Transmission mechanism and drive device

Abstract

The utility model provides transmission mechanism and drive arrangement. Transmission mechanism has power transmission part and the shell with gear storage part. Power transmission part has: first gear, it rotates with the first axis of extending along first direction as center, second gear, it rotates with second axis as center with first gear engagement, third gear, it rotates with second axis as center, and fourth gear, it rotates with third axis as center with third gear engagement. Third axis is located the position of comparing first axis to be on second direction side. The inner side of gear storage part is provided with the first fluid guide member of extending along first direction. At least one part of first fluid guide member is located the position of comparing the engagement of first gear and second gear to be on upper side and comparing first axis to be on second direction other side, and is overlapped with fourth gear in radial direction. First fluid guide member has the first inclined part of tilting to lower side with from second direction other side to one side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a transmission mechanism and a driving device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, development has been underway on transmission mechanisms for drive systems in electric vehicles. Such transmission mechanisms sometimes store fluid within the internal space of the housing to effectively lubricate the gears. Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which oil accumulated at the bottom of the housing is stirred up by the rotation of the gears and supplied to an oil passage, which in turn supplies the oil to the bearing.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-59477

[0004] In a transmission mechanism, the arrangement of each gear is determined by comprehensively considering factors such as the size of each gear, its distance from the liquid surface, and the dimensions of the housing. However, depending on the gear arrangement, sometimes the fluid cannot be adequately supplied to the meshing parts of the gears due to the lifting of the gears. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, one of the objectives of this utility model is to provide a transmission mechanism and drive device capable of supplying fluid lifted by gears to a desired location.

[0006] The first aspect of this utility model provides a transmission mechanism for transmitting power from a motor. The transmission mechanism comprises: a power transmission section; and a housing having a gear housing section for housing the power transmission section. A first direction is defined as perpendicular to the vertical direction, and a second direction is defined as perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the first direction. The power transmission section comprises: a first gear that rotates about a first axis extending along the first direction; a second gear that meshes with the first gear and rotates about a second axis extending parallel to the first axis; a third gear that rotates about the second axis; and a fourth gear that meshes with the third gear and rotates about a third axis extending parallel to the first axis, the third axis being located on a side closer to the second direction than the first axis. A first fluid guide extending along the first direction is provided on the inner surface of the gear housing section. At least a portion of the first fluid guide is located above the meshing portion of the first and second gears and on the other side of the second direction than the first axis, radially overlapping with the fourth gear. The first fluid guide has a first inclined portion that tilts downwards from the other side of the second direction towards one side.

[0007] The second type of transmission mechanism of this utility model is characterized in that, in the first type of transmission mechanism, the first inclined portion overlaps with the second gear in the vertical direction.

[0008] The third-party transmission mechanism of this utility model is characterized in that, in the first type of transmission mechanism, the first inclined portion and the second gear overlap radially.

[0009] The fourth type of transmission mechanism of this utility model is characterized in that, in the first type of transmission mechanism, the tilt angle of the first inclined portion relative to the second direction decreases as it moves from the other side of the second direction toward one side.

[0010] The fifth type of the transfer mechanism of this utility model is characterized in that, in the first type of transfer mechanism, the first fluid guide has a second inclined portion connected to at least a portion of the end of the first inclined portion on one side of the second direction, the second inclined portion being inclined upward as it moves from the other side of the second direction toward one side.

[0011] The sixth aspect of the transmission mechanism of this utility model is characterized in that, in the fifth aspect of the transmission mechanism, the first inclined portion has an extension portion, which is located on the other side of the second direction than the second inclined portion and extends towards the first direction side from the end of the second inclined portion on the first direction side, and the extension portion overlaps with the second gear in the radial direction.

[0012] The seventh transmission mechanism of this utility model is characterized in that, in the sixth transmission mechanism, the second inclined portion and the second gear overlap in the first direction.

[0013] The eighth aspect of the transmission mechanism of this utility model is characterized in that, in the sixth aspect of the transmission mechanism, the gear receiving portion has: a first wall portion that covers the power transmission portion from the other side of the first direction; and a second wall portion that covers the power transmission portion from one side of the first direction. The first fluid guide has: a first portion that extends from the first wall portion to one side of the first direction; and a second portion that extends from the second wall portion to the other side of the first direction and connects with the first portion. The second inclined portion is disposed in the first portion, and the extended portion is disposed in the second portion.

[0014] The ninth aspect of the transmission mechanism of this utility model is characterized in that, in the sixth aspect of the transmission mechanism, the gear receiving part has: a first wall portion that covers the power transmission part from the other side of the first direction; and a second wall portion that covers the power transmission part from one side of the first direction, wherein the first fluid guide extends from either the first wall portion or the second wall portion along the first direction.

[0015] The tenth aspect of the transmission mechanism of this utility model is characterized in that, in the eighth or ninth aspect of the transmission mechanism, at least a portion of the upper surface of the first fluid guide tilts downward in the first direction as it approaches the second gear.

[0016] The eleventh aspect of the transmission mechanism of this utility model is characterized in that, in the first aspect of the transmission mechanism, the first gear and the second gear are located on the side of the first direction relative to the third gear and the fourth gear, a second fluid guide is provided on the inner side of the gear receiving part, the second fluid guide extends along the tooth tip of the fourth gear, a radially protruding protrusion is provided on the surface of the second fluid guide that is radially opposite to the fourth gear, and a guide surface that is provided on the lower surface of the protrusion that is inclined to one side from the other side of the first direction as it faces upward.

[0017] The twelfth embodiment of the transmission mechanism of this utility model is characterized in that, in the first embodiment of the transmission mechanism, a supply part located above the first fluid guide is provided in the gear receiving part, and a supply port opening toward the first fluid guide is provided in the supply part.

[0018] The thirteenth embodiment of the transmission mechanism of this utility model is characterized in that, in the first embodiment of the transmission mechanism, a third fluid guide extending along the first direction is provided on the inner side of the gear receiving portion, at least a portion of which is located above the fourth gear. The third fluid guide has: a longitudinal wall portion extending in the vertical direction; a first bottom wall portion extending from the lower part of the longitudinal wall portion toward one side in the second direction; and a second bottom wall portion extending from the lower part of the longitudinal wall portion toward the other side in the second direction.

[0019] The fourteenth embodiment of the transmission mechanism of this utility model is characterized in that, in the thirteenth embodiment of the transmission mechanism, a fourth fluid guide is provided on the inner side of the gear receiving part, which is arranged in the first direction with the third fluid guide. The fourth fluid guide overlaps with the second gear in the radial direction and is located at a position higher than the second axis. The upper surface of the fourth fluid guide is located at a position lower than the upper surface of the third fluid guide.

[0020] The transmission mechanism of the fifteenth embodiment of this utility model is characterized in that, in the transmission mechanism of the thirteenth embodiment, a fourth fluid guide that overlaps radially with the second gear is provided on the inner side of the gear receiving part, and the fourth fluid guide is located below the third fluid guide and at a position higher than the second axis.

[0021] The sixteenth embodiment of the transmission mechanism of this utility model is characterized in that, in the fourteenth or fifteenth embodiment of the transmission mechanism, the upper surface of at least one of the third fluid guide and the fourth fluid guide is inclined downward in the first direction as it approaches the second gear.

[0022] The seventeenth aspect of this utility model provides a driving device, characterized in that the driving device has: a transmission mechanism of any one of the first to sixteenth aspects described above; and the motor.

[0023] According to the present invention, a transmission mechanism and drive device are provided that can deliver fluid lifted by gears to a desired location. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of a driving device for one implementation method.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a portion of the power transmission unit and housing of one embodiment viewed from the other side of the first direction.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a portion of the power transmission unit and housing of one embodiment, viewed from one side in a first direction.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a first fluid guide in one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of a second fluid guide in one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a third fluid guide and a fourth fluid guide according to one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the first fluid guide in Modified Example 1.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the fourth fluid guide in Modified Example 2.

[0032] Label Explanation

[0033] 2: Motor; 3: Power transmission unit; 4: Transmission mechanism; 6: Housing; 6b: Gear storage unit; 41: Gear; 41: First gear; 42: Second gear; 43: Third gear; 49: Meshing part; 51: Gear ring (fourth gear); 65: First wall part; 66: Second wall part; 70, 170: First fluid guide; 70A: First part; 70B: Second part; 71: First inclined part; 71p: End; 71q: Extension part; 72: Second inclined part; 80: Second fluid guide; 81: Protrusion; 81f: Guide surface; 83: Third fluid guide; 84: Longitudinal wall portion; 85: First bottom wall portion; 86: Second bottom wall portion; 87, 287: Fourth fluid guide; 94h: Supply port; 94A: Second supply pipe (supply section); 100: Drive device; J1: First axis; J2: Second axis; J3: Third axis; O: Fluid; X: Second direction; Y: First direction; Z: Up and down direction; α, β: Inclination angle. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, a drive device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the vertical direction will be defined and explained based on the positional relationship of the drive device 100 of this embodiment mounted on a vehicle located on a horizontal road surface.

[0035] In the accompanying drawings, the XYZ coordinate system is appropriately shown as a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. In the XYZ coordinate system, the Z-axis direction is the up-down direction. The up-down direction is, for example, the vertical direction. In the following embodiments, the +Z side is the upper vertical direction, and the -Z side is the lower vertical direction. In this embodiment, the upper vertical direction is simply referred to as the "upper side," and the lower vertical direction is simply referred to as the "lower side." The X-axis direction is the direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and is the front-to-back direction of the vehicle equipped with the drive unit 100. The Y-axis direction is the direction perpendicular to both the X-axis and Z-axis directions and is the left-to-right direction of the vehicle, i.e., the vehicle width direction.

[0036] In this specification, the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction Z is defined as the first direction Y, and the direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction Z and the first direction is defined as the second direction X. In this specification, the first direction Y represents the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the second direction X represents the front-back direction of the vehicle.

[0037] The first axis J1, second axis J2, and third axis J3, appropriately shown in the figures, are parallel to each other and extend along the first direction Y. In the following description, one side of the first direction refers to the +Y side along the Y-axis, and the other side of the first direction refers to the -Y side along the Y-axis. Similarly, one side of the second direction refers to the -X side along the X-axis, and the other side of the second direction refers to the +X side along the X-axis. Furthermore, the up-down direction in this specification refers to the up-down direction from a single viewpoint and does not necessarily refer to the vertical direction.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a concept diagram of the drive unit 100.

[0039] The drive unit 100 of this embodiment is mounted on an electric vehicle (EV) and used as its power source. Alternatively, the drive unit 100 can also be mounted on vehicles that use a motor as their power source, such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHVs).

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the drive unit 100 of this embodiment includes a motor 2 and a transmission mechanism 4 for transmitting the power of the motor 2. The drive unit 100 may also include an inverter. In addition, the transmission mechanism 4 includes a power transmission section 3 and a gear storage section 6b in the housing 6.

[0041] <Motor>

[0042] The motor 2 in this embodiment is a three-phase AC motor. The motor 2 in this embodiment functions as both an electric motor and a generator. The motor 2 only needs to possess either the function of an electric motor or the function of a generator.

[0043] Motor 2 is located on the other side (-Y) of the power transmission section 3 in the first direction. Motor 2 has a rotor 20 that rotates around a first axis J1 extending along the first direction Y and a stator 25 located radially outside the rotor 20. In this embodiment, motor 2 is an inner rotor type motor in which the rotor 20 is arranged inside the stator 25. However, motor 2 may also be an outer rotor type motor. That is, the structure of motor 2 is not limited to this embodiment.

[0044] The rotor 20 rotates around a first axis J1 extending along the first direction Y. The rotor 20 has a motor shaft 21, a rotor core 24 fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the motor shaft 21, and a rotor magnet (not shown) fixed to the rotor core. The motor 2 can also be a type of motor such as an induction motor in which the rotor 20 does not have a rotor magnet.

[0045] The motor shaft 21 extends along the first direction Y with the first axis J1 as its center. The motor shaft 21 rotates with the first axis J1 as its center. The first shaft 46 of the power transmission unit 3 is connected to the end of the motor shaft 21 on the first direction side (+Y). Thus, the torque of the rotor 20 is transmitted to the power transmission unit 3. The motor shaft 21 is rotatably supported on the housing 6 via bearings B5 and B6. Alternatively, the motor shaft 21 and the first shaft 46 may be separate parts of a single shaft.

[0046] The stator 25 is held in the housing 6. The stator 25 surrounds the rotor 20 radially outward. The outer peripheral surface of the stator 25 faces the inner peripheral surface of the housing 6. The stator 25 has an annular stator core 27 centered on a first axis J1 and coils 26 mounted on the stator core 27. The stator core 27 is fixed to the housing 6.

[0047] Coils 26 are mounted on each tooth of the stator core 27 via an insulating element (not shown). Coils 26 are composed of multiple coil wires. Alternatively, coils 26 can be constructed by connecting multiple rod-shaped conductors.

[0048] <Transmission Mechanism>

[0049] The power transmission unit 3 is located on the first direction side (+Y) of the motor 2. The power transmission unit 3 has multiple gears 41, 42, 43, and 51 for transmitting power from the motor 2. The power transmission unit 3 reduces the rotational speed output from the motor 2 and increases the torque output from the motor 2, and outputs it from the output shaft 55.

[0050] The power transmission unit 3 includes a first shaft 46, a first gear 41, a second shaft 45, a second gear 42, a third gear 43, a differential device 5, and an output shaft 55. The first shaft 46, the second shaft 45, and the output shaft 55 extend parallel to each other. The first gear 41 and the second gear 42 are located on the side (+Y) in the first direction relative to the third gear 43 and the gear ring 51.

[0051] The first shaft 46 and the first gear 41 are arranged centered on the first axis J1. The first shaft 46 extends along the first direction Y, centered on the first axis J1. The first shaft 46 is connected to the motor shaft 21 at its end on the other side (-Y) of the first direction. The first gear 41 is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft 46. The first gear 41 and the first shaft 46 rotate together about the first axis J1. The first shaft 46 is rotatably supported on the housing 6 via bearings B1 and B2.

[0052] The second shaft 45, the second gear 42, and the third gear 43 are arranged centered on a second axis J2 extending parallel to the first axis J1. The second shaft 45 extends along a first direction Y, centered on the second axis J2. The second shaft 45 is rotatably supported on the housing 6 via bearings B3 and B4. The second gear 42 and the third gear 43 are spaced apart from each other on the outer circumferential surface of the second shaft 45 in the first direction Y. The second gear 42 and the third gear 43 rotate together with the second shaft 45 around the second axis J2. The second gear 42 meshes with the first gear 41. The third gear 43 meshes with the gear ring 51 of the differential device 5.

[0053] The differential device 5 includes a gear ring (fourth gear) 51, a differential mechanism 5a, and a differential housing (not shown). That is, the power transmission unit 3 includes a gear ring 51 and a differential mechanism 5a. The gear ring 51 meshes with a third gear 43 and rotates around a third axis J3 extending parallel to the first axis J1. The gear ring 51 is the largest diameter gear among the multiple gears in the power transmission unit 3. The differential mechanism 5a is housed inside the differential housing. In this embodiment, the differential housing is fixed to the gear ring 51. Furthermore, the differential housing is supported on the housing 6 via a bearing B7. That is, the gear ring 51 is rotatably supported on the housing 6 via the differential housing and the bearing B7. Alternatively, the differential housing may not be provided, and the output shaft 55 may be supported on the housing 6 via the bearing B7. The rotation of the gear ring 51 is transmitted to the differential mechanism 5a, and then from the output shaft 55 connected to the differential mechanism 5a. When the vehicle turns, the differential mechanism 5a absorbs the speed difference between the left and right wheels while transmitting torque to the output shafts 55 of both wheels. The output shafts 55 extend along the third axis J3. The output shafts 55 are connected to the wheels.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a portion of the power transmission unit 3 and the housing 6 viewed from the first direction side (+Y). Figure 3 This is a diagram showing a portion of the power transmission unit 3 and the housing 6 viewed from the other side (-Y) of the first direction.

[0055] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the first axis J1 is located on the opposite side (+X) of the second axis J2 and the third axis J3 in the second direction. The second axis J2 is located between the first axis J1 and the third axis J3 in the second direction X. The third axis J3 is located on the opposite side (-X) of the second direction than the first axis J1 and the second axis J2. In the power transmission unit 3, the power of the motor 2 is transmitted in the order of a gear rotating around the first axis J1, a gear rotating around the second axis J2, and a gear rotating around the third axis J3. According to this embodiment, by arranging the gears of the power transmission unit 3 in the second direction X, the size of the power transmission unit 3 in the vertical direction Z can be miniaturized.

[0056] The first axis J1 is located lower (-Z) than the second axis J2 and the third axis J3. The second axis J2 is located higher (+Z) than the first axis J1 and the third axis J3. The third axis J3 is located between the first axis J1 and the third axis J3 in the vertical direction Z. The diameter of the gear ring 51 is larger than that of the other gears. According to this embodiment, the third axis J3 is arranged between the first axis J1 and the second axis J2 in the vertical direction Z, so the other gears are less likely to protrude upwards or downwards relative to the upper and lower ends of the gear ring 51. As a result, the power transmission unit 3 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction Z.

[0057] <Outer Shell>

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 6 has a motor housing section 6a for housing the motor 2 and a gear housing section 6b for housing the power transmission section 3. The gear housing section 6b is located on the first direction side (+Y) of the motor housing section 6a.

[0059] Fluid O is stored inside the housing 6. Furthermore, a flow path 90 is provided on the housing 6. Fluid O circulates within the housing 6 through the flow path 90. In this embodiment, fluid O functions as a refrigerant for cooling the motor 2 and as a lubricant for the power transmission unit 3. To function as both lubricating and cooling oil, fluid O is preferably an oil with a low viscosity, similar to that of automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

[0060] Fluid O is stored in the lower region of the internal space of the housing 6. That is, fluid O is stored in the lower region of the housing 6. Hereinafter, the lower region of the housing 6 in which fluid O is stored is referred to as the storage section P. In the housing 6 of this embodiment, the bottom surface of the gear housing 6b is located at a position lower (-Z) than the bottom surface of the motor housing 6a. Therefore, the storage section P is provided in the lower region of the internal space of the gear housing 6b. However, the storage section P may also be provided across the lower regions of the motor housing 6a and the lower regions of the gear housing 6b. In addition, as long as the storage section P is provided in the internal space of the gear housing 6b, the vertical position of the bottom surface of the gear housing 6b can be the same as the vertical position of the bottom surface of the motor housing 6a, or the bottom surface of the gear housing 6b can be higher than the bottom surface of the motor housing 6a.

[0061] The gear ring 51 is immersed in the fluid O in the storage section P. As the gear ring 51 rotates around the third axis J3, the fluid O in the storage section P is lifted and dispersed into the internal space of the gear housing section 6b. The fluid O lifted by the gear ring 51 is supplied to each gear housed in the gear housing section 6b to lubricate the gear tooth surfaces, etc.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, a first fluid guide 70, a second fluid guide 80, a third fluid guide 83, and a fourth fluid guide 87 are provided on the inner surface of the gear housing 6b. The first fluid guide 70, the second fluid guide 80, the third fluid guide 83, and the fourth fluid guide 87 guide the fluid O lifted by the gear ring 51. In this embodiment, the first fluid guide 70, the second fluid guide 80, the third fluid guide 83, and the fourth fluid guide 87 are each rib-shaped and extend along the first direction Y. The first fluid guide 70, the second fluid guide 80, the third fluid guide 83, and the fourth fluid guide 87 will be described in detail later.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the fluid O in the storage section P is transported through the flow path 90 to the internal spaces of the motor housing 6a and the gear housing 6b, respectively. The fluid O transported to the internal space of the motor housing 6a cools the motor 2 along the surface of the motor 2. In addition, the fluid O transported to the internal space of the gear housing 6b lubricates the gears of the power transmission section 3 and the bearings supporting the power transmission section 3.

[0064] The housing 6 is constructed by assembling multiple components. In this embodiment, the housing 6 includes a housing body 61, a motor cover 63, and a gear cover 62. The motor cover 63 is located on the other side (-Y) of the housing body 61 in the first direction. The gear cover 62 is located on one side (+Y) of the housing body 61 in the first direction. The housing body 61 and the motor cover 63 are joined together in the first direction Y to form a motor housing portion 6a. The housing body 61 and the gear cover 62 are joined together in the first direction Y to form a gear housing portion 6b.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the housing 6 is composed of the three components described above (housing body 61, motor cover 63, and gear cover 62) and can be separated from each other will be described. However, the component structure of the housing 6 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the components of the housing 6 may be further separable. In addition, the housing 6 may also have a portion for housing an inverter (not shown).

[0066] The housing 6 has a first wall portion 65, a second wall portion 66, a third wall portion 67, a first surrounding portion 68, and a second surrounding portion 69. The first wall portion 65, the second wall portion 66, the third wall portion 67, the first surrounding portion 68, and the second surrounding portion 69 are portions of the aforementioned housing body 61, motor housing 63, and gear housing 62. The first wall portion 65, the second wall portion 66, and the third wall portion 67 extend along a plane perpendicular to the first axis J1. The first surrounding portion 68 surrounds the power transmission portion 3 radially outward from the first axis J1, the second axis J2, and the third axis J3. The second surrounding portion 69 surrounds the motor 2 radially outward from the first axis J1.

[0067] A first wall portion 65 is provided on the outer casing body 61. The first wall portion 65 separates the internal space of the motor housing portion 6a from the internal space of the gear housing portion 6b. The first wall portion 65 constitutes a part of both the motor housing portion 6a and the gear housing portion 6b. The first wall portion 65 covers the motor 2 from one side (+Y) in the first direction. In addition, the first wall portion 65 covers the power transmission portion 3 from the other side (-Y) in the first direction.

[0068] A first through hole 65a, a second through hole 65b, a third through hole 65c, and a fourth through hole 65d are provided in the first wall portion 65. The first through hole 65a, the second through hole 65b, the third through hole 65c, and the fourth through hole 65d penetrate the first wall portion 65 along a first direction Y. The first through hole 65a connects the storage portion P and the suction port of the pump 8 (described later). The second through hole 65b connects the lower part of the internal space of the motor housing portion 6a and the internal space of the gear housing portion 6b. The third through hole 65c houses a connection portion between the motor shaft 21 and the first shaft 46, a bearing B5 for retaining the motor shaft 21, and a bearing B2 for retaining the first shaft 46. The fourth through hole 65d connects the upper part of the internal space of the motor housing portion 6a and the upper part of the internal space of the gear housing portion 6b.

[0069] A second wall portion 66 is provided on the gear cover 62. The second wall portion 66 forms part of the gear storage portion 6b. That is, the gear storage portion 6b has a second wall portion 66. The second wall portion 66 covers the power transmission portion 3 from the first direction side (+Y). The second wall portion 66 is opposite to the first wall portion 65 across the internal space of the gear storage portion 6b.

[0070] The third wall portion 67 is provided on the motor cover 63. The third wall portion 67 forms part of the motor housing portion 6a. The third wall portion 67 covers the motor 2 from the other side (-Y) in the first direction. The third wall portion 67 is opposite to the first wall portion 65 through the internal space of the motor housing portion 6a.

[0071] The first surrounding portion 68 extends in a cylindrical shape along the first direction Y. The first surrounding portion 68 connects the first wall portion 65 and the second wall portion 66. In this embodiment, the first surrounding portion 68 has a first surrounding wall 68a and a second surrounding wall 68b. The first surrounding wall 68a is part of the outer casing body 61. The first surrounding wall 68a protrudes from the first wall portion 65 toward one side of the first direction (+Y). The second surrounding wall 68b is part of the gear cover 62. The second surrounding wall 68b protrudes from the second wall portion 66 toward the other side of the first direction (-Y).

[0072] The first enclosure wall 68a has a first opposing surface 68f facing one side of the first direction (+Y). The second enclosure wall 68b has a second opposing surface 68g facing the other side of the first direction (-Y). The first opposing surface 68f and the second opposing surface 68g are opposite to each other in the first direction Y. The first opposing surface 68f and the second opposing surface 68g are in contact with each other, for example, via a sealing member such as a gasket. Thus, the first enclosure wall 68a and the second enclosure wall 68b are connected to each other.

[0073] The second enclosure portion 69 is disposed on the housing body 61. The second enclosure portion 69 forms part of the motor housing portion 6a. The second enclosure portion 69 is cylindrical and extends along the first direction Y with the first axis J1 as the center. The second enclosure portion 69 connects the first wall portion 65 and the third wall portion 67. The second enclosure portion 69 surrounds the motor 2 radially outward from the first axis J1.

[0074] <Flow path>

[0075] like Figure 1 As shown, a flow path 90 is provided on the outer casing 6. The flow path 90 is a circulation path for the fluid O to flow through. That is, the fluid O circulates in the flow path 90 provided on the outer casing 6. It is sufficient that at least a portion of the flow path 90 is provided on the outer casing 6.

[0076] A pump 8, a cooler 9, a first supply pipe 93A, and a second supply pipe (supply section) 94A are arranged in the flow path 90. In the drive device 100 of this embodiment, the pump 8 and the cooler 9 are arranged on the outer surface of the housing 6, and the first supply pipe 93A and the second supply pipe 94A are arranged in the internal space of the housing 6. Alternatively, the pump 8 and the cooler 9 may also be arranged in the internal space of the housing 6.

[0077] Pump 8 draws in fluid O from storage section P through first through hole 65a and pressurizes it. Cooler 9 cools fluid O in flow path 90. In this embodiment, the flow of refrigerant inside cooler 9 is omitted from the illustration. Cooler 9 in this embodiment is a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between fluid O and refrigerant.

[0078] The first supply pipe 93A is disposed within the internal space of the motor housing 6a. The first supply pipe 93A extends along the first direction Y. The end of the first supply pipe 93A on one side (+Y) of the first direction is inserted into the fourth through hole 65d and supported on the first wall portion 65. The end of the first supply pipe 93A on the other side (-Y) of the first direction is supported on the motor cover 63. The first supply pipe 93A is provided with a plurality of supply ports that open toward the stator 25. The first supply pipe 93A supplies a portion of the fluid O flowing inside to the motor 2 through the supply ports.

[0079] The second supply pipe 94A is disposed within the internal space of the gear housing 6b. The second supply pipe 94A extends along the first direction Y. The end of the second supply pipe 94A on one side (+Y) of the first direction is supported by the gear cover 62. The end of the second supply pipe 94A on the other side (-Y) of the first direction is inserted into the fourth through hole 65d and supported by the first wall portion 65. Thus, the second supply pipe 94A is connected to the first supply pipe 93A via the fourth through hole 65d. In this embodiment, the second supply pipe 94A is provided with a supply port 94h. The second supply pipe 94A supplies at least a portion of the fluid O flowing inside to the first fluid guide 70, which will be described later, through the supply port 94h.

[0080] like Figure 2 As shown, a protrusion 94b is provided on the outer periphery of the second supply pipe 94A. The protrusion 94b is arranged along the first wall portion 65. An insertion pin 94c extending in the first direction Y is provided on the surface of the protrusion 94b facing the other side (-Y) of the first direction. In addition, a supply pipe fixing portion 65k is provided on the surface of the first wall portion 65 facing the first direction (+Y).

[0081] The supply tube fixing portion 65k has a recess (not shown) that is recessed from the first wall portion 65 on one side facing the first direction (+Y) and the other side facing the axial direction (-Y). The supply tube fixing portion 65k is located above the first fluid guide 70 described later. In addition, the supply tube fixing portion 65k is connected to the first fluid guide 70 described later. As a result, the rigidity of the supply tube fixing portion 65k can be improved. The insertion pin 94c is inserted into the recess of the supply tube fixing portion 65k. As a result, rotation of the second supply tube 94A around the axis of the second supply tube 94A can be suppressed, and the opening direction of the supply port 94h of the second supply tube 94A can be easily determined.

[0082] like Figure 1 As shown, the flow path 90 of this embodiment includes a suction flow path 91a, a connecting flow path 91b, an in-wall flow path 92, a first-pipe in-wall flow path 93, and a second-pipe in-wall flow path 94. The suction flow path 91a is the flow path inside the first through hole 65a, connecting the storage unit P and the pump 8. The connecting flow path 91b connects the pump 8 and the cooler 9. The in-wall flow path 92 is disposed inside the wall of the motor housing 6a, connecting the cooler 9 and the first supply pipe 93A. The first-pipe in-wall flow path 93 is the flow path inside the first supply pipe 93A. The second-pipe in-wall flow path 94 is the flow path inside the second supply pipe 94A.

[0083] Furthermore, the flow path 90 in this embodiment is one example, and the flow path 90 may also have other flow path sections. As an example, the flow path 90 may also have a flow path section connected to the downstream side of the second pipe flow path section 94, which provides fluid O to the bearing held in the gear cover 62.

[0084] Fluid O is drawn into the pump 8 through the suction flow path 91a and transported to the cooler for cooling via the connecting flow path 91b. Fluid O then reaches the first supply pipe 93A through the wall flow path 92. The fluid O supplied to the first supply pipe 93A flows in the first pipe internal flow path 93 located inside the first supply pipe 93A. A portion of the fluid O flowing in the first pipe internal flow path 93 is supplied to the motor 2 via the supply port located in the first supply pipe 93A. The fluid O supplied to the motor 2 and dripping downwards flows through the second through hole 65b to the storage portion P of the gear receiving portion 6b. The downstream end of the first pipe internal flow path 93 is connected to the second pipe internal flow path 94 via the fourth through hole 65d. A portion of the fluid O flowing into the second pipe internal flow path 94 is supplied to the first fluid guide 70 (described later) via the supply port 94h located in the second supply pipe 94A.

[0085] <Path>

[0086] like Figure 2As shown, when viewing the power transmission unit 3 from the first direction side (+Y), the direction in which the gear ring 51 rotates clockwise around the third axis J3 is defined as the first rotation direction R1, and the direction in which it rotates counterclockwise is defined as the second rotation direction R2. In this embodiment, when the gear ring 51 rotates along the first rotation direction R1, the vehicle equipped with the drive unit 100 moves forward, and when the gear ring 51 rotates along the second rotation direction R2, the vehicle equipped with the drive unit 100 moves backward. However, the vehicle's direction of travel relative to the rotation direction of the gear ring 51 in this embodiment is merely an example, and the relationship between the rotation direction of the gear ring 51 and the vehicle's direction of travel is not limited to this embodiment. For example, it is also possible that when the gear ring 51 rotates along the first rotation direction R1, the vehicle equipped with the drive unit 100 moves backward, and when the gear ring 51 rotates along the second rotation direction R2, the vehicle equipped with the drive unit 100 moves forward.

[0087] The portion of the gear ring 51 rotating in the first rotation direction R1 that is located on the other side (+X) of the second direction relative to the third axis J3 moves upward, lifting the fluid O in the storage section P upward relative to the other side (+X) of the second direction relative to the third axis J3. The portion of the gear ring 51 rotating in the second rotation direction R2 that is located on one side (-X) of the second direction relative to the third axis J3 moves upward, lifting the fluid O in the storage section P upward relative to the other side (-X) of the second direction relative to the third axis J3.

[0088] The main flow of fluid O after being lifted by the toothed ring 51 rotating in the first rotation direction R1 will be described as a first path F1, a second path F2, and a third path F3. Furthermore, the main flow of fluid O after being lifted by the toothed ring 51 rotating in the second rotation direction R2 will be described as a fourth path F4.

[0089] The first path F1 is the path through which fluid O travels from the storage unit P to the first fluid guide 70. A portion of the first path F1 extends along the second direction (+X) on the other side of the third axis J3, towards the upper side and the other side of the second direction (+X), located between the first axis J1 and the second axis J2. Additionally, a portion of the first path F1 is located in the region that overlaps radially with the gear ring 51. A portion of the first path F1 is located in the region that overlaps with the second gear 42 in the first direction Y.

[0090] Additionally, in this specification, the phrase "overlapping with the gear in the radial direction" in a specific location or area means overlapping with the gear in the radial direction.

[0091] The second path F2 is the path through which fluid O changes direction after encountering the second fluid guide 80 from the storage section P, reaching the meshing portion 49 where the teeth of the first gear 41 and the second gear 42 mesh. The second path F2 extends upwards and to the second fluid guide 80 from the other side (+X) of the second direction of the third axis J3. A portion of the fluid O flowing in the second path F2 changes direction to the first direction (+Y) after encountering the protrusion 81 of the second fluid guide 80, reaching the meshing portion 49. The protrusion 81 will be described in detail later. In the second path F2, at least a portion of the fluid flowing up to the protrusion 81 of the second fluid guide 80 passes through a region radially overlapping with the gear ring 51. In the second path F2, at least a portion of the fluid after encountering the protrusion 81 of the second fluid guide 80 passes through a region radially non-overlapping with the gear ring 51.

[0092] The third path F3 is the path through which fluid O travels from the storage unit P through the other side (+X) of the third axis J3 in the second direction to the third fluid guide 83. The third path F3 extends upward in the second direction X, passing between the first axis J1 and the third axis J3, and between the second axis J2 and the third axis J3. A portion of the third path F3 lies in the region that overlaps radially with the gear ring 51. A portion of the third path F3 lies in the region that overlaps with the second gear 42 in the first direction Y.

[0093] The fourth path F4 is the path through which fluid O travels from the storage section P through one side (-X) and the upper side of the third axis J3 in the second direction to the third fluid guide 83. The fourth path F4 extends in a direction from one side (-X) of the third axis J3 in the second direction toward the upper side and the other side (+X) in the second direction. A portion of the fourth path F4 is located in the region that overlaps with the gear ring 51 in the radial direction.

[0094] Furthermore, regarding the fluid O lifted by the gear ring 51, the first path F1, the second path F2, the third path F3, and the fourth path F4 described above are merely representative paths, and fluid may flow in other paths. For example, as another path, it could be a path in which the fluid O is lifted by the gear ring 51 and reaches the first fluid guide 70 through the upper side of the second axis J2 when the gear ring 51 rotates along the first rotation direction R1.

[0095] <First Fluid Guide>

[0096] like Figure 1 As shown, the first fluid guide 70 extends along a first direction Y. The first fluid guide 70 connects a first wall portion 65 and a second wall portion 66. In this embodiment, the first fluid guide 70 has a first portion 70A and a second portion 70B arranged in the first direction Y.

[0097] The first portion 70A extends from the first wall portion 65 in a first direction (+Y). The first portion 70A overlaps radially with the third gear 43 and the gear ring 51. The second portion 70B extends from the second wall portion 66 in the other direction (-Y). The second portion 70B overlaps radially with the first gear 41 and the second gear 42. Alternatively, the first portion 70A and the second portion 70B may overlap radially with any gear. Furthermore, as long as at least a portion of the first fluid guide 70 overlaps radially with the gear ring 51, either the first portion 70A or the second portion 70B may not overlap radially with any of the first gear 41, the second gear 42, the third gear 43, and the gear ring 51. Even if the first portion 70A and the second portion 70B do not overlap radially with any gear, it is sufficient if at least a portion of the first fluid guide 70 overlaps with the gear ring 51.

[0098] The first part 70A has a first front end surface 70f facing one side of the first direction (+Y). The second part 70B has a second front end surface 70g facing the other side of the first direction (-Y). The first front end surface 70f and the second front end surface 70g are opposite to each other and connected in the first direction Y. That is, the second part 70B is connected to the first part 70A.

[0099] In this embodiment, the first front end face 70f and the second front end face 70g are in contact with each other. However, a gap may also be provided between the first front end face 70f and the second front end face 70g to allow fluid O to flow between the first portion 70A and the second portion 70B.

[0100] In this embodiment, the first fluid guide 70 is formed by joining a first portion 70A protruding from the first wall portion 65 and a second portion 70B protruding from the second wall portion 66 at their front end faces 70f and 70g. According to this embodiment, compared to the case where the entire first fluid guide protrudes only from either the first wall portion 65 or the second wall portion 66 along a first direction, the lengths of the first portion 70A and the second portion 70B in the first direction can be shortened respectively. This simplifies the forming of the protruding portions during the manufacturing process. Furthermore, by suppressing the protruding lengths of the protruding portions (first portion 70A and second portion 70B), the movement and orientation of the housing body 61 and the gear cover 62 during the assembly process of the housing 6 becomes easier, simplifying the assembly process.

[0101] In this embodiment, in the first direction Y, the first front end face 70f of the first portion 70A and the first opposing face 68f of the first surrounding wall 68a are arranged on the same plane. Therefore, during the machining of the outer shell body 61, the first front end face 70f and the first opposing face 68f can be machined simultaneously by machining such as milling. Similarly, in the first direction Y, the second front end face 70g of the second portion 70B and the second opposing face 68g of the second surrounding wall 68b are arranged on the same plane. During the machining of the gear cover 62, the second front end face 70g and the second opposing face 68g can be machined simultaneously. Thus, when assembling the outer shell body 61 and the gear cover 62, uneven gaps between the first opposing face 68f and the second opposing face 68g, and between the first front end face 70f and the second front end face 70g, can be suppressed. In addition, the first front end face 70f and the second front end face 70g do not necessarily need to be arranged on the same plane as the first opposing face 68f and the second opposing face 68g.

[0102] like Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of ribs 66a extending toward the other side (-Y) of the first direction are provided on the surface of the second wall portion 66. This improves the rigidity of the gear cover 62. The second portion 70B is connected to one of the plurality of ribs 66a. This improves the rigidity of the second portion 70B. In this embodiment, the rib 66a connected to the second portion 70B is a rib that extends radially from the cylindrical bearing retaining portion 66b centered on the second axis J2 along the second axis J2.

[0103] like Figure 2 As shown, the first fluid guide 70 has a first inclined portion 71 and a second inclined portion 72. The first inclined portion 71 is inclined downwards from the other side (+X) in the second direction toward one side (-X). The second inclined portion 72 is connected to at least a portion of the end 71p of the first inclined portion 71 in the second direction on one side (-X). The second inclined portion 72 is inclined upwards from the other side (+X) in the second direction toward one side (-X).

[0104] As described above, at least a portion (first portion 70A) of the first fluid guide 70 in this embodiment overlaps radially with the gear ring 51. Therefore, the first fluid guide 70 can effectively receive the fluid O that is lifted by the gear ring 51 and passes through the first path F1. Furthermore, at least a portion of the first fluid guide 70 in this embodiment is located above the meshing portion 49 of the first gear 41 and the second gear 42 and on the other side (+X) of the second direction above the first axis J1. Moreover, the first inclined portion 71 tilts downwards from the other side (+X) of the second direction towards one side (-X). That is, according to this embodiment, the first inclined portion 71 tilts towards the meshing portion 49. Thus, the first inclined portion 71 allows the fluid O received by the first fluid guide 70 to flow towards and be supplied to the meshing portion 49. According to this embodiment, when the gear ring 51 rotates along the first rotation direction R1, the fluid O that is lifted can be provided to the meshing part 49 of the first gear 41 and the second gear 42, and the meshing part 49 can be lubricated and cooled.

[0105] In this embodiment, the first fluid guide 70 is located on the opposite side (+X) of the first axis J1 in the second direction. Furthermore, as described above, the third axis J3 is located on the side (-X) of the first axis J1 in the second direction. Therefore, the first fluid guide 70 is located on the opposite side of the third axis J3 in the second direction X, separated from the first axis J1. According to this embodiment, the first fluid guide 70 can be separately arranged from the gear with the largest diameter, i.e., the gear ring 51, along the second direction X. Furthermore, by arranging the first fluid guide 70 around the gear with a diameter smaller than the gear ring 51 within the internal space of the gear housing 6b, the transmission mechanism 4 can be miniaturized in the second direction X.

[0106] The first inclined portion 71 has a first plate portion 71a and a second plate portion 71b arranged in the second direction X. The first plate portion 71a is inclined at an angle α with respect to the second direction X. The second plate portion 71b is inclined at an angle β with respect to the second direction X. The ends of the first plate portion 71a and the second plate portion 71b are connected to each other on the second direction side (-X).

[0107] According to this embodiment, the inclination angle α of the first inclined portion 71 relative to the second direction X decreases as it moves from the other side (+X) of the second direction towards one side (-X). According to this embodiment, the fluid O lifted by the toothed ring 51 can be received by the second plate portion 71b with a large inclination angle β, and the fluid O can be guided to the first plate portion 71a with a small inclination angle α, and then supplied from the first plate portion 71a to the engagement portion 49. By increasing the inclination angle β of the second plate portion 71b, the second plate portion 71b can be brought closer to the toothed ring 51 that lifts the fluid O, and more fluid O can be received by the second plate portion 71b before the area of ​​fluid O scattering expands. Furthermore, by decreasing the inclination angle α of the first plate portion 71a, the second direction X component of the velocity vector of the fluid O flowing from the first plate portion 71a towards the second direction side (-X) can be made greater than the vertical direction Z component of the velocity vector. Therefore, even if the first fluid guide 70 separates from the engagement portion 49 in the second direction X, fluid O can be easily supplied from the first fluid guide 70 to the engagement portion 49.

[0108] Furthermore, the first inclined portion 71 of this embodiment has been described in a case where the first plate portion 71a and the second plate portion 71b with the same inclination angle are arranged in the second direction X, and the inclination angle changes stepwise along the second direction X. However, the first inclined portion 71 may also have a curved shape in which the inclination angle changes continuously along the second direction X.

[0109] The second plate portion 71b extends from the inner side of the first surrounding portion 68 toward the second direction (-X). That is, the first fluid guide 70 is connected to the inner side of the first surrounding portion 68. As a result, the first fluid guide 70 can catch more fluid O that is lifted up by the toothed ring 51 and dispersed toward the other side (+X) in the second direction, and provide it to the engagement portion 49.

[0110] In this embodiment, the second inclined portion 72 is connected to the end of the first inclined portion 71 on one side (-X) in the second direction, and tilts upwards from the other side (+X) in the second direction toward one side (-X). Therefore, when viewed from the first direction Y, the first inclined portion 71 and the second inclined portion 72 are arranged in a V-shape. According to this embodiment, fluid O can be temporarily held on the upper side of the first fluid guide 70, and the received fluid O can be easily flowed along the first direction Y to the desired area (engaging portion 49 in this embodiment).

[0111] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the first fluid guide 70 in this embodiment.

[0112] like Figure 4As shown, in the first fluid guide 70, both a first inclined portion 71 and a second inclined portion 72 are provided in the first portion 70A, while only the first inclined portion 71 is provided in the second portion 70B. Here, the portion of the first inclined portion 71 that extends towards the first direction (+Y) from the end located on the opposite side (+X) of the second inclined portion 72 and on the side of the first direction (+Y) of the second inclined portion 72 is referred to as the extension portion 71q. In this embodiment, the extension portion 71q is at least a portion of the first inclined portion 71 provided in the second portion 70B.

[0113] The extension 71q overlaps the second gear 42 radially. The second inclined portion 72 is not connected to the second direction side (-X) of the extension 71q. Therefore, the end of the second direction side (-X) of the extension 71q directly faces the second gear 42. According to this embodiment, the first inclined portion 71 has an extension 71q, thereby allowing fluid O received by the first fluid guide 70 to flow out from the end of the second direction side (-X) of the extension 71q towards the second direction side (-X). This allows fluid O to be supplied to the meshing portion 49 of the second gear 42 and the first gear 41, which faces the extension 71q.

[0114] In this embodiment, the second inclined portion 72 is disposed on the first portion 70A, and the extension portion 71q is disposed on the second portion 70B. Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least a portion of the second inclined portion 72 is disposed on the first portion 70A, and at least a portion of the extension portion 71q is disposed on the second portion 70B. According to this structure, by abutting the first portion 70A and the second portion 70B in the first direction Y, a first fluid guide 70 having the second inclined portion 72 and the extension portion 71q can be easily constructed.

[0115] In particular, in this embodiment, the second inclined portion 72 is entirely disposed in the first portion 70A, and the extension portion 71q is entirely disposed in the second portion 70B. In this case, the first portion 70A and the second portion 70B can be made to have approximately the same cross-sectional shape. According to this embodiment, the shapes of the first portion 70A and the second portion 70B can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost of the outer casing 6 can be reduced.

[0116] Furthermore, it is preferable that the entire second inclined portion 72 is disposed in the first portion 70A, and at least a portion of the extension 71q is disposed in the second portion 70B. In particular, when the shell 6 comprising the first portion 70A and the second portion 70B is manufactured by a molding process such as casting, the demolding direction of the molds for the first portion 70A and the second portion 70B is preferably the first direction Y. By disposing the entire second inclined portion 72 in the first portion 70A, it is possible to prevent the front end side from becoming wider than the base end side in the second portion 70B. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a sliding mechanism in the mold forming the second portion 70B, which simplifies the mold construction.

[0117] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the upper surface of the first portion 70A slopes downward toward the first direction (+Y). In this case, gravity can be used to allow the fluid O received by the first portion 70A to flow toward the second portion 70B. As a result, the fluid O received by the first portion 70A can be easily supplied from the extension 71q of the second portion 70B to the engagement portion 49.

[0118] Furthermore, as long as at least a portion of the upper surface of the first fluid guide 70 tilts downward in the first direction Y as it approaches the second gear 42, gravity can be used to cause the fluid O received by the first fluid guide 70 to flow toward the second gear 42. That is, the first fluid guide 70 only needs at least a portion of its upper surface to tilt downward in the first direction Y as it approaches the second gear 42.

[0119] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the first inclined portion 71 overlaps radially with the second gear 42 at the extension 71q. According to this embodiment, fluid O, which is received by the first fluid guide 70 and flows out from the first inclined portion 71 along the second direction X, can be easily supplied to the engagement portion 49.

[0120] In this embodiment, the first inclined portion 71 overlaps with the second gear 42 in the vertical direction Z at the extension portion 71q. According to this embodiment, the first inclined portion 71 can be easily positioned close to the meshing portion 49 of the first gear 41 and the second gear 42, and the fluid O flowing in the first inclined portion 71 can be easily supplied to the meshing portion 49.

[0121] In this embodiment, the second inclined portion 72 overlaps with the second gear 42 in the first direction Y. According to this embodiment, the first fluid guide 70 can be positioned close to the second gear 42, making it easy to supply the fluid O received by the first fluid guide 70 to the engagement portion 49. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, by having a portion of the first fluid guide 70 overlap with the second gear 42 in the first direction Y, the gear housing portion 6b can be miniaturized in the second direction X.

[0122] In this embodiment, the second inclined portion 72 overlaps radially with the toothed ring 51. The fluid O lifted by the toothed ring 51 mainly disperses towards the area that overlaps radially with the toothed ring 51. According to this embodiment, the second inclined portion 72 blocks the fluid O lifted by the toothed ring 51 and caught by the first inclined portion 71, inhibiting the fluid O from flowing out of the first fluid guide 70 towards the second direction. As a result, the first fluid guide 70 can direct the caught fluid O towards the area that does not overlap radially with the toothed ring 51, and can provide fluid O to areas that are difficult for fluid O to reach solely through the lifting of the toothed ring 51.

[0123] like Figure 2 As shown, a second supply pipe 94A is provided on the upper side of the first fluid guide 70 in the gear receiving portion 6b. In this embodiment, the second supply pipe 94A is a cylindrical component extending along the first direction Y. At least one supply port 94h is provided in the second supply pipe 94A, opening toward the first fluid guide 70. The second supply pipe 94A supplies a portion of the fluid O flowing in the flow path 90 to the first fluid guide 70 from the supply port 94h. According to this embodiment, the first fluid guide 70 can supply not only the fluid O lifted by the gear ring 51 to the engagement portion 49, but also the fluid O discharged from the second supply pipe 94A to the engagement portion 49. That is, according to this embodiment, more fluid O can be supplied to the engagement portion 49.

[0124] In this embodiment, the fluid O flowing in the second supply pipe 94A is pumped by the pump 8. Therefore, fluid O can be stably supplied to the second supply pipe 94A regardless of the driving state of the motor 2. For example, when the vehicle equipped with the drive unit 100 is tilted and the speed of the motor 2 slows down, such as when the vehicle is going uphill, the fluid O accumulated in the storage compartment may be biased within the storage compartment, the amount of fluid O lifted by the gear ring 51 may decrease, and the amount of fluid O supplied to the gear, engagement part 49, etc., may be insufficient. However, according to this embodiment, even if the amount of fluid O lifted by the gear ring 51 decreases and the supply of fluid O to the gear, etc., is insufficient, the insufficient supply of fluid O to the engagement part 49 can be suppressed by allowing fluid O to flow in the second supply pipe 94A to supply fluid O to the first fluid guide 70.

[0125] In this embodiment, the second supply pipe 94A is provided in the gear housing 6b as a supply section for supplying fluid O to the first fluid guide 70. However, the supply section stores or flows fluid O, and its structure is not limited to this embodiment as long as it has a supply port for supplying fluid O to the first fluid guide 70. The supply section may, for example, be a flow path or storage section provided inside the wall of the gear housing 6b. In addition, the supply section may be a flow channel or the like, disposed in the internal space of the gear housing 6b and storing fluid O or allowing fluid O to flow. When the supply section has a structure with a flow channel or the like opening at the top, the supply port may also be an opening at the top of the supply section, supplying overflowing fluid O to the first fluid guide 70.

[0126] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 6 may also have openings 70c and 70d on the upper surface of the first fluid guide 70, extending through the first fluid guide 70 in the vertical direction Z. The openings 70c and 70d are preferably located at positions corresponding to the areas where fluid O needs to be supplied. In this embodiment, the openings 70c and 70d extend from the upper surface of the first fluid guide 70 to the support portions of the bearings B1 and B2 that support the first shaft 46. The openings 70c and 70d supply a portion of the fluid O flowing on the upper surface of the first fluid guide 70 to the bearings B1 and B2. Alternatively, the first fluid guide 70 may have openings for supplying fluid O to other bearings B3, B4, and B7.

[0127] <Second fluid guide>

[0128] like Figure 2 As shown, the second fluid guide 80 is located on the side of the second direction (-X) that is closer to the first axis J1 and the second axis J2, and on the other side of the second direction (+X) that is closer to the third axis J3. The second fluid guide 80 extends upward from the bottom of the first enclosure portion 68. The second fluid guide 80 extends along the first direction Y and connects the first wall portion 65 and the second wall portion 66. The second fluid guide 80 separates the storage portion P within the gear housing portion 6b in the second direction X. As a result, it is easy to maintain the liquid level of the storage portion P at a certain level or above around the gear ring 51, and the fluid O of the storage portion P can be stably raised by the gear ring 51.

[0129] The second fluid guide 80 has Figure 2 The third part 80A shown and Figure 3 The fourth part 80B is shown. The third part 80A and the fourth part 80B are arranged and connected in the first direction Y. The third part 80A extends from the first wall portion 65 to one side of the first direction (+Y). The fourth part 80B extends from the second wall portion 66 to the other side of the first direction (-Y).

[0130] The front end face of the third part 80A facing the first direction (+Y) and the front end face of the fourth part 80B facing the other direction (-Y) are opposite to each other and in contact. Alternatively, the front end faces of the third part 80A and the fourth fluid guide 87 can also be opposite each other with a gap between them. The front end face of the third part 80A and the first opposing surface 68f of the first surrounding wall 68a are disposed on the same plane. Therefore, when machining the front end face of the third part 80A, both the front end face of the third part 80A and the first opposing surface 68f can be machined simultaneously, such as by milling. The front end face of the fourth part 80B and the second opposing surface 68g of the second surrounding wall 68b are disposed on the same plane. Therefore, when machining the front end face of the fourth part 80B, both the front end face of the fourth part 80B and the second opposing surface 68g can be machined simultaneously, such as by milling. In addition, the front end face of the third part 80A and the front end face of the fourth part 80B do not necessarily have to be configured on the same plane as the first opposing face 68f and the second opposing face 68g.

[0131] The second fluid guide 80 extends in a generally arc-shaped manner along the circumference centered on the third axis J3. In this embodiment, the second fluid guide 80 extends along the tooth tip of the gear ring 51. As a result, the fluid O lifted up by the gear ring 51 rotating in the first rotation direction R1 flows along the second fluid guide 80 and disperses towards the upper side of the second fluid guide 80. The second fluid guide 80 guides the fluid O dispersed through the first path F1, the second path F2, and the third path F3.

[0132] The second fluid guide 80 has a facing surface 80f that is radially opposed to the gear ring 51 along the third axis J3. In this embodiment, the facing surface 80f is a curved surface extending circumferentially along the third axis J3. A protrusion 81 protruding radially along the third axis J3 is provided on the facing surface 80f. Alternatively, the facing surface 80f may extend in a straight line without bending, as long as it is radially opposed to the gear ring 51 along the third axis J3.

[0133] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the second fluid guide 80 in this embodiment.

[0134] like Figure 5As shown, the protrusion 81 is located below the meshing portion 49 of the first gear 41 and the second gear 42 and on the other side (-Y) of the first direction. When viewed radially from the third axis J3, the protrusion 81 has a generally triangular shape. A guide surface 81f is provided on the lower surface of the protrusion 81. The guide surface 81f is inclined to one side (+Y) from the other side (-Y) of the first direction as it faces upward. In addition, the shape of the second fluid guide 80 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the guide surface 81f may be curved, and the shape of the protrusion 81 may not be generally triangular.

[0135] According to the second fluid guide 80 of this embodiment, a portion of the fluid O that is dispersed upward between the tooth tip of the tooth ring 51 and the opposing surface 80f can be guided on the guide surface 81f toward a first direction (+Y). Thus, the dispersion direction of a portion of the fluid O lifted by the tooth ring 51 can be changed to one side of the first direction (+Y), and fluid O can be provided to a region that does not overlap with the tooth ring 51 in the radial direction.

[0136] In particular, in this embodiment, the first gear 41, the second gear 42, and the third gear 43 are located on the gear ring 51 on the side of the first direction (+Y). That is, the engagement portion 49 is disposed on the side of the protrusion 81 in the first direction (+Y). Therefore, the second fluid guide 80 can guide the fluid O using the guide surface 81f and provide it to the engagement portion 49.

[0137] <Third fluid guide>

[0138] like Figure 2 As shown, the third fluid guide 83 is located above the first axis J1, the second axis J2, and the third axis J3. The third fluid guide 83 is located on the side of the second direction (-X) above the first axis J1 and the second axis J2, and on the other side of the second direction (+X) above the third axis J3. The third fluid guide 83 extends from the first wall portion 65 towards the first direction (+Y). The third fluid guide 83 overlaps radially with the gear ring 51. At least a portion of the third fluid guide 83 is located above the gear ring 51.

[0139] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the third fluid guide 83 and the fourth fluid guide 87.

[0140] The third fluid guide 83 has a longitudinal wall portion 84, a first bottom wall portion 85, and a second bottom wall portion 86. The longitudinal wall portion 84 extends in the vertical direction Z. The first bottom wall portion 85 extends from the lower part of the longitudinal wall portion 84 toward one side in the second direction (-X). The second bottom wall portion 86 extends from the lower part of the longitudinal wall portion 84 toward the other side in the second direction (+X).

[0141] According to this embodiment, the fluid O dispersed via the third path F3 encounters the surface of the longitudinal wall portion 84 facing the other side (+X) in the second direction. This allows the fluid O to be guided upwards towards the second bottom wall portion 86. Furthermore, the second bottom wall portion 86 can guide the fluid O flowing from the longitudinal wall portion 84 in a desired direction.

[0142] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the fluid O dispersed via the fourth path F4 encounters the surface of the longitudinal wall portion 84 facing the second direction (-X). This allows the fluid O to be guided upwards towards the first bottom wall portion 85. Additionally, the first bottom wall portion 85 can guide the fluid O flowing from the longitudinal wall portion 84 in a desired direction. In other words, the third fluid guide member 83 of this embodiment can receive fluid O regardless of whether it flows via the third path F3 or the fourth path F4, and guide it in a desired direction.

[0143] In this embodiment, the first bottom wall portion 85 slopes upward in the second direction X as it moves away from the longitudinal wall portion 84. Therefore, the third fluid guide 83 can accumulate fluid O between the longitudinal wall portion 84 and the first bottom wall portion 85. Consequently, the third fluid guide 83 facilitates the flow of fluid O lifted by the toothed ring 51 along the first direction Y. Similarly, in this embodiment, the second bottom wall portion 86 slopes upward in the second direction X as it moves away from the longitudinal wall portion 84. Therefore, the third fluid guide 83 can accumulate fluid O between the longitudinal wall portion 84 and the second bottom wall portion 86. Consequently, the third fluid guide 83 facilitates the flow of fluid O lifted by the toothed ring 51 along the first direction Y.

[0144] In this embodiment, the upper surfaces of the first bottom wall portion 85 and the second bottom wall portion 86 slope downwards toward the first direction (+Y). Therefore, the first bottom wall portion 85 and the second bottom wall portion 86 can utilize gravity to allow fluid O flowing from the longitudinal wall portion 84 to flow toward the first direction (+Y). In this embodiment, a fourth fluid guide 87 is disposed on the first direction (+Y) side of the third fluid guide 83. Therefore, the third fluid guide 83 guides fluid O via the third path F3 or the fourth path F4 to the fourth fluid guide 87. Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least a portion of the upper surfaces of the first bottom wall portion 85 and the second bottom wall portion 86 slope downwards toward the first direction (+Y).

[0145] <Fourth Fluid Guide>

[0146] like Figure 3 As shown, the fourth fluid guide 87 overlaps with the third fluid guide 83 in the first direction Y. That is, the fourth fluid guide 87 is arranged with the third fluid guide 83 in the first direction Y. The fourth fluid guide 87 extends from the second wall portion 66 to the other side (-Y) in the first direction.

[0147] The fourth fluid guide 87, like the third fluid guide 83, is located above the first axis J1, the second axis J2, and the third axis J3. Furthermore, the fourth fluid guide 87 is located on one side (-X) of the second direction of the first axis J1 and the second axis J2, and on the other side (+X) of the second direction of the third axis J3. The fourth fluid guide 87 overlaps with the second gear 42 radially. At least a portion of the fourth fluid guide 87 is located above the second gear 42.

[0148] The fourth fluid guide 87 extends circumferentially along the third axis J3. The upper surface of the fourth fluid guide 87 is located below the upper surface of the first bottom wall portion 85 and the upper surface of the second bottom wall portion 86. Therefore, fluid O flowing from the third fluid guide 83 to the first direction side (+Y) is supplied to the upper surface of the fourth fluid guide 87.

[0149] In this embodiment, the upper surface of the fourth fluid guide 87 slopes downward toward the other side of the second direction (+X). That is, the upper surface of the fourth fluid guide 87 slopes downward toward the second gear 42 in the second direction X. Therefore, the fourth fluid guide 87 can provide fluid O guided from the third fluid guide 83 to the tooth surface of the second gear 42. Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least a portion of the upper surface of the fourth fluid guide 87 slopes downward toward the other side of the second direction (+X).

[0150] According to this embodiment, at least a portion of the upper surface of the fourth fluid guide 87 is located at a position lower than the upper surface of the third fluid guide 83. Therefore, fluid O flowing on the upper surface of the third fluid guide 83 can be supplied to the upper surface of the fourth fluid guide 87. Furthermore, by guiding the fluid O guided from the third fluid guide 83 in a desired direction, the fourth fluid guide 87 can utilize the fluid O passing through the third path F3 or the fourth path F4 for lubrication of gears, bearings, etc.

[0151] The front end face of the third fluid guide 83 facing the first direction (+Y) and the front end face of the fourth fluid guide 87 facing the other direction (-Y) are opposite to each other and in contact. Alternatively, the front end faces of the third fluid guide 83 and the fourth fluid guide 87 can also be opposite each other with a gap. Axially, the front end face of the third fluid guide 83 and the first opposing surface 68f of the first surrounding wall 68a are arranged on the same plane. Therefore, when machining the front end face of the third fluid guide 83, both the front end face of the third fluid guide 83 and the first opposing surface 68f can be machined simultaneously, such as by milling. Axially, the front end face of the fourth fluid guide 87 and the second opposing surface 68g of the second surrounding wall 68b are arranged on the same plane. Therefore, when machining the front end face of the fourth fluid guide 87, both the front end face of the fourth fluid guide 87 and the second opposing surface 68g can be machined simultaneously, such as by milling. In addition, the front end face of the third fluid guide 83 and the front end face of the fourth fluid guide 87 do not necessarily have to be arranged on the same plane as the first opposing surface 68f and the second opposing surface 68g.

[0152] In this embodiment, the first bottom wall portion 85 and the second bottom wall portion 86 of the third fluid guide 83 are inclined downwards in the first direction Y as they approach the second gear 42. Therefore, the third fluid guide 83 can utilize gravity to allow fluid O to flow towards the second gear 42. Similarly, it is preferable that the fourth fluid guide 87 is inclined downwards in the first direction Y as it approaches the second gear 42. In this case, fluid O on the upper surface of the fourth fluid guide 87 can flow towards the second gear 42. That is, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the upper surface of at least one of the third fluid guide 83 and the fourth fluid guide 87 is inclined downwards in the first direction Y as it approaches the second gear. Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least a portion of the upper surfaces of the third fluid guide 83 and the fourth fluid guide 87 are inclined in the aforementioned direction.

[0153] The lower surface of the longitudinal wall portion 84 of the third fluid guide 83, the lower surface of the first bottom wall portion 85 or the second bottom wall portion 86, or the lower surface of the fourth fluid guide 87 may also tilt downward in the first direction Y as it approaches the second gear 42. In this case, fluid O is supplied to the second gear 42 along the lower surface.

[0154] The surface of the longitudinal wall portion 84 facing the second direction (-X) receives the fluid O flowing in the fourth path F4. The surface of the longitudinal wall portion 84 facing the second direction (-X) may also be inclined from one side (-X) to the other side (+X) of the second direction as it moves from the other side (-Y) of the first direction (+Y). In this case, a portion of the fluid O flowing in the fourth path F4 and encountering the longitudinal wall portion 84 is guided to the second gear 42.

[0155] <Variation Example>

[0156] Hereinafter, variations that can be used in the above embodiments will be described. In addition, in the description of each variation below, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the already described embodiments or variations, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0157] (Variation Example 1)

[0158] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the first fluid guide 170 of Modified Example 1, which can be used in the above-described embodiments. In this modified example, the first fluid guide 170 extends from the first wall portion 65 towards the first direction (+Y). That is, the first fluid guide 170 of this modified example is not divided in the first direction Y.

[0159] According to this modification, the first fluid guide 170 is composed of a single component and therefore does not have boundaries between components. Therefore, compared to the case where multiple components are connected, the first fluid guide 170 according to this modification does not create gaps at the boundaries between components and can smoothly guide fluid O in the first direction Y.

[0160] Furthermore, in this modified example, the first fluid guide 170 extends from the first wall portion 65 along the first direction Y, but the first fluid guide 170 may also extend from the second wall portion 66 along the first direction Y. That is, the first fluid guide 170 can extend from either the first wall portion 65 or the second wall portion 66 along the first direction Y.

[0161] (Variation Example 2)

[0162] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the fourth fluid guide 287 of Modified Example 2, which can be used in the above-described embodiments. In this modified example, the fourth fluid guide 287 is located below the third fluid guide 83. That is, the fourth fluid guide 287 overlaps with the third fluid guide 83 in the vertical direction Z and is located below the third fluid guide 83.

[0163] Similar to the embodiment described above, the fourth fluid guide 287 extends along the first direction Y. The fourth fluid guide 287 overlaps with the second gear 42 in the radial direction. The fourth fluid guide 287 is located above the second axis J2.

[0164] According to this modified example, the fourth fluid guide 287 is located below the third fluid guide 83. Therefore, the fourth fluid guide 287 can receive the fluid O flowing out from the third fluid guide 83. In addition, by guiding the fluid O flowing from the third fluid guide 83 in a desired direction, the fourth fluid guide 287 can utilize the fluid O for lubrication of gears, bearings, etc.

[0165] Furthermore, in this modified example, the fourth fluid guide 287 is located below the end of the third fluid guide 83 on the first direction side (+Y). Therefore, the fourth fluid guide 287 can be used to receive fluid O flowing out from the end of the third fluid guide 83 on the first direction side (+Y).

[0166] The various embodiments and variations of this utility model have been described above. However, each structure and combination thereof in each embodiment and variation is an example only. Without departing from the spirit of this utility model, additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes to the structure are possible. Furthermore, this utility model is not limited to the embodiments.

[0167] In the above embodiments, the arrangement and orientation of the parts indicated by one side and the other side of the first direction are examples, and may also be the opposite of the description in the embodiments. For example, in the above embodiments, the case where the third gear and the gear ring are arranged in the first direction closer to the motor than the first gear and the second gear has been described. However, the third gear and the gear ring may also be arranged in the first direction further away from the motor than the first gear and the second gear has.

[0168] The structure of each shaft in the transmission mechanism described in the above embodiment is an example. For example, the number of shafts and gears constituting the transmission mechanism is not limited to the embodiment. Furthermore, the direction of the vehicle relative to the forward direction may be the opposite side of the above embodiment in the second direction. Additionally, the first fluid guide, second fluid guide, third fluid guide, and fourth fluid guide may be separate from the housing.

[0169] Further modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments. For example, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the gear receiving portion 6b may also have a storage guide 366c located below the second gear 42. The storage guide 366c extends in an arc shape along the circumferential direction centered on the second axis J2. Fluid O is accumulated on the upper side of the storage guide 366c, which can supply fluid O to the tooth tip of the second gear 42.

[0170] The fluid O stored in the housing 6 is not particularly limited and may be a fluid other than oil. The fluid supplied to the motor by the fluid supply unit may also be, for example, water.

[0171] Alternatively, this technology can adopt the following structure.

[0172] [1] A transmission mechanism for transmitting power of a motor, characterized in that the transmission mechanism comprises: a power transmission section; and a housing having a gear housing section for housing the power transmission section, wherein a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is designated as a first direction, and a direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the first direction is designated as a second direction, the power transmission section comprising: a first gear that rotates about a first axis extending along the first direction; a second gear that meshes with the first gear and rotates about a second axis extending parallel to the first axis; a third gear that rotates about the second axis; and a fourth gear that meshes with the third gear and rotates about a third axis extending parallel to the first axis, the third axis being located at a position closer to the second direction than the first axis, a first fluid guide extending along the first direction is provided on the inner side of the gear housing section, at least a portion of the first fluid guide being located above the meshing portion of the first gear and the second gear and on the other side of the second direction than the first axis, and overlapping the fourth gear radially, the first fluid guide having a first inclined portion that tilts downward as it moves from the other side of the second direction to one side.

[0173] [2] According to the transmission mechanism described in [1], the first inclined portion overlaps with the second gear in the vertical direction.

[0174] [3] The transmission mechanism according to [1] or [2] is characterized in that the first inclined portion overlaps the second gear in the radial direction.

[0175] [4] The transmission mechanism according to any one of [1] to [3] is characterized in that the tilt angle of the first tilting portion relative to the second direction decreases as it moves from the other side of the second direction toward one side.

[0176] [5] The transmission mechanism according to any one of [1] to [4], characterized in that the first fluid guide has a second inclined portion connected to at least a portion of the end of the first inclined portion on the second direction side, the second inclined portion being inclined upward as it moves from the other side of the second direction toward one side.

[0177] [6] According to the transmission mechanism described in [5], the first inclined portion has an extension portion located on the other side of the second direction than the second inclined portion and extending towards the first direction side from the end of the second inclined portion on the first direction side, the extension portion overlapping the second gear in the radial direction.

[0178] [7] The transmission mechanism according to [6] is characterized in that the second inclined portion overlaps with the second gear in the first direction.

[0179] [8] The transmission mechanism according to [6] or [7] is characterized in that the gear receiving portion has: a first wall portion that covers the power transmission portion from the other side of the first direction; and a second wall portion that covers the power transmission portion from one side of the first direction, the first fluid guide having: a first portion that extends from the first wall portion to one side of the first direction; and a second portion that extends from the second wall portion to the other side of the first direction and is connected to the first portion, the second inclined portion being disposed in the first portion, and the extension portion being disposed in the second portion.

[0180] [9] The transmission mechanism according to [6] or [7] is characterized in that the gear receiving portion has: a first wall portion that covers the power transmission portion from the other side of the first direction; and a second wall portion that covers the power transmission portion from one side of the first direction, wherein the first fluid guide extends from either the first wall portion or the second wall portion along the first direction.

[0181]

[10] The transmission mechanism according to [8] or [9] is characterized in that at least a portion of the upper surface of the first fluid guide is inclined downward in the first direction as it approaches the second gear.

[0182]

[11] The transmission mechanism according to any one of [1] to

[10] is characterized in that the first gear and the second gear are located on the side of the first direction relative to the third gear and the fourth gear, a second fluid guide is provided on the inner side of the gear receiving part, the second fluid guide extends along the tooth tip of the fourth gear, a radially protruding protrusion is provided on the surface of the second fluid guide that is radially opposite to the fourth gear, and a guide surface that is inclined to one side from the other side of the first direction as it faces upward is provided on the lower surface of the protrusion.

[0183]

[12] The transmission mechanism according to any one of [1] to

[11] is characterized in that a supply part located above the first fluid guide is provided in the gear receiving part, and a supply port opening toward the first fluid guide is provided in the supply part.

[0184]

[13] The transmission mechanism according to any one of [1] to

[12] is characterized in that a third fluid guide extending in the first direction is provided on the inner side of the gear receiving portion, at least a portion of the third fluid guide is located on the upper side of the fourth gear, the third fluid guide having: a longitudinal wall portion extending in the vertical direction; a first bottom wall portion extending from the lower part of the longitudinal wall portion to one side in the second direction; and a second bottom wall portion extending from the lower part of the longitudinal wall portion to the other side in the second direction.

[0185]

[14] According to the transmission mechanism described in

[13] , a fourth fluid guide is provided on the inner side of the gear receiving part, which is arranged in the first direction with the third fluid guide. The fourth fluid guide overlaps with the second gear in the radial direction and is located at a position higher than the second axis. The upper surface of the fourth fluid guide is located at a position lower than the upper surface of the third fluid guide.

[0186]

[15] The transmission mechanism according to

[13] is characterized in that a fourth fluid guide is provided on the inner side of the gear receiving part, which overlaps with the second gear in the radial direction. The fourth fluid guide is located below the third fluid guide and is located above the second axis.

[0187]

[16] The transmission mechanism according to

[14] or

[15] is characterized in that the upper surface of at least one of the third fluid guide and the fourth fluid guide is inclined downward in the first direction as it approaches the second gear.

[0188]

[17] A drive device, characterized in that the drive device has: a transmission mechanism as described in any one of [1] to

[16] ; and the motor.

Claims

1. A transmission mechanism for transmitting power from a motor, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism has: Power transmission unit; and The housing has a gear housing for housing the power transmission unit. Define the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction as the first direction, and define the direction perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the first direction as the second direction. The power transmission unit has: The first gear rotates about a first axis extending along the first direction; The second gear meshes with the first gear and rotates about a second axis that extends parallel to the first axis. The third gear rotates about the second axis. as well as A fourth gear, which meshes with the third gear, rotates about a third axis extending parallel to the first axis. The third axis is located on the side closer to the second direction than the first axis. A first fluid guide extending along the first direction is provided on the inner side of the gear housing. At least a portion of the first fluid guide is located above the meshing portion of the first gear and the second gear and on the other side of the second direction above the first axis, and overlaps with the fourth gear in the radial direction. The first fluid guide has a first inclined portion that tilts downwards as it moves from the other side of the second direction toward one side.

2. The transmission mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first inclined portion overlaps with the second gear in the vertical direction.

3. The transmission mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first inclined portion overlaps with the second gear in the radial direction.

4. The transmission mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tilt angle of the first inclined portion relative to the second direction decreases as it moves from the other side of the second direction toward one side.

5. The transmission mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first fluid guide has a second inclined portion connected to at least a portion of the end of the first inclined portion on the second direction side. The second inclined portion tilts upward as it moves from the other side of the second direction toward one side.

6. The transmission mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first inclined portion has an extension portion located on the opposite side of the second inclined portion in the second direction and extending towards the first direction from the end of the second inclined portion on the first direction side. The extension overlaps with the second gear in the radial direction.

7. The transmission mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second inclined portion overlaps with the second gear in the first direction.

8. The transmission mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The gear storage section has: A first wall portion, which covers the power transmission portion from the other side of the first direction; and The second wall portion covers the power transmission portion from one side in the first direction. The first fluid guide has: The first part extends from the first wall portion toward the first direction; as well as The second part extends from the second wall portion to the other side in the first direction and connects with the first part. The second inclined portion is disposed on the first portion. The extension is disposed in the second part.

9. The transmission mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that, The gear storage section has: A first wall portion, which covers the power transmission portion from the other side of the first direction; and The second wall portion covers the power transmission portion from one side in the first direction. The first fluid guide extends from either the first wall portion or the second wall portion along the first direction.

10. The transmission mechanism according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, At least a portion of the upper surface of the first fluid guide tilts downward in the first direction as it approaches the second gear.

11. The transmission mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first gear and the second gear are located on the side closer to the first direction than the third gear and the fourth gear. A second fluid guide is provided on the inner side of the gear housing. The second fluid guide extends along the tooth tip of the fourth gear. A radially protruding protrusion is provided on the surface of the second fluid guide that is radially opposite to the fourth gear. A guide surface is provided on the lower surface of the protrusion, which is inclined to one side from the other side of the first direction as it moves upward.

12. The transmission mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gear housing is provided with a supply section located above the first fluid guide. The supply section is provided with a supply port that opens toward the first fluid guide.

13. The transmission mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, A third fluid guide extending along the first direction is provided on the inner surface of the gear housing, and at least a portion of the third fluid guide is located above the fourth gear. The third fluid guide has: The longitudinal wall extends in the vertical direction; A first bottom wall portion, which extends from the lower portion of the longitudinal wall portion toward the second direction; and The second bottom wall portion extends from the lower part of the longitudinal wall portion to the other side in the second direction.

14. The transmission mechanism according to claim 13, characterized in that, A fourth fluid guide is provided on the inner side of the gear housing, arranged in the first direction with the third fluid guide. The fourth fluid guide overlaps with the second gear in the radial direction and is located above the second axis. The upper surface of the fourth fluid guide is located below the upper surface of the third fluid guide.

15. The transmission mechanism according to claim 13, characterized in that, A fourth fluid guide is provided on the inner side of the gear housing, which overlaps with the second gear in the radial direction. The fourth fluid guide is located below the third fluid guide and is located above the second axis.

16. The transmission mechanism according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The upper surface of at least one of the third fluid guide and the fourth fluid guide is inclined downward in the first direction as it approaches the second gear.

17. A driving device, characterized in that, The drive unit has: The transmission mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 16; and The motor.

Images