Vehicle drive device

Abstract

The invention relates to a drive device for a vehicle. A transmission mechanism for transmitting driving force between a drive source of a wheel and a pair of output members is provided with: a differential input gear (41) disposed coaxially with the output members (A2); and a target rotating body (6) that is disposed on a shaft (A1) different from the output member and rotates in the opposite direction to the differential input gear (41). A collection tank (7) provided on a radially outer side (R2) with respect to a guide wall (9r) surrounding the periphery of a target rotating body (6) is provided with: a first introduction path through which oil scattered from a differential input gear (41) is introduced when a wheel rotates toward a first side; and a second introduction path (K2) that introduces oil that is scattered from the raising part (60) of the target rotating body (6) when the wheel rotates toward a side (C2) opposite to the first side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle drive device, which includes a driving source, a pair of output components respectively connected to a pair of wheels, a transmission mechanism for transmitting driving force between the driving source and the pair of output components, a housing for accommodating the transmission mechanism and oil, and a collection tank for temporarily storing oil in the housing. Background Art

[0002] The vehicle drive device as described above has a lubrication structure, which lifts up the oil accumulated in the housing by a rotating body included in the transmission mechanism and rotating together with the wheel, temporarily stores the oil in a collection tank, and supplies the oil from the collection tank to lubricate the gears, bearings, etc. of the transmission mechanism. However, in the vehicle drive device having such a lubrication structure, when the rotation direction of the wheel is one side, the oil is introduced into the collection tank, but when the rotation direction of the wheel is the other side, the oil cannot be introduced into the collection tank, or it is difficult to introduce the oil into the collection tank.

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-224959 discloses a lubricating device (20) capable of guiding oil lifted by a rotating body of a transmission mechanism to a collecting tank (22) when the wheel rotates in any direction (the reference numerals in parentheses in the background art are reference numerals of the referenced document). According to the document, when the wheel rotates to a first side, a first gate component (202b) that allows the oil to flow and prevents the oil from flowing back is provided in a first path where the oil lifted by a first rotating body (50) flows toward the collecting tank (22) and is capable of swinging freely. In addition, when the wheel rotates to a second side in a direction opposite to the first side, a second gate component (202a) that allows the oil to flow and prevents the oil from flowing back is provided in a second path where the oil lifted by a second rotating body (61) that rotates in a direction opposite to the first rotating body (50) flows toward the collecting tank (22) and is capable of swinging freely. Thus, the lubrication device (20) is configured to be able to introduce oil into the collection tank (22) regardless of whether the wheel rotates in either direction, toward the first side or the second side. The first rotating body (50) is a differential input gear (50) in the differential gear device. The second rotating body (61) is a countershaft driven gear (61) that is one of the gears constituting a countershaft gear mechanism (CG), which transmits power between a drive gear (32) connected to a rotating shaft (40) of a motor (M) that is a driving source for the wheel and the differential input gear (50) and functions as a speed reducer (transmission). The first rotating body (50) and the second rotating body (61) are both external gears.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2007-224959

[0005] The lubrication structure disclosed in the above-mentioned document can introduce oil into the collection tank by lifting the rotating body of the transmission mechanism when the wheel rotates in any direction. As described above, the transmission mechanism includes a countershaft gear mechanism having an external gear, and by using one of the gears constituting the countershaft gear mechanism as the second rotating body, the oil can be lifted up even when the wheel rotates to the second side. However, there is also a reducer (transmission) as a transmission mechanism, for example, a method including a planetary gear mechanism instead of a countershaft gear mechanism. In a planetary gear mechanism, the gear with the largest diameter is the ring gear, but the ring gear is an internal gear, and the oil cannot be lifted up by the teeth of the ring gear in essence. That is, in a vehicle drive device having a planetary gear mechanism as a transmission mechanism, it is difficult to adopt a structure in which a second rotating body different from the first rotating body is used to lift up the oil when the wheel rotates to the second side as in the above-mentioned document. Summary of the invention

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to realize a lubrication structure with a simple structure in a vehicle drive device having a planetary gear mechanism, which can introduce oil into a collection tank by lifting the rotating body of the transmission mechanism even when the wheels rotate in any direction.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problem, a vehicle drive device comprises: a driving source; a pair of output members, which are respectively connected to a pair of wheels; a transmission mechanism, which transmits driving force between the driving source and the pair of output members; a housing, which accommodates the transmission mechanism and oil; and a collection tank, which temporarily stores the oil in the housing. The transmission mechanism comprises: a differential input gear, which is arranged on the same axis as the pair of output members and is transmitted with driving force from the driving source; a differential gear mechanism, which distributes the driving force transmitted to the differential input gear to the pair of output members; and an object rotating body, which is arranged on an axis different from that of the pair of output members and rotates in a direction opposite to that of the differential input gear. The transmission mechanism comprises a planetary gear mechanism, and the object rotating body is a rotating body constituting the planetary gear mechanism. The object rotating body has a raised portion formed along the outer periphery, the shell has a guide wall surrounding the object rotating body, the axis on which the rotation axis of the object rotating body is arranged is set as the object axis, the direction orthogonal to the object axis is set as the radial direction, the rotation state of the transmission mechanism when the wheel rotates to the first side is set as the first rotation state, and the rotation state of the transmission mechanism when the wheel rotates to the second side opposite to the first side is set as the second rotation state, the collection groove is arranged on the outer side of the radial direction relative to the guide wall, and has: a first introduction path, which introduces oil scattered from the differential input gear in the first rotation state; and a second introduction path, which introduces oil scattered from the raised portion of the object rotating body in the second rotation state.

[0008] According to this structure, when the wheel rotates to the first side, the oil lifted by the differential input gear is introduced into the collection tank through the first introduction path, and when the wheel rotates to the second side, the oil lifted by the lifting part of the object rotating body is introduced into the collection tank through the second introduction path. Therefore, regardless of the rotation direction of the wheel, the oil in the housing can be properly lifted and introduced into the collection tank by the rotating body of the transmission mechanism. In addition, according to this structure, since the housing has a guide wall surrounding the surrounding of the object rotating body, the flow of oil can be guided in a manner that the oil lifted by the lifting part of the object rotating body surrounds the surrounding of the object rotating body. Therefore, even when the wheel rotates to the second side, the oil flowing along the guide wall can be guided to the second introduction path, and a sufficient amount of oil can be introduced into the collection tank. In this way, according to this structure, in a vehicle drive device having a planetary gear mechanism in the transmission mechanism, a lubrication structure that can introduce oil into the collection tank by lifting the rotating body of the transmission mechanism can be realized with a simple structure even when the wheel rotates in any direction.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the vehicle drive device will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram showing an example of a vehicle drive device.

[0011] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of introducing oil into the collecting groove in the first rotation state in a plan view when viewed in the axial direction.

[0012] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of introducing oil into the collecting groove in the second rotation state in a plan view when viewed in the axial direction.

[0013] Figure 4 It is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement positions of the differential input gear, the counterpart rotating body, and the second introduction port in the axial direction.

[0014] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the vehicle drive device.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a structural diagram showing another example of the vehicle drive device.

[0016] Figure 7 This is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of the example of introducing oil into the collecting groove in the second rotation state in a plan view when viewed in the axial direction.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of a lubricating oil passage.

[0018] Fig. 9 It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing another example of the lubricating oil passage.

[0019] Fig.10 It is a top view showing another structural example of the collecting tank when viewed in the axial direction.

[0020] Fig.11 It is a perspective view showing an example of a planetary carrier formed integrally of a sintered body and a raised portion.

[0021] Fig.12 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of a joining method of a first member and a second member.

[0022] Fig.13 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of a joining method of a first member and a second member.

[0023] Fig.14 This is a perspective view showing an example of a planetary carrier formed by attaching a third member having a raised portion to a single planetary carrier. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle drive device will be described based on the accompanying drawings. In the present application, "drive connection" refers to a state in which two rotating elements are connected in a manner capable of transmitting a driving force, including a state in which the two rotating elements are connected in a manner in which they rotate as a whole, or a state in which the two rotating elements are connected in a manner in which a driving force can be transmitted via one or more transmission components. Such transmission components include various components that transmit rotation at the same speed or at a variable speed, such as shafts, gear mechanisms, belts, chains, etc. In addition, as transmission components, engaging devices that selectively transmit rotation and driving force may also be included, such as friction engaging devices, meshing engaging devices, etc. However, when each rotating element of a planetary gear mechanism is referred to as "drive connection", it refers to a state in which multiple rotating elements in a planetary gear mechanism are connected to each other without being connected via other rotating elements.

[0025] In addition, regarding the configuration of two elements, "overlapping when viewed in a specific direction" means that when an imaginary straight line parallel to the line of sight is moved in directions orthogonal to the imaginary straight line, there is at least a portion of an area where the imaginary straight line intersects both elements. In addition, regarding the configuration of two elements, "overlapping of configuration areas in a specific direction" means that at least a portion of the configuration area in a specific direction of one element is included in the configuration area in a specific direction of another element.

[0026] like Figure 1As shown, the vehicle drive device 100 includes: a rotating motor 1 as a driving source for wheels W; a pair of output members 2, which are respectively drivingly connected to the pair of wheels W; a transmission mechanism 3, which transmits driving force between the rotating motor 1 and the pair of output members 2; and a housing 9, which accommodates the rotating motor 1 and the transmission mechanism 3. The rotating motor 1 and the pair of output members 2 are separately arranged on two axes (a first axis A1 and a second axis A2) parallel to each other. The rotating motor 1 is arranged on the first axis A1. Inside the housing 9, at least a rotating motor storage chamber (not shown) for accommodating the rotating motor 1 and a transmission mechanism storage chamber E3 (see Figure 2 , Figure 3 The rotating electrical machine storage chamber and the transmission mechanism storage chamber E3 are divided by a partition wall portion 9w.

