Drive device

Abstract

The utility model provides a driving device. The drive device includes: a motor having a rotor capable of rotating about a central axis; a gear mechanism connected to the rotor, and a bearing rotatably supporting at least a portion of the gear mechanism; a housing having a bearing holding portion for holding the bearing, the housing accommodating the motor and the gear mechanism therein; a first flow path portion extending in the axial direction; a second flow path section connected to the first flow path section and extending in a first direction intersecting the axial direction; and a cover member having a cover body portion. When viewed in the axial direction, the first flow path portion is located outside the bearing holding portion. The second flow path portion has an opening flow path portion that opens on one side in the axial direction, and is connected to the inside of the bearing holding portion from the outside of the bearing holding portion when viewed in the axial direction. At least a portion of the cover main body portion and a portion of the inner surface of the opening flow path portion located on the other side in the axial direction face each other in the axial direction with a gap therebetween.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a driving device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a motor-integrated drive device having a structure in which a bearing portion is lubricated with lubricating oil (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-106776

[0004] In the above-mentioned motor-built-in drive device, a flow path portion is sometimes provided to supply lubricating oil to the inside of the holding portion holding the bearing portion. In this case, when at least a part of the flow path portion is formed by a groove, the lubricating oil may leak from the opening of the groove. Therefore, the amount of lubricating oil supplied to the inside of the holding portion holding the bearing portion may become insufficient. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above situation, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a drive device having a structure capable of suppressing insufficient supply of a fluid into a bearing holding portion.

[0006] The first mode of the utility model is a driving device, characterized in that the driving device comprises: a motor having a rotor that can rotate around a central axis; a gear mechanism connected to the rotor; a bearing that supports at least a portion of the gear mechanism so that it can rotate; a housing having a bearing retaining portion that retains the bearing, the housing accommodating the motor and the gear mechanism inside; a first flow path portion that extends in the axial direction; a second flow path portion that is connected to the first flow path portion and extends in a first direction that intersects the axial direction; and a cover component having a cover body portion, the first flow path portion being located outside the bearing retaining portion when viewed in the axial direction, the second flow path portion having an open flow path portion that opens on one side in the axial direction, and the second flow path portion being connected from the outside of the bearing retaining portion to the inside of the bearing retaining portion when viewed in the axial direction, and at least a portion of the cover body portion and a portion of the inner surface of the open flow path portion that is located on the other side in the axial direction are axially opposed to each other with a gap therebetween.

[0007] A driving device according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the driving device according to the first aspect, the open flow path portion is formed of a groove extending in the first direction.

[0008] A driving device according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the driving device according to the first aspect, the cover member has a held portion held by the housing.

[0009] A driving device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the driving device according to the third aspect, a part of at least one of the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion is provided in the held portion.

[0010] The fifth aspect of the driving device of the utility model is characterized in that, in the fourth aspect of the driving device, the first flow path portion has an extension portion extending axially, the retained portion has a through portion penetrating the retained portion axially, and the end portion on the other axial side of the extension portion is located inside the through portion.

[0011] A driving device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the driving device according to the third aspect, the cover member has a first rib connecting the cover body and the held portion.

[0012] A driving device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the driving device according to the third aspect, a second rib that contacts the housing is provided on an outer surface of the held portion.

[0013] The driving device of the eighth mode of the present utility model is characterized in that, in the driving device of the third mode, the bearing retaining portion has: an opposing wall portion, which is located on the other axial side of the bearing; and a peripheral wall portion, which protrudes from the opposing wall portion to one axial side, surrounds the bearing, and a gap connected to the second flow path portion is provided between the bearing and the opposing wall portion in the axial direction, and the cover main body has: a base portion, which is connected to the retained portion and extends along the first direction; and an inclined portion, which is connected to the end of the base portion on the side close to the bearing retaining portion in the first direction, and is located on the other axial side as it approaches the bearing retaining portion in the first direction, and a fixed portion fixed to the second flow path portion is provided at the base portion.

[0014] A driving device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the driving device according to the third aspect, the cover body has a fixed portion fixed to the second flow path portion.

[0015] A driving device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the driving device according to the eighth aspect, a third rib that contacts the inner surface of the open flow path portion is provided on the outer surface of the fixed portion.

[0016] The driving device according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the driving device according to the eighth aspect, a hole portion opening on one axial side is provided in the fixed portion.

[0017] The driving device of the twelfth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the driving device of the first embodiment, the bearing retaining portion has: an opposing wall portion, which is located on the other axial side of the bearing; and a peripheral wall portion, which protrudes from the opposing wall portion to one axial side and surrounds the bearing, and a gap connected to the second flow path portion is provided axially between the bearing and the opposing wall portion, and the cover main body portion has an inclined portion, which is located on the other axial side as it approaches the bearing retaining portion in the first direction.

[0018] A driving device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the driving device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, at least a portion of the cover body is located inside the open flow path portion.

[0019] The driving device of the fourteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the driving device of the thirteenth aspect, the first direction is a direction intersecting the up-down direction, and the inner surface of the open flow path portion has: a first surface, which is located on one side of the second direction intersecting both the axial direction and the first direction; and a second surface, which is located on the other side of the second direction, and the second surface is located at a position lower than the first surface in the up-down direction, and the part of the cover main body located inside the open flow path portion has an insertion portion opposite to the first surface and the second surface in the second direction with a gap therebetween.

[0020] The driving device of the fifteenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the driving device of the fourteenth aspect, the insertion portion is opposite to the first surface in the second direction with a first gap therebetween, and is opposite to the second surface in the second direction with a second gap therebetween, and the dimension of the second gap in the second direction is smaller than the dimension of the first gap in the second direction.

[0021] The driving device of the sixteenth embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, in the driving device of the fourteenth embodiment, the insertion portion has: a first opposing surface, which is opposite to the first surface with a gap therebetween; and a second opposing surface, which is opposite to the second surface with a gap therebetween, and the axial dimension of the second opposing surface is larger than the axial dimension of the first opposing surface.

[0022] According to the present invention, in the drive device, it is possible to suppress insufficient supply of the fluid into the bearing holding portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 It is a diagram schematically showing the driving device in the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the gear cover, the extending portion, and the cover member in the first embodiment as viewed from one axial side.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing a part of the driving device in the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a portion of the drive device according to the first embodiment as viewed from one axial side.

[0027] Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing a part of the housing in the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the driving device in the first embodiment, Figure 4 VI-VI section view in.

[0029] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the driving device in the first embodiment, Figure 4 Section view VII-VII in the figure.

[0030] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing the cover member in the first embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view showing a part of the extending portion and the cover member in the first embodiment.

[0032] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the driving device in the first embodiment, Figure 4 XX section view in.

[0033] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the driving device in the second embodiment.

[0034] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the driving device in the third embodiment.

[0035] Fig.13 It is a perspective view showing a part of the driving device in the fourth embodiment.

[0036] Fig.14 It is a perspective view showing a cover member in a fourth embodiment.

[0037] Fig.15 It is a perspective view showing a cover member in the fifth embodiment.

[0038] Fig.16 It is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the driving device in the fifth embodiment.

[0039] Description of symbols

[0040] 10: Motor; 11: Rotor; 20: Gear mechanism; 25c: Bearing; 30: Housing; 35c: Bearing holding portion; 35f: Peripheral wall portion; 35j: Opposing wall portion; 40: First flow path portion; 41: Extension portion; 50, 60, 450: Second flow path portion; 51, 451: Open flow path portion; 51a: First surface; 51b: Second surface; 60, 260, 360, 460, 560: Cover member; 61, 261, 361, 461, 561: Cover body portion; 62, 462, 562: Retained portion ; 62b: second rib; 62c: through portion; 63, 463: first rib; 64, 564: base; 65, 565: inclined portion; 66, 566: fixed portion; 66b: third rib; 67, 567: insertion portion; 67a, 567a: first opposing surface; 67b, 567b: second opposing surface; 100, 200, 300, 400, 500: driving device; 566d: hole portion; D1: first direction; D2: second direction; G1: first gap; G2: second gap; J1: center axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In the accompanying drawings, an 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 to which the arrow of the Z-axis points (+Z side) is the upper side, and the opposite side to which the arrow of the Z-axis points (-Z side) is the lower side. The X-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction, and is the front-to-back direction of a vehicle equipped with a drive device in the following embodiments. In the following embodiments, the side to which the arrow of the X-axis points (+X side) is the front side of the vehicle, and the opposite side to which the arrow of the X-axis points (-X side) is the rear side of the vehicle. The Y-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, and is the left-right direction of the vehicle, that is, the vehicle width direction. In the following embodiments, the side to which the arrow of the Y-axis points (+Y side) is the right side of the vehicle, and the opposite side to which the arrow of the Y-axis points (-Y side) is the left side of the vehicle.

[0042] In addition, the positional relationship in the front-rear direction is not limited to the positional relationship in the following embodiments, and the +X side may be the rear side of the vehicle and the -X side may be the front side of the vehicle. In this case, the +Y side is the left side of the vehicle and the -Y side is the right side of the vehicle. In addition, in this specification, "parallel direction" also includes a substantially parallel direction, and "vertical direction" also includes a substantially vertical direction.

[0043] The center axis J1 shown in the figure appropriately is an imaginary axis extending in a direction intersecting the up-down direction. In more detail, the center axis J1 extends in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, that is, the left-right direction of the vehicle. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the center axis J1 is referred to as "axial", the radial direction centered on the center axis J1 is referred to as "radial", and the circumferential direction centered on the center axis J1, that is, the direction around the center axis J1 is referred to as "circumferential direction θ1". The circumferential direction θ1 is appropriately indicated by the arrow θ1 in the figure. In the following description, the right side (+Y side) in the axial direction is referred to as "one axial side", and the left side (-Y side) in the axial direction is referred to as "the other axial side". The up-down direction is, for example, the vertical direction, and the front-back direction and the left-right direction (axial direction) are, for example, horizontal directions perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0044] <First embodiment>

[0045] Figure 1 The drive device 100 of the present embodiment shown is a drive device mounted on a vehicle and rotates the axle. The vehicle equipped with the drive device 100 is a vehicle that uses a motor as a power source, such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHV), or an electric vehicle (EV). Figure 1 As shown, the driving device 100 includes a motor 10, a gear mechanism 20, and a housing 30. The housing 30 accommodates the motor 10 and the gear mechanism 20 therein. The housing 30 includes a motor housing 31 accommodating the motor 10 therein and a gear housing 32 accommodating the gear mechanism 20 therein.

[0046] The motor 10 has a rotor 11 that can rotate around a central axis J1 and a stator 12 that is opposite to the rotor 11 with a gap therebetween. The rotor 11 has a motor shaft 11a arranged along the central axis J1 and a rotor core 11b fixed to the motor shaft 11a. The motor shaft 11a can rotate around the central axis J1. The motor shaft 11a extends in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the motor shaft 11a is a hollow shaft extending in the horizontal direction. The motor shaft 11a is supported by a pair of bearings 13a and 13b so as to be rotatable around the central axis J1. The pair of bearings 13a and 13b are, for example, rolling bearings such as ball bearings. The motor shaft 11a has a hole portion 11c that connects the inside of the motor shaft 11a with the outside of the motor shaft 11a. A plurality of hole portions 11c are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction θ1.

