Driving device

The drive device addresses the complexity and inefficiency of existing motor drive devices by using a simpler lubricating fluid flow path to cool the stator and lubricate the bearing, ensuring effective and reliable operation.

JP2025083511AActive Publication Date: 2025-05-30NIDEC CORP(JP)
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025040916
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-14
Publication Date
2025-05-30
Estimated Expiration
2041-03-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing motor drive devices have complex oil supply paths for cooling both the stator and the bearing, leading to potential insufficient lubrication of the bearing due to the long distance between the oil passage and the bearing.

Method used

A drive device with a simpler configuration that uses a lubricating fluid flow path to simultaneously cool the stator and lubricate the bearing, with a lubricant supply unit and a housing design that includes communication paths to efficiently distribute the lubricating fluid.

Benefits of technology

The solution effectively cools the stator and lubricates the bearing with a simpler configuration, reducing the risk of insufficient lubrication and enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the drive device.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To simultaneously perform cooling of a stator, and cooling and lubrication of a bearing by a lubricating liquid flowing in a lubricating liquid flow passage with a simpler configuration.SOLUTION: A driving device includes a first shaft, a gear portion, a lubricating liquid flow passage, and a housing. A gear portion having a second shaft is connected to an axial one end portion of the first shaft. A side plate portion of the housing defines a motor cylinder portion surrounding a motor housing portion housing a rotor and a stator, and a gear cylinder portion surrounding a gear housing portion housing the gear portion. First and second bearing holding portions disposed on the side plate portion rotatably support the first and second shafts through first and second bearings, respectively. A lubricating liquid supply portion disposed at a radial outer part with respect to the stator and supplying a lubricating liquid to the stator, has the lubricating liquid flow passage in which the lubricating liquid can be circulated. The lubricating liquid flow passage is connected to at least one of the first and second bearing holding portions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a motor drive device that simultaneously cools both a stator and a bearing and lubricates the bearing by supplying oil to the stator and the bearing is known. (See, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-131175)

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the above-described device, the bearing is lubricated by injecting oil from an oil passage formed of a tubular member into the bearing. Therefore, the oil supply path for cooling the stator and lubricating the bearing becomes complicated. In addition, since the distance between the oil passage and the bearing is long, there is a risk that the bearing cannot be sufficiently lubricated.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to perform both cooling of a stator and cooling and lubrication of a bearing by a lubricating fluid flowing through a lubricating fluid flow path with a simpler configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An exemplary drive device of the present invention includes a first shaft, a rotor, a stator, a gear unit, a lubricant supply unit, and a housing. The first shaft extends along a first rotation axis extending in the axial direction and is rotatable about the first rotation axis. The rotor is supported by the first shaft and is rotatable together with the first shaft. The stator is disposed radially outward of the rotor. The gear unit is connected to one axial end of the first shaft. The lubricant supply unit is disposed radially outward of the stator and supplies lubricant to the stator. The housing houses the rotor, the stator, the lubricant supply unit, and the gear unit. The gear unit has a second shaft extending along a second rotation axis extending in the axial direction. The housing has a motor cylinder portion, a gear cylinder portion, a side plate portion, a motor housing portion, and a gear housing portion. The motor cylinder portion extends in the axial direction. The gear cylinder portion is disposed axially on one side of the motor cylinder portion and extends in the axial direction. The side plate portion extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction and separates the motor cylinder portion and the gear cylinder portion. The motor housing portion is surrounded by the motor cylinder portion and the side plate portion and houses the rotor and the stator. The gear housing portion is surrounded by the gear cylinder portion and the side plate portion and houses the gear unit. The side plate portion has a first bearing holder and a second bearing holder. The first bearing holder rotatably supports the first shaft via a first bearing. The second bearing holder rotatably supports the second shaft via a second bearing. The lubricant supply unit has a lubricant flow path through which the lubricant can flow. The lubricant flow path communicates with at least one of the first bearing holder and the second bearing holder. The side plate portion further has a hole portion disposed inside the side plate portion. The hole portion includes a first communication path, a second communication path, and a third communication path. The first communication path is a space extending axially from the other axial end face of the side plate portion to one axial side and communicates with the lubricant flow path. The second communication path is a space extending axially from the one axial end face of the side plate portion to the other axial side and communicates with the second bearing holder.The third communication path is a space extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction, and connects one axial end of the first communication path and the other axial end of the second communication path. In the axial direction, the position where the third communication path is disposed is different from the position where the second bearing is disposed.

[0007] In addition, another exemplary drive device of the present invention includes a first shaft, a rotor, a stator, a gear portion, a lubricating fluid supply portion, and a housing. The first shaft extends along a first rotation axis extending in the axial direction and is rotatable about the first rotation axis. The rotor is supported by the first shaft and is rotatable together with the first shaft. The stator is disposed radially outward of the rotor. The gear portion is connected to one axial end portion of the first shaft. The lubricating fluid supply portion is disposed radially outward of the stator and supplies lubricating fluid to the stator. The housing houses the rotor, the stator, the lubricating fluid supply portion, and the gear portion. The gear portion has a second shaft extending along a second rotation axis extending in the axial direction. The housing has a motor cylinder portion, a gear cylinder portion, a side plate portion, a motor housing portion, and a gear housing portion. The motor cylinder portion extends in the axial direction. The gear cylinder portion is disposed axially on one side of the motor cylinder portion and extends in the axial direction. The side plate portion extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction and separates the motor cylinder portion and the gear cylinder portion. The motor housing portion is surrounded by the motor cylinder portion and the side plate portion and houses the rotor and the stator. The gear housing portion is surrounded by the gear cylinder portion and the side plate portion and houses the gear portion. The side plate portion has a first bearing holder and a second bearing holder. The first bearing holder rotatably supports the first shaft via a first bearing. The second bearing holder rotatably supports the second shaft via a second bearing. The lubricating fluid supply portion has a lubricating fluid flow path through which the lubricating fluid can flow. The lubricating fluid flow path is connected to at least one of the first bearing holder and the second bearing holder. The side plate portion further has a hole portion disposed inside the side plate portion. The hole portion includes a first communication path, a second communication path, and a third communication path. The first communication path is a space extending axially from the other axial end face of the side plate portion in the axial direction and is connected to the lubricating fluid flow path. The second communication path is a space extending axially from the one axial end face of the side plate portion in the other axial direction and is connected to the second bearing holder.The third communication path is a space extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction, and connects one axial end of the first communication path and the other axial end of the second communication path. The second bearing is disposed axially on one side of the second communication path. One axial end of the second communication path faces and opens to the other axial end of the second bearing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the exemplary drive device of the present invention, with a simpler configuration, both cooling of the stator and cooling and lubrication of the bearing can be achieved by the lubricating fluid flowing through the lubricating fluid flow path.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7A

Figure 7B

Figure 7C

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] In the following description, based on the positional relationship when the drive device 1 is mounted on a vehicle 200 located on a horizontal road surface, the direction of gravity will be defined and described. Also, in the drawings, an XYZ coordinate system is shown as a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system as appropriate. In the XYZ coordinate system, the Z-axis direction indicates the vertical direction (i.e., the up-and-down direction). The +Z direction is upward (vertically upward in the direction opposite to the direction of gravity), and the -Z direction is downward (vertically downward in the same direction as the direction of gravity). Note that the "Z-axis direction" in the following description is an example of the "second direction" of the present invention. In each component, the upper end portion in the upward direction is called the "upper end portion", and the position of the upper end portion in the axial direction is called the "upper end". Further, the lower end portion in the downward direction is called the "lower end portion", and the position of the lower end portion in the axial direction is called the "lower end". Also, on the surface of each component, the surface facing upward is called the "upper surface", and the surface facing downward is called the "lower surface".

[0012] Also, the X-axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and indicates the front-rear direction of the vehicle 200 on which the drive device 1 is mounted. Note that the "X-axis direction" in the following description is an example of the "first direction" of the present invention. The +X direction is the front of the vehicle 200, and the -X direction is the rear of the vehicle 200. However, it is also possible that the +X direction is the rear of the vehicle 200 and the -X direction is the front of the vehicle 200.

