63a enters the reservoir 98 disposed within the gear housing 61. The oil O entering the reservoir 98 flows into the shaft 31 from the end on the other axial side (+Y side). The oil O flowing from the reservoir 98 into the shaft 31 passes through the bore 33, through the interior of the rotor body 32, and disperses into the stator 40.

[0086] Oil O supplied to the stator 40 from the supply port 95a and oil O supplied to the stator 40 from inside the shaft 31 absorb heat from the stator 40. The cooled oil O falls downwards and accumulates in the lower region inside the motor housing 20. The oil O accumulated in the lower region inside the motor housing 20 returns to the gear housing 61 through the partition opening 22a provided in the partition portion 22. As described above, the refrigerant flow path 90 supplies the oil O stored in the gear housing 61 to the rotor 30 and the stator 40.

[0087] According to this embodiment, the current-removing device 80 contacts the portion of the extension 112 located on the axial side (-Y side) of the nozzle through-hole 70a. The sealing member 120 is located on the axial side of the nozzle member 70 and on the axial side (+Y side) of the current-removing device 80. Therefore, the sealing member 120 can seal the portion of the extension 112 located between the nozzle member 70 and the current-removing device 80 in the axial direction and the radial direction of the motor housing 20. As a result, the sealing member 120 can suppress the flow of oil O flowing through the nozzle member 70 to the current-removing device 80. Therefore, the conductivity of the current-removing device 80 can be suppressed from decreasing due to oil O. Therefore, the current generated in the shaft 31 can be prevented from flowing easily to the motor housing 20 via the current-removing device 80. In other words, the current-removing performance of the current-removing device 80 can be suppressed. Therefore, for example, the current-removing device 80 can be made into a current-removing device with excellent oil resistance, or it can be made into a relatively inexpensive current-removing device.

[0088] In this embodiment, the current-removing device 80 has a carbon brush as a brush section 82, which is in electrical contact with the extension section 112. The current-removing device 80 with such a carbon brush is, for example, less expensive than a current-removing device having a ring-shaped brush section composed of multiple conductive fibers. Therefore, the cost of the current-removing device 80 can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the rotary motor 10 can be reduced.

[0089] Furthermore, when the carbon brush contacts the portion of the shaft 31 with a relatively large outer diameter, the circumferential dimension of the portion of the shaft 31 rubbed by the carbon brush is relatively large. Therefore, the carbon brush wears easily. In contrast, in this embodiment, the brush portion 82 contacts the extension portion 112. Unlike the first shaft portion 31a, the extension portion 112 does not require oil O to flow into its interior; therefore, the outer diameter of the extension portion 112 can be smaller than the outer diameter of the first shaft portion 31a. This allows the brush portion 82 to contact the portion of the shaft 31 with a relatively small outer diameter. Therefore, even when the brush portion 82 is made of a relatively inexpensive carbon brush, wear on the brush portion 82 can be suppressed.

[0090] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the shaft 31 has a connecting flow path 115, which is connected to the interior of the first shaft portion 31a and the interior of the nozzle through hole 70a. The first flow path 93a, which is a housing flow path provided in the motor housing 20, opens into the axial gap 27 between the nozzle member 70 and the sealing member 120 inside the motor housing 20. Therefore, for example, oil O supplied from the first flow path 93a to the axial gap 27 can be supplied to the interior of the first shaft portion 31a via the nozzle through hole 70a and the connecting flow path 115, as in this embodiment. Thus, oil O can be appropriately supplied to the interior of the shaft 31.

[0091] Furthermore, the electrostatic precipitator 80 can be either an electrostatic precipitator with excellent oil resistance or an electrostatic precipitator with relatively poor oil resistance. "Excellent oil resistance of the electrostatic precipitator 80" means that changes caused by contact between the electrostatic precipitator 80 and oil O are not easily generated. Additionally, regarding oil resistance, an immersion test in oil O can be considered for evaluation. In this case, oil resistance is evaluated by the weight change and strength change after immersion for a specified time. The evaluation of weight change includes, for example, considerations of corrosion and swelling.

