Vehicle drive device

Abstract

Disclosed is a drive device for a vehicle, which is provided with: a housing; a power transmission mechanism capable of transmitting power from the power source to the wheels; the power transmission mechanism includes: a rotating shaft member that is disposed in the first housing chamber of the housing, extends in the axial direction, and rotates about an axis during power transmission; and a rotating body that is disposed in the second housing chamber of the housing, rotates in conjunction with the rotating shaft member, and is capable of scraping up oil accumulated below the housing chamber, the rotating shaft member being supported by the housing via a bearing at an axial end portion on a side distant from the partition wall portion in the axial direction, and the rotating body being capable of rotating in conjunction with the rotating shaft member. The oil passage structure has a first through-hole formed in the axial direction of the partition wall portion and an oil passage portion extending in the axial direction in the first housing chamber, and supplies oil scraped up by the rotating body in the second housing chamber to the bearing via the first through-hole and the oil passage portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a drive device for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] A technique is known that allows oil injected from one of two oil pumps to be supplied to the bearings of the rotor shaft, and oil injected from the other oil pump to be supplied to the axial oil passage of the rotor shaft.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Patent Publication No. 2020 / 203909 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, since the oil supply is achieved by using a mechanical oil pump driven by the driving force transmitted in the power transmission path, there is a problem of reduced drive efficiency related to the vehicle drive unit due to the losses caused by the driving of the oil pump.

[0008] Therefore, in one aspect, the object of the present invention is to supply oil to the side axially away from the oil scraping side without using an oil pump driven by a driving force transmitted through a power transmission path.

[0009] Technical solutions to the problem

[0010] In one aspect, a vehicle drive system is provided, comprising: The casing forms a receiving chamber for oil flow, the receiving chamber including a first receiving chamber and a second receiving chamber that are axially adjacent to each other by a partition wall; A power transmission mechanism, disposed in the housing, is capable of transmitting power from the power source to the wheels; and An oil passage structure, at least a portion of which is formed on the housing; The power transmission mechanism includes: A rotating shaft component, disposed within the first receiving chamber, extending axially, and rotating about the shaft during power transmission; and A rotating body, disposed in the second receiving chamber, rotates in conjunction with the rotating shaft component and is capable of scraping up the oil accumulated at the bottom of the receiving chamber; The axial end of the rotating shaft component on the side axially away from the partition is supported by the housing via a bearing; The oil passage structure has a first through hole formed in the partition wall portion and an oil passage portion extending axially in the first receiving chamber, which supplies oil scraped by the rotating body in the second receiving chamber to the bearing via the first through hole and the oil passage portion.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] In one aspect, according to the invention, oil can be supplied to the side axially away from the scraping side of the oil without using an oil pump driven by a driving force transmitted through a power transmission path. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 It is a top-down schematic diagram showing the vehicle's drive unit in its mounted state.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main parts of the vehicle drive unit in Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 2A It is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the drive unit for a vehicle.

[0016] Figure 2B This is a diagram that roughly illustrates the flow of oil in the vehicle drive unit of Embodiment 1.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the motor housing of Embodiment 1 as viewed from the first axial side A1.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the cover component of Embodiment 1 as viewed from the second axial side A2.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the cover component of Embodiment 1 as viewed from the second axial side A2.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the oil circuit structure of the shell in Example 1.

[0021] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the vehicle drive unit in Embodiment 2.

[0022] Figure 7A This is a diagram that roughly illustrates the flow of oil in the vehicle drive unit of Embodiment 2.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a top view, schematically showing a portion of the motor housing of Embodiment 2, viewed axially from the first axial side A1.

[0024] Figure 9It represents a part of the motor housing in Embodiment 2. Figure 8 A 3D model of the Q81 (surroundings).

[0025] Figure 10 It represents a part of the motor housing in Embodiment 2. Figure 8 A 3D model of the Q82 (surroundings).

[0026] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the cover component of Embodiment 2 as viewed from the second axial side A2.

[0027] Figure 11A It is a part of the cover component of embodiment 2 ( Figure 11 A 3D model of the Q11 peripherals.

[0028] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view taken from the plane (a plane perpendicular to the X direction) of the tubular portion formed at the bottom of the cover member in Embodiment 2.

[0029] Figure 13 It is a part of the cover component of embodiment 2 ( Figure 8 A 3D model of the Q13 peripherals.

[0030] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the oil circuit structure of the housing in Example 2, and the diagram uses arrows to roughly indicate the oil flow to the bearing.

[0031] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the oil passage structure of the housing in Example 2, and the arrows are used to roughly indicate the oil flow to the bearing 245. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the dimensions and proportions in the drawings are merely illustrative and not limiting. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, shapes and other details in the drawings are sometimes exaggerated. Additionally, in the drawings, for ease of observation, sometimes only partial reference numerals are used to label multiple parts with the same properties.

[0033] The orientation of each component in the following description refers to their orientation when assembled on the vehicle drive unit 100. Furthermore, the terms used regarding the size, orientation, and position of each component are concepts that include variations due to errors (errors within the permissible range of manufacturing).

[0034] In this specification, "drive connection" refers to a state in which two rotating elements are connected in a manner capable of transmitting driving force (synonymous with torque), including a state in which the two rotating elements are connected in a manner that allows the two rotating elements to rotate as a single unit, or a state in which the two rotating elements are connected in a manner that allows the driving force to be transmitted via one or more transmission components. Such transmission components include various components that transmit rotation at the same speed or at varying speeds (e.g., shafts, gear mechanisms, belts, chains, etc.). It should be noted that transmission components may also include engagement devices that selectively transmit rotation and driving force (e.g., friction engagement devices, meshing engagement devices, etc.).

