Drive device

Abstract

A drive device according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with: a motor having a rotor capable of rotating about a motor axis and a stator surrounding the rotor from the outside in the radial direction; and a housing having a cylindrical peripheral wall portion surrounding the motor from the outside in the radial direction, and a cover portion covering an opening on one side in the axial direction of the peripheral wall portion. The rotor has a cylindrical motor shaft having a hollow portion. The housing has: a reservoir part capable of storing a fluid; a first flow path extending from the reservoir part to the cover part; a second flow path provided in the cover part and connected to the first flow path; a third flow path and a fourth flow path which are connected to the second flow path and can supply a fluid to the stator; and a fifth flow path connected to the second flow path and capable of supplying a fluid to the hollow portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-134252 filed in Japan on August 25, 2022, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-075158 filed in Japan on April 28, 2023, the contents of which are cited here. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, as a drive device mounted on an electric vehicle, the following drive device is known: the drive device has a housing having a motor chamber for accommodating a motor, a gear chamber for accommodating a transmission mechanism, and a partition wall portion separating the two chambers. In addition, a fluid such as oil is stored inside such a drive device, and the fluid is used to lubricate the gears and bearings in the drive device and cool the motor (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-119918 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] In the conventional drive device, when the fluid is supplied to the motor locally, the entire motor may not be sufficiently cooled. Therefore, it is considered to uniformly cool the entire motor by supplying the fluid to the motor from multiple locations. However, if the structure of the flow path is complicated in order to increase the number of locations where the fluid is supplied to the motor, the housing may be enlarged.

[0009] One object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a drive device capable of cooling the entire motor while suppressing an increase in the size of a housing.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] A driving device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a motor having a rotor capable of rotating about a motor axis and a stator surrounding the rotor from the radially outer side; and a housing having a cylindrical peripheral wall portion surrounding the motor from the radially outer side and a cover portion covering an opening on one axial side of the peripheral wall portion. The rotor has a cylindrical motor shaft having a hollow portion. The housing comprises: a storage portion capable of storing a fluid; a first flow path extending from the storage portion to the cover portion; a second flow path provided in the cover portion and connected to the first flow path; a third flow path and a fourth flow path, the third flow path and the fourth flow path being connected to the second flow path and capable of supplying the fluid to the stator; and a fifth flow path connected to the second flow path and capable of supplying the fluid to the hollow portion.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a drive device capable of cooling the entire motor while suppressing an increase in the size of the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of a driving device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a motor chamber of a drive device according to one embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a motor chamber of a drive device according to one embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a front view of the gear chamber of the drive device of one embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a front view of the 1st cover part of the drive device which concerns on one Embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a conceptual diagram of a drive device having a casing according to Modification 1.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a front view of the partition wall of the casing of Modification Example 1.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a conceptual diagram of a drive device having a casing according to Modification 2.

[0022] Fig. 9 This is a front view of the partition wall of the shell of Modification Example 2.

[0023] Fig.10 This is the back side of the first cover portion of Modification 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, a drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the vertical direction is defined based on the positional relationship when the drive device 1 according to the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle (not shown) located on a horizontal road surface.

[0025] In the accompanying drawings, the XYZ coordinate system is appropriately shown as a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. In the XYZ coordinate system, the Z-axis direction is the vertical direction. The +Z side is the upper side in the vertical direction, and the -Z side is the lower side in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the upper side in the vertical direction is referred to as the "upper side", and the lower side in the vertical direction is referred to as the "lower side". The X-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction, and is the front-to-back direction of the vehicle equipped with the drive device 1. In the present embodiment, the +X side is the front side of the vehicle, and the -X side is the rear side of the vehicle. The Y-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, and is the left-right direction of the vehicle, that is, the vehicle width direction. The Y-axis direction is equivalent to the axial direction of the first axis J1, the second axis J2, and the third axis J3 described later. The front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction are horizontal directions perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0026] In the present embodiment, directions perpendicular to the first axis J1 and perpendicular to each other are defined as a first direction and a second direction. In the present embodiment, the first direction is the front-rear direction of the vehicle (i.e., the X-axis direction), and the second direction is the up-down direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction). In addition, one side of the second direction is the upper side (+Z side), and the other side of the second direction is the lower side (-Z side).

[0027] The first axis J1, the second axis J2, and the third axis J3 appropriately shown in the respective figures are parallel to each other and extend along the Y-axis direction (i.e., the left-right direction of the vehicle, the direction along the horizontal plane). In the present embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the first axis J1 is referred to as the "axial direction", the -Y side is referred to as one axial side, and the +Y side is referred to as the other axial side. Furthermore, the radial direction centered on the first axis J1 is referred to as the "radial direction", and the circumferential direction centered on the first axis J1, i.e., the direction around the first axis J1, is referred to as the "circumferential direction". In addition, in the present embodiment, the "parallel direction" includes a substantially parallel direction, and the "vertical direction" includes a substantially vertical direction.

[0028] Figure 1 It is a conceptual diagram of the driving device 1 . Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the motor chamber 6A of the drive device 1 . Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional perspective view of the motor chamber 6A of the drive device 1 . Figure 4 It is a front view of the gear chamber 6B of the drive device 1 .

[0029] The drive device 1 of this embodiment is mounted on an electric vehicle (EV) and used as a power source of the electric vehicle. Alternatively, the drive device 1 may be mounted on a vehicle using a motor as a power source, such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHV).

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, the drive device 1 includes a motor 2, a transmission mechanism 3, an inverter 7, a bus bar 30, a housing 6, a fluid O, a pump 8, and a cooler 9. The motor 2, the transmission mechanism 3, the inverter 7, and the bus bar 30 are accommodated in the housing 6. The fluid O is stored in the housing 6. The pump 8 and the cooler 9 are fixed to the outer side of the housing 6.

[0031] <Motor>

[0032] The motor 2 of the present embodiment is a three-phase AC motor. The motor 2 has both the function of an electric motor and the function of a generator. The motor 2 is located on one axial side (-Y side) of the transmission mechanism 3. The motor 2 has: a rotor 20 that can rotate around a first axis (motor axis) J1 extending in the horizontal direction; and a stator 25 that is located radially outside the rotor 20. The motor 2 of the present embodiment is an inner rotor type motor in which the rotor 20 is arranged on the inner side of the stator 25. The structure of the motor 2 is not limited to the present embodiment.

[0033] The rotor 20 rotates around a first axis J1 extending in the horizontal direction and includes a motor shaft 21, bearings B1 and B2 supporting the motor shaft 21, a rotor core 24 fixed to the outer circumference of the motor shaft 21, and a rotor magnet (not shown) fixed to the rotor core.

[0034] The motor shaft 21 extends axially with the first axis J1 as the center. The motor shaft 21 rotates with the first axis J1 as the center. The end of the other axial side (+Y side) of the motor shaft 21 is connected to the first shaft 46 of the transmission mechanism 3. Thus, the torque of the rotor 20 is transmitted to the transmission mechanism 3. The motor shaft 21 is a hollow shaft. The motor shaft 21 is cylindrical and has a hollow portion 21h. A hole 21j extending radially outward from the hollow portion 21h is provided in the motor shaft 21. The motor shaft 21 is rotatably supported by the housing 6 via bearings B1 and B2.

[0035] The stator 25 is held by the housing 6. The stator 25 surrounds the rotor 20 from the radially outer side. The outer peripheral surface of the stator 25 faces the inner peripheral surface of the housing 6. The stator 25 has an annular stator core 27 centered on the first axis J1 and a coil 26 attached to the stator core 27. The stator core 27 is fixed to the housing 6.

[0036] The coil 26 is mounted on each tooth of the stator core 27 via an insulator (not shown). The coil 26 of this embodiment is composed of a plurality of coil wires. In addition, the coil 26 may be composed of a plurality of rod-shaped conductors connected together. The coil 26 has coil ends protruding from both ends of the stator core 27 in the axial direction.

[0037] The coil wire constituting the coil 26 is led out from the coil 26 to one axial side (-Y side) as a lead wire 26a. The coil 26 of the present embodiment has three lead wires 26a corresponding to the U phase, the V phase, and the W phase. The front end of the lead wire 26a is connected to the bus bar 30. The AC current flows from the inverter 7 to the coil 26 via the bus bar 30.

[0038] <Inverter>

[0039] The inverter 7 is located on the upper side (+Z side) of the motor 2. The inverter 7 converts the direct current supplied from the battery (not shown) into alternating current. The inverter 7 is connected to the coil 26 of the stator 25 via the bus bar 30. That is, the inverter 7 is electrically connected to the motor 2. The inverter 7 supplies power to the motor 2 via the bus bar 30 to control the motor 2.

[0040] <Bus Bar>

[0041] The bus bar 30 is located on one axial side (-Y side) of the stator 25. The bus bar 30 is a plate-shaped component made of a metal material with low resistance (for example, a copper alloy). The drive device 1 of this embodiment is provided with three bus bars 30 corresponding to the U phase, the V phase, and the W phase. One end of the bus bar 30 is connected to the lead wire 26a extending from the coil 26, and the other end of the bus bar 30 is connected to the inverter 7. The bus bar 30 electrically connects the inverter 7 and the stator 25.

[0042] <Transmission mechanism>

[0043] The transmission mechanism 3 includes a plurality of gears 41, 42, 43, 51, a plurality of shafts 45, 46, 55, and a plurality of bearings B3, B4, B5, B6, B7 for supporting the plurality of shafts 45, 46, 55. The transmission mechanism 3 transmits the power of the motor 2 and outputs it from the output shaft 55. The transmission mechanism 3 transmits the rotation of the rotor 20 of the motor 2 to increase the torque output from the motor 2.

[0044] The transmission mechanism 3 includes a first shaft 46, a first gear 41, a second shaft 45, a second gear 42, a third gear 43, a differential device 5, and an output shaft 55. The first shaft 46 and the second shaft 45 are hollow shafts, respectively. The first shaft 46, the second shaft 45, and the output shaft 55 extend parallel to each other.

[0045] The first shaft 46 and the first gear 41 are arranged around the first axis J1. The first shaft 46 extends in the axial direction of the first axis J1. The first shaft 46 is connected to the motor shaft 21 at the end on one axial side (-Y side). The first gear 41 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft 46. The first gear 41 rotates together with the first shaft 46 around the first axis J1.

[0046] The second shaft 45, the second gear 42 and the third gear 43 are arranged around the second axis J2 parallel to the first axis J1. The second shaft 45 extends axially along the second axis J2. That is, the second shaft 45 extends parallel to the first shaft 46. The second gear 42 and the third gear 43 are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the second shaft 45 at intervals from each other in the axial direction. The second gear 42 and the third gear 43 rotate together with the second shaft 45 around the second axis J2. The second gear 42 meshes with the first gear 41. The third gear 43 meshes with the ring gear 51 of the differential device 5.