[0092] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the nozzle member 70 has a through portion 74 that extends axially through the portion of the nozzle member 70 that is axially opposite to the bearing 35. Therefore, a portion of the oil O within the axial clearance 27 can be supplied as lubricating oil to the bearing 35 via the through portion 74. Thus, oil O can be appropriately supplied to the bearing 35.

[0093] In this embodiment, bearing 35 is a ceramic ball bearing. Ceramic ball bearings are generally structures where grease cannot be sealed inside. Therefore, in the case where bearing 35 is a ceramic ball bearing as in this embodiment, it is particularly important that oil O can be supplied as lubricant from the outside of bearing 35. Furthermore, when bearing 35 is a ceramic ball bearing, the current generated in shaft 31 flowing to bearing 35 can be suppressed. Therefore, circulating current circulating in shaft 31, bearing 35, and motor housing 20 can be suppressed.

[0094] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting flow path 115 increases as it approaches the interior of the first shaft portion 31a. Therefore, oil O flowing from the nozzle member 70 into the connecting flow path 115 can be easily discharged into the interior of the first shaft portion 31a. This makes it easier to supply oil O into the interior of the shaft 31. In this embodiment, the connecting flow path 115 is located radially outward from the central axis J, and the inner circumferential surface of the connecting flow path 115 is cylindrical with an inner diameter that increases as it approaches the interior of the first shaft portion 31a. Therefore, the radially outward portion of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting flow path 115 is located radially outward as it approaches the interior of the first shaft portion 31a axially. Therefore, when oil O is pressed against the radially outward portion of the inner circumferential surface of the connecting flow path 115 by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the shaft 31, the pressed oil O will easily flow along the inner circumferential surface of the connecting flow path 115 towards the interior of the first shaft portion 31a. Therefore, the oil O flowing into the connecting flow path 115 can be discharged into the first shaft section 31a more appropriately.

[0095] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cover portion 111 has a first recess 113, which is recessed from one axial side (-Y side) of the cover portion 111 toward the other axial side (+Y side). The end of the supply cylinder portion 71 constituting the nozzle through hole 70a is located within the first recess 113. The connecting flow path portion 115 opens toward the interior of the first recess 113 and is connected to the interior of the nozzle through hole 70a via the interior of the first recess 113. Therefore, oil O can be supplied from the supply cylinder portion 71 into the first recess 113, and oil O can flow from the first recess 113 into the connecting flow path portion 115. Thus, oil O flowing through the nozzle through hole 70a can be appropriately flowed into the connecting flow path portion 115. Therefore, oil O can be supplied to the interior of the shaft 31 more appropriately.

[0096] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the connecting flow path 115 opens across the bottom surface 113a on the axial side (+Y side) of the inner surface of the first recess 113 and the inner peripheral surface 113b on the radially outer side of the inner surface of the first recess 113. Therefore, for example, compared to the case where the connecting flow path 115 only opens at the bottom surface 113a, oil O flowing into the first recess 113 from the nozzle through hole 70a can more easily flow into the connecting flow path 115. In particular, since the oil O flowing into the first recess 113 is subjected to radially outer force under the action of centrifugal force, the oil O flowing radially outer under the action of centrifugal force in the first recess 113 can easily flow from the portion of the connecting flow path 115 that opens at the inner peripheral surface 113b to the connecting flow path 115.

[0097] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the extension 112 extends from the bottom surface 113a on the other axial side (+Y side) of the inner surface of the first recess 113 toward one axial side (-Y side). Multiple connecting flow paths 115 are provided to surround the extension 112 when viewed axially. Therefore, the first recess 113 can be provided and the axial end of the supply cylinder 71 can be disposed within the first recess 113, and the extension 112 can be easily passed through the nozzle through-hole 70a. Furthermore, oil O can be supplied more appropriately to the first shaft portion 31a through multiple connecting flow paths 115.