[0035] In this specification, "rotary electric machine" is used as a concept encompassing a motor, a generator, and a motor-generator that performs both functions as needed. Furthermore, regarding the configuration of two components, "overlapping when viewed from a specific direction" means that, when a virtual straight line parallel to the viewing direction is moved in directions orthogonal to that virtual straight line, at least a portion of the area where the virtual straight line intersects both components exists. Additionally, regarding the configuration of two components, "overlapping configuration areas in a specific direction" means that at least a portion of the configuration area in a specific direction of one component is included within the configuration area in a specific direction of the other component.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a top-view schematic diagram showing the vehicle drive unit 100 in the vehicle VC being installed. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the vehicle drive unit 100. Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the vehicle drive unit 100. Figure 2B This is a diagram that schematically illustrates the flow of oil in the vehicle drive unit 100 of this embodiment. Figure 2B In the diagram, the oil accumulated in the lower part of the shell 2 (the lower part of the containment chamber SP) is schematically represented by a shaded area, and the flow of the oil is roughly represented by arrows such as R21. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the motor housing 250 as viewed from the first axial side A1. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the cover component 252 as viewed from the second axial side A2.

[0037] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4In this diagram, a first direction X and a second direction Y are defined. Let the first direction X, the second direction Y, and axis A be three mutually orthogonal axes, with the second direction Y having a vertical component. In this case, the second direction Y, when mounted on the vehicle drive unit 100 in the vehicle VC, can be parallel to the direction of gravity (vertical direction) or tilted. For example, the vehicle drive unit 100 can be mounted on the vehicle VC with the first side Y1 of the second direction as its upper side and the second side Y2 of the second direction as its lower side. Alternatively, the vehicle drive unit 100 can be mounted on the vehicle VC with the first side X1 of the first direction as its front side (front side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction) and the second side X2 of the first direction as its rear side (rear side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction). Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle drive unit 100 can be mounted in the vehicle VC at a position relative to the center of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction, or at a position relative to the center of the vehicle VC in the longitudinal direction. Thus, when the vehicle drive unit 100 is mounted in the vehicle VC at a position relative to the center of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction, the pair of wheels W driven by the vehicle drive unit 100 can be, for example, a pair of left and right rear wheels.

[0038] When the vehicle VC has a pair of front wheels on the left and right and a pair of rear wheels on the left and right, one of the pair of front wheels on the left and right and the pair of rear wheels on the left and right is not driven by the vehicle's drive unit 100 (in... Figure 1 The example shown (showing a pair of rear wheels) can also be driven by a drive device other than the vehicle drive unit 100. This drive device, other than the vehicle drive unit 100, could be, for example, a drive device that transmits the output torque of an internal combustion engine to the pair of wheels being driven, a drive device that transmits the output torque of a rotary electric motor (different from the rotary electric motor 1 included in the vehicle drive unit 100) to the pair of wheels being driven, or a drive device that transmits the output torque of both the internal combustion engine and the rotary electric motor (different from the rotary electric motor 1 included in the vehicle drive unit 100) to the pair of wheels being driven. Alternatively, the drive device other than the vehicle drive unit 100 could be a drive device with the same structure as the vehicle drive unit 100.

[0039] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 and Figure 2A As schematically shown, the vehicle drive unit 100 includes: a rotary motor 1; a pair of output components 6, each connected to a pair of wheels W (see reference). Figure 1 The drive unit 100 for vehicles also includes a housing 2 that houses the rotary motor 1. The housing 2 also houses the pair of output components 6 and the transmission mechanism 3.

[0040] The first output component 61, which is one of a pair of output components 6, is driven connected to the first wheel W1, which is one of a pair of wheels W, and the second output component 62, which is the other of a pair of output components 6, is driven connected to the second wheel W2, which is the other of a pair of wheels W. Figure 1 As shown, a vehicle VC equipped with a vehicle drive unit 100 includes: a first drive shaft 63 that rotates integrally with a first wheel W1 and a second drive shaft 64 that rotates integrally with a second wheel W2. The first drive shaft 63 is connected to the first wheel W1, for example, via a constant velocity joint, and the second drive shaft 64 is connected to the second wheel W2, for example, via a constant velocity joint. Furthermore, a first output component 61 is connected to the first drive shaft 63 in a manner that rotates integrally with the first drive shaft 63, and a second output component 62 is connected to the second drive shaft 64 in a manner that rotates integrally with the second drive shaft 64.

[0041] The vehicle drive unit 100 transmits the output torque of the rotary motor 1 to a pair of wheels W via a pair of output components 6, thereby driving the vehicle VC equipped with the vehicle drive unit 100. That is, the rotary motor 1 is the driving force source for the pair of wheels W. The pair of wheels W are the left and right pairs of wheels in the vehicle VC (e.g., a pair of front wheels or a pair of rear wheels). The rotary motor 1 can be, for example, an AC rotary motor driven by a three-phase AC motor. The rotary motor 1 is electrically connected to a battery BA (including an energy storage device such as a capacitor) via an inverter device (not shown) that performs power conversion between DC and AC power, and receives power from the battery BA to operate, or supplies electricity generated by the inertial force of the vehicle VC to the energy storage device for energy storage.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the rotary motor 1 and the pair of output components 6 are respectively arranged on two parallel axes (specifically, the first axis C1 and the second axis C2). Specifically, the rotary motor 1 is arranged on the first axis C1, and the pair of output components 6 are arranged on the second axis C2, which is different from the first axis C1. The first axis C1 and the second axis C2 are axes arranged parallel to each other (virtual axes). The transmission mechanism 3 is coaxial with the pair of output components 6 (i.e., on the second axis C2) and has an output gear (ring gear) 30 that is drivenly connected to at least one of the pair of output components 6.

