Vehicle drive device

Abstract

This invention relates to a vehicle drive system. The vehicle drive system (1) includes: a rotary motor, a power transmission mechanism (20), a housing housing these components, and a second oil reservoir (62) formed in the lower part of the housing. The power transmission mechanism (20) includes a lifting rotating member (71) that lifts oil (O) stored in the second oil reservoir (62). The housing has a connecting passage (80) connecting the housing of the rotary motor and the housing (57) of the power transmission mechanism (20). An oil guiding structure (90) is provided inside the housing to guide the oil (O) lifted by the lifting rotating member (71) to the connecting passage (80) without returning it to the second oil reservoir (62).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, in electric vehicles, a vehicle drive system equipped with a rotary motor is used. An example of such a vehicle drive system is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-49662 (Patent Document 1).

[0003] The vehicle drive unit (electric power unit 1) of Patent Document 1 includes: a rotary motor (electric motor 10), output components (output shafts 22L, 22R), a power transmission mechanism (reduction mechanism 20, differential mechanism 30), and a housing (outer shell 2) for housing the rotary motor and the power transmission mechanism. Furthermore, the vehicle drive unit includes: an oil reservoir (oil pan P) formed in the lower part of the housing (gear housing Sg) of the power transmission mechanism, and an oil pump (oil pump 40).

[0004] The power transmission mechanism uses a rotating component (gear ring 26) to lift a portion of the oil stored in the oil reservoir to lubricate and cool the various parts of the power transmission mechanism. The oil pump draws in and discharges the remaining portion of the oil stored in the oil reservoir to lubricate and cool the various parts of the rotating motor.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-49662

[0006] However, in the vehicle drive device of Patent Document 1, since the rotating parts are immersed in a large amount of oil stored in the oil reservoir when the vehicle is moving, the drag resistance of the oil is usually large, which leads to a problem that the drive efficiency is prone to deterioration. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for automotive drive systems that improve driving efficiency during vehicle operation.

[0008] The vehicle drive device according to the present invention includes:

[0009] Vehicle drive system, which includes:

[0010] A rotating electric motor, which has a rotor;

[0011] Output components, which are connected to the wheel drive;

[0012] A power transmission mechanism that transmits power between the aforementioned rotor and the aforementioned output component;

[0013] The housing has a first storage chamber for housing the aforementioned rotary motor and a second storage chamber for housing the aforementioned power transmission mechanism.

[0014] The first oil storage section is formed in the lower part of the aforementioned first receiving chamber;

[0015] The second oil storage section is formed in the lower part of the aforementioned second receiving chamber;

[0016] And the oil pump,

[0017] The aforementioned oil pump draws in and discharges oil accumulated in the aforementioned first oil reservoir.

[0018] The aforementioned power transmission mechanism includes a lifting and rotating component that lifts up the oil stored in the aforementioned second oil reservoir.

[0019] The aforementioned housing has a communication passage connecting the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment.

[0020] The housing has an oil guiding structure that guides at least a portion of the oil raised by the lifting and rotating component to the connecting path instead of returning to the second oil storage section.

[0021] According to this structure, by providing an oil guiding mechanism, the oil raised by the lifting and rotating component lubricates and cools the various parts of the power transmission mechanism, and at least a portion of it is guided to the connecting passage instead of returning to the second oil reservoir, and flows into the first oil reservoir from the connecting passage. Therefore, during the rotation of the lifting and rotating component, the amount of oil accumulated in the second oil reservoir can be reduced. Consequently, the drag resistance of the oil caused by the rotation of the lifting and rotating component during vehicle operation can be reduced, and the driving efficiency of the vehicle drive system can be improved.

[0022] Further features and advantages of the technology involved in this invention will become more apparent from the following illustrative and non-limiting description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a skeleton diagram of the vehicle drive unit according to the implementation method.

[0024] Figure 2 It is a partially exploded 3D view of a vehicle drive system.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an axial view showing the lifting lubrication structure.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the first oil guide.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the first oil guide.

[0028] Figure 6 This is an axial view showing the first oil guide structure.

[0029] Figure 7This is an axial view showing the second oil guide structure. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The implementation of the vehicle drive system will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle drive unit 1 of this embodiment includes: a rotary motor 10, a power transmission mechanism 20, an output component 40, and a housing 50. The power transmission mechanism 20 transmits power between the rotary motor 10 and the output component 40. The power transmission mechanism 20 of this embodiment includes: an input component 21, a reversing gear mechanism 26, a differential input gear 31, and a differential gear mechanism 32. The output component 40 is driven connected to the wheel Wh. The housing 50 houses the rotary motor 10, the power transmission mechanism 20, and the output component 40.

[0031] In this embodiment, "rotating electric machine" is used as a concept that includes a motor (electric motor), a generator (engine), and a motor / generator that performs both motor and generator functions as needed.