[0098] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the nozzle member 70 has: a flange portion 72 that extends radially outward from the supply cylinder portion 71 and is configured to face one axial side (-Y side) of the bearing 35; and a protruding cylinder portion 73 that protrudes from the radially outer edge of the flange portion 72 to the other axial side (+Y side). Therefore, the flange portion 72 can suppress excessive flow of oil O into the axial clearance 27 towards the bearing 35. Thus, oil O flowing into the axial clearance 27 can be easily supplied into the shaft 31 via the supply cylinder portion 71. Furthermore, as described above, oil O flowing out from the first recess 113 to one axial side can be easily and appropriately guided to the bearing 35 along the supply cylinder portion 71, the flange portion 72, and the protruding cylinder portion 73.

[0099] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the cover 111 and the bearing 35 overlap radially. Therefore, the connecting flow path 115 provided in the cover 111 can be positioned close to the bearing 35. This allows for easy supply of oil O from the nozzle member 70 that leaks out instead of flowing into the connecting flow path 115 to the bearing 35. Specifically, in this embodiment, oil O leaking out through the opening on the axial side (-Y side) of the first recess 113 can be easily supplied to the bearing 35.

[0100] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the axial position at the end of the cover portion 111 on one axial side (-Y side) is the same as the axial position at the end of the bearing 35 on one axial side. Therefore, the connecting flow path portion 115 provided on the cover portion 111 can be positioned closer to the bearing 35. As a result, it is easier to supply oil O that leaks out from the oil O supplied from the nozzle member 70 instead of flowing into the connecting flow path portion 115 to the bearing 35.

[0101] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Other structures and methods can be employed within the scope of the technical concept of this invention. The first shaft portion and the second shaft portion may not be separate from each other. The first shaft portion and the second shaft portion may also be part of the same single component. When the first shaft portion is configured such that a motor shaft located inside the motor housing is axially connected to a gear shaft located inside the gear housing, the motor shaft and the second shaft portion may also be part of the same single component. The cover portion of the second shaft portion may also not have a recess for inserting the supply cylinder portion of the nozzle component. The relative positional relationship between the cover portion and the bearing is not particularly limited.

[0102] The connecting flow path portion disposed on the shaft can have any structure as long as it is connected to the interior of the first shaft portion and the interior of the nozzle through-hole. The connecting flow path portion can be disposed in the second shaft portion spanning both the cover portion and the extension portion, or it can span both the first and second shaft portions, or it can be disposed only in the first shaft portion. The connecting flow path portion can also have any shape. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting flow path portion can also be uniformly distributed throughout the entire shaft. The connecting flow path portion can also be directly connected to the interior of the first shaft portion and the interior of the nozzle through-hole. The number of connecting flow path portions is not particularly limited as long as there is one or more.

[0103] The current-eliminating device can be of any type, as long as it makes electrical contact with the shaft and the housing of the rotating motor and allows the current flowing on the shaft to escape to the housing. The current-eliminating device can also be a device with an annular flange composed of multiple conductive fibers.

[0104] The nozzle component can be of any shape as long as it has a nozzle through-hole. The through-hole, which runs axially through the portion of the nozzle component opposite the bearing in the axial direction, can be of any shape and may not be a hole but a notch. The number of through-holes is not particularly limited. It is also possible to omit the through-hole.

[0105] The flow path portion of the housing of the rotating electric motor can be any flow path portion as long as it opens into the axial gap between the nozzle member and the sealing member inside the housing. The flow path portion of the housing may not be a flow path portion that supplies fluid to the axial gap between the nozzle member and the sealing member inside the housing. For example, fluid may flow from inside the shaft through the connecting flow path portion and the nozzle through-hole to the axial gap, and then flow from the axial gap to the flow path portion of the housing.

[0106] The fluid flowing through the outer casing and the fluid flowing through the nozzle assembly can be any type of fluid. This fluid can be an insulating liquid or water. If the fluid is water, the surface of the stator can be insulated. The bearing supplying the fluid via the nozzle assembly can also be any type of bearing.

[0107] The sealing member located radially between the shaft and the housing can be of any structure, as long as it is positioned on the axial side further than the nozzle member and on the axial side further than the de-energizer. The sealing member can also be of any type, as long as it can seal the radial distance between the shaft and the housing.