[0043] like Figure 1As shown, the vehicle drive unit 100 is mounted on the vehicle VC along axis A in the left-right direction of the vehicle. Axis A is a direction parallel to the first shaft C1 and the second shaft C2; in other words, it is a shared axis between the first shaft C1 and the second shaft C2. That is, axis A is the direction in which the rotation axis of the rotary motor 1 extends, and it is also the direction in which the rotation axes of the pair of output components 6 extend. Here, one side of axis A is designated as the first axial side A1, and the other side of axis A (the side of axis A opposite to the first axial side A1) is designated as the second axial side A2. The first axial side A1 is the side of axis A in which the rotary motor 1 is positioned relative to the transmission mechanism 3. Figure 2A As shown, the first output component 61 is one of a pair of output components 6 disposed on the first axial side A1, and the second output component 62 is one of a pair of output components 6 disposed on the second axial side A2.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle drive unit 100 can be mounted on the vehicle VC with the first axial side A1 representing the left side of the vehicle and the second axial side A2 representing the right side of the vehicle. In this case, the first wheel W1 driven by the first output unit 61 is the left wheel, and the second wheel W2 driven by the second output unit 62 is the right wheel. Figure 1 In this context, we envision a vehicle drive unit 100 as a front-wheel drive system that drives the left and right front wheels. Therefore, in Figure 1 In the example shown, the first wheel W1 is the left front wheel, and the second wheel W2 is the right front wheel.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the rotary motor 1 includes a rotor 10 and a stator 11. The stator 11 is fixed to the housing 2, and the rotor 10 is rotatably supported by the housing 2 relative to the stator 11. The rotary motor 1 can be an inner rotor type rotary motor, in which case the rotor 10 can be arranged radially inside the stator 11, overlapping the stator 11 when viewed radially. Here, radial refers to the radial direction based on the first axis C1, in other words, the radial direction based on the rotation axis of the rotary motor 1.

[0046] The stator 11 has a stator core 12 and coil ends 13 protruding from the stator core 12 in the axial direction A. A coil is wound and mounted on the stator core 12, and the portion of the coil protruding from the stator core 12 in the axial direction A forms the coil ends 13. The coil ends 13 are formed on both sides of the stator core 12 in the axial direction A.

[0047] The transmission mechanism 3 includes an intermediate gear mechanism 4 along the power transmission path between the rotary motor 1 and the output gear 30. It should be noted that, in a modified example, a reduction mechanism using planetary gears or the like can be used instead of the intermediate gear mechanism 4. In this case, a dual-axis structure that eliminates the third axis C3 can be implemented instead of a three-axis structure.

[0048] In this embodiment, the intermediate gear mechanism 4 is disposed on a shaft (i.e., the third shaft C3) that is offset relative to the input component 16, which is coaxial with the rotary motor 1. It should be noted that the input component 16 is connected to the rotor 10 in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally with the rotor 10. Figure 2 In the example shown, the vehicle drive unit 100 includes a rotor shaft 15 to which the rotor 10 is fixed, and an input component 16 is connected to the rotor shaft 15 in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally with the rotor shaft 15. Specifically, a portion of the input component 16 on its axial first side A1 can be connected to a portion of the rotor shaft 15 on its axial second side A2 (in this case, a spline connection). Alternatively, the vehicle drive unit 100 may be constructed in a structure where the rotor shaft 15 and the input component 16 are integrally formed from a single piece.

[0049] The intermediate gear mechanism 4 has an intermediate shaft 41, a first intermediate gear 42, and a second intermediate gear 43.

[0050] The intermediate shaft 41 is a rotating shaft component that rotates about the third shaft C3. The third shaft C3 extends parallel to the first shaft C1. The first intermediate gear 42 is the input element of the intermediate gear mechanism 4. The first intermediate gear 42 meshes with the input gear 17 of the input component 16. The first intermediate gear 42 is connected to the intermediate shaft 41 in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally with the intermediate shaft 41.

[0051] The second intermediate gear 43 is the output element of the intermediate gear mechanism 4. In this embodiment, as an example, the diameter of the second intermediate gear 43 is smaller than the diameter of the first intermediate gear 42. The second intermediate gear 43 is mounted on the intermediate shaft 41 in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally with the intermediate shaft 41.

[0052] The differential gear mechanism 5 is mounted on a second shaft C2, which serves as its rotation axis. The differential gear mechanism 5 distributes the driving force transmitted from the rotary motor 1 to a pair of output components 6. The differential gear mechanism 5 can be coaxially configured with the pair of output components 6 (i.e., mounted on the second shaft C2). The differential gear mechanism 5 distributes the driving force transmitted from the rotary motor 1 to the output gear 30 to the pair of output components 6. That is, the output gear 30 is drivenly connected to both the differential gear mechanism 5 and the pair of output components 6. It should be noted that the differential gear mechanism 5 can be a bevel gear type differential gear mechanism, and the output gear 30 can be connected to the differential housing 50, which rotates integrally with the differential housing 50 of the differential gear mechanism 5.

[0053] Here, refer to Figure 2 The structure of shell 2 will be further explained.

[0054] The housing 2 can be formed, for example, from aluminum. The housing 2 can be formed by casting or the like. The housing 2 includes a motor housing 250, a cover component 252, and a gearbox component 254.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, the motor housing 250 forms a motor housing chamber SP1 that houses the rotary motor 1. It should be noted that the motor housing SP1 can be an oil-tight space containing oil for cooling and / or lubricating the rotary motor 1 (and / or the transmission mechanism 3). The motor housing 250 has a peripheral wall portion 2501 surrounding the radially outer side of the rotary motor 1. The motor housing 250 can also be implemented by combining multiple components.

[0056] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the motor housing 250 has a partition 26 that separates the motor housing SP1 and the gear housing SP2 along the axial direction A. The partition 26 is opposite the bottom 2521 (described later) of the cover member 252 along the axial direction A. A through hole 2640, described later, is formed in the partition 26 along the axial direction A. As described later, the through hole 2640 is provided to allow oil in the gear housing SP2 to flow to the motor housing SP1.

[0057] A joint portion 2502 for the gearbox component 254 and a bearing support portion 2504 for the bearing 241 are formed on the second axial side A2 of the partition wall portion 26. Additionally, a bearing support portion 2534 for the bearing 243 is formed on the second axial side A2 of the partition wall portion 26. Furthermore, the bearing support portion 2534 is concentrically formed with respect to the third shaft C3. Figure 2 As shown, bearing 243 is disposed radially outer at the end of the intermediate shaft 41 on the axial first side A1. Specifically, the radially outer side of the outer ring of bearing 243 is supported by bearing support portion 2534, and the radially inner side of the inner ring is supported by the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate shaft 41. It should be noted that, as Figure 2B As indicated by arrow R25, oil flowing along the partition 26 can be supplied to the bearing 243 by its own weight.

