Motor unit and drive device

Abstract

A motor unit according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a motor housing, an inverter housing, and a pump. The motor housing accommodates the motor. The inverter housing accommodates an inverter electrically connected to the motor. At least a portion of the pump is disposed in the inverter housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a motor unit and a drive device.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-212757 filed in Japan on December 28, 2022, the contents of which are cited here. Background Art

[0003] Conventionally, there is known a drive device having an oil pump that sucks in oil stored in the drive device and discharges it to a motor, and cools the motor with the discharged oil (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-238406 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] In a driving device including the above-mentioned pump, the driving device may be increased in size depending on the position where the pump is arranged.

[0009] The present invention provides a technology capable of suppressing an increase in size of a motor unit and a drive device by arranging a pump at appropriate positions of the motor unit and the drive device.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] A motor unit according to one aspect of the present invention includes a motor case that houses a motor, an inverter case that houses an inverter that is electrically connected to the motor, and a pump. At least a portion of the pump is disposed in the inverter case.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, by arranging the pump at appropriate positions of the motor unit and the drive device, it is possible to suppress an increase in size of the motor unit and the drive device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram for explaining a driving device including a motor unit according to a first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a side view of the driving device including the motor unit according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a plan view of a driving device including the motor unit according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a side view of a driving device including a motor unit according to a second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 It is a side view of a driving device including a motor unit according to a second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 It is a side view of a driving device including a motor unit according to a third embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 It is a plan view of a driving device including a motor unit according to a third embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 It is a side view of a driving device including a motor unit according to a fourth embodiment.

[0022] Fig. 9 It is a top view of a driving device including a motor unit according to a fourth embodiment.

[0023] Fig.10 It is a side view of a driving device including a motor unit according to a fifth embodiment.

[0024] Fig.11 It is a top view of a driving device including a motor unit according to a fifth embodiment.

[0025] Fig.12 It is a side view of a driving device including a motor unit according to a sixth embodiment.

[0026] Fig.13 It is a top view of a driving device including a motor unit according to a sixth embodiment.

[0027] Fig.14 It is a side view of a driving device including a motor unit according to a seventh embodiment.

[0028] Fig.15 It is a top view of a driving device including a motor unit according to a seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, a method for implementing the motor unit and the drive device of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an "implementation method") will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the implementation method shown below, an example of a drive device having the motor unit of the present invention is described, but the present invention is not limited to the implementation method. In addition, the various implementation methods can be appropriately combined within the scope that does not cause inconsistency in the processing content. In addition, in each of the following implementation methods, the same reference numerals are marked on the same parts, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0030] In the embodiments shown below, expressions such as "vertical", "parallel", "horizontal" or "plumb" are sometimes used, but these expressions do not need to be strictly "vertical", "parallel", "horizontal" or "plumb". That is, the above expressions allow for deviations in manufacturing accuracy, setting accuracy, etc.

[0031] <First embodiment>

[0032] use Figure 1 A driving device including the motor unit according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining a driving device having a motor unit according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 and the following Figure 2 The figures shown in and after are schematic diagrams.

[0033] In addition, Figure 1 In the figure, for the convenience of explanation, a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system is shown in which the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction and Z-axis direction perpendicular to each other are specified and the positive direction of the Z-axis is set as the vertical upward direction. This orthogonal coordinate system is sometimes also shown in other drawings used in the following description. In addition, in the following description, expressions such as "X-axis direction", "Y-axis direction" and "Z-axis direction" are used, but this refers to the "X-axis direction", "Y-axis direction" and "Z-axis direction" when the drive device is in the state shown in the figure, and does not limit the installation direction of the drive device.

[0034] Figure 1 The drive device 1 shown is mounted on a vehicle (not shown) that uses a motor 31 described later as a power source, and is used as its power source. The vehicle includes a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHV), an electric vehicle (EV), etc., but is not limited to these.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the drive device 1 includes a motor unit 10 and a gear unit 20. The motor unit 10 includes a motor unit 30, an inverter unit 40, and a pump unit 50.

[0036] The motor unit 30 includes a motor 31 and a motor housing 35 that accommodates the motor 31. The motor 31 includes a rotor 32 that rotates around a motor axis J extending in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) and a stator 33 that is located radially outside the rotor 32. Specifically, the motor 31 is an inner rotor type motor in which the rotor 32 is arranged inside the stator 33.

[0037] In this specification, a direction parallel to the motor axis J of the motor 31 (Y-axis direction) may be described as an “axial direction”, and a radial direction centered on the motor axis J may be described as a “radial direction”.

[0038] The rotor 32 includes a shaft 32a, a rotor core 32b, and a rotor magnet 32c.

[0039] The shaft 32a is supported so as to be rotatable about the motor axis J. The shaft 32a is a cylindrical component extending along the motor axis J. The shaft 32a is formed to be hollow. Specifically, a hollow portion 32a1 is formed inside the shaft 32a. The end of the shaft 32a protrudes from the motor housing 35 and is located in the gear housing 24 (described later) of the gear unit 20. The end of the shaft 32a is connected to the first gear 22a (described later) of the gear unit 20. In addition, the shaft 32a is not limited to a hollow shape, and for example, it can also be a solid shaft.

[0040] The rotor core 32b is disposed radially outside the shaft 32a. In the present embodiment, the rotor magnet 32c is disposed radially outside the rotor core 32b. A permanent magnet can be used as the rotor magnet 32c. Alternatively, the rotor magnet 32c may be held inside the rotor core 32b.

[0041] The stator 33 surrounds the rotor 32 from the radially outer side. The stator 33 includes a stator core 33a and a coil 33b. The coil 33b is mounted on the stator core 33a. The coil 33b is electrically connected to an inverter 41 (described later) of the inverter unit 40. In addition, an insulator (not shown) is provided between the stator core 33a and the coil 33b.

[0042] Electric power is supplied to the motor 31 configured as described above via the inverter 41 , and the rotor 32 is rotated, thereby outputting torque.

[0043] The inverter unit 40 includes an inverter 41, an inverter control unit 42, and an inverter case 44. The inverter 41 is electrically connected to the motor 31. The inverter 41 controls the current supplied to the motor 31.

[0044] The inverter control unit 42 controls the inverter 41. Specifically, the inverter control unit 42 includes an inverter substrate 43 on which a circuit for controlling the inverter 41 is mounted. The inverter case 44 accommodates the inverter 41, the inverter control unit 42 including the inverter substrate 43, and the like.

[0045] Next, the gear unit 20 will be described. The gear unit 20 is a transmission mechanism that transmits torque output from the motor 31 to an axle (not shown) of the vehicle. Specifically, the gear unit 20 includes a gear device 21 and a gear housing 24 that accommodates the gear device 21 .

[0046] The gear device 21 is connected to the motor 31. The gear device 21 is an example of a gear. In the present embodiment, the gear device 21 includes a reduction gear 22 and a differential device 23.

[0047] The reduction gear 22 outputs the torque input from the motor 31 to the differential device 23. Specifically, the reduction gear 22 includes a first gear 22a, a second gear 22b, a third gear 22c, and an intermediate shaft 22d.

[0048] The first gear 22a is connected to the shaft 32a of the motor 31. The second gear 22b meshes with the first gear 22a. The third gear 22c meshes with the ring gear 23a (described later) of the differential device 23. The intermediate shaft 22d connects the second gear 22b and the third gear 22c. The intermediate shaft 22d extends in an axial direction parallel to the motor axis J and is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown).

[0049] Therefore, in the reduction gear 22 , the torque input from the motor 31 is transmitted to the ring gear 23 a of the differential device 23 via the first gear 22 a , the second gear 22 b , the intermediate shaft 22 d , and the third gear 22 c .

[0050] The differential device 23 outputs the torque input from the reduction device 22 to the axle (not shown) of the vehicle. Specifically, the differential device 23 outputs the torque to the axle of the vehicle while absorbing the speed difference between the left and right wheels when the vehicle turns, for example. In the present embodiment, the differential device 23 includes a ring gear 23a and an output shaft 23b.

[0051] The ring gear 23a meshes with the third gear 22c of the reduction gear 22. The output shaft 23b is a shaft that transmits the power of the motor 31 to the left and right wheels, and is connected to the ring gear 23a. The output shaft 23b extends along an axial direction parallel to the motor axis J and is supported by a bearing (not shown) so as to be rotatable. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the differential device 23 has a differential gear housing, a pinion gear, a pinion gear shaft, etc.

[0052] Therefore, the torque input from the motor 31 via the reduction gear device 22 is transmitted to the output shaft 23 b via the ring gear 23 a and the like, thereby rotating the left and right wheels of the vehicle.

[0053] Oil reservoirs C1 and C2 for storing oil O are provided at the lower parts of the motor housing 35 and the gear housing 24. The oil O is an example of a refrigerant, and the oil reservoirs C1 and C2 are examples of a refrigerant storage part.