[0027] In addition, the housing 9 also contains oil for lubricating (including cooling) the rotating electrical machine 1 and the transmission mechanism 3. The oil is accumulated in the so-called oil groove 81 on the lower side V2 of the housing 9 due to gravity. The details will be described later, but Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the figure, reference numeral "Ps" indicates the oil level at the highest state inside the housing 9, that is, the static oil level Ps. In addition, reference numeral "Pd" indicates the oil level at the lowest state inside the housing 9, that is, the lowest dynamic oil level Pd.

[0028] The transmission mechanism 3 includes at least: a differential input gear 41, which is arranged coaxially with the pair of output members 2 (on the second axis A2) and to which the driving force from the rotary electric machine 1 is transmitted; and a differential gear mechanism 4, which distributes the driving force transmitted to the differential input gear 41 to the pair of output members 2. The differential gear mechanism 4 is accommodated in the differential case 40, and a differential gear device is constituted by the differential input gear 41, the differential case 40, and the differential gear mechanism 4. As described later, in this embodiment, an example is given in which a pair of side gears 45 of the differential gear mechanism 4 are equivalent to the output members 2. It is also possible to include the differential gear mechanism 4 and the differential gear device including the side gears 45 in the transmission mechanism 3, and the side gears 45 are equivalent to the output members 2 and the transmission mechanism 3.

[0029] In addition, as described later, in the present embodiment, the transmission mechanism 3 includes, in addition to the differential gear device (i.e., the differential input gear 41, the differential case 40, and the differential gear mechanism 4), a gear mechanism portion 30 that is coaxially arranged with the rotary electric machine 1 (on the first axis A1) and transmits the driving force from the rotary electric machine 1 to the differential input gear 41. As described later, in the present embodiment, the gear mechanism portion 30 includes a planetary gear mechanism 31 and a transmission gear 32.

[0030] The rotating electric machine 1 that functions as a driving source for the wheel W includes a stator 11 and a rotor 12. The rotation of the rotor 12 is transmitted to the output member 2 via the transmission mechanism 3. The rotating electric machine 1 has a function as a motor (electric motor) that receives a supply of electric power and generates power, and a function as a generator (generator) that receives a supply of power and generates electric power. Specifically, the rotating electric machine 1 is electrically connected to a battery, a capacitor, or other power storage device (not shown). The rotating electric machine 1 generates a driving force by performing a power operation using the electric power stored in the power storage device. In addition, the rotating electric machine 1 generates electricity using the driving force transmitted from the wheel W side and charges the power storage device.

[0031] The rotor 12, the planetary gear mechanism 31, and the transmission gear 32 are arranged on the first axis A1 as their axis center. In addition, the output member 2, the differential input gear 41, and the differential gear mechanism 4 are arranged on the second axis A2 as their axis center.

[0032] In the following description, the direction parallel to the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 is referred to as the "axial direction L" of the vehicle drive device 100. Furthermore, one side of the axial direction L is referred to as the "axial first side L1", and the other side of the axial direction L is referred to as the "axial second side L2". In the present embodiment, in the axial direction L, the side where the rotor 12 is arranged relative to the planetary gear mechanism 31 is referred to as the axial first side L1, and the opposite side is referred to as the axial second side L2.

[0033] In addition, a direction orthogonal to each of the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 is defined as a “radial direction R” based on each axis. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the side closer to the axis in the radial direction R is referred to as the “radial inner side R1”, and the side farther from the axis is referred to as the “radial outer side R2”. In addition, when it is not necessary to distinguish which axis is used as the reference, or when it is clear which axis is used as the reference, it is sometimes simply referred to as the “radial R”.

[0034] In addition, if Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown in the figure, in the vehicle mounted state, the direction along the vertical direction is called the up-down direction V, the upper side along the up-down direction V is called the upper side V1, and the lower side is called the lower side V2. In the present embodiment, in the vehicle mounted state, the axial direction L is along the horizontal direction, and the axial direction L is orthogonal to the up-down direction V.

[0035] In addition, if Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown in the figure, the direction perpendicular to the axial direction L and the up-down direction V is called the arrangement direction Y, the direction in which the first axis A1 is arranged relative to the second axis A2 is called the arrangement direction first side Y1, and the opposite direction is called the arrangement direction second side Y2. When the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle, the arrangement direction Y is a direction along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Both the arrangement direction first side Y1 and the arrangement direction second side Y2 can be the front side of the vehicle (the side in the direction in which the vehicle moves forward).

[0036] The rotor 12 of the rotating electrical machine 1 is connected to the Figure 1 The rotor bearing not shown in the figure (in Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the rotor 12 is connected to the rotor shaft 12b which is supported to be rotatable by the first rotor bearing B11 and the second rotor bearing B12. As described above, the gear mechanism unit 30 includes a planetary gear mechanism 31 and a transmission gear 32. The planetary gear mechanism 31 decelerates the rotation of the rotor 12 and transmits it to the transmission gear 32. The transmission gear 32 transmits the rotation of the rotor 12 decelerated by the planetary gear mechanism 31 to the differential input gear 41 which is arranged on the second axis A2 different from the first axis A1 on which the rotor 12 and the planetary gear mechanism 31 are arranged. In the present embodiment, the rotor 12, the planetary gear mechanism 31 and the transmission gear 32 are arranged on the first axis A1 in the order described from the axial first side L1 toward the axial second side L2.

[0037] The planetary gear mechanism 31 includes a sun gear SG, a ring gear RG, a planetary carrier CR, and a pinion gear PG. The sun gear SG is connected to the rotor 12 in a manner that rotates integrally. In the present embodiment, the sun gear SG is connected to the rotor shaft 12b in a manner that rotates integrally. The ring gear RG is fixed to the housing 9. In the present embodiment, as the pinion gear PG, a first pinion gear PG1 and a second pinion gear PG2 are provided, and the planetary carrier CR supports the first pinion gear PG1 and the second pinion gear PG2 that rotate integrally with each other through the pinion shaft so that they can rotate.

[0038] The first pinion gear PG1 meshes with the sun gear SG, and the second pinion gear PG2 meshes with the ring gear RG. The second pinion gear PG2 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the first pinion gear PG1. Each of the first pinion gear PG1 and the second pinion gear PG2 rotates around its own axis (pinion shaft), and revolves around the sun gear SG together with the planetary carrier CR. A plurality of the first pinion gear PG1 and the second pinion gear PG2 are provided at intervals from each other along their own orbital trajectory. The planetary carrier CR is connected to the transmission gear 32 in a manner that rotates integrally. The transmission gear 32 is connected via Figure 1 Bearings not shown in the figure (in Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first support bearing B2 is rotatably supported by the housing 9.

[0039] The differential input gear 41 meshes with the transmission gear 32. The differential input gear 41 is connected to the differential case 40 described later so as to rotate integrally. In the present embodiment, the differential input gear 41 is formed to have a larger diameter than the transmission gear 32. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the rotation of the planetary carrier CR is decelerated between the transmission gear 32 and the differential input gear 41 and transmitted to the differential case 40. In the present embodiment, the differential input gear 41 is connected to the differential case 40 via the differential input gear 41. Figure 1 Bearings not shown in the figure (in Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the second support bearing B6 and the third support bearing B7 are rotatably supported by the housing 9.

[0040] The differential gear device includes a differential input gear 41, a differential case 40 connected to the differential input gear 41 and rotating integrally therewith, and a differential gear mechanism 4 enclosed in the differential case 40. The differential gear mechanism 4 includes a pair of differential pinions 42 and a pair of side gears 45. Here, the pair of differential pinions 42 and the pair of side gears 45 are both bevel gears. The differential case 40 is a hollow member that accommodates the pair of differential pinions 42 and the pair of side gears 45. The differential case 40 is connected to the differential input gear 41 in a manner that it rotates integrally therewith, and is rotated integrally therewith via the differential case 40. Figure 1 Bearings not shown in the figure (in Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the second support bearing B6 and the third support bearing B7 are rotatably supported by the housing 9.

[0041] A pair of differential pinions 42 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a radial direction R based on the second axis A2. Furthermore, the pair of differential pinions 42 are mounted on a differential pinion shaft 42a, which is supported to rotate integrally with the differential case 40. Each of the pair of differential pinions 42 is configured to be able to rotate around the differential pinion shaft 42a and to revolve around the second axis A2. The side gears 45 mesh with the pair of differential pinions 42. The pair of side gears 45 are arranged to rotate around the second axis A2 as the rotation axis. The first side gear 43 of the pair of side gears 45 is arranged on the axial first side L1 relative to the differential pinion shaft 42a, and the second side gear 44 is arranged on the axial second side L2 relative to the differential pinion shaft 42a.

[0042] The pair of side gears 45 are connected to the pair of drive shafts DS. The first side gear 43 is connected to the first drive shaft DS1, and the second side gear 44 is connected to the second drive shaft DS2. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown in the example, when there is a transmission shaft 49 that connects the side gear 45 and the drive shaft DS in the axial direction L, it can also be considered that the transmission shaft 49 is also included in the drive shaft DS. As described above, in this embodiment, the side gear 45 is equivalent to the output member 2, but the drive shaft DS and the transmission shaft 49 can also be regarded as the output member 2.

