Driving device

Abstract

To provide a driving device that allows a heating device to be arranged appropriately.SOLUTION: A driving device according to the present invention comprises: a motor including a rotor rotatable about a motor axis; a power transmission mechanism connected to the rotor and configured to transmit rotation of the rotor; a housing including a first accommodation part for accommodating the motor and a second accommodation part for accommodating the power transmission mechanism; and a heating device 10 fixed to an outer side surface of the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a heating device such as a PTC heater is used in an air conditioner for a vehicle. Conventionally, a structure is known in which an electrically operated heater generates heat to heat the cooling water in a cooling water circulation circuit that heats a fuel cell (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-284045 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles are also provided with heating devices for heating the vehicle battery and for use in air conditioning devices, etc. However, the space available for arranging the drive device in the vehicle is limited, and depending on the arrangement of the heating device, there is a possibility that the heating device and the drive device may interfere with each other. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the heating device and the drive device from interfering with each other within the limited space in the vehicle.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, one object of the present invention is to provide a drive device that allows a heating device to be appropriately arranged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of a drive device of the present invention comprises a motor having a rotor rotatable around a motor axis, a power transmission mechanism connected to the rotor and transmitting rotation of the rotor, a housing having a first accommodating portion for accommodating the motor and a second accommodating portion for accommodating the power transmission mechanism, and a heating device fixed to an outer surface of the housing. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is an object to provide a drive device that can appropriately arrange a heating device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a drive device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the drive device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the drive device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the drive device of the first modified example. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of the drive device of the second modification. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the drive device of the third modification. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top view of the drive device of the fourth modification. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a top view of the driving device of the fifth modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top view of the driving device of the sixth modification. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the drive device of the seventh modification. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view of a drive device according to the eighth modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a side view of the drive device of the ninth modification. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view of the driving device of the tenth modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The drive device of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the direction of gravity is defined based on the positional relationship when the drive device is mounted on a vehicle positioned on a horizontal road surface. In addition, XYZ coordinates are shown appropriately in each figure. The Z axis is the vertical direction, with the +Z side being the upper side and the -Z side being the lower side. The Y axis is the left-right direction of the vehicle on which the drive device is mounted. The X axis is the front-rear direction of the vehicle on which the drive device is mounted.

[0010] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the motor axis J1 of the motor 2 (Y-axis direction) will be simply referred to as the "axial direction Y", the radial direction centered on the motor axis J1 will be simply referred to as the "radial direction", and the circumferential direction centered on the motor axis J1, i.e., around the axis of the motor axis J1, will be simply referred to as the "circumferential direction". Furthermore, the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle (i.e., the direction parallel to the X-axis) will be referred to as the reference direction X. The reference direction X is a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction Y and the up-down direction Z.

[0011] In the following description, one axial side is the direction opposite to the direction of the Y-axis arrow in the drawing (-Y side), and the other axial side is the direction in which the Y-axis arrow in the drawing points (+Y side). One reference direction side is the direction in which the X-axis arrow in the drawing points (+X side), and the other reference direction side is the direction opposite to the direction in which the arrow in the drawing points (-X side).

[0012] <Drive unit> Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram of a driving device 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the driving device 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 3 is a front view of the driving device 1 according to an embodiment as viewed from one axial side (-Y side).

[0013] The drive device 1 of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle using a motor 2 as a power source, such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHV), or an electric vehicle (EV), and is used as the power source thereof.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the drive device 1 includes a motor 2, a power transmission mechanism 3, a housing 6, a control unit 7, and a heating device 10. The housing 6 accommodates the motor 2, the power transmission mechanism 3, and the control unit 7. In this embodiment, a fluid O such as oil is stored inside the housing 6. A heating device 10 is fixed to an outer surface of the housing 6. The housing 6 may be provided with a flow path for circulating the fluid O. In this case, a pump for pumping the fluid O and a cooler for cooling the fluid O may be provided on the outer surface of the housing 6 or inside the housing 6.

[0015] <Motor> The motor 2 of this embodiment is, for example, an inner rotor type three-phase AC motor. The motor 2 has both a function of outputting power as a motor and a function of generating electricity as a generator. The motor 2 may be used as either a motor or a generator. In addition, the configuration of the motor 2 is not limited to this embodiment, and may be, for example, an AC motor with four or more phases.

[0016] The motor 2 includes a rotor 20 that is rotatable about a motor axis J1 that extends in the horizontal direction, and a stator 25 that is located radially outward of the rotor 20.

[0017] <Stator> The stator 25 is held in the housing 6. The stator 25 surrounds the rotor 20 from the radial outside. The stator 25 has an annular stator core 27 centered on the motor axis J1, a coil 26 attached to the stator core 27, and an insulator (not shown) interposed between the stator core 27 and the coil 26. The stator core 27 has an annular core back portion and a plurality of teeth portions extending radially inward from the core back portion and aligned in the circumferential direction. A plurality of coil wires constituting the coil 26 are arranged between the teeth portions. In this specification, the term "annular" refers to a shape formed of a series of loops or a shape equivalent thereto, such as a C-shape, and is not necessarily limited to a circular ring shape.

[0018] <Rotor> The rotor 20 has a shaft 21, a rotor core 24 fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 21, and a plurality of magnets (not shown) fixed to the rotor core 24. The shaft 21 extends along the motor axis J1. The shaft 21 is supported by the housing 6 so as to be rotatable about the motor axis J1. The rotor core 24 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 21. The rotor core 24 is columnar and extends along the motor axis J1. The rotor core 24 is provided with a through hole through which the shaft 21 passes. The rotor core 24 is provided with a retaining hole (not shown) that penetrates, for example, in the axial direction Y, and a magnet is housed in the retaining hole.

[0019] <Power transmission mechanism> The power transmission mechanism 3 is located on the other axial side (+Y side) of the motor 2. The power transmission mechanism 3 is connected to the rotor 20 to transmit the rotation of the rotor 20 and output it from an output shaft 55. The power transmission mechanism 3 has a first shaft 44, a second shaft 45, a first gear 41, a second gear 42, a third gear 43, and a differential device 5. The differential device 5 has a ring gear 51 and a pair of output shafts 55. Wheels (not shown) are attached to the ends of the pair of output shafts 55, respectively.