[0054] In addition, here, an example is shown in which the oil reservoirs C1 and C2 are provided in both the motor housing 35 and the gear housing 24, but the oil reservoir may be provided in only one of the motor housing 35 and the gear housing 24. That is, it is sufficient as long as the oil reservoir is provided in at least one of the motor housing 35 and the gear housing 24.

[0055] The oil O is used for cooling the motor 31 and lubricating the gear device 21. That is, the oil O functions as cooling oil and lubricating oil. In addition, as the oil O, for example, an oil equivalent to a low-viscosity automatic transmission lubricating oil (ATF: Automatic Transmission Fluid) can be used, but it is not limited thereto.

[0056] The oil O circulates in an oil passage 60 provided in the motor housing 35, the gear housing 24, etc. The oil passage 60 includes a first oil passage 61 and a second oil passage 62. The first oil passage 61 is an oil passage for supplying the oil O to the motor 31 to cool the motor 31. The second oil passage 62 is an oil passage for supplying the oil O to the gear device 21 to lubricate the gear device 21 and supplying the oil O to the motor 31 to cool the motor 31.

[0057] Part or all of the first oil passage 61 and the second oil passage 62 may be flow passages provided in the walls of the motor housing 35 and the gear housing 24 , or may be pipes disposed in the motor housing 35 and the gear housing 24 .

[0058] The pump unit 50 described above is provided in the first oil passage 61. The pump unit 50 includes a pump 51, a cooler 52, and a pump control unit 53. Figure 1 The position of the pump unit 50 shown does not represent the position where the pump unit 50 is actually arranged in the driving device 1. The position where the pump unit 50 including the pump 51 is actually arranged will be described in detail later.

[0059] The pump unit 50 circulates the oil O in the first oil passage 61. Specifically, the pump 51 sucks the oil O in the oil reservoir C2 of the gear housing 24 via the oil passage A1 of the first oil passage 61. The pump 51 sends the sucked oil O to the cooler 52 via the oil passage A2. In the cooler 52, the oil O is cooled, and the cooled oil O flows to the reservoir 36 provided in the motor housing 35 via the oil passage A3. The oil O supplied to the reservoir 36 is supplied to the motor 31 from the upper side of the motor 31 via the oil passage A4. The motor 31 is cooled by the oil O supplied to the motor 31. The oil O that has cooled the motor 31 falls to the oil reservoir C1 located at the lower part of the motor housing 35 and is stored (see the oil passage A5). The oil O accumulated in the oil reservoir C1 flows into the oil reservoir C2 of the gear housing 24 through the communication hole 37 provided in the partition wall that divides the motor housing 35 and the gear housing 24 and connects the two (see the oil passage A6). In this way, the oil O circulates in the first oil passage 61.

[0060] In the second oil passage 62, the oil O in the oil reservoir C2 of the gear case 24 is lifted up by the differential device 23, and the lifted up oil O is supplied to the differential device 23 and the reduction gear 22. The differential device 23 and the reduction gear 22 are lubricated by the oil O supplied thereto.

[0061] In the second oil circuit 62, the oil O lifted by the differential device 23 is also supplied to the reservoir 25 provided in the gear housing 24 (refer to the oil circuit B1). The oil O supplied to the reservoir 25 is supplied to the hollow portion 32a1 of the shaft 32a of the motor 31 via the oil circuit B2. The oil O supplied to the interior of the shaft 32a is supplied to the interior of the motor 31 via the hollow portion 32a1 serving as the oil circuit B3 (refer to the oil circuit B4). The motor 31 is cooled by the oil O supplied to the motor 31. The oil O that has cooled the motor 31 falls to the oil reservoir C1 located at the lower portion of the motor housing 35 and is stored (refer to the oil circuit B5). The oil O accumulated in the oil reservoir C1 flows into the oil reservoir C2 of the gear housing 24 via the above-mentioned connecting hole 37 (refer to the oil circuit A6). In this way, the oil O circulates in the second oil circuit 62.

[0062] In addition, Figure 1 In the embodiment, the pump 51 sucks the oil O from the oil reservoir C1 of the gear housing 24, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the pump 51 may suck the oil O from the oil reservoir C2 of the motor housing 35, or may suck the oil O from both the oil reservoirs C1 and C2.

[0063] The pump control unit 53 of the pump unit 50 controls the pump 51. Specifically, the pump control unit 53 includes a pump substrate 54 on which a circuit for controlling the pump 51 is mounted. The pump control unit 53 including the pump 51 and the pump substrate 54 is housed in a pump housing 55 (see FIG. 1 ) described later. Figure 2). In addition, the cooler 52 may be accommodated in the pump housing 55.

[0064] However, in the driving device 1 including the above-described pump 51 , the driving device 1 may be increased in size depending on the position where the pump 51 is disposed.

[0065] Specifically, the pump control unit 53 that controls the pump 51 is electrically connected to the inverter control unit 42 that controls the inverter 41. The pump substrate 54 of the pump control unit 53 and the inverter substrate 43 of the inverter control unit 42 are electrically connected via a conductive wire including a signal line or the like.

[0066] Here, in the drive device 1, when the pump 51 is arranged away from the inverter unit 40, the pump substrate 54 is also arranged away from the inverter substrate 43. Therefore, the length of the wire connecting the pump substrate 54 and the inverter substrate 43 becomes longer. In the drive device 1, if the length of the wire becomes longer, the area required for laying the wire becomes larger, and as a result, the drive device 1 may be enlarged.

[0067] Furthermore, if the length of the wire is increased, when the drive device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, the wire may be easily vibrated by the vibration of the vehicle and may easily interfere with other components.

[0068] Therefore, in the first embodiment, the pump 51 is disposed at appropriate positions of the motor unit 10 and the drive device 1, thereby suppressing the increase in size of the motor unit 10 and the drive device 1. In addition, in the first embodiment, the pump 51 is less susceptible to the vibration of the vehicle and less likely to interfere with other components.

[0069] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 This structure will be described. Figure 2 It is a side view of the driving device 1 including the motor unit 10 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 It is a plan view of the driving device 1 including the motor unit 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0070] In addition, Figure 2 , Figure 3 and the following Figure 4 In the following drawings, for the sake of simplicity, the configuration of a part of the gear device 21 , the motor 31 , the pump 51 , etc. is shown as a block diagram.

[0071] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in the drive device 1 of the first embodiment, the motor housing 35 is arranged adjacent to the inverter housing 44. Specifically, the motor housing 35 and the inverter housing 44 are arranged in a direction (Y-axis direction) parallel to the motor axis (rotation axis) J of the motor 31. The inverter housing 44 is arranged on the side of the motor housing 35 on the negative side of the Y-axis. In addition, the motor housing 35 and the inverter housing 44 may be integrated or separated.

[0072] As described above, the inverter board 43 of the inverter control unit 42 is housed in the inverter case 44. The inverter board 43 is arranged so that the board thickness direction is parallel to the motor axis (rotation axis) J of the motor 31. In other words, the inverter board 43 is arranged so that the board thickness direction is parallel to the axial direction of the motor 31.

[0073] In the drive device 1, the motor housing 35 is arranged adjacent to the gear housing 24. Specifically, the motor housing 35 and the gear housing 24 are arranged in a direction (Y-axis direction) parallel to the motor axis (rotation axis) J of the motor 31. More specifically, the gear housing 24 is arranged on the side of the motor housing 35 on the positive direction side of the Y-axis. In addition, the motor housing 35 and the gear housing 24 can be integrated or separated.

[0074] The pump 51 of the first embodiment is arranged in the inverter housing 44. In detail, the pump 51 is arranged near the inverter housing 44 and is arranged in a manner connected to the inverter housing 44. Specifically, the pump housing 55 that accommodates the pump 51 is connected to the inverter housing 44. As described above, the pump substrate 54 of the pump control unit 53 is also accommodated in the pump housing 55. In addition, the pump 51 may be partially arranged in the inverter housing 44, or may be entirely arranged in the inverter housing 44. That is, it is sufficient as long as at least a part of the pump 51 is arranged in the inverter housing 44.

[0075] Thus, the pump 51 is arranged near the inverter unit 40. When the pump 51 is arranged close to the inverter unit 40, the pump substrate 54 is also arranged close to the inverter substrate 43. Therefore, compared with a case where the pump substrate 54 and the inverter substrate 43 are located at separate positions, the length of the lead wire 71 connecting the pump substrate 54 and the inverter substrate 43 can be shortened.

[0076] Therefore, in the drive device 1 of the first embodiment, if the length of the wire 71 is shortened, the area required for laying the wire 71 can be reduced, and as a result, it is possible to suppress the size increase of the drive device 1. That is, in the first embodiment, the pump 51 can be arranged at an appropriate position of the motor unit 10 and the drive device 1, and the size increase of the drive device of the motor unit 10 and the drive device 1 can be suppressed.

[0077] In addition, in the first embodiment, the length of the lead wire 71 can be shortened, so that the lead wire 71 can be less susceptible to the vibration of the vehicle and can be less susceptible to interference with other components.

[0078] The pump housing 55 is connected to the inverter housing 44 described above, and is also connected to the motor housing 35. That is, the pump housing 55 is connected to both the motor housing 35 and the inverter housing 44.

[0079] In this way, the pump case 55 is connected not only to the inverter case 44 but also to the motor case 35 , so that the pump 51 housed in the pump case 55 can be stably held.

[0080] like Figure 2 As shown, the pump 51 and the oil reservoir C1 of the motor case 35 are arranged in the horizontal direction (eg, X-axis direction). For example, the suction port (not shown) of the pump 51 is arranged in the horizontal direction with the oil reservoir C1.

[0081] Thus, the distance between the suction port of the pump 51 and the oil reservoir C1 can be shortened, so that the pressure loss of the oil O can be reduced, and the pump 51 can efficiently suck the oil O and discharge it.

[0082] In the above description, the pump 51 and the oil reservoir C1 of the motor housing 35 are arranged in the horizontal direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto and, for example, the pump 51 and the oil reservoir C2 of the gear housing 24 may be arranged in the horizontal direction.

[0083] like Figure 3 As shown, the pump 51 is arranged between the motor housing 35 and the inverter housing 44. Specifically, the pump 51 is arranged on the surface 44a of the outer surface of the inverter housing 44 that faces the motor 31. The pump 51 is arranged in a region d1 divided by the outer surface of the inverter housing 44 (here, the surface 44a) and the outer surface of the motor housing 35 (here, the surface 35a).

[0084] Thus, by arranging the pump 51 at the above-mentioned position, the length of the lead wire 71 can be shortened, and the increase in size of the driving device 1 can be suppressed.

[0085] As described above, the motor unit 10 of the first embodiment includes the motor housing 35, the inverter housing 44, and the pump 51. The motor housing 35 accommodates the motor 31. The inverter housing 44 accommodates the inverter 41 electrically connected to the motor 31. At least a portion of the pump 51 is disposed in the inverter housing 44. Thus, the pump 51 can be disposed at appropriate positions of the motor unit 10 and the drive device 1, and the motor unit 10 and the drive device 1 can be prevented from being enlarged.

[0086] <Second embodiment>

[0087] Next, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5A second embodiment will be described. Figure 4 It is a side view of the driving device 1 including the motor unit 10 according to the second embodiment. Figure 5 This is a side view of a drive device 1 including a motor unit 10 according to a second embodiment when viewed from the motor axis direction.

[0088] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in the drive device 1 of the second embodiment, the motor housing 35 and the inverter housing 44 are arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. Specifically, the motor housing 35 and the inverter housing 44 are arranged in a row along a direction (axial direction E) perpendicular to the motor axis (rotation axis) J of the motor 31. In addition, the perpendicular direction includes the vertical direction, but is not limited to this.

[0089] More specifically, the inverter case 44 is arranged in parallel on the upper surface of the motor case 35 on the positive side in the Z axis direction. In the second embodiment, the motor case 35 and the inverter case 44 may be integrated or separate.

[0090] The inverter case 44 accommodates the inverter substrate 43. The inverter substrate 43 is arranged so that the plate thickness direction of the inverter substrate 43 is perpendicular to the motor axis (rotation axis) J of the motor 31 (axial direction E). In other words, the inverter substrate 43 is arranged so that the plate thickness direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of the motor 31.

[0091] like Figure 5 As shown, the pump 51 of the second embodiment is arranged between the motor housing 35 and the inverter housing 44. Specifically, the pump 51 is arranged on the surface 44a of the outer surface of the inverter housing 44 that faces the motor 31. More specifically, the pump 51 is arranged in a region d2 divided by the outer surface of the inverter housing 44 (here, the surface 44a) and the outer surface of the motor housing 35 (here, the surface 35a).

[0092] As described above, in the second embodiment, by arranging the pump 51 at the above-mentioned position, the length of the lead wire 71 can be shortened, and thus an increase in the size of the drive device 1 can be suppressed.

[0093] <Third embodiment>

[0094] Next, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 A third embodiment will be described. Figure 6 It is a side view of the driving device 1 including the motor unit 10 according to the third embodiment. Figure 7 It is a plan view of a driving device 1 including a motor unit 10 according to a third embodiment.

[0095] In the third embodiment and the fourth and subsequent embodiments described later, the motor case 35 and the inverter case 44 are arranged in a direction (Y-axis direction) parallel to the motor axis J of the motor 31 as in the first embodiment.

[0096] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in the pump unit 50 of the third embodiment, the pump control unit 53 is accommodated in the inverter case 44. Specifically, the pump substrate 54 of the pump control unit 53 is accommodated in the inverter case 44.

[0097] The pump substrate 54 is disposed so that the thickness direction of the pump substrate 54 is parallel to the motor axis (rotation axis) J of the motor 31 . In other words, the pump substrate 54 is disposed so that the thickness direction of the pump substrate 54 is parallel to the axial direction of the motor 31 .

[0098] In this way, by housing the pump control unit 53 including the pump substrate 54 in the inverter case 44 , the length of the lead wire 71 can be shortened, and an increase in the size of the drive device 1 can be suppressed.

[0099] In addition, the inverter substrate 43 and the pump substrate 54 may be formed as the same substrate, thereby omitting the wire 71 itself. In this way, the wire 71 can be omitted, thereby further suppressing the enlargement of the drive device 1. In addition, by omitting the wire 71, it is less likely to be affected by the vibration of the vehicle and less likely to interfere with other components. By omitting the wire 71, the number of components can be reduced, and the cost of the drive device 1 can also be reduced.

[0100] <Fourth embodiment>

[0101] Next, refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 8 It is a side view of the driving device 1 including the motor unit 10 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 9 It is a plan view of a driving device 1 including a motor unit 10 according to a fourth embodiment.

[0102] like Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 4 , a portion of the pump 51 of the fourth embodiment is located inside the inverter case 44. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , an example is shown in which a part of the pump 51 is located inside the inverter case 44, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the entire pump 51 may be located inside the inverter case 44. That is, as long as at least a part of the pump 51 is located inside the inverter case 44, it will suffice.

[0103] Specifically, the inverter housing 44 has a hole 45. The hole 45 has an opening 45a in the axial direction of the motor 31. The pump 51 is located inside the hole 45. In other words, the pump housing 55 that accommodates the pump 51 is located inside the hole 45. In other words, the pump housing 55 passes through the hole 45. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In FIG. 1 , an example is shown in which the pump housing 55 accommodating the pump 51 has the through hole 45 , but the present invention is not limited thereto and may have a non-through structure.

[0104] Thus, by arranging the pump 51 at the above-mentioned position in the inverter case 44 , the length of the lead wire 71 can be shortened, and increase in size of the drive device 1 can be suppressed.

[0105] In addition, when the pump housing 55 passes through the hole 45, the pump 51 can be assembled to the pump housing 55 from any of the two directions in the axial direction of the motor 31 (i.e., from the positive side of the Y axis toward the negative direction and from the negative side of the Y axis toward the positive direction). This can improve the ease of assembly of the pump 51.

[0106] <Fifth embodiment>

[0107] Next, refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11 A fifth embodiment will be described. Fig.10 It is a side view of the driving device 1 including the motor unit 10 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig.11 It is a top view of the drive device 1 including the motor unit 10 of the fifth embodiment. The fifth embodiment is an embodiment obtained by combining the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment described above.

[0108] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , a part of the pump 51 of the fifth embodiment is located inside the inverter case 44 . Specifically, the pump 51 is located inside the hole 45 of the inverter case 44 .

[0109] The pump control unit 53 is accommodated in the inverter case 44 . Specifically, the pump substrate 54 of the pump control unit 53 is accommodated in the inverter case 44 .

[0110] The pump substrate 54 is disposed so that the thickness direction of the pump substrate 54 is parallel to the motor axis (rotation axis) J of the motor 31 . In other words, the pump substrate 54 is disposed so that the thickness direction of the pump substrate 54 is parallel to the axial direction of the motor 31 .

[0111] Thus, in the fifth embodiment, the pump 51 is located inside the inverter case 44, and the pump control unit 53 is accommodated in the inverter case 44. Thus, in the fifth embodiment, the length of the lead wire 71 can be further shortened, and the size of the drive device 1 can be further suppressed.

[0112] In addition, the inverter substrate 43 and the pump substrate 54 of the fifth embodiment may be configured as the same substrate, thereby omitting the wire 71. In this way, by omitting the wire 71, the size of the drive device 1 can be further suppressed. In addition, by omitting the wire 71, it is less likely to be affected by the vibration of the vehicle and less likely to interfere with other components. By omitting the wire 71, the number of components can be reduced, and the cost of the drive device 1 can also be reduced.

[0113] <Sixth embodiment>

[0114] Next, refer to Fig.12 and Fig.13 A sixth embodiment will be described. Fig.12 It is a side view of the driving device 1 including the motor unit 10 according to the sixth embodiment. Fig.13 1 is a plan view of a drive device 1 having a motor unit 10 according to a sixth embodiment. The drive device 1 according to the sixth embodiment is obtained by adding a flow path 80 described later to the drive device 1 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0115] like Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, the motor unit 10 of the sixth embodiment includes a flow path 80 . The flow path 80 cools the inverter control unit 42 and the pump control unit 53 .

[0116] Specifically, a refrigerant such as water flows inside the flow path 80. The flow path 80 includes a first flow path 80a through which the refrigerant pumped by a cooling pump (not shown) flows, and a second flow path 80b through which the refrigerant that has cooled the inverter control unit 42 and the like flows toward the cooling pump. In addition, a cooler that cools the refrigerant flowing in the flow path 80 may be provided in the flow path 80.

[0117] In addition, in the above, an example is shown in which the flow path 80 cools both the inverter control unit 42 and the pump control unit 53, but it can also be a structure that cools either the inverter control unit 42 or the pump control unit 53. That is, the flow path 80 only needs to cool at least one of the inverter control unit 42 and the pump control unit 53.

[0118] The flow path 80, the inverter substrate 43 of the inverter control unit 42, and the pump substrate 54 of the pump control unit 53 are arranged along the plate thickness direction of the pump substrate 54. The flow path 80 and the pump 51 are arranged along the direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction.

[0119] Specifically, the first flow path 80a extends along the inverter substrate 43 and the pump substrate 54, and passes through the vicinity of the inverter substrate 43 and the pump substrate 54. In addition, the first flow path 80a passes through the vicinity of the pump 51.

[0120] In the sixth embodiment, the pump 51 is located inside the inverter case 44, and the pump control unit 53 is accommodated in the inverter case 44. Therefore, in the inverter case 44, a space (useless space) is sometimes generated between the pump 51 and the inverter control unit 42 and the pump control unit 53. In the sixth embodiment, by arranging the flow path 80 in this space, the space in the inverter case 44 can be effectively utilized, so that the size of the drive device 1 can be suppressed.

[0121] <Seventh embodiment>

[0122] Next, refer to Fig.14 and Fig.15 A seventh embodiment will be described. Fig.14 It is a side view of the driving device 1 including the motor unit 10 according to the seventh embodiment. Fig.15 1 is a plan view of a drive device 1 having a motor unit 10 according to a seventh embodiment. The drive device 1 according to the seventh embodiment is a structure in which the arrangement of the flow path 80 in the drive device 1 according to the sixth embodiment is changed.

[0123] like Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, the flow path 80 of the seventh embodiment cools the inverter control unit 42 and the pump control unit 53, and also cools the pump 51. Specifically, the flow path 80 extends along the outer side surface 51a of the pump 51. More specifically, the flow path 80 surrounds the outer side surface 51a of the pump 51 and extends in the circumferential direction.

[0124] In other words, the flow path 80 extends along the outer side surface 55a of the pump case 55 that accommodates the pump 51. More specifically, the flow path 80 surrounds the outer side surface 55a of the pump case 55 and extends in the circumferential direction.

[0125] Thus, in the seventh embodiment, the inverter substrate 43 , the pump substrate 54 , and the pump 51 can be cooled through the flow path 80 .

[0126] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the pump 51 uses oil O as a refrigerant to cool the motor 31, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the pump 51 may use other fluids such as water as a refrigerant to cool the motor 31 (for example, a water pump).

[0127] In the above description, an example in which the pump unit 50 includes the cooler 52 is shown, but a configuration not including the cooler 52 is also possible.

[0128] In addition, the present technology can adopt the following structures.

[0129] (1) A motor unit includes: a motor case that accommodates a motor; an inverter case that accommodates an inverter that is electrically connected to the motor; and a pump, at least a portion of the pump being disposed in the inverter case.

[0130] (2) The motor unit according to (1), wherein a pump housing that houses the pump is connected to the motor housing and the inverter housing.

[0131] (3) The motor unit according to (1) or (2), wherein the motor housing has a refrigerant reservoir in which the refrigerant sucked by the pump is accumulated, and the pump and the refrigerant reservoir are arranged in a horizontal direction.