[0043] In such a vehicle drive device 100, the stator coil 11b (see Figure 5 ), gears constituting the transmission mechanism 3, and bearings that rotatably support the rotor 12 and the transmission mechanism 3 of the rotating electrical machine 1 are lubricated with oil (including cooling). In the present embodiment, the oil accumulated in the oil groove 81 formed on the lower side V2 of the housing 9 is lifted up by the differential input gear 41 and supplied to the lubrication target parts such as the bearings. In addition, the oil accumulated in the oil groove may be discharged by an oil pump (not shown) and used for cooling the stator coil 11b of the rotating electrical machine 1 and lubricating the bearings.

[0044] In order to appropriately guide the oil lifted up by the differential input gear 41 to the lubrication target part, it is preferable to temporarily store the lifted oil. Therefore, the vehicle drive device 100 of this embodiment includes a collection tank 7 as an oil storage chamber for temporarily storing the oil in the housing 9. The housing 9 includes a peripheral wall portion (at the bottom) surrounding the transmission mechanism storage chamber E3 in which the transmission mechanism 3 is stored. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, it corresponds to the second peripheral wall portion 91b). Figure 2 As shown, the collection tank 7 is formed in an area surrounded by a partition wall portion 9w that separates the rotating motor storage chamber and the transmission mechanism storage chamber E3, an inner surface 9a of the peripheral wall portion, and a guide wall 9r, and the guide wall 9r is arranged to be opposite to the peripheral wall portion (inner surface 9a) from the inner side of the housing 9, surrounds at least one rotating component of the transmission mechanism 3 and divides the rotating component and the peripheral wall portion (inner surface 9a). In addition, Figure 5 , Figure 8 In the embodiments illustrated in the examples, the partition wall portion 9w corresponds to the inner surface of the partition wall portion 91c.

[0045] In addition, a portion is disposed opposite to the partition wall portion 9w when viewed in the direction along the axial direction L. Figure 2 , Figure 3 The housing body (not shown in the figure) Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the collecting tank 7 is formed in a space surrounded by the partition wall 9w, the guide wall 9r and the wall surface of the housing. Figure 8 , Fig. 9The illustrated supply oil passage 76 is connected to the collection tank 7, and the oil temporarily stored in the collection tank 7 is supplied to the lubrication target part through the oil passage. In addition, a discharge portion 79 is formed below the collection tank 7, and excess oil is discharged to the oil groove 81 below the housing 9 through the discharge portion 79.

[0046] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The static oil level Ps shown indicates the oil level in the state where the differential input gear 41 stops and becomes the highest inside the housing 9. In addition, the lowest dynamic oil level Pd indicates the oil level in the state where the oil lifted up by the rotation of the differential input gear 41 circulates in the housing 9 or accumulates in the collection tank 7 and becomes the lowest inside the housing 9. Even at the lowest dynamic oil level Pd, the teeth of the differential input gear 41 are immersed in the oil, and the oil can be properly lifted up by the differential input gear 41. In addition, a second oil groove 82 is formed below the radial inner side R1 of the guide wall 9r. The function of the second oil groove 82 will be described later.

[0047] exist Figure 2 In the figure, the reference numeral "C1" indicates the rotation direction of the differential input gear 41 when the wheel W rotates toward the first side, that is, the differential first rotation direction C1. When the differential input gear 41 rotates toward the differential first rotation direction C1, the oil lifted up by the differential input gear 41 is introduced into the collection tank 7 through the first introduction path K1. A first introduction port 71 is formed in the first introduction path K1. The first introduction port 71 opens to the side where the upper end H4 of the differential input gear 41 is located between the guide wall 9r and the peripheral wall portion (inner surface 9a) in the up-down direction V. Therefore, the oil lifted up by the differential input gear 41 is appropriately guided to the collection tank 7.

[0048] However, when the wheel W rotates to the second side opposite to the first side, the differential input gear 41 rotates to the second differential rotation direction C2 (see FIG. 1 ) which is opposite to the first differential rotation direction C1. Figure 3 ) rotates. In this case, since the direction in which the first inlet port 71 opens is substantially the same as the direction in which the oil is scattered from the differential input gear 41 near the first inlet port 71, it is almost impossible to introduce oil from the first introduction path K1 into the collection tank 7. The vehicle drive device 100 of this embodiment is configured to appropriately introduce oil into the collection tank 7 even in such a case by the rotation of the rotating member included in the transmission mechanism 3.

[0049] As described above, the transmission mechanism 3 includes: a differential input gear 41, which is arranged on the coaxial second axis A2 with the pair of output members 2 and to which the driving force from the rotating electric machine 1 as a driving source is transmitted; and a differential gear mechanism 4, which distributes the driving force transmitted to the differential input gear 41 to the pair of output members 2. The transmission mechanism 3 also includes a gear mechanism portion 30, which is arranged on an axis different from the pair of output members 2 (here, the first axis A1). Among the rotating members included in the gear mechanism portion 30, the rotating member that rotates in the opposite direction to the differential input gear 41 is referred to as the target rotating body 6. That is, the transmission mechanism 3 includes at least the differential input gear 41, the differential gear mechanism 4, and the target rotating body 6. The planetary carrier CR and the transmission gear 32, which are output elements of the planetary gear mechanism 31, can become the target rotating body 6. In this embodiment, the planetary carrier CR is equivalent to the target rotating body 6 as an example for description.

[0050] The details are described later, but Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the target rotating body 6 has a raised portion 60 formed along its outer periphery to raise the oil. In the present embodiment, the raised portion 60 is composed of a plurality of convex portions 61 arranged along the outer periphery of the target rotating body 6, that is, a convex portion group 62. The raised portion 60 (here, the convex portion 61) can be evenly arranged over the entire outer periphery of the target rotating body 6, or can be arranged as shown in FIG. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in the example, they are intermittently arranged in a part of the outer periphery.

[0051] Here, the axis on which the rotation axis of the target rotating body 6 (here, the first axis A1) is arranged is set as the target axis. Furthermore, the rotation state of the transmission mechanism 3 when the wheel W rotates to the first side is set as the first rotation state, and the rotation state of the transmission mechanism 3 when the wheel W rotates to the second side opposite to the first side is set as the second rotation state. As described above, when the wheel W rotates to the first side, the rotation direction of the differential input gear 41 is as follows: Figure 2 In addition, when the wheel W rotates to the second side opposite to the first side, the rotation direction of the differential input gear 41 is as shown in FIG. Figure 3 Therefore, when the differential input gear 41 rotates in the differential first rotation direction C1, the rotation state of the transmission mechanism 3 is the first rotation state, and when the differential input gear 41 rotates in the differential second rotation direction C2, the rotation state of the transmission mechanism 3 is the second rotation state.

[0052] like Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1 , the differential input gear 41 meshes with the transmission gear 32, and the transmission gear 32 rotates integrally with the planetary carrier CR. Therefore, the planetary carrier CR, which is the target rotating body 6, rotates in the opposite direction to the differential input gear 41. That is, Figure 2 As shown, when the differential input gear 41 rotates in the differential first rotation direction C1, the target rotating body 6 in the first rotation state rotates in the target first rotation direction C10 which is opposite to the differential first rotation direction C1. Figure 3 As shown, when the differential input gear 41 rotates in the differential second rotation direction C2, the target rotating body 6 in the second rotation state rotates in the target second rotation direction C20 which is opposite to the differential second rotation direction C2.

[0053] As described above, the housing 9 includes a guide wall 9r surrounding the object rotating body 6. The guide wall 9r may be formed integrally with other parts of the housing 9 (e.g., the partition wall portion 9w), or may be formed of a component separate from other parts of the housing 9. In the present embodiment, the guide wall 9r is formed to surround the planetary carrier CR. The axis on which the rotation axis of the object rotating body 6 is arranged, that is, the first axis A1 serving as the rotation axis of the planetary carrier CR is set as the object axis, and the collection groove 7 is provided on the radial outer side R2 of the guide wall 9r in the radial direction R based on the object axis.

[0054] The collecting tank 7 includes: a first introduction path K1, which introduces the oil scattered from the differential input gear 41 in the first rotation state; and a second introduction path K2, which introduces the oil scattered from the raised portion 60 of the target rotating body 6 in the second rotation state. According to the rotation direction of the wheel W, the oil is introduced into the collecting tank 7 through these first introduction path K1 and the second introduction path K2. A first introduction port 71 is arranged in the first introduction path K1, and a second introduction port 72 is arranged in the second introduction path K2. That is, the collecting tank 7 includes: a first introduction port 71, which introduces the oil scattered from the differential input gear 41 in the first rotation state; and a second introduction port 72, which introduces the oil scattered from the convex portion group 62 of the target rotating body 6 in the second rotation state.

[0055] As described above, the first inlet 71 is formed between the guide wall 9r and the peripheral wall portion (inner surface 9a) in the up-down direction V, and is opened toward the side where the upper end H4 of the differential input gear 41 is located, which is the second side Y2 in the arrangement direction in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the first inlet 71 is arranged on the upper side V1 of the differential input gear 41, and is arranged on the side where the axis (here, the first axis A1) of the target rotating body 6 is arranged relative to the axis (here, the second axis A2) of the differential input gear 41. Figure 3In the example, the first introduction port 71 is opened at the upper side V1 of the upper end H4 of the differential input gear 41, but the first introduction port 71 only needs to be arranged on the side (the first side Y1 in the arrangement direction) where the target rotating body 6 is arranged with respect to the second axis A2 which is the axis center of the differential input gear 41, and arranged at the upper side V1 of the second axis A2. In addition, the second introduction port 72 is formed to penetrate the guide wall 9r in the radial direction R based on the target axis.