[0047] The stator 12 is located radially outside the rotor 11. The stator 12 is in a ring shape surrounding the rotor 11. The stator 12 has a stator core 12a and a coil assembly 12b. The stator core 12a is located radially outside the rotor core 11b and is arranged opposite to the rotor core 11b with a gap therebetween. The stator core 12a is composed of a plurality of plate members such as electromagnetic steel plates stacked in the axial direction. The coil assembly 12b has a plurality of coils 12c mounted on the stator core 12a. The plurality of coils 12c are electrically connected to the inverter unit 15 housed inside the housing 30 via a bus bar 14. The coil assembly 12b has coil ends 12d and 12e that protrude axially from the stator core 12a.

[0048] The gear mechanism 20 is connected to the rotor 11. More specifically, the gear mechanism 20 is connected to the end of the motor shaft 11a on the other axial side (-Y side). The gear mechanism 20 transmits the rotation of the rotor 11 to the axle of the vehicle. The gear mechanism 20 has a reduction gear 21 connected to the rotor 11 and a differential device 22 connected to the reduction gear 21.

[0049] The reduction gear 21 includes a first gear shaft 23a, a second gear shaft 23b, a first gear 24a, a second gear 24b and a third gear 24c. The first gear shaft 23a extends in the axial direction. The first gear shaft 23a is supported by a pair of bearings 25a and 25b so as to be rotatable around the central axis J1. The pair of bearings 25a and 25b are, for example, rolling bearings such as ball bearings. The first gear shaft 23a is located on the other axial side (-Y side) of the motor shaft 11a. The first gear shaft 23a is connected to the motor shaft 11a in the axial direction.

[0050] The second gear shaft 23b is rotatable about an intermediate axis J2 extending in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the intermediate axis J2 is a virtual axis extending parallel to the central axis J1. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the intermediate axis J2 is located, for example, above the center axis J1 and further back (-X side) than the center axis J1. In the following description, the circumferential direction centered on the intermediate axis J2, that is, the direction around the intermediate axis J2, is referred to as "circumferential direction θ2". The circumferential direction θ2 is appropriately indicated by arrow θ2 in the figure. Figure 1 As shown, the second gear shaft 23b extends in the axial direction. The second gear shaft 23b is supported by a pair of bearings 25c and 25d so as to be rotatable about the intermediate axis J2. The pair of bearings 25c and 25d are rolling bearings such as ball bearings, for example.

[0051] The first gear 24a is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first gear shaft 23a. The second gear 24b and the third gear 24c are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second gear shaft 23b. The second gear 24b meshes with the first gear 24a. The third gear 24c is located at one side (+Y side) of the axial direction than the first gear 24a and the second gear 24b.

[0052] The differential device 22 includes a ring gear 22a, a differential case 22b, and a differential mechanism 22c. The ring gear 22a is rotatable about a differential axis J3 extending in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the differential axis J3 is a virtual axis extending parallel to the center axis J1. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the differential axis J3 is located, for example, above the central axis J1 and below the intermediate axis J2. The differential axis J3 is located, for example, at the rear side (-X side) of the central axis J1 and the intermediate axis J2. Figure 1 As shown, the ring gear 22a meshes with the third gear 24c. The ring gear 22a is fixed to the differential case 22b. The lower end of the ring gear 22a is immersed in the oil O stored in the gear housing 32. The oil O is lifted up by the rotation of the ring gear 22a. The lifted oil O is provided to the reduction gear 21 and the differential device 22 as lubricating oil, for example.

[0053] The differential case 22b includes: a case portion 22d, which accommodates the differential mechanism portion 22c inside; and a pair of differential case shafts 22e and 22f, which extend axially from the case portion 22d. The differential case shaft 22e extends from the case portion 22d to the other axial side (-Y side). The differential case shaft 22f extends from the case portion 22d to one axial side (+Y side). The pair of differential case shafts 22e and 22f are cylindrical with the differential axis J3 as the center. The differential case shaft 22e is supported by a bearing 25e so as to be rotatable around the differential axis J3. The bearing 25e is, for example, a rolling bearing such as a ball bearing. Although not shown in the figure, the differential case shaft 22f is also supported by a bearing so as to be rotatable around the differential axis J3 in the same manner as the differential case shaft 22e.

[0054] The differential mechanism 22c is located inside the differential case 22b. The rotation of the ring gear 22a is transmitted to the differential mechanism 22c via the differential case 22b. A pair of output shafts 22g are connected to the differential mechanism 22c. The pair of output shafts 22g are respectively passed into the inside of a pair of differential case shafts 22e and 22f. Wheels not shown are respectively connected to the pair of output shafts 22g. The differential mechanism 22c absorbs the speed difference between the left and right wheels while transmitting torque to the output shafts 22g of the left and right wheels when the vehicle turns.

[0055] The torque output from the motor 10 is transmitted to the ring gear 22a of the differential device 22 via the motor shaft 11a, the first gear shaft 23a, the first gear 24a, the second gear 24b, the second gear shaft 23b, and the third gear 24c. The torque of the motor 10 transmitted to the ring gear 22a is transmitted to the wheels via the differential mechanism portion 22c and the output shaft 22g. In this way, the gear mechanism 20 transmits the torque of the motor 10 to the wheels of the vehicle.

[0056] In the housing 30 of the present embodiment, the motor housing 31 and the gear housing 32 are arranged in the axial direction. The gear housing 32 is located on the other axial side (-Y side) of the motor housing 31. The gear housing 32 is connected to the other axial side of the motor housing 31. In the present embodiment, the housing 30 has a housing body 30a, a motor cover 30b and a gear cover 30c. The housing body 30a, the motor cover 30b and the gear cover 30c are separate from each other. The housing body 30a has a first circumferential wall portion 30d, a second circumferential wall portion 30e and a partition wall portion 33. In the present embodiment, the gear housing 32 is composed of a partition wall portion 33, a second circumferential wall portion 30e and a gear cover 30c. In the present embodiment, the motor housing 31 is composed of a partition wall portion 33, a first circumferential wall portion 30d and a motor cover 30b.

[0057] The first peripheral wall portion 30d is in the shape of a tube that opens on one axial side (+Y side). A partition wall portion 33 is provided at the end of the other axial side (-Y side) of the first peripheral wall portion 30d. The opening on one axial side of the first peripheral wall portion 30d is closed by a motor cover 30b fixed to the end of one axial side of the first peripheral wall portion 30d. A bearing retaining portion 34a that retains the bearing 13a is provided on the motor cover 30b. The second peripheral wall portion 30e is in the shape of a tube that opens on the other axial side. A partition wall portion 33 is provided at the end of one axial side of the second peripheral wall portion 30e. The opening on the other axial side of the second peripheral wall portion 30e is closed by a gear cover 30c fixed to the end of the other axial side of the second peripheral wall portion 30e. The gear cover 30c has: a cover portion 30f that covers the gear mechanism 20 from one axial side; and a third peripheral wall portion 30g that protrudes from the radial outer edge of the cover portion 30f to one axial side. The end of the third peripheral wall portion 30g on one axial side is connected to the end of the second peripheral wall portion 30e on the other axial side. A bearing holding portion 35a for holding the bearing 25a, a bearing holding portion 35c for holding the bearing 25c, and a bearing holding portion 35e for holding the bearing 25e are provided on the surface of the cover portion 30f on one axial side. Each bearing holding portion 35a, 35c, 35e is in a substantially annular shape surrounding each bearing 25a, 25c, 25e.

[0058] The partition wall portion 33 divides the interior of the motor housing 31 and the interior of the gear housing 32. The partition wall portion 33 is a wall portion that axially separates the interior of the motor housing 31 from the interior of the gear housing 32. The partition wall portion 33 has a partition wall opening 33a that connects the interior of the motor housing 31 and the interior of the gear housing 32.

[0059] A bearing retaining portion 34b for retaining the bearing 13b is provided on a portion of the partition wall portion 33 that constitutes a portion of the inner surface of the motor housing 31, that is, on a surface on one axial side (+Y side) of the partition wall portion 33. A bearing retaining portion 35b for retaining the bearing 25b and a bearing retaining portion 35d for retaining the bearing 25d are provided on a portion of the partition wall portion 33 that constitutes a portion of the inner surface of the gear housing 32, that is, on a surface on the other axial side (-Y side) of the partition wall portion 33. Each of the bearing retaining portions 34b, 35b, 35d is in a substantially annular shape surrounding each of the bearings 13b, 25b, 25d. The interior of the bearing retaining portion 34b and the interior of the bearing retaining portion 35b are connected to each other in the axial direction, forming a hole 33b that penetrates the partition wall portion 33 in the axial direction.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the housing 30 has a storage portion P for storing oil O as a fluid. The oil O is used as a refrigerant for cooling the motor 10. In addition, the oil O is used as a lubricant for the reduction gear 21 and the differential gear 22. As the oil O, for example, in order to function as a refrigerant and a lubricant, it is preferable to use an oil equivalent to an automatic transmission lubricant (ATF: Automatic Transmission Fluid) with a relatively low viscosity. The storage portion P is composed of a portion on the lower side of the housing 30. The storage portion P has a first storage portion P1 provided in the motor housing 31 and a second storage portion P2 provided in the gear housing 32. The interior of the first storage portion P1 is composed of a lower area inside the motor housing 31. The interior of the second storage portion P2 is composed of a lower area inside the gear housing 32. The interior of the first storage portion P1 and the interior of the second storage portion P2 are connected to each other via a partition wall opening 33a.

[0061] As described above, the drive device 100 includes bearings 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, and 25e that support at least a portion of the gear mechanism 20 so that it can rotate, and bearing retaining portions 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, and 35e that retain each bearing 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, and 25e. In the present embodiment, each bearing 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, and 25e supports a portion of the gear mechanism 20 so that it can rotate. In the present embodiment, the bearing retaining portion 35c that retains the bearing 25c is a bearing retaining portion that is connected to the second flow path portion 50 described later. In addition, as the structure of the bearing retaining portion 35a, 35b, 35d, and 35e, except that the interior is not connected to the second flow path portion 50, the same structure as the bearing retaining portion 35c described below can be adopted.

[0062] like Figures 3 to 5As shown, the bearing holding portion 35c includes an opposing wall portion 35j, a peripheral wall portion 35f, and a support portion 35g. The opposing wall portion 35j is a portion of the cover portion 30f that is axially opposed to the bearing 25c. The opposing wall portion 35j is located on the other axial side (-Y side) of the bearing 25c.