[0132] (4) The motor unit according to any one of (1) to (3), further comprising a pump control unit that controls the pump, wherein the pump control unit is housed in the inverter case.

[0133] (5) The motor unit according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the motor housing and the inverter housing are arranged in a direction parallel to a rotation axis of the motor, and the pump is arranged between the motor housing and the inverter housing.

[0134] (6) The motor unit according to (5), wherein the pump is arranged on a surface of an outer surface of the inverter case that faces the motor.

[0135] (7) The motor unit according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the motor housing and the inverter housing are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the motor, and the pump is arranged between the motor housing and the inverter housing.

[0136] (8) The motor unit according to (7), wherein the pump is arranged on a surface of an outer surface of the inverter case that faces the motor.

[0137] (9) The motor unit according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein at least a portion of the pump is located inside the inverter case.

[0138] (10) The motor unit according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the inverter case has a hole portion having an opening in the axial direction of the motor, and the pump is located inside the hole portion.

[0139] (11) A motor unit according to (9) or (10), wherein the motor unit comprises: a pump control unit having a pump substrate, the pump control unit controlling the pump; and an inverter control unit having an inverter substrate, the inverter control unit controlling the inverter, the inverter housing having a flow path for cooling at least one of the inverter control unit and the pump control unit, the flow path being arranged along a plate thickness direction of the pump substrate with at least one of the pump substrate and the inverter substrate, and being arranged along a direction perpendicular to the plate thickness direction with the pump.

[0140] (12) The motor unit according to any one of (9) to (11), wherein the inverter case has a flow path for cooling an inverter control unit that controls the inverter, and the flow path extends along an outer side surface of the pump.

[0141] (13) A drive device comprising: the motor unit according to any one of (1) to (12); and a gear housing that houses a gear connected to the motor.

[0142] (14) The drive device according to (13), wherein at least one of the motor housing and the gear housing has a refrigerant storage portion in which the refrigerant sucked by the pump is stored.

[0143] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and non-restrictive in all aspects. In fact, the above embodiments can be implemented in many ways. In addition, the above embodiments can also be omitted, replaced, and changed in various ways without departing from the attached claims and their gist.

[0144] Description of symbols

[0145] 1: drive device; 10: motor unit; 31: motor; 35: motor housing; 41: inverter; 44: inverter housing; 51: pump.

Claims

1. A motor unit comprising: a motor housing that accommodates the motor; an inverter housing for housing an inverter electrically connected to the motor; and Pump, At least a portion of the pump is disposed in the inverter housing.

2. The motor unit according to claim 1, wherein: A pump housing that houses the pump is connected to the motor housing and the inverter housing.

3. The motor unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The motor housing has a refrigerant storage portion for storing the refrigerant sucked by the pump. The pump and the refrigerant storage portion are arranged in a horizontal direction.

4. The motor unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The motor unit includes a pump control unit for controlling the pump. The pump control unit is accommodated in the inverter case.

5. The motor unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The motor housing and the inverter housing are arranged in parallel with a rotation axis of the motor. The pump is arranged between the motor case and the inverter case.

6. The motor unit according to claim 5, wherein: The pump is arranged on a surface of the outer side surface of the inverter case that faces the motor.

7. The motor unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The motor housing and the inverter housing are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the motor. The pump is arranged between the motor case and the inverter case.

8. The motor unit according to claim 7, wherein: The pump is arranged on a surface of the outer side surface of the inverter case that faces the motor.

9. The motor unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least a portion of the pump is located inside the inverter housing.

10. The motor unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The inverter housing has a hole portion having an opening in the axial direction of the motor. The pump is located inside the bore.

11. The motor unit according to claim 9, wherein: The motor unit has: a pump control unit having a pump substrate, the pump control unit controlling the pump; and an inverter control unit having an inverter substrate, the inverter control unit controlling the inverter, The inverter case has a flow path for cooling at least one of the inverter control unit and the pump control unit. The flow path is arranged along a thickness direction of the pump substrate and at least one of the pump substrate and the inverter substrate, and is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and along a direction perpendicular to the pump.

12. The motor unit according to claim 9, wherein: The inverter housing has a flow path for cooling an inverter control unit that controls the inverter. The flow path extends along an outer side surface of the pump.

13. A driving device, comprising: The motor unit according to claim 1 or 2; and The gear housing accommodates a gear connected to the motor.

14. The driving device according to claim 13, wherein: At least one of the motor housing and the gear housing includes a refrigerant storage portion in which the refrigerant sucked by the pump is stored.

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