[0056] The guide wall 9r is arranged to face the peripheral wall portion (inner surface 9a) surrounding the transmission mechanism storage chamber E3 from the inner side of the transmission mechanism storage chamber E3. Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the upper end H4 of the differential input gear 41 is arranged on the upper side V1 than the upper end H6 of the target rotating body 6. The first introduction path K1 includes a first introduction port 71, which is opened to the side where the upper end H4 of the differential input gear 41 is located between the guide wall 9r and the peripheral wall portion (inner surface 9a) in the vertical direction V.

[0057] The guide wall 9r surrounds the object rotating body 6, and when the upper end H4 of the differential input gear 41 is arranged at the upper side V1 than the upper end H6 of the object rotating body 6, it is easy to make the upper end H4 of the differential input gear 41 and the arrangement position of the differential input gear 41 side of the guide wall 9r in the vertical direction V close to each other. In addition, the first introduction port 71 for introducing the oil raised by the differential input gear 41 to the collection tank 7 via the first introduction path K1 is provided between the guide wall 9r and the peripheral wall portion (inner surface 9a) in the vertical direction V, and opens to the side where the upper end H4 of the differential input gear 41 is located. Therefore, it is easy to guide the oil raised by the differential input gear 41 to the collection tank 7.

[0058] As reference Figure 3 As described above, when the differential input gear 41 rotates in the differential second rotation direction C2 and the transmission mechanism 3 is in the second rotation state, the target rotating body 6 rotates in the target second rotation direction C20 which is opposite to the differential second rotation direction C2. The oil raised by the raised portion 60 of the planetary carrier CR as the target rotating body 6 is introduced into the collection tank 7 through the second introduction port 72 formed by penetrating the guide wall 9r.

[0059] In the present embodiment, the second introduction port 72 is arranged on the side opposite to the side where the differential input gear 41 is arranged, i.e., the second axis A2, with respect to the axis of the target rotating body 6 (here, the axis of the planetary carrier CR, i.e., the first axis A1), and is arranged on the upper side V1 than the axis of the target rotating body 6 (here, the first axis A1). That is, the second introduction path K2 includes the second introduction port 72, which is arranged on the first side Y1 in the arrangement direction with respect to the first axis A1, and is arranged on the upper side V1 than the first axis A1. Thus, the oil scattered from the upper end H6 of the target rotating body 6 rotating in the target second rotation direction C20 can be easily guided from the second introduction port 72 to the collection tank 7.

[0060] That is, the second introduction port 72 is provided on the side opposite to the side on which the differential input gear 41 is arranged with respect to the axis of the target rotating body 6 (here, the first axis A1), so that when viewed in the axial direction, the oil lifted by the target rotating body 6 can be directed in a direction substantially the same as the direction in which the oil lifted by the differential input gear 41 is directed when the wheel W rotates to the first side. That is, it is easy to introduce oil from both the differential input gear 41 and the target rotating body 6 to the common collection tank 7. In addition, the oil lifted by the target rotating body 6 is relatively more scattered near the upper end H6 of the target rotating body 6. Since the second introduction port 72 is arranged on the upper side V1 than the axis of the target rotating body 6 (the first axis A1), it is easy to introduce the oil scattered from the target rotating body 6 from the second introduction port 72 to the collection tank 7. Furthermore, since the second introduction port 72 is disposed on the upper side V1 of the axis (first axis A1) of the target rotating body 6, the collecting tank 7 can be easily positioned on the upper side V1 in the housing 9, and the oil can be easily guided to the target site to be lubricated.

[0061] However, when the oil level in the housing 9 is the static oil level Ps, the lifting portion 60 of the target rotating body 6 is located at the lower side V2 than the static oil level Ps, and the oil can be lifted up by the target rotating body 6. However, when the oil level is the lowest dynamic oil level Pd, the lifting portion 60 of the target rotating body 6 is located at the upper side V1 than the lowest dynamic oil level Pd, and the oil cannot be lifted up by the target rotating body 6. In the present embodiment, a second oil groove 82 is formed below the radial inner side R1 of the guide wall 9r. In addition, the second oil groove 82 has a third introduction port 83, which opens toward the differential input gear 41 side, so that the oil lifted up by the differential input gear 41 can be introduced through the third introduction path K3 in the second rotation state.

[0062] That is, the vehicle drive device 100 includes, in addition to the oil groove 81 (first oil groove) formed at the bottom of the housing 9, a second oil groove 82 formed below the radial inner side R1 of the guide wall 9r and temporarily storing the oil in the housing 9. The second oil groove 82 includes a third introduction path K3 for introducing the oil scattered from the differential input gear 41 in the second rotation state. The third introduction path K3 includes a third introduction port 83. In addition, the second oil groove 82 can also be called a second collection groove.

[0063] As described above, even at the lowest dynamic oil level Pd, the differential input gear 41 can lift up the oil, and the oil lifted up by the differential input gear 41 is introduced into the second oil groove 82 from the third introduction port 83. Then, the oil accumulated in the second oil groove 82 is lifted up by the lifting portion 60 of the target rotating body 6, and the oil is introduced into the collection tank 7 from the second introduction port 72.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the arrangement area of ​​the second introduction port 72 in the axial direction L and the arrangement area of ​​the differential input gear 41 in the axial direction L are arranged so as not to overlap. Figure 4 In the figure, reference numeral "71t" indicates the end portion on the differential input gear 41 side (the second side Y2 in the arrangement direction) of the guide wall 9r constituting the collection tank 7. The end portion 71t is also the end portion on the lower side V2 of the first inlet 71, and the oil scattered toward the upper side V1 relative to the end portion 71t is introduced into the collection tank 7.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the target rotating body 6 is the carrier CR of the planetary gear mechanism 31. The differential input gear 41 meshes with the transmission gear 32, which is coaxially arranged with the carrier CR and rotates integrally with the carrier CR, and the configuration areas of the differential input gear 41 and the transmission gear 32 in the axial direction L overlap. The configuration areas of the transmission gear 32 and the carrier CR in the axial direction L, which are coaxially arranged, do not overlap, and the configuration areas of the differential input gear 41 and the carrier CR in the axial direction L do not overlap. Therefore, the oil stirred up by the rotation of the differential input gear 41 and the oil stirred up by the rotation of the carrier CR are scattered in the direction of the collection tank 7 with different positions in the axial direction L as the center. The oil introduced into the collection tank 7 from the first introduction port 71 and the second introduction port 72 respectively flows along the guide wall 9r with different positions in the axial direction L as the center of flow.

[0066] The position in the axial direction L of the oil flow lifted by the differential input gear 41, introduced into the collecting groove 7, and flowing along the guide wall 9r substantially overlaps with the arrangement area in the axial direction L of the differential input gear 41. When the arrangement area in the axial direction L of the second introduction port 72 overlaps with the arrangement area in the axial direction L of the differential input gear 41, the second introduction port 72 overlaps with the oil flow lifted by the differential input gear 41 and flowing along the guide wall 9r, and the oil introduced into the collecting groove 7 easily flows out from the second introduction port 72. When the arrangement area in the axial direction L of the second introduction port 72 is arranged so as not to overlap with the arrangement area in the axial direction L of the differential input gear 41, the amount of oil flowing out from the second introduction port 72 can be suppressed to be small when the wheel W rotates to the first side, and a sufficient amount of oil can be easily stored in the collecting groove 7.

[0067] As described above, the target rotating body 6 has the raised portion 60 formed along the outer circumference thereof. When each of the raised portions 60 (the individual convex portions 61 of the convex portion group 62) is a shape that advances along the axial direction L on the outer circumference of the target rotating body 6 and is inclined in the circumferential direction, such as a so-called helical tooth shape, the oil is easily scattered depending on the direction of the inclination. For example, Figure 4 As shown, it is easy to separate the second introduction port 72 so that the arrangement area of ​​the second introduction port 72 in the axial direction L does not overlap with the arrangement area of ​​the differential input gear 41 in the axial direction L. Figure 4 In the example shown, the arrangement area in the axial direction L of the target rotating body 6 and the arrangement area in the axial direction L of the second introduction port 72 also partially overlap, but do not completely overlap. Specifically, the arrangement area in the axial direction L of the second introduction port 72 is arranged so as to overlap with the arrangement area in the axial direction L of the target rotating body 6 on the side of the arrangement area in the axial direction L of the differential input gear 41, that is, the axial second side L2, and not overlap with the arrangement area in the axial direction L of the target rotating body 6 on the axial first side L1 on the opposite side to the arrangement area in the axial direction L of the differential input gear 41. That is, the arrangement area in the axial direction L of the second introduction port 72 is offset to the axial first side L1 relative to the arrangement area in the axial direction L of the target rotating body 6 so as to be separated from the arrangement area in the axial direction L of the differential input gear 41. In this way, when the arrangement area in the axial direction L of the target rotating body 6 and the arrangement area in the axial direction L of the second introduction port 72 are offset, by making the convex portion 61 into a helical tooth shape, it is easy to guide the oil to the second introduction port 72 according to the inclination direction of the helical teeth. Of course, the convex portion 61 may be in a shape parallel to the axial direction L on the outer periphery of the target rotating body 6 .

[0068] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the guide wall 9r extends to the portion that divides the target rotating body 6 and the differential gear mechanism 4. Moreover, it is preferable that a connecting opening 74 that connects the target rotating body 6 side with the differential gear mechanism 4 side is formed in the portion that divides the target rotating body 6 and the differential gear mechanism 4 in the guide wall 9r. That is, the vehicle drive device 100 preferably includes a fourth introduction path that supplies the oil scattered from the raised portion 60 of the target rotating body 6 to the differential gear mechanism 4 side in the second rotation state, and the fourth introduction path K4 includes the connecting opening 74.