[0032] Furthermore, "drive connection" refers to the state in which two rotating components are connected in a manner capable of transmitting driving force. This concept includes the state in which two rotating components are connected in a manner that allows them to rotate as a whole, and the state in which two rotating components are connected in a manner capable of transmitting driving force via one or more transmission components. Such transmission components include various components that transmit rotation at the same speed or at varying speeds (shafts, gear mechanisms, belts, chains, etc.), and may also include engaging devices that selectively transmit rotation and driving force (friction engaging devices, meshing engaging devices, etc.).

[0033] In this embodiment, the rotary motor 10 and the input component 21 are disposed on the first shaft A1. The rotary motor 10 and the input component 21 are configured such that their common axis of rotation is along the first shaft A1. The reversing gear mechanism 26 is disposed on a second shaft A2, which is different from the first shaft A1. The reversing gear mechanism 26 is configured such that its axis of rotation is along the second shaft A2. The differential input gear 31, the differential gear mechanism 32, and the output component 40 are disposed on a third shaft A3, which is different from both the first shaft A1 and the second shaft A2. The differential input gear 31, the differential gear mechanism 32, and the output component 40 are configured such that their common axis of rotation is along the third shaft A3.

[0034] The first axis A1, the second axis A2, and the third axis A3 are arranged parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the direction parallel to these axes A1 to A3 is referred to as "axial direction L". Furthermore, the vertical direction when the vehicle drive unit 1 is mounted on the vehicle is referred to as "vertical direction V". Additionally, the direction orthogonal to both the axial direction L and the vertical direction V is referred to as "width direction W". In this embodiment, the axial direction L is the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) of the vehicle, and the width direction W is the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0035] In the following description, the side along the axial direction L, i.e., the side where the rotary motor 10 is arranged relative to the reversing gear mechanism 26, is referred to as the "first axial side L1", and its opposite side (the other side along the axial direction L, i.e., the side where the reversing gear mechanism 26 is arranged relative to the rotary motor 10) is referred to as the "second axial side L2". Similarly, the side along the width direction W, i.e., the side where the reversing gear mechanism 26 is arranged relative to the differential gear mechanism 32, is referred to as the "first width direction W1", and its opposite side (the other side along the width direction W, i.e., the side where the differential gear mechanism 32 is arranged relative to the reversing gear mechanism 26) is referred to as the "second width direction W2".

[0036] In this embodiment, the vehicle drive unit 1 further includes a first oil reservoir 61, a second oil reservoir 62, and an oil pump 65. The first oil reservoir 61 and the second oil reservoir 62 are formed in the lower part of the housing 50. The oil pump 65 is disposed in the first oil reservoir 61.

[0037] The rotary electric motor 10 has a stator 11 and a rotor 12. The stator 11 is fixed to a housing 50, which is a non-rotating component. The rotor 12 is arranged radially inward relative to the stator 11 and is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the stator 11. The rotor 12 is integrally rotatably connected to a rotor shaft 13. The rotor shaft 13 is drivenly connected to a power transmission mechanism 20. At the end of the rotor shaft 13 on the second axial side L2, it is integrally rotatably connected to an input component 21 constituting the power transmission mechanism 20.

[0038] The power transmission mechanism 20 transmits power between the rotor 12 and the output component 40. The power transmission mechanism 20 includes an input component 21, a reversing gear mechanism 26, a differential input gear 31, and a differential gear mechanism 32. The input component 21 is the component in the power transmission mechanism 20 that receives driving force from the rotary motor 10 (rotor 12). The input component 21 is integrally rotatably connected to the rotor shaft 13 at its axial first side L1 end. An input gear 22 is formed on the outer surface of the axial second side L2 end of the input component 21. The input gear 22 is drivenly connected to the reversing gear mechanism 26.

[0039] The reversing gear mechanism 26 includes a first reversing gear 27, a second reversing gear 28, and a countershaft 29. The first reversing gear 27 meshes with the input gear 22. The second reversing gear 28 is configured with fewer teeth than the first reversing gear 27 and is positioned on a first axial side L1 relative to the first reversing gear 27 in this embodiment. The countershaft 29 integrally connects the first reversing gear 27 and the second reversing gear 28. The second reversing gear 28 meshes with the differential input gear 31. Thus, the driving force from the rotor 12 is transmitted to the differential input gear 31 via the input member 21 and the reversing gear mechanism 26.

[0040] The differential input gear 31 is drivenly connected to the differential gear mechanism 32. The differential gear mechanism 32 includes: a pair of pinions 33, a pair of side gears 34 that mesh with the pair of pinions 33 respectively, and a differential housing 35 that houses them. The differential input gear 31 meshes with the second reverse gear 28 and is integrally rotatably connected to the differential housing 35. The pinions 33 are rotatably supported on the pinion shaft on the differential housing 35 in a state orthogonal to the third axis A3. The side gears 34 are integrally rotatably connected to the output components 40. The differential gear mechanism 32 distributes the driving force transmitted to the differential input gear 31 to the pair of output components 40.