[0020] The first shaft 44 extends in the axial direction Y around the motor axis J1. The first shaft 44 is connected at an end on one axial side (-Y side) to an end on the other axial side (+Y side) of the shaft 21. As a result, the first shaft 44 is connected to the rotor 20 of the motor 2 and rotates together with the rotor 20. The first gear 41 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft 44. The first gear 41 rotates around the motor axis J1. The second shaft 45 is rotatable around an intermediate axis J2 parallel to the motor axis J1. The second gear 42 and the third gear 43 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second shaft 45. The second gear 42 and the third gear 43 rotate around the intermediate axis J2. The second gear 42 meshes with the first gear 41. The third gear 43 meshes with a ring gear 51 of the differential device 5. The differential device 5 is rotatable about a differential axis J3 parallel to the motor axis J1. When the vehicle turns, the differential device 5 transmits the torque transmitted from the third gear 43 to the output shaft 55 while absorbing the speed difference between the left and right wheels. The torque output from the motor 2 is transmitted to the ring gear 51 of the differential device 5 via the first shaft 44, the first gear 41, the second gear 42, the second shaft 45, and the third gear 43, and is output to the pair of output shafts 55 via a differential mechanism of the differential device 5. Each of the pair of output shafts 55 is rotatable about the differential axis J3.

[0021] The lower end portion of the ring gear 51 is immersed in the fluid O stored in the housing 6. The ring gear 51 scoops up the fluid O, thereby supplying the fluid O to the tooth surfaces of the other gears and improving the lubrication between the gears. Note that the gear that scoops up the fluid O may be a gear other than the ring gear 51.

[0022] 3, when the drive device 1 is viewed from the axial direction Y, the motor axis J1, the intermediate axis J2, and the differential axis J3 are aligned along the reference direction X. When the drive device 1 is viewed from the axial direction Y, the motor axis J1 is located on one side in the reference direction (+X side, vehicle front side) with respect to the differential axis J3. That is, in this specification, the one side in the reference direction means the side on which the motor axis J1 is disposed with respect to the differential axis J3 in the reference direction X, and the other side in the reference direction means the side on which the differential axis J3 is disposed with respect to the motor axis J1 in the reference direction X.

[0023] <Control Unit> As shown in Fig. 1, the control unit 7 is located radially outward of the motor 2 and on one axial side (-Y side) of the power transmission mechanism 3. The control unit 7 is located above the motor 2. The control unit 7 has an inverter 7A. The inverter 7A is connected to a battery B and converts a direct current supplied from the battery B into an alternating current. The inverter 7A is also connected to the stator 25 and supplies the alternating current to the stator 25.

[0024] Furthermore, the control unit 7 may have a power integration system 7B in addition to the inverter 7A. The power integration system 7B has, for example, an on-board charger (OBC), a power distribution unit (PDU), a DC / DC converter, and the like. The on-board charger is a system for converting AC voltage supplied via a plug into DC voltage and charging the battery B. The power distribution unit is a part that distributes the current supplied from the battery B to various electrical components in the vehicle including the inverter 7A. The DC / DC converter is a part that converts the voltage supplied from the battery B and charges another low-voltage battery.

[0025] The control unit 7 is also connected to a temperature sensor T provided in the battery B, and to the heating device 10. The control unit 7 controls the heating device 10 in accordance with the temperature of the battery B detected by the temperature sensor T.

[0026] <Housing> As shown in Fig. 1, the housing 6 has a housing main body 61, a motor cover 63, a gear cover 62, and a control unit cover 64. The housing main body 61, the motor cover 63, the gear cover 62, and the control unit cover 64 are each separate members. The motor cover 63 is disposed on one axial side (-Y side) of the housing main body 61. The gear cover 62 is disposed on the other axial side (+Y side) of the housing main body 61. The control unit cover 64 is disposed on the upper side of the housing main body 61.

[0027] The housing 6 also has a first housing section 6A, a second housing section 6B, and a third housing section 6C. The first housing section 6A houses the motor 2. The second housing section 6B houses the power transmission mechanism 3. The third housing section 6C houses the control section 7. The first housing section 6A, the second housing section 6B, and the third housing section 6C are each composed of a housing main body 61, a motor cover 63, a gear cover 62, and a control section cover 64.

[0028] The first accommodating section 6A is constituted by a cylindrical portion of the housing main body 61 (a first peripheral wall portion 6d described later) and a motor cover 63 that covers an opening on one axial side (-Y side) of the cylindrical portion. A first flange portion 61f that extends radially outward is provided at the end portion on one axial side (-Y side) of the housing main body 61. The first flange portion 61f and the motor cover 63 are fastened in the axial direction Y by fastening means such as screws. The motor 2 is disposed in a space surrounded by the housing main body 61 and the motor cover 63.

[0029] The second storage section 6B is configured by a concave portion that opens to the other axial side (+Y side) of the housing body 61, and a gear cover 62 that covers the opening of the concave portion. A second flange portion 61k that spreads outward in the radial direction is provided at the end of the other axial side (+Y side) of the housing body 61. A third flange portion 62k that spreads outward in the radial direction is provided at the end of one axial side (-Y side) of the gear cover 62. The second flange portion 61k and the third flange portion 62k are fastened in the axial direction Y by fastening means such as screws. The power transmission mechanism 3 is disposed in a space surrounded by the housing body 61 and the gear cover 62. In this embodiment, a fluid O is stored in the internal space of the second storage section 6B.

[0030] The third storage section 6C is configured by a box-shaped portion (a box-shaped portion 6f described later) that opens to the upper side of the housing main body 61, and a control section cover 64 that covers the opening of this box-shaped portion. The control section 7 is disposed in a space surrounded by the housing main body 61 and the control section cover 64.

[0031] Furthermore, the housing 6 has a first side wall portion 6a, a second side wall portion 6b, a third side wall portion 6c, a first peripheral wall portion 6d, a second peripheral wall portion 6e, a box-shaped portion 6f, and a top wall portion 6g as the respective portions of the housing main body 61, the motor cover 63, the gear cover 62, and the control unit cover 64. The first side wall portion 6a, the second side wall portion 6b, and the third side wall portion 6c extend along a plane perpendicular to the motor axis J1. The first peripheral wall portion 6d and the second peripheral wall portion 6e are substantially cylindrical and extend along the axial direction Y. The first peripheral wall portion 6d connects the second side wall portion 6b and the first side wall portion 6a. The second peripheral wall portion 6e connects the third side wall portion 6c and the second side wall portion 6b. The box-shaped portion 6f and the top wall portion 6g are located above the first peripheral wall portion 6d.

[0032] The first side wall 6a is provided on the motor cover 63. The first side wall 6a also constitutes a part of the first housing portion 6A. The first side wall 6a is located on one axial side (-Y side) of the motor 2.

[0033] The second side wall portion 6b is provided on the housing main body 61. The second side wall portion 6b is located on the other axial side (+Y side) of the motor 2. The second side wall portion 6b has a partition portion 6p and a protruding portion 6q.

[0034] The partition 6p partitions the internal space of the first housing portion 6A and the internal space of the second housing portion 6B. The partition 6p constitutes a part of the first housing portion 6A and a part of the second housing portion 6B. The partition 6p is provided with a first hole 61a penetrating the partition 6p in the axial direction Y. The first hole 61a connects the internal space of the first housing portion 6A and the internal space of the second housing portion 6B. In this embodiment, the first hole 61a is arranged at the connecting portion between the shaft 21 and the first shaft 44. The connecting portion between the shaft 21 and the first shaft 44 may be arranged in the internal space of either the first housing portion 6A or the second housing portion 6B.

[0035] The protruding portion 6q extends radially outward from the partition portion 6p. The protruding portion 6q constitutes a part of the second housing portion 6B. The protruding portion 6q is provided with a second hole 61b penetrating the protruding portion 6q in the axial direction Y. The output shaft 55 is disposed in the second hole 61b.

[0036] The third side wall portion 6c is provided on the gear cover 62. The third side wall portion 6c constitutes a part of the second housing portion 6B. The third side wall portion 6c is disposed on the other axial side (+Y side) of the power transmission mechanism 3. The third side wall portion 6c is provided with a third hole 62a penetrating the third side wall portion 6c in the axial direction Y. The output shaft 55 is disposed in the third hole 62a.

[0037] The first peripheral wall portion 6d is provided on the housing main body 61. The first peripheral wall portion 6d constitutes a part of the first accommodating portion 6A. The first peripheral wall portion 6d surrounds the outer periphery of the motor 2 from the radial outside of the motor axis J1. For example, the stator core 27 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the first peripheral wall portion 6d. A first flange portion 61f protruding radially outward from the first peripheral wall portion 6d is provided at an end portion on one axial side (-Y side) of the first peripheral wall portion 6d.

[0038] The second peripheral wall portion 6e is constituted by a part of the housing main body 61 and a part of the gear cover 62. The second peripheral wall portion 6e constitutes a part of the second accommodating portion 6B. The second peripheral wall portion 6e surrounds the power transmission mechanism 3 from the radial outside. More specifically, the second peripheral wall portion 6e surrounds the gears 41, 42, 43, 51 from the radial outside of the motor axis J1, the intermediate axis J2, and the differential axis J3. The second peripheral wall portion 6e is provided with a fastening portion 69 that fastens the second flange portion 61k and the third flange portion 62k. The fastening portion 69 protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the second peripheral wall portion 6e.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the box-shaped portion 6f is provided on the housing main body 61. The box-shaped portion 6f constitutes a part of the third storage portion 6C. The box-shaped portion 6f is located above the first peripheral wall portion 6d. The box-shaped portion 6f is connected to the outer surface of the first peripheral wall portion 6d. The box-shaped portion 6f has a side wall portion 6j having a rectangular frame shape when viewed from above, and a bottom wall portion 6k connected to the lower end portion of the side wall portion 6j. The side wall portion 6j surrounds the internal space of the third storage portion 6C from the horizontal direction (one axial side (-Y side) and the other axial side (+Y side), and one reference direction side (+X side) and the other reference direction side (-X side). In this embodiment, the side wall portion 6j has a plurality of surfaces. More specifically, the side wall portion 6j has a surface facing one axial side (-Y side), a surface facing the other axial side (+Y side), a surface facing one reference direction side (+X side), and a surface facing the other reference direction side (- The side wall 6j has a surface facing the inner space of the third storage section 6C (X side). The bottom wall 6k is arranged side by side with a part of the first peripheral wall 6d in the reference direction X. The bottom wall 6k and the first peripheral wall 6d cover the inner space of the third storage section 6C from below. Note that the side wall 6j only needs to have at least one surface and surround the inner space of the third storage section 6C when viewed from above. For example, the side wall 6j may have a shape other than a rectangular frame when viewed from above.

[0040] The top wall 6g is provided on the control unit cover 64. The top wall 6g constitutes a part of the third storage unit 6C. The top wall 6g is a plate extending along a horizontal plane (XY plane). The top wall 6g faces the bottom wall 6k and the first peripheral wall 6d in the vertical direction Z. The top wall 6g covers the internal space of the third storage unit 6C from above. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 7 is fixed to the top wall 6g of this embodiment. The control unit 7 may be fixed to the inner surface of the box-shaped portion 6f. That is, the box-shaped portion 6f may be fixed to the side wall 6j or the bottom wall 6k.

[0041] <Heating device> As shown in FIG. 1, a pipe P is connected to the heating device 10 of this embodiment. The pipe P is a circulation path for circulating a fluid such as water, a refrigerant, or air. An external device that is an object to be heated by the heating device 10 is connected to the pipe P. A pump (not shown) for pumping the fluid in the pipe P may be connected to the pipe P. In this embodiment, the external device is a battery B. That is, the pipe P connects between the heating device 10 and the battery (external device) B. A part or the entire pipe P may be, for example, a part of the housing 6, and the pipe P may be entirely made of a material different from the housing 6.

[0042] When the outside air temperature drops, the discharge voltage of battery B may drop. In the drive device 1 of this embodiment, a temperature sensor T is provided in battery B, so that the control unit 7 can detect a drop in temperature of battery B. Furthermore, the control unit 7 can control the heating device 10 to heat battery B via the pipe P, so that battery B can be operated stably. Note that a system of the vehicle in which the drive device 1 is mounted may detect the temperature of battery B.

[0043] 2, according to this embodiment, the heating device 10 is fixed to the outer surface of the housing 6. This makes it possible to mount the heating device 10 on the vehicle in a state where it is assembled to other parts of the drive device 1 (such as the motor 2, the drive device 1, and the control unit 7), thereby simplifying the process of assembling the heating device 10 on the vehicle.

[0044] According to this embodiment, by disposing the heating device 10 on the outer surface of the housing 6, it is possible to prevent the heat generated by the heating device 10 from being transmitted to other components (e.g., the control unit 7) compared to a case in which the heating device 10 is disposed inside the housing 6. Therefore, there is no need to provide a member such as a heat insulating structure between the heating device 10 and other components, and it is possible to prevent the drive device 1 from becoming large. As a result, the drive device 1 can be made smaller. That is, according to this embodiment, the heating device 10 can be appropriately disposed with respect to the drive device 1.

[0045] According to this embodiment, the heating device 10 is fixed to the outer surface of the first housing portion 6A. Generally, in a drive device having a motor and a power transmission mechanism, the vibration transmitted from the motor to the housing is smaller than the vibration transmitted from the power transmission mechanism to the housing. By providing the heating device 10 at a position in the housing 6 of the drive device 1 close to the motor 2 side where the vibration is smaller, the transmission of vibration to the heating device 10 can be suppressed.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the heating device 10 of this embodiment is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the first peripheral wall portion 6d. That is, the heating device 10 is fixed to the surface facing the radially outward side of the first housing portion 6A. In this embodiment, the projected area of ​​the first housing portion 6A in the axial direction Y is smaller than the projected area of ​​the second housing portion 6B in the axial direction Y. Therefore, by fixing the heating device 10 to the surface facing the radially outward side of the first housing portion 6A, it becomes easier to arrange the heating device 10 overlapping the second housing portion 6B when viewed from the axial direction Y, and the projected area of ​​the drive device 1 in the axial direction Y can be reduced.

[0047] In this embodiment, the heating device 10 is disposed on one side (+X side) of the first housing section 6A in the reference direction and offset upward with respect to the motor axis J1. Note that, here, "the heating device 10 is disposed offset upward with respect to the motor axis J1" means that the position of the geometric center of gravity of the heating device 10 is located above the motor axis J1.

[0048] By arranging the heating device 10 on one side in the reference direction (+X side) of the first housing section 6A, it is possible to prevent the drive device 1 from becoming large in the axial direction Y and the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, when the one side in the reference direction (+X side) corresponds to the rear of the vehicle, it is easy to protect the heating device 10 from impacts such as when the vehicle collides while traveling forward.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first peripheral wall portion 6d surrounds the motor 2 from the radial outside, and therefore the outer peripheral surface of the first peripheral wall portion 6d has a shape close to a cylindrical surface centered on the central axis line J. When viewed from the axial direction Y, the portion of the first peripheral wall portion 6d located closest to one side in the reference direction (+X side) is located closer to one side in the reference direction (+X side) than the portion of the side wall portion 6j located closest to one side in the reference direction (+X side). Therefore, above the motor axis line J1, a space is formed between the portion of the first peripheral wall portion 6d located closest to one side in the reference direction (+X side) and the portion of the side wall portion 6j located closest to one side in the reference direction (+X side). In this embodiment, by disposing the heating device 10 offset upward with respect to the motor axis line J1, the heating device 10 can be disposed in the space obliquely above the first peripheral wall portion 6d, which is substantially cylindrical when viewed from the axial direction Y. This makes it possible to prevent the entire driving device 1 from becoming large in the reference direction X. Particularly in this embodiment, the upper end of the heating device 10 is located below the upper end of the first housing portion 6A. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the dead space around the first circumferential wall portion 6d can be effectively utilized while preventing the heating device 10 from protruding upward.

[0050] If the volume of the heating device 10 protruding from the outer surface of the housing 6 is large, there is a possibility that the heating device 10 will interfere with the vehicle when the drive unit 1 is assembled to the vehicle. As described above, the driving unit 1 can be made smaller in the radial direction by disposing the heating device 10 in the space provided around the housing 6. In other words, by reducing the volume of the heating device 10 protruding from the driving unit 1, interference between the heating device 10 and the vehicle when the driving unit 1 is assembled to the vehicle can be suppressed. As a result, the driving unit 1 can be arranged in a smaller accommodation space within the vehicle.

[0051] A recess 6m recessed toward the radial inside is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first circumferential wall portion 6d facing radially outward. That is, the recess 6m is provided on the outer surface of the first housing portion 6A. In this embodiment, the recess 6m is located above the motor axis J1 when viewed from the axial direction Y. At least a part of the recess 6m opens toward the above-mentioned space. In this embodiment, the heating device 10 is provided inside the recess 6m. This makes it possible to reduce the protruding height of the heating device 10 relative to the outer surface of the first housing portion 6A, and to reduce the overall size of the drive device 1.

[0052] The heating device 10 of this embodiment is provided on the other axial side (+Y side) of the end portion on one axial side (-Y side) of the first side wall portion 6a. This makes it possible to prevent the heating device 10 from protruding to one axial side from the end portion on one axial side of the housing 6, thereby making it possible to prevent the drive unit 1 from becoming large in the axial direction and to prevent the heating device 10 from interfering with the vehicle.

[0053] <Modification> Modifications of the fixing position of the heating device will be described below. In the description of each modification below, the same components as those in the embodiment or modification already described will be given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] (Variation 1) 4 is a front view of the driving device 101 of Modification 1. The heating device 110 of this modification is fixed to a surface facing radially outward of the first housing portion 6A.

[0055] In this modification, the heating device 110 is disposed on one side (+X side) in the reference direction of the first housing section 6A and biased downward with respect to the motor axis J1. That is, in this modification, the position of the geometric center of gravity of the heating device 110 is located below the motor axis J1.

[0056] By arranging the heating device 110 on one side in the reference direction (+X side) of the first housing section 6A, it is possible to prevent the driving device 101 from becoming large in the axial direction Y and the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, in a case where the one side in the reference direction (+X side) corresponds to the rear of the vehicle, it is easy to protect the heating device 110 from impacts such as when the vehicle collides while traveling forward.

[0057] As viewed from the axial direction Y, an inclined surface 6dc is provided on the outer surface of the first peripheral wall portion 6d between an end portion 6da on one side (+X side) of the reference direction and a lower end portion 6db of the first peripheral wall portion 6d, the inclined surface 6dc being inclined toward the other side (-X side) of the reference direction as it approaches the lower side. As viewed from the axial direction, the inclined surface 6dc is an arc-shaped surface centered on the motor axis J1. A space is formed on the radial outside of the inclined surface 6dc. Therefore, by disposing the heating device 110 biased downward with respect to the motor axis J1, the heating device 110 can be disposed in the space obliquely below the inclined surface 6dc as viewed from the axial direction Y. This makes it possible to prevent the entire driving device 101 from becoming large in the reference direction X. Particularly in this modified example, the lower end of the heating device 110 is located above the lower end of the first housing portion 6A. Therefore, according to this modified example, it is possible to effectively utilize the dead space while preventing the heating device 110 from protruding downward.

[0058] (Variation 2) 5 is a front view of a driving device 201 of Modification 2. A heating device 210 of this modification is fixed to a surface facing radially outward of the first housing portion 6A.

[0059] The heating device 210 of this modification is located on the other side (-X side) of the first housing portion 6A in the reference direction, on one side (-Y side) of the second housing portion 6B in the axial direction, and below the third housing portion 6C. The heating device 210 faces the first circumferential wall portion 6d in the reference direction X. The heating device 210 faces the protruding portion 6q of the second side wall portion 6b in the axial direction Y. The heating device 210 faces the bottom wall portion 6k in the up-down direction. That is, the heating device 210 of this modification is disposed in a space surrounded by three portions of the housing 6 (the first circumferential wall portion 6d, the bottom wall portion 6k, and the protruding portion 6q) from three directions. By disposing the heating device 210 in this space, it is possible to prevent the heating device 210 from protruding outward from the outer surface of the housing 6, and the driving device 201 can be made smaller. In addition, it is possible to prevent the heating device 210 from interfering with the vehicle when the driving device 201 is assembled to the vehicle.

[0060] In this modification, the heating device 210 is disposed on the other side in the reference direction (-X side) of the first housing section 6A. This makes it possible to prevent the driving device 201 from becoming large in the axial direction Y and the up-down direction Z. Furthermore, in a case where the other side in the reference direction (-X side) corresponds to the rear of the vehicle, the heating device 210 is easily protected from impacts such as when the vehicle collides while traveling forward.

[0061] The heating device 210 of this modification is disposed between the motor axis J1 and the differential axis J3 in the reference direction X. Therefore, when the driving device 201 is viewed from the axial direction Y, the heating device 210 is unlikely to protrude to one side or the other side in the reference direction X with respect to the second housing portion 6B. As a result, the projected area of ​​the driving device 201 in the axial direction Y can be reduced, and the driving device 201 can be made more compact.

[0062] The heating device 210 of this modification is disposed below the third housing portion 6C and above the differential axis J3. Therefore, when the driving device 201 is viewed from the axial direction Y, the heating device 210 is unlikely to protrude upward or downward relative to the second housing portion 6B and the third housing portion 6C. As a result, the projected area of ​​the driving device 201 in the axial direction Y can be reduced, and the driving device 201 can be made more compact.

[0063] The heating device 210 of this modification is provided on the other axial side (+Y side) of the end portion on one axial side (-Y side) of the first side wall portion 6a, similarly to the above-described embodiment. This makes it possible to prevent the heating device 210 from protruding to one axial side from the end portion on one axial side of the housing 6, thereby making it possible to prevent the drive device 201 from becoming large in the axial direction and to prevent the heating device 210 from interfering with the vehicle.

[0064] (Variation 3) FIG. 6 is a front view of the driving device 301 of the third modified example. The heating device 310 of this modified example is fixed to a surface facing radially outward of the first housing portion 6A. As in the second modified example, the heating device 310 of this modified example is disposed in a space surrounded from three directions by three portions of the housing 6 (the first peripheral wall portion 6d, the bottom wall portion 6k, and the protruding portion 6q). This allows the driving device 301 to be made compact. In addition, when the driving device 301 is assembled to the vehicle, interference between the heating device 310 and the vehicle can be suppressed.

[0065] In this modification, the heating device 310 is disposed on the other side in the reference direction (-X side) of the first housing section 6A. This makes it possible to prevent the driving device 301 from becoming large in the axial direction Y and the up-down direction Z. Furthermore, in a case where the other side in the reference direction (-X side) corresponds to the rear of the vehicle, it is easy to protect the heating device 310 from impacts such as when the vehicle collides while traveling forward.

[0066] The heating device 310 of this modification is disposed between the motor axis J1 and the differential axis J3 in the reference direction X. This makes it possible to reduce the projected area of ​​the driving device 301 in the axial direction Y, thereby making it possible to miniaturize the driving device 301.

[0067] The heating device 310 in this modified example is disposed below the differential axis J3. According to this modified example, the heating device 310 is disposed below the differential axis J3, so that a space can be secured above the differential axis J3. Therefore, at least a part of another portion (the third housing portion 6C in this modified example) can be disposed in this space, and the overall size of the drive device 301 can be reduced.

[0068] (Variation 4) 7 is a top view of a driving device 401 of Modification 4. A heating device 410 of this modification is fixed to a surface facing radially outward of the first housing portion 6A.

[0069] The heating device 410 of this modification is disposed above the motor 2. As in the above embodiment, the control unit 7 and the third housing section 6C that houses the control unit 7 are disposed above the motor 2. In this modification, the position of the heating device 410 in the vertical direction Z and the position of the third housing section 6C in the vertical direction overlap each other. The heating device 410 and the third housing section 6C are disposed side by side in at least one of the axial direction Y and the reference direction X above the motor 2. According to this modification, the control unit 7 and the heating device 410 can be disposed close to each other, and for example, when the control unit 7 and the heating device 410 are connected by the connection wiring 408b, the connection wiring 408b can be shortened. In this specification, the "connection wiring" means a connection path that electrically connects two electrical components, and includes not only cable-shaped wiring but also a connection path using a bus bar or the like.

[0070] In this modification, the heating device 410 and the control unit 7 are arranged side by side in the reference direction X. Particularly in this modification, the heating device 410 is arranged on the other side (-X side) of the control unit 7 in the reference direction, and the control unit 7 is arranged on one side (+X side) of the heating device 410 in the reference direction. By arranging them in this manner, the control unit 7 can be easily arranged on the upper side of the motor 2, and the connection wiring 408a between the control unit 7 and the motor 2 can be shortened. In addition, since the heating device 410 can be arranged in a space surrounded on three sides by the first housing section 6A, the second housing section 6B, and the third housing section 6C, the heating device 410 is prevented from protruding from the end of the first housing section 6A on one axial side (-Y side) and the end of the second housing section 6B on the other reference direction side (-X side), respectively, and the drive device 401 can be prevented from becoming large. In addition, when the drive device 401 is assembled to the vehicle, interference between the heating device 410 and the vehicle can be prevented. It is not necessary that the control unit 7 and the heating device 410 are connected by the connection wiring 408b. In this case, the heating device 410 may be connected to a system on the vehicle side.

[0071] (Variation 5) 8 is a top view of the driving device 501 of the fifth modified example. The heating device 510 of this modified example is fixed to a surface facing radially outward of the first housing section 6A. The heating device 510 of this modified example is disposed above the motor 2. According to this modified example, the control unit 7 and the motor 2 can be disposed close to each other, while the control unit 7 and the heating device 510 can be disposed close to each other. As a result, for example, when the control unit 7 and the heating device 510 are connected by a connection wiring 508b, the connection wiring 508b between the control unit 7 and the heating device 510 can be shortened.

[0072] In this modification, the heating device 510 and the control unit 7 are arranged side by side in the axial direction Y. Particularly in this modification, the heating device 510 is arranged on the other axial side (+Y side) of the control unit 7, and the control unit 7 is arranged on one axial side (-Y side) of the heating device 510. Also, in this modification, the power transmission mechanism 3 is arranged on the other axial side (+Y side) of the motor 2, and the connection wiring 508a between the motor 2 and the control unit 7 is arranged on one axial side (-Y side) of the motor 2. Since the heating device 510 in this modification is arranged on the other axial side (+Y side) of the control unit 7, the heating device 510 and the connection wiring 508b are unlikely to interfere with the connection wiring 508a between the motor 2 and the control unit 7. That is, according to this modification, a wide space can be secured in which the connection wiring 508a between the motor 2 and the control unit 7 is arranged. Also, when viewed from above, the heating device 510 does not protrude from the first housing section 6A and the second housing section 6B at least in either the reference direction X or the axial direction Y. Therefore, even if the driving device 501 has the heating device 510, it is possible to suppress an increase in size in at least one of the reference direction X and the axial direction Y. Furthermore, when the driving device 501 is mounted on a vehicle, it is possible to suppress interference between the heating device 510 and the vehicle. Note that the control unit 7 and the heating device 510 do not necessarily have to be connected by the connection wiring 508b. In this case, the heating device 510 may be connected to a system on the vehicle side.

[0073] In this modified example, an example has been described in which the heating device 510 and the control unit 7 are arranged side by side in the axial direction Y above the motor 2, and the heating device 510 is arranged on the other axial side (+Y side) of the control unit 7. However, a structure may be adopted in which the heating device is arranged on one axial side (-Y side) of the control unit when the heating device and the control unit are arranged side by side in the axial direction Y above the motor.

[0074] (Variation 6) 9 is a top view of a driving device 601 of Modification 6. A heating device 610 of this modification is fixed to a surface facing radially outward of the first housing portion 6A. The heating device 610 of this modification is also disposed above the motor 2.

[0075] In this modification, the control unit 607 and the third housing section 606C housing the control unit 607 have an L-shape extending in the axial direction Y and the reference direction X, respectively, as viewed from the up-down direction Z. At least a part of the heating device 610 and the control unit 607 are arranged side by side in the reference direction X. At least a part of the heating device 610 and the control unit 607 are arranged side by side in the axial direction Y. In this modification, the heating device 610 and the control unit 607 are electrically connected to each other by a connection wiring 608b. That is, the driving device 601 of this modification has a configuration that combines the fourth and fifth modifications. Therefore, according to this modification, the control unit 607 can be easily arranged on the upper side of the motor 2, and the connection wiring 608a between the control unit 607 and the motor 2 can be shortened. Furthermore, in this modification, the heating device 610 is arranged on the other axial side of at least a part of the control unit 607. The control unit 607 is arranged on one axial side of the heating device 610, and is connected to the motor 2 on one axial side via the connection wiring 608a. Therefore, it is possible to suppress interference between the heating device 610 and the connection wiring 608a located on one axial side (-Y side) of the motor 2, and it is easy to ensure a space for arranging the connection wiring 608a. In addition, since the heating device 610 and the control unit 607 can be connected in both the axial direction Y and the reference direction X, for example, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in arranging electronic components provided in the control unit 607. In addition, the heating device 610 and the control unit 607 do not need to be connected by a connection wiring. In this case, the heating device 610 may be connected to a system on the vehicle side.

[0076] The shape of the third housing section 606C does not have to be an L-shape extending in the axial direction Y and the reference direction X when viewed from the up-down direction Z. For example, the shape of the third housing section 606C when viewed from the up-down direction Z may be an approximately C-shape or H-shape extending in the axial direction Y and the reference direction X and opening toward one axial side (-Y side) or the other axial side (+Y side), or an approximately C-shape or H-shape extending in the axial direction Y and the reference direction X and opening toward at least one of the one reference direction side or the other reference direction side. Even in this case, the heating device 610 is prevented from protruding from the end of the second housing section 6B on the other reference direction side (-X side). The heating device 610 is prevented from protruding from the end of the first housing section 6A on the one axial direction side (-Y side). As a result, it is possible to prevent the driving device 601 from becoming large. In addition, it is possible to prevent the heating device 610 from interfering with the vehicle when the driving device 601 is assembled to the vehicle.

[0077] In this modification, as in the above modification, a structure in which the heating device is disposed on one axial side (-Y side) of the control unit may be adopted. In this case, by making the third housing part into an L-shape that is inverted in the axial direction and the reference direction compared to this modification, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the drive device.

[0078] (Variation 7) 10 is a side view of the driving device 701 of the seventh modified example seen from the other side in the reference direction (-X side). The heating device 710 of this modified example is fixed to a surface facing radially outward of the first housing section 6A. The heating device 710 of this modified example is also disposed below the first housing section 6A. This makes it possible to prevent the heating device 710 from protruding to one or the other side in the reference direction X of the first housing section 6A, and makes it easier to use the one or the other side in the reference direction X of the first housing section 6A as an arrangement space for other members (such as a pump or a cooler).

[0079] Furthermore, by arranging the heating device 710 below the first housing section 6A, it becomes easier to arrange the heating device 710 inside the projection area of ​​the first housing section 6A in the vertical direction Z, and the projection area of ​​the driving device 701 in the vertical direction Z can be reduced. This allows the driving device 701 to be made more compact.

[0080] As in the above-described embodiment, the first housing portion 6A has a first peripheral wall portion 6d surrounding the motor 2 from the radial outside and a first flange portion 61f protruding radially outward from the first peripheral wall portion 6d. At least a part of the heating device 710 of this modification overlaps with the first flange portion 61f in the axial direction Y. That is, the heating device 710 overlaps with the first flange portion 61f when viewed from the axial direction Y. Therefore, the heating device 710 can suppress the increase in the axial projection area of ​​the driving device 701 in the portion overlapping with the first flange portion 61f in the axial direction Y. In other words, since at least a part of the heating device 710 overlaps with the first flange portion 61f in the axial direction Y, the heating device 710 is suppressed from protruding downward in the up-down direction. This allows the driving device 701 to be made smaller in size. In addition, it is preferable that the heating device 710 overlaps with at least one of the second peripheral wall portion 6e, the second flange portion 61k, and the third flange portion 62k in the axial direction. In addition, it is preferable that the lower portion of the heating device 710 is located above the second peripheral wall portion 6e, the second flange portion 61k, and the third flange portion 62k of the second housing portion 6B. This prevents the heating device 710 from protruding downward, and the driving device 701 can be made smaller. In addition, when the driving device 701 is assembled to the vehicle, interference between the heating device 710 and the vehicle can be prevented.

[0081] (Variation 8) 11 is a side view of a driving device 801 of Modification 8 as viewed from the other side (-X side) in the reference direction. The heating device 810 of this modification is fixed to one axial side (-Y side) of the first housing section 6A. That is, the heating device 810 of this modification is fixed to a surface facing one axial side (-Y side) of the motor cover 63 as the first side wall section 6a. The heating device 810 is aligned in the axial direction with the first housing section 6A and the second housing section 6B.

[0082] According to this modification, the heating device 810 is disposed on one axial side (-Y side) of the first housing section 6A, so that the driving device 801 can be made smaller in the radial direction. Compared to a structure in which the heating device 810 is disposed radially outside the motor 2, the heat generated by the motor 2 can be prevented from being transmitted to the heating device 810. Other members (such as a pump or a cooler) to be attached to the driving device 801 can be easily disposed in the radially outer region of the first housing section 6A. A part of the vehicle (such as a chassis) on which the driving device 801 is mounted may be disposed in the radially outer region of the first housing section 6A. In this case, the housing space for the driving device 801 in the vehicle can be made smaller. Also, according to this modification, the heating device 810 can be disposed overlapping the first housing section 6A when viewed from the axial direction Y. This allows the driving device 801 to be made smaller in size.