[0069] With this configuration, when the wheel W rotates to the second side, part of the oil lifted by the convex portion group 62 of the target rotating body 6 can be supplied to the differential gear mechanism 4. Therefore, it is easy to properly lubricate the differential gear mechanism 4 when the wheel W rotates to the second side.

[0070] Next, a second example of the vehicle drive device 100 will be described. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a second example of the vehicle drive device 100. Figure 6 1 is a structural diagram of a second example of a vehicle drive device 100. The details will be described later, but the basic structure is the same as that of the reference 1 except that the transmission gear 32 and the differential input gear 41 are each configured to have two teeth. Figure 1 Therefore, for the same method as the above method, the same reference numerals are used and the description is appropriately omitted.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, the housing 9 includes a first housing portion 91, a second housing portion 92 joined to the first housing portion 91 from the first axial side L1, and a third housing portion 93 joined to the first housing portion 91 from the second axial side L2. The first housing portion 91 includes a first peripheral wall portion 91a, a second peripheral wall portion 91b, and a partition wall portion 91c.

[0072] The first circumferential wall portion 91a is formed to cover the outer side of the radial direction R of the rotating electrical machine 1. The second circumferential wall portion 91b is formed to cover the outer side of the radial direction R of the planetary gear mechanism 31 and the differential gear mechanism 4. The dividing wall portion 91c is formed to separate the internal space of the first circumferential wall portion 91a from the internal space of the second circumferential wall portion 91b along the axial direction L. In the present embodiment, the first circumferential wall portion 91a is arranged on the axial first side L1 relative to the dividing wall portion 91c, and the second circumferential wall portion 91b is arranged on the axial second side L2 relative to the dividing wall portion 91c. Moreover, the first circumferential wall portion 91a is formed in a cylindrical shape that is open on the axial first side L1, and the second circumferential wall portion 91b is formed in a cylindrical shape that is open on the axial second side L2.

[0073] The second housing portion 92 includes a first side wall portion 92a. The first side wall portion 92a is formed to cover the axial first side L1 of the rotating electrical machine 1. In the present embodiment, the second housing portion 92 is joined to the first housing portion 91 from the axial first side L1 in such a manner that the opening of the first peripheral wall portion 91a on the axial first side L1 is blocked by the first side wall portion 92a.

[0074] The third housing portion 93 includes a second side wall portion 93a. The second side wall portion 93a is formed to cover the axial second side L2 of the transmission mechanism 3 and the differential gear mechanism 4. In the present embodiment, the third housing portion 93 is joined to the first housing portion 91 from the axial second side L2 in such a manner that the opening of the second peripheral wall portion 91b on the axial second side L2 is blocked by the second side wall portion 93a.

[0075] The stator 11 of the rotating electric machine 1 includes a cylindrical stator core 11a. The stator core 11a is fixed to the first peripheral wall portion 91a of the housing 9 as a non-rotating member. The rotor 12 of the rotating electric machine 1 includes a cylindrical rotor core 12a. The rotor core 12a is supported to be rotatable relative to the stator core 11a. Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the rotor 12 includes a rotor shaft 12b connected to the rotor core 12a in a manner of integral rotation. The stator coil 11b is wound around the stator core 11a. In the present embodiment, the stator coil 11b is wound around the stator core 11a in a manner of forming a pair of coil ends protruding on both sides of the axial direction L relative to the stator core 11a. In addition, although not shown in the figure, a permanent magnet is provided on the rotor core 12a.

[0076] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 9 accommodates the inverter device 20 for driving and controlling the rotating electrical machine 1, and has a collection tank 7 for storing oil lifted up by the rotating components of the transmission mechanism 3. Specifically, the housing 9 includes: a storage chamber forming portion 91f that forms a storage chamber for the inverter device 20, and a fourth housing portion 94 that is joined to the storage chamber forming portion 91f in a manner that closes the opening of the storage chamber. The inverter device 20 is accommodated in a space surrounded by the storage chamber forming portion 91f and the fourth housing portion 94. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the first housing portion 91 includes a storage chamber forming portion 91f. In addition, the inverter device 20 includes, for example, a power module 21 that modularizes a plurality of elements (switching elements, etc.) constituting an inverter circuit, and an output bus 22 for outputting AC power from the power module 21. The output bus 22 is electrically connected to the power line 13 drawn from the coil end via a junction box T.

[0077] like Figure 5As shown in FIG. 1 , the rotor shaft 12b is formed into a cylindrical shape having an axis along the axial direction L, and is configured to protrude from the rotor core 12a to both sides of the axial direction L. The portion of the rotor shaft 12b protruding from the rotor core 12a to the first axial side L1 is rotatably supported by the first side wall portion 92a of the housing 9 via the first rotor bearing B11. The portion of the rotor shaft 12b protruding from the rotor core 12a to the second axial side L2 is rotatably supported by the partition wall portion 91c of the housing 9 via the second rotor bearing B12. When the first rotor bearing B11 and the second rotor bearing B12 that support the rotor shaft 12b in a rotatable manner are not distinguished, they are referred to as "rotor bearings".

[0078] The sun gear SG of the planetary gear mechanism 31 is connected to the rotor 12 via the input shaft 5 so as to rotate integrally therewith. Figure 5 In the example shown, the input shaft 5 is formed integrally with the sun gear SG. The input shaft 5 and the rotor shaft 12b are connected by the end of the expanded diameter portion 52 of the input shaft 5 on the first axial side L1 abutting against the end of the rotor shaft 12b on the second axial side L2, and the connection portion 51 of the input shaft 5 is splined and engaged at the radial inner side R1 of the rotor shaft 12b.

[0079] With reference Figure 1 In the same manner as described above, the differential input gear 41 meshes with the transfer gear 32. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in the vehicle drive device 100 of the second example, the transmission gear 32 and the differential input gear 41 each have a pair of teeth (meshing parts), and the twisting directions of the pair of teeth are opposite to each other. Specifically, the transmission gear 32 has a first meshing part 32a and a second meshing part 32b with different twisting directions of the teeth. In addition, the differential input gear 41 has a third meshing part 41a and a fourth meshing part 41b with different twisting directions of the teeth. Moreover, the first meshing part 32a and the third meshing part 41a mesh with each other, and the second meshing part 32b and the fourth meshing part 41b mesh with each other. Here, the "twisting direction of the teeth" refers to the direction in which the teeth of the gear are inclined relative to the axis of the counterpart gear. In the vehicle drive device 100 of the second example, it is configured to reduce the thrust generated by the meshing of the transmission gear 32 and the differential input gear 41 compared to the structure in which the transmission gear 32 and the differential input gear 41 are simple helical gears.

[0080] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle drive device 100 of the second example also includes a collection tank 7 for temporarily storing the oil in the housing 9. Figure 7 As shown, the planetary carrier CR as the target rotating body 6 has a raised portion 60 formed along the outer circumference. Figure 2 , Figure 3In the embodiment described in the above, a method is exemplified in which a plurality of convex portions 61, namely, a convex portion group 62, arranged along the outer circumference of the target rotating body 6 is provided as the raised portion 60. In the vehicle drive device 100 of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , in addition to the convex portion 61, a second convex portion 63 is further provided. When distinguishing from the second convex portion 63, the convex portion 61 may be referred to as a "first convex portion".

[0081] The second convex portion 63 includes a cover portion 63a that covers a portion of the circumference of the target rotating body 6 from the radially outer side R2, and an enclosed space 64 is formed between the surface of the radially outer side R2 of the target rotating body 6 and the cover portion 63a. The cover portion 63a suppresses the oil from scattering to the radially outer side R2 due to the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the target rotating body 6, and the oil is easily retained in the enclosed space 64. On the radially inner side R1 of the enclosed space 64, a guide opening 65 that communicates with the radially inner side R1 is formed on the end surface of the axial second side L2 of the target rotating body 6. The oil raised by the second convex portion 63 as the raised portion 60 and guided to the enclosed space 64 is guided to the opening portion (the second opening portion 66 described later) formed on the end surface of the axial second side L2 of the target rotating body 6 through the guide opening 65.

[0082] As described above, the planetary carrier CR includes a plurality of pinion shafts that rotatably support each of the plurality of pinion gears. Figure 8 As shown, the planetary carrier CR has a lubricating oil passage 8 connected to the necessary lubrication positions of the pinion gear PG (planetary gear) and the pinion shaft PX (gear shaft). The necessary lubrication positions refer to, for example, the bearings between the pinion shaft PX and the pinion gear PG, and the teeth of the pinion gear PG. Preferably, the lubricating oil passage 8 is formed on the pinion shaft PX. The end of the axial second side L2 of the lubricating oil passage 8 is open, and an opening portion (second opening portion 66) is formed on the end surface of the axial second side L2 of the pinion shaft PX, that is, the end surface of the axial second side L2 of the planetary carrier CR. The oil lifted by the lifting portion 60, especially the second protrusion 63, is guided to the lubricating oil passage 8 via the opening portion (second opening portion 66) using the rotation of the planetary carrier CR. The second protrusion 63 functions as a guide portion that guides the lifted oil to the lubricating oil passage 8. That is, in Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the lifting portion 60 may include a guide portion that guides the lifted oil to the lubricating oil passage 8 using the rotation of the carrier CR.

[0083] With such a structure, part of the oil raised by the raising portion 60 can be directly guided to the lubricating oil passage 8 by the guide portion (second convex portion 63) of the raising portion 60 without passing through the collecting groove 7. Therefore, the oil can be quickly supplied to the lubrication target site.

