Drive device

Abstract

The present invention provides a drive device including: a motor; a control device; a bus bar electrically connecting the motor and the control device; a bus bar holder that supports the bus bar; a housing having a motor housing in which the motor is housed and a control device housing in which the control device is housed; and a flow path portion provided across the motor housing and the control device housing. At least a portion of the control device and at least a portion of the bus bar holder are located on one side of the motor in the first direction. The flow path portion has a through flow path portion penetrating the bus bar holder in the first direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Motors with coolant circuits for cooling the inverter and motor body are known (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5776739

[0004] In drive devices such as motors described above, the inverter is sometimes electrically connected to the motor body via a busbar. Depending on the configuration of the coolant circuit and the busbar, the length of the coolant circuit or the busbar may become longer, resulting in a larger overall drive device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, one of the objectives of this invention is to provide a drive device that can suppress large-scale development.

[0006] One embodiment of the drive device of the present invention includes: a motor; a control device; a busbar electrically connecting the motor and the control device; a busbar holder supporting the busbar; a housing having a motor housing internally housing the motor and a control device housing internally housing the control device; and a flow path portion disposed across the motor housing and the control device housing. At least a portion of the control device and at least a portion of the busbar holder are located on one side of the motor in a first direction. The flow path portion has a through flow path portion extending through the busbar holder in the first direction.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the large-scale development of drive devices can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the drive device in the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the drive device in the first embodiment, and is Figure 1 Sectional view II-II.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the inner cylinder portion in the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the inner cylinder portion in the first embodiment, and it is from the perspective of... Figure 3 Images obtained by observing the inner cylinder from different angles.

[0012] Figure 5This is a diagram showing the busbar assembly, the first substrate, and the circuit section in the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the drive unit in the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the drive unit in the second embodiment.

[0015] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0016] 10: Motor; 20: Gear mechanism; 30: Housing; 30d: Outer cylindrical section; 31: Motor housing; 31a, 231a: Second cylindrical section; 33: Control device housing; 33i, 233i: First cylindrical section; 40: Inner cylindrical section; 50: Control device; 50a: First part; 50b: Second part; 53a: Circuit section; 56: Electronic component; 61, 261: Busbar retainer; 61a, 261a: Base; 61b: First protrusion 61c: Second protrusion; 61d, 261d: Through hole; 70, 270: Flow path; 71: First flow path; 72: Second flow path; 73, 273: Through flow path; 80, 80U, 80V, 80W: Busbar; 81U, 81V, 81W: First extension; 82U, 82V, 82W: Second extension; 83U, 83V: Third extension; 100, 200: Drive unit. Detailed Implementation

[0017] In the accompanying drawings, the XYZ coordinate system is appropriately shown as a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. In the XYZ coordinate system, the Z-axis direction is the up-down direction. The side in which the arrow of the Z-axis points (+Z side) is the top, and the side opposite to the side in which the arrow of the Z-axis points (-Z side) is the bottom. The X-axis direction is orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and is the front-rear direction of the vehicle on which the drive unit 100 is mounted in the following embodiments. In the following embodiments, the side in which the arrow of the X-axis points (+X side) is the front side of the vehicle, and the side opposite to the side in which the arrow of the X-axis points (-X side) is the rear side of the vehicle. The Y-axis direction is orthogonal to both the X-axis and Z-axis directions and is the left-right direction of the vehicle, i.e., the vehicle width direction. In the following embodiments, the side in which the arrow of the Y-axis points (+Y side) is the left side of the vehicle, and the side opposite to the side in which the arrow of the Y-axis points (-Y side) is the right side of the vehicle.

[0018] It should be noted that the front-to-back positional relationship is not limited to the positional relationship in the following implementation method. It could also be that the +X side is the rear side of the vehicle, and the -X side is the front side of the vehicle. In this case, the +Y side is the right side of the vehicle, and the -Y side is the left side of the vehicle. Furthermore, in this specification, "parallel direction" also includes generally parallel directions, and "orthogonal direction" also includes generally orthogonal directions.

[0019] In the following embodiments, the central axis J, appropriately illustrated, is an imaginary axis extending in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. More specifically, the central axis J extends in the Y-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the vertical direction, that is, in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The direction in which the central axis J extends is the axial direction of the motor 10 in the following embodiments. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the central axis J is simply referred to as "axial direction," the radial direction centered on the central axis J is simply referred to as "radial direction," and the circumferential direction centered on the central axis J is simply referred to as "circumferential direction." In the following description, the left side (+Y side) of the axial direction is referred to as "one side of the axial direction," and the right side (-Y side) of the axial direction is referred to as "the other side of the axial direction." The vertical direction is, for example, the vertical direction, and the front-back direction and the left-right direction (axial direction) are, for example, horizontal directions orthogonal to the vertical direction. In the following embodiments, the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) corresponds to the "first direction," the front-back direction (X-axis direction) corresponds to the "second direction" intersecting the first direction, and the axial direction (left-right direction, Y-axis direction) corresponds to the "third direction" orthogonal to both the first and second directions. The vertical direction, which is the first direction, is the direction that intersects the axis of the motor 10. The upper side (+Z side) corresponds to "one side of the first direction," and the lower side (-Z side) corresponds to "the other side of the first direction." The front side (+X side) is, for example, "one side of the second direction." The rear side (-X side) is, for example, "the other side of the second direction." One side of the axial direction (+Y side) is, for example, "one side of the third direction." The other side of the axial direction (-Y side) is, for example, "the other side of the third direction."

[0020] <First Implementation>

[0021] Figure 1 The drive unit 100 shown in this embodiment is a drive unit mounted on a vehicle to rotate the axle. Vehicles on which the drive unit 100 is mounted are hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHVs), electric vehicles (EVs), and other vehicles powered by an electric motor. Figure 1 As shown, the drive unit 100 includes a motor 10, a gear mechanism 20, and a housing 30. Figure 2As shown, the drive unit 100 includes a control unit 50 and a busbar assembly 60. The housing 30 internally houses the motor 10, gear mechanism 20, control unit 50, and busbar assembly 60. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The control device 50 and the busbar assembly 60 are omitted from the illustration. Figure 1 As shown, the housing 30 includes: a motor housing 31 that houses the motor 10; a gear housing 32 that houses the gear mechanism 20; and a control device housing 33 that houses the control device 50.

[0022] The motor 10 includes a rotor 11 rotatable about a central axis J, and a stator 12 located radially outward of the rotor 11. The rotor 11 includes a motor shaft 13 disposed along the central axis J, and a rotor core 14 fixed to the motor shaft 13. In this embodiment, the motor shaft 13 is generally cylindrical, extending axially about the central axis J. Although not shown in the figure, a magnet is fixed to the rotor core 14.

[0023] The stator 12 is annular, surrounding the rotor 11. The stator 12 has a stator core 15 and multiple coils 16. The multiple coils 16 are assembled into the stator core 15. The stator core 15 is located radially outside the rotor core 14. The stator core 15 is configured to be radially opposed to the rotor core 14 with a gap. The stator core 15 is constructed, for example, by stacking multiple plate members such as electromagnetic steel plates axially.

[0024] Gear mechanism 20 is connected to motor 10. Gear mechanism 20 is connected to the end of motor shaft 13 in rotor 11 on one axial side (+Y side). Gear mechanism 20 transmits the rotation of rotor 11 to vehicle axle. Gear mechanism 20 includes: reduction gear 21 connected to rotor 11; and differential gear 22 connected to reduction gear 21. Rotation of rotor 11 is transmitted to vehicle axle sequentially via reduction gear 21 and differential gear 22.

[0025] In the housing 30 of this embodiment, the motor housing 31 and the gear housing 32 are arranged axially. The gear housing 32 is located on one axial side (+Y side) of the motor housing 31. The gear housing 32 is connected to one axial side of the motor housing 31. The control device housing 33 is located above the motor housing 31 and the gear housing 32. The control device housing 33 is connected to the upper side of the motor housing 31 and the gear housing 32.