[0083] Moreover, the heating device 810 of this modification is disposed on the motor axis J1. That is, the motor axis J1 intersects with the heating device 810. The heating device 810 overlaps with the rotor 20 in the axial direction Y. Therefore, it is easy to dispose the heating device 810 near the center of the first housing portion 6A as viewed from the axial direction Y, and it is easy to dispose the heating device 810 inside the axial projection area of ​​the first housing portion 6A as viewed from the axial direction Y. This makes it difficult for the heating device 810 to protrude outside the projection area of ​​the first housing portion 6A as viewed from the axial direction Y. That is, the heating device 810 is located on the motor axis J1 side in the radial direction relative to the first flange portion 61f and the first circumferential wall portion 6d. Therefore, when the driving device 801 is mounted on a vehicle or the like, interference between the heating device 810 and the vehicle can be suppressed. Note that the motor axis J1 does not necessarily have to intersect with the heating device 810. The heating device 810 may be disposed around the motor axis J1. It is desirable that a radially outer portion of the heating device 810 be located radially closer to the motor axis J1 than the first flange portion 61f.

[0084] (Variation 9) FIG. 12 is a side view of the driving device 901 of the modified example 9 as viewed from the other side (-X side) of the reference direction. The heating device 910 of this modified example is fixed to one axial side (-Y side) of the first housing section 6A. According to this modified example, the heating device 910 can be arranged overlapping the first housing section 6A as viewed from the axial direction Y. Therefore, the driving device 901 can be made smaller in the radial direction. Compared to a structure in which the heating device 910 is arranged on the radial outside of the motor 2, the heat generated by the motor 2 can be prevented from being transmitted to the heating device 910. In addition, by arranging the heating device 910 on one axial side (-Y side) of the first housing section 6A, the radial outside region of the first housing section 6A can be effectively utilized. That is, it is easy to arrange other members (pump, cooler, etc.) attached to the driving device 901 in the radial outside region of the first housing section 6A. A part of the vehicle (such as a chassis) on which the drive unit 901 is mounted may be disposed in a radially outer area of ​​the first housing portion 6A.

[0085] In this modification, the heating device 910 is disposed at a position different from the motor axis J1 as viewed from the axial direction Y. The heating device 910 is disposed at a position that does not intersect with the motor axis J1. More specifically, the heating device 910 in this modification is disposed below the motor axis J1. The shaft 21 of the motor 2 is disposed on the motor axis J1 (see FIG. 1). For this reason, if the heating device is disposed on the motor axis J1, there is a possibility that vibration of the shaft is transmitted to the heating device 910 via a bearing held by the motor cover 63. However, according to this modification, the heating device 910 is disposed at a position different from the motor axis J1, so that the vibration of the shaft 21 can be prevented from being transmitted to the heating device 910. Note that the heating device 910 may be disposed anywhere as long as it is disposed at a position different from the motor axis J1, and may be disposed, for example, above the motor axis J1 or on one or the other side of the reference direction. Furthermore, as long as the entire heating device 910 is shifted radially outward with respect to the motor axis J1, a part of the heating device 910 may overlap the motor axis J1. It is desirable that the radially outer portion of the heating device 910 be located closer to the motor axis J1 than the first flange portion 61f in the radial direction.

[0086] In addition, a bearing for rotatably supporting the shaft 21, a rotation sensor for measuring the rotation angle of the rotor 20, and other components (hereinafter referred to as axial members 909) may be disposed on the motor axis J1. When the heating device 910 is disposed on the motor axis J1, the heating device 910 needs to be disposed on one axial side (-Y side) of the axial member 909, which may increase the size of the driving device 901 in the axial direction. For this reason, it is preferable that the heating device 910 is disposed at a position overlapping with the axial member 909 when viewed from the radial direction. According to this modification, the heating device 910 is disposed at a position different from the motor axis J1, and the heating device 910 is disposed radially outside the axial member 909, thereby suppressing the increase in size of the driving device 901 in the axial direction Y.

[0087] (Variation 10) 13 is a side view of a driving device 1001 of Modification 10 as viewed from one side (+X side) in the reference direction. The arrangement of the heating device 10 provided in the driving device 1001 of this modification is similar to that of the above-mentioned embodiment. The driving device 1001 of this modification has different configurations of the control units 7a and 7b compared to the above-mentioned embodiment and its modifications.

[0088] The driving device 1001 of this modification has a first control unit 7a and a second control unit 7b. Furthermore, the housing 1006 of this modification has a third housing unit 6C that houses the first control unit 7a and a fourth housing unit 6D that houses the second control unit 7b. For example, one of the first control unit 7a and the second control unit 7b is an inverter, and the other is a power integration system. The heating device 10 is located between the second housing unit 6B and the fourth housing unit 6D in the axial direction Y. At least a part of the heating device 10 overlaps with the third housing unit 6C and the first housing unit 6A in the reference direction X. The heating device 10 may be disposed across the third housing unit 6C and the first housing unit 6A. In addition, the driving device 1001 may further have a third control unit which is part of at least one of the first control unit 7a and the second control unit 7b, in which case the housing 1006 may have a fifth storage section which stores the third control unit.

[0089] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, each configuration and their combinations in the embodiments are merely examples, and addition, omission, substitution, and other modifications of the configurations are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment and the modified example, the heating device is fixed only to the first housing section. However, the heating device may be fixed across the other housing sections as long as at least a part of the heating device is fixed to the first housing section.

[0091] In the above embodiment and its modified example, the heating device has been described as heating the battery through the fluid in the duct. However, the heating target of the heating device is not limited to the present embodiment. For example, the heating device may heat the fluid of an air conditioning system in a vehicle. The heating device may also heat the fluid stored in a housing.

[0092] In the above-described embodiment and its modified example, the heating device is controlled by the control unit. However, the heating device may be provided in the vehicle and controlled by a control device that controls each part of the vehicle. In this case, the temperature sensor attached to the battery is connected to the control device that controls each part of the vehicle.

[0093] The configurations of the power transmission mechanism shown in the above-described embodiment and its modified examples are merely examples. For example, the power transmission mechanism may be one in which the first shaft and the output shaft are arranged coaxially. In this case, a part of the output shaft passes through the radial inside of the rotor. Also, the motor axis J1, the intermediate axis J2, and the differential axis J3 do not have to be arranged side by side along the reference direction X. For example, at least one of the motor axis J1, the intermediate axis J2, and the differential axis J3 may be provided at a position different from the other two in the up-down direction.

[0094] In the above embodiment, a recess 6m for accommodating the heating device 10 is provided on the outer surface of the first circumferential wall portion 6d. The configuration of arranging the heating device inside the recess can also be adopted in other modified examples. That is, the recess may be located at any position on the outer surface of the first accommodating portion, and by arranging the heating device inside the recess, the driving device can be made smaller. As an example, in the driving device 801 of modified example 8 (see FIG. 11), a recess may be provided on the surface facing one axial side (-Y side) of the first side wall portion 6a, and the heating device 810 may be arranged inside the recess.

[0095] Furthermore, while the power transmission mechanism shown in the above-described embodiment and its modified examples transmits the rotation of the rotor at a reduced speed, the power transmission mechanism may transmit the rotation of the rotor at an increased speed in part or in its entirety.

[0096] The present technology can be configured as follows. (1) A drive device comprising: a motor having a rotor rotatable around a motor axis; a power transmission mechanism connected to the rotor and transmitting the rotation of the rotor; a housing having a first accommodating portion for accommodating the motor and a second accommodating portion for accommodating the power transmission mechanism; and a heating device fixed to an outer surface of the housing. (2) The drive unit according to (1), wherein the heating device is fixed to an outer surface of the first housing portion. (3) A drive device as described in (2), wherein a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the vertical direction is used as a reference direction, the power transmission mechanism has a differential gear that can rotate around a differential axis parallel to the motor axis, the motor axis is located on one side of the reference direction relative to the differential axis when viewed from the axial direction, and the heating device is positioned on one side of the reference direction of the first accommodating section and offset upward relative to the motor axis. (4) A drive device as described in (2), wherein a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the vertical direction is used as a reference direction, the power transmission mechanism has a differential gear that can rotate around a differential axis parallel to the motor axis, the motor axis is located on one side of the reference direction relative to the differential axis when viewed from the axial direction, and the heating device is positioned on one side of the reference direction of the first accommodating section and biased downward relative to the motor axis. (5) A drive device as described in (2), wherein a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the vertical direction is used as a reference direction, the power transmission mechanism has a differential gear that can rotate around a differential axis parallel to the motor axis, the motor axis is located on one side of the reference direction relative to the differential axis when viewed from the axial direction, and the heating device is arranged on the other side of the reference direction of the first accommodating section. (6) The drive device according to (5), wherein the heating device is disposed between the motor axis and the differential axis in the reference direction. (7) A drive device as described in (5), comprising a control unit arranged above the motor, the housing having a third accommodating section for accommodating the control unit, and the heating device arranged below the third accommodating section and above the differential axis. (8) The drive unit according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the heating device is disposed below the differential axis. (9) A drive device as described in (2), further comprising a control unit arranged above the motor, the housing having a third accommodating section that accommodates the control unit, and the heating device arranged above the motor. (10) The drive device according to (9), wherein a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the up-down direction is defined as a reference direction, and the heating device and the control unit are arranged so that at least a portion of them are aligned in the reference direction. (11) The drive device according to (9) or (10), wherein the heating device and the control unit are at least partially aligned in the axial direction. (12) The drive mechanism according to (2), wherein the heating device is disposed below the first housing portion. (13) The drive unit according to any one of (2) to (12), wherein the first accommodating portion has a cylindrical peripheral wall portion extending along the axial direction and a flange portion protruding radially outward from the peripheral wall portion, and the heating device overlaps with the flange portion when viewed from the axial direction. (14) The drive unit according to (2), wherein the heating device is disposed on one axial side of the first housing portion. (15) The drive device according to (14), wherein the heating device is disposed at a position different from the motor axis when viewed in the axial direction. (16) The drive device according to any one of (2) to (15), wherein a recess is provided on an outer surface of the first housing section, and the heating device is disposed inside the recess. (17) The drive device according to any one of (1) to (16), wherein a pipe connecting the heating device to an external device is connected to the heating device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1,101,201,301,401,501,601,701,801,901,1001...Drive device, 2...Motor, 3...Power transmission mechanism, 5...Differential device, 6,1006...Housing, 6d...First peripheral wall portion (peripheral wall portion), 6m...Recess, 6A...First housing portion, 6B...Second housing portion, 6C,606C...Third housing portion, 7,7a,7b,607...Control portion, 10,110,210,310,410,510,610,710,810,910...Heating device, 20...Rotor, 61f...First flange portion (flange portion), B...Battery (external device), J1...Motor axis, J3...Differential axis, P...Pipe line, X...Reference direction, Y...Axial direction, Z...Up-down direction

Claims

1. A motor having a rotor rotatable about a motor axis; a power transmission mechanism connected to the rotor and configured to transmit rotation of the rotor; a housing having a first housing portion that houses the motor and a second housing portion that houses the power transmission mechanism; a heating device fixed to an outer surface of the housing; Drive unit.

2. The heating device is fixed to an outer surface of the first housing portion. The drive device according to claim 1 .

3. The direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the vertical direction is the reference direction. the power transmission mechanism has a differential gear rotatable about a differential axis parallel to the motor axis, When viewed in the axial direction, the motor axis is located on one side of the differential axis in the reference direction, the heating device is disposed on one side of the first housing portion in the reference direction and biased upward with respect to the motor axis; The drive device according to claim 2.

4. The direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the vertical direction is the reference direction. the power transmission mechanism has a differential gear rotatable about a differential axis parallel to the motor axis, When viewed in the axial direction, the motor axis is located on one side of the differential axis in the reference direction, the heating device is disposed on one side of the first housing portion in the reference direction and biased downward with respect to the motor axis; The drive device according to claim 2.

5. The direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the vertical direction is the reference direction. the power transmission mechanism has a differential gear rotatable about a differential axis parallel to the motor axis, When viewed in the axial direction, the motor axis is located on one side of the differential axis in the reference direction, The heating device is disposed on the other side of the first housing part in the reference direction. The drive device according to claim 2.

6. The heating device is disposed between the motor axis and the differential axis in the reference direction. The drive device according to claim 5.

7. A control unit is provided above the motor, The housing has a third accommodating portion that accommodates the control unit, The heating device is disposed below the third housing portion and above the differential axis. The drive device according to claim 5.

8. The heating device is disposed below the differential axis. The drive device according to claim 5.

9. A control unit is provided above the motor, The housing has a third accommodating portion that accommodates the control unit, The heating device is disposed above the motor. The drive device according to claim 2.

10. The direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the vertical direction is the reference direction. The heating device and the control unit are at least partially arranged in the reference direction.

10. The drive arrangement according to claim 9.

11. The heating device and the control unit are at least partially arranged in line in the axial direction.

10. The drive arrangement according to claim 9.

12. The heating device is disposed below the first housing portion. The drive device according to claim 2.

13. The first housing portion has a cylindrical peripheral wall portion extending along an axial direction and a flange portion protruding radially outward from the peripheral wall portion, The heating device overlaps with the flange portion when viewed in the axial direction. The drive device according to claim 2.

14. The heating device is disposed on one axial side of the first housing portion. The drive device according to claim 2.

15. The heating device is disposed at a position different from the motor axis when viewed in the axial direction.

15. The drive arrangement according to claim 14.

16. A recess is provided on an outer surface of the first housing portion, The heating device is disposed within the recess. The drive device according to claim 2.

17. A pipe connecting the heating device to an external device is connected to the heating device. A drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

Images