[0084] In addition, the oil is also supplied to the lubricating oil passage 8 via the collecting tank 7. Figure 8As shown, as the lubricating oil passage 8 formed on the pinion shaft PX arranged along the axial direction L, it is possible to have a first lubricating oil passage 87 on the first axial side L1 and a second lubricating oil passage 86 on the second axial side L2. The second lubricating oil passage 86 is provided with an opening (second opening 66) for introducing the oil guided by the second convex portion 63 of the raised portion 60. The end of the first lubricating oil passage 87 on the first axial side L1 is also open, and the first opening 67 is formed on the end surface on the first axial side L1 of the pinion shaft PX, that is, the end surface on the first axial side L1 of the planetary carrier CR. The oil accumulated in the collection tank 7 is supplied to the first opening 67 via the supply oil passage 76 connected to the collection tank 7.

[0085] In this way, the lubricating oil passage 8 has a first opening portion 67 opened on the axial first side L1 and a second opening portion 66 opened on the axial second side L2, the oil from the collecting groove 7 is supplied to the first opening portion 67, and the second protrusion 63 (guide portion) is configured to guide the oil to the second opening portion 66.

[0086] With such a structure, the oil accumulated in the collecting tank 7 can be supplied to the first lubricating oil passage 87, and the oil raised by the raising portion 60 can be directly supplied to the second lubricating oil passage 86 without passing through the collecting tank 7. Therefore, it is easy to stably supply the oil to the necessary lubrication positions of the pinion gear PG (planetary gear) and the pinion shaft PX (gear shaft). In a state where the viscosity of the oil is high, such as in a low temperature environment, there is a tendency for the oil introduced into the collecting tank 7 to decrease, but even in this case, it is easy to stably supply the oil to the lubrication target part.

[0087] In addition, in the above, reference is made to Figure 8 , the lubricating oil passage 8 is illustrated as including a first lubricating oil passage 87 and a second lubricating oil passage 86. Fig. 9 As shown, the lubricating oil passage 8 may be formed as a continuous oil passage so that the first opening 67 and the second opening 66 communicate with each other.

[0088] In this way, when the oil is supplied from both the first opening 67 and the second opening 66 in the second rotation state, it is easy to properly supply the oil to the lubricated part in both cases where the viscosity of the oil is high and where the viscosity of the oil is low. For example, when the temperature of the oil is high and the oil is easily introduced into the collecting groove 7, it is easy to supply the oil through the first opening 67. However, when the temperature of the oil is low and the amount of oil introduced into the collecting groove 7 decreases, the amount of oil supplied to the lubricated part through the first opening 67 also decreases. On the other hand, when the temperature of the oil is low, the fluidity of the oil also decreases, so the oil easily stays around the raised portion 60. Therefore, it is easy to guide the oil to the second opening 66 through the second convex portion 63.

[0089] In addition, Figure 7, the collecting tank 7 is illustrated as having an upper region 7a located on the upper side V1 of the gear mechanism portion 30 (particularly the planetary carrier CR of the planetary gear mechanism 31), a lower region 7c located on the lower side V2 of the planetary carrier CR, and a connecting region 7b that is arranged on the radially outer side R2 of the planetary carrier CR to connect the upper region 7a and the lower region 7c, and these are formed continuously. Although the reference numerals representing the respective regions are not given, Figure 2 , Figure 3 The same method is also shown. However, Fig.10 As shown, the collecting groove 7 can also be divided into an upper collecting groove 7H including the entire area of ​​the upper area 7a and the area on the upper side V1 in the connecting area 7b, and a lower collecting groove 7L including the entire area of ​​the lower area 7c and the area on the lower side V2 in the connecting area 7b.

[0090] The first introduction port 71 is provided in the upper collecting tank 7H, and introduces oil into the upper collecting tank 7H via the first introduction path K1. Fig.10 As shown, the supply oil passage 76 for supplying oil toward the first opening portion 67 of the lubricating oil passage 8 is connected to the lower portion of the upper collecting groove 7H. In addition, the discharge portion 79 for discharging oil to the oil groove 81 below the housing 9 is provided at the lower portion of the lower collecting groove 7L. Here, the upper collecting groove 7H and the lower collecting groove 7L are connected via the connecting oil passage 77 functioning as a throttling portion. The connecting oil passage 77 sets the flow rate so that a smaller amount of oil than the amount of oil introduced into the upper collecting groove 7H by the differential input gear 41 and the lifting portion 60 flows from the upper collecting groove 7H to the lower collecting groove 7L.

[0091] That is, the oil introduced into the upper collecting tank 7H is temporarily accumulated in the upper collecting tank 7H, and then flows into the lower collecting tank 7L via the connecting oil path 77 that functions as a throttling portion. Therefore, it is easy to ensure a large amount of oil supplied from the upper collecting tank 7H to the necessary lubrication position via the supply oil path 76 and the lubricating oil path 8. In addition, the amount of oil flowing into the lower collecting tank 7L is limited, thereby extending the time required for the oil raised by the differential input gear 41 and the raising portion 60 to be discharged from the discharge portion 79 and returned to the oil tank 81. Therefore, during the driving of the vehicle, it is easy to suppress the oil level of the oil raised by the differential input gear 41 and the like to be low, and it is easy to suppress the energy loss caused by the stirring resistance of the oil to be low.

[0092] In addition, although the Figure 7 However, when the collecting tank 7 is not divided into the upper collecting tank 7H and the lower collecting tank 7L, it is preferable that the supply oil passage 76 communicates with the connection area 7b of the collecting tank 7.

[0093] However, the counterpart rotating body 6 is preferably a sintered body, and is formed integrally with a portion functioning as the carrier CR of the planetary gear mechanism 31 and a portion functioning as the raised portion 60 . Fig.11 The embodiment in which the planetary carrier CR is formed by sintering integrally with the protrusion 61 functioning as the raised portion 60 is exemplified. In addition, the embodiment in which the raised portion 60 is constituted by the first protrusion (protrusion 61) is exemplified here.

[0094] exist Fig.11 In the example shown, the planetary carrier CR is formed by sintering the first component M1 and the second component M2 using a brazing material X (see Fig.12 , Fig.13 ) are formed integrally with each other. The first member M1 is a case member in the carrier CR that accommodates the pinion gear PG, and the second member M2 is a cover member that is engaged with the first member M1. The pinion gear PG is accommodated in an accommodation space formed by the first member M1 and the second member M2.

[0095] exist Figure 11 to Figure 13 In the example, a method is illustrated in which a convex portion 61 that becomes a raised portion 60 is formed on the first member M1 side. A brazing material insertion hole (not shown) for inserting a solid brazing material X into the joint portion between the first member M1 and the second member M2 from the axial direction L is provided in the second member M2. By making the first member M1 and the second member M2 abut against each other, the brazing material X is inserted into the brazing material insertion hole and overheated in a sintering furnace, so that the first member M1 and the second member M2 are bonded together by the brazing material X, and the raised portion 60 and the planetary carrier CR are integrally formed by sintering.

[0096] In addition, Fig.13 In the illustrated embodiment, the second member M2 may extend outward in the radial direction R similarly to the first member M1 at the portion engaging with the convex portion 61 formed on the first member M1. In this case, the portion of the second member M2 also functions as the raised portion 60. Therefore, the raised portion 60 may be formed on both the first member M1 and the second member M2.

[0097] Of course, the object rotating body 6 is not limited to the Figure 11 to Figure 13 As described above, the raised portion 60 is formed integrally with the planetary carrier CR by sintering. The raised portion 60 may be formed separately from the planetary carrier CR and joined to the planetary carrier CR.

[0098] exist Fig.14, the following method is illustrated, that is, for the target rotating body 6, the part that functions as the planetary carrier CR of the planetary gear mechanism 31 is formed integrally, and the planetary carrier and the part (third component M3) that functions as the raised portion 60 formed by, for example, stamping are combined to form the target rotating body 6 integrally with the planetary carrier CR as the main body. The planetary carrier CR can be formed integrally by sintering the first component M1 and the second component M2 using the brazing material X, or can be formed by other methods such as stamping. The third component M3 having the raised portion 60 is formed separately from the first component M1 and the second component M2 by, for example, stamping. For example, by accommodating the pinion PG inside the planetary carrier CR, the pinion PG is rotatably supported by the planetary carrier CR, and then the third component M3 is mounted on the planetary carrier CR supporting the pinion PG, so that the rotating part of the planetary gear mechanism 31 having the raised portion 60 is formed as the target rotating body 6.

[0099] exist Figure 11 to Figure 13 In the illustrated embodiment, the target rotating body 6 formed up to the raised portion 60 can be obtained by the sintering process. Fig.14 In the illustrated embodiment, in addition to the step of forming the planetary carrier CR, a step of joining the third member M3 is also required. Fig.14 In the illustrated embodiment, a process for installing the third component M3 is redundantly generated. In addition, since the third component M3 is required in addition to the first component M1 and the second component M2, there is a tendency that the number of components increases, and the component cost and management cost also become higher. In addition, for a component having a raised portion 60, such as the first component M1 alone, the cost may be higher by providing the raised portion 60 compared to the case of forming a simple planetary carrier CR, but if compared with the case of preparing the third component M3 separately, it is often less expensive.

[0100] In this way, the planetary carrier CR and the raised portion 60 may be formed separately and then assembled, or may be formed integrally by sintering. However, for the target rotating body 6, when the portion functioning as the planetary carrier CR and the portion functioning as the raised portion 60 are formed integrally by sintering, the number of components and the number of processing man-hours can be reduced compared to the case where they are composed of separate parts.

[0101] In reference Figure 11 to Figure 14 In the described embodiment, the raised portion 60 is formed by the convex portion 61 (first convex portion). Although illustration and detailed description are omitted, even if the raised portion 60 has a second convex portion 63 having a cover portion 63a in addition to the convex portion 61 (first convex portion), the raised portion 60 and the planetary carrier CR can be formed integrally by sintering.

[0102] [Other implementation methods]

[0103] In addition, the structure of each embodiment described below is not limited to being applied independently, and can also be applied in combination with the structure of other embodiments as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0104] (1) In the above, the planetary carrier CR is exemplified as the object rotating body 6. However, the object rotating body 6 may not be the planetary carrier CR, but may be another rotating body constituting the planetary gear mechanism 31. For example, if it is not fixed as in the present embodiment, the ring gear RG may be the object rotating body 6. In addition, the sun gear SG may also be the object rotating body 6. In addition, when the transmission gear 32 connected to the planetary carrier CR and rotating integrally with the planetary carrier CR is regarded as the output gear of the planetary gear mechanism 31, it can be considered that the transmission gear 32 is also included as a rotating body constituting the planetary gear mechanism 31.

[0105] (2) In the above, an example is given in which the second inlet port 72 is arranged on the side opposite to the side on which the axis (second axis A2) of the differential input gear 41 is arranged relative to the axis of the object rotating body 6 (for example, the first axis A1), and is arranged on the upper side V1 than the axis (first axis A1) of the object rotating body 6. However, for example, as long as the oil lifted up by the lifting portion 60 and scattered upward can be introduced, the second inlet port 72 can also be arranged on the side on which the second axis A2 is arranged relative to the first axis A1, and is arranged on the upper side V1 than the first axis A1. Considering the supply path of oil from the collection tank 7 to the lubrication object, it is preferred that the second inlet port 72 is arranged on the relatively upper side V1 in the up-down direction V. However, as long as the oil path to the lubrication object can be properly ensured in the second rotation state, it does not prevent the second inlet port 72 from being arranged on the lower side V2 than the first axis A1.

[0106] (3) In the above, an example is given in which the upper end H4 of the differential input gear 41 is arranged on the upper side V1 relative to the upper end H6 of the target rotating body 6, but the upper end H4 of the differential input gear 41 and the upper end H6 of the target rotating body 6 may be arranged at the same position in the up-down direction V. In addition, as long as the oil scattered by the centrifugal force of the rotating differential input gear 41 can be introduced from the first introduction port 71, the upper end H4 of the differential input gear 41 may be arranged on the lower side V2 relative to the upper end H6 of the target rotating body 6.

[0107] (4) In the above, an example is given in which the configuration area of ​​the axial direction L of the second inlet 72 and the configuration area of ​​the axial direction L of the differential input gear 41 are configured so as not to overlap. However, this does not prevent the configuration area of ​​the axial direction L of the second inlet 72 and the configuration area of ​​the axial direction L of the differential input gear 41 from at least partially overlapping each other, for example, when the oil scattered due to the rotation of the target rotating body 6 is scattered in a wide range along the axial direction L, and it is desired to introduce more oil from the second inlet 72. In this case, it is preferable to have a structure in which a convex portion protruding toward the inner side of the collection groove 7 is provided on the upper side V1 of the second inlet 72 in a manner as an eave, so as to prevent the oil flowing in the collection groove 7 from flowing out of the second inlet 72.

[0108] In addition, as exemplified in other embodiment (1), when the target rotating body 6 is the transmission gear 32, the arrangement area of ​​the axial direction L of these gears overlaps with the differential input gear 41. Therefore, the arrangement area of ​​the axial direction L of the second introduction port 72 and the arrangement area of ​​the axial direction L of the differential input gear 41 are sometimes arranged to overlap. As described above, as long as the oil can be suppressed from flowing out of the second introduction port 72 by providing a canopy in the collection tank 7, for example, it does not prevent the target rotating body 6 from being the transmission gear 32, and the arrangement area of ​​the axial direction L of the second introduction port 72 and the arrangement area of ​​the axial direction L of the differential input gear 41 overlap.

[0109] (5) In the above, an example is given in which a communication opening 74 is formed in the portion of the guide wall 9r that divides the target rotating body 6 and the differential gear mechanism 4 so as to communicate with each other. However, the differential gear mechanism 4 may be lubricated by the oil raised by the differential input gear 41, for example, and may not have such a communication opening 74.

[0110] [Summary of this embodiment]

[0111] The vehicle drive device (100) described above will be briefly summarized below.

[0112] As one embodiment, a vehicle drive device (100) comprises: a drive source (1); a pair of output members (43) each connected to a pair of wheels (W) for driving; a transmission mechanism (3) for transmitting a driving force between the drive source (1) and the pair of output members (43); a housing (9) for accommodating the transmission mechanism (3) and oil; and a collection tank (7) for temporarily storing the oil in the housing (9), wherein the transmission mechanism (3) comprises: a differential input gear (41) disposed on a coaxial axis (A2) with the pair of output members (43). ) and is transmitted with driving force from the driving source (1); a differential gear mechanism (4) which distributes the driving force transmitted to the differential input gear (41) to the pair of output members (43); and an object rotating body (6) which is arranged on an axis (A1) different from the pair of output members (43) and rotates in a direction opposite to the direction of the differential input gear (41), the transmission mechanism (3) having a planetary gear mechanism (31), the object rotating body (6) being a rotating body constituting the planetary gear mechanism (6), and the object rotating body (6) having a raised portion (60) formed along the outer circumference, the housing (9) having a guide wall (9r) surrounding the object rotating body (6), an axis (A1) on which the rotation axis of the object rotating body (6) is arranged is set as the object axis (A1), a direction orthogonal to the object axis (A1) is set as a radial direction (R), a rotation state of the transmission mechanism (3) when the wheel (W) rotates to a first side is set as a first rotation state (C1, C10), and a rotation state of the wheel (W) when the wheel (W) rotates to a second side opposite to the first side is set as a first rotation state (C1, C10). In this case, the rotation state of the transmission mechanism (3) is set to the second rotation state (C2, C20), the collection groove (7) is arranged on the outer side (R2) of the radial direction (R) relative to the guide wall (9r), and is provided with: a first introduction path (K1), which introduces the oil scattered from the differential input gear (41) in the first rotation state (C1, C10); and a second introduction path (K2), which introduces the oil scattered from the raised portion (60) of the object rotating body (6) in the second rotation state (C2, C20).

[0113] According to the present structure, when the wheel (W) rotates to the first side, the oil lifted by the differential input gear (41) is introduced into the collection tank (7) through the first introduction path (K1), and when the wheel (W) rotates to the second side, the oil lifted by the lifting portion (60) of the target rotating body (6) is introduced into the collection tank (7) through the second introduction path (K2). Therefore, regardless of the rotation direction of the wheel (W), the oil in the housing (9) can be properly lifted and introduced into the collection tank (7) by the rotating body of the transmission mechanism (3). In addition, according to the present structure, since the housing (9) has a guide wall (9r) surrounding the periphery of the target rotating body (6), the oil lifted by the lifting portion (60) of the target rotating body (6) can be guided to flow in a manner that surrounds the periphery of the target rotating body (6). Therefore, even when the wheel (W) rotates to the second side, the oil flowing along the guide wall (9r) can be guided to the second introduction path (K2), and a sufficient amount of oil can be introduced into the collection tank (7). Thus, according to the present structure, in a vehicle drive device (100) in which a transmission mechanism (3) is provided with a planetary gear mechanism (31), a lubrication structure can be realized with a simple structure so that oil can be introduced into the collection tank (7) by lifting the rotating body of the transmission mechanism (3) when the wheel (W) rotates in any direction.

[0114] In addition, it is preferred that the housing (9) includes a peripheral wall portion (9a) surrounding a transmission mechanism storage chamber (E3) storing the transmission mechanism (3), the guide wall (9r) is arranged to be opposite to the peripheral wall portion (9a) from the inner side of the transmission mechanism storage chamber (E3), the upper end (H4) of the differential input gear (41) is arranged on the upper side (V1) than the upper end (H6) of the object rotating body (6), and the first introduction path (K1) includes a first introduction port (71), which is between the guide wall (9r) and the peripheral wall portion (9a) in the up and down direction (V) and opens to the side where the upper end (H4) of the differential input gear (41) is located.

[0115] The guide wall (9r) surrounds the object rotating body (6), and when the upper end (H4) of the differential input gear (41) is arranged on the upper side (V1) than the upper end (H6) of the object rotating body (6), it is easy to make the upper end (H4) of the differential input gear (41) in the vertical direction (V) close to the arrangement position of the differential input gear (41) side of the guide wall (9r). In addition, the first introduction port (71) for introducing the oil lifted by the differential input gear (41) to the collection tank (7) via the first introduction path (K1) is arranged between the guide wall (9r) and the peripheral wall portion (9a) in the vertical direction (V), and opens to the side where the upper end (H4) of the differential input gear (41) is located. Therefore, it is easy to guide the oil lifted by the differential input gear (41) to the collection tank 7.

[0116] In addition, the second introduction path (K2) preferably includes a second introduction port (72), which is arranged on the side opposite to the side of the axis (A2) on which the differential input gear (41) is arranged relative to the axis (A1) of the object rotating body (6), and is arranged on the upper side (V1) than the axis (A1) of the object rotating body (6).

[0117] Since the second inlet (72) is arranged on the side opposite to the side of the axis (A2) on which the differential input gear (41) is arranged relative to the axis (A1) of the object rotating body (6), when viewed axially, the oil lifted by the object rotating body (6) can be directed in a direction substantially the same as the direction in which the oil lifted by the differential input gear (41) is directed when the wheel (W) rotates to the first side. That is, it is easy to introduce oil from both the differential input gear (41) and the object rotating body (6) into the common collection tank (7). In addition, the oil lifted by the object rotating body (6) is scattered more near the upper end (H6) of the object rotating body (6). Since the second inlet (72) is arranged on the upper side (V1) than the axis (A1) of the object rotating body (6), it is easy to introduce the oil scattered from the object rotating body (6) from the second inlet (72) into the collection tank (7). In addition, since the second inlet (72) is arranged on the upper side (V1) than the axis (A1) of the target rotating body (6), it is easy to set the position of the collection tank (7) on the upper side (V1) in the shell (9), and it is easy to guide the oil to the target part to be lubricated.

[0118] In addition, it is preferred that the direction along the object axis (A1) is defined as the axial direction (L), and the configuration area of ​​the second inlet (72) in the axial direction (L) and the configuration area of ​​the differential input gear (41) in the axial direction (L) are configured so as not to overlap.

[0119] The position of the oil flow lifted by the differential input gear (41), introduced into the collection groove (7) and flowing along the guide wall (9r) in the axial direction (L) is roughly overlapped with the axial direction (L) configuration area of ​​the differential input gear (41). When the axial direction (L) configuration area of ​​the second introduction port (72) overlaps with the axial direction (L) configuration area of ​​the differential input gear (41), the second introduction port (72) overlaps with the oil flow lifted by the differential input gear (41) and flowing along the guide wall (9r), and the oil introduced into the collection groove (7) easily flows out from the second introduction port (72). When the axial direction (L) configuration area of ​​the second introduction port (72) and the axial direction (L) configuration area of ​​the differential input gear (41) are configured so as not to overlap, the amount of oil flowing out from the second introduction port (72) can be suppressed to a small amount when the wheel (W) rotates to the first side, and a sufficient amount of oil can be easily stored in the collection groove (7).

[0120] In addition, it is preferred that a connecting opening (74) for connecting the target rotating body (6) side and the differential gear mechanism (4) side is formed in a portion of the guide wall (9r) that divides the target rotating body (6) and the differential gear mechanism (4).

[0121] With such a configuration, when the wheel (W) rotates to the second side, a portion of the oil raised by the raised portion (60) of the target rotating body (6) can be supplied to the differential gear mechanism (4). Therefore, it is easy to properly lubricate the differential gear mechanism (4) when the wheel (W) rotates to the second side.

[0122] In addition, it is preferred that the planetary gear mechanism (31) includes a planetary carrier (CR) that supports a plurality of planetary gears (PG) so as to be rotatable, the object rotating body (6) is the planetary carrier (CR) of the planetary gear mechanism, the planetary carrier (CR) includes a plurality of gear shafts (PX) that support each of the plurality of planetary gears (PG) so as to be rotatable, and a lubricating oil passage (8) that is connected to necessary lubrication positions of the planetary gears (PG) and the gear shafts (PX), and the lifting portion (60) includes a guide portion (63) that guides the lifted oil toward the lubricating oil passage (8) using the rotation of the planetary carrier (CR).

[0123] With such a structure, part of the oil raised by the raising portion (60) can be directly guided to the lubricating oil passage (8) by the guide portion (63) of the raising portion (60) without passing through the collecting groove 7. Therefore, the oil can be quickly supplied to the lubrication target part.

[0124] In addition, the direction along the above-mentioned object axis (A1) is set as the axial direction (L), one side of the above-mentioned axial direction (L) is set as the axial first side (L1), and the side opposite to the axial first side (L1) is set as the axial second side (L2), the above-mentioned lubricating oil circuit (8) has a first opening portion (67) opening on the above-mentioned axial first side (L1) and a second opening portion (66) opening on the above-mentioned axial second side (L2), the oil from the above-mentioned collecting groove (7) is supplied to the above-mentioned first opening portion (67), and the above-mentioned guide portion (63) is configured to guide the oil to the above-mentioned second opening portion (66).

[0125] With such a structure, the oil accumulated in the collecting groove (7) can be supplied from the first opening to the lubricating oil passage (8), and the oil raised by the raising portion (60) can be supplied directly from the second opening (66) to the lubricating oil passage (8) without passing through the collecting groove (7). Therefore, it is easy and stable to supply the oil to the necessary lubrication positions of the planetary gear (PG) and the gear shaft (PX). In a low temperature environment or other conditions where the viscosity of the oil is high, there is a tendency for the oil introduced into the collecting groove (7) to decrease, but even in this case, it is easy and stable to supply the oil to the lubrication target position.

[0126] In addition, it is preferred that the target rotating body (6) is a sintered body, and is integrally formed with a portion functioning as a planetary carrier (CR) of the planetary gear mechanism (31) and a portion functioning as the raised portion (60).

[0127] According to this structure, compared with a case where a portion functioning as a planetary carrier (CR) and a portion functioning as a raised portion (60) are formed by separate components, a reduction in the number of components and a reduction in processing man-hours can be achieved.

[0128] Description of Reference Numerals

[0129] 1...rotating motor (drive source); 2...output member; 3...transmission mechanism; 4...differential gear mechanism; 6...target rotating body; 8...lubricating oil passage; 7...collecting tank; 9...housing; 9a...inner surface (peripheral wall); 9r...guide wall; 41...differential input gear; 43...side gear (output member); 60...raised portion; 63...second convex portion (guide portion); 66...second opening; 67...first opening; 71...first introduction port; 72...second introduction port; 74. ..Connecting opening; 100...Driving device for vehicle; A1...First axis (target axis); CR...Planetary carrier; E3...Transmission mechanism storage chamber; H4...Upper end; H6...Upper end; K1...First introduction path; K2...Second introduction path; L...Axial direction; L1...Axial first side; L2...Axial second side; PG...Pinion (planetary gear); PX...Pinion shaft (gear shaft); R...Radial direction; R2...Radial outer side; V...Up and down direction; V1...Upper side; W...Wheel.

Claims

1. A vehicle drive device, wherein: have: Driving source; A pair of output members, which are drivingly connected to a pair of wheels respectively; a transmission mechanism that transmits driving force between the driving source and the pair of output members; a housing that accommodates the transmission mechanism and the oil; and a collecting tank that temporarily stores the oil in the housing, The transmission mechanism comprises: a differential input gear which is coaxially arranged with the pair of output members and to which the driving force from the driving source is transmitted; a differential gear mechanism that distributes the driving force transmitted to the differential input gear to a pair of the output members; as well as a counterpart rotating body which is arranged on a shaft different from that of the pair of output members and rotates in a direction opposite to that of the differential input gear, The transmission mechanism includes a planetary gear mechanism. The target rotating body is a rotating body constituting the planetary gear mechanism, The target rotating body has a raised portion formed along the outer circumference, The housing includes a guide wall surrounding the circumference of the target rotating body. The axis on which the rotation axis of the target rotating body is arranged is set as the target axis, the direction orthogonal to the target axis is set as the radial direction, the rotation state of the transmission mechanism when the wheel rotates to a first side is set as a first rotation state, and the rotation state of the transmission mechanism when the wheel rotates to a second side opposite to the first side is set as a second rotation state, The collecting groove is arranged on the radially outer side relative to the guide wall, and has a first introduction path and a second introduction path, the first introduction path introduces oil scattered from the differential input gear in the first rotation state, and the second introduction path introduces oil scattered from the raised part of the object rotating body in the second rotation state.

2. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes a peripheral wall portion surrounding a transmission mechanism storage chamber storing the transmission mechanism. The guide wall is arranged to face the peripheral wall portion from the inner side of the transmission mechanism storage chamber. The upper end of the differential input gear is arranged above the upper end of the target rotating body. The first introduction path includes a first introduction port that opens between the guide wall and the peripheral wall portion in the vertical direction toward the side where the upper end of the differential input gear is located.

3. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second introduction path includes a second introduction port that is arranged on the side opposite to the side where the differential input gear is arranged with respect to the axis of the counterpart rotating body and is arranged above the axis of the counterpart rotating body.

4. The vehicle drive device according to claim 3, wherein: The direction along the object axis is set as the axial direction, The axial arrangement region of the second introduction port and the axial arrangement region of the differential input gear are arranged so as not to overlap.

5. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A communication opening for communicating between the counterpart rotating body side and the differential gear mechanism side is formed in a portion of the guide wall that partitions between the counterpart rotating body and the differential gear mechanism.

6. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The planetary gear mechanism includes a planetary carrier that rotatably supports a plurality of planetary gears. The object rotating body is the planet carrier, The planetary carrier includes: a plurality of gear shafts that rotatably support each of the plurality of planetary gears; and a lubricating oil passage that communicates with necessary lubrication locations of the planetary gears and the gear shafts. The raised portion includes a guide portion that guides the oil raised by the rotation of the planetary carrier to the lubricating oil passage.

7. The vehicle drive device according to claim 6, wherein: The direction along the target axis is defined as an axial direction, one side of the axial direction is defined as an axial first side, and the side opposite to the axial first side is defined as an axial second side. The lubricating oil passage includes a first opening portion opening on the first axial side and a second opening portion opening on the second axial side. The oil from the collecting tank is supplied to the first opening, The guide portion is configured to guide oil toward the second opening.

8. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The counterpart rotating body is a sintered body, and is integrally formed of a portion functioning as a planetary carrier of the planetary gear mechanism and a portion functioning as the raised portion.

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