[0026] The housing 30 includes a housing body 30a, a motor cover 30b, a gear cover 30c, and an inner cylinder portion 40. For example... Figure 2As shown, the housing 30 has a second receiving portion 33b, a cover member 33c, and a support member 33h. In this embodiment, the housing 30 is composed of a housing body 30a, a motor cover 30b, a gear cover 30c, an inner cylinder portion 40, a second receiving portion 33b, and a cover member 33c. The housing body 30a, motor cover 30b, gear cover 30c, inner cylinder portion 40, second receiving portion 33b, and cover member 33c are separate from each other.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing body 30a has an outer cylindrical portion 30d, a first peripheral wall portion 30e, and a wall portion 34. In this embodiment, the motor housing 31 is composed of the wall portion 34, the outer cylindrical portion 30d, the motor cover 30b, and the inner cylindrical portion 40. That is, the motor housing 31 has an inner cylindrical portion 40. In this embodiment, the gear housing 32 is composed of the wall portion 34, the first peripheral wall portion 30e, and the gear cover 30c.

[0028] The outer cylinder portion 30d is a cylindrical shape with an opening on the opposite axial side (-Y side). The outer cylinder portion 30d is located radially outside the inner cylinder portion 40. A wall portion 34 is provided at the end of the outer cylinder portion 30d on one axial side (+Y side). The outer cylinder portion 30d surrounds the inner cylinder portion 40. The stator 12 is located radially inside the outer cylinder portion 30d. A stepped portion 30j is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the portion of the outer cylinder portion 30d located on the opposite axial side from the stator core 15. This stepped portion 30j has a stepped surface 30k facing the opposite axial side. The stepped surface 30k is annular around the central axis J. More specifically, the stepped surface 30k is annular with the central axis J as its center. The inner diameter of the portion of the outer cylinder portion 30d located on the opposite axial side from the stepped surface 30k is larger than the inner diameter of the portion of the outer cylinder portion 30d located on the opposite axial side from the stepped surface 30k. The opening on the other axial side of the outer cylinder 30d is sealed by a motor cover 30b fixed to the end of the outer cylinder 30d on the other axial side. The motor cover 30b covers the motor 10 from the other axial side. A bearing 17a is held on the axial side of the motor cover 30b, which supports the end of the motor shaft 13 on the other axial side so that it can rotate.

[0029] The first circumferential wall portion 30e is cylindrical and open on one axial side (+Y side). A wall portion 34 is located at the end of the first circumferential wall portion 30e on the other axial side (-Y side). The opening on the axial side of the first circumferential wall portion 30e is sealed by a gear cover 30c fixed to the end of the first circumferential wall portion 30e on the axial side. The gear cover 30c has: a cover portion 30f that covers the gear mechanism 20 from one axial side; and a second circumferential wall portion 30g that protrudes from the radial outer edge of the cover portion 30f to the other axial side. The end of the second circumferential wall portion 30g on the other axial side is connected to the end of the first circumferential wall portion 30e on the axial side.

[0030] The wall portion 34 is configured as a wall portion located on the opposite axial side (-Y side) of the wall portion constituting the gear housing 32. A first circumferential wall portion 30e protrudes from the radially outer edge of the wall portion 34 towards the axial side (+Y side). The wall portion 34 has a spacer wall portion 34a that axially separates the interior of the motor housing 31 from the interior of the gear housing 32. A portion of the spacer wall portion 34a that forms part of the inner surface of the motor housing 31, i.e., the surface on the opposite axial side of the spacer wall portion 34a, is provided with an annular protrusion 34b protruding towards the opposite axial side. The annular protrusion 34b is annular around the central axis J. More specifically, the annular protrusion 34b is approximately annular about the central axis J. A bearing retainer portion 34c is provided at the radially inner edge of the surface on the opposite axial side of the annular protrusion 34b. A bearing 17b is held in the bearing retainer 34c, which supports the portion of the motor shaft 13 located on the axial side of the rotor core 14 so that it can rotate.

[0031] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the inner cylinder portion 40 is cylindrical, surrounding the central axis J. More specifically, the inner cylinder portion 40 is generally cylindrical, centered on the central axis J. Figure 1 As shown, the inner cylinder portion 40 is located radially outside the motor 10. The inner cylinder portion 40 surrounds the motor 10. The inner cylinder portion 40 is located radially inside the outer cylinder portion 30d. The inner cylinder portion 40 is fitted into the radially inside the outer cylinder portion 30d. More specifically, the inner cylinder portion 40 is fitted into the radially inside the outer cylinder portion 30d by a clearance fit. It should be noted that the inner cylinder portion 40 can be fitted into the radially inside the outer cylinder portion 30d by thermoforming, or it can be pressed into the radially inside the outer cylinder portion 30d. Figure 3 As shown, the inner cylinder portion 40 has a cylinder body portion 41, an annular bottom portion 42, annular ribs 44, spiral ribs 45, and protrusions 46.

[0032] The main body 41 is cylindrical, surrounding the central axis J. More specifically, the main body 41 is generally cylindrical, centered on the central axis J. The main body 41 opens on the opposite side (-Y side) along the axial direction. Figure 1 As shown, the stator 12 is located radially inside the cylinder body 41. The outer circumferential surface of the stator core 15 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder body 41. The end of the cylinder body 41 on the other axial side is a large-diameter portion 41a. The outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 41a is larger than the outer diameter of the portion of the cylinder body 41 located on the axial side (+Y side) of the large-diameter portion 41a. The inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 41a is larger than the inner diameter of the portion of the cylinder body 41 located on the axial side of the large-diameter portion 41a. The end face on the other axial side of the large-diameter portion 41a is the end face on the other axial side of the cylinder body 41. The end face on the other axial side of the large-diameter portion 41a is positioned axially at the same location as the stepped surface 30k.

[0033] The large-diameter portion 41a is fitted into the radially inner side of the outer cylinder portion 30d. In this embodiment, the large-diameter portion 41a is fitted into the radially inner side of the outer cylinder portion 30d by a clearance fit. A joint portion 47b is provided at the radial boundary between the end face of the large-diameter portion 41a on the other axial side (-Y side) and the stepped surface 30k, in a manner that covers the entire circumference. The joint portion 47b is the portion where the end face of the large-diameter portion 41a on the other axial side joins with the stepped surface 30k. The joint portion 47b is, for example, a joint portion formed by joining the end face of the large-diameter portion 41a on the other axial side with the stepped surface 30k from the other axial side using a friction stirring engagement. Through the joint portion 47b, the radial distance between the end face of the large-diameter portion 41a on the other axial side and the stepped surface 30k is sealed in a manner that covers the entire circumference. The outer peripheral surface of the portion of the main body 41 located on the axial side (+Y side) of the larger diameter portion 41a is arranged radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder portion 30d.

[0034] The annular bottom 42 protrudes radially inward from the end of the cylindrical body 41 on one axial side (+Y side). For example... Figure 3 As shown, the annular bottom 42 is an annular shape surrounding the central axis J. More specifically, the annular bottom 42 is a roughly circular annulus centered on the central axis J. The annular bottom 42 is a plate with its surface facing axially. Figure 1 As shown, the annular protrusion 34b is fitted into the radially inner side of the annular bottom 42. The axially opposite side (-Y side) of the annular bottom 42 is positioned axially at the same location as the axially opposite side of the annular protrusion 34b. A joint portion 47a is provided at the radial boundary between the axially opposite side of the annular bottom 42 and the axially opposite side of the annular protrusion 34b, extending circumferentially. The joint portion 47a is the portion where the axially opposite side of the annular bottom 42 and the axially opposite side of the annular protrusion 34b are joined. The joint portion 47a is formed, for example, by joining the axially opposite side of the annular bottom 42 and the axially opposite side of the annular protrusion 34b from the axially opposite side using friction stirring. Through the joint portion 47a, the radial distance between the axially opposite side of the annular bottom 42 and the axially opposite side of the annular protrusion 34b is sealed circumferentially. A gap is provided between the annular bottom 42 and the spacer wall portion 34a in the axial direction.

[0035] The annular rib 44 protrudes radially outward from the outer periphery of the main body 41. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the annular rib 44 is annular in shape surrounding the main body portion 41. In this embodiment, the annular rib 44 is approximately circular about the central axis J. The annular rib 44 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of a portion on one axial side (+Y side) of the main body portion 41. Figure 1As shown, the annular rib 44 is fitted into the radially inner side of the outer cylinder portion 30d. In this embodiment, the annular rib 44 is fitted into the radially inner side of the outer cylinder portion 30d by a clearance fit.

[0036] A spiral rib 45 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder body 41. The spiral rib 45 protrudes radially outward from the portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder body 41 located between the annular rib 44 and the large-diameter portion 41a along its axial direction. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the spiral rib 45 is spirally arranged around the central axis J, surrounding the main body portion 41. One end of the spiral rib 45 is connected to the large-diameter portion 41a via a first connecting wall portion 45a. The first connecting wall portion 45a protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the main body portion 41. The circumferential dimension of the first connecting wall portion 45a is greater than the width WD of the spiral rib 45. The width WD of the spiral rib 45 is the width between the side surface on one axial side and the side surface on the other axial side of each portion of the spiral rib 45 extending spirally around the central axis J. Figure 3 As shown, the other end of the spiral rib 45 is connected to the annular rib 44 via a second connecting wall portion 45b. The circumferential dimension of the second connecting wall portion 45b is greater than the width WD of the spiral rib 45. Figure 1 As shown, the spiral rib 45 is fitted into the radially inner side of the outer cylinder portion 30d. In this embodiment, the spiral rib 45 is fitted into the radially inner side of the outer cylinder portion 30d by a clearance fit.

[0037] The protrusion 46 protrudes from the axial side (+Y side) of the annular bottom 42. For example... Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the protrusion 46 is generally cylindrical. It should be noted that the shape of the protrusion 46 when viewed axially is not particularly limited. For example, the protrusion 46 may be annular when viewed axially, or it may be generally C-shaped when viewed axially. Figure 1As shown, the protrusion 46 fits into the fitted portion 34d provided in the partition wall portion 34a. This allows for circumferential positioning of the inner cylinder portion 40 and prevents rotation of the inner cylinder portion 40 in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the fitted portion 34d is a cylindrical shape protruding from the axial side (-Y side) of the partition wall portion 34a. The fitted portion 34d has an opening on the axial side. The protrusion 46 fits into the interior of the fitted portion 34d from the axial side. It should be noted that the fitted portion 34d can also be a hole recessed from the axial side of the partition wall portion 34a. The shape of the interior of the fitted portion 34d when viewed axially can be any shape, as long as it allows the protrusion 46 to fit into the fitted portion 34d. For example, if the protrusion 46 is annular or approximately C-shaped when viewed axially, the shape of the interior of the fitted portion 34d when viewed axially can also be the same as the shape of the protrusion 46, which is annular or approximately C-shaped when viewed axially. Alternatively, instead of providing the protrusion 46 and the fitted portion 34d, a protrusion can be provided in the spacer wall portion 34a, and a fitted portion for fitting the protrusion can be provided in the annular bottom 42.

[0038] In this embodiment, oil O, which is a fluid, is stored inside the gear housing 32. Oil O is used as a lubricant for the reduction gear 21 and the differential gear 22. As oil O, for example, to perform the function of a lubricant, it is preferable to use an oil with a low viscosity, such as automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Although not shown in the figure, the gear housing 32 protrudes rearward (to the -X side) from the motor housing 31.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the housing body 30a has a first receiving portion 33a. In this embodiment, the control device housing 33 is composed of a first receiving portion 33a, a second receiving portion 33b, a cover member 33c, and a support member 33h. The first receiving portion 33a is box-shaped with an opening at the top. The first receiving portion 33a has a first bottom 33d and a first side wall portion 33e. The first bottom 33d extends along a plane orthogonal to the vertical direction. A portion of the first bottom 33d is formed by the upper portion of the outer cylinder portion 30d and the upper portion of the first peripheral wall portion 30e. The portion 33k of the first bottom 33d formed by the upper portion of the outer cylinder portion 30d protrudes upward from the portions of the first bottom 33d that are adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) of the portion 33k. When viewed axially, the portion 33k is an arc shape that bulges upward. The first side wall portion 33e protrudes upward from the outer peripheral edge of the first bottom 33d. Although the illustration is omitted, the first sidewall portion 33e appears as a frame when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0040] The second receiving portion 33b is located above the first receiving portion 33a. The second receiving portion 33b is fixed to the upper end of the first receiving portion 33a. The second receiving portion 33b seals the upper opening of the first receiving portion 33a. In this embodiment, the second receiving portion 33b is box-shaped with an opening on the upper side. The second receiving portion 33b has a second bottom 33f and a second sidewall portion 33g. The second bottom 33f extends along a surface orthogonal to the vertical direction. The second bottom 33f seals the upper opening of the first receiving portion 33a. The second sidewall portion 33g protrudes upward from the outer periphery of the second bottom 33f. Although not shown in the figure, the second sidewall portion 33g is frame-shaped when viewed in the vertical direction. A cover member 33c is fixed to the upper end of the second sidewall portion 33g. The cover member 33c seals the upper opening of the second receiving portion 33b.

[0041] The support member 33h is fixed to the lower side of the second bottom 33f of the second receiving portion 33b. The support member 33h extends along a surface orthogonal to the vertical direction. The support member 33h is located inside the first receiving portion 33a.

[0042] The control device 50 is housed inside the control device housing 33. The control device 50 controls the motor 10. The control device 50 includes a first substrate 51, a second substrate 52, a power module 53, a capacitor 54, a heat sink 55, and multiple electronic components 56. The first substrate 51, the second substrate 52, the power module 53, the capacitor 54, and the heat sink 55 are housed inside the first receiving portion 33a. The multiple electronic components 56 are housed inside the second receiving portion 33b.

[0043] The first substrate 51 has its surface facing vertically. The first substrate 51 is fixed to the lower side of the support member 33h via the heat sink 55 and the power module 53. The first substrate 51 has a portion 33k located in the first bottom 33d, i.e., the portion above the outer cylinder portion 30d. The first substrate 51 also has a portion located rearward (-X side) than the outer cylinder portion 30d. In this embodiment, the first substrate 51 is a drive substrate electrically connected to the power module 53, which supplies power to the motor 10. The first substrate 51 is located below the power module 53. In this embodiment, the first substrate 51 is disposed separately below the power module 53. It should be noted that the first substrate 51 may also be in contact with the lower surface of the power module 53.

[0044] The power module 53 is fixed to the lower surface of the support member 33h via a heat sink 55. The power module 53 has a circuit section 53a and a housing 53b. That is, the control device 50 has a circuit section 53a, a housing 53b, and multiple terminals 57. The housing 53b houses the circuit section 53a internally. The circuit section 53a supplies power to the motor 10. The circuit section 53a is, for example, an inverter circuit. Although not shown in the figure, the circuit section 53a has multiple switching elements. These multiple switching elements are, for example, IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors). These multiple switching elements can also be field-effect transistors such as MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors). Although not shown in the figure, the multiple terminals 57 are electrically connected to the circuit section 53a. The multiple terminals 57 protrude from the inside of the housing 53b to the outside of the housing 53b. It should be noted that the cross-sectional view of the power module 53 is omitted in the figures.

[0045] The heat sink 55 has a heat sink body 55a and a plurality of finned portions 55b. A power module 53 is fixed to the lower surface of the heat sink body 55a. The heat sink body 55a is fixed to the lower surface of the support member 33h. The plurality of finned portions 55b protrude upwards from the heat sink body 55a. The plurality of finned portions 55b are inserted into the interior of the second cooling flow path 71c, which will be described later. It should be noted that, alternatively, the first substrate 51 may be fixed to the lower surface of the heat sink 55, and the circuit portion 53a may be mounted on the lower surface of the first substrate 51.

[0046] The capacitor 54 is fixed to the lower surface of the support member 33h. The capacitor 54 is, for example, a film capacitor. The capacitor 54 can also be other types of capacitors. The second substrate 52 is fixed to the lower surface of the capacitor 54. The second substrate 52 can also be electrically connected to the capacitor 54. Although not shown in the figure, the second substrate 52 is electrically connected to the first substrate 51. In this embodiment, the second substrate 52 is a control substrate on which a processor controlling the circuit section 53a is mounted.

[0047] Multiple electronic components 56 are fixed to the underside of the cover member 33c. These electronic components 56 include voltage-regulating electronic components 56 and current-distributing electronic components 56. Examples of voltage-regulating electronic components 56 include on-board chargers (OBCs) and DC / DC converters. The on-board charger, provided as an electronic component 56, is a device for converting AC voltage supplied externally via a plug provided in the control device 50 into DC voltage and charging a battery (not shown). This battery (not shown) supplies power to the drive unit 100. The DC / DC converter, provided as an electronic component 56, is a device for converting the voltage supplied to the drive unit 100 from the battery (not shown) and charging other low-voltage batteries. The control device 50 may have both an on-board charger and a DC / DC converter as voltage-regulating electronic components 56, or it may have only one of these components. It should be noted that the DC / DC converter provided as electronic component 56 may also be a device that boosts the voltage supplied to the drive unit 100 by a battery (not shown) and supplies it to other electronic components, etc.

[0048] The electronic component 56 that distributes current is, for example, a power distribution unit (PDU). The power distribution unit, which is provided as electronic component 56, is a device that distributes the current supplied to the drive unit 100 by a battery (not shown) to various electrical installations in the vehicle, including the circuit section 53a.

[0049] At least a portion of the control device 50 is located above the motor 10 in the vertical direction. When viewed vertically, at least a portion of the control device 50 overlaps with the motor 10. In this embodiment, a portion of the first substrate 51, a portion of the circuit section 53a, a portion of the heat sink 55, a plurality of terminals 57, and a portion of the electronic components 56 are located above the motor 10 and overlap with the motor 10 when viewed vertically.

[0050] The control device 50 has a first portion 50a and a second portion 50b. In this embodiment, the first portion 50a is composed of a first substrate 51 and a power module 53. In this embodiment, the second portion 50b is composed of a second substrate 52 and a capacitor 54. At least a portion of the first portion 50a is located above the motor 10. In this embodiment, the front (+X side) portion of the first substrate 51 and the front portion of the power module 53 in the first portion 50a are located above the motor 10. The second portion 50b is a portion whose vertical dimension is larger than that of the first portion 50a in the vertical direction. The second portion 50b is located at a different position from the motor 10 in the front-back direction (X-axis direction), which is orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the axial direction of the motor 10. Thus, by positioning at least a portion of the smaller first part 50a in the vertical direction above the motor 10, and positioning the larger second part 50b in the vertical direction offset from the motor 10 in the front-rear direction, it is possible to suppress the drive device 100 from becoming too large in both the front-rear and vertical directions. In this embodiment, the second part 50b is located further rearward (on the -X side) than the motor 10.

[0051] The busbar assembly 60 is housed inside the control device housing 33. More specifically, the busbar assembly 60 is housed inside the first receiving portion 33a. The busbar assembly 60 is located in the first receiving portion 33a on the front side (+X side) of the first substrate 51, power module 53, and heat sink 55. The busbar assembly 60 is fixed to the lower surface of the support member 33h. The busbar assembly 60 has a busbar holder 61 and a plurality of busbars 80. That is, the drive device 100 includes the busbar holder 61 and a plurality of busbars 80.

[0052] Busbar retainer 61 supports a plurality of busbars 80. In this embodiment, busbar retainer 61 is made of resin. A portion of each busbar 80 is embedded in busbar retainer 61. Busbar retainer 61 is formed, for example, by embedding the first extension 81U, first extension 81V, and first extension 81W (described later) of the plurality of busbars 80 as embedding members. At least a portion of busbar retainer 61 is located above motor 10 in the vertical direction. At least a portion of busbar retainer 61 overlaps with motor 10 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the busbar retainer 61, except for the front (+X side) end, is located above motor 10 and overlaps with motor 10 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, busbar retainer 61 is located forward of the central axis J.

[0053] like Figure 5As shown, in this embodiment, the busbar holder 61 is elongated in the axial direction (Y-axis direction) when viewed in the vertical direction. The busbar holder 61 is located forward (+X side) of the first substrate 51. The power module 53 and the busbar holder 61 are arranged in the front-back direction (X-axis direction) when viewed in the vertical direction. That is, the circuit section 53a in the power module 53 and the busbar holder 61 are arranged in the front-back direction orthogonal to both the vertical direction and the axial direction of the motor 10 when viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the circuit section 53a and the busbar holder 61 are arranged axially when viewed in the vertical direction, the axial enlargement of the drive device 100 can be suppressed.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, the busbar retainer 61 is fixed to the lower surface of the support member 33h via multiple spacers 33m. The multiple spacers 33m protrude downwards from the lower surface of the support member 33h. The busbar retainer 61 has a base 61a, a first protrusion 61b, and a second protrusion 61c. The base 61a is the portion that supports the multiple busbars 80. The base 61a is fixed to the multiple spacers 33m. The base 61a is disposed separately from the lower surface of the support member 33h on the lower side. Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the base 61a is elongated in the axial direction (Y-axis direction) when viewed in the vertical direction. A through hole 61d is provided in the base 61a. That is, the busbar holder 61 has a through hole 61d. The through hole 61d extends through the busbar holder 61 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the through hole 61d extends through the base 61a in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the through hole 61d is circular when viewed in the vertical direction. When viewed in the vertical direction, the center of the through hole 61d is located on the axial side (+Y side) closer to the axial center of the base 61a.

[0055] like Figure 6 As shown, a first protrusion 61b and a second protrusion 61c protrude upwards from the base 61a. The first protrusion 61b protrudes upwards from the upper surface of the base 61a. The first protrusion 61b protrudes upwards from the edge of the through hole 61d in the upper surface of the base 61a. The upper end of the first protrusion 61b is disposed separately from the lower surface of the support member 33h on the lower side. It should be noted that the upper end of the first protrusion 61b may also contact the lower surface of the support member 33h.

[0056] like Figure 5As shown, the first protrusion 61b is cylindrical, surrounding the through hole 61d, when viewed vertically. In this embodiment, the first protrusion 61b is a cylindrical shape with an opening at the top. When viewed vertically, the center of the first protrusion 61b coincides with the center of the through hole 61d. It should be noted that, when viewed vertically, the center of the first protrusion 61b and the center of the through hole 61d may also be offset from each other. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the first protrusion 61b is the same as the inner diameter of the through hole 61d. Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the first protrusion 61b and the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 61d are connected to each other without steps. It should be noted that the inner diameter of the first protrusion 61b may also be different from the inner diameter of the through hole 61d. Furthermore, the shape of the first protrusion 61b when viewed in the vertical direction is not particularly limited, as long as it surrounds the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction. The first protrusion 61b may be approximately C-shaped when viewed in the vertical direction, or it may be an arc extending around the center of the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the first protrusion 61b may also be composed of a plurality of plate-like portions arranged at intervals around the center of the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction. In this case, the plurality of plate-like portions surround the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0057] The second protrusion 61c protrudes downward from the lower surface of the base 61a. The second protrusion 61c protrudes downward from a position on the lower surface of the base 61a that separates from the edge of the through hole 61d. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the second protrusion 61c is cylindrical, surrounding the through hole 61d, when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the second protrusion 61c is a cylindrical shape with an opening at the bottom. When viewed in the vertical direction, the center of the second protrusion 61c coincides with the center of the through hole 61d. It should be noted that, when viewed in the vertical direction, the center of the second protrusion 61c and the center of the through hole 61d may also be offset from each other. Furthermore, the second protrusion 61c may be approximately C-shaped when viewed in the vertical direction, or it may be an arc extending around the center of the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction. In addition, the second protrusion 61c may also be composed of a plurality of plate-like portions arranged at intervals around the center of the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction. In this case, the plurality of plate-like portions surround the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0058] The outer diameter of the second protrusion 61c is larger than the outer diameter of the first protrusion 61b. The inner diameter of the second protrusion 61c is larger than the inner diameter of the first protrusion 61b and the inner diameter of the through hole 61d. It should be noted that the outer diameters of the first protrusion 61b and the second protrusion 61c can also be the same. Similarly, the inner diameters of the first protrusion 61b and the second protrusion 61c can also be the same. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the second protrusion 61c can also be the same as the inner diameter of the through hole 61d. Figure 6 As shown, the vertical dimension of the second protrusion 61c is smaller than the vertical dimension of the first protrusion 61b. It should be noted that the vertical dimension of the second protrusion 61c can be the same as or larger than the vertical dimension of the first protrusion 61b.

[0059] Multiple busbars 80 electrically connect the motor 10 to the control device 50. In this embodiment, multiple busbars 80 electrically connect the motor 10 to the circuit section 53a. More specifically, multiple busbars 80 electrically connect the coils 16 of the stator 12 to the circuit section 53a. Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the busbar 80 includes three components: busbar 80U, busbar 80V, and busbar 80W. In this embodiment, each busbar 80U, 80V, and 80W is composed of two conductive components.

[0060] Busbar 80U has a first extension 81U, a second extension 82U, a third extension 83U, a fourth extension 84U, and a connecting portion 85U. Busbar 80V has a first extension 81V, a second extension 82V, a third extension 83V, a fourth extension 84V, and a connecting portion 85V. Busbar 80W has a first extension 81W, a second extension 82W, and a connecting portion 85W. That is, multiple busbars 80U, 80V, and 80W each have a first extension 81U, a first extension 81V, and a first extension 81W. The first extensions 81U, 81V, and 81W extend in a forward / backward direction (X-axis direction) intersecting the vertical direction. The first extensions 81U, 81V, and 81W of multiple busbars 80U, 80V, and 80W are arranged at intervals along an axial direction (Y-axis direction) orthogonal to both the vertical and horizontal directions. The first extension 81V is located on one axial side (+Y side) of the first extension 81U. The first extension 81W is located on one axial side of the first extension 81V. The axial distance between the first extensions 81V and 81W is greater than the axial distance between the first extensions 81U and 81V. The first extensions 81V and 81W are arranged axially separated by a through-hole 61d. The rear (-X side) ends of the multiple first extensions 81U, 81V, and 81W are electrically connected to multiple terminals 57 electrically connected to the circuit section 53a. Thus, each busbar 80 is electrically connected to the first substrate 51 via the multiple terminals 57 and the circuit section 53a.

[0061] The second extension 82U extends axially (Y-axis direction) from the first extension 81U. The second extension 82V extends axially from the first extension 81V. The second extension 82W extends axially from the first extension 81W. In this embodiment, each of the second extensions 82U, 82V, and 82W extends axially from the front (+X side) end of each of the first extensions 81U, 81V, and 81W to the other side (-Y side). The vertical positions of the plurality of second extensions 82U, 82V, and 82W are different from each other. The plurality of second extensions 82U, 82V, and 82W are arranged at the same position in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). When viewed in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the plurality of second extensions 82U, 82V, and 82W overlaps with each other.

[0062] The third extension 83U extends from the second extension 82U in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The third extension 83V extends from the second extension 82V in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, each third extension 83U, 83V extends rearward (to the -X-side) from the end of each second extension 82U, 82V on the opposite side (-Y-side) of the axial direction. The vertical positions of the plurality of third extensions 83U, 83V are different from each other. The plurality of third extensions 83U, 83V are arranged at the same position in the axial direction (Y-axis direction). When viewed in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the plurality of third extensions 83U, 83V overlaps each other. Figure 6 As shown, at least a portion of the third extension 83U and the third extension 83V overlaps with the through hole 61d when viewed axially. In this embodiment, a portion of each of the third extensions 83U and 83V overlaps with the through hole 61d when viewed axially.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, the fourth extension 84U extends axially (in the Y-axis direction) from the third extension 83U. The fourth extension 84V extends axially from the third extension 83V. In this embodiment, each of the fourth extensions 84U and 84V extends from the rear end (-X side) of each of the third extensions 83U and 83V to the other side (-Y side) in the axial direction. The vertical positions of the plurality of fourth extensions 84U and 84V are different from each other. The fourth extension 84U is located at a position further rearward than the fourth extension 84V.

[0064] Connector 85U extends upward from the end of the fourth extension 84U on the other side of the axial direction (-Y side). A terminal 19U is fixed to connector 85U, for example, by a bolt, and this terminal 19U is fitted to the top end of a lead extending from the coil 16 of phase U. Connector 85V extends upward from the end of the fourth extension 84V on the other side of the axial direction. A terminal 19V is fixed to connector 85V, for example, by a bolt, and this terminal 19V is fitted to the top end of a lead extending from the coil 16 of phase V. Connector 85W extends upward from the end of the second extension 82W on the other side of the axial direction. A terminal 19W is fixed to connector 85W, for example, by a bolt, and this terminal 19W is fitted to the top end of a lead extending from the coil 16 of phase W. Thus, multiple busbars 80U, 80V, and 80W are electrically connected to multiple coils 16. Connectors 85U, 85V, and 85W are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). Connector 85V is located on the front side (+X side) of connector 85U. Connector 85W is located on the front side of connector 85V.

[0065] In this embodiment, the second extension 82U, the third extension 83U, the fourth extension 84U, and the connecting portion 85U are part of the same single component and are separate from the first extension 81U. The first extension 81U and the second extension 82U are fixed to each other, for example, by bolts. The second extension 82V, the third extension 83V, the fourth extension 84V, and the connecting portion 85V are part of the same single component and are separate from the first extension 81V. The first extension 81V and the second extension 82V are fixed to each other, for example, by bolts. The second extension 82W and the connecting portion 85W are part of the same single component and are separate from the first extension 81W. The first extension 81W and the second extension 82W are fixed to each other, for example, by bolts.

[0066] The busbar assembly 60 has a second busbar retainer 62. The second busbar retainer 62 supports the portions of each busbar 80 that are separate from the first extensions 81U, 81V, and 81W. The second busbar retainer 62 is made of resin. The second busbar retainer 62 is manufactured, for example, by inserting the portions of each busbar 80 that are separate from the first extensions 81U, 81V, and 81W as insert members.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, the drive unit 100 includes a flow path section 70. The flow path section 70 is a flow path for cooling various parts of the drive unit 100. The fluid W flowing in the flow path section 70 is, for example, water. The fluid W flowing in the flow path section 70 may also be a fluid other than water, such as oil. The flow path section 70 is provided across the motor housing 31 and the control device housing 33. The flow path section 70 has a first flow path section 71, a second flow path section 72, and a through flow path section 73. The first flow path section 71 is provided in the control device housing 33. The second flow path section 72 is provided in the motor housing 31. The first flow path section 71 and the second flow path section 72 are connected to each other through the through flow path section 73. In this embodiment, the fluid W flows into the first flow path section 71 from the outside of the drive unit 100, and flows from the first flow path section 71 through the through flow path section 73 to the second flow path section 72. The fluid W flowing into the second flow path 72 is discharged to the outside of the drive unit 100, cooled by a heat exchanger (not shown), and then flows back into the first flow path 71. It should be noted that the fluid W can also flow from the second flow path 72 into the first flow path 71 via the through flow path 73. In this case, the fluid W flows into the second flow path 72 from the outside of the drive unit 100 and is discharged from the first flow path 71 to the outside of the drive unit 100.

[0068] The first flow path 71 includes a first cooling flow path 71a, a first connecting flow path 71b, a second cooling flow path 71c, and a second connecting flow path 71d. The first cooling flow path 71a is located at the second bottom 33f. A fluid W flowing within the first cooling flow path 71a cools, for example, multiple electronic components 56 within the second housing 33b. Furthermore, the fluid W flowing within the first cooling flow path 71a cools, for example, a capacitor 54 and a second substrate 52, via a support member 33h. The first connecting flow path 71b connects the first cooling flow path 71a to the second cooling flow path 71c. The first connecting flow path 71b extends from the second bottom 33f toward the support member 33h. The second cooling flow path 71c is located at the support member 33h. Multiple finned portions 55b of the heat sink 55 are located within the second cooling flow path 71c. The fluid W flowing within the second cooling flow path 71c cools the circuit portion 53a via the heat sink 55. It should be noted that the first substrate 51 can also be cooled by the fluid W flowing within the second cooling flow path 71c. The second connecting flow path 71d is provided on the support member 33h. In this embodiment, the second connecting flow path 71d extends forward (+X side) from the downstream end of the second cooling flow path 71c.

[0069] The second flow path section 72 is the portion of the flow path section 70 located in the gap between the inner cylinder section 40 and the outer cylinder section 30d. For example... Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the second flow path portion 72 is formed by being covered by the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder portion 30d through openings in the radially outer side of grooves provided in the spiral rib 45 that are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, between the spiral rib 45 and the annular rib 44 in the axial direction, and between the spiral rib 45 and the large diameter portion 41a in the axial direction. Figure 4 As shown, the second flow path 72 is spirally shaped, surrounding the main body 41 around the central axis J. The second flow path 72 spirally surrounds the stator 12. The stator 12 is cooled by the fluid W flowing within the second flow path 72. It should be noted that the second flow path 72 may also be a shape other than a spiral, such as a shape that bends in the axial or circumferential direction.

[0070] A first connecting wall portion 45a is provided at one end of the second flow path portion 72, i.e., the first end portion 72a. For example... Figure 3 As shown, a second connecting wall portion 45b is provided at the other end of the second flow path portion 72, namely the second end portion 72b. In this embodiment, the second end portion 72b is located on the axial side (+Y side) relative to the first end portion 72a. In this embodiment, the first end portion 72a is the upstream end portion of the second flow path portion 72. In this embodiment, the second end portion 72b is the downstream end portion of the second flow path portion 72.

[0071] Fluid W flowing within the spirally extending second flow path 72 collides circumferentially with the first connecting wall portion 45a and the second connecting wall portion 45b at the first end 72a and the second end 72b, respectively, easily applying a force to the inner cylinder portion 40 that causes it to vibrate circumferentially. In contrast, in this embodiment, the circumferential dimensions of the first connecting wall portion 45a and the second connecting wall portion 45b are larger than the width WD of the spiral rib 45. Therefore, the rigidity of the first connecting wall portion 45a and the second connecting wall portion 45b can be improved. Consequently, even if fluid W collides with the first connecting wall portion 45a and the second connecting wall portion 45b, the inner cylinder portion 40 is less likely to vibrate.

[0072] As described above, in this embodiment, the helical rib 45 is fitted into the outer cylinder portion 30d through a clearance fit. Therefore, a gap is provided between the helical rib 45 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder portion 30d. Consequently, a portion of the fluid W flowing within the second flow path portion 72 flows into the gap between the helical rib 45 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder portion 30d. Thus, compared to the case where this gap is not provided, the pressure loss generated by the fluid W flowing within the second flow path portion 72 can be reduced.

[0073] As described above, in this embodiment, the annular rib 44 is fitted into the outer cylinder portion 30d by a clearance fit. Therefore, a portion of the fluid W flowing within the second flow path portion 72 flows through the gap between the annular rib 44 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder portion 30d, into the gap between the portion of the inner cylinder portion 40 located on the axial side (+Y side) of the annular rib 44 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder portion 30d, and into the axial gap between the annular bottom 42 and the spacer wall portion 34a. Therefore, the fluid W flowing into this gap facilitates the cooling of the coil end 16a and the bearing 17b protruding axially from the stator core 15 in the stator 12. As described above, the boundary between the radial inner edge of the annular bottom 42 and the radial outer edge of the annular protrusion 34b is sealed by a friction-stirring engagement. Therefore, fluid W flowing into the inner cylinder portion 40 from between the annular bottom 42 and the annular protrusion 34b is suppressed from flowing into the inner cylinder portion 40 through the axial gap between the annular bottom 42 and the spacer wall portion 34a.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, the through-flow path portion 73 extends in the vertical direction. The through-flow path portion 73 passes through the busbar holder 61 in the vertical direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the flow path portion 70 is provided avoiding the busbar holder 61, the length of the flow path portion 70 can be prevented from increasing. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide the busbar holder 61 to avoid the flow path portion 70, the length of the busbar 80 supported by the busbar holder 61 can be prevented from increasing. Therefore, it is easy to shorten the length of the flow path portion 70 and the length of the busbar 80, and the enlargement of the drive device 100 can be prevented.

[0075] As described above, in this embodiment, the control device 50 includes an electronic component 56 for adjusting voltage and an electronic component 56 for distributing current. When the control device 50 has at least one of these two electronic components, the control device 50 becomes larger, which in turn makes it easier to increase the size of the drive device 100. In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, by configuring the through-flow section 73 to pass through the busbar holder 61, the increase in the size of the drive device 100 can be suppressed. That is, since the through-flow section 73 passes through the busbar holder 61, even when the control device 50 has at least one of these two electronic components, the increase in the size of the control device 50 can be suppressed.

[0076] As described above, in this embodiment, the drive unit 100 includes a gear mechanism 20 connected to the motor 10. When the drive unit 100 includes the gear mechanism 20, it is easy to increase its size. In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, by configuring the flow path portion 73 to pass through the busbar holder 61, the increase in the size of the drive unit 100 can be suppressed. That is, since the flow path portion 73 passes through the busbar holder 61, the flow path portion 70 can be shortened, and the control device housing 33 can be made smaller. Even with the configuration of the drive unit 100 including the gear mechanism 20, the increase in the size of the drive unit 100 can be suppressed.

[0077] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the through-flow path 73 extends vertically through the portion of the busbar holder 61 located between the axially adjacent first extensions 81V and 81W. Therefore, the fluid W flowing within the through-flow path 73 easily cools each of the first extensions 81V and 81W. In this embodiment, the third direction in which the plurality of first extensions 81U, 81V, and 81W are arranged is the axial direction of the motor 10. Therefore, even if the spacing between adjacent first extensions 81V and 81W is increased to allow the through-flow path 73 to extend, the busbar holder 61 can be prevented from becoming larger in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction. Thus, in this embodiment, the busbar holder 61 can be prevented from becoming larger in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the drive unit 100 can be prevented from becoming larger in the longitudinal direction.

[0078] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the through-flow path 73 extends through the through-hole 61d in the vertical direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the through-hole 61d constitutes at least a part of the through-flow path 73, it is unnecessary to provide a sealing structure to suppress leakage of fluid W relative to the manifold retainer 61. This simplifies the structure of the manifold retainer 61.

[0079] In this embodiment, the through-flow section 73 is formed by connecting a first cylindrical section 33i and a second cylindrical section 31a to each other. The first cylindrical section 33i protrudes downward from the portion of the control device housing 33 where the first flow section 71 is located. In this embodiment, the first cylindrical section 33i protrudes downward from the lower surface of the support member 33h. More specifically, the first cylindrical section 33i protrudes downward from the lower surface of the portion of the support member 33h where the downstream end of the second connecting flow section 71d is located. In this embodiment, the first cylindrical section 33i and the support member 33h are part of the same single component. The first cylindrical section 33i may also be separate from the support member 33h.

[0080] The first cylindrical portion 33i is a cylindrical shape with an opening at the bottom. In this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 33i is generally cylindrical when viewed in the vertical direction, with its center aligned with the center of the through hole 61d. The outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 33i is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 61d. The first cylindrical portion 33i passes through the through hole 61d in the vertical direction. The lower end of the first cylindrical portion 33i is located below the through hole 61d. The outer peripheral surface of the portion of the first cylindrical portion 33i located inside the through hole 61d is disposed separately from the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 61d. The first cylindrical portion 33i is located inside the control device housing 33. More specifically, the first cylindrical portion 33i is located inside the first receiving portion 33a. The upper end of the interior of the first cylindrical portion 33i is connected to the downstream end, i.e., the front (+X side) end, of the second connecting flow path portion 71d. An annular groove 33j surrounding the central axis of the first cylindrical portion 33i is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lower portion of the first cylindrical portion 33i. A sealing member 90 is disposed in the annular groove 33j. The sealing member 90 is annular and surrounds the first cylindrical portion 33i. The sealing member 90 is, for example, an O-ring.

[0081] The second cylindrical portion 31a protrudes upward from the portion of the motor housing 31 where the second flow path portion 72 is provided. In this embodiment, the portion of the motor housing 31 where the second flow path portion 72 is provided is the portion of the motor housing 31 that includes the outer cylindrical portion 30d and the inner cylindrical portion 40. In this embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 31a protrudes upward from the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion 30d. More specifically, the second cylindrical portion 31a protrudes upward from the upper surface of the portion 33k that forms part of the first bottom 33d in the outer cylindrical portion 30d. The second cylindrical portion 31a is a cylindrical shape with an opening at the top. In this embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 31a is generally cylindrical when viewed in the vertical direction, with its center aligned with the center of the through hole 61d. The outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 31a is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 61d. The outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 31a is larger than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 33i.

[0082] The lower end of the interior of the second cylindrical portion 31a is the lower end of the interior of the through-flow section 73. The lower end of the interior of the second cylindrical portion 31a is connected to the interior of the second flow section 72. More specifically, the lower end of the interior of the second cylindrical portion 31a is connected to the interior of the portion of the second flow section 72 that is separated downstream from the first end 72a. Thus, the through-flow section 73 is connected to the portion of the flow section 70 located in the gap between the inner cylinder portion 40 and the outer cylinder portion 30d, i.e., the second flow section 72. Therefore, the fluid W in the through-flow section 73 can flow to the second flow section 72, and the motor 10 can be cooled by the fluid W flowing in the second flow section 72. Furthermore, when the fluid W flows from the second flow section 72 to the through-flow section 73, the fluid W in the second flow section 72 can flow to the first flow section 71 via the through-flow section 73.

[0083] The second cylindrical portion 31a has a small-diameter cylindrical portion 31b and a large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 31b is the lower part of the second cylindrical portion 31a. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 31b protrudes upward from the outer peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 30d. The inner diameter of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 31b is the same as the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 33i. The inner diameter of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 31b may also be different from the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 33i. The lower end of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 31b is the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 31a. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c is the upper part of the second cylindrical portion 31a. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c is connected to the upper side of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 31b. The upper end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c is the upper end of the second cylindrical portion 31a. The upper end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c is located within the through hole 61d. The outer peripheral surface of the upper end of the large-diameter cylindrical section 31c is disposed separately from the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 61d.

[0084] The inner diameter of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c is larger than the inner diameter of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 31b. The inner diameter of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c is larger than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 33i. The lower portion of the first cylindrical portion 33i is inserted into the interior of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c. The sealing member 90 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c in a manner that covers the entire circumference of the central axis of the second cylindrical portion 31a. Thus, the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 33i and the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 31a are sealed by the sealing member 90. It should be noted that the annular groove 33j for which the sealing member 90 is disposed may also be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c.

[0085] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the connection between the first cylindrical portion 33i and the second cylindrical portion 31a is located inside the through hole 61d. Therefore, even assuming that fluid W leaks from the connection between the first cylindrical portion 33i and the second cylindrical portion 31a, the splashing of the leaking fluid W can be easily suppressed by the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 61d. Thus, the leakage of fluid W can be prevented from reaching the first substrate 51 and the circuit portion 53a, etc. The connection between the first cylindrical portion 33i and the second cylindrical portion 31a is formed by inserting the first cylindrical portion 33i into the second cylindrical portion 31a, such that the first cylindrical portion 33i and the second cylindrical portion 31a coincide radially with respect to the central axis of each cylindrical portion. In this embodiment, the upper portion of the connection is located inside the through hole 61d. The lower portion of the connection is located below the through hole 61d. It should be noted that the entire connection may also be located inside the through hole 61d.

[0086] In this embodiment, the gap between the first cylindrical portion 33i and the second cylindrical portion 31a opens at the upper side between the inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the second cylindrical portion 31a and the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 33i. By positioning the upper end of the second cylindrical portion 31a within the through hole 61d, the upper opening of the gap can be disposed within the through hole 61d. Therefore, even if fluid W leaks from the upper opening of the gap, splashing of the fluid W can be suppressed through the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 61d.

[0087] As described above, in this embodiment, the busbar holder 61 has a first protrusion 61b and a second protrusion 61c protruding vertically from the base 61a. The first protrusion 61b and the second protrusion 61c surround the through-hole 61d when viewed vertically. Therefore, even assuming that fluid W leaks from the connection between the first cylindrical portion 33i and the second cylindrical portion 31a and leaks into the through-hole 61d, the first protrusion 61b or the second protrusion 61c can easily suppress the splashing of the leaking fluid W. Thus, splashing of fluid W leaking from the through-hole 61d to a position further outward than the first protrusion 61b and the second protrusion 61c can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the leaking fluid W from reaching the first substrate 51 and the circuit portion 53a, etc. In this embodiment, the busbar holder 61 has two protrusions: a first protrusion 61b protruding upward from the base 61a and a second protrusion 61c protruding downward from the base 61a. Therefore, the splashing of fluid W leaking upward from the through hole 61d and fluid W leaking downward from the through hole 61d can be suppressed by each protrusion.

[0088] like Figure 5As shown, the through flow path 73 is located on one axial side (+Y side) of the third extension 83U and the third extension 83V. As described above, at least a portion of the third extension 83U and the third extension 83V overlaps with the through flow path 73 when viewed axially. Therefore, compared to the case where the third extension 83U and the third extension 83V as a whole do not overlap with the through flow path 73 when viewed axially, the increase in the longitudinal (X-axis) dimension of the multiple busbars 80 as a whole can be suppressed. Therefore, the enlargement of the drive device 100 in the longitudinal direction can be further suppressed.

[0089] <Second Implementation>

[0090] In the following description, for configurations identical to those described in the embodiments above, descriptions are sometimes omitted by appropriately using the same reference numerals, etc. For example... Figure 7 As shown, in the drive device 200 of this embodiment, the busbar holder 261 differs from the busbar holder 61 of the first embodiment in that it does not have a first protrusion 61b and a second protrusion 61c. The busbar holder 261 has a through hole 261d that extends through the busbar holder 261 in the vertical direction. The through hole 261d extends through the base 261a in the vertical direction. The inner diameter of the through hole 261d is the same as the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 233i and the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 231a. It should be noted that the inner diameter of the through hole 261d may also be different from the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 233i and the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 231a. The other configurations of the base 261a are the same as the other configurations of the base 61a in the first embodiment.

[0091] In this embodiment, the lower end face of the first cylindrical portion 233i contacts the periphery of the through hole 261d in the upper surface of the base 261a. A sealing member 291 is provided between the lower end face of the first cylindrical portion 233i and the upper surface of the base 261a. The sealing member 291 is an annular sealing member that seals the lower end face of the first cylindrical portion 233i and the upper surface of the base 261a around the central axis of the first cylindrical portion 233i. The sealing member 291 is, for example, an O-ring. In this embodiment, the sealing member 291 is embedded in a groove provided on the lower end face of the first cylindrical portion 233i. It should be noted that the sealing member 291 may also be embedded in a groove provided on the upper surface of the base 261a.

[0092] In this embodiment, the upper end face of the second cylindrical portion 231a contacts the periphery of the through hole 261d in the lower surface of the base portion 261a. A sealing member 292 is provided between the upper end face of the second cylindrical portion 231a and the lower surface of the base portion 261a. The sealing member 292 is an annular sealing member that seals the upper end face of the second cylindrical portion 231a and the lower surface of the base portion 261a around the central axis of the second cylindrical portion 231a. The sealing member 292 is, for example, an O-ring. In this embodiment, the sealing member 292 is embedded in a groove provided on the upper end face of the second cylindrical portion 231a. It should be noted that the sealing member 292 may also be embedded in a groove provided on the lower surface of the base portion 261a. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 231a is the same throughout the vertical direction.

[0093] In this embodiment, the through-flow section 273 of the flow path section 270 is composed of a first cylindrical section 233i, a second cylindrical section 231a, and a through hole 261d. That is, in this embodiment, the through hole 261d constitutes a part of the through-flow section 273. Therefore, the fluid W can come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 261d. Thus, the manifold 80 supported on the manifold holder 261 can be easily cooled by the fluid W. The through hole 261d connects the interior of the first cylindrical section 233i to the interior of the second cylindrical section 231a. The upper end of the through hole 261d is connected to the interior of the lower end of the first cylindrical section 233i. The lower end of the through hole 261d is connected to the interior of the upper end of the second cylindrical section 231a. The other configurations of the flow path section 270 are the same as those of the flow path section 70 in the first embodiment. The other configurations of the drive device 200 are the same as those of the drive device 100 in the first embodiment.

[0094] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and other configurations and methods can be adopted within the scope of the technical concept of this invention. The flow path section only needs to have a through flow path section and be provided across the motor housing and the control device housing; it can also be any configuration. The through flow path section only needs to pass through the busbar holder in a first direction; it can also be any configuration. The first direction in which the through flow path section passes through the busbar holder can be any direction. The second direction only needs to intersect the first direction; it can also be any direction. The number of busbars only needs to be one or more; there is no particular limitation. When a second extension and a third extension are provided, at least one busbar only needs to have both a second extension and a third extension. The drive device may also not have both electronic components for adjusting voltage and electronic components for distributing current. The drive device may also not have a gear mechanism connected to the motor. The drive device may also include electronic components for controlling at least one of the heat generated in the device on which the drive device is mounted and the heat generated in the drive device. The drive unit may also include electronic components that function as at least a portion of an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls various electronic devices located in the vehicle. The application of the drive unit is not particularly limited. For example, the drive unit may be mounted in a vehicle for purposes other than rotating the axle, or it may be mounted in equipment outside the vehicle. The drive unit may also be a generator. That is, a motor may also function as both a motor and a generator.

[0095] It should be noted that this technology can have the following configuration.

[0096] (1) A drive device comprising: a motor; a control device; a busbar electrically connecting the motor to the control device; a busbar holder supporting the busbar; a housing having a motor housing accommodating the motor and a control device housing accommodating the control device; and a flow path portion disposed across the motor housing and the control device housing, wherein at least a portion of the control device and at least a portion of the busbar holder are located on one side of the motor in a first direction, and the flow path portion having a through flow path portion extending through the busbar holder in the first direction.

[0097] (2) The drive device according to (1), wherein the drive device includes a plurality of busbars, each of the plurality of busbars having a first extension extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first extensions of the plurality of busbars being arranged at intervals in a third direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the second direction, and the through flow path portion passing through the portion of the busbar holder located between the first extensions adjacent to each other in the third direction in the first direction.

[0098] (3) The drive device according to (2), wherein the third direction is the axial direction of the motor.

[0099] (4) The drive device according to (2) or (3), wherein at least one of the busbars has: a second extension extending upward from the first extension in the third direction; and a third extension extending upward from the second extension in the second direction, wherein at least a portion of the third extension overlaps with the through flow path when viewed upward from the third direction.

[0100] (5) The drive device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the control device has a circuit section for supplying power to the motor, the busbar electrically connects the motor to the circuit section, and the circuit section and the busbar holder are arranged in a direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the axial direction of the motor when viewed in the first direction.

[0101] (6) The drive device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the first direction is a direction intersecting the axial direction of the motor, the control device having: a first part; and a second part, wherein the dimension of the second part in the first direction is larger than the dimension of the first part in the first direction, at least a portion of the first part is located on one side of the first direction of the motor, and the second part is located at a different position from the motor in a direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the axial direction of the motor.

[0102] (7) The drive device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the busbar holder has a through hole through the busbar holder in the first direction, and the through flow path portion passes through the through hole in the first direction.

[0103] (8) The drive device according to (7), wherein the flow path portion has: a first flow path portion disposed in the control device housing; and a second flow path portion disposed in the motor housing, the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion being connected to each other through the through flow path portion, the through flow path portion being formed by connecting a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion to each other, the first cylindrical portion protruding from the portion of the control device housing where the first flow path portion is disposed toward the other side in the first direction, the second cylindrical portion protruding from the portion of the motor housing where the second flow path portion is disposed toward the side in the first direction, and at least a portion of the connecting portion of the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion being located inside the through hole.

[0104] (9) The drive device according to (8), wherein the busbar holder has: a base having the through hole; and a protrusion protruding from the base in the first direction, the protrusion surrounding the through hole when viewed in the first direction.

[0105] (10) The drive device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the busbar holder has a through hole extending through the busbar holder in the first direction, the through hole forming part of the through flow path portion.

[0106] (11) The drive device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the motor housing has: an inner cylinder portion surrounding the motor; and an outer cylinder portion surrounding the inner cylinder portion, the flow path portion having a portion disposed between the inner cylinder portion and the outer cylinder portion, and the through flow path portion being connected to the portion of the flow path portion disposed between the inner cylinder portion and the outer cylinder portion.

[0107] (12) The drive device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the control device has at least one of electronic components for adjusting voltage and electronic components for distributing current.

[0108] (13) The drive device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein it comprises a gear mechanism connected to the motor.

[0109] The configurations and methods described above in this specification can be appropriately combined within the scope of not contradicting each other.

Claims

1. A driving device comprising: motor; Control device; A busbar that electrically connects the motor to the control device; Busbar retainer that supports the busbar; A housing having a motor housing that internally houses the motor and a control device housing that internally houses the control device; and A flow path section is provided, which spans the motor housing and the control device housing. At least a portion of the control device and at least a portion of the busbar holder are located on one side of the motor in a first direction. The flow path section has a through flow path section that passes through the busbar holder in the first direction.

2. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein, The drive device includes multiple busbars. Each of the plurality of busbars has a first extension extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The first extensions of the plurality of busbars are arranged at intervals in a third direction orthogonal to both the first and second directions. The through-flow section passes through the portion of the busbar holder located between the first extensions adjacent to each other in the third direction.

3. The driving device according to claim 2, wherein, The third direction is the axial direction of the motor.

4. The driving device according to claim 2, wherein, At least one of the busbars has: A second extension extends upward from the first extension in the third party; as well as A third extension extends from the second extension in the second direction. At least a portion of the third extension overlaps with the through flow path when viewed from the third-party upward perspective.

5. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein, The control device includes a circuit section that supplies power to the motor. The busbar electrically connects the motor to the circuit section. When viewed in the first direction, the circuit section and the busbar holder are arranged in a direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the axial direction of the motor.

6. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein, The first direction is the direction that intersects the axis of the motor. The control device has a first part and a second part. The dimension of the second part in the first direction is larger than the dimension of the first part in the first direction. At least a portion of the first part is located on one side of the motor in the first direction. The second part is located at a different position from the motor in a direction orthogonal to both the first direction and the axial direction of the motor.

7. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The busbar retainer has a through hole extending through the busbar retainer in the first direction. The through flow path passes through the through hole in the first direction.

8. The driving device according to claim 7, wherein, The flow path section has: A first flow path section, which is disposed in the housing of the control device; and The second flow path is located in the motor housing. The first flow path section and the second flow path section are connected to each other through the through flow path section. The through-flow section is formed by connecting a first cylindrical section and a second cylindrical section to each other. The first cylindrical section protrudes from the portion of the control device housing where the first flow section is located toward the other side in the first direction, and the second cylindrical section protrudes from the portion of the motor housing where the second flow section is located toward the first side in the first direction. At least a portion of the connection between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion is located inside the through hole.

9. The driving device according to claim 8, wherein, The busbar retainer has: The base, which is provided with the through hole; and A protrusion that protrudes from the base in the first direction. The protrusion surrounds the through hole when viewed in the first direction.

10. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The busbar retainer has a through hole extending through the busbar retainer in the first direction. The through hole forms part of the through flow path section.

11. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The motor housing has: The inner cylinder portion, which surrounds the motor; and The outer cylinder portion surrounds the inner cylinder portion. The flow path portion has a portion disposed in the gap between the inner cylinder portion and the outer cylinder portion. The through flow path is connected to the portion of the flow path that is located in the gap between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder.

12. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The control device has at least one of electronic components for adjusting voltage and electronic components for distributing current.

13. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The drive device includes a gear mechanism connected to the motor.

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