[0041] A pair of output components 40 are connected to the wheel Wh via the axle DS.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing 50 includes a housing body 51, a first cover 52, a second cover 53, and a third cover 54. The housing body 51 is the main part that houses the rotary motor 10 and the power transmission mechanism 20. The housing body 51 has a peripheral wall 51A covering the outer periphery of the rotary motor 10 and the power transmission mechanism 20, and a dividing wall 51B dividing its internal space in the axial direction L. The dividing wall 51B is disposed between the rotary motor 10 and the power transmission mechanism 20 in the axial direction L. In this embodiment, on the first shaft A1, the rotor shaft 13 is connected to the input component 21 at a portion passing through the dividing wall 51B. In addition, on the third shaft A3, an axle DS is disposed through the dividing wall 51B.

[0043] The first cover 52 and the second cover 53 are fixed to the housing body 51 in the axial direction L. The first cover 52 is fixed to the housing body 51 from the first axial side L1. The second cover 53 is fixed to the housing body 51 from the second axial side L2. The third cover 54 is fixed to a box-shaped portion formed on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 51A of the housing body 51 with the opening facing the second side W2 in the width direction.

[0044] In this embodiment, a first storage chamber 56 is formed within the space enclosed by the peripheral wall 51A, the dividing wall 51B, and the first cover 52 of the housing body 51. This first storage chamber 56 primarily houses the rotary motor 10. Additionally, a second storage chamber 57 is formed within the space enclosed by the peripheral wall 51A, the dividing wall 51B, and the second cover 53. This second storage chamber 57 primarily houses the power transmission mechanism 20. Thus, a first storage chamber 56 primarily housing the rotary motor 10 and a second storage chamber 57 primarily housing the power transmission mechanism 20 are formed inside the housing 50.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a third storage chamber 58 is formed as the space enclosed by the box-shaped portion outside the peripheral wall 51A of the housing body 51 and the third cover 54. This third storage chamber 58 mainly houses the inverter device 45 that controls the rotary motor 10. Thus, the third storage chamber 58, which mainly houses the inverter device 45, is integrally formed with the housing 50 on the outside of the housing 50.

[0046] In this embodiment, a first oil reservoir 61 for storing oil O is formed in the lower part of the first storage chamber 56 inside the housing 50. In this embodiment, the first oil reservoir 61 is composed of an oil pan 64, which is fixed to the housing body 51 from below by covering the downward-facing opening formed below the rotary motor 10 in the housing body 51 (specifically, the peripheral wall 51A). An oil pump 65 is provided in the first oil reservoir 61. The oil pump 65 is fixed to the upper surface of the oil pan 64. An electric oil pump is used as the oil pump 65.

[0047] Oil pump 65 draws in and discharges oil O accumulated in the first oil reservoir 61. The oil O discharged from oil pump 65 is supplied to the rotary motor 10 via an oil cooler to cool the rotary motor 10. For example, the stator 11 and rotor 12 are cooled by dripping oil O from the top of the stator 11 or by centrifugally supplying oil to the rotor 12 from an oil passage formed inside the rotor shaft 13. Additionally, the discharged oil O is supplied to bearings installed in various parts of the vehicle drive unit 1 (particularly in various parts of the first storage chamber 56) to lubricate the bearings. The oil O used for these purposes flows directly down and accumulates again in the first oil reservoir 61.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a second oil storage section 62, which stores oil O differently from the first oil storage section 61, is formed in the lower part of the second storage chamber 57 inside the housing 50. For example... Figure 3As shown, the second oil reservoir 62 is formed by a gear-enclosing wall 82, which is formed to surround a circumferential portion of the differential input gear 31 in the housing body 51 (specifically, the peripheral wall 51A). The gear-enclosing wall 82 is formed to surround the differential input gear 31 from below via a second side W2 in the width direction to above. The second oil reservoir 62 is formed by a downwardly protruding arc-shaped portion of the gear-enclosing wall 82 that covers the lower part of the differential input gear 31.

[0049] The differential input gear 31 rotates when the vehicle is in motion, and with its rotation, it lifts up the oil O accumulated in the second oil reservoir 62. In this embodiment, when the vehicle is moving forward, the differential input gear 31 rotates clockwise as viewed from the second axial side L2, and most of the lifted oil O is scattered from the upper part of the differential input gear 31 toward the first width direction W1. In this embodiment, the differential input gear 31 that lifts up the oil O accumulated in the second oil reservoir 62 constitutes the lifting rotation member 71.