[0047] The differential device 5 has a ring gear (lower end gear) 51 and a differential mechanism 5a. The differential device 5 meshes with the third gear 43 at the ring gear 51. The ring gear 51 rotates around the third axis J3 parallel to the first axis J1. The rotation of the ring gear 51 is transmitted to the differential mechanism 5a, and then output from the output shaft 55 connected to the differential mechanism 5a. When the vehicle turns, the differential mechanism 5a absorbs the speed difference between the left and right wheels while transmitting torque to the output shafts 55 of the left and right wheels. The output shaft 55 extends along the third axis J3. A pair of output shafts 55 are respectively connected to the wheels.

[0048] The torque output from the motor 2 is transmitted to the ring gear 51 of the differential device 5 via the motor shaft 21, the first shaft 46, the first gear 41, the second gear 42, the second shaft 45, and the third gear 43, and further transmitted to the wheels via the differential mechanism 5a and the output shaft 55. In this way, the transmission mechanism 3 transmits the torque of the motor 2 to the wheels of the vehicle.

[0049] <Housing>

[0050] The housing 6 is provided with a motor chamber 6A that accommodates the motor 2 and the bus bar 30, a gear chamber 6B that accommodates the transmission mechanism 3, and an inverter chamber 6C that accommodates the inverter 7. The gear chamber 6B is located on the other axial side (+Y side) of the motor chamber 6A. In addition, the inverter chamber 6C is located on the upper side (+Z side) of the motor chamber 6A.

[0051] The housing 6 is formed by combining a plurality of components. That is, the housing 6 includes a housing body 61, a first cover portion (cover portion) 63 located on one axial side (-Y side) of the housing body 61, a second cover portion 62 located on the other axial side (+Y side) of the housing body 61, a third cover portion 64 located on the upper side (+Z side) of the housing body 61, a first supply pipe 93A, a second supply pipe 95A, and a third supply pipe 94A. The housing body 61 and the first cover portion 63 surround the motor chamber 6A. On the other hand, the housing body 61 and the second cover portion 62 surround the gear chamber 6B. The housing body 61 and the third cover portion 64 surround the inverter chamber 6C.

[0052] The inner side surface 61a of the motor chamber 6A faces radially inward and surrounds the motor 2 from the radially outer side. Similarly, the inner side surface 61b of the gear chamber 6B faces radially inward and surrounds the transmission mechanism 3 from the radially outer side.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the inner side surface 61a of the motor chamber 6A has a bottom wall surface 61ab facing upward (one side in the second direction, +Z direction) and a side wall surface 61aa facing the front-back direction (the first direction, the X-axis direction). As described later, a communication passage 66 for the fluid O to pass through opens on the side wall surface 61aa.

[0054] In addition, a plurality of recesses 68 are provided on the inner side surface 61a of the motor chamber 6A to expand the internal space of the motor chamber 6A radially outward. The plurality of recesses 68 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The plurality of recesses 68 extend along the axial direction. A fixing convex portion (not shown) protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the substantially cylindrical stator core 27 is arranged in the recess 68. A fixing surface 68a is provided at the end on the other axial side (+Y side) of the inner side surface constituting the recess 68. The fixing surface 68a faces one axial side (-Y side). A threaded hole 68b for fastening the fixing convex portion of the stator core 27 is provided on the fixing surface 68a. In addition, the area facing the upper side of the inner side surface constituting the recess 68 is a part of the bottom wall surface 61ab, and the part facing the front-rear direction is a part of the side wall surface 61aa. The connecting passage 66 opens in the recess 68.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the inner side surface 61b of the gear chamber 6B has a bottom wall surface 61bb facing upward (one side in the second direction, +Z direction). The bottom wall surface 61ab of the motor chamber 6A and the bottom wall surface 61bb of the gear chamber 6B are substantially aligned in the up-down direction (the second direction). In addition, the bottom wall surface 61ab of the motor chamber 6A may be arranged at a position higher or lower than the bottom wall surface 61bb of the gear chamber 6B.

[0056] The housing body 61 has a first circumferential wall portion (circumferential wall portion) 61c, a second circumferential wall portion 61d, and a partition wall 65. That is, the housing 6 has a first circumferential wall portion 61c, a second circumferential wall portion 61d, and a partition wall 65. The first circumferential wall portion 61c is in the shape of a tube that surrounds the motor 2 from the radially outer side of the first axis J1. The surface of the first circumferential wall portion 61c that faces the radially inner side constitutes the inner side surface 61a of the motor chamber 6A. The second circumferential wall portion 61d surrounds the transmission mechanism 3 from the radially outer side. The partition wall 65 is provided at the end of the other axial side (+Y side) of the first circumferential wall portion 61c. In addition, the partition wall 65 is provided at the end of the one axial side (-Y side) of the second circumferential wall portion 61d. The partition wall 65 divides the motor chamber 6A and the gear chamber 6B. The partition wall 65 extends along a plane perpendicular to the first axis J1.

[0057] The partition wall 65 is provided with a communication passage 66, a through hole 65b, and a shaft insertion hole 65c. That is, the housing 6 is provided with a communication passage 66, a through hole 65b, and a shaft insertion hole 65c. The communication passage 66, the through hole 65b, and the shaft insertion hole 65c connect the motor chamber 6A and the gear chamber 6B so that they are connected to each other. The communication passage 66 and the through hole 65b are arranged at a lower side than the shaft insertion hole 65c.

[0058] The shaft insertion hole 65c is a circle centered on the first axis J1. A bearing B2 for holding the motor shaft 21 and a bearing B3 for holding the first shaft 46 are arranged in the shaft insertion hole 65c. The partition wall 65 supports the motor shaft 21 via the bearing B2. That is, the inner circumferential surface of the shaft insertion hole 65c functions as a retaining portion for holding the bearings B2 and B3. The partition wall 65 supports the first shaft 46 via the bearing B3. The motor shaft 21 and the first shaft 46 are connected to each other inside the shaft insertion hole 65c.

[0059] The through hole 65b extends in the axial direction and penetrates the partition wall 65. The through hole 65b is arranged in the lower region of the partition wall 65. The through hole 65b extends continuously with the bottom wall surface 61ab of the motor chamber 6A. In addition, the through hole 65b extends continuously with the bottom wall surface 61bb of the gear chamber 6B. That is, the bottom wall surfaces 61ab and 61bb of the motor chamber 6A and the gear chamber 6B and a part of the inner side surface of the through hole 65b are continuous flat surfaces.

[0060] The communication passage 66 extends in the axial direction. The communication passage 66 has a first opening 66a located at an end portion on one axial side (-Y side) and a second opening 66b located at an end portion on the other axial side (+Y side). The first opening 66a opens in the motor chamber 6A. On the other hand, the second opening 66b opens in the gear chamber 6B. The communication passage 66 will be described in detail later.

[0061] The partition wall 65 has a second holding portion 65d. The second holding portion 65d is provided on a surface of the partition wall 65 that faces the other axial side (+Y side). The second holding portion 65d supports the second shaft 45 via the bearing B5.

[0062] The first cover portion 63 is in the shape of a plate extending along a plane perpendicular to the first axis J1. The first cover portion 63 is fixed to the end of the first peripheral wall portion 61c on one axial side (-Y side). The first cover portion 63 covers the opening on the first axial side (-Y side) of the first peripheral wall portion 61c. The first cover portion 63 has a first wall surface 63f facing one axial side (-Y side) and a second wall surface 63a facing the other axial side (+Y side). The second wall surface 63a faces the motor chamber 6A side and is opposite to the motor 2. The bus bar 30 is located between the stator 25 and the first cover portion 63 in the axial direction.

[0063] The first cover portion 63 has a first retaining portion 63c for retaining the bearing B1. The first retaining portion 63c protrudes from the second wall surface 63a to one axial side (-Y side). The first retaining portion 63c is cylindrical with the first axis J1 as the center. The bearing B1 supports the end portion of the motor shaft 21 on one axial side (-Y side) so that it can rotate. A more detailed structure of the first cover portion 63 will be described later.

[0064] The housing 6 stores a fluid O. The housing 6 is provided with a flow path 90. The fluid O circulates in the housing 6 through the flow path 90. The fluid O functions as a refrigerant for cooling the motor 2 and as a lubricant for the transmission mechanism 3. As the fluid O, in order to realize the functions of lubricating oil and cooling oil, it is preferable to use an oil equivalent to an automatic transmission lubricating oil (ATF: Automatic Transmission Fluid) having a relatively low viscosity.

[0065] The fluid O is accumulated in the lower region of the internal space of the housing 6. That is, the fluid O is accumulated in the lower region of the housing 6. Hereinafter, the region in the lower region of the housing 6 where the fluid O is stored is referred to as a storage portion P. That is, the housing 6 of the present embodiment has a storage portion P capable of storing the fluid O. In the housing 6 of the present embodiment, the bottom wall surfaces 61ab and 61bb of the motor chamber 6A and the gear chamber 6B are substantially aligned in the vertical direction. Therefore, the fluid O is provided across the lower region of the motor chamber 6A, the lower region of the housing 6, and the through hole 65b and the communication path 66 connecting them.

[0066] The ring gear 51 is immersed in the fluid O in the reservoir P. The ring gear 51 lifts the fluid O in the reservoir P as it rotates about the third axis J3 and scatters the fluid O into the gear chamber 6B. The fluid O lifted by the ring gear 51 is supplied to each gear in the gear chamber 6B and is used to lubricate the gear tooth surfaces.

[0067] In addition, the fluid O in the reservoir P is delivered to the upper region of the motor chamber 6A and the upper region of the gear chamber 6B through the flow path 90. The fluid O delivered to the upper region of the motor chamber 6A cools the motor 2 along the surface of the motor 2, and then drips to the reservoir P in the lower region of the motor chamber 6A. In addition, the fluid O delivered to the upper region of the gear chamber 6B lubricates the gears of the transmission mechanism 3 and the bearings supporting the transmission mechanism 3, and then drips to the reservoir P in the lower region of the gear chamber 6B.

[0068] <Flow path>

[0069] Figure 1 The flow path 90 shown is a circulation path through which the fluid O flows. That is, the fluid O flows through the flow path 90 provided in the housing 6 . The flow path 90 is a path through which the fluid O is supplied from the reservoir P to the motor 2 and the transmission mechanism 3 .

[0070] In the present specification, the term “flow path” is a concept that includes not only a path for forming a stable flow of the fluid O in one direction but also a path for temporarily retaining the fluid O and a path for the fluid O to drip.

[0071] The flow path 90 is provided with the pump 8, the cooler 9, the first supply pipe (first supply unit) 93A, the second supply pipe (second supply unit) 95A, and the third supply pipe 94A. The first supply pipe 93A, the second supply pipe 95A, and the third supply pipe 94A are arranged inside the housing 6.

[0072] The pump 8 pressurizes the fluid O in the flow path 90. Thus, the pump 8 supplies the fluid O to the motor 2. The pump 8 of this embodiment is an electric pump driven by electricity. However, the pump 8 can also be a mechanical pump that operates along with the drive of the transmission mechanism 3. When the pump 8 is a mechanical pump, the pump 8 is connected to any axis of the transmission mechanism 3 and driven by the power of the motor 2.

[0073] The cooler 9 cools the fluid O in the flow path 90. A refrigerant (not shown) flows inside the cooler 9. The cooler 9 is a heat exchanger that transfers heat of the fluid O to the refrigerant.

[0074] The first supply pipe 93A and the second supply pipe 95A are arranged in the motor chamber 6A. The first supply pipe 93A and the second supply pipe 95A extend in the axial direction respectively. The ends of the first supply pipe 93A and the second supply pipe 95A on the other axial side (+Y side) are supported by the partition wall 65, and the ends on the one axial side (-Y side) are supported by the first cover portion 63. The first supply pipe 93A and the second supply pipe 95A are provided with a plurality of injection holes 93j and 95j opening toward the stator 25. The first supply pipe 93A and the second supply pipe 95A supply the fluid O to the motor 2 via the injection holes 93j and 95j. Both the first supply pipe 93A and the second supply pipe 95A are arranged on the upper side of the motor 2. In addition, at Figure 1 In the figure, the second supply pipe 95A is shown on the lower side of the motor 2, but this is schematic and does not show the actual arrangement.

[0075] The 3rd supply pipe 94A is arranged in the gear chamber 6B. The 3rd supply pipe 94A extends in the axial direction. The end of the other axial side (+Y side) of the 3rd supply pipe 94A is supported by the second cover portion 62, and the end of the one axial side (-Y side) is supported by the partition wall 65. The 3rd supply pipe 94A of this embodiment is coaxially arranged with the 1st supply pipe 93A. The 1st supply pipe 93A and the 3rd supply pipe 94A are opposite to each other and connected in the hole portion (the 7th flow path 97 described later) provided in the partition wall 65. A plurality of injection holes 94j opening toward the transmission mechanism 3 are provided in the 3rd supply pipe 94A. The 3rd supply pipe 94A supplies the fluid O to the transmission mechanism 3 via the injection holes 94j.

[0076] The flow path 90 of the present embodiment includes a first flow path 91, a second flow path 92, a third flow path 93, a fourth flow path 95, a fifth flow path 92d, a sixth flow path 94, a seventh flow path 97, and an eighth flow path 96. That is, the housing 6 includes the first flow path 91, the second flow path 92, the third flow path 93, the fourth flow path 95, the fifth flow path 92d, the sixth flow path 94, the seventh flow path 97, and the eighth flow path 96. The first flow path 91, the second flow path 92, the fifth flow path 92d, the seventh flow path 97, and the eighth flow path 96 are holes provided in the housing 6. The first flow path 91, the second flow path 92, the fifth flow path 92d, the seventh flow path 97, and the eighth flow path 96 are formed by, for example, drilling a wall portion of the housing 6 using a drill. On the other hand, the third flow path 93, the fourth flow path 95, and the sixth flow path 94 are flow paths located inside the supply pipes 93A, 94A, and 95A, respectively.

[0077] The first flow path 91 is provided in the shell body 61. The first flow path 91 extends from the storage portion P to the first cover portion 63. The first flow path 91 has an intake flow path 91a, a first discharge flow path 91b, and a second discharge flow path 91c. The intake flow path 91a connects the storage portion P and the intake port 8c of the pump 8. The end portion on the upstream side of the intake flow path 91a opens on the inner side surface of the connecting passage 66. The intake flow path 91a guides the fluid O in the storage portion P to the pump 8. The intake flow path 91a will be described in detail later. The first discharge flow path 91b connects the discharge port 8b of the pump 8 and the inlet port of the cooler 9. The second discharge flow path 91c connects the outlet port of the cooler 9 and the first cover portion 63.

[0078] The second flow path 92 is provided in the first cover portion 63. That is, the second flow path 92 is located inside the first cover portion 63. The second flow path 92 extends along a plane perpendicular to the first axis J1. The second flow path 92 has a first opening hole portion 92a, a second opening hole portion 92b, a third opening hole portion 92c, and an intersection portion 92r. The first opening hole portion 92a is located at the end portion on the upstream side of the second flow path 92. The second opening hole portion 92b is located at the end portion on the downstream side of the second flow path 92. The third opening hole portion 92c is located between the first opening hole portion 92a and the second opening hole portion 92b in the second flow path 92. The intersection portion 92r is located between the second opening hole portion 92b and the third opening hole portion 92c in the second flow path 92. The second flow path 92 opens at the first opening hole portion 92a, the second opening hole portion 92b, and the third opening hole portion 92c on the other axial side (+Y side). The second flow path 92 is connected to the fifth flow path 92d at the intersection 92r.

[0079] When viewed from the axial direction, the first opening hole portion 92a overlaps with the first peripheral wall portion 61c. The end portion on the downstream side of the first flow path 91 opens at the end surface of the first peripheral wall portion 61c facing the axial side (-Y side). The first opening hole portion 92a is axially opposed to the opening of the end portion on the downstream side of the first flow path 91, and is connected to the first flow path 91. That is, the second flow path 92 is connected to the first flow path 91 via the first opening hole portion 92a.

[0080] When viewed from the axial direction, the second opening hole portion 92b and the third opening hole portion 92c overlap with the motor chamber 6A. The first supply pipe 93A is inserted into the second opening hole portion 92b. That is, the second flow path 92 is connected to the third flow path 93 provided inside the first supply pipe 93A via the second opening hole portion 92b. The second supply pipe 95A is inserted into the third opening hole portion 92c. That is, the second flow path 92 is connected to the fourth flow path 95 provided inside the second supply pipe 95A via the second opening hole portion 92b.

[0081] The fifth flow path 92d is provided in the first cover portion 63. That is, the fifth flow path 92d is located inside the first cover portion 63. The fifth flow path 92d extends along a plane perpendicular to the first axis J1 (see Figure 5 ). The fifth flow path 92d is connected to the intersection 92r of the second flow path 92 at the end on the upstream side. That is, the fifth flow path 92d is connected to the second flow path 92. The fifth flow path 92d is opened inside the first holding portion 63c at the end on the downstream side.

[0082] The fifth flow passage 92d supplies the fluid O to the inside of the first retaining portion 63c. A portion of the fluid O supplied to the inside of the first retaining portion 63c is supplied to the bearing B1 supporting the motor shaft 21, and lubricates the bearing B1. In addition, a portion of the fluid O supplied to the first retaining portion 63c flows into the hollow portion 21h of the motor shaft 21. That is, the fifth flow passage 92d can supply the fluid O to the hollow portion 21h. A portion of the fluid O supplied to the hollow portion 21h from the fifth flow passage 92d is supplied to the connection portion between the motor shaft 21 and the first shaft 46 and the bearings B2 and B3 held by the partition wall 65. Another portion of the fluid O supplied to the hollow portion 21h from the fifth flow passage 92d passes through the hole 21j and passes through the inside of the rotor 20 to cool the rotor 20. In addition, the fluid O inside the rotor 20 is scattered from the rotor 20 to the outside in the radial direction by centrifugal force and supplied to the stator 25, and cools the stator 25.

[0083] The third flow path 93 is provided inside the first supply pipe 93A. The third flow path 93 is connected to the second flow path 92. The opening of the injection hole 93j of the first supply pipe 93A is radially opposed to the stator 25. A part of the fluid O flowing into the third flow path 93 is supplied to the stator 25 via the injection hole 93j. That is, the third flow path 93 can supply the fluid O to the stator 25. The downstream end of the third flow path 93 is connected to the seventh flow path 97.

[0084] The fourth flow path 95 is provided inside the second supply pipe 95A. The fourth flow path 95 is connected to the second flow path 92. The opening of the injection hole 95j of the second supply pipe 95A is radially opposed to the stator 25. The fluid O flowing into the fourth flow path 95 is supplied to the stator 25 via the injection hole 95j. That is, the fourth flow path 95 can supply the fluid O to the stator 25.

[0085] The 6th flow path 94 is provided inside the 3rd supply pipe 94A. The upstream end of the 6th flow path 94 is connected to the 7th flow path 97. In addition, the 6th flow path 94 is connected to the 3rd flow path 93 via the 7th flow path 97. The plurality of injection holes 94j of the 3rd supply pipe 94A open in the gear chamber 6B and can supply the fluid O to the gear chamber 6B. The opening of at least one injection hole 94j is opposite to at least one of the plurality of gears 41, 42, 43, 51 of the transmission mechanism 3. In addition, the opening of one injection hole 94j is opposite to the bearing B5. A portion of the fluid O flowing into the 3rd flow path 93 is supplied to at least one gear and bearing of the transmission mechanism 3. That is, the 6th flow path 94 can supply the fluid O to at least one gear and at least one bearing of the transmission mechanism 3.

[0086] The 7th flow path 97 is provided in the partition wall 65. That is, the 2nd flow path 92 is located inside the 1st cover part 63. The 7th flow path 97 extends in the axial direction. The 7th flow path 97 of this embodiment is a hole portion connecting the motor chamber 6A and the gear chamber 6B. The 7th flow path 97 is formed in the partition wall 65 by, for example, drilling processing. The 1st supply pipe 93A is inserted into the opening of the 7th flow path 97 on the motor chamber 6A side. The 3rd supply pipe 94A is inserted into the opening of the 7th flow path 97 on the gear chamber 6B side. The 7th flow path 97 connects the 3rd flow path 93 and the 6th flow path 94.

[0087] The 8th flow path 96 is provided in the 2nd cover part 62. That is, the 8th flow path 96 is located inside the 2nd cover part 62. The 8th flow path 96 is connected to the 6th flow path 94. The 8th flow path 96 is, for example, a groove provided on the surface of the axial one side (-Y side) of the 2nd cover part 62. The 2nd cover part 62 has: the 3rd holding part 62a, which supports the 1st shaft 46 via the bearing B4; and the 4th holding part 62b, which supports the 2nd shaft 45 via the bearing B5. The 8th flow path 96 has a 1st part 96a connecting the end part on the downstream side of the 6th flow path 94 and the 4th holding part 62b, and a 2nd part 96b connecting the 4th holding part 62b and the 3rd holding part 62a. The 8th flow path 96 supplies the fluid O to the bearings B4 and B6 respectively arranged on the inner sides of the 3rd holding part 62a and the 4th holding part 62b. Furthermore, a part of the fluid O supplied to the inside of the third holding portion 62a and the fourth holding portion 62b flows into the inside of the first shaft 46 and the second shaft 45 which are hollow shafts. That is, the eighth flow path 96 supplies the fluid O to the inside of the first shaft 46 and the second shaft 45 which are hollow shafts. The fluid O which has reached the inside of the first shaft 46 is supplied to the connection portion between the first shaft 46 and the motor shaft 21 and the bearings B2 and B3 which are held by the partition wall 65. In addition, the fluid O which has reached the inside of the second shaft 45 is supplied to the bearing B5 which is held by the partition wall 65.

[0088] The housing 6 of this embodiment includes a third flow path 93 and a fourth flow path 95 capable of supplying the fluid O to the stator 25, and a fifth flow path 92d capable of supplying the fluid O to the hollow portion 21h of the motor shaft 21. According to this embodiment, the three flow paths 93, 95, and 92d respectively supply the fluid O to the stator 25 and the hollow portion 21h of the motor 2. Therefore, the fluid O can be supplied to three locations of the motor 2, and the entire motor 2 can be uniformly cooled.

[0089] According to the present embodiment, the three flow paths 93, 95, and 92d that supply the fluid O to the motor 2 are connected to the second flow path 92 provided in the first cover portion 63. According to the present embodiment, by making the second flow path 92 into an appropriate shape, the three flow paths 93, 95, and 92d can be arranged at a position where the temperature of the motor 2 becomes relatively high. By providing the second flow path portion in the first cover portion 63, it is possible to suppress the complication of the flow path structure compared to the case where the flow path portions connected to the three flow paths 93, 95, and 92d are respectively provided at different positions of the housing 6. Therefore, the three flow paths 93, 95, and 92d can be appropriately arranged to cool the entire motor 2, and the complication of the flow path structure can be suppressed, thereby achieving miniaturization of the housing 6.

[0090] According to the present embodiment, the third flow path 93 and the fourth flow path 95 of the three flow paths 93, 95, and 92d connected to the second flow path 92 supply the fluid O to the stator 25, and the fifth flow path 92d supplies the fluid O to the rotor 20. According to the housing 6 of the present embodiment, the rotor 20 and the stator 25 of the motor 2 can be effectively cooled respectively by the fluid O. In particular, the housing 6 has two flow paths (the third flow path 93 and the fourth flow path 95) for supplying the fluid O to the stator 25, so that the parts of the stator 25 that generate a particularly large amount of heat can be effectively cooled.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the second flow path 92 extends along a plane centered on the central axis J. Thus, when viewed from the axial direction, the third flow path 93, the fourth flow path 95, and the fifth flow path 92d connected to the second flow path 92 are arranged at different positions. Thus, the third flow path 93 and the fourth flow path 95 are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction relative to the outer peripheral surface of the stator 25, so it is easy to provide the fluid O to a wider range of the outer peripheral surface of the stator 25. In addition, the second flow path 92 only needs to be provided in the first cover portion 63, and is not limited to the case where it is provided inside the wall of the first cover portion 63 as shown in the present embodiment, and can also be a pipe fixed to the first wall surface 63f of the first cover portion 63.

[0092] In the present embodiment, the 3rd flow path 93 and the 4th flow path 95 extend in the axial direction. In addition, the 3rd flow path 93 and the 4th flow path 95 have a plurality of injection holes 93j and 94j as supply parts for supplying the fluid O to the stator 25. The plurality of injection holes 93j and 94j are arranged in the axial direction, respectively. According to the 3rd flow path 93 and the 4th flow path 95 of the present embodiment, by supplying the fluid O to the stator 25 from the injection holes 93j and 94j, a wide range of the stator 25 along the axial direction can be cooled. In the present embodiment, the 3rd flow path 93 and the 4th flow path 95 extend in a straight line along the axial direction, respectively. However, the 3rd flow path 93 and the 4th flow path 95 may extend obliquely relative to the axial direction, for example, may be in a spiral shape extending in the axial direction. Furthermore, the 3rd flow path 93 and the 4th flow path 95 may extend in the axial direction while winding in the circumferential direction. In this case, it is preferable that the third flow path 93 and the fourth flow path 95 are provided in the side wall of the motor chamber 6A.

[0093] The housing 6 of the present embodiment is provided with a sixth flow path 94 which is connected to the third flow path 93 and can supply the fluid O to the gear chamber 6B. According to the housing 6 of the present embodiment, by having the sixth flow path 94, the fluid O can be supplied to any of the plurality of gears 41, 42, 43, 51 or the plurality of bearings B3, B4, B5, B6, B7 of the gear chamber 6B. Thus, it is possible to suppress the wear of the tooth surfaces of the gears of the transmission mechanism 3, the noise during the meshing of the gears, the seizure of the bearings, etc., and improve the transmission efficiency of the transmission mechanism 3.

[0094] The sixth flow path 94 of the present embodiment supplies the fluid O to the bearing B5 supporting the motor shaft 21. That is, the sixth flow path 94 can supply the fluid O to at least one bearing of the transmission mechanism 3. According to the present embodiment, by supplying the fluid O from the sixth flow path 94 to the bearing B5, it is possible to suppress the seizure of the bearing B5 and improve the rotation efficiency of the bearing B5.

[0095] The eighth flow path 96 of this embodiment supplies the fluid O to the bearings B3, B4, B5, and B6 of the transmission mechanism 3. Thus, the eighth flow path 96 lubricates the bearings B3, B4, B5, and B6 of the transmission mechanism 3, thereby improving the transmission efficiency of the transmission mechanism 3. In addition, in this embodiment, the eighth flow path 96 can also be regarded as a part of the sixth flow path 94. In this case, the sixth flow path 94 has the eighth flow path 96, and the bearings B3, B4, B5, and B6 are lubricated in the eighth flow path 96.

[0096] The partition wall 65 of the present embodiment is provided with a seventh flow path 97 connecting the third flow path 93 and the sixth flow path 94. In the present embodiment, the third flow path 93 is provided in the motor chamber 6A, and the sixth flow path 94 is provided in the gear chamber 6B. Therefore, by providing the seventh flow path 97 in the partition wall 65, the third flow path 93 and the sixth flow path 94 can be connected at the shortest distance, and the pressure loss of the fluid O in the seventh flow path 97 can be reduced. Thus, the driving power of the pump 8 that pressurizes the fluid to the flow path 90 can be suppressed. In addition, by providing the seventh flow path 97 in the partition wall 65, for example, compared with the case where a pipe connecting the third flow path 93 and the sixth flow path 94 is provided on the outside of the housing 6, the housing 6 can be miniaturized.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the third flow path 93 and the sixth flow path 94 extend linearly in the axial direction. In addition, the sixth flow path 94 is arranged on the extension line of the third flow path 93. According to the present embodiment, the fluid O can flow linearly from the third flow path 93 to the sixth flow path 94. Thus, compared with the case where a bent portion is provided in the flow path 90 from the third flow path 93 to the sixth flow path 94, the pressure loss of the fluid O flowing in the flow path 90 can be reduced. Furthermore, in the case where the seventh flow path 97 connecting the third flow path 93 and the sixth flow path 94 is provided in the partition wall 65 as shown in the present embodiment, the seventh flow path 97 can be formed by a hole portion penetrating in the thickness direction of the partition wall 65. Therefore, compared with the case where the seventh flow path 97 is formed by a hole portion along the surface direction of the partition wall 65, the volume of the hole portion can be reduced, and the reduction in the rigidity of the partition wall 65 caused by the provision of the seventh flow path 97 can be suppressed.

[0098] <First cover>

[0099] Figure 5 This is a front view of the first cover portion 63 of the drive device 1 as viewed from the motor chamber 6A side. Figure 5 The first cover portion 63, the second flow path 92, and the fifth flow path 92d of the present embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0100] The first cover portion 63 is provided with a first linear hole portion 92p, a second linear hole portion 92q, a first opening hole portion 92a, a second opening hole portion 92b, a third opening hole portion 92c, and an opening end portion 92h. The first linear hole portion 92p, the second linear hole portion 92q, the first opening hole portion 92a, the second opening hole portion 92b, the third opening hole portion 92c, and the opening end portion 92h constitute a portion of at least one of the second flow path 92 and the fifth flow path 92d.

[0101] The first linear hole portion 92p and the second linear hole portion 92q are holes extending in a linear shape, and are formed in the first cover portion 63 using, for example, a drill. The first linear hole portion 92p and the second linear hole portion 92q extend along the surface direction of the first cover portion 63 (i.e., along the direction of a plane perpendicular to the axial direction). The first linear hole portion 92p and the second linear hole portion 92q extend linearly in mutually different directions in the surface direction. The first linear hole portion 92p extends in a direction located at the front side (+X side) of the vehicle as it goes toward the lower side (-Z side). The second linear hole portion 92q extends in a direction located at the front side (+X side) of the vehicle as it goes toward the upper side (+Z side). The first linear hole portion 92p and the second linear hole portion 92q intersect each other at the intersection portion 92r.

[0102] The area from the upper end of the first linear hole portion 92p to the intersection portion 92r and the area from the intersection portion 92r to the upper end of the second linear hole portion 92q constitute the second flow path 92. Therefore, the second flow path 92 is bent at the intersection portion 92r. In addition, the area from the intersection portion 92r to the lower end of the first linear hole portion 92p constitutes the fifth flow path 92d.

[0103] The first linear protrusion 63i overlapping the first linear hole 92p when viewed from the axial direction and the second linear protrusion 63j overlapping the second linear hole 92q when viewed from the axial direction are provided on the second wall surface 63a of the first cover portion 63. The first linear protrusion 63i and the second linear protrusion 63j protrude from the second wall surface 63a to the other side (+Y side) in the axial direction. The first linear protrusion 63i and the second linear protrusion 63j extend linearly along the surface direction of the first cover portion 63 (i.e., along the direction of the plane perpendicular to the axial direction). The cross-sectional shape of the first linear protrusion 63i and the second linear protrusion 63j is approximately semicircular. The first linear protrusion 63i and the second linear protrusion 63j intersect each other. A part of the first linear hole 92p is arranged inside the first linear protrusion 63i. A part of the second linear hole 92q is arranged inside the second linear protrusion 63j. According to the present embodiment, the first cover portion 63 is provided with the first linear protrusion 63i and the second linear protrusion 63j only in the portion where the first linear hole portion 92p and the second linear hole portion 92q are provided, so that the first cover portion 63 can be made thinner in the portion other than the first linear protrusion 63i and the second linear protrusion 63j. Thus, the driving device 1 can be made lighter.

[0104] The first opening hole portion 92a, the second opening hole portion 92b, the third opening hole portion 92c, and the opening end portion 92h are holes extending from the second wall surface 63a of the first cover portion 63 toward one side (-Y side) in the axial direction. The first opening hole portion 92a, the second opening hole portion 92b, the third opening hole portion 92c, and the opening end portion 92h are holes formed by, for example, a drill. The first opening hole portion 92a is connected to the upper end portion of the first linear hole portion 92p. The second opening hole portion 92b is connected to the upper end portion of the second linear hole portion 92q. The third opening hole portion 92c is connected to the first linear hole portion 92p between the first opening hole portion 92a and the intersection portion 92r in the up-down direction. The opening end portion 92h is connected to the lower end portion of the first linear hole portion 92p.

[0105] The opening end 92h opens on the other axial side (+Y side) inside the first retaining portion 63c. In the present embodiment, the opening end 92h is located below the first axis J1. The opening end 92h is located at the end on the downstream side of the fifth flow path 92d. The fluid O flowing in the fifth flow path 92d flows into the inside of the first retaining portion 63c from the opening end 92h.

[0106] The first retaining portion 63c has a surrounding surface 63b facing radially inward. That is, the first cover portion 63 has a surrounding surface 63b. The surrounding surface 63b extends from the second wall surface 63a to the other side (+Y side) in the axial direction. The surrounding surface 63b is a substantially cylindrical surface facing radially inward. The surrounding surface 63b surrounds the bearing B1 from the radially outer side and retains the bearing B1 from the radially outer side.

[0107] A plurality of first ribs 63g protruding from the second wall surface 63a to the other axial side (+Y side) are provided on the inner side of the surrounding surface 63b. That is, the first cover portion 63 has the first ribs 63g. In the present embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction, the plurality of first ribs 63g extend radially with the opening end 92h as the center. That is, when viewed from the axial direction, the plurality of first ribs 63g extend radially with the opening end 92h as the center, and are arranged in a circumferential direction with the opening end 92h as the center. In addition, when viewed from the axial direction, the radially outer ends of the plurality of first ribs 63g are connected to the surrounding surface 63b.

[0108] As described above, the first cover portion 63 is lightweight by reducing the axial thickness outside the region where the first linear protrusion 63i and the second linear protrusion 63j are provided. Therefore, it may be difficult for the first cover portion 63 to ensure the rigidity required for holding the bearing B1 in the region inside the surrounding surface 63b that holds the bearing B1. In particular, the first cover portion 63 may have reduced rigidity around the opening end 92h that is a hole portion opening in the second wall surface 63a. A plurality of first ribs 63g that connect the opening end 92h and the surrounding surface 63b when viewed from the axial direction are provided on the second wall surface 63a of the present embodiment. The first ribs 63g increase the rigidity of the region of the first cover portion 63 that is located around the opening end 92h and surrounded by the surrounding surface 63b. Thus, the first cover portion 63 can stably hold the bearing B1.

[0109] In the present embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction, the lower end of the first linear protrusion 63i is arranged on the inner side of the surrounding surface 63b. The lower end of the first linear protrusion 63i protrudes from the second wall surface 63a to the other side (+Y side) in the axial direction on the inner side of the surrounding surface 63b. When viewed from the axial direction, the lower end of the first linear protrusion 63i overlaps with the opening end 92h. Therefore, when viewed from the axial direction, the first linear protrusion 63i connects the opening end 92h and the surrounding surface 63b. The first linear protrusion 63i and the first rib 63g together increase the rigidity of the first cover portion 63 around the opening end 92h.

[0110] In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the surrounding surface 63b and the first rib 63g are provided on the second wall surface 63a is described. However, the surrounding surface 63b and the first rib 63g may be provided on the surface on the opposite side of the first cover portion 63 (the first wall surface 63f). That is, the surrounding surface 63b and the first rib 63g only need to be provided on the wall surface of at least one of the first wall surface 63f and the second wall surface 63a. In addition, the surrounding surface 63b and the first rib 63g may also be provided on the wall surfaces of both the first wall surface 63f and the second wall surface 63a. Regarding the case where the surrounding surface 63b and the first rib 63g are provided on the first wall surface 63f, based on Fig.10 This will be described in the following modified examples.

[0111] like Figure 1As shown, the first cover portion 63 is provided with a recess 63d and a protrusion 63e. The recess 63d is recessed toward one axial side (-Y side) relative to the second wall surface 63a. The recess 63d has a third wall surface 63k facing the other axial side (+Y side). That is, the first cover portion 63 has a third wall surface 63k facing the other axial side (+Y side) and located closer to one axial side (-Y side) than the second wall surface 63a. When viewed from the axial direction, the recess 63d overlaps with the bus bar 30. That is, the second wall surface 63a is opposite to the bus bar 30 in the axial direction. When viewed from the axial direction, the entirety of the three bus bars 30 of this embodiment overlaps with the third wall surface 63k. According to this embodiment, by having the first cover portion 63 with the recess 63d, a gap can be formed between the first cover portion 63 and the third wall surface 63k, and it is easy to ensure the insulation distance between the first cover portion 63 and the bus bar 30.

[0112] The convex portion 63e protrudes toward the other side (+Y side) in the axial direction relative to the first wall surface 63f. When viewed from the axial direction, the convex portion 63e overlaps with the concave portion 63d. The first cover portion 63 has the convex portion 63e overlapping with the concave portion 63d when viewed from the axial direction on the first wall surface 63f, so even if the concave portion 63d is provided, the first cover portion will not be partially thinned, and rigidity can be easily ensured.

[0113] like Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of second ribs 63h are provided on the third wall surface 63k. When viewed from the axial direction, the plurality of second ribs 63h overlap with the bus bar 30. In the present embodiment, the plurality of first ribs 63g include longitudinal ribs extending in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) and transverse ribs extending in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the vehicle. In addition, the longitudinal ribs and the transverse ribs are cross-arranged in a lattice shape.

[0114] By providing the recess 63d in the first cover portion 63, the rigidity of the first cover portion 63 is sometimes reduced, and the first cover portion 63 is prone to resonance. However, according to the present embodiment, by providing the second rib 63h on the third wall surface 63k, the rigidity of the first cover portion 63 can be improved in the recess 63d. Thus, the resonance of the first cover portion 63 due to the vibration when the motor 2 is driven can be suppressed. In addition, the front end portion of the second rib 63h on the other axial side (+Y side) is located at a position closer to the axial side (-Y side) than the second wall surface 63a, ensuring the insulation distance between the bus bar 30.

[0115] In the present embodiment, the second ribs 63h are arranged in a grid pattern, but the second ribs 63h only need to be provided on at least a portion of the third wall surface 63k. A plurality of second ribs 63h are not necessarily provided, and only one may be provided on the third wall surface 63k.

[0116] <Connecting Road>

[0117] like Figure 3As shown, the first opening 66a of the communication passage 66 is provided on the side wall surface 61aa of the motor chamber 6A. In the present embodiment, the first opening 66a opens in the recess 68 of the inner side surface 61a. The dimension of the first opening 66a along the axial direction is greater than the dimension along the circumferential direction. That is, the first opening 66a extends along the axial direction. The opening direction of the first opening 66a is the front-rear direction (the first direction, the X-axis direction).

[0118] The first opening portion 66a of the present embodiment is provided on the side wall surface 61aa facing the front-to-back direction in the inner side surface 61a of the motor chamber 6A. The partition wall 65 is arranged close to the stator 25 in the axial direction. Therefore, if the first opening portion is provided on the partition wall, the inflow of the fluid O from the motor chamber 6A to the connecting passage 66 will be hindered by the stator. Therefore, the first opening portion 66a is preferably provided on the inner side surface 61a facing the radial direction of the motor chamber 6A. In addition, when the first opening portion 66a is provided on the inner side surface 61a, the outer side surface of the housing 6 bulges radially outward at the portion where the first opening portion 66a is provided. According to the present embodiment, by providing the first opening portion 66a on the side wall surface 61aa facing the front-to-back direction, the size of the housing 6 in the up-down direction can be miniaturized compared to the case where the first opening portion 66a is provided on the bottom wall surface 61ab.

[0119] In the present embodiment, the first opening 66a extends in the axial direction of the first axis J1. According to the present embodiment, by enlarging the first opening 66a in the axial direction, the fluid O can be effectively guided into the communication path 66. The axial dimension h of the first opening 66a is preferably greater than half of the axial dimension H of the stator core 27 (h>H / 2).

[0120] like Figure 1 As shown, in the motor chamber 6A of the present embodiment, the fluid O is supplied from the first supply pipe 93A or the second supply pipe 95A to the outer peripheral surface of the stator core 27. The fluid O flows on the outer peripheral surface of the stator core 27 and reaches the storage portion P of the motor chamber 6A. Since the first opening 66a of the present embodiment extends in the axial direction, the fluid O flowing on the outer peripheral surface of the stator core 27 can be guided to the inside of the communication path 66 in a wide range in the axial direction.

[0121] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown in the figure, a plurality of grooves 61g extending in the circumferential direction are provided on the inner side surface 61a of the motor chamber 6A. The lower end portions of the plurality of grooves 61g are located above the first opening portion 66a of the communication passage 66. A portion of the fluid O supplied to the outer peripheral surface of the stator core 27 flows in the grooves 61g. According to the present embodiment, the lower end portion of the groove 61g is located above the first opening portion 66a, so that the fluid O flowing in the groove 61g can be effectively guided to the first opening portion 66a.

[0122] like Figure 3 As shown, the flow path cross-sectional area S1 of the connecting passage 66 at the opening of the suction flow path 91a is smaller than the opening area S2 of the first opening portion 66a. In the present embodiment, the flow path cross-sectional area S1 is the area of ​​the cross section on a plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the axial direction. The flow path cross-sectional area S1 is the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the connecting passage 66. The opening area S2 of the first opening portion 66a is the area in the radial direction. According to the present embodiment, the flow path cross-sectional area S1 of the connecting passage 66 is smaller than the opening area S2 of the first opening portion 66a, so that in the first opening portion 66a, the fluid O is effectively guided to the inside of the connecting passage 66, and the fluid O is easily filled into the inside of the connecting passage 66 (the opening portion of the suction flow path 91a). As a result, it is possible to suppress the suction of bubbles from the connecting passage 66 into the suction flow path 91a.

[0123] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the second opening 66b of the communication passage 66 is provided on the surface facing the other axial side (+Y side) of the partition wall 65. The opening direction of the second opening 66b is the axial direction.

[0124] The inner side surface of the communication passage 66 has a side surface 66q facing the front-rear direction (first direction, X-axis direction) and a bottom surface 66p connected to the side surface 66q and facing upward (one side in the second direction, +Z side). The side surface 66q of this embodiment faces the vehicle front side (+X side).

[0125] In the present embodiment, the bottom surface 66p of the communication passage 66 is continuous with the bottom wall surface 61bb of the gear chamber 6B. According to the present embodiment, the storage portion P in the housing 6 is extended not only to the gear chamber 6B but also to the communication passage 66. Therefore, even when the storage amount of the storage portion P is reduced, it is easy to fill the communication passage 66 with the fluid O, and the fluid O can be stably supplied to the pump 8 via the suction flow path 91a. In addition, the bottom surface 66p of the communication passage 66 of the present embodiment is also continuous with the bottom wall surface 61ab of the motor chamber 6A. Therefore, the fluid O in the motor chamber 6A also easily flows into the communication passage 66, and it is easy to fill the communication passage 66 with the fluid O.

[0126] According to the present embodiment, the motor chamber 6A and the gear chamber 6B are not only connected to each other in the communication passage 66, but also connected to each other in the through hole 65b. In addition, the communication passage 66 and the through hole 65b of the present embodiment overlap each other in the up-down direction (the second direction). Therefore, the communication passage 66 and the through hole 65b simultaneously move the fluid O between the motor chamber 6A and the gear chamber 6B. In the present embodiment, when viewed from the axial direction, the through hole 65b overlaps with the stator 25. In addition, the partition wall 65 and the stator 25 are arranged close to each other in the axial direction. Therefore, the opening of the through hole 65b on the motor chamber 6A side is covered by the stator 25, and the amount of movement of the fluid O between the motor chamber 6A and the gear chamber 6B via the through hole 65b is small. According to the present embodiment, by preparing two movement paths (communication passages 66 and through holes 65b) of the fluid O between the motor chamber 6A and the gear chamber 6B, the movement of the fluid O between the motor chamber 6A and the gear chamber 6B can be smoothly performed.

[0127] In the present embodiment, the positions of the lower ends of the communication passage 66 and the through hole 65b (the end on the other side in the second direction) are consistent with each other. Thus, it is possible to always ensure a sufficient amount of movement of the fluid O. However, for example, it is also possible to configure such that the fluid O moves preferentially in the communication passage 66 by arranging the lower end of the through hole 65b at a position higher than the lower end of the communication passage 66.

[0128] <Suction flow path>

[0129] The suction flow path 91a connects the communication path 66 and the suction port 8c of the pump 8. The suction flow path 91a is formed by, for example, drilling the housing body 61 with a drill. That is, the housing 6 is provided with the suction flow path 91a. The suction flow path 91a is a flow path extending in a straight line.

[0130] According to the present embodiment, the upstream end of the suction flow path 91a opens at the inner side of the communication path 66 connecting the motor chamber 6A and the gear chamber 6B. Therefore, the pump 8 can suck the fluid O from either the motor chamber 6A or the gear chamber 6B via the communication path 66 and the suction flow path 91a. In the conventional structure, the suction flow path connected to the pump opens at the gear chamber, so there are restrictions on the structure of the housing, such as arranging the gear chamber at a position lower than the motor chamber to promote the flow of the fluid into the gear chamber. In contrast, according to the present embodiment, the arrangement of the bottom wall surfaces 61ab and 61bb of the motor chamber 6A and the gear chamber 6B can be suppressed from being restricted by the structure of the flow path 90, and the degree of freedom of the structure of the housing 6 can be increased to achieve miniaturization of the drive device 1. In particular, when the bottom wall surfaces 61ab and 61bb of the motor chamber 6A and the gear chamber 6B are made to be substantially the same height as in the present embodiment, the projected areas of the motor chamber 6A and the gear chamber 6B along the axial direction can be largely overlapped, and the size of the drive device 1 viewed from the axial direction can be miniaturized.

[0131] like Figure 1 As shown, a part of the ring gear 51 is immersed in the fluid O of the storage part P of this embodiment. In the gear chamber 6B, the fluid O in the storage part P is sometimes stirred and bubbles are generated along with the rotation of the ring gear 51. According to this embodiment, by opening the suction flow path 91a in the communication path 66, it is possible to suppress the bubbles generated by the stirring of the ring gear 51 from entering the suction flow path 91a, compared with the case where it is opened in the gear chamber 6B. As a result, it is possible to suppress the air from entering the pump 8, and the pump 8 can effectively pressurize the fluid O. In addition, depending on the storage amount of the fluid O stored in the storage part P, the lower end of the rotor 20 in the motor chamber 6A may be immersed in the fluid O. In this case, the rotor 20 may stir the fluid O and generate bubbles along with the rotation of the rotor 20. According to this embodiment, by opening the suction flow path 91a in the communication path 66, it is possible to suppress the bubbles generated by the stirring of the rotor 20 from entering the suction flow path 91a, compared with the case where it is opened in the motor chamber 6A.

[0132] like Figure 4 As shown, the housing 6 has a wall portion 61w located in the gear chamber 6B. The wall portion 61w is formed by connecting a portion protruding from the side of the partition wall 65 to the other axial side (+Y side) and a portion protruding from the side of the second cover portion 62 to one axial side (-Y side). The wall portion 61w extends in a roughly arc shape with the third axis J3 as the center. The wall portion 61w extends in a curved manner along the tooth tops of the ring gear 51 on the lower side of the ring gear 51. The wall portion 61w uses the radially inner surface facing the third axis J3 to guide the fluid O in the storage portion P along the tooth tops of the ring gear 51 in the circumferential direction around the third axis J3 to make it flow. Thus, the wall portion 61w can promote the effective lifting of the fluid O by the ring gear 51.

[0133] In addition, the wall portion 61w of the present embodiment is located between the second opening portion 66b and the ring gear 51. Therefore, the wall portion 61w divides the storage portion P into an area where the ring gear 51 is arranged and an area where the second opening portion 66b is arranged. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the bubbles generated by the stirring of the ring gear 51 from reaching the communication path 66 through the second opening portion 66b. Thus, it is possible to suppress the bubbles from invading the suction port 8c of the pump 8 through the communication path 66 and the suction flow path 91a.

[0134] In addition, the wall portion 61w of the present embodiment separates the ring gear 51 and the second opening portion 66b in the radial direction of the third axis J3. Therefore, the wall portion 61w of the present embodiment can effectively prevent the bubbles generated along the tooth tops of the ring gear 51 from invading the communication path 66. Moreover, according to the present embodiment, by making the wall portion 61w roughly arc-shaped along the tooth tops of the ring gear 51, turbulence can be prevented from occurring in the storage portion P, and the generation of bubbles can be prevented. In addition, the wall portion 61w of the present embodiment extends in the axial direction, so it is easy to form a part of the partition wall 65 and the second cover portion 62, which can reduce the manufacturing cost of the housing 6.

[0135] The wall portion 61w is not limited to the present embodiment as long as it is located between the second opening 66b and the gear ring 51. For example, the wall portion may be in the shape of a plate having a plate surface perpendicular to the axial direction and arranged between the second opening and the gear ring in the axial direction.

[0136] In the present embodiment, the wall portion 61w separates the second opening portion 66b from the ring gear 51. However, depending on the structure of the transmission mechanism 3, the wall portion 61w may also separate the second opening portion 66b from other gears. Here, the gear located at the lowest side (the other side of the second direction, -Z side) among the multiple gears of the transmission mechanism 3 is set as the lower end gear. The transmission mechanism 3 uses the lower end gear to lift the fluid O. The lower end gear of the transmission mechanism 3 of the present embodiment is the ring gear 51. Preferably, the gear separated from the second opening portion 66b by the wall portion 61w is the lower end gear.

[0137] The end of the upstream side of the suction flow path 91a opens at the boundary portion between the side surface 66q and the bottom surface 66p of the communication path 66. The pump 8 of this embodiment is arranged on the rear side (-X side) of the vehicle relative to the communication path 66. Therefore, the suction flow path 91a extends in the front-to-back direction. The suction flow path 91a is gently inclined toward the upper side (+X side) as it moves toward the rear side (-X side) of the vehicle between the communication path 66 and the suction port 8c of the pump.

[0138] According to the present embodiment, by opening the suction flow path 91a at the bottom surface 66p, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of air from the opening 91aa of the suction flow path 91a even when the liquid level of the fluid O in the storage portion P is lowered or the vehicle is tilted. However, when the suction flow path 91a is opened only at the bottom surface, it is necessary to arrange the suction flow path 91a at a position lower than the connecting path 66, which may cause the housing 6 to be larger in the vertical direction. According to the present embodiment, by setting the opening 91aa of the suction flow path 91a at the boundary portion between the bottom surface 66p and the side surface 66q, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of air into the suction flow path 91a and suppress the enlargement of the housing 6 in the vertical direction. In addition, by setting the opening 91aa of the suction flow path 91a at the boundary portion between the bottom surface 66p and the side surface 66q, it is possible to make the opening 91aa sufficiently large, and the suction efficiency of the pump 8 can be improved.

[0139] According to the present embodiment, the suction flow path 91a extends obliquely upward from the communication path 66 toward the suction port 8c of the pump 8. Therefore, the pump 8 can be arranged on the upper side as much as possible, and the pump 8 can be suppressed from protruding downward from the lower end of the housing 6, so that the size of the drive device 1 in the vertical direction can be miniaturized.

[0140] like Figure 2 As shown, the opening 91aa of the suction flow path 91a of the present embodiment, which is directed toward the communication path 66, is located on the motor chamber 6A side relative to the partition wall 65 in the axial direction. Therefore, the opening 91aa of the suction flow path 91a can be made away from the gear chamber 6B, and the bubbles in the gear chamber 6B generated by the stirring of the ring gear 51 can be suppressed from intruding into the suction flow path 91a.

[0141] The opening 91aa of the suction flow path 91a is located at the other axial side (+Y side) of the first opening portion 66a of the communication path 66. Furthermore, the opening 91aa of the suction flow path 91a is located at the other axial side (+Y side) of the rotor 20. Therefore, the opening 91aa of the suction flow path 91a is arranged at a position offset from the first opening portion 66a and the rotor 20 in the axial direction. According to the present embodiment, even when the rotor 20 is immersed in the fluid O, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of bubbles generated by the stirring of the rotor 20 into the suction flow path 91a.

[0142] <Modification>

[0143] A case of a modified example that can be adopted in the drive device 1 of the above-described embodiment will be described. In the description of each modified example described below, components identical to those of the embodiment or modified example already described are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0144] (Variant 1)

[0145] Figure 6This is a conceptual diagram of a driving device 1 including a housing 106 according to a first modification. Figure 7 1 is a front view of the partition wall 65 of the housing 106 of Modification 1. In the housing 106 of this modification, the structure of the seventh flow path 197 is different from that of the above-mentioned embodiment. The seventh flow path 197 is located inside the partition wall 65 similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0146] The seventh flow path 197 of this modification example includes a first path portion 197a and a second path portion 197b. The first path portion 197a has the same structure as the seventh flow path 97 in the above-mentioned embodiment. That is, the first path portion 197a extends in the axial direction and connects the third flow path 93 and the sixth flow path 94. The second path portion 197b branches from the first path portion 197a inside the partition wall 65. The second path portion 197b extends from the branch portion with the first path portion 197a to the inside of the second retaining portion 65d.

[0147] According to this modification, the seventh flow path 197 connects the third flow path 93 and the sixth flow path 94 in the first path portion 197a, and connects the third flow path 93 and the second holding portion 65d in the second path portion 197b. The fluid O flowing from the third flow path 93 into the seventh flow path 197 is branched into two paths inside the seventh flow path 197, one of which is supplied to the sixth flow path 94 and the other to the second holding portion 65d. The fluid O supplied to the second holding portion 65d lubricates the bearing B5 held by the second holding portion 65d.

[0148] The second path portion 197b of the present modification is formed by drilling from the second holding portion 65d toward the first path portion 197a at an angle to the axial direction, for example. Therefore, the second path portion 197b extends linearly in a direction inclined to the axial direction.

[0149] like Figure 7 As shown, the second path portion 197b extends obliquely from the third flow path 93 toward the second retaining portion 65d in a direction located downward toward the vehicle rear (-X side) when viewed from the axial direction. Therefore, the second path portion 197b can supply the fluid O to the second retaining portion 65d by gravity.

[0150] In this modification, the case where the seventh flow path 197 includes both the first path portion 197a and the second path portion 197b is described, but the seventh flow path 197 may include only the second path portion 197b. In addition, in this modification, the case where the second path portion 197b is connected to the second holding portion 65d that holds the bearing B5 is illustrated, but the second path portion 197b only needs to be connected to a holding portion that holds any bearing of the transmission mechanism 3. That is, the seventh flow path 197 only needs to connect the third flow path 93 and the holding portion that holds any bearing of the transmission mechanism 3.

[0151] (Variant 2)

[0152] Figure 8 This is a conceptual diagram of a driving device 1 including a housing 206 according to a second modification. Fig. 9 2 is a front view of the partition wall 65 of the housing 206 of Modification 2. In the housing 206 of this modification, the structure of the seventh flow path 297 is different from that of the above-mentioned embodiment. The seventh flow path 297 is located inside the partition wall 65 similarly to the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0153] The seventh flow path 297 of this modification has a first path portion 297a and a third path portion 297b. The first path portion 297a has the same structure as the seventh flow path 97 in the above-mentioned embodiment. That is, the first path portion 297a extends in the axial direction and connects the third flow path 93 and the sixth flow path 94. On the other hand, the third path portion 297b connects the fourth flow path 95 and the second retaining portion 65d. The fluid O flowing in the fourth flow path 95 flows into the third path portion 297b via the partition wall 65. The fluid O flowing into the third path portion 297b is supplied to the second retaining portion 65d to lubricate the bearing B5 retained by the second retaining portion 65d.

[0154] The second supply pipe 95A constituting the fourth flow path 95 is inserted into the insertion hole portion provided on the surface of the partition wall 65 facing the axial side (-Y side). The third path portion 297b of this modified example is formed by drilling from the inner side surface of the second retaining portion 65d toward the insertion hole portion, for example, in an inclined manner relative to the axial direction. Therefore, the third path portion 297b extends linearly in a direction inclined relative to the axial direction. In addition, as Fig. 9 As shown, when viewed from the axial direction, the third path portion 297b is inclined in a direction located on the upper side as it goes toward the front of the vehicle (+X side) from the fourth flow path 95 toward the second holding portion 65d.

[0155] In this modification, the case where the seventh flow path 297 includes both the first path portion 297a and the third path portion 297b is described, but the seventh flow path 297 may include only the third path portion 297b. In addition, in this modification, the case where the third path portion 297b is connected to the second holding portion that holds the bearing B5 is illustrated, but the third path portion 297b only needs to be connected to a holding portion that holds any bearing of the transmission mechanism 3. That is, the seventh flow path 297 only needs to connect the third flow path 93 and the holding portion that holds any bearing of the transmission mechanism 3.

[0156] (Variant 3)

[0157] Fig.10This is the back side of the first cover portion 363 of the third modification that can be adopted in the above-mentioned embodiment. Fig.10 is with Figure 5 The first cover portion 363 is viewed from the opposite side in the axial direction. The first cover portion 363 of the present modification example is different from the above-described embodiment mainly in that the first rib 363g is provided on the first wall surface 63f.

[0158] In this modification, the third linear protrusion 363p, the fourth linear protrusion 363q, the cylindrical portion 363r, the plurality of ribs 363n, and the plurality of third ribs 363m are provided on the first wall surface 63f of the first cover portion 363. The first cover portion 363 has the third linear protrusion 363p, the fourth linear protrusion 363q, the cylindrical portion 363r, the plurality of ribs 363n, and the plurality of third ribs 363m. The third linear protrusion 363p, the fourth linear protrusion 363q, the cylindrical portion 363r, the plurality of ribs 363n, and the plurality of third ribs 363m protrude from the first wall surface 63f toward one side (-Y side) in the axial direction. In addition, the plurality of ribs 363n include one first rib 363g.

[0159] The third linear protrusion 363p and the fourth linear protrusion 363q protrude from the first wall surface 63f to one side in the axial direction (-Y side). The third linear protrusion 363p and the fourth linear protrusion 363q extend linearly along the surface direction of the first cover portion 363 (i.e., along the direction of the plane perpendicular to the axial direction). The cross-sectional shape of the third linear protrusion 363p and the fourth linear protrusion 363q is approximately semicircular. The third linear protrusion 363p and the fourth linear protrusion 363q intersect each other. When viewed from the axial direction, the third linear protrusion 363p overlaps with the first linear hole portion 92p. When viewed from the axial direction, the fourth linear protrusion 363q overlaps with the second linear hole portion 92q. A portion of the first linear hole portion 92p is arranged inside the third linear protrusion 363p. On the other hand, a portion of the second linear hole portion 92q is arranged inside the fourth linear protrusion 363q. According to this modification, the first cover portion 363 is provided with the third linear protrusion 363p and the fourth linear protrusion 363q only in the portion where the first linear hole portion 92p and the second linear hole portion 92q are provided, so that the first cover portion 363 can be made thinner in the portion other than the third linear protrusion 363p and the fourth linear protrusion 363q. Thus, the driving device 1 can be made lighter.

[0160] The cylindrical portion 363r is substantially cylindrical with the first axis J1 as the center. When viewed from the axial direction, the cylindrical portion 363r is connected to the first holding portion 63c (see Figure 5) overlap. The cylindrical portion 363r has a surrounding surface 363b facing radially inward. That is, the first cover portion 363 has a surrounding surface 363b. The surrounding surface 363b extends from the second wall surface 63a to the other side (+Y side) in the axial direction. The surrounding surface 363b is a substantially cylindrical surface facing radially inward. When viewed from the axial direction, the surrounding surface 363b surrounds the opening end portion 92h from the radially outer side.

[0161] When viewed from the axial direction, the rib 363n is arranged on the inner side of the surrounding surface 363b. In this modification, when viewed from the axial direction, a plurality of ribs 363n extend radially with the first axis J1 as the center. That is, when viewed from the axial direction, a plurality of ribs 363n extend radially with the first axis J1 as the center. Six ribs 363n are provided in the first cover portion 363 of this modification. When viewed from the axial direction, the six ribs 363n are connected to the surrounding surface 363b at the end of the radial outer side with the first axis J1 as the center. In addition, when viewed from the axial direction, one of the multiple (6) ribs 363n of this modification overlaps with the opening end 92h. Here, the rib 363n overlapping with the opening end 92h is referred to as the first rib 363g. When viewed from the axial direction, the first rib 363g connects the opening end 92h and the surrounding surface 363b. The first rib 363g increases the rigidity of the region of the first cover portion 363 that is located near the opening end 92h and is surrounded by the surrounding surface 363b when viewed from the axial direction. Figure 5 ) is stably maintained. Furthermore, the remaining (five) ribs 363n except the first rib 363g reinforce the first rib 363g by connecting the first rib 363g and the surrounding surface 363b. Thus, the five ribs 363n except the first rib 363g also increase the rigidity of the area surrounded by the surrounding surface 363b in the first cover part 363.

[0162] As in the above-mentioned embodiment, a convex portion 63e is provided on the first wall surface 63f. When viewed from the axial direction, a plurality of third ribs 363m overlap with the convex portion 63e. In this modification, two third ribs 363m are provided on the first cover portion 363 of this modification. When viewed from the axial direction, the two third ribs 363m are arranged in a V-shaped configuration. The upper ends of the two third ribs 363m are connected to each other, and the two third ribs 363m extend linearly in a direction that separates from each other in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the vehicle as they move toward the lower side. In this modification, one of the two third ribs 363m located in front of the vehicle (+X side) is connected to the fourth linear convex portion 363q. According to the third rib 363m of this modification, the convex portion 63e can be strengthened, and the vibration of the first cover portion 363 around the convex portion 63e can be suppressed. The one of the two third ribs 363m located at the rear of the vehicle (-X side) may be connected to the third linear protrusion 363p. In addition, the number of the third ribs 363m may not be two, but may be one, or may be three or more.

[0163] Various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but each structure and combination thereof in each embodiment are examples, and addition, omission, substitution and other changes of the structure can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

[0164] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified example, the case where the supply part (the 3rd flow path, the 4th flow path, the 6th flow path) for supplying fluid to the motor or the transmission mechanism is a tubular supply pipe is described. However, the structure of the supply part is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified example, and the supply part may be, for example, groove-shaped. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified example, the case where the storage part of the fluid is arranged across the gear chamber and the motor chamber in the housing is described, but the storage part can be arranged at any position as long as it is in the housing.

[0165] In addition, the structure of each shaft of the transmission mechanism of the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified example is an example. The shafts constituting the transmission mechanism are not limited to three. In addition, two of the multiple shafts can also be arranged on the same axis in a manner that one passes through the hollow portion of the other.

[0166] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment and its modified example, the communication passage is provided in the partition wall and opens at the end surface on the other axial side (+Y side) of the partition wall. However, the communication passage may be provided at a portion different from the partition wall as long as it connects the motor chamber and the gear chamber.

[0167] The present technology can adopt the following structures.

[0168] (1) A drive device, comprising: a motor having a rotor capable of rotating about a motor axis and a stator surrounding the rotor from the radial outside; and a housing having a cylindrical peripheral wall portion surrounding the motor from the radial outside and a cover portion covering an opening on one axial side of the peripheral wall portion, wherein the rotor has a cylindrical motor shaft having a hollow portion, and the housing has: a storage portion capable of storing a fluid; a first flow path extending from the storage portion to the cover portion; a second flow path provided in the cover portion and connected to the first flow path; a third flow path and a fourth flow path, wherein the third flow path and the fourth flow path are connected to the second flow path and capable of supplying the fluid to the stator; and a fifth flow path connected to the second flow path and capable of supplying the fluid to the hollow portion.

[0169] (2) A driving device according to (1), wherein the driving device has a transmission mechanism for transmitting the power of the motor, the transmission mechanism has a plurality of gears, and the housing is provided with: a gear chamber that accommodates the transmission mechanism; and a sixth flow path that can provide the fluid to the gear chamber, the sixth flow path being connected to the third flow path.

[0170] (3) The drive device according to (2), wherein the transmission mechanism includes: a plurality of shafts; and a plurality of bearings that support the plurality of shafts, and the sixth flow path is capable of supplying the fluid to at least one of the bearings.

[0171] (4) A drive device according to (2) or (3), wherein the housing is provided with: a motor chamber that accommodates the motor; a partition wall that divides the motor chamber and the gear chamber; and a seventh flow path that is located inside the partition wall, the seventh flow path connecting the third flow path and the sixth flow path.

[0172] (5) The drive device according to any one of (2) to (4), wherein the third flow path and the sixth flow path extend linearly along the axial direction, and the sixth flow path is arranged on an extension line of the third flow path.

[0173] (6) A drive device according to any one of (2) to (6), wherein the transmission mechanism has: a plurality of shafts; and a plurality of bearings, which support the plurality of shafts, and the housing is provided with: a motor chamber, which accommodates the motor; a partition wall, which divides the motor chamber and the gear chamber; and a seventh flow path, which is located inside the partition wall, the partition wall having a retaining portion for retaining any of the bearings, and the seventh flow path connects the third flow path and the retaining portion.