[0058] The cover member 252 is attached to the axial first side A1 of the motor housing 250. The cover member 252 is shaped like a cover that covers the axial first side A1 of the motor housing SP1. In this case, the cover member 252 can cover the opening of the axial first side A1 of the motor housing 250 completely or substantially completely. It should be noted that a portion of the axial first side A1 of the motor housing SP1 can also be formed by the cover member 252.

[0059] The cover member 252 is provided with a bearing 240 that rotatably supports the rotor 10. That is, the cover member 252 has a bearing support portion 2524 that supports the bearing 240.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, the bearing 240 is disposed radially inside the end of the rotor shaft 15 on the axial first side A1. Specifically, the radially outer side of the outer ring of the bearing 240 is supported by the inner circumferential surface of the rotor shaft 15, and the radially inner side of the inner ring is supported by the cover member 252. Figure 2 As shown, bearing 241 is disposed radially outside the end of the second axial side A2 of rotor shaft 15. Specifically, the radially outer side of the outer ring of bearing 241 is supported by partition 26, and the radially inner side of the inner ring is supported by the outer circumferential surface of rotor shaft 15.

[0061] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the cover component 252 includes a circular bottom 2521 centered on a first shaft C1 and a peripheral wall portion 2522 protruding from the outer periphery of the bottom 2521 toward an axial second side A2. The end face of the peripheral wall portion 2522 on the axial second side A2 is engaged with the motor housing 250. A cylindrical bearing support portion 2524 protruding toward the axial second side A2 is formed in the central portion of the bottom 2521 (the portion centered on the first shaft C1). It should be noted that the bearing support portion 2524 is formed concentrically with the first shaft C1 as the center.

[0062] The gearbox component 254 forms a gear housing chamber SP2 for housing the transmission mechanism 3. It should be noted that the gear housing chamber SP2 can be an oil-tight space communicating with the motor housing chamber SP1. The gearbox component 254 is coupled to the axial second side A2 of the motor housing 250. In this embodiment, the gearbox component 254 is coupled to the motor housing 250 at the coupling portion 2502 such that the mating surface 2548 abuts against the corresponding mating surface 2508 of the motor housing 250 in the axial direction A. The gearbox component 254 is shaped like a cover covering the axial second side A2 of the gear housing chamber SP2, having a peripheral wall portion 2542 surrounding the radially outer side of the transmission mechanism 3. The gearbox component 254 can also be implemented by combining multiple components. It should be noted that a portion of the axial first side A1 of the gear housing chamber SP2 can also be formed by the motor housing 250.

[0063] Next, refer to Figure 2B and Figure 3 The oil circuit structure of this embodiment will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, hereinafter, without specifically distinguishing between the motor housing SP1 and the gear housing SP2, they will also be referred to simply as housing SP. Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is an explanatory diagram of the cover component 252A of the modified example. Figure 5This is a perspective view showing a portion of the cover component 252A as seen from the second axial side A2. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the oil passage structure of casing 2A.

[0064] In this embodiment, instead of using only the so-called forced lubrication method of an oil pump (mechanical or electric oil pump 82), the oil is circulated within the vehicle drive unit 100 by using a lubrication method that scrapes and lubricates the oil by the rotation of gears (natural lubrication method). However, in a modified example, forced lubrication may be used alone.

[0065] Specifically, in this embodiment, the oil accumulated in the lower part of the containment chamber SP is scraped up by the rotation of the output gear 30 (so-called differential gear ring) of the differential gear mechanism 5 (see reference). Figure 2B (Arrow R20) is used to supply oil to each lubricated object. For example, oil in the gear housing SP2 is drawn by an electric oil pump 82 through a filter 80 and oil passage 81 (arrows R300, R302), and cooled by an oil cooler 90 that can be installed on the gearbox component 254 (arrows R303, R304, etc.). It should be noted that in Figure 2B In the diagram, lines 81 and 84 with arrows schematically represent oil passages leading to the oil cooler 90, and arrow R200 indicates the flow of cooling water. Oil from the electric oil pump 82 can be supplied via oil passage 86 to the axial oil passage 15a of the rotor shaft 15 or the coil end 13 (see arrows R306 and R307).

[0066] In this embodiment, as Figure 2B As shown in the outline, an oil collection tank 920 is provided in the gear housing SP2. It should be noted that the capacity of the oil collection tank 920 is arbitrary and can be relatively small. In addition to the oil collection tank 920, other oil collection tanks with larger capacities can also be provided. Furthermore, the oil collection tank 920 does not need to be a tank where oil scraped up by the output gear 30 directly enters; it can also be a tank where oil that has splashed onto the inner surface of the housing 2 enters along the inner surface by its own weight, etc. Additionally, the oil in the housing SP can also be scraped up by rotating bodies other than the output gear 30 (such as other gears or blades).

[0067] In this embodiment, an axial through hole 2640 is formed in the partition wall portion 26 (see reference). Figure 3 The through hole 2640 of the partition 26 is connected to the oil collection tank 920, supplying oil to the oil collection tank 920 (see also...). Figure 2B(Arrow R21). A portion of the oil supplied to the partition 26 can enter the motor housing SP1 through the through hole 2640. It should be noted that, in a modified example, the through hole 2640 can also guide the oil flowing along the partition 26 from the gear housing SP2 side to the motor housing SP1 side without passing through the oil collection tank 920.