[0063] The peripheral wall portion 35f protrudes from the opposing wall portion 35j toward one axial side (+Y side). Figure 2 As shown, the peripheral wall portion 35f surrounds the bearing 25c. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall portion 35f is substantially annular with the intermediate axis J2 as the center. The peripheral wall portion 35f is open on one side in the axial direction. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , a through portion 35h is provided on the peripheral wall portion 35f, which penetrates a portion of the peripheral wall portion 35f from the inner side surface to the outer side surface of the peripheral wall portion 35f. In this embodiment, the through portion 35h is a groove opened on one side in the axial direction. In addition, the through portion 35h may also be a hole that penetrates a portion of the peripheral wall portion 35f from the inner side surface to the outer side surface. The through portion 35h penetrates a portion of the peripheral wall portion 35f in the first direction D1 intersecting the axial direction.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the first direction D1 is a direction that intersects the up-down direction. In more detail, the first direction D1 is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and is a direction that intersects both the up-down direction and the front-back direction (X-axis direction). The first direction D1 is a direction that is located on the lower side as it is directed toward the rear side (-X side). The inclination of the first direction D1 relative to the front-back direction is smaller than the inclination of the first direction D1 relative to the up-down direction. In the following description, the side (+D1 side) to which the arrow of the illustrated D1 axis in the first direction D1 points is referred to as "one side of the first direction", and the opposite side (-D1 side) to which the arrow of the D1 axis points is referred to is referred to as "the other side of the first direction". One side of the first direction is the rear side and the lower side, and the other side of the first direction is the front side (+X side) and the upper side.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, the support portion 35g protrudes from the opposing wall portion 35j to one axial side (+Y side) on the inner side of the peripheral wall portion 35f. The support portion 35g is connected to the inner edge of the peripheral wall portion 35f. The end of the support portion 35g on one axial side is located closer to the other axial side (-Y side) than the end of the peripheral wall portion 35f on one axial side. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the support portion 35g is substantially annular shaped with the intermediate axis J2 as the center. The support portion 35g supports the outer peripheral edge of the bearing 25c from the other axial side. Figure 6 As shown, by providing the support portion 35g that supports the bearing 25c from the other axial side, a gap G is provided between the bearing 25c and the facing wall portion 35j in the axial direction.

[0066] like Figure 5As shown, the support portion 35g is provided with a through portion 35i that penetrates a portion of the support portion 35g from the inner side surface to the outer side surface of the support portion 35g. The through portion 35i penetrates a portion of the support portion 35g in the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the through portion 35i is a groove that opens on one axial side (+Y side). In addition, the through portion 35i can also be a hole that penetrates a portion of the support portion 35g from the inner side surface to the outer side surface. The through portion 35i is connected to the end of the through portion 35h that is open on the inner side surface of the peripheral wall portion 35f. The through portion 35h and the gap G are connected to each other via the through portion 35i.

[0067] The housing 30 has a retaining cylinder 36 protruding from the surface of the axial side (+Y side) of the cover portion 30f to the axial side. The retaining cylinder 36 is in the shape of a cylinder opened on one side in the axial direction. The retaining cylinder 36 is located outside the bearing retaining portion 35c when viewed in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the retaining cylinder 36 is located at a position closer to the front side (+X side) than the bearing retaining portion 35c. The retaining cylinder 36 is located at a position closer to the upper side than the intermediate axis J2. The retaining cylinder 36 has an opening 36a opened on one side (+D1 side) of the first direction. The opening 36a opens toward the through portion 35h provided on the peripheral wall portion 35f. By providing the opening 36a, the retaining cylinder 36 is in a substantially C-shaped shape opened on one side in the first direction when viewed in the axial direction. The retaining cylinder 36 has a bottom 36b on the other side (-Y side) of the axial direction.

[0068] The housing 30 has a pair of connecting ribs 37a and 37b that connect the bearing holding portion 35c and the holding cylinder portion 36. The pair of connecting ribs 37a and 37b extend along the first direction D1. The pair of connecting ribs 37a and 37b are arranged at intervals from each other in the second direction D2 that intersects both the axial direction and the first direction D1. In the present embodiment, the second direction D2 is a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the first direction D1. The second direction D2 is a direction that is located on the rear side (-X side) as it moves toward the upper side. In the following description, the side (+D2 side) to which the arrow of the D2 axis in the diagram in the second direction D2 points is referred to as "one side of the second direction", and the opposite side (-D2 side) to which the arrow of the D2 axis points is referred to as "the other side of the second direction". The one side of the second direction is the upper side and the rear side, and the other side of the second direction is the lower side and the front side (+X side). The connecting rib 37a is located at a position separated from the second direction side of the connecting rib 37b.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, the ends of the pair of connecting ribs 37a, 37b on one side (+D1 side) of the first direction are respectively connected to the two edges of the through portion 35h in the outer side surface of the bearing holding portion 35c in the circumferential direction θ2. The ends of the pair of connecting ribs 37a, 37b on the other side (-D1 side) of the first direction are respectively connected to the two edges of the opening portion 36a in the outer side surface of the holding cylinder 36 in the circumferential direction θ2. Figure 5 As shown, the ends of one axial side (+Y side) of the pair of connecting ribs 37a, 37b are located closer to the other axial side (-Y side) than the ends of one axial side of the bearing holding portion 35c and the ends of one axial side of the holding cylinder portion 36.

[0070] The housing 30 has a groove 37c located between a pair of connecting ribs 37a and 37b in the second direction D2. The groove 37c is open on one axial side (+Y side) and extends along the first direction D1. The end of the groove 37c on one first direction side (+D1 side) is connected to the through portion 35h. The end of the groove 37c on the other first direction side (-D1 side) is provided at the bottom 36b of the retaining cylinder 36 and is open in the retaining cylinder 36.

[0071] like Figure 7 As shown, a pair of recessed portions 38a and 38b are provided on the inner surface of the groove 37c, which are recessed along the second direction D2 and are opposite to each other in the second direction D2. The recessed portion 38a is provided on a portion of the inner surface of the groove 37c located on one side (+D2 side) in the second direction. The recessed portion 38b is provided on a portion of the inner surface of the groove 37c located on the other side (-D2 side) in the second direction. The insides of the pair of recessed portions 38a and 38b are open on one side (+Y side) in the axial direction.

[0072] The end of the other axial side (-Y side) of a pair of recesses 38a, 38b is located at a position separated from the end of the other axial side of the groove 37c to one axial side (+Y side). The surface located on the other axial side of the inner surface of the recess 38a is a step surface 38c facing one axial side. The surface located on the other axial side of the inner surface of the recess 38b is a step surface 38d facing one axial side. The step surface 38c and the step surface 38d are located at the same position as each other in the axial direction, for example. In the present embodiment, the step surfaces 38c and 38d are flat surfaces perpendicular to the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the dimension of the second direction D2 of the recess 38b is larger than the dimension of the second direction D2 of the recess 38a. That is, the depth of the recess 38b in the second direction D2 is greater than the depth of the recess 38a in the second direction D2. As a result, the dimension of the second direction D2 of the step surface 38d is larger than the dimension of the second direction D2 of the step surface 38c.

[0073] like Figure 1 As shown, the drive device 100 has a first flow path portion 40 extending in the axial direction. The first flow path portion 40 is a flow path portion that constitutes a part of the flow path 90 described later. The oil O flows inside the first flow path portion 40. The first flow path portion 40 is located inside the gear housing 32. Figure 2As shown, when viewed in the axial direction, the first flow path portion 40 is located outside the bearing holding portion 35c. In the present embodiment, the first flow path portion 40 is located at a position closer to the front side (+X side) than the bearing holding portion 35c. In the present embodiment, the first flow path portion 40 is located at a position closer to the upper side than the intermediate axis J2.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, the first flow path portion 40 has an extension portion 41 extending in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the extension portion 41 is a tubular member extending in the axial direction. The extension portion 41 is a substantially cylindrical tube. The extension portion 41 is located inside the gear housing 32. The end portion of the extension portion 41 on one axial side (+Y side) is supported by the partition wall portion 33. Figure 6 As shown, the extension portion 41 has a main body portion 41 a , a connecting portion 41 b and a flange portion 41 c .

[0075] The main body 41a is substantially cylindrical and extends in the axial direction. A supply hole 41d is provided in the main body 41a. The supply hole 41d is a hole that penetrates the wall of the main body 41a from the inner surface to the outer surface. The supply hole 41d opens inside the gear housing 32. Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the supply hole 41d opens on the rear side (-X side). A plurality of supply holes 41d are provided at intervals in the axial direction. The number of supply holes 41d is not particularly limited. Only one supply hole 41d may be provided.

[0076] like Figure 6 As shown, the connection portion 41b is connected to the end of the other axial side (-Y side) of the main body 41a. The end of the other axial side of the connection portion 41b is the end of the other axial side of the extension portion 41. The connection portion 41b is roughly cylindrical and opens on the other axial side. The outer diameter of the connection portion 41b is smaller than the outer diameter of the main body 41a. The inner diameter of the connection portion 41b is smaller than the inner diameter of the main body 41a. The connection portion 41b is inserted into the interior of the retaining cylinder 36 from one axial side (+Y side).

[0077] The flange portion 41c is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the end portion of the other axial side (-Y side) of the main body portion 41a. The flange portion 41c protrudes radially outwardly with the central axis of the roughly cylindrical main body portion 41a as the center. The flange portion 41c is in the shape of a ring surrounding the main body portion 41a. The flange portion 41c is in the shape of a plate with the plate surface facing the axial direction. The flange portion 41c is opposite to the end portion of the axial side (+Y side) of the retaining cylinder portion 36. In the present embodiment, the flange portion 41c moves away from the end portion of the axial side of the retaining cylinder portion 36 toward the axial side. Thus, even in the event of an impact from the outside, the extension portion 41 is not easily subjected to force from the housing 30. Therefore, the stress generated by the extension portion 41 can be reduced, and deformation of the extension portion 41 can be suppressed.

[0078] In addition, the flange portion 41c may be in contact with the end portion on one axial side (+Y side) of the retaining cylinder portion 36. In this case, it is possible to appropriately suppress the oil O from leaking from the flange portion 41c and the retaining cylinder portion 36 in the axial direction. In this case, a sealing member such as an O-ring may be provided between the flange portion 41c and the retaining cylinder portion 36. Thus, it is possible to more appropriately suppress the oil O from leaking from the flange portion 41c and the retaining cylinder portion 36 in the axial direction.

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, the first flow path portion 40 has a flow path portion 42 formed by a held portion 62 of a cover member 60 described later. The flow path portion 42 is connected to the other axial side (-Y side) of the extension portion 41. The interior of the flow path portion 42 is connected to the interior of the end portion of the other axial side of the extension portion 41. The flow path portion 42 is connected to the end portion of the groove 37c opened at the bottom 36b on the other side of the first direction (-D1 side).

[0080] In the present embodiment, the drive device 100 has a second flow path portion 50 extending along the first direction D1. The second flow path portion 50 is a flow path portion that constitutes a part of the flow path 90 described later. The second flow path portion 50 is provided on the cover portion 30f of the gear cover 30c. The second flow path portion 50 is connected to the first flow path portion 40. The oil O flowing in from the end portion on the other axial side (-Y side) of the first flow path portion 40 flows inside the second flow path portion 50.

[0081] In this embodiment, the second flow path portion 50 extends from the end portion of the other axial side (-Y side) of the first flow path portion 40 to one side (+D1 side) of the first direction and is connected to the inside of the bearing holding portion 35c. That is, when viewed along the axial direction, the second flow path portion 50 is connected from the outside of the bearing holding portion 35c to the inside of the bearing holding portion 35c. Figure 3 As shown, the second flow path portion 50 is located at the lower side as it moves from the first flow path portion 40 toward the inside of the bearing holding portion 35c. Therefore, the oil O that flows from the first flow path portion 40 into the second flow path portion 50 can be easily flowed in the second flow path portion 50 by gravity, and the oil O can be easily transported from the second flow path portion 50 to the bearing holding portion 35c.

[0082] The second flow path portion 50 is located on the lower side as it goes toward the rear side (−X side).

[0083] like Figure 5As shown, the second flow path portion 50 has an open flow path portion 51 that opens on one side (+Y side) in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the open flow path portion 51 is formed by a groove extending along the first direction D1 formed by connecting the groove 37c and the through-portion 35h in the first direction D1. The end of the open flow path portion 51 on one side (+D1 side) of the first direction is the end of the through-portion 35h on one side of the first direction, and is connected to the through-portion 35i. Thus, the second flow path portion 50 is connected to the gap G via the through-portion 35i. The end of the open flow path portion 51 on the other side (-D1 side) of the first direction is the end of the groove 37c on the other side of the first direction, and is open inside the retaining cylinder 36. The above-mentioned recessed portions 38a and 38b are respectively provided on the portions on both sides of the inner surface of the open flow path portion 51 in the second direction D2.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the second flow path portion 50 is composed only of the open flow path portion 51. The end of the open flow path portion 51 on one side of the first direction (+D1 side) is the end of the second flow path portion 50 on one side of the first direction. The end of the open flow path portion 51 on the other side of the first direction (-D1 side) is the end of the second flow path portion 50 on the other side of the first direction. The portion of the inner surface of the open flow path portion 51 located on the other side (-Y side) in the axial direction is the bottom surface 51c. Figure 6 As shown, the portion of the bottom surface 51c on the other side in the first direction is located on the other side in the axial direction as it moves toward one side in the first direction.

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown, the inner surface of the open flow path portion 51 has a first surface 51a and a second surface 51b. The first surface 51a is a surface located on one side (+D2 side) of the inner surface of the open flow path portion 51 in the second direction D2. The second surface 51b is a surface located on the other side (-D2 side) of the inner surface of the open flow path portion 51 in the second direction D2. The first surface 51a and the second surface 51b are opposed to each other at a distance in the second direction D2. The first surface 51a is a surface facing the lower side and the front side (+X side). The second surface 51b is a surface facing the upper side and the rear side (-X side). The second surface 51b is located at a position lower than the first surface 51a in the up-down direction.

[0086] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the oil O flows into the first flow path portion 40 from the end portion on one axial side (+Y side) of the first flow path portion 40. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the oil O that has flowed into the first flow path portion 40 flows toward the other axial side (-Y side) and flows into the second flow path portion 50. The oil O that has flowed into the second flow path portion 50 flows toward one side (+D1 side) in the first direction and flows into the interior of the bearing holding portion 35c. At least a portion of the oil O that has flowed into the bearing holding portion 35c flows into the axial gap G between the opposing wall portion 35j and the bearing 25c through the through portion 35i. Thus, the oil O is supplied to the bearing 25c.

[0087] The driving device 100 includes a cover member 60. The cover member 60 is provided at the opening flow path portion 51. In the present embodiment, the cover member 60 is made of resin. In addition, the material constituting the cover member 60 is not particularly limited. The cover member 60 may also be made of metal. The cover member 60 includes a cover body portion 61, a retained portion 62 retained by the housing 30, and a first rib 63. By providing the retained portion 62, the cover member 60 can be stably arranged at the opening flow path portion 51.

[0088] At least a portion of the cover body 61 is axially opposed to the portion of the inner surface of the opening flow path portion 51 located on the other axial side (-Y side), that is, the bottom surface 51c, with a gap therebetween. Therefore, the oil O flowing into the second flow path portion 50 can be easily blocked from leaking from the opening on the axial side (+Y side) of the opening flow path portion 51 by the cover body 61. Thus, the oil O flowing in the second flow path portion 50 can be suppressed from leaking. Therefore, the insufficient supply of the oil O from the second flow path portion 50 to the bearing retaining portion 35c can be suppressed. Therefore, the insufficient lubrication of the bearing 25c retained in the bearing retaining portion 35c can be suppressed.

[0089] For example, the lower the temperature of the oil O and the lower the viscosity of the oil O, the lower the flow rate of the oil O flowing in the second flow path portion 50, and the oil O in the second flow path portion 50 may spread to one side in the axial direction (+Y side) and easily leak from the opening of the open flow path portion 51. Even in such a case, the cover body portion 61 can prevent the oil O from reaching the opening on one side in the axial direction of the open flow path portion 51, so that leakage of the oil O in the second flow path portion 50 can be prevented.

[0090] In addition, if the open flow path portion 51 is formed by a groove extending in the first direction D1, the opening of the open flow path portion 51 on one axial side (+Y side) becomes longer in the first direction D1, and the oil O may leak more easily from the open flow path portion 51. In contrast, in the present embodiment, as described above, at least a portion of the opening of the open flow path portion 51 is covered by the cover body portion 61, so the cover body portion 61 can suppress the oil O from leaking from the opening of the open flow path portion 51. In this way, when the open flow path portion 51 is formed by a groove extending in the first direction D1, the effect of suppressing the oil O from leaking in the second flow path portion 50 can be more effectively obtained. In addition, by forming the open flow path portion 51 by a groove, it is easy to make the structure of the second flow path portion 50 a simple structure. Thus, the second flow path portion 50 can be easily manufactured. In the present embodiment, the entire cover body portion 61 is axially opposed to the bottom surface 51c with a gap therebetween. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the oil O from leaking from the opening on one axial side (+Y side) of the open flow path portion 51. The cover body portion 61 closes a portion of the opening of the open flow path portion 51 .

[0091] At least a portion of the cover body 61 is located inside the open flow path portion 51. Therefore, compared with the case where the entire cover body 61 is located outside the open flow path portion 51, it is easier to suppress the oil O from leaking from the open flow path portion 51. In addition, it is easy to make the cover body 61 close to the other axial side (-Y side) relative to the bottom surface 51c. As a result, it is easy to guide the oil O flowing in the open flow path portion 51 to the other axial side in the open flow path portion 51. Therefore, it is easy to guide the oil O flowing from the second flow path portion 50 into the bearing retaining portion 35c to the other axial side, and it is easy to supply the oil O to the axial gap G between the bearing 25c and the opposing wall portion 35j in the bearing retaining portion 35c. Therefore, it is easy to appropriately supply the oil O to the bearing 25c. In the present embodiment, the entire cover body 61 is located inside the open flow path portion 51. Therefore, it is easier to suppress the oil O from leaking from the open flow path portion 51, and it is easier to supply the oil O to the gap G between the bearing 25c and the opposing wall portion 35j.

[0092] The cover body 61 extends in the first direction D1 when viewed in the axial direction. The end of the cover body 61 on the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction is connected to the held portion 62. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the cover body 61 has a base 64, an inclined portion 65, and a fixed portion 66. The base 64 is connected to the fixed portion 62 and extends along the first direction D1. In this embodiment, the end of the base 64 on the other side (-D1 side) of the first direction is connected to the fixed portion 62. The size of the base 64 in the second direction D2 is larger than the axial size of the base 64.

[0093] The inclined portion 65 is connected to the end of the base portion 64 on the side close to the bearing holding portion 35c in the first direction D1, that is, on the first direction side (+D1 side). The inclined portion 65 extends from the end of the base portion 64 on the first direction side to the other axial side (-Y side). The dimension of the inclined portion 65 in the second direction D2 is larger than the dimension of the inclined portion 65 in the direction perpendicular to both the direction in which the inclined portion 65 extends and the second direction D2. Fig.10 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the inclined portion 65 in the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the first direction D1 is a substantially trapezoidal shape with rounded corners that is longer in the second direction D2 and whose axial dimension increases toward the other side (-D2 side) of the second direction. Although not shown in the figure, the cross-sectional shape of the base portion 64 in the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the first direction D1 is the same as that of the inclined portion 65. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the cross-sectional shape of the inclined portion 65 in the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the direction in which the inclined portion 65 extends is also the same as that of the base portion 64. Fig.10 The cross-sectional shapes of the inclined portions 65 in the cross-section perpendicular to the first direction D1 shown are the same.

[0094] like Figure 6As shown, the inclined portion 65 is located on the other axial side (-Y side) as it faces one side (+D1 side) of the first direction. That is, the inclined portion 65 is located on the other axial side as it approaches the bearing retaining portion 35c in the first direction D1. Therefore, the axial distance between the bottom surface 51c and the inclined portion 65 can be reduced as it approaches the bearing retaining portion 35c. As a result, it is easy to guide the oil O flowing in the open flow path portion 51 to the other axial side along the inclined portion 65 as it approaches the bearing retaining portion 35c. Therefore, it is easy to more appropriately supply the oil O to the axial gap G between the bearing 25c and the opposing wall portion 35j in the bearing retaining portion 35c. Therefore, it is easy to more appropriately supply the oil O to the bearing 25c.

[0095] In the present embodiment, the inclined portion 65 extends straight in a direction inclined relative to both the first direction D1 and the axial direction. In addition, the inclined portion 65 may also be a structure in which the inclined portion 65 extends in a curved manner when viewed in the second direction D2, and is located on the other axial side (-Y side) as it approaches the bearing holding portion 35c in the first direction D1. The end of the inclined portion 65 on one side (+D1 side) in the first direction is located inside the through portion 35h.

[0096] The fixed portion 66 is fixed to the second flow path portion 50. Therefore, even if the cover body portion 61 receives force from the oil O flowing in the open flow path portion 51, the positional deviation of the cover body portion 61 can be suppressed. As a result, the cover body portion 61 can be stably arranged in the open flow path portion 51. In this embodiment, the fixed portion 66 is pressed into the inside of the open flow path portion 51. In more detail, as Figure 7 As shown, the fixed portion 66 is pressed between the recessed portion 38 a and the recessed portion 38 b in the second direction D2 .

[0097] like Figure 8 As shown, in the present embodiment, the fixed portion 66 is disposed at the base 64. Therefore, the fixed portion 66 can be disposed at a position close to the retained portion 62. Thus, even if a force is applied to the fixed portion 66 when the fixed portion 66 is fixed to the second flow path portion 50, the retained portion 62 can easily bear the force. Therefore, the stress generated in the cover body 61 can be reduced. In addition, compared with the case where the fixed portion 66 is disposed at the inclined portion 65, the axial position of the fixed portion 66 can be located on one axial side (+Y side). Therefore, in the case where the fixed portion 66 is fixed to the open flow path portion 51 by pressing, the axial distance of the fixed portion 66 pressed into the open flow path portion 51 can be shortened, and the fixed portion 66 can be easily fixed to the second flow path portion 50.

[0098] The fixed portion 66 is provided at a portion on one side (+D1 side) of the base 64 in the first direction. The fixed portion 66 is substantially quadrilateral when viewed in the axial direction. In addition, the shape of the fixed portion 66 is not particularly limited. The fixed portion 66 may be, for example, circular when viewed in the axial direction. The fixed portion 66 has a main body 66a and a third rib 66b. The main body 66a is substantially rectangular. The axial dimension of the main body 66a is larger than the axial dimension of the base 64. The main body 66a protrudes on both sides of the axial direction than the base 64. The dimension of the main body 66a in the second direction D2 is larger than the dimension of the base 64 in the second direction D2. The main body 66a protrudes on both sides of the second direction D2 than the base 64.

[0099] The third rib 66b is provided on the outer surface of the fixed portion 66. The third rib 66b protrudes from the side surface of the main body 66a in the second direction D2 along the second direction D2. The third rib 66b extends in the axial direction. The axial dimension of the third rib 66b is, for example, the same as the axial dimension of the main body 66a. In the present embodiment, a plurality of third ribs 66b are provided on each of the two side surfaces of the main body 66a in the second direction D2. In the present embodiment, three third ribs 66b are provided on each of the two side surfaces of the main body 66a in the second direction D2. On each surface of the main body 66a in the second direction D2, the plurality of third ribs 66b are arranged at intervals in the first direction D1. As Figure 7 As shown, each third rib 66b is in contact with the inner surface of the open flow path portion 51. By providing the third rib 66b that contacts the inner surface of the open flow path portion 51 on the outer surface of the fixed portion 66, when the fixed portion 66 is pressed into the open flow path portion 51, the contact area between the fixed portion 66 and the open flow path portion 51 can be reduced. As a result, the third rib 66b can be deformed in the direction of being flattened in the second direction D2, and the fixed portion 66 can be easily pressed into the open flow path portion 51. In the present embodiment, the third rib 66b is a so-called extrusion rib. In addition, as long as the fixed portion 66 can be fixed by pressing, the third rib 66b can also be a rib extending along the first direction D1, and the shape of the third rib 66b is not particularly limited.

[0100] The third rib 66b provided on the surface of the main body 66a on one side in the second direction (+D2 side) contacts the surface of the inner surface of the recess 38a facing the other side in the second direction (-D2 side). The third rib 66b provided on the surface of the main body 66a on the other side in the second direction contacts the surface of the inner surface of the recess 38b facing the one side in the second direction. By adopting a structure in which the third rib 66b contacts the inner surfaces of the recesses 38a and 38b, when the fixed portion 66 is pressed into the open flow path portion 51, even if a part of the third rib 66b is cut off, it is easy to keep the cut part in the recesses 38a and 38b. As a result, it is possible to prevent the cut part of the third rib 66b from flowing to the bearing 25c and the like together with the oil O. In addition, each recessed portion 38a, 38b has a stepped surface 38c, 38d on the other axial side (-Y side), so even if the fixed portion 66 is pressed into the open flow path portion 51 to a position closer to the other axial side than the stepped surface 38c, 38d, the third rib 66b will abut against the stepped surface 38c, 38d, and the fixed portion 66 can be suppressed from being pressed in. Thus, it is possible to suppress the fixed portion 66 from being excessively pressed into the open flow path portion 51. Therefore, it is easy to more appropriately fix the cover member 60 to the open flow path portion 51. In addition, by fixing the fixed portion 66 to the recessed portions 38a, 38b, it is easy to position the cover member 60 in the first direction D1.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the fixed portion 66 moves away from the step surfaces 38c, 38d to one axial side (+Y side). The fixed portion 66 may also be in contact with the step surfaces 38c, 38d. The surface on one axial side of the fixed portion 66 is located closer to the other axial side (-Y side) than the open end on one axial side of the open flow path portion 51. In addition, the surface on one axial side of the fixed portion 66 may also be arranged at the same position in the axial direction as the open end on one axial side of the open flow path portion 51. In this case, the fixed portion 66 is pressed into the open flow path portion 51 until the surface on one axial side is located at the same axial position as the end portions on one axial side of a pair of connecting ribs 37a, 37b.

[0102] like Figure 3As shown, in the present embodiment, the entire base 64 and the entire inclined portion 65 are the portion of the cover body 61 located inside the open flow path portion 51, and are the insertion portion 67 that is opposed to the first surface 51a and the second surface 51b in the second direction D2 with a gap therebetween. That is, the portion of the cover body 61 located inside the open flow path portion 51 has the base 64 and the inclined portion 65 as the insertion portion 67. In this way, by using at least a portion of the portion of the cover body 61 located inside the open flow path portion 51 as the insertion portion 67 and arranging it separately from the surface of the open flow path portion 51 in the second direction D2, even when the cover body 61 vibrates, it is possible to suppress the cover body 61 from contacting the inner surface of the open flow path portion 51. Therefore, even if the cover body 61 vibrates, it is possible to suppress the generation of noise. In addition, it is possible to suppress the cover body 61 from rubbing against the inner surface of the open flow path portion 51 and wearing it.

[0103] like Fig.10 As shown, the insertion portion 67 is opposed to the first surface 51a in the second direction D2 with the first gap G1 therebetween, and is opposed to the second surface 51b in the second direction D2 with the second gap G2 therebetween. Fig.10 , a cross section perpendicular to the first direction D1 of the inclined portion 65 in the insertion portion 67 is shown. The dimension L2 of the second gap G2 in the second direction D2 is smaller than the dimension L1 of the first gap G1 in the second direction D2. Here, the second surface 51b is located at a position lower than the first surface 51a in the up-down direction, so the oil O flowing in the open flow path portion 51 is easy to flow on the second surface 51b due to gravity. In contrast, by making the second gap G2, which is the gap between the second surface 51b and the insertion portion 67, narrower than the first gap G1, it is possible to make it difficult for the oil O flowing on the second surface 51b to pass through the second gap G2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the oil O flowing in the open flow path portion 51 from reaching the opening end on the axial side (+Y side) of the open flow path portion 51 via the second gap G2. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately prevent the oil O from leaking from the open flow path portion 51.

[0104] In the present embodiment, as described above, the dimension of the second direction D2 of the concave portion 38b located on the other side (-D2 side) in the second direction of the pair of concave portions 38a and 38b that fix the fixed portion 66 is larger than the dimension of the second direction D2 of the concave portion 38a located on one side (+D2 side) in the second direction. Therefore, the fixed portion 66 can be arranged close to the other side in the second direction. Thus, the dimension L2 of the second gap G2 in the second direction D2 can be smaller than the dimension L1 of the second direction D2 of the first gap G1.

[0105] The insert portion 67 has a first opposing surface 67a that is opposite to the first surface 51a across the first gap G1 and a second opposing surface 67b that is opposite to the second surface 51b across the second gap G2. The first opposing surface 67a is a surface on one side (+D2 side) of the second direction of the insert portion 67. The second opposing surface 67b is a surface on the other side (-D2 side) of the second direction of the insert portion 67. The axial dimension L4 of the second opposing surface 67b is larger than the axial dimension L3 of the first opposing surface 67a. Therefore, the second gap G2 can be made larger than the first gap G1 in the axial direction. As a result, the friction force generated by the oil O when the oil O tries to pass through the second gap G2 can be increased. Therefore, the oil O can be further suppressed from passing through the second gap G2, and the oil O can be more appropriately suppressed from reaching the open end on one side (+Y side) of the axial direction of the open flow path portion 51. Therefore, the oil O can be more appropriately suppressed from leaking from the open flow path portion 51.

[0106] The insertion portion 67 has an inclined surface 67c axially opposed to the bottom surface 51c. The inclined surface 67c is a surface on the other axial side (-Y side) of the insertion portion 67. The inclined surface 67c is located on the other axial side as it moves toward the other side (-D2 side) of the second direction. Therefore, the oil O flowing along the insertion portion 67 can be easily flowed along the inclined surface 67c to the other side of the second direction and the other axial side by gravity. As a result, it is easier to guide the oil O flowing in the open flow path portion 51 to the other axial side, and it is easier to provide the oil O between the opposing wall portion 35j and the bearing 25c in the axial direction. The surface on the one axial side (+Y side) of the insertion portion 67 is, for example, a surface parallel to the second direction D2.

[0107] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the held portion 62 is in the shape of a cylinder with openings on both sides in the axial direction. The held portion 62 is in the shape of a substantially cylindrical cylinder. Figure 6 As shown, the held portion 62 is located inside the retaining cylinder 36. In the present embodiment, the held portion 62 is pressed into the retaining cylinder 36. Thus, the held portion 62 is fixed to the gear housing 32. The end portion of the held portion 62 on the other axial side (-Y side) contacts the bottom 36b of the retaining cylinder 36. Thus, the held portion 62 is positioned relative to the housing 30 in the axial direction.

[0108] A portion of the first flow path portion 40 is provided in the retained portion 62. Therefore, compared with the case where the portion of the housing 30 that retains the retained portion 62 is a portion different from the first flow path portion 40, there is no need to provide an additional portion for retaining the retained portion 62 in the housing 30. Thus, it is possible to suppress the complication of the structure of the housing 30. In addition, the retained portion 62 can be used to constitute a portion of the first flow path portion 40. Thus, it is not necessary to provide an additional component for constituting the first flow path portion 40 outside the cover portion 60. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of components of the drive device 100. In the present embodiment, the flow path portion 42 mentioned above is constituted by a portion on the other axial side (-Y side) of the retained portion 62.

[0109] In this embodiment, the held portion 62 is in the shape of a tube with openings on both sides in the axial direction, and thus has a through portion 62c that penetrates the held portion 62 in the axial direction. The interior of the through portion 62c is constituted by the interior of the held portion 62 in the shape of a tube. Figure 6 As shown, the end of the other axial side (-Y side) of the extension portion 41 is located inside the through portion 62c. Therefore, a part of the first flow path portion 40 can be easily disposed in the retained portion 62. In addition, the oil O discharged from the extension portion 41 can flow through the through portion 62c to a position on the other axial side of the cover member 60. Thus, the oil O flowing from the first flow path portion 40 into the second flow path portion 50 can flow appropriately between the bottom surface 51c and the cover body portion 61. Therefore, it is easy to more appropriately suppress the oil O flowing in the second flow path portion 50 from leaking from the opening on the axial side (+Y side) of the open flow path portion 51 through the cover body portion 61.

[0110] In the present embodiment, the portion of the connecting portion 41b in the extension portion 41 on the other axial side (-Y side) is inserted into the interior of the through portion 62c. In the present embodiment, the extension portion 41 is configured separately from the inner surface of the through portion 62c. An annular gap surrounding the extension portion 41 is provided between the extension portion 41 and the inner surface of the through portion 62c. In addition, the portion of the extension portion 41 located inside the through portion 62c may also be in contact with the inner surface of the through portion 62c. The end portion of the extension portion 41 on the other axial side may also be pressed into the interior of the through portion 62c. A sealing component such as an O-ring may also be provided between the portion of the extension portion 41 located inside the through portion 62c, that is, between the outer peripheral surface of the connecting portion 41b and the inner surface of the through portion 62c.

[0111] like Figure 8As shown, the retained portion 62 has a main body 62a and a second rib 62b. The main body 62a is roughly cylindrical and opened on both sides in the axial direction. A through portion 62c is provided on the main body 62a. The second rib 62b is provided on the outer surface of the retained portion 62. The second rib 62b protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the main body 62a to the radial outer side centered on the central axis of the cylindrical retained portion 62. The second rib 62b extends in the axial direction. The axial dimension of the second rib 62b is, for example, the same as the axial dimension of the main body 62a. A plurality of second ribs 62b are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the cylindrical retained portion 62. For example, a plurality of second ribs 62b are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the retained portion 62. In the present embodiment, four second ribs 62b are provided. In addition, a plurality of second ribs 62b can also be arranged at unequal intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis of the retained portion 62. Furthermore, as long as the held portion 62 can be fixed by press-fitting, the second rib 62b may be a rib extending in a direction other than the axial direction, such as a circumferential direction around the central axis of the held portion 62, and the shape of the second rib 62b is not particularly limited.

[0112] like Figure 4 As shown, the second rib 62b contacts the inner peripheral surface of the holding tube 36. Thus, the second rib 62b contacts the housing 30. By providing the second rib 62b that contacts the housing 30 on the outer surface of the held portion 62, when the held portion 62 is fixed to the housing 30 by press-fitting, the contact area between the held portion 62 and the housing 30 can be reduced. Thus, the second rib 62b can be deformed in the direction of squeezing, and the held portion 62 can be easily fixed to the housing 30 by press-fitting. In the present embodiment, the second rib 62b is a so-called pressing rib.

[0113] like Figure 8 As shown, the first rib 63 connects the cover body 61 and the held portion 62. Therefore, the rigidity of the cover body 61 can be improved. As a result, even if the cover body 61 receives a force from the oil O flowing in the open flow path portion 51, it is possible to suppress the cover body 61 from deforming in the axial direction. The first rib 63 connects the surface on the axial side (+Y side) of the portion of the base 64 that is located closer to the other side (-D1 side) of the first direction than the fixed portion 66 to the outer peripheral surface of the main body 62a. The first rib 63 is substantially triangular in shape when viewed along the second direction D2.

[0114] like Figure 1As shown, the drive device 100 has a flow path 90 through which oil O as a fluid flows. The flow path 90 is a path for supplying oil O from the second reservoir P2 to the motor 10 and the gear mechanism 20. A pump 81 and a cooler 82 are provided in the middle of the flow path 90. The pump 81 and the cooler 82 are mounted on the outer surface of the housing 30. The flow path 90 has a suction flow path portion 91, a first connecting flow path portion 92, a second connecting flow path portion 93, a supply flow path portion 94, a first flow path portion 40, a second flow path portion 50, a third connecting flow path portion 97, and a discharge flow path portion 99.

[0115] The suction flow path portion 91 connects the interior of the second storage portion P2 to the pump 81. The first connecting flow path portion 92 connects the pump 81 to the cooler 82. The second connecting flow path portion 93 connects the cooler 82 to the supply flow path portion 94. The second connecting flow path portion 93 is provided in the motor cover 30b. The second connecting flow path portion 93 is connected to the interior of the motor shaft 11a via the interior of the bearing holding portion 34a.

[0116] The supply flow path portion 94 is located inside the motor housing 31. In the present embodiment, the supply flow path portion 94 is composed of a tubular component extending in the axial direction. The supply flow path portion 94 is, for example, a roughly cylindrical tube extending in the axial direction. The supply flow path portion 94 has a supply hole 94a that opens inside the motor housing 31. A plurality of supply holes 94a are arranged at intervals in the axial direction. The end portion on the other axial side (-Y side) of the supply flow path portion 94 is connected to the end portion on one axial side (+Y side) of the first flow path portion 40 via a hole provided in the partition wall portion 33. The end portion on one axial side of the first flow path portion 40 is the end portion on one axial side of the extension portion 41.

[0117] The third connecting flow path 97 connects the interior of the bearing holding portion 35c with the interior of the bearing holding portion 35a. The discharge flow path 99 connects the interior of the bearing holding portion 35a with the interior of the second reservoir P2. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, when viewed in the axial direction, the third connecting flow path portion 97 and the discharge flow path portion 99 extend in a direction inclined relative to both the up-down direction and the front-back direction. The third connecting flow path portion 97 extends from the inside of the bearing holding portion 35c to the lower side and the front side (+X side), and is connected to the inside of the bearing holding portion 35a. The discharge flow path portion 99 extends from the inside of the bearing holding portion 35a to the rear side (-X side) and the lower side, and is connected to the inside of the second reservoir P2.

[0118] like Figure 1As shown, when the pump 81 is driven, the oil O stored in the second reservoir P2 is sucked into the suction flow path portion 91, and flows into the cooler 82 through the first connecting flow path portion 92. The oil O that has flowed into the cooler 82 is cooled in the cooler 82, and then flows into the second connecting flow path portion 93. A portion of the oil O that has flowed into the second connecting flow path portion 93 flows into the motor shaft 11a through the inside of the bearing holding portion 34a. The oil O that has flowed into the motor shaft 11a is supplied to the stator 12 from the hole portion 11c through the inside of the rotor core 11b. The remaining portion of the oil O that has flowed into the second connecting flow path portion 93 flows into the supply flow path portion 94. A portion of the oil O that has flowed into the supply flow path portion 94 is supplied toward the stator 12 from the supply hole 94a. The oil O supplied to the stator 12 from the inside of the motor shaft 11a and the oil O supplied to the stator 12 from the supply hole 94a fall downward and accumulate in the first reservoir P1. A part of the oil O accumulated in the first reservoir P1 returns to the second reservoir P2 via the partition wall opening 33 a provided in the partition wall portion 33 .

[0119] The remaining portion of the oil O that has flowed into the supply flow path portion 94 flows into the first flow path portion 40. The oil O that has flowed into the first flow path portion 40 flows toward the other axial side (-Y side) in the first flow path portion 40. A portion of the oil O that has flowed into the first flow path portion 40 is supplied to the gear mechanism 20 from the supply hole 41d. Thus, the oil O can be properly supplied to the gear mechanism 20. The remaining portion of the oil O that has flowed into the first flow path portion 40 flows into the second flow path portion 50. Figure 6 As shown, the oil O that has flowed into the second flow path portion 50 flows along the bottom surface 51c and the cover body portion 61 in the second flow path portion 50 toward one side (+D1 side) in the first direction, and flows into the bearing holding portion 35c. Thus, the oil O is supplied to the bearing 25c. Figure 1 As shown, at least a portion of the oil O that has flowed into the bearing holding portion 35c flows into the bearing holding portion 35a through the third connecting flow path portion 97. Thus, the oil O is supplied to the bearing 25a. At least a portion of the oil O that has flowed into the bearing holding portion 35a returns to the interior of the second reservoir P2 through the discharge flow path portion 99.

[0120] Hereinafter, an embodiment different from the above-described embodiment will be described. In the description of each embodiment below, for the same structure as that described in the portion above the description of each embodiment, the description is sometimes omitted by appropriately marking the same reference numerals, etc. In addition, for the parts corresponding to the parts of the structure described in the portion above the description of each embodiment, the same name is marked and different reference numerals are marked, and the points different from the above-described structure are described, and the description of the points identical to the above-described structure is sometimes omitted. In addition, as a structure omitted from description in each of the following embodiments, within the scope of non-contradiction, a structure identical to that described in the portion above the description of each embodiment can be adopted.

[0121] <Second embodiment>

[0122] like Fig.11 As shown, in the drive device 200 of the present embodiment, the cover body 261 of the cover member 260 has a first wall portion 261a, a second wall portion 261b and a third wall portion 261c. The first wall portion 261a is located at a position closer to the axial side (+Y side) than the opening flow path portion 51. The first wall portion 261a covers the opening of the opening flow path portion 51 on the axial side from the outside of the opening flow path portion 51. The first wall portion 261a is arranged slightly separated from the opening of the opening flow path portion 51 to one side in the axial direction. The first wall portion 261a is axially opposed to a pair of connecting ribs 37a and 37b with a gap therebetween. In addition, the first wall portion 261a may also be in contact with a pair of connecting ribs 37a and 37b.

[0123] The dimension of the first wall portion 261a in the second direction D2 is larger than the dimension of the opening end in the second direction D2 on one axial side (+Y side) of the open flow path portion 51. The end of the first wall portion 261a on one axial side (+D2 side) is located closer to one side of the second direction than the connecting rib 37a. The end of the first wall portion 261a on the other side of the second direction (-D2 side) is located closer to the other side of the second direction than the connecting rib 37b. In the present embodiment, the central portion of the first wall portion 261a in the second direction D2 and the portion of the inner surface of the open flow path portion 51 located on the other axial side (-Y side), i.e., the bottom surface 51c, are axially opposed with a gap therebetween.

[0124] The second wall portion 261b protrudes from the end of the first wall portion 261a on one side of the second direction (+D2 side) to the other side (-Y side) in the axial direction. The second wall portion 261b is located on one side of the second direction of the connecting rib 37a, and is opposed to the connecting rib 37a in the second direction D2 with a gap therebetween. The third wall portion 261c protrudes from the end of the first wall portion 261a on the other side of the second direction (-D2 side) to the other side in the axial direction. The third wall portion 261c is located on the other side of the second direction of the connecting rib 37b, and is opposed to the connecting rib 37b in the second direction D2 with a gap therebetween. The second wall portion 261b and the third wall portion 261c are separated by a pair of connecting ribs 37a and 37b in the second direction D2.

[0125] Even when the cover body 261 is not located inside the open flow path 51 as in the present embodiment, the cover body 261 can be used to suppress leakage of the oil O flowing in the second flow path 50 from the opening on one axial side (+Y side) of the open flow path 51 by a portion of the cover body 261 being axially opposed to the bottom surface 51c. The other structures of the cover member 260 are the same as those of the cover member 60 in the first embodiment. The other structures of the drive device 200 are the same as those of the drive device 100 in the first embodiment.

[0126] In addition, the cover member 260 may be fixed by pressing in the second wall portion 261b, the third wall portion 261c, the connecting ribs 37a, 37b, etc., such as the second rib 62b and the third rib 66b described in the first embodiment. In addition, the cover member 260 may be fixed by placing an adhesive between at least any one of the gaps between the first wall portion 261a and the connecting ribs 37a, 37b, the gap between the second wall portion 261b and the connecting rib 37a, and the gap between the third wall portion 261c and the connecting rib 37b.

[0127] <Third Embodiment>

[0128] like Fig.12 As shown, in the drive device 300 of this embodiment, the cover member 360 has a first wall portion 361a, a second wall portion 361b, and a third wall portion 361c. The first wall portion 361a is the same as the first wall portion 261a in the second embodiment except that the dimension of the second direction D2 is the same as the dimension of the second direction D2 of the opening end of the axial side (+Y side) of the opening flow path portion 51.

[0129] The second wall portion 361b protrudes from the end of the first wall portion 361a on one side (+D2 side) in the second direction to the other side (-Y side) in the axial direction. The third wall portion 361c protrudes from the end of the first wall portion 361a on the other side (-D2 side) in the second direction to the other side in the axial direction. The second wall portion 361b and the third wall portion 361c are opposed to each other with a gap in the second direction D2. The second wall portion 361b and the third wall portion 361c are inserted into the open flow path portion 51 from one side (+Y side) in the axial direction. The second wall portion 361b contacts the first surface 51a. The third wall portion 361c contacts the second surface 51b.

[0130] In the present embodiment, the cover body 361 closes the opening on one axial side (+Y side) of the open flow path portion 51 by fitting a pair of wall portions, namely, the second wall portion 361b and the third wall portion 361c, which are arranged at intervals in the second direction D2, into the open flow path portion 51. Thus, it is possible to more appropriately suppress the oil O flowing in the open flow path portion 51 from leaking from the opening on one axial side of the open flow path portion 51. The other structures in the cover component 360 are the same as the other structures of the cover component 60 in the first embodiment. The other structures in the drive device 300 are the same as the other structures of the drive device 100 in the first embodiment. In addition, the cover component 360 can be fixed in the open flow path portion 51 by pressing, or fixed in the open flow path portion 51 by bonding.

[0131] <Fourth embodiment>

[0132] like Fig.13 As shown, in the driving device 400 of this embodiment, the held portion 462 of the cover member 460 is in a cylindrical shape that is open on both sides in the first direction D1. The held portion 462 is, for example, in a cylindrical shape. The held portion 462 is fitted into the open flow path portion 451 from one axial side (+Y side). The held portion 462 is, for example, located in the end portion of the open flow path portion 451 on the other side (-D1 side) in the first direction.

[0133] In the present embodiment, a part of the second flow path portion 450 is provided in the retained portion 462. Therefore, compared with the case where the part of the housing 30 that retains the retained portion 462 is a part different from the second flow path portion 450, it is not necessary to provide a separate part for retaining the retained portion 462 in the housing 30. Thus, it is possible to suppress the complexity of the structure of the housing 30. In addition, the retained portion 462 can be used to constitute a part of the second flow path portion 450. The second flow path portion 450 of the present embodiment has the same structure as the second flow path portion 50 of the first embodiment, except that a part of it is constituted by the retained portion 462. The open flow path portion 451 of the present embodiment is the same as the open flow path portion 51 of the first embodiment, except that it is constituted by a part of the groove that constitutes the second flow path portion 50 in the first embodiment, into which the retained portion 462 fits.

[0134] In this embodiment, the cover body 461 extends from the edge of the axial side (+Y side) of the end of the first direction side (+D1 side) of the held portion 462 to the first direction side. The cover body 461 is in the shape of a generally rectangular plate with the plate surface facing the axial direction and being longer in the first direction D1. Fig.14 As shown, in this embodiment, the first rib 463 connects the edge of the end of the held portion 462 on one side in the first direction to the surface of the cover body 461 on the other side (-Y side) in the axial direction. The other structures of the cover member 460 are the same as the other structures of the cover member 60 in the first embodiment. The other structures of the drive device 400 are the same as the other structures of the drive device 100 in the first embodiment.

[0135] <Fifth embodiment>

[0136] like Fig.15 As shown, in the driving device 500 of this embodiment, the second rib 62b is not provided on the held portion 562 of the cover member 560. In this embodiment, the held portion 562 is composed of the main body portion 62a. Although not shown in the figure, the held portion 562 is inserted into the holding cylinder portion 36. The held portion 562 is, for example, loosely fitted in the holding cylinder portion 36.

[0137] In the present embodiment, the fixed portion 566 has a cylindrical portion 566c protruding from the main body 66a to one axial side (+Y side). In the present embodiment, the cylindrical portion 566c is roughly cylindrical and opens on one axial side. By providing the cylindrical portion 566c, a hole portion 566d opening on one axial side is provided in the fixed portion 566. The interior of the hole portion 566d is constituted by the interior of the cylindrical portion 566c. In the present embodiment, the hole portion 566d is a hole that is recessed to the other axial side (-Y side) and has a bottom on the other axial side. In the present embodiment, the bottom of the hole portion 566d is constituted by the main body 66a. In the present embodiment, the hole portion 566d is circular when viewed in the axial direction. The inner diameter of the hole portion 566d is smaller than the inner diameter of the retained portion 562.

[0138] By providing the hole 566d in the fixed portion 566, a part of the jig JG can be inserted into the hole 566d when the cover member 560 is fixed to the open flow path portion 51. Thus, by moving the jig JG, the position of the fixed portion 566 in the second direction D2 can be easily aligned with the open end of the open flow path portion 51. Therefore, the operation of fixing the cover member 560 to the second flow path portion 50 can be easily performed. In addition, in the case of a structure in which the held portion 562 is not fixed in the holding cylinder 36 as in the present embodiment, in a state before the fixed portion 566 is fixed to the second flow path portion 50, even if the held portion 562 is inserted into the holding cylinder 36, the cover member 560 may be easily moved relative to the housing 30. Even in such a case, by providing the hole 566d in the fixed portion 566, the fixed portion 566 can be easily positioned appropriately relative to the second flow path portion 50 via the part of the jig JG inserted into the hole 566d.

[0139] In the present embodiment, the jig JG for fixing the cover part 560 has a first fitting portion JG1, a second fitting portion JG2 and a base JG3. The first fitting portion JG1 and the second fitting portion JG2 are cylindrical and extend from the base JG3 to the other axial side (-Y side). The first fitting portion JG1 fits into the main body portion 62a of the retained portion 562 from one axial side (+Y side). The second fitting portion JG2 fits into the hole portion 566d of the fixed portion 566 from one axial side. The outer diameter of the second fitting portion JG2 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first fitting portion JG1.

[0140] The operator or the like who fixes the cover component 560 inserts the end of the other axial side (-Y side) of the retained portion 562 into the retaining cylinder 36, while the first fitting portion JG1 is fitted into the retained portion 562 and the second fitting portion JG2 is fitted into the hole portion 566d. In this state, the operator or the like rotates the jig JG around the axis J4 that passes through the retained portion 562 and extends in the axial direction, thereby rotating the cover component 560. The axis J4 is an imaginary axis that passes through the center of the retained portion 562 and the center of the retaining cylinder 36 and extends in the axial direction. The operator or the like rotates the cover component 560 around the axis J4 using the jig JG, and aligns the position of the retained portion 566 with the position of the open flow path portion 51 in the circumferential direction around the axis J4. In a state where the position of the fixed portion 566 is aligned with the open flow path portion 51, the operator moves the jig JG to the other axial side to press the fixed portion 566 into the open flow path portion 51. At this time, the fixed portion 566 is pressed to the other axial side by the second fitting portion JG2 that contacts the bottom of the hole portion 566d. Fig.16As shown, the operator or the like presses the cover member 560 into the open flow path portion 51 until the surface of the main body portion 66a on one axial side (+Y side) is axially located at the same position as the open end on one axial side of the open flow path portion 51. Thus, the cover member 560 is fixed to the second flow path portion 50.

[0141] In the present embodiment, the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the first direction D1 of the insertion portion 567 in the cover body 561 is different from the insertion portion 67 of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, in the cross section perpendicular to the first direction D1, the cross section shape of the insertion portion 567 is a substantially rectangular shape that is longer in the second direction D2. The surface 567c on the other axial side (-Y side) of the insertion portion 567 is different from the inclined surface 67c of the first embodiment, and is a surface whose axial position does not change regardless of the position in the second direction D2. The surface 567c is, for example, a surface parallel to the second direction D2. In the insertion portion 567 of the present embodiment, the axial dimension of the first opposing surface 567a and the axial dimension of the second opposing surface 567b are the same as each other. The base 564 in the insertion portion 567 is the same structure as the base 64 of the first embodiment except that the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the first direction D1 is different. The inclined portion 565 in the insertion portion 567 has the same structure as the inclined portion 65 in the first embodiment, except that the shape of the cross section perpendicular to the first direction D1 is different. The other structures of the cover member 560 are the same as the other structures of the cover member 60 in the first embodiment. The other structures of the drive device 500 are the same as the other structures of the drive device 100 in the first embodiment.

[0142] In addition, the hole portion 566d can be of any shape as long as a part of the jig JG can be inserted. For example, in the case where the above-mentioned cylindrical portion 566c is C-shaped when viewed in the axial direction, the inner edge of the hole portion 566d is C-shaped when viewed in the axial direction. The hole portion 566d can also be provided in the main body portion 66a. In this case, the cylindrical portion 566c can also be not provided in the fixed portion 566, and the hole portion 566d is recessed from the surface of the axial one side (+Y side) of the main body portion 66a to the axial other side (-Y side). The hole portion 566d can also be a hole that passes through the fixed portion 566 in the axial direction. In this case, the jig JG can also have a portion that can contact the portion other than the hole portion 566d in the fixed portion 566 from one axial side.

[0143] In this specification, "operators, etc." include operators who perform various operations and assembly devices, etc. Each operation may be performed only by the operator, only by the assembly device, or by the operator and the assembly device.

[0144] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and other structures and other methods can also be adopted within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. The cover component can be fixed to the housing, or it can be fixed to other components fixed to the housing. The method of fixing the cover component is not particularly limited. The cover component can be fixed by bonding, or it can be fixed by threaded fastening. The cover component and at least a part of the first flow path portion can also be part of the same single component. In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the cover component 60 and the extension portion 41 can also be part of the same single component. Multiple cover components can also be provided. A part of the cover body portion can also not be axially opposed to the part of the inner surface of the opening flow path portion located on the other side of the axial direction separated by a gap. The shape of the cover body portion is not particularly limited. The cover body portion can be partially located outside the opening flow path portion, or it can be located entirely outside the opening flow path portion.

[0145] The cross-sectional shape of the cover body in the cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the cover body extends is not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the cover body in the cross section perpendicular to the direction in which the cover body extends may be triangular, quadrilateral, semicircular, or C-shaped. The cover body may also be plate-shaped. The cover body may not have an inclined portion.

[0146] The held portion of the cover member can be held at any position of the housing as long as it is held by the housing. The second rib may not be provided on the outer surface of the held portion. The shape of the held portion is not particularly limited. In the first embodiment described above, the held portion 62 may also be C-shaped when viewed in the axial direction. In the fourth embodiment described above, the held portion 462 may also be C-shaped when viewed in the first direction D1.

[0147] Regarding the part of the first flow path portion provided in the retained portion, the retained portion may constitute a part of the first flow path portion, or a part of the first flow path portion may be provided inside the retained portion. In the first embodiment described above, the end portion on the other axial side of the extension portion 41 may be located at the same position in the axial direction as the end portion on the other axial side of the retained portion 62, or may be located at a position closer to the other axial side than the end portion on the other axial side of the retained portion 62. In the case where the end portion on the other axial side of the extension portion 41 is located closer to the other axial side than the end portion on the other axial side of the retained portion 62, the discharge port of the extension portion 41 may open at the outer peripheral surface of the extension portion 41 instead of at the end portion on the other axial side of the extension portion 41. Regarding the part of the second flow path portion provided in the retained portion, the retained portion may constitute a part of the second flow path portion, or a part of the second flow path portion may be provided inside the retained portion. A part of the first flow path portion and a part of the second flow path portion may also be provided in the retained portion.

[0148] The fixed portion of the cover body can be fixed to any part of the second flow path as long as it is fixed to the second flow path. The third rib may not be provided on the outer surface of the fixed portion. The fixed portion may also be provided at an inclined portion in the cover body. The fixed portion may not be provided on the cover body.

[0149] The first flow path portion can be any structure as long as it extends in the axial direction. The first flow path portion can also be composed of a hole or the like provided in the housing. The first direction in which the second flow path portion extends can be any direction as long as it is a direction intersecting the axial direction. The second flow path portion can also have a portion other than the open flow path portion. The open flow path portion can also be composed of a groove. The open flow path portion can also be a portion of the second flow path portion in which a hole opening on one side of the axial direction is provided. A plurality of open flow paths can also be provided at intervals in the first direction. A plurality of second flow paths can also be provided. In this case, the cover component can be provided for each second flow path portion, or it can be provided across more than two second flow paths. In the case where a plurality of second flow paths are provided, the first flow path portion can be provided for each second flow path portion, or it can be connected to more than two second flow paths. The fluid flowing in the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion is not particularly limited, and can also be a fluid other than oil. The fluid provided from the second flow path portion to the bearing retaining portion can also be, for example, a refrigerant that flows from the bearing retaining portion to other components of the drive device to cool the other components.

[0150] The bearing holding portion connected to the second flow path portion can be any bearing holding portion as long as it holds a bearing that supports at least a part of the gear mechanism so that it can rotate. The bearing holding portion connected to the second flow path portion can be, for example, any one of the bearing holding portions 35a, 35b, 35d, and 35e in the first embodiment described above.

[0151] The use of the drive device to which the present invention is applied is not particularly limited. The drive device may be mounted on a vehicle for a purpose other than rotating an axle, or may be mounted on a device other than a vehicle. The central axis of the motor may extend in any direction.

[0152] In addition, the present technology can adopt the following structures.

[0153] (1) A drive device comprising: a motor having a rotor rotatable about a central axis; a gear mechanism connected to the rotor; a bearing rotatably supporting at least a portion of the gear mechanism; a housing having a bearing retaining portion for retaining the bearing, the housing accommodating the motor and the gear mechanism internally; a first flow path portion extending in an axial direction; a second flow path portion connected to the first flow path portion and extending in a first direction intersecting the axial direction; and a cover member having a cover body portion, wherein the first flow path portion is located outside the bearing retaining portion when viewed in the axial direction, the second flow path portion has an open flow path portion that is open on one axial side, and when viewed in the axial direction, the second flow path portion is connected from the outside of the bearing retaining portion to the inside of the bearing retaining portion, and at least a portion of the cover body portion is axially opposed to a portion of an inner surface of the open flow path portion located on the other axial side thereof with a gap therebetween.

[0154] (2) The driving device according to (1), wherein the open flow path portion is formed of a groove extending in the first direction.

[0155] (3) The driving device according to (1) or (2), wherein the cover member has a held portion held by the housing.

[0156] (4) The driving device according to (3), wherein a portion of at least one of the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion is provided in the held portion.

[0157] (5) A drive device according to (4), wherein the first flow path portion has an extension portion extending in the axial direction, the retained portion has a through portion penetrating the retained portion in the axial direction, and an end portion of the extension portion on the other axial side is located inside the through portion.

[0158] (6) The driving device according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein the cover member has a first rib connecting the cover body and the held portion.

[0159] (7) The driving device according to any one of (3) to (6), wherein a second rib that contacts the housing is provided on an outer surface of the held portion.

[0160] (8) A drive device according to any one of (3) to (7), wherein the bearing retaining portion comprises: an opposing wall portion, which is located on the other axial side of the bearing; and a peripheral wall portion, which protrudes from the opposing wall portion to one axial side and surrounds the bearing, and a gap connected to the second flow path portion is provided between the bearing and the opposing wall portion in the axial direction, and the cover main body portion comprises: a base portion, which is connected to the retained portion and extends along the first direction; and an inclined portion, which is connected to an end portion of the base portion on the side close to the bearing retaining portion in the first direction, and is located on the other axial side as it approaches the bearing retaining portion in the first direction, and a fixed portion fixed to the second flow path portion is provided on the base portion.

[0161] (9) The driving device according to any one of (3) to (7), wherein the cover body has a fixed portion fixed to the second flow path portion.

[0162] (10) The driving device according to (8) or (9), wherein a third rib that contacts the inner surface of the open flow path portion is provided on the outer surface of the fixed portion.

[0163] (11) The driving device according to any one of (8) to (10), wherein a hole portion opening on one axial side is provided in the fixed portion.

[0164] (12) A drive device according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the bearing retaining portion comprises: an opposing wall portion located on the other axial side of the bearing; and a peripheral wall portion protruding from the opposing wall portion to one axial side and surrounding the bearing, and a gap connected to the second flow path portion is provided between the bearing and the opposing wall portion in the axial direction, and the cover main body portion comprises an inclined portion, which is located on the other axial side as it approaches the bearing retaining portion in the first direction.

[0165] (13) The driving device according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein at least a portion of the cover body is located inside the open flow path portion.

[0166] (14) A driving device according to (13), wherein the first direction is a direction intersecting the up-down direction, and the inner surface of the open flow path portion comprises: a first surface located on one side of a second direction intersecting both the axial direction and the first direction; and a second surface located on the other side of the second direction, the second surface being located lower than the first surface in the up-down direction, and a portion of the cover body portion located inside the open flow path portion comprises an insertion portion opposed to the first surface and the second surface in the second direction with a gap therebetween.

[0167] (15) A driving device according to (14), wherein the insertion portion is opposed to the first surface in the second direction with a first gap therebetween, and is opposed to the second surface in the second direction with a second gap therebetween, and a dimension of the second gap in the second direction is smaller than a dimension of the first gap in the second direction.

[0168] (16) A driving device according to (14) or (15), wherein the insertion portion has: a first opposing surface, which is opposed to the first surface with a gap therebetween; and a second opposing surface, which is opposed to the second surface with a gap therebetween, and an axial dimension of the second opposing surface is larger than an axial dimension of the first opposing surface.

[0169] The structures and methods described above in this specification can be appropriately combined within a range that does not contradict each other.

Claims

1. A driving device, characterized in that: The drive device has: A motor having a rotor rotatable about a central axis; a gear mechanism connected to the rotor; a bearing that rotatably supports at least a portion of the gear mechanism; a housing having a bearing holding portion for holding the bearing, the housing accommodating the motor and the gear mechanism; A first flow path portion extending in the axial direction; a second flow path portion connected to the first flow path portion and extending along a first direction intersecting the axial direction; and a cover member having a cover body portion, When viewed in the axial direction, the first flow path portion is located outside the bearing holding portion. The second flow path portion has an open flow path portion that is open on one side in the axial direction, and when viewed in the axial direction, the second flow path portion is connected from the outside of the bearing holding portion to the inside of the bearing holding portion, At least a portion of the cover body portion is axially opposed to a portion of the inner surface of the open flow path portion located on the other axial side with a gap therebetween.

2. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The open flow path portion is formed of a groove extending in the first direction.

3. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cover member has a held portion held by the housing.

4. The driving device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The held portion is provided with a portion of at least one of the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion.

5. The driving device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first flow path portion has an extending portion extending in the axial direction, The held portion has a through portion that penetrates the held portion in the axial direction. An end portion of the extending portion on the other axial side is located inside the through portion.

6. The driving device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cover member includes a first rib connecting the cover body and the held portion.

7. The driving device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A second rib in contact with the housing is provided on an outer surface of the held portion.

8. The driving device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bearing holding portion has: an opposing wall portion located at the other axial side of the bearing; and a peripheral wall portion, which protrudes from the opposing wall portion toward one side in the axial direction and surrounds the bearing, A gap connected to the second flow path portion is provided between the bearing and the opposing wall portion in the axial direction. The cover body has: a base portion connected to the held portion and extending along the first direction; as well as an inclined portion connected to an end of the base portion on the side close to the bearing holding portion in the first direction and located on the other axial side as it approaches the bearing holding portion in the first direction, The base portion is provided with a fixed portion fixed to the second flow path portion.

9. The driving device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cover body has a fixed portion fixed to the second flow path portion.

10. The driving device according to claim 8, characterized in that: A third rib that contacts the inner surface of the open flow path portion is provided on the outer surface of the fixed portion.

11. The driving device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The fixed portion is provided with a hole portion opened on one axial side.

12. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bearing holding portion has: an opposing wall portion located at the other axial side of the bearing; and a peripheral wall portion, which protrudes from the opposing wall portion toward one side in the axial direction and surrounds the bearing, A gap connected to the second flow path portion is provided between the bearing and the opposing wall portion in the axial direction. The cover body has an inclined portion located on the other axial side as it approaches the bearing holding portion in the first direction.

13. The driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: At least a portion of the cover body is located inside the open flow path portion.

14. The driving device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The first direction is a direction intersecting the up-down direction, The inner surface of the open flow path portion has: A first surface located on one side of a second direction intersecting both the axial direction and the first direction; and a second surface, which is located on the other side of the second direction, The second surface is located below the first surface in the up-down direction. A portion of the cover body located inside the open flow path portion includes an insertion portion that faces the first surface and the second surface in the second direction with a gap therebetween.

15. The driving device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The insertion portion is opposed to the first surface in the second direction with a first gap therebetween, and is opposed to the second surface in the second direction with a second gap therebetween. A dimension of the second gap in the second direction is smaller than a dimension of the first gap in the second direction.

16. The driving device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The insert portion has: a first opposing surface that is opposed to the first surface with a gap therebetween; and a second opposing surface, which is opposed to the second surface with a gap therebetween, The axial dimension of the second opposing surface is larger than the axial dimension of the first opposing surface.

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