[0174] (7) A drive device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the drive device has a transmission mechanism for transmitting the power of the motor, the transmission mechanism has a plurality of gears, a plurality of shafts and a plurality of bearings for supporting the shafts, and the housing is provided with: a gear chamber that accommodates the transmission mechanism; a motor chamber that accommodates the motor; a partition wall that divides the motor chamber and the gear chamber; and a seventh flow path that is located inside the partition wall, the partition wall having a retaining portion that retains any of the bearings, and the seventh flow path connects the fifth flow path and the retaining portion.

[0175] (8) A drive device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the cover portion extends along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and the cover portion has: a first wall surface facing one axial side; a second wall surface facing the other axial side; an opening end portion, which is the end portion of the fifth flow path and opens on the second wall surface; a surrounding surface, which is provided on at least one of the first wall surface or the second wall surface, and surrounds the opening end portion from the radial outside when viewed from the axial direction; and a first rib, which is provided on the wall surface of one side, and connects the opening end portion and the surrounding surface when viewed from the axial direction.

[0176] (9) A drive device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the drive device comprises: an inverter electrically connected to the motor; and a bus bar axially located between the stator and the cover portion for electrically connecting the inverter to the stator, and the cover portion comprises: a second wall facing the other axial side; a third wall facing the other axial side and located closer to the axial side than the second wall; and a second rib provided on at least a portion of the third wall, wherein the second rib overlaps with the bus bar when viewed axially.

[0177] Furthermore, the present technology can adopt the following structures.

[0178] (1) A drive device comprising: a motor having a rotor rotating about a motor axis and a stator surrounding the rotor; a transmission mechanism having a plurality of gears for transmitting power of the motor; a housing having a motor chamber for accommodating the motor and a gear chamber for accommodating the transmission mechanism; a fluid stored in the housing; and a pump for supplying the fluid to the motor, wherein the housing is provided with: a partition wall dividing the gear chamber and the motor chamber; a connecting passage connecting the motor chamber and the gear chamber; and an intake flow passage connecting the connecting passage and an intake port of the pump.

[0179] (2) A driving device according to (1), wherein directions perpendicular to the motor axis and mutually perpendicular are set as a first direction and a second direction, an inner side surface of the connecting passage has a side surface facing the first direction and a bottom surface connected to the side surface and facing one side of the second direction, and the suction flow path opens on the bottom surface and the side surface.

[0180] (3) The drive device according to (1) or (2), wherein an opening of the suction flow path toward the communication path is located on the motor chamber side relative to the partition wall in the axial direction.

[0181] (4) A drive device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein a direction perpendicular to the motor axis is set as a first direction, the connecting passage has a first opening portion opening in the motor chamber, the inner side surface of the motor chamber has a side wall surface facing the first direction, and the first opening portion is arranged on the side wall surface.

[0182] (5) The drive device according to (4), wherein the first opening portion extends along the axial direction of the motor axis.

[0183] (6) The driving device according to (4) or (5), wherein a flow path cross-sectional area of ​​a portion of the communication path where the suction flow path opens is smaller than an opening area of ​​the first opening.

[0184] (7) A drive device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein a direction perpendicular to the motor axis is set as a second direction, the connecting passage has a second opening portion opening in the gear chamber, a gear among the plurality of gears of the transmission mechanism that is located closest to the other side of the second direction is set as a lower end gear, and the housing has a wall portion located in the gear chamber and between the second opening portion and the lower end gear.

[0185] (8) A drive device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein a direction perpendicular to the motor axis is set as a second direction, an inner side surface of the connecting passage has a bottom surface facing the second direction, an inner side surface of the gear chamber has a bottom wall surface facing the second direction, and the bottom surface and the bottom wall surface are continuous with each other.

[0186] (9) The drive device according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein a through hole connecting the motor chamber and the gear chamber is provided in the partition wall.

[0187] Description of symbols

[0188] 1: drive device; 2: motor; 3: transmission mechanism; 6, 106, 206: housing; 6A: motor chamber; 6B: gear chamber; 7: inverter; 8: pump; 8c: suction port; 20: rotor; 21: motor shaft; 21h: hollow portion; 21j: hole; 25: stator; 30: bus bar; 41: gear; 45: shaft; 51: ring gear (lower end gear); 61a, 61b: inner side surface; 61aa: side wall surface; 61ab, 61bb: bottom wall surface; 61c: first peripheral wall portion (peripheral wall portion); 61w: wall portion; 63: first cover portion (cover portion); 63a: second wall surface; 63b, 363b: surrounding surface; 63f: first wall surface; 63g, 363g: first rib; 63 h: 2nd rib; 63k: 3rd wall; 65: partition wall; 65b: through hole; 66: connecting path; 66a: 1st opening; 66b: 2nd opening; 66p: bottom surface; 66q: side surface; 90, 93: flow path; 91: 1st flow path; 91a: suction flow path; 91aa: opening; 92: 2nd flow path; 92d: 5th flow path; 92h: opening end; 93: 3rd flow path; 94: 6th flow path; 95: 4th flow path; 97, 197, 297: 7th flow path; 363n: rib; B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7: bearing; J1: 1st axis (motor axis); O: fluid; P: storage part; S1: flow path cross-sectional area; S2: opening area.

Claims

1. A driving device, comprising: A motor having a rotor rotatable about a motor axis and a stator surrounding the rotor from the radial outside; and a housing having a cylindrical peripheral wall portion surrounding the motor from the radially outer side and a cover portion covering an opening on one axial side of the peripheral wall portion, The rotor has a cylindrical motor shaft having a hollow portion. The housing has: a storage portion capable of storing a fluid; a first flow path extending from the storage portion to the cover portion; a second flow path, which is provided in the cover portion and connected to the first flow path; a third flow path and a fourth flow path, the third flow path and the fourth flow path being connected to the second flow path and capable of supplying the fluid to the stator; and A fifth flow path is connected to the second flow path and can supply the fluid to the hollow portion.

2. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein: The driving device has a transmission mechanism for transmitting the power of the motor, and the transmission mechanism has a plurality of gears. The housing is provided with: a gear chamber that accommodates the transmission mechanism; and a sixth flow path capable of supplying the fluid to the gear chamber, The sixth flow path is connected to the third flow path.

3. The driving device according to claim 2, wherein: The transmission mechanism comprises: Multiple axes; and a plurality of bearings, the plurality of bearings supporting the plurality of shafts; The sixth flow path can supply the fluid to at least one of the bearings.

4. The driving device according to claim 2, wherein: The housing is provided with: a motor chamber for housing the motor; a partition wall that divides the motor chamber and the gear chamber; as well as a seventh flow path located inside the partition wall, The seventh flow path connects the third flow path and the sixth flow path.

5. The driving device according to claim 2, wherein: The third flow path and the sixth flow path extend linearly along the axial direction. The sixth flow path is arranged on an extension line of the third flow path.

6. The driving device according to claim 2, wherein: The transmission mechanism comprises: Multiple axes; and a plurality of bearings, the plurality of bearings supporting the plurality of shafts; The housing is provided with: a motor chamber for housing the motor; a partition wall that divides the motor chamber and the gear chamber; as well as a seventh flow path located inside the partition wall, The partition wall has a holding portion for holding any of the bearings. The seventh flow path connects the third flow path and the holding portion.

7. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein: The driving device includes a transmission mechanism for transmitting the power of the motor, the transmission mechanism including a plurality of gears, a plurality of shafts, and a plurality of bearings for supporting the shafts. The housing is provided with: a gear chamber accommodating the transmission mechanism; a motor chamber for housing the motor; a partition wall that divides the motor chamber and the gear chamber; as well as a seventh flow path located inside the partition wall, The partition wall has a holding portion for holding any of the bearings. The seventh flow path connects the fifth flow path and the holding portion.

8. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein: The cover portion extends along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, The cover portion has: A first wall surface, which faces the axial direction; a second wall surface facing the other side of the axial direction; an open end portion, which is an end portion of the fifth flow path and opens at the second wall surface; a surrounding surface provided on at least one of the first wall surface or the second wall surface, and surrounding the opening end portion from the radially outer side when viewed from the axial direction; and a first rib provided on the wall surface of the one side, When viewed in the axial direction, the first rib connects the opening end and the surrounding surface.

9. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein: The driving device comprises: an inverter electrically connected to the motor; and a bus bar, which is located between the stator and the cover in the axial direction and electrically connects the inverter and the stator, The cover portion has: a second wall surface facing the other side of the axial direction; a third wall surface facing the other axial side and located closer to one axial side than the second wall surface; and a second rib provided on at least a portion of the third wall surface, When viewed in the axial direction, the second rib overlaps with the bus bar.

10. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein: The drive device has: a transmission mechanism having a plurality of gears for transmitting the power of the motor; and a pump capable of supplying said fluid to said motor, The housing is provided with: a gear chamber accommodating the transmission mechanism; a motor chamber for housing the motor; a partition wall that divides the gear chamber and the motor chamber; a communication passage connecting the motor chamber and the gear chamber; as well as A suction flow path connects the communication path and a suction port of the pump.

11. The driving device according to claim 10, wherein: The directions perpendicular to the motor axis and perpendicular to each other are defined as a first direction and a second direction, The inner side surface of the communication passage has a side surface facing the first direction and a bottom surface connected to the side surface and facing the second direction. The suction flow path opens at the bottom surface and the side surface.

12. The driving device according to claim 10, wherein: An opening of the suction flow passage toward the communication passage is located on the motor chamber side with respect to the partition wall in the axial direction.

13. The driving device according to claim 10, wherein: A direction perpendicular to the motor axis is defined as a first direction. The communication passage has a first opening portion opened in the motor chamber, The inner side surface of the motor chamber has a side wall surface facing the first direction, The first opening is provided on the side wall surface.

14. The driving device according to claim 13, wherein: The first opening extends along the axial direction of the motor axis.

15. The driving device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: A flow passage cross-sectional area of ​​a portion of the communication passage where the suction flow passage opens is smaller than an opening area of ​​the first opening.

16. The driving device according to claim 10, wherein: The direction perpendicular to the motor axis is defined as the second direction, The communication passage has a second opening portion opened in the gear chamber, The gear located closest to the other side in the second direction among the plurality of gears of the transmission mechanism is set as a lower gear. The housing includes a wall portion located in the gear chamber and between the second opening and the lower gear.

17. The driving device according to claim 10, wherein: The direction perpendicular to the motor axis is defined as the second direction, The inner side surface of the communication passage has a bottom surface facing one side of the second direction, The inner side surface of the gear chamber has a bottom wall surface facing one side of the second direction, The bottom surface and the bottom wall surface are continuous with each other.

18. The driving device according to claim 10, wherein: The partition wall is provided with a through hole connecting the motor chamber and the gear chamber.

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