[0108] The rotary motor using this invention is not limited to a motor, but can also be a generator. The application of the rotary motor is not particularly limited. For example, the rotary motor can be installed in a vehicle for purposes other than rotating an axle, or in equipment other than a vehicle. The orientation of the rotary motor when in use is not particularly limited. The central axis of the rotary motor can also extend in a vertical direction. The structures and methods described above can be appropriately combined without contradiction. (Symbol Explanation)

[0109] 10 Rotary motor; 20 Motor housing (casing); 27 Axial clearance; 30 Rotor; 31 Shaft; 31a First shaft portion; 35 Bearing; 40 Stator; 60 Gear mechanism; 70 Nozzle component; 70a Nozzle through hole; 71 Supply cylinder portion; 72 Flange portion; 73 Protruding cylinder portion; 74 Through portion; 80 Electrostatic removal device; 93a First flow path portion (casing flow path portion); 100 Drive device; 110 Second shaft portion; 111 Cover portion; 112 Extension portion; 113 First recess (recess); 115 Connecting flow path portion; 120 Sealing component; J Central axis.

Claims

1. A rotary electric motor, wherein, include: A rotor having a hollow shaft capable of rotating about a central axis; The stator is opposite the rotor with a gap between them; A housing that encloses the rotor and the stator. A bearing that supports the shaft so that it can rotate; An anti-static device, which is fixed to the housing and makes electrical contact with the shaft and the housing; A housing flow path portion is disposed on the housing; A nozzle component having a nozzle through-hole connected to the interior of the shaft; as well as A sealing member, the sealing member being located radially between the shaft and the housing. The shaft has: The hollow first shaft part; and A second shaft portion has a cover portion and an extension portion. The cover portion is disposed on a portion of the first shaft portion on one axial side, and the extension portion extends from the cover portion axially to one side. The extension passes through the nozzle through-hole along the axial direction. The electrostatic removal device contacts the portion of the extension located on the axial side compared to the nozzle through-hole. The sealing member is located on the axial side of the nozzle member and on the axial side of the electrostatic eliminator, and seals the portion of the extension located between the nozzle member and the electrostatic eliminator in the axial direction with the radial direction of the housing. The shaft has a connecting flow path portion, which is connected to the interior of the first shaft portion and the interior of the nozzle through hole. The outer casing flow path opens into the axial gap between the nozzle component and the sealing component inside the outer casing.

2. The rotary motor as claimed in claim 1, wherein, A portion of the nozzle component is axially opposite the bearing. The nozzle component has a through portion that extends axially through the portion of the nozzle component that is axially opposite to the bearing.

3. The rotary motor as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting flow path increases as it approaches the interior of the first shaft portion.

4. The rotary motor as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connecting flow path is disposed on the cover.

5. The rotary motor as described in claim 4, wherein, The cover has a recess that is recessed from one axial side of the cover towards the other axial side. The nozzle component has a supply cylinder portion, which forms the nozzle through-hole. The end of the supply cylinder on the other axial side is located within the recess. The connecting flow path opens toward the interior of the recess and is connected to the interior of the nozzle through hole via the interior of the recess.

6. The rotary electric motor as described in claim 5, wherein, The connecting flow path portion opens across the axial side of the inner surface of the recess and the radial side of the inner surface of the recess.

7. The rotary electric motor as described in claim 5 or 6, wherein, The extension extends from the inner surface of the recess on the axially opposite side. When viewed from the axial direction, the connecting flow path is provided in a plurality of such portions as to surround the extension portion.

8. The rotary electric motor as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein, The nozzle component has: A flange portion extending radially outward from the supply cylinder portion and configured to face the axial side of the bearing; and The protruding cylindrical portion protrudes from the radial outer edge of the flange portion to the other side in the axial direction.

9. The rotary electric motor as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The cover overlaps the bearing in the radial direction.

10. The rotary electric motor as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The axial position of the end of the cover on one axial side is the same as the axial position of the end of the bearing on one axial side.

11. A driving device, wherein, include: Rotary electric motor according to any one of claims 1 to 10; as well as A gear mechanism connected to the rotary motor.

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