[0050] The oil O that disperses towards the first side W1 in the width direction reaches the reversing gear mechanism 26, which is positioned on the first side W1 in the width direction relative to the third shaft A3 where the differential input gear 31 is located, and lubricates and cools the reversing gear mechanism 26. For example, the oil O reaches the meshing part of the differential input gear 31 and the second reversing gear 28, and also disperses slightly along the axial direction L to reach the first reversing gear 27, lubricating and cooling them. In this embodiment, the reversing gear mechanism 26, which together with the differential input gear 31, which is a lifting rotating member 71, constitutes part of the power transmission mechanism 20, forms another rotating member 72. In addition, the dispersed oil O lubricates the bearings provided in various parts of the vehicle drive unit 1 (especially in various parts of the second storage chamber 57).

[0051] After being used for these purposes, the oil O flows down the inner surface of the peripheral wall 51A of the housing body 51, toward the second oil reservoir 62. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall 51A of the housing body 51 has a lower inclined wall 83 below the reversing gear mechanism 26, which is inclined in a way that it becomes a second side in the width direction (in this example, the side where the third shaft A3 of the differential input gear 31 is arranged) as it moves downward. The oil O flows down the inner surface of this lower inclined wall 83 toward the second oil reservoir 62.

[0052] The oil O flowing down the lower inclined wall 83 flows toward the second oil reservoir 62, but in the vehicle drive device 1 of this embodiment, not all of it returns to the second oil reservoir 62. Rather, the oil O flowing down the lower inclined wall 83 is configured such that most of it does not return to the second oil reservoir 62 but flows toward the first oil reservoir 61.

[0053] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, a first through hole 81 extending in the axial direction is formed in the dividing wall 51B constituting the housing body 51 at a position relative to the second oil reservoir 62 on the first side W1 in the width direction. The first through hole 81 is formed near the end of the differential input gear 31, which serves as the lifting and rotating member 71, on the first side W1 in the width direction, and below the reversing gear mechanism 26. In addition, the first through hole 81 is formed further below the third shaft A3, where the differential input gear 31, which serves as the lifting and rotating member 71, is disposed. Furthermore, the first through hole 81 is formed near the connection position of the gear surrounding wall 82, which is part of the peripheral wall 51A, and the lower inclined wall 83 in the dividing wall 51B.

[0054] The first through hole 81 passes through the dividing wall 51B in the axial direction L, thereby connecting the first storage chamber 56 and the second storage chamber 57, which are divided by the dividing wall 51B in the axial direction L. In this embodiment, the first through hole 81 constitutes a connecting path 80 connecting the first storage chamber 56 and the second storage chamber 57.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting path 80 refers to a portion that is not normally connected but is intentionally made to connect it. Therefore, structurally necessary parts such as openings for configuring rotating components that constitute the power transmission path from the rotary motor 10 to the wheel Wh (e.g., openings for inserting the rotor shaft 13, input component 21, axle DS, etc.) are not included in the connecting path 80 described herein.

[0056] In this embodiment, the housing 50 (housing body 51) has a partition wall 85 near the connection position between the gear surrounding wall 82 and the lower inclined wall 83. The partition wall 85 is formed obliquely upward along the extension line of the gear surrounding wall 82 from the connection position between the gear surrounding wall 82 and the lower inclined wall 83. The partition wall 85 separates the area of ​​the second oil reservoir 62 and the area where the first through hole 81, which serves as a connecting passage 80, is formed in the width direction W. The partition wall 85 is located adjacent to the first through hole 81 on the second side W2 in the width direction. In this embodiment, the upper side of the partition wall 85 is open. In this embodiment, the height of the upper end of the partition wall 85 is approximately equal to the height of the upper end of the first through hole 81.

[0057] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the partition wall 85 is formed not only on the housing body 51, but also throughout the housing body 51 and the second cover 53. The partition wall 85 has a body-side partition wall 85A and a cover-side partition wall 85B, which are joined together in the axial direction L. The partition wall 85 is formed throughout the entire area of ​​the second storage chamber 57 in the axial direction L.

[0058] In this embodiment, the partition wall 85 has a second through hole 86 extending through its thickness direction. The opening area of ​​the second through hole 86 is set to be smaller than that of the first through hole 81, which serves as a connecting passage 80. Furthermore, the second through hole 86 is formed slightly above the lowermost point of the first through hole 81, which serves as a connecting passage 80. In this embodiment, the second through hole 86 is formed at the junction of the main body side partition wall 85A and the cover side partition wall 85B.

[0059] The partition wall 85 blocks the oil O flowing down along the lower inclined wall 83. By blocking the flow along the lower inclined wall 83, the partition wall 85 prevents the oil O from returning to the second oil reservoir 62 and guides the blocked oil O to the first through hole 81 side, which serves as the connecting passage 80. Thus, the vehicle drive device 1 of this embodiment has a first oil guiding structure 90 within the housing 50, which guides at least a portion of the oil O lifted by the differential input gear 31, which serves as the lifting rotating member 71, to the first through hole 81, which serves as the connecting passage 80, without returning to the second oil reservoir 62. In this embodiment, the first oil guiding structure 90 is equivalent to an "oil guiding structure".

[0060] In addition, although a second through hole 86 is formed in the partition wall 85, its opening area is small enough compared to the first through hole 81 which serves as the connecting passage 80, and the flow of oil is mainly directed toward the side of the first through hole 81 which serves as the connecting passage 80.

[0061] With this first oil guiding structure 90, the oil O that flows down the lower inclined wall 83 after the power transmission mechanism 20 has been lubricated and cooled, such as... Figure 4 and Figure 5 (Solid arrow) As shown, it does not return to the second oil reservoir 62 but is guided to the first through hole 81, which serves as the connecting path 80. Then, as Figure 6 As shown, oil O flows into the first oil reservoir 61 from the first through hole 81, which serves as the connecting passage 80. Therefore, during vehicle operation (i.e., during the rotation of the differential input gear 31, which serves as the lifting rotating member 71), the amount of oil O accumulated in the second oil reservoir 62 can be reduced. The oil level in the second oil reservoir 62 drops (see reference...). Figure 3 This can reduce the drag resistance of oil O caused by the rotation of the differential input gear 31, which is a lifting and rotating component 71, when the vehicle is in motion, thereby improving the driving efficiency of the vehicle drive unit 1.

[0062] In this embodiment, the first through hole 81 formed in the dividing wall 51B is an opening for allowing oil O blocked by the dividing wall 85 to flow into the first oil reservoir 61, which is the aforementioned "special intention". This is the reason why the first through hole 81 in this embodiment is a connecting passage 80.

[0063] When the vehicle is stationary for an extended period, the oil O that has been distributed throughout the vehicle drive unit 1 during operation flows down and returns to the first oil reservoir 61. When the oil level in the first oil reservoir 61 rises and eventually exceeds the lowest point of the first through hole 81, which serves as the connecting passage 80, a portion of the oil O accumulated in the first oil reservoir 61 begins to flow backward through the first through hole 81 (see reference). Figure 5 (dashed arrow).

[0064] Then, oil O is blocked by the partition wall 85 and accumulates on its first side W1 in the width direction. When the oil level finally rises above the lowest point of the second through hole 86, it returns to the second oil reservoir 62 through the second through hole 86. In this way, during long periods of vehicle cessation, the amount of oil O accumulated in the second oil reservoir 62 can be restored, and the oil level in the second oil reservoir 62 can be raised (see reference). Figure 3 (The dotted line). Therefore, at the next departure, the differential input gear 31, which serves as the lifting rotating component 71, can fully lift the oil O stored in the second oil reservoir 62, and the power transmission mechanism 20 can be quickly lubricated and cooled.

[0065] like Figure 7 As shown, the peripheral wall 51A constituting the housing body 51 has a surrounding wall 88 formed around the outer periphery of the differential gear mechanism 32 at a position adjacent to the gear surrounding wall 82 on the first axial side L1. In this embodiment, an inward rib 89 is formed near the upper part of the surrounding wall 88 (the uppermost part in the illustrated example). The inward rib 89 is formed to extend in the axial direction L while protruding radially inward.

[0066] A portion of the oil O lifted from the second oil reservoir 62 by the differential input gear 31, which acts as the lifting and rotating member 71, is slightly dispersed along the axial direction L as it is lifted, reaching the inner surface of the surrounding wall 88. The oil O adhering to the inner surface of the surrounding wall 88 is collected in the inward ribs 89 at the upper part of the surrounding wall 88 and flows down along the inward ribs 89. The inward ribs 89 serve to guide a portion of the oil O lifted by the differential input gear 31, which acts as the lifting and rotating member 71, to the differential gear mechanism 32. Thus, in addition to the first oil guiding structure 90 described above, the vehicle drive device 1 of this embodiment also provides a second oil guiding structure 95 within the housing 50, which guides at least a portion of the oil O lifted by the differential input gear 31, which acts as the lifting and rotating member 71, to the differential gear mechanism 32.

[0067] By providing this second oil guiding structure 95, a portion of the oil O lifted by the differential input gear 31, which acts as the lifting rotating member 71, can be efficiently guided to the differential gear mechanism 32. Furthermore, it can lubricate and cool the support portion of the pinion 33, the support portion of the side gear 34, and the meshing portion of the pinion 33 and the side gear 34. For example, when the vehicle starts moving, all parts of the differential gear mechanism 32 can be quickly and appropriately lubricated. Additionally, when the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed, even if the oil level in the second oil reservoir 62 drops and the amount of oil O lifted by the differential input gear 31, which acts as the lifting rotating member 71, decreases, all parts of the differential gear mechanism 32 can still be appropriately lubricated.

[0068] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0069] (1) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the connecting passage 80 is formed by a first through hole 81 formed in the dividing wall 51B, and the first oil guiding structure 90 is formed using such a first through hole 81. However, it is not limited to such a structure. For example, the connecting passage 80 may also be formed by an oil passage, and the first oil guiding structure 90 may also be formed using such an oil passage. In addition, the first oil guiding structure 90 may also be formed using other components installed in the housing 50. Apart from this, the specific structure of the connecting passage 80 and the specific structure of the first oil guiding structure 90 may be any structure as long as it meets the purpose.

[0070] (2) In the above embodiment, an example of the second oil guiding structure 95 being composed of inward ribs 89 formed on the peripheral wall 51A has been described. However, it is not limited to such a structure, and any structure of the second oil guiding structure 95 can be adopted as long as it meets the purpose. In addition, it is not necessary to provide the second oil guiding structure 95 inside the housing 50.

[0071] (3) In the above embodiment, an example of the first oil storage section 61 being constructed using an oil pan 64 fixed to the housing body 51 has been described. However, it is not limited to such a structure. For example, the first oil storage section 61 may also be constructed using the portion of the peripheral wall 51A of the housing body 51 located below the rotary motor 10.

[0072] (4) In the above embodiment, an example of the second oil reservoir 62 being constructed using the portion of the peripheral wall 51A of the housing body 51 located below the differential input gear 31 has been described. However, it is not limited to such a structure. For example, the second oil reservoir 62 may also be constructed using an oil pan, which is fixed in such a way that it covers the opening formed in the housing body 51 below the differential input gear 31.

[0073] (5) In the above embodiment, the power transmission mechanism 20 is described as having an input component 21, a reversing gear mechanism 26, a differential input gear 31, and a differential gear mechanism 32 as an example. However, it is not limited to such a structure. For example, the power transmission mechanism 20 may also have an idler gear located between the input component 21 and the reversing gear mechanism 26, or between the reversing gear mechanism 26 and the differential input gear 31. In this case, the idler gear may also serve as another rotating component 72. In addition, the specific structure of the power transmission mechanism 20 can be arbitrary, including planetary gear reduction devices, clutches, brakes, and other friction engagement devices.

[0074] (6) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the rotation axis (second axis A2) of the reversing gear mechanism 26, which is another rotating member 72, is arranged on the first side W1 in the width direction relative to the rotation axis (third axis A3) of the differential input gear 31, which is the lifting rotating member 71, has been described as an example. However, this structure is not limited to this one. The rotation axis of the other rotating member 72 and the rotation axis of the lifting rotating member 71 may also be arranged at the same position in the width direction W. Alternatively, the rotation axis of the other rotating member 72 may be arranged on the second side W2 in the width direction relative to the rotation axis of the lifting rotating member 71.

[0075] (7) In the above embodiment, the structure of lifting the oil O stored in the second oil reservoir 62 by the differential input gear 31 rotating when the vehicle is in motion is described as an example. However, it is not limited to such a structure. For example, a special component for lifting the oil O stored in the second oil reservoir 62 may be provided, and the lifting rotating component 71 may also be composed of a rotating component other than the differential input gear 31.

[0076] (8) In the above embodiment, the structure of the oil pump 65 using an electric oil pump was described as an example. However, it is not limited to such a structure. For example, a mechanical oil pump that is driven by the drive force of the rotary motor 10, which is also a driving force source for the vehicle, can also be used as the oil pump 65.

[0077] (9) In the above embodiments, the structure of the vehicle drive unit 1 as a drive unit for electric vehicles has been described. However, it is not limited to such a structure. For example, the technology of the present invention can also be applied to the drive unit for hybrid vehicles.

[0078] (10) In the above embodiment, the structure in which the output component 40 is connected to a pair of side gears 34 constituting the differential gear mechanism 32 in a manner that the output component 40 rotates integrally is described as an example. However, it is not limited to such a structure. For example, the axle DS connected to the output component 40 in the above embodiment may also be positioned as the "output component".

[0079] (11) The structures disclosed in the above embodiments (including the above embodiments and other embodiments, the same below) can be combined and applied with the structures disclosed in other embodiments, as long as they do not create contradictions. Regarding other structures, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are illustrative in all respects and can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0080] [Summary of Implementation Methods]

[0081] In summary, the vehicle drive device involved in this invention preferably has the following structures.

[0082] A vehicle drive unit (1) comprising:

[0083] A rotary electric motor (10) equipped with a rotor;

[0084] Output component (40) connected to the wheel (Wh) drive;

[0085] A power transmission mechanism (20) that transmits power between the rotor (12) and the output component (40).

[0086] The housing (50) has a first storage chamber (56) for housing the rotary motor (10) and a second storage chamber (57) for housing the power transmission mechanism (20).

[0087] A first oil storage section (61) is formed in the lower part of the first storage chamber (56) mentioned above.

[0088] A second oil storage section (62) is formed in the lower part of the aforementioned second storage chamber (57);

[0089] And the oil pump (65),

[0090] The aforementioned oil pump (65) draws in and discharges the oil (O) accumulated in the aforementioned first oil storage section (61).

[0091] The aforementioned power transmission mechanism (20) includes a lifting rotating component (71) that lifts up the oil (O) stored in the aforementioned second oil reservoir (62).

[0092] The aforementioned housing (50) has a communication passage (80) connecting the aforementioned first storage chamber (56) and the aforementioned second storage chamber (57).

[0093] The housing (50) is provided with an oil guiding structure (90) that guides at least a portion of the oil (O) lifted by the lifting rotating member (71) to the connecting passage (80) without returning to the second oil storage section (62).

[0094] According to this structure, by having an oil guiding structure (90), at least a portion of the oil (O) raised by the lifting rotating member (71) after lubricating and cooling the various parts of the power transmission mechanism (20) does not return to the second oil reservoir (62) but is guided to the connecting passage (80) and flows into the first oil reservoir (61) from the connecting passage (80). Therefore, during the rotation of the lifting rotating member (71), the amount of oil (O) accumulated in the second oil reservoir (62) can be reduced. Consequently, the drag resistance of the oil (O) caused by the rotation of the lifting rotating member (71) during vehicle operation can be reduced, and the driving efficiency of the vehicle drive unit (1) can be improved.

[0095] As a preferred method,

[0096] The direction along the rotation axis of the aforementioned lifting rotating component (71) is defined as the axial direction (L), the direction orthogonal to both the axial direction (L) and the vertical direction (V) is defined as the width direction (W), and one side of the width direction (W) is defined as the first side of the width direction (W1).

[0097] The aforementioned lifting and rotating component (71) causes at least a portion of the lifted oil (O) to disperse toward the first side (W1) in the aforementioned width direction.

[0098] The aforementioned connecting passage (80) is disposed on the first side (W1) in the width direction relative to the aforementioned second oil storage section (62).

[0099] The oil guiding structure (90) includes a partition wall (85) that separates the area of ​​the second oil storage section (62) from the area where the connecting passage (80) is arranged in the width direction (W).

[0100] According to this structure, at least a portion of the oil (O) that is lifted by the lifting and rotating component (71) and dispersed towards the first side (W1) in the width direction is blocked by the partition wall (85) and does not return to the second oil reservoir (62), but is guided to the connecting passage (80). Therefore, with the relatively minor modification of providing a partition wall (85) between the second oil reservoir (62) and the area where the connecting passage (80) is provided, the oil guiding structure (90) of the present invention can be appropriately formed within the housing (50).

[0101] As a preferred method,

[0102] The direction along the rotation axis of the aforementioned lifting rotating component (71) is defined as the axial direction (L), the direction orthogonal to both the axial direction (L) and the vertical direction (V) is defined as the width direction (W), and one side of the width direction (W) is defined as the first side of the width direction (W1).

[0103] The aforementioned lifting and rotating component (71) causes at least a portion of the lifted oil (O) to disperse toward the first side (W1) in the aforementioned width direction.

[0104] The aforementioned connecting passage (80) is disposed on the first side (W1) in the width direction relative to the aforementioned second oil storage section (62).

[0105] The aforementioned power transmission mechanism (20) has a different rotating component than the aforementioned lifting and rotating component (71), namely another rotating component (72).

[0106] The rotation axis of the other rotating component (72) is disposed on the first side (W1) in the width direction relative to the rotation axis of the lifting rotating component (71).

[0107] According to this structure, the other rotating component (72) can be lubricated and cooled by oil (O) that is lifted by the lifting rotating component (71) and dispersed toward the first side (W1) in the width direction. After the oil (O) lubricates and cools the other rotating component (72), it flows down, and at least a portion of it is guided to a connecting path (80) disposed relative to the second oil reservoir (62) on the same first side (W1) in the width direction as the other rotating component (72). Therefore, the oil guiding structure (90) according to the present invention can be appropriately formed within the housing (50) while the other rotating component (72) is properly lubricated and cooled.

[0108] As a preferred method,

[0109] The aforementioned power transmission mechanism (20) includes: a differential input gear (31) that transmits the driving force from the aforementioned rotor (12), and a differential gear mechanism (32) that distributes the driving force transmitted to the aforementioned differential input gear (31) to a pair of aforementioned output components (40).

[0110] The aforementioned lifting and rotating component (71) is the aforementioned differential input gear (31).

[0111] The housing (50) has a second oil guiding structure (95) that guides at least a portion of the oil (O) raised by the differential input gear (31) to the differential gear mechanism (32).

[0112] According to this structure, at least a portion of the oil (O) lifted by the differential input gear (31), which serves as a lifting rotating component (71), is guided to the differential gear mechanism (32). Therefore, for example, when the vehicle starts moving, the differential gear mechanism (32) can be lubricated quickly and appropriately. Furthermore, when the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed, even if the oil level in the second oil reservoir (62) drops and the amount of oil (O) lifted by the differential input gear (31) decreases, the differential gear mechanism (32) can still be lubricated appropriately.

[0113] The vehicle drive device involved in this invention only needs to be able to achieve at least one of the above-mentioned effects.

[0114] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0115] 1: Vehicle drive unit; 10: Rotary motor; 11: Stator; 12: Rotor; 13: Rotor shaft; 20: Power transmission mechanism; 21: Input component; 22: Input gear; 26: Reverse gear mechanism; 27: First reverse gear; 28: Second reverse gear; 29: Countershaft; 31: Differential input gear; 32: Differential gear mechanism; 33: Pinion; 34: Side gear; 35: Differential housing; 40: Output component; 45: Inverter unit; 50: Housing; 51: Housing body; 51A: Peripheral wall; 51B: Dividing wall; 52: First cover; 53: Second cover; 54: Third cover; 56: First storage chamber; 57: Second storage chamber; 58: Third storage chamber; 61: First oil reservoir. 62: Second oil reservoir, 64: Oil pan, 65: Oil pump, 71: Lifting rotating component, 72: Another rotating component, 80: Connecting path, 81: First through hole, 82: Gear surrounding wall, 83: Lower inclined wall, 85: Partition wall, 85A: Main body side partition wall, 85B: Cover side partition wall, 86: Second through hole, 88: Surrounding wall, 89: Inward rib, 90: First oil guiding structure, 95: Second oil guiding structure, A1: First shaft, A2: Second shaft, A3: Third shaft, DS: Axle, L: Axial direction, L1: First side of axial direction, L2: Second side of axial direction, O: Oil, V: Up and down direction, W: Width direction, W1: First side of width direction, W2: Second side of width direction, Wh: Wheel.

Claims

1. A vehicle drive system comprising: A rotating electric motor, which has a rotor; Output components, which are connected to the wheel drive; A power transmission mechanism that transmits power between the aforementioned rotor and the aforementioned output component; The housing has a first storage chamber for housing the aforementioned rotary motor and a second storage chamber for housing the aforementioned power transmission mechanism. The first oil storage section is formed in the lower part of the aforementioned first receiving chamber; The second oil storage section is formed in the lower part of the aforementioned second receiving chamber; And the oil pump, The aforementioned oil pump draws in and discharges oil accumulated in the aforementioned first oil reservoir. The aforementioned power transmission mechanism includes a lifting and rotating component that lifts up the oil stored in the aforementioned second oil reservoir. The aforementioned housing has a communication passage connecting the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment. The housing has an oil guiding structure that guides at least a portion of the oil raised by the lifting and rotating component to the connecting path instead of returning to the second oil storage section.

2. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein, Let the direction along the rotation axis of the aforementioned lifting and rotating component be defined as the axial direction, and let the direction orthogonal to both the axial direction and the vertical direction be defined as the width direction. Let one side of the width direction be defined as the first side of the width direction. The aforementioned lifting and rotating component causes at least a portion of the lifted oil to disperse toward the first side in the aforementioned width direction. The aforementioned connecting passage is positioned on the first side of the aforementioned width direction relative to the aforementioned second oil storage section. The aforementioned oil guiding structure includes a partition wall that separates the second oil reservoir from the area where the aforementioned connecting passage is arranged in the aforementioned width direction.

3. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein, Let the direction along the rotation axis of the aforementioned lifting and rotating component be defined as the axial direction, and let the direction orthogonal to both the axial direction and the vertical direction be defined as the width direction. Let one side of the width direction be defined as the first side of the width direction. The aforementioned lifting and rotating component causes at least a portion of the lifted oil to disperse toward the first side in the aforementioned width direction. The aforementioned connecting passage is positioned on the first side of the aforementioned width direction relative to the aforementioned second oil storage section. The aforementioned power transmission mechanism has a different rotating component than the aforementioned lifting and rotating component, i.e., another rotating component. The rotation axis of the other rotating component is positioned on the first side in the width direction relative to the rotation axis of the lifting rotating component.

4. The vehicle drive unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The aforementioned power transmission mechanism includes: a differential input gear that transmits the driving force from the aforementioned rotor, and a differential gear mechanism that distributes the driving force transmitted to the aforementioned differential input gear to a pair of aforementioned output components. The aforementioned lifting and rotating component is the aforementioned differential input gear. The housing contains a second oil guide structure that guides at least a portion of the oil raised by the differential input gear to the differential gear mechanism.

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