[0013] The Y-axis direction is orthogonal to both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, and represents the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle 200. The +Y direction is to the left of the vehicle 200, and the -Y direction is to the right of the vehicle 200. However, when the +X direction is the rear of the vehicle 200, the +Y direction may be to the right of the vehicle 200, and the -Y direction may be to the left of the vehicle 200. That is, regardless of the X-axis direction, simply the +Y direction is on one side of the left-right direction of the vehicle 200, and the -Y direction is on the other side of the left-right direction of the vehicle 200. Also, depending on the mounting method of the drive device 1 on the vehicle 200, the X-axis direction may be the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle 200, and the Y-axis direction may be the front-rear direction of the vehicle 200. In the following embodiments, the Y-axis direction is parallel to, for example, the rotation axis J2 of the motor unit 2. Note that the "Y-axis direction" in the following description is an example of the "axial direction" of the present invention. Also, the "+Y direction" is an example of the "one axial direction" of the present invention, and the "-Y direction" is an example of the "other axial direction" of the present invention.

[0014] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to a predetermined axis such as the rotation axis J2 of the motor unit 2 (Y-axis direction) may be simply referred to as the "axial direction". Also, the direction orthogonal to the predetermined axis is simply referred to as the "radial direction", and the circumferential direction centered on the predetermined axis is referred to as the "circumferential direction". Among the radial directions, the direction approaching the axis is referred to as the "radial inward direction", and the direction away from the axis is referred to as the "radial outward direction". In each component, the end portion in the radial inward direction is referred to as the "radial inner end portion". Further, the end portion on the outer side is referred to as the "radial outer end portion". Also, on the side surface of each component, the side surface facing the radial inward direction is referred to as the "radial inner side surface", and the side surface facing the radial outward direction is referred to as the "radial outer side surface".

[0015] Also, in this specification, "annular" includes not only a shape that is continuously connected without a break over the entire circumferential direction centered on the central axis CA, but also a shape having one or more breaks in a part of the entire area centered on the central axis CA. Also included is a shape that draws a closed curve on a curved surface intersecting the central axis CA centered on the central axis CA.

[0016] In addition, in the positional relationship between any one of the orientation, line, and plane and any other one, "parallel" includes not only the state where the two do not intersect at all no matter how far they extend, but also the state where they are substantially parallel. Also, "perpendicular" and "orthogonal" each include not only the state where the two intersect at 90 degrees to each other, but also the state where they are substantially perpendicular and the state where they are substantially orthogonal. That is, "parallel", "perpendicular", and "orthogonal" each include the state where there is an angular deviation to the extent that the gist of the present invention is not deviated from in the positional relationship between the two.

[0017] Note that these are merely names used for the purpose of explanation and are not intended to limit the actual positional relationship, direction, and name, etc.

[0018] <1. Drive device 1> Hereinafter, the drive device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 3 are conceptual diagrams of the drive device 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the drive device 1 viewed from the Z-axis direction. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the drive device 1 viewed from the X-axis direction. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the drive device 1 viewed from the Y-axis direction. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drive device 1. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle 200 having the drive device 1. Note that FIGS. 1 to 5 are merely conceptual diagrams, and the arrangement and dimensions of each part are not necessarily the same as those of the actual drive device 1.

[0019] The drive device 1 is mounted on a vehicle 200 that uses at least a motor as a power source, such as a hybrid vehicle (HV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), or an electric vehicle (EV) (see FIG. 5). The drive device 1 is used as a power source for the vehicle 200 described above. The vehicle 200 has the drive device 1 and a battery 150. The battery 150 stores electric power for supplying the drive device 1. The drive device 1 drives the left and right front wheels in the example of the vehicle 200. Note that the drive device 1 only needs to drive at least any one of the wheels.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1, the drive device 1 includes a motor unit 2. The motor unit 2 has an output shaft 20, a rotor 21, and a stator 25. In other words, the drive device 1 includes an output shaft 20, a rotor 21, and a stator 25. The output shaft 20 extends along a rotation axis J2 extending in the Y-axis direction and is rotatable about the rotation axis J2. Note that the output shaft 20 is an example of the "first shaft" of the present invention, and the rotation axis J2 is an example of the "first rotation axis" of the present invention. The rotor 21 is supported by the output shaft 20 and is rotatable together with the output shaft 20. The stator 25 is arranged radially outward of the rotor 21.

[0021] Further, the drive device 1 further includes a gear unit 3, an oil supply unit 558, and a housing 5. The gear unit 3 is connected to an end portion of the motor shaft 22 in the +Y direction. The oil supply unit 558 is arranged radially outward of the stator 25 and supplies oil CL to the stator 25. Note that the oil supply unit 558 is an example of the "lubricating fluid supply unit" of the present invention, and the oil CL is an example of the "lubricating fluid" of the present invention. The housing 5 houses the rotor 21, the stator 25, the oil supply unit 558, and the gear unit 3.

[0022] Further, the drive device 1 further includes a pump 4 and an oil cooler 8. The pump 4 supplies the oil CL housed in the housing 5 to the motor unit 2. As described above, the drive device 1 has the pump 4. The oil cooler 8 cools the oil CL. In the present embodiment, the oil cooler 8 cools the oil CL supplied from the pump 4 to the motor unit 2.

[0023] Further, the drive device 1 further includes an inverter unit 7. The inverter unit 7 supplies drive power to the motor unit 2.

[0024] Inside the housing 5, a housing space for accommodating the motor unit 2, the gear unit 3, the pump 4, and the inverter unit 7 is provided. As will be described later, this housing space is partitioned into a motor housing portion 61 for accommodating the motor unit 2, a gear housing portion 62 for accommodating the gear unit 3, an inverter housing portion 63 for accommodating the inverter unit 7, and a pump housing portion 64 for accommodating the pump 4. Note that the inverter unit 7 is integrally fixed to a fourth housing member 54 described later.

[0025] <1-1. Motor unit 2> The motor unit 2 is accommodated in the motor housing portion 61 of the housing 5. As described above, the motor unit 2 includes an output shaft 20, a rotor 21, and a stator 25.

[0026] <1-1-1. Output shaft 20> The output shaft 20 is cylindrical and extends in the Y-axis direction. The output shaft 20 includes a motor shaft 22 and a transmission shaft 310. The motor shaft 22 and the transmission shaft 310 extend along the rotation axis J2. A hollow transmission shaft 310 described later is inserted and connected to the end portion of the motor shaft 22 on the +Y direction side. In the present embodiment, the two are spline-fitted. Alternatively, the two may be joined by a fixing method such as welding. The details of the transmission shaft 310 will be described later.

[0027] The motor shaft 22 is rotatably supported by a first motor bearing 281 and a second motor bearing 282. The first motor bearing 281 is, for example, a ball bearing and is held by a third housing member 53 of the housing 5 described later. The second motor bearing 282 is, for example, a ball bearing and is held by a side plate portion 512 of the housing 5 described later.

[0028] The motor shaft 22 is a cylindrical hollow shaft. The motor shaft 22 has a hollow portion 220 and a shaft cylinder portion 221 extending in the Y-axis direction. The hollow portion 220 is surrounded by the inner surface of the shaft cylinder portion 221 and is connected to a third supply path 557 described later. Specifically, the hollow portion 220 communicates with a first motor bearing holding portion 531 that houses a first motor bearing 281 at the -Y direction end of the shaft cylinder portion 221 and is connected to the third supply path 557. Note that the hollow portion 220 communicates with a hollow portion 3101 of a transmission shaft 310 (described later) at the +Y direction end of the shaft cylinder portion 221. Further, the motor shaft 22 further has a shaft hole portion 222. The shaft hole portion 222 penetrates the shaft cylinder portion 221 in the radial direction.

[0029] <1-1-2. Rotor 21> The rotor 21 rotates about a rotation axis J2 extending in the horizontal direction when power is supplied from a battery (not shown) to the stator 25. The rotor 21 further has a rotor core 23 and a rotor magnet 24 in addition to the motor shaft 22.