[0068] In this embodiment, a groove 2650 extending along the axial direction A is provided in the motor housing SP1. The groove 2650 can be formed by a tubular component separate from the housing 2, preferably formed on the housing 2. In this embodiment, the groove 2650 is formed continuously along the axial direction A on the inner circumferential surfaces (the surfaces defining the radially outer side of the motor housing SP1) of the motor housing 250 and the cover component 252. Specifically, the groove 2650 includes a portion 2651 formed in the motor housing 250 and a portion 2652 formed in the cover component 252, and these portions 2651 and 2652 are continuous along the axial direction A. In this case, the groove 2650 can be integrally formed with the housing 2, which reduces the number of parts and manufacturing steps compared to the case where a separate tubular component is provided. It should be noted that a sealing component can be provided between the axial end faces of the portions 2651 and 2652 aligned along the axial direction A, but the sealing component can also be omitted.

[0069] The groove 2650 has the function of guiding the oil to the cover component 252 that enters the motor housing SP1 from the through hole 2640 (see also...). Figure 2B (arrow R22). For this purpose, the groove 2650 can extend in the horizontal direction, but it can also be tilted such that the first axial side A1 is below the second axial side A2 (second direction second side Y2). In this case, even if the vehicle's attitude changes to the envisioned tilted attitude, the tilt angle can be set so that the first axial side A1 is below the second axial side A2.

[0070] The groove 2650 extends to the upper side of the first shaft C1, and more significantly to the upper side of the bearing support 2524. From Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen from the figures, the groove 2650 has a shape that is concave to the lower side (second side Y2 in the second direction) in a cross-sectional view cut by a plane perpendicular to the axial direction A (i.e., the XY plane). The groove 2650 can have a concave, approximately uniform cross-section (the cross-section cut by the XY plane) along the axial direction A.

[0071] The groove 2650 can extend along the axial direction A2 to the partition wall 26. The end of the groove 2650 on the partition wall 26 side (i.e., the end on the axial direction A2) communicates with the through hole 2640 of the partition wall 26. For example, the groove 2650 may also be provided below the through hole 2640. In this case, when viewed along the axial direction A, the groove 2650 may also be configured relative to the through hole 2640 such that at least a portion of its concave cross-section overlaps with the through hole 2640.

[0072] The groove 2650 can extend along the axial first side A1 to the bottom 2521 of the cover member 252. The end of the groove 2650 on the bottom 2521 side (i.e., the end on the axial first side A1) can communicate with the groove 2520 of the cover member 252. When viewed along the axial direction A, the groove 2520 of the cover member 252 extends radially with reference to the first axis C1. The radially outer end of the groove 2520 communicates with the axial first side A1 of the groove 2650. The radially inner end of the groove 2520 is connected to the bearing support 2524. The groove 2520 serves to guide oil dripping from the groove 2650 by its own weight through the bearing support 2524 to the bearing 240 (see also...). Figure 2B (Arrow R23). It should be noted that the radially inner side of the groove 2520 may also terminate near the bearing support 2524.

[0073] It should be noted that the end of the groove 2650 on the bottom 2521 side (i.e., the end of the axial first side A1) can also be opened radially inward by means of a cut, etc., to promote the flow of oil from the groove 2650 to the slot 2520. In this case, the amount of oil in the oil flowing through the groove 2650 that can be guided to the bearing 240 via the slot 2520 can be effectively increased.

[0074] Or, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the modified example, the groove 2650A may also have a through hole 2658A at its end on the bottom 2521 side. In this case, one end of the through hole 2658A may open at the bottom of the concave cross-section of the groove 2650A, and the other end may open downward or obliquely downward toward the second direction, second side Y2. In this case, the radially outer end of the groove 2520A may also be positioned below the through hole 2658A (second direction, second side Y2). In this case, the amount of oil flowing through the groove 2650A that can be guided to the bearing 240 via the groove 2520A can also be effectively increased.

[0075] It should be noted that, in Figure 6In the modified example, the flow of oil is schematically represented by arrows R50, R52, R54, and R56. In the modified example, as described above, oil can be guided to the tank section 2520A via the through hole 2658A.

[0076] In this embodiment, the groove 2520 is recessed along the axial direction A towards the first axial side A1. In this case, oil can move obliquely downward (towards the bearing 240) along the axial direction A from the lower surface of the upper part (the part that becomes the eaves) of the groove 2520. However, in a modified example, the groove 2520A may also be recessed downward (to the second side Y2 in the second direction) like the groove 2650.

[0077] Thus, according to this embodiment, oil scraped up from the gear housing SP2 to the upper side of the bearing 240, or oil adhering to the upper part of the housing 2 (first side Y1 in the second direction), can reach the motor housing SP1 side through the through hole 2640, and then be guided to the bearing 240 via the groove 2650 and the slot 2520. The movement of the oil at this time relies on its own weight (potential energy), and can be achieved without the use of an oil pump. Therefore, according to this embodiment, oil can be supplied to the side away from the scraped side (gear housing SP2) in the axial direction A without the use of an oil pump.

[0078] In this embodiment, the same oil supply mechanism is preferably also applicable to the bearing 245 (see reference) at the end of the axial first side A1 of the output component 6 in the motor housing SP1. Figure 2 (etc.). In this case, the oil in the gear housing SP2 can pass through the through hole (not shown) in the partition 26, such as... Figure 2B As schematically indicated by the central arrow R26, oil is supplied to the groove (not shown) corresponding to the groove 2650 (see Embodiment 2 described later). Furthermore, oil can be supplied from the groove to the bearing 245 or its bearing support 2544 (part of the cover member 252) via the groove (not shown) corresponding to the groove 2520 (see Embodiment 2 described later). In this way, the oil in the gear housing SP2 can be supplied to a plurality of bearings on the axial first side A1 of the motor housing SP1 via independently connected grooves, etc.

[0079] Next, the above embodiments will be distinguished from "Embodiment 1" and other embodiments (hereinafter also referred to as "Embodiment 2") will be described.

[0080] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the vehicle drive unit 100B in Embodiment 2. Figure 7A This is a diagram that schematically illustrates the flow of oil in the vehicle drive unit 100B of Embodiment 2.

[0081] The main difference between the vehicle drive device 100B of this embodiment and the vehicle drive device 100 of the above embodiment 1 is that the housing 2 is replaced by the housing 2B.

[0082] The difference between the housing 2B in this embodiment and the housing 2 in the above embodiment 1 is that the motor housing 250 and the cover component 252 are replaced by the motor housing 250B and the cover component 252B.

[0083] The motor housing 250B of this embodiment differs from the motor housing 250 of Embodiment 1 in that the partition wall portion 26 is replaced by the partition wall portion 26B. The partition wall portion 26B differs from the partition wall portion 26 in that the through hole 2640 is replaced by the through hole 2640B, and a through hole 2641B is added. More detailed information about the through holes 2640B and 2641B will be described later regarding the motor housing 250B.

[0084] The difference between the cover component 252B of this embodiment and the cover component 252 of Embodiment 1 is that the bottom 2521 and the bearing support 2524 are replaced by the bottom 2521B and the bearing support 2524B, respectively. The bottom 2521B will be described in more detail later.

[0085] The bearing support 2524B differs from the bearing support 2524 in Embodiment 1 in that the bearing 240B is supported in a different manner. Specifically, as follows... Figure 7 As shown, bearing 240B is located radially outward at the end of the first axial side A1 of rotor shaft 15B. Specifically, the radially inner side of the inner ring of bearing 240B is supported by the outer circumferential surface of rotor shaft 15B, and the radially outer side of the outer ring is covered by cover member 252B (see reference). Figure 11 )support.

[0086] A radial through hole 25242B is formed on the bearing support portion 2524B. The through hole 25242B radially passes through the cylindrical bearing support portion 2524B surrounding the first shaft C1. The function of the through hole 25242B will be described later.

[0087] Next, refer to Figure 7A The oil circuit structure in this embodiment (Embodiment 2) will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, hereinafter, when there is no particular difference between the motor housing SP1 and the gear housing SP2, they will also be referred to as housing SP. Figure 8 This is a top view that roughly represents a portion of the motor housing 250B along the axial direction from the first axial side A1. Figure 9 It indicates that this is part of motor housing 250B. Figure 8 A 3D model of the Q81 (or related merchandise). Figure 10It indicates that this is part of motor housing 250B. Figure 8 A 3D model of the Q82 (surroundings). Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the cover component 252B as seen from the second axial side A2. Figure 11A It indicates that it is part of cover component 252B ( Figure 11 A 3D model of the Q11 peripherals. Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view of the plane (plane perpendicular to the X direction) of the tubular portion 2520B formed on the bottom 2521B of the cover member 252B. Figure 13 It indicates that it is part of cover component 252B ( Figure 8 A 3D model of the Q13 peripherals. Figure 13 In the diagram, the flow of oil is schematically represented by a shaded area and arrow R13. Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the oil passage structure of housing 2B, and a diagram that roughly shows the flow of oil to bearing 240B using arrows R141 to R143. Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the oil passage structure in housing 2B, and a diagram that roughly indicates the flow of oil to bearing 245 using arrows R151 to R154.

[0088] The main difference between the oil circuit structure of this embodiment and the oil circuit structure of Embodiment 1 is the oil circuit structure on the motor housing SP1 side. Specifically, the difference in the oil circuit structure of this embodiment is that the oil circuit structure portion formed by the motor housing 250 and the cover member 252 of Embodiment 1 is replaced by the oil circuit structure portion formed by the motor housing 250B and the cover member 252B.

[0089] Specifically, the difference between the motor housing 250B of this embodiment and the motor housing 250 of the above embodiment 1 is that the portion 2651 of the groove 2650 is replaced by the groove 2650B, and a tubular portion 2549B is added.

[0090] The groove 2650B in this embodiment extends in a different range than the groove 2650 in Embodiment 1. Specifically, the groove 2650B is formed in the motor housing 250B. Unlike the portion 2651 of the groove 2650 in Embodiment 1, the groove 2650B does not extend throughout the entire motor housing SP1. That is, the axial second side A2 of the portion 2651 of the groove 2650 in Embodiment 1 extends to the partition wall portion 26, while the end of the axial second side A2 of the groove 2650B in this embodiment terminates before reaching the partition wall portion 26. The end of the axial second side A2 of the groove 2650B in this embodiment is continuous with the tubular portion 2519B (described later) of the cover member 252B.

[0091] It should be noted that the groove 2650B extends in the axial direction A, but does not need to extend parallel to the axial direction A. For example, the groove 2650B may also be slightly inclined such that the first axial side A1 is located below the second axial side A2. The end of the first axial side A1 of the groove 2650B abuts against the opening of the tubular portion 2519B on the cover member 252B side (the opening on the second axial side A2 side) and is continuous in the axial direction.

[0092] The tubular portion 2549B is closed circumferentially when viewed in cross-section along axis A, unlike the groove portion 2650B which is open on the upper side. By forming the tubular portion 2549B, oil can be reliably guided from the through hole 2640B to the groove portion 2650B without being substantially affected by vibrations during vehicle operation. The tubular portion 2549B is integrally formed as part of the housing 2B, but it can also be formed as a separate component. It should be noted that the tubular portion 2549B extends along axis A, but it does not need to extend parallel to axis A. For example, the tubular portion 2549B can also be inclined such that the first axial side A1 is located below the second axial side A2. In addition, the tubular portion 2549B can also be formed as part of the partition wall portion 26B. The end of the tubular portion 2549B on the second axial side A2 communicates with the through hole 2640B of the partition wall portion 26B.

[0093] The through hole 2640B is substantially the same as the through hole 2640 in Embodiment 1 above, and communicates with the oil collection tank 920 to supply oil to the oil collection tank 920. It should be noted that, in a modified example, the through hole 2640B can also guide oil flowing along the partition 26B from the gear housing SP2 side to the motor housing SP1 side without passing through the oil collection tank 920.

[0094] In addition, compared with the cover component 252 of the above embodiment 1, the main difference between the cover component 252B of this embodiment and the cover component 252B of the above embodiment 1 is that the groove portion 2520 of the above embodiment 1 is replaced by the tubular portion 2520B, and the portion 2652 of the above embodiment 1 is replaced by the tubular portion 2519B.

[0095] That is, in this embodiment, the difference is that the function of the groove 2650 portion 2652 in the cover member 252 of the above embodiment 1 is realized by the tubular portion 2519B, and the function of the slot 2520 in the cover member 252 of the above embodiment 1 is realized by the tubular portion 2520B.

[0096] Similar to the tubular portion 2549B described above, tubular portions 2519B and 2520B are shaped to be completely closed throughout the circumference when viewed in cross-section. For example... Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, tubular portions 2519B and 2520B are preferably integrally formed on the bottom 2521B of the cover member 252B, but they may also be formed separately from the cover member 252B.

[0097] By designing portion 2652 of the groove 2650 in Embodiment 1 as a tubular portion 2519B, oil can be reliably guided from the groove 2650B to the bearing 240B substantially unaffected by vibrations or other disturbances during vehicle operation. Furthermore, by designing the groove 2520 of Embodiment 1 as a tubular portion 2520B, oil can be reliably guided from the groove 2650B to the bearing 240B substantially unaffected by vibrations or other disturbances during vehicle operation.

[0098] The tubular portion 2519B extends axially, and its second axial side A2 is connected to the groove portion 2650B. Furthermore, the first axial side A1 of the tubular portion 2519B is continuous with the tubular portion 2520B.

[0099] When viewed along axis A, the tubular portion 2520B extends radially with reference to the first axis C1. The radially outer end of the tubular portion 2520B communicates with the axial first side A1 of the tubular portion 2519B. The radially inner end of the tubular portion 2520B communicates with the through hole 25242B of the bearing support portion 2524B. The tubular portion 2520B can be inclined such that its radially inner side is below its radially outer side. The tubular portion 2520B serves to guide oil from the tubular portion 2519B through the through hole 25242B of the bearing support portion 2524B to the bearing 240B (see also...). Figure 14 (Arrow R143). In this case, oil can easily flow axially to the inner ring side of bearing 240B via between bearing 240B and cover member 252B. As described above, such oil flow is suitable for bearing 240B, whose inner ring side rotates with the rotation of rotor shaft 15B. In addition, since bearing 240B supports rotor shaft 15B, the need for lubrication is higher than that for bearing 245. Therefore, from this point of view, the structure of through hole 25242B is also preferable.

[0100] It should be noted that in the example shown in the illustration, such as Figure 11 and Figure 11A As shown, the bottom 2521B of the cover member 252 has a dam 2529B that protrudes towards the second axial side A2 on the radially inner side of the bearing support 2524B and extends from near the through hole 25242B toward the first shaft C1. Such a dam 2529B can also have the function of guiding oil from the through hole 25242B to the first shaft C1.

[0101] Thus, according to this embodiment, oil scraped up from the gear housing SP2 to the upper side of the bearing 240B, or oil adhering to the upper part of the housing 2B (first side Y1 in the second direction), can reach the motor housing SP1 side through the through hole 2640B, and then be guided to the bearing 240B via the tubular portion 2549B, the groove portion 2650B, and the tubular portions 2519B and 2520B. The movement of the oil at this time relies on its own weight (potential energy), which can be achieved without the use of an oil pump. Therefore, according to this embodiment, oil can be supplied to the side away from the scraped side (gear housing SP2) in the axial direction A without the use of an oil pump.

[0102] Furthermore, the difference between the motor housing 250B of this embodiment and the motor housing 250 of Embodiment 1 is that a portion 2661B is added, forming a groove 2660B that is different from the groove 2650B. Hereinafter, for distinction, the groove 2650B will also be referred to as the first groove 2650B, and the groove 2660B will also be referred to as the second groove 2660B.

[0103] The second groove 2660B can also be formed by a tubular component separate from the housing 2B, but it is preferably formed on the housing 2B. In this embodiment, the second groove 2660B is formed continuously in the axial direction A on the bottom 2521B of the motor housing 250B and the cover component 252B. Specifically, the second groove 2660B includes a portion 2661B formed on the motor housing 250B and a portion 2662B formed on the cover component 252B, and these portions 2661B and 2662B are continuous in the axial direction A. In this case, the second groove 2660B can be integrally formed with the housing 2B, which reduces the number of parts and manufacturing steps compared to the case where a separate tubular component is provided. It should be noted that a sealing component can be provided between the axial end faces of the portions 2661B and 2662B aligned in the axial direction A, but the sealing component can also be omitted.

[0104] The second groove 2660B has the function of guiding the oil guide cover component 252B from the through hole 2641B into the motor housing SP1 (see also...). Figure 7A (arrow R22). For this purpose, the second groove 2660B can extend in the horizontal direction, but it can also be tilted such that the first axial side A1 is below the second axial side A2 (second direction second side Y2). In this case, even if the vehicle's attitude changes to the envisioned tilted attitude, the tilt angle can be set so that the first axial side A1 is below the second axial side A2.

[0105] The second groove 2660B extends to the upper side of the second shaft C2, and more significantly to the upper side of the bearing support 2544B. (As shown from...) Figure 8 or Figure 10As can be seen from the figures, the second groove 2660B has a shape that is concave to the lower side (second side Y2 in the second direction) in a cross-sectional view cut by a plane perpendicular to the axial direction A (i.e., the XY plane). The second groove 2660B can extend along the axial direction A with a concave, approximately equal cross-section (the cross-section cut by the XY plane).

[0106] The second groove 2660B can extend along the axial direction A from the axial second side A2 to the partition wall 26B. The end of the second groove 2660B on the partition wall 26B side (i.e., the end on the axial second side A2) communicates with the through hole 2641B of the partition wall 26B. For example, the second groove 2660B can also be provided below the through hole 2641B. In this case, when viewed along the axial direction A, the second groove 2660B can also be configured relative to the through hole 2641B such that at least a portion of its concave cross-section overlaps with the through hole 2641B.

[0107] The second groove 2660B extends axially along the first side A1 to the bottom 2521B of the cover member 252B. The end of the second groove 2660B at the bottom 2521B (i.e., the end at the first side A1) communicates with the groove 2530B of the cover member 252B. When viewed along the axial direction A, the groove 2530B of the cover member 252B extends radially with reference to the second axis C2. The radially outer end of the groove 2530B communicates with the axial first side A1 of the second groove 2660B. The radially inner end of the groove 2530B connects to the bearing support 2544B. The groove 2530B serves to guide oil dripping from the second groove 2660B by its own weight through the bearing support 2544B to the bearing 245 (see also...). Figure 7A (Arrow R27). It should be noted that the radially inner side of the groove 2530B may also terminate near the bearing support 2544B.

[0108] It should be noted that the second groove 2660B can also be opened radially inward using a cut or the like to promote the flow of oil from the second groove 2660B to the groove 2530B. In this case, the amount of oil flowing through the second groove 2660B that can be guided to the bearing 245 via the groove 2530B can be effectively increased.

[0109] Or, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the modified example, the second groove 2660B may also have a through hole at its end on the bottom 2521B side. In this case, the amount of oil flowing through the second groove 2660B that can be guided to the bearing 245 via the groove 2530B can also be effectively increased.

[0110] It should be noted that, in Figure 15In the middle, from the second groove 2660B to bearing 245 (refer to...) Figure 7A The flow of oil up to ) is schematically represented by arrows R151 to R154.

[0111] It should be noted that, in the modified example, the second groove 2660B, like the first groove 2650B, can also be partially replaced by a tubular portion such as the tubular portion 2549B in the motor housing SP1.

[0112] In this embodiment, as Figure 13 As shown, the groove 2530B is recessed along the axial direction A towards the first axial side A1. In this case, oil can move obliquely downward (towards the bearing 245) along the lower side of the groove 2530B along the axial direction A. However, in a modified example, the groove 2530B can be recessed downward (to the second side Y2 in the second direction) like the second groove 2660B, or it can be a tubular shape like the tubular portion 2520B. The groove 2530B connects to the bearing 245 (see reference 25441B) via a cutout 25441B formed in the peripheral wall of the bearing support portion 2544B. Figure 7A Connectivity (refer to) Figure 13 ).

[0113] Thus, according to this embodiment, oil scraped up to the upper side of the bearing 245 in the gear housing SP2, or oil adhering to the upper part of the housing 2B (first side Y1 in the second direction), reaches the motor housing SP1 side through the through hole 2641B, and can then be guided to the bearing 245 through the second groove 2660B and the slot 2530B. The movement of the oil at this time relies on its own weight (potential energy), and can be achieved without the use of an oil pump. Therefore, according to this embodiment, oil can be supplied to the side away from the scraped side (gear housing SP2) in the axial direction A without the use of an oil pump.

[0114] The embodiments have been described in detail above, but are not limited to specific embodiments. Various modifications and alterations can be made within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, all or more of the constituent elements of the above embodiments can be combined.

[0115] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0116] 100: Vehicle drive unit; 1: Rotary motor (power source); 15: Rotor shaft (rotary shaft component); 16: Input component (rotary shaft component); 2: Housing; 4: Intermediate gear mechanism (power transmission mechanism); 5: Differential gear mechanism (power transmission mechanism); 250: Motor housing (housing component); 252: Cover component (cover part); 26: Partition part; 30: Output gear (rotating body); 240: Bearing; 2640: Through hole (first through hole); 2658A: Through hole (Second through hole), 2650, 2650A, 2650B: groove (oil passage), 2520, 2520A: slot, 2524: bearing support (support), SP1: motor housing (first housing), SP2: gear housing (second housing), 2520B: tubular part, 2641B: through hole (third through hole), 245: bearing (second bearing), 61: first output component (output component), 2660B: groove (second oil passage), 2530B: slot (second slot).

Claims

1. A drive unit for a vehicle, comprising: The casing forms a receiving chamber for oil flow, the receiving chamber including a first receiving chamber and a second receiving chamber that are axially adjacent to each other by a partition wall; A power transmission mechanism, configured in the housing, is capable of transmitting power from the power source to the wheels; as well as An oil passage structure, at least a portion of which is formed on the housing; The power transmission mechanism includes: A rotating shaft component, disposed in the first receiving chamber, extends axially and rotates about the shaft during power transmission; as well as A rotating body, disposed in the second receiving chamber, rotates in conjunction with the rotating shaft component and is capable of scraping up the oil accumulated at the bottom of the receiving chamber; The axial end of the rotating shaft component on the side axially away from the partition is supported by the housing via a bearing; The oil passage structure has a first through hole formed in the partition wall portion and an oil passage portion extending axially in the first receiving chamber, which supplies oil scraped by the rotating body in the second receiving chamber to the bearing via the first through hole and the oil passage portion.

2. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 1, wherein, The oil passage section, when viewed in cross-section by a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, is either concave to the lower side or tubular in shape, and is integrally formed with the housing.

3. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 1, wherein, The housing includes a cover portion that is axially opposed to the partition wall portion; The cover has a support portion that supports the bearing; The oil passage structure also has a groove or a tubular portion, which is formed in the cover portion and can guide oil to the support portion; The end of the oil passage section that is axially close to the partition wall section communicates with the first through hole, and the end of the oil passage section that is axially away from the partition wall section communicates with the groove or the tubular section of the cover section.

4. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 3, wherein, The oil passage section also has a second through hole extending vertically through the end on the side axially away from the partition section. The groove extends below the second through hole.

5. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 1, wherein, The power source includes a rotary motor disposed in the first containment chamber; The rotating shaft component forms the rotating shaft of the rotary motor.

6. The vehicle drive unit according to claim 5, wherein, The power transmission mechanism can transmit power from the rotary motor to the wheels via an output component arranged parallel to the rotating shaft component; The axial end of the output component on the side axially away from the partition is supported by the housing via a second bearing; The oil passage structure also has a third through hole formed in the partition wall portion and a second oil passage portion extending axially in the first receiving chamber, which further supplies the oil scraped by the rotating body in the second receiving chamber to the second bearing via the third through hole and the second oil passage portion.

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