[0030] The rotor core 23 is a cylinder extending along the Y-axis direction. The rotor core 23 is fixed to the outer surface in the radial direction of the motor shaft 22. As described above, the rotor 21 has the rotor core 23. Further, a plurality of rotor magnets 24 are fixed to the rotor core 23. The plurality of rotor magnets 24 are arranged along the circumferential direction with alternating polarities.

[0031] The rotor core 23 has a rotor through-hole 230. The rotor through-hole 230 penetrates the rotor core 23 in the Y-axis direction and is connected to the shaft hole portion 222. The rotor through-hole 230 is connected to the third supply passage 557 via the hollow portion 220. Specifically, the rotor core 23 has a rotor communication portion 231. The rotor communication portion 231 is a space that penetrates from the radially inner surface of the rotor core 23 to the rotor through-hole 230 and connects the rotor through-hole 230 and the shaft hole portion 222. The rotor through-hole 230 is used as a flow path for the oil CL that cools the rotor 21 from the inside. The oil CL flowing through the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 can flow into the rotor through-hole 230 via the shaft hole portion 222 and the rotor communication portion 231 as will be described later. In this way, when the rotor 21 rotates, the oil CL flows out from the axial end portion of the rotor through-hole 230. This oil CL is supplied to the axial end portion of the stator 25 by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotor 21, and is particularly supplied to the coil end 271 described later disposed at the axial end portion of the stator 25. This oil CL can cool the axial end portion of the stator 25, and particularly can cool the coil end 271 of the stator 25.

[0032] <1-1-3. Stator 25> The stator 25 surrounds the rotor 21 from the radially outer side and rotationally drives the rotor 21. As described above, the stator 25 is disposed radially outward of the rotor 21. That is, the motor unit 2 is an inner rotor type motor in which the rotor 21 is rotatably disposed inside the stator 25. The stator 25 has a stator core 26, a coil 27, and an insulator (not shown) interposed between the stator core 26 and the coil 27. The stator 25 is held by the housing 5. The stator core 26 has a plurality of magnetic pole teeth (not shown) radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of the annular yoke.

[0033] Between the magnetic pole teeth, a coil wire is wound around. The coil wire wound around the magnetic pole teeth constitutes the coil 27. The coil wire is connected to the inverter unit 7 via a bus bar (not shown). The coil 27 has a coil end 271 that protrudes from the axial end face of the stator core 26. The coil end 271 protrudes axially more than the end of the rotor core 23 of the rotor 21.

[0034] <1-2. Gear portion 3> Next, the gear portion 3 transmits the driving force of the motor portion 2 to the drive shaft Ds that drives the wheels of the vehicle 200. Details of the gear portion 3 will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the gear portion 3 is housed in the gear housing portion 62 of the housing 5. The gear portion 3 has a speed reduction device 31 and a differential device 32.

[0035] <1-2-1. Speed reduction device 31> The speed reduction device 31 is connected to the motor shaft 22. The speed reduction device 31 reduces the rotational speed of the motor portion 2, increases the torque output from the motor portion 2 according to the reduction ratio, and transmits the increased torque to the differential device 32.

[0036] The speed reduction device 31 has a transmission shaft 310, a first gear (intermediate drive gear) 311, a second gear (intermediate gear) 312, a third gear (final drive gear) 313, and an intermediate shaft 314. In other words, the gear portion 3 has a first gear 311 fixed to the radially outer surface of the output shaft 20, and a second gear 312 and a third gear 313 fixed to the radially outer surface of the intermediate shaft 314. Also, the gear portion 3 has a transmission shaft 310 and an intermediate shaft 314. The torque output from the motor portion 2 is transmitted to the fourth gear 321 of the differential device 32 via the motor shaft 22, the transmission shaft 310, the first gear 311, the second gear 312, the intermediate shaft 314, and the third gear 313. The gear ratio and the number of gears of each gear can be variously changed according to the required reduction ratio. The speed reduction device 31 is a parallel shaft gear type speed reducer in which the axial centers of the respective gears are arranged in parallel. The motor shaft 22 and the transmission shaft 310 are spline-fitted.

[0037] The transmission shaft 310 extends in the Y-axis direction about the rotation axis J2 and rotates about the rotation axis J2 together with the motor shaft 22. The motor shaft 22 is rotatably supported by a first gear bearing 341 and a second gear bearing 342. The first gear bearing 341 is, for example, a ball bearing and is held by the side plate portion 512 of the housing 5 as will be described later. The second gear bearing 342 is, for example, a ball bearing and is held by a second housing member 52 described later.

[0038] The transmission shaft 310 is a cylindrical hollow shaft. The transmission shaft 310 has a hollow portion 3101 and a cylindrical transmission shaft tube portion 3102 extending in the Y-axis direction. The hollow portion 3101 is surrounded by the inner surface of the transmission shaft tube portion 3102 and is connected to a gear-side oil passage 525 described later at the end of the transmission shaft tube portion 3102 on the +Y direction side. The end of the transmission shaft tube portion 3102 on the -Y direction side is connected to the end of the motor shaft 22 on the +Y direction side. Further, the end of the transmission shaft tube portion 3102 on the +Y direction side is rotatably held by a second gear bearing holder 521 via the second gear bearing 342.

[0039] Note that, without being limited to the examples of this embodiment, the transmission shaft 310 may be the same member as the motor shaft 22, that is, they may be integral. In other words, the motor shaft 22 may be a hollow shaft extending across the motor housing portion 61 and the gear housing portion 62 of the housing 5. In this case, the end of the motor shaft 22 on the +Y direction side projects toward the gear housing portion 62 side and is rotatably supported by the second gear bearing 342. Further, the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 communicates with a first motor bearing holder 531 that houses the first motor bearing 281 and a second gear bearing holder 521 that houses the second gear bearing 342.

[0040] The first gear 311 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the transmission shaft 310. The first gear 311 may be the same member as the transmission shaft 310 or may be a separate member. When the first gear 311 and the transmission shaft 310 are separate members, the first gear 311 and the transmission shaft 310 are firmly fixed by shrink fitting or the like. The first gear 311, together with the transmission shaft 310, is rotatable about the rotation axis J2.

[0041] The intermediate shaft 314 extends along an intermediate axis J4 extending in the Y-axis direction. Note that the intermediate shaft 314 is an example of the "second shaft" of the present invention, and the intermediate axis J4 is an example of the "second rotation axis" of the present invention. The gear unit 3 has the intermediate shaft 314. The intermediate shaft 314 is rotatably supported by the housing 5 about an intermediate axis J4 parallel to the rotation axis J2. Both ends of the intermediate shaft 314 are rotatably supported by a third gear bearing 343 and a fourth gear bearing 344. The third gear bearing 343 is, for example, a ball bearing and is held by the side plate portion 512 of the housing 5. The fourth gear bearing 344 is, for example, a ball bearing and is held by the second housing member 52.

[0042] The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate shaft 314 as described above. The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 may each be the same member as the intermediate shaft 314 or may be separate members. When the second gear 312 and the intermediate shaft 314 are separate members, the two are firmly fixed by shrink fitting or the like. When the third gear 313 and the intermediate shaft 314 are separate members, the two are firmly fixed by shrink fitting or the like. The third gear 313 is arranged closer to the side plate portion 512 side (i.e., the -Y direction) than the second gear 312.

[0043] The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 are connected via the intermediate shaft 314. The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 are rotatable about the intermediate axis J4. The second gear 312 meshes with the first gear 311. The third gear 313 meshes with the fourth gear 321 of the differential device 32.

[0044] The intermediate shaft J4 is arranged in the +Z direction with respect to the rotation shaft J2 and the differential shaft J5 (to be described later) (see, for example, FIG. 2). Since the intermediate shaft J4 of the intermediate shaft 314 is arranged in the +Z direction with respect to both the rotation shaft J2 of the output shaft 20 and the differential shaft J5 of the fourth gear 321, the distance between the output shaft 20 and the fourth gear 321 in the X-axis direction can be made shorter. Therefore, the gear housing portion 62 that houses the gear portion 3 can be made more compact in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the drive device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0045] The torque of the transmission shaft 310 is transmitted from the first gear 311 to the second gear 312. Then, the torque transmitted to the second gear 312 is transmitted to the third gear 313 via the intermediate shaft 314. Further, the torque transmitted to the third gear 313 is transmitted to the fourth gear 321 of the differential device 32. In this way, the speed reduction device 31 transmits the torque output from the motor unit 2 to the differential device 32.

[0046] <1-2-2. Differential Device 32> The differential device 32 is attached to the drive shaft Ds. The differential device 32 transmits the output torque of the motor unit 2 to the drive shaft Ds. The drive shafts Ds are respectively attached to the left and right of the differential device 32. The drive shaft Ds extends along the differential shaft J5 extending in the Y-axis direction and is rotatable about the differential shaft J5. The differential device 32 has a function of transmitting the same torque to the left and right drive shafts Ds while absorbing the speed difference between the left and right wheels (drive shafts Ds) when the vehicle 200 turns, for example. The differential device 32 includes, for example, a fourth gear (ring gear) 321, a gear housing (not shown), a pair of pinion gears (not shown), a pinion shaft (not shown), and a pair of side gears (not shown).

[0047] The fourth gear 321 is rotatable about a differential shaft J5 extending in the Y-axis direction. Note that the differential shaft J5 is an example of the "third rotation shaft" of the present invention and is parallel to the rotation shaft J2. The gear unit 3 includes the fourth gear 321. Torque output from the motor unit 2 is transmitted to the fourth gear 321 via the speed reducer 31. The differential device 32 transmits the torque of the fourth gear 321 to the drive shaft Ds. Also, the lower part of the fourth gear 321 (i.e., the part on the -Z direction side) is immersed in the lower oil sump P in the gear housing part 62. For example, when the fourth gear 321 of the differential device 32 rotates, the oil CL is scraped up by the tooth surface of the fourth gear 321. A part of the oil is supplied inside the gear housing part 62 and used for lubricating the gears and bearings of the speed reducer 31 and the differential device 32 in the gear housing part 62. Also, another part of the scraped-up oil CL is stored in a tray part 524 described later and then supplied to the hollow part 220 of the motor shaft 22 through a gear-side oil passage 525 and the hollow part 3101 of the transmission shaft 310 described later and used for cooling the stator 25.

[0048] <1-3. Pump 4 and Oil Cooler 8> Next, the pump 4 is an electric pump driven by electricity and is connected to the inverter unit 7 via a harness cable (not shown). That is, the pump 4 is driven by the inverter unit 7. A trochoidal pump, a centrifugal pump, etc. can be adopted for the pump 4. The pump 4 is provided in a pump housing part 64 formed in the housing 5. For example, the pump 4 is fixed to the housing 5 with bolts (not shown).

[0049] The suction port 41 of the pump 4 is inserted into the first oil passage 551 so as to block the first oil passage 551 described later. The suction port 41 of the pump 4 is connected to the strainer 42 via the first oil passage 551 described later. The strainer 42 is disposed in the gear housing portion 62 of the housing 5. The strainer 42 is disposed in the oil sump P (see FIG. 2 etc.) of the gear housing portion 62 described later. The strainer 42 sucks the oil CL by the drive of the pump 4 from an inlet (not shown) disposed on its lower surface and supplies it to the suction port 41 of the pump 4. A filtering structure (not shown) such as a filter is attached to the strainer 42. By attaching the filtering structure, it is possible to suppress the entry of foreign matter into the pump 4 and the entry of foreign matter into the motor unit 2.

[0050] The discharge port 43 of the pump 4 opens into the pump housing portion 64. That is, the oil CL protruding from the pump 4 fills the pump housing portion 64. A second oil passage 552 described later is connected to the pump housing portion 64. The pump 4 discharges the oil CL sucked from the suction port 41 from the discharge port 43 and sends it to the oil cooler 8 via the second oil passage 552.

[0051] The oil cooler 8 performs heat exchange between the oil CL sent from the pump 4 via the second oil passage 552 and the refrigerant RE supplied in a separate system from the motor side oil passage 55 described later including the second oil passage 552. Thereby, the oil cooler 8 cools the oil CL sent from the pump 4. The oil CL cooled by the oil cooler 8 is supplied to the motor unit 2 via the third oil passage 553 and the fourth oil passage 554 described later. The refrigerant RE is supplied to the oil cooler 8 after cooling IGBTs, SIC elements, etc. (not shown) of the inverter unit 7.

[0052] The pump housing portion 64 is formed in the peripheral wall portion 5142 surrounding the inverter housing portion 63 (see FIG. 3 for example). For example, the pump housing portion 64 can be disposed using the dead space other than the space occupied by the inverter unit 7 in the inverter housing portion 63. By doing so, the pump 4 can be disposed compactly, contributing to the miniaturization of the drive device 1.

[0053] <1-4. Housing 5> Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIG. 6, the configuration of the housing 5 will be described. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the housing 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the housing 5 includes a first housing member 51, a second housing member 52, and a third housing member 53.

[0054] The first housing member 51 has a cylindrical motor cylinder portion 511 that surrounds the stator 25, a side plate portion 512, and a gear cylinder portion 513. That is, the housing 5 has the motor cylinder portion 511, the side plate portion 512, and the gear cylinder portion 513. The motor cylinder portion 511 extends in the Y-axis direction. The gear cylinder portion 513 is arranged in the +Y direction relative to the motor cylinder portion 111 and extends in the Y-axis direction. The side plate portion 512 extends in a direction intersecting the Y-axis direction and separates the motor cylinder portion 511 and the gear cylinder portion 513. The side plate portion 512 covers the end portion of the motor cylinder portion 511 on the +Y direction side and also covers the end portion of the motor cylinder portion 511 on the -Y direction side. In the present embodiment, the motor cylinder portion 511, the side plate portion 512, and the gear cylinder portion 513 are integral. However, it is not limited to this example, and a part of the motor cylinder portion 511, the side plate portion 512, and the gear cylinder portion 513 may be a separate member from another part.

[0055] The side plate portion 512 has a second motor bearing holder 516, a first gear bearing holder 517, and a third gear bearing holder 518. The second motor bearing holder 516 and the first gear bearing holder 517 are examples of the "first bearing holder" of the present invention. The third gear bearing holder 518 is an example of the "second bearing holder" of the present invention. The second motor bearing holder 516 and the first gear bearing holder 517 rotatably support the output shaft 20 via the second motor bearing 282 and the first gear bearing 341. The second motor bearing 282 and the first gear bearing 341 are examples of the "first bearing" of the present invention. Specifically, the second motor bearing holder 516 rotatably supports the motor shaft 22 via the second motor bearing 282. The first gear bearing holder 517 rotatably supports the transmission shaft 310 via the first gear bearing 341. Also, the third gear bearing holder 518 rotatably supports the intermediate shaft 314 via the third gear bearing 343. The third gear bearing 343 is an example of the "second bearing" of the present invention.

[0056] Also, the side plate portion 512 further has a hole portion 5121 (see, for example, FIG. 2). The hole portion 5121 penetrates the side plate portion 512 in the Y-axis direction and leads to the third gear bearing holder 518. Specifically, the hole portion 5121 is a space disposed inside the side plate portion 512 and communicates from the end face on the -Y direction side to the end face on the +Y direction side of the side plate portion 512. In the present embodiment, the hole portion 5121 extends in the Y-axis direction.

[0057] The second housing member 52 is attached to the end portion on the +Y direction side of the gear cylinder portion 513. The second housing member 52 closes and blocks the end portion on the +Y direction side of the gear cylinder portion 513. The second housing member 52, the side plate portion 512, and the gear cylinder portion 513 constitute a gear housing portion 62 described later.

[0058] The third housing member 53 is attached to the end portion of the motor cylinder portion 511 on the -Y direction side. The third housing member 53 closes and blocks the end portion of the motor cylinder portion 511 on the -Y direction side. The third housing member 53, the motor cylinder portion 511, and the side plate portion 512 constitute a motor housing portion 61 to be described later.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3, a contact portion 530 where the third housing member 53 contacts the motor cylinder portion 511 is annular when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The housing 5 has a continuous contact portion 530 where the motor cylinder portion 511 and the third housing member 53 are in contact. The third housing member 53 has a first motor bearing 281 that rotatably supports the shaft cylinder portion 221. Further, the third housing member 53 has a first motor bearing holding portion 531 that holds the first motor bearing 281. The first motor bearing holding portion 531 rotatably supports the end portion of the motor shaft 22 on the -Y direction side via the first motor bearing 281.

[0060] Further, the housing 5 further has a fourth housing member 54. The fourth housing member 54 is arranged in the +Z direction with respect to the motor cylinder portion 511. The fourth housing member 54 is attached to the upper portion of the first housing member 51.

[0061] Further, the housing 5 further has a motor housing portion 61 and a gear housing portion 62. The motor housing portion 61 is surrounded by the motor cylinder portion 511 and the side plate portion 512 and houses the rotor 21 and the stator 25. The gear housing portion 62 is surrounded by the gear cylinder portion 513 and the side plate portion 512 and houses the gear portion 3. Specifically, the motor housing portion 61 is a space surrounded by the motor cylinder portion 511, the side plate portion 512, and the third housing member 53. The gear housing portion 62 is a space surrounded by the side plate portion 512, the gear cylinder portion 513, and the second housing member 52. At the lower part in the vertical direction of the gear housing portion 62, there is an oil sump P where the oil CL accumulates. The motor housing portion 61 and the gear housing portion 62 are partitioned by the side plate portion 512.

[0062] Further, the housing 5 further has an inverter housing portion 63 that houses the inverter unit 7. The inverter housing portion 63 is a space surrounded by the motor cylinder portion 511, a plate portion 5141 described later, and a peripheral wall portion 5142 described later. The inverter housing portion 63 opens in the +Z direction. This opening is covered by the fourth housing member 54. Note that the inverter unit 7 is integrally fixed to the fourth housing member 54. That is, by integrally fixing the inverter unit 7 to the lower side of the fourth housing member 54, the inverter unit 7 is fixed downward to the inverter housing portion 63. Note that the fourth housing member 54 may be provided with an inverter cooling passage (not shown).

[0063] Further, the housing 5 has a pump housing portion 64. The pump housing portion 64 houses the pump 4. The pump housing portion 64 is formed in the first housing member 51. That is, the first housing member 51 further has the pump housing portion 64.

[0064] Next, the first housing member 51 further has a plate portion 5141 and a peripheral wall portion 5142. That is, the housing 5 has the plate portion 5141 and the peripheral wall portion 5142. The plate portion 5141 extends from the motor cylinder portion 511 in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. The peripheral wall portion 5142 surrounds the inverter housing portion 63 when viewed from the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and the X-axis direction. Specifically, the plate portion 5141 extends in the -X direction from the outer surface of the motor cylinder portion 511. The peripheral wall portion 5142 protrudes in the +Z direction from the upper end portion of the motor cylinder portion 511 and the plate portion 5141, and surrounds the inverter housing portion 63 when viewed from the vertical direction (see FIG. 1).

[0065] Further, the first housing member 51 further has an insertion hole 5120, a first drive shaft passage hole 515, a second motor bearing holder 516, a first gear bearing holder 517, a third gear bearing holder 518, and a side plate opening 519.

[0066] The insertion hole 5120 and the first drive shaft through-hole 515 are arranged in the side plate portion 512 and penetrate the side plate portion 512 in the Y-axis direction. The center of the insertion hole 5120 coincides with the rotation axis J2. On the -Y direction side of the insertion hole 5120, the second motor bearing holder 516 is arranged. On the +Y direction side of the insertion hole 5120, the first gear bearing holder 517 is arranged. The second motor bearing holder 516 and the first gear bearing holder 517 are connected through the insertion hole 5120.

[0067] The drive shaft Ds penetrates through the first drive shaft through-hole 515 in a rotatable state. In addition, in the second housing member 52, a second drive shaft through-hole 523 is arranged. The second drive shaft through-hole 523 is a hole that penetrates the second housing member 52 in the Y-axis direction. The drive shaft Ds penetrates through the second drive shaft through-hole 523 in a rotatable state. The second drive shaft through-hole 523 overlaps with the first drive shaft through-hole 515 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Thereby, the drive shafts Ds arranged at both ends in the Y-axis direction of the differential device 32 rotate around the differential axis J5. Between the drive shaft Ds and the first drive shaft through-hole 515, and between the drive shaft Ds and the second drive shaft through-hole 523, an oil seal (not shown) is provided to suppress the leakage of the oil CL. A vehicle axle (not shown) for rotating the wheel is connected to the tip of the drive shaft Ds.

[0068] The second motor bearing holder 516 extends in the -Y direction from the edge of the insertion hole 5120. The outer ring of the second motor bearing 282 is fixed to the second motor bearing holder 516. The end of the motor shaft 22 on the +Y direction side is fixed to the inner ring of the second motor bearing 282. Note that a first motor bearing holder 531 is arranged on the +Y direction side of the third housing member 53. The central axes of the first motor bearing holder 531 and the second motor bearing holder 516 respectively coincide with the rotation axis J2. The outer ring of the first motor bearing 281 is fixed to the first motor bearing holder 531. The end of the motor shaft 22 on the -Y direction side is fixed to the inner ring of the first motor bearing 281. Thus, the motor unit 2 rotatably supports both ends of the rotor 21 in the Y-axis direction via the first motor bearing 281 and the second motor bearing 282 to the housing 5.

[0069] The first gear bearing holder 517 extends in the +Y direction from the edge of the insertion hole 5120. The outer ring of the first gear bearing 341 is fixed to the first gear bearing holder 517. The end of the transmission shaft 310 on the -Y direction side is fixed to the inner ring of the first gear bearing 341. Note that a second gear bearing holder 521 is arranged on the -Y direction side of the second housing member 52. The central axes of the second gear bearing holder 521 and the first gear bearing holder 517 coincide with the rotation axis J2. The outer ring of the second gear bearing 342 is fixed to the second gear bearing holder 521. The transmission shaft 310 is fixed to the inner ring of the second gear bearing 342. Thus, the transmission shaft 310 rotatably supports to the side plate portion 512 of the housing 5 and the second housing member 52 via the first gear bearing 341 and the second gear bearing 342.

[0070] Next, the third gear bearing holder 518 is cylindrical and extends in the +Y direction from the side plate portion 512. The third gear bearing holder 518 is arranged in the -X direction and +Z direction with respect to the first gear bearing holder 517. The outer ring of the third gear bearing 343 is fixed to the third gear bearing holder 518. Further, the intermediate shaft 314 is fixed to the inner ring of the third gear bearing 343. A fourth gear bearing holder 522 is arranged on the -Y direction side of the second housing member 52. The fourth gear bearing holder 522 is cylindrical and extends in the -Y direction from the second housing member 52. The central axes of the third gear bearing holder 518 and the fourth gear bearing holder 522 coincide with the intermediate axis J4. The outer ring of the fourth gear bearing 344 is fixed to the fourth gear bearing holder 522. Further, the end portion on the +Y direction side of the intermediate shaft 314 is fixed to the inner ring of the fourth gear bearing 344. Thereby, the intermediate shaft 314 is rotatably supported by the side plate portion 512 of the housing 5 and the second housing member 52 via the third gear bearing 343 and the fourth gear bearing 344.

[0071] The side plate opening 519 is arranged in the side plate portion 512 that partitions the motor housing portion 61 and the gear housing portion 62. The housing 5 includes the side plate opening 519. The side plate opening 519 penetrates the side plate portion 512 in the Y-axis direction and connects the motor housing portion 61 and the gear housing portion 62. In particular, the side plate opening 519 communicates the lower portion of the motor housing portion 61 and the lower portion of the gear housing portion 62. The side plate opening 519 enables the oil CL accumulated in the lower portion within the motor housing portion 61 to move to the gear housing portion 62. The oil CL that has moved to the gear housing portion 62 can flow into the oil reservoir P.

[0072] Next, the configuration of the second housing member 52 will be described. The second housing member 52 is attached to the +Y direction side of the gear cylinder portion 513 of the first housing member 51. The shape of the second housing member 52 is a concave shape that opens to the side plate portion 512 side. As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the second housing member 52 has a second gear bearing holding portion 521, a fourth gear bearing holding portion 522, and a second drive shaft through hole 523. Since these have been described above, they will be omitted here.

[0073] The second housing member 52 has a saucer portion 524, a gear side oil passage 525, and a gear side restricting member 526. In other words, the housing 5 has a saucer portion 524, a gear side oil passage 525, and a gear side restricting member 526.

[0074] The saucer portion 524 is disposed radially outward with respect to the differential shaft J5 than the fourth gear 321 and opens in the +Z direction (that is, vertically upward). The oil CL scraped up by the fourth gear 321 is stored in the saucer portion 524. The saucer portion 524 extends in the +Y direction from the side plate portion 512. The end portion on the +Y direction side of the saucer portion 524 is connected to the inner surface facing the -Y direction of the second housing member 52.

[0075] The gear side oil passage 525 is formed inside the second housing member 52. The gear side oil passage 525 is a flow path of the oil CL that connects the end portion on the +Y direction side of the saucer portion 524 and the second gear bearing holding portion 521. One end of the gear side oil passage 525 is connected to the end portion on the +Y direction side of the saucer portion 524 and is connected to the saucer portion 524. The other end of the gear side oil passage 525 is connected to the second gear bearing holding portion 521. The oil CL stored in the saucer portion 524 is supplied to the gear side oil passage 525. As shown in FIG. 2, a part of the oil CL supplied to the gear side oil passage 525 is supplied to the second gear bearing 342. Another part of the oil CL supplied to the gear side oil passage 525 flows into the hollow portion 3101 from the end portion on the +Y direction side of the transmission shaft 310 and flows in the -Y direction and then flows into the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22.

[0076] The gear-side restricting member 526 restricts the amount of oil CL supplied from the gear-side oil passage 525 to the second gear bearing 342. By this restriction, it is possible to ensure the oil CL supplied from the gear-side oil passage 525 to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 through the hollow portion 3101 of the transmission shaft 310. The gear-side restricting member 526 has an annular portion (reference numeral omitted) facing the second gear bearing 342 in the Y-axis direction, and a cylindrical portion (reference numeral omitted) extending in the -Y direction from the radially inner end portion of the annular portion and inserted into the transmission shaft 310. The annular portion has a through hole (reference numeral omitted) penetrating the annular portion in the Y-axis direction. The oil CL is supplied to the second gear bearing 342 through the through hole and is also supplied to the inside of the transmission shaft 310 through the cylindrical portion.

[0077] <1-5. Motor-side oil passage> Next, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the housing 5 further has a motor-side oil passage 55 through which the oil CL flows. A part of the motor-side oil passage 55 is arranged in the first housing member 51, and the remaining part is arranged in the third housing member 53. The motor-side oil passage 55 is a flow path through which the oil CL sucked up from the oil reservoir P in the gear housing portion 62 by the pump 4 and cooled by the oil cooler 8 flows toward the motor portion 2.

[0078] The motor-side oil passage 55 includes a first oil passage 551, a second oil passage 552, a third oil passage 553, and a fourth oil passage 554. The first oil passage 551, the second oil passage 552, and the third oil passage 553 are formed in the first housing member 51.

[0079] As described above, the first oil passage 551 connects the gear housing portion 62 and the suction port 41 of the pump 4, and in particular, connects the lower vertical portion of the gear housing portion 62 and the suction port 41 of the pump 4. In the present embodiment, the first oil passage 551 is formed inside the side plate portion 512.

[0080] Oil CL sent from the pump 4 flows through the second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553. As described above, the motor-side oil passage 55 has the second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553. The second oil passage 552 connects the discharge port 43 of the pump 4 and the oil cooler 8, and supplies the oil CL discharged from the pump 4 to the oil cooler 8. The third oil passage 553 is connected to the fourth oil passage 554 via a connection passage 5531 to be described later. The second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553 are arranged in either the plate portion 5141 or the peripheral wall portion 5142.

[0081] The fourth oil passage 554 connects the third oil passage 553 and the motor housing portion 61. The fourth oil passage 554 is arranged within the third housing member 53. In other words, the fourth oil passage 554 is a through hole formed in the third housing member 53. In this way, the fourth oil passage 554 can be arranged without increasing the number of parts of the drive device 1.

[0082] Also, the motor-side oil passage 55 further has a connection passage 5531. The connection passage 5531 connects the second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553 to the fourth oil passage 554.

[0083] Next, the fourth oil passage 554 has a first supply passage 555, a second supply passage 556, and a third supply passage 557. The first supply passage 555 is connected to the third oil passage 553 via the connection passage 5531. The second supply passage 556 connects the first supply passage 555 and the oil supply portion 558. The third supply passage 557 connects the first supply passage 555 and the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22. That is, one end portion of the fourth oil passage 554 is the first supply passage 555, and the other end portion of the fourth oil passage 554 branches into the second supply passage 556 and the third supply passage 557.

[0084] In other words, the motor-side oil passage 55 has the first supply passage 555. Oil CL to be supplied to the motor portion 2 flows through the first supply passage 555.

[0085] Further, the motor-side oil passage 55 further has a second supply passage 556 and a third supply passage 557. The second supply passage 556 is connected to the oil supply portion 558 and supplies a part of the oil CL flowing through the first supply passage 555 to the outer surface of the stator 25. The third supply passage 557 supplies another part of the oil CL flowing through the first supply passage 555 to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22. Note that the third supply passage 557 also supplies the oil CL to the first motor bearing 281.

[0086] The first supply passage 555, the second supply passage 556, and the third supply passage 557 are arranged in the third housing member 53. In this way, the first supply passage 555, the second supply passage 556, and the third supply passage 557 can be arranged without increasing the number of parts of the drive device 1.

[0087] Also, the second supply passage 556 and the third supply passage 557 extend in a direction intersecting the Y-axis direction. In this way, an increase in the size of the third housing member 53 in the Y-axis direction due to the arrangement of the second supply passage 556 and the third supply passage 557 can be suppressed.

[0088] Preferably, the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the third supply passage 557 is smaller than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the second supply passage 556. In this way, the oil CL flowing through the first supply passage 555 is more likely to flow into the second supply passage 556 than into the third supply passage 557. Therefore, even if the flow pressure of the oil CL flowing through the motor-side oil passage 55 is not increased too much, a sufficient amount of the oil CL can be made to flow through the second supply passage 556 and supplied to the outer surface of the stator 25.

[0089] Next, the third supply path 557 is connected to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 via the first motor bearing holding portion 531. As described above, the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 is connected to the rotor through hole 230 of the rotor core 23. For example, the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 is connected to the rotor through hole 230 via the shaft hole portion 222 and the rotor communication portion 231 (see FIG. 5). That is, the rotor through hole 230 is connected to the third supply path 557 via the first motor bearing holding portion 531 and the hollow portion 220. Therefore, when the rotor 21 rotates, the oil CL is supplied from the axial end portion of the rotor through hole 230 to the axial end portion of the stator 25. Accordingly, the oil CL supplied from the rotor through hole 230 can cool the axial end portion of the stator 25, and in particular, can cool the coil end 271 of the stator 25.

[0090] Note that the oil CL that has cooled the motor unit 2 accumulates in the lower part of the motor housing portion 61 and then flows through the side plate opening 519 to the oil sump P in the lower part of the gear housing portion 62. That is, the oil CL supplied to the outer radial surface of the stator 25 via the oil supply portion 558 from the second supply path 556 to cool the stator 25 accumulates in the lower part of the motor housing portion 61 and then flows through the side plate opening 519 to the oil sump P in the lower part of the gear housing portion 62. Also, the oil CL supplied to the coil end 271 and the like via the rotor through hole 230 from the third supply path 557 accumulates in the lower part of the motor housing portion 61 and then flows through the side plate opening 519 to the oil sump P in the lower part of the gear housing portion 62.

[0091] A supply restricting member 5571 for restricting the supply amount of the oil CL to the hollow portion 220 is disposed in the third supply path 557 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In the first motor bearing holding portion 531, the supply restricting member 5571 is disposed at the -Y direction side end portion of the shaft cylinder portion 221. The drive device 1 includes the supply restricting member 5571.

[0092] In this embodiment, the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the supply restriction member 5571 is smaller than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the second supply path 556. By doing so, the flow pressure, amount, etc. of the oil CL supplied to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 can be adjusted.

[0093] <1-6. Oil supply unit 558> Next, with reference to FIGS. 7A to 9, the oil supply unit 558 will be described. The oil supply unit 558 is disposed radially outward of the stator 25 and in the +Z direction with respect to the rotation axis J2. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the oil supply unit 558 according to the embodiment. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the configuration of the oil supply unit 558. FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the configuration of the oil supply unit 558. FIG. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the +Y-direction side end portion of the oil supply unit 558 as viewed from the X-axis direction. FIG. 9 is a schematic configuration diagram of the +Y-direction side end portion of the oil supply unit 558 as viewed from the +Y direction to the -Y direction. Note that FIGS. 7A to 7C show a cross-sectional structure when the motor housing portion 61 is cut by a virtual plane perpendicular to the Y-axis direction.

[0094] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A, the oil supply unit 558 is pipe-shaped and extends in the Y-axis direction, and is housed in the motor housing portion 61 together with the motor unit 2. In this way, the oil supply unit 558 can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0095] Note that the present invention is not limited to the example of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7B, the oil supply unit 558 may be a tray extending in the Y-axis direction and opening vertically upward (in the +Z direction in FIG. 7B). This tray is housed in the motor housing portion 61 together with the motor unit 2. Even in this way, the oil supply unit 558 can be realized with a simple configuration.

[0096] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7C, the oil supply unit 558 may be a part of the motor cylinder portion 511. In this case, the oil flow path 5580 described later may be arranged in the motor cylinder portion 511. For example, the oil flow path 5580 may be a through hole formed inside the motor cylinder portion 511 and extending in the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 7C), or may be a groove portion formed on the inner surface of the motor cylinder portion 511 and extending in the Y-axis direction. By doing so, the space occupied by the oil supply unit 558 in the motor housing portion 61 can be excluded or made smaller. Therefore, the oil supply unit 558 can be realized with a simple configuration while reducing the space of the motor housing portion 61.

[0097] Next, the oil supply unit 558 has an oil flow path 5580 through which the oil CL can flow. The oil flow path 5580 is an example of the "lubricating fluid flow path" of the present invention. The end portion on the -Y direction side of the oil flow path 5580 is connected to the second supply path 556. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the end portion on the +Y direction side of the oil flow path 5580 is connected to the third gear bearing holder 518, and further connected to the insertion hole 5120 via the third gear bearing holder 518. That is, the oil flow path 5580 is also connected to the second motor bearing holder 516 and the first gear bearing holder 517. Note that the present invention is not limited to the example of the present embodiment, and the oil flow path 5580 may be connected only to the third gear bearing holder 518, or may be directly connected to the second motor bearing holder 516 and the first gear bearing holder 517. That is, the oil flow path 5580 only needs to be connected to at least one of the third gear bearing holder 518 and the second motor bearing holder 516 and the first gear bearing holder 517.

[0098] An oil flow path 5580 through which oil CL supplied to the stator 25 can flow is connected to at least one of a third gear bearing holder 518 that holds a third gear bearing 343, a first gear bearing holder 517 that holds a first gear bearing 341, and a second motor bearing holder 516 that holds a second motor bearing 282. Therefore, a part of the oil CL flowing through the oil flow path 5580 is supplied to the stator 25 and can cool the stator 25. Further, another part of this oil CL can cool and lubricate at least one of the third gear bearing 343 and the first gear bearing 341 and the second motor bearing 282. Thus, with a simpler configuration, both the cooling of the stator 25 and the cooling and lubrication of at least one of the above-mentioned bearings can be performed by the oil CL flowing through the oil flow path 5580.

[0099] Preferably, the oil supply unit 558 includes a first oil supply unit 558a having a first oil flow path 5580a and a second oil supply unit 558b having a second oil flow path 5580b. The oil flow path 5580 includes the first oil flow path 5580a and the second oil flow path 5580b. The first oil flow path 5580a is arranged in the +Y direction with respect to the second oil flow path 5580b and is arranged on the +Y direction side of the oil supply unit 558. The end portion on the -Y direction side of the second oil flow path 5580b is connected to the second supply path 556. The end portion on the +Y direction side of the second oil flow path 5580b is connected to the -Y direction side of the first oil flow path 5580a. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the end portion on the +Y direction side of the first oil flow path 5580a is connected to the third gear bearing holder 518 and further connected to the insertion hole 5120 via the third gear bearing holder 518. The cross-sectional area of the first oil flow path 5580a is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second oil flow path 5580b. By making the cross-sectional area of the first oil flow path 5580a closer to the third gear bearing holder 518 than the second oil flow path 5580b smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second oil flow path 5580b, the amount of oil CL supplied from the oil flow path 5580 to the third gear bearing holder 518 can be adjusted. Therefore, it is possible to supply oil CL from the oil flow path 5580 to the third gear bearing holder 518 while ensuring a sufficient amount of oil CL supplied from the oil flow path 5580 to the stator 25. Note that the above examples do not exclude a configuration in which the oil supply unit 558 does not include the first oil supply unit 558a and the second oil supply unit 558b, particularly a configuration in which the oil flow path 5580 does not include the first oil flow path 5580a and the second oil flow path 5580b.

[0100] In addition, the oil supply portion 558 further has a spraying hole 5581. The spraying hole 5581 is an example of the "first supply hole" of the present invention. It extends from the oil flow path 5580 and opens toward the stator 25. Specifically, the spraying hole 5581 penetrates the oil supply portion 558 in the radial direction. The spraying hole 5581 penetrates from the oil flow path 5580 to the outside of the oil supply portion 558 and opens toward the outer surface of the stator 25. In this way, the oil CL flowing through the oil flow path 5580 can be made to flow out from the spraying hole 5581 toward the stator 25. Therefore, the stator 25 can be more reliably cooled by the oil CL.

[0101] The oil flow path 5580 and the intermediate shaft J4 are arranged in the +Z direction relative to the rotation shaft J2. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the +Y-direction end of the oil flow path 5580 overlaps with the third gear bearing holder 518. In this way, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the oil flow path 5580 can be arranged at a position closer to the third gear bearing holder 518 that rotatably supports the intermediate shaft 314 along the intermediate shaft J4.

[0102] Also, in the present embodiment, the oil supply portion 558 further has a supply hole 5582. The supply hole 5582 is an example of the "second supply hole" of the present invention. The supply hole 5582 is arranged at the +Y-direction end of the oil supply portion 558 and penetrates the oil supply portion 558. In the present embodiment, the hole portion 5121 extends in the Y-axis direction, and the +Y-direction end of the oil supply portion 558 is inserted into the hole portion 5121 that extends in the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 1 etc.). Also, the +Y-direction end of the oil supply portion 558 is arranged in the +Y direction relative to the +Y-direction end of the supply hole 5582. The oil flow path 5580 is connected to the third gear bearing holder 518 through the supply hole 5582. In this way, the oil flow path 5580 can be connected to the third gear bearing holder 518 with a simple configuration.

[0103] However, it is not limited to the above example. The +Y-direction end of the oil supply portion 558 may be at the same Y-axis direction position (i.e., flush) as the +Y-direction end of the supply hole 5582, or may be arranged in the -Y direction relative to the +Y-direction end of the supply hole 5582.

[0104] Further, the hole portion 5121 does not have to be a through hole extending in the Y-axis direction. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing another configuration example of the hole portion 5121. For example, in FIG. 10, the hole portion 5121 is disposed inside the side plate portion 512. The hole portion 5121 includes a first communication passage 5122, a second communication passage 5123, and a third communication passage 5124. The first communication passage 5122 is a space extending in the +Y direction from the end face on the -Y direction side of the side plate portion 512 and is connected to the oil flow path 5580. The second communication passage 5123 is a space extending in the -Y direction from the end face on the +Y direction side of the side plate portion 512 and is connected to the third gear bearing holder 518. The third communication passage 5124 is a space extending in a direction intersecting the Y-axis direction and connects the end portion on the +Y direction side of the first communication passage 5122 and the end portion on the -Y direction side of the second communication passage 5123. In this way, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, even if the end portion on the +Y direction side of the oil flow path 5580 is separated from the third gear bearing holder 518 in a direction intersecting the Y-axis direction, the two can be connected via the hole portion 5121. This configuration is particularly effective for a configuration in which the oil flow path 5580 is directly connected to the insertion hole 5120.

[0105] Preferably, the +Y direction side of the oil supply portion 558 is fitted into the hole portion 5121. That is, the +Y direction side of the oil supply portion 558 is fitted at least to the -Y direction side of the hole portion 5121. For example, the end portion on the +Y direction side of the oil supply portion 558 is inserted into the hole portion 5121 and protrudes from the hole portion 5121 in the +Y direction in the case of FIG. 8. Alternatively, the end portion on the +Y direction side of the oil supply portion 558 may be in the -Y direction relative to the end portion on the +Y direction side of the hole portion 5121. Further, the end portion on the +Y direction side of the oil supply portion 558 is fitted into the first communication passage 5122 in the case of FIG. 10. At the fitting portion between the two, the radially outer surface of the oil supply portion 558 contacts the inner surface of the hole portion 5121. In this way, by fitting the two, the -Y direction side of the oil supply portion 558 can be fixed to the side plate portion 512. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the +Y direction side of the oil supply portion 558 is not fitted into the hole portion 5121. For example, it is sufficient that the oil flow path 5580 is connected to the hole portion 5121.

[0106] Here, preferably, the side plate portion 512 further has a protruding portion 5125 extending in the -Y direction. Specifically, the protruding portion 5125 extends in the -Y direction at the end face on the -Y direction side of the side plate portion 512. The hole portion 5121 penetrates the protruding portion 5125 in the Y-axis direction. The protruding portion 5125 is connected to the oil supply portion 558. For example, the oil supply portion 558 is inserted and fitted into the hole portion 5121 at the end portion on the -Y direction side of the protruding portion 5125, or fixed to the end portion on the -Y direction side of the protruding portion 5125 by means such as welding or brazing. In this way, the +Y direction side portion of the oil supply portion 558 can be easily connected to the hole portion 5121. Further, when the +Y direction side portion of the oil supply portion 558 is inserted or fitted into the hole portion 5121, the insertion or fitting becomes easier.

[0107] <1-7. Third Gear Bearing Holder 518> Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the configuration of the third gear bearing holder 518 will be described.

[0108] The third gear bearing holder 518 has an annular outer wall surface 5181 and an inner wall surface 5182. The outer wall surface 5181 and the inner wall surface 5182 are surfaces facing the +Y direction. The -Y direction side end portion of the third gear bearing 343 contacts the outer wall surface 5181. The inner wall surface 5182 is arranged inside the outer wall surface 5181 when viewed from the Y-axis direction and is arranged in the -Y direction from the outer wall surface 5181. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, at least a part of the +Y direction side end portion of the oil flow path 5580 overlaps with the inner wall surface 5182. In this way, by arranging the inner wall surface 5182 inside the outer wall surface 5181, a gap can be formed between the -Y direction side end portion of the third gear bearing 343 and the inner wall surface 5182. Therefore, due to this gap, the oil CL flowing out from the oil flow path 5580 to the third gear bearing holder 518 can be supplied to the -Y direction side end portion of the third gear bearing 343. Therefore, it becomes easier to lubricate the third gear bearing 343 well.

[0109] Further, the third gear bearing holding portion 518 further has a peripheral wall portion 5183. The peripheral wall portion 5183 is annular and surrounds the intermediate shaft J4. The outer surface of the third gear bearing 343 is in contact with the peripheral wall portion 5183. Also, one end portion of the passage 5126 is connected to the peripheral wall portion 5183. That is, the passage 5126 penetrates the peripheral wall portion 5183 in the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis J2. Specifically, the side plate portion 512 has the passage 5126. The passage 5126 is connected from the third gear bearing holding portion 518 to the first gear bearing holding portion 517 and the second motor bearing holding portion 516. In this way, a part of the oil CL supplied to the third gear bearing holding portion 518 can be supplied to the first gear bearing holding portion 517 and the second motor bearing holding portion 516 through the passage 5126. Therefore, the supplied oil CL can cool and lubricate the first gear bearing 341 and the second motor bearing 282.

[0110] Further, the third gear bearing holder 518 further has a guide portion 5184. The guide portion 5184 guides a part of the oil CL supplied to the third gear bearing holder 518 to the passage 5126. The guide portion 5184 is a step disposed on the inner wall surface 5182 of the third gear bearing holder 518. The guide portion 5184 has a first surface 51841, a second surface 51842, and a first guide surface 51843. The first surface 51841 and the second surface 51842 are each a part of the inner wall surface 5182 and face the +Y direction. The first surface 51841 is disposed in the -Y direction and in the +X direction with respect to the second surface 51842. The +X direction is an example of the "one direction" of the present invention and is the direction from the intermediate axis J4 toward the rotation axis J2 in a direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The first guide surface 51843 connects the end of the first surface 51841 on the second surface 51842 side and the end of the second surface 51842 on the first surface 51841 side, and the first guide surface 51843 is connected to the passage 5126. In the present embodiment, the lower end portion in the vertical direction (i.e., the end portion on the -Z direction side) of the first guide surface 51843 is connected to the inner surface of the passage 5126. The first guide surface 51843 faces at least one of the +X direction and the +Z direction. By disposing the guide portion 5184 on the inner wall surface 5182, a part of the oil CL supplied to the third gear bearing holder 518 is guided to the passage 5126 by the first guide surface 51843 and can be further supplied to the first gear bearing holder 517 and the second motor bearing holder 516 through the passage 5126. Therefore, this oil CL can be efficiently supplied to the first gear bearing 341 and the second motor bearing 282.

[0111] On the first surface 51841, at least a part of the end portion of the hole portion 5121 on the +Y direction side is disposed. In the present embodiment, a part of the end portion of the hole portion 5121 on the +Y direction side is disposed on the first surface 51841, and the other part is disposed on the outer wall surface 5181. Preferably, the other part of the end portion of the hole portion 5121 on the +Y direction side is not disposed on the second surface 51842. More preferably, all of the end portion of the hole portion 5121 on the +Y direction side is disposed on the first surface 51841. In this way, it becomes easier to guide a part of the oil CL supplied to the third gear bearing holding portion 518 to the first guide surface 51843.

[0112] On the other hand, the other end of the passage 5126 is connected to the insertion hole 5120 and is connected to the first gear bearing holding portion 517 in the present embodiment. The first gear bearing holding portion 517 has a peripheral wall portion 5173. The peripheral wall portion 5173 is annular and surrounds the rotation axis J2. The outer surface of the first gear bearing 341 is in contact with the peripheral wall portion 5173. The passage 5126 penetrates the peripheral wall portion 5173 in the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis J2.

[0113] The first gear bearing holding portion 517 further has an annular outer annular surface 5171 and an annular inner annular surface 5172. The outer annular surface 5171 and the inner annular surface 5172 are each a surface facing the +Y direction and are annular and surround the rotation axis J2. The -Y direction side end portion of the first gear bearing 341 is in contact with the outer annular surface 5171. The inner annular surface 5172 is disposed inside the outer annular surface 5171 when viewed in the Y-axis direction and is disposed in the -Y direction with respect to the outer annular surface 5171. By disposing the inner annular surface 5172 in the -Y direction with respect to the outer annular surface 5171, a gap can be formed between the -Y direction side end portion of the first gear bearing 341 and the inner annular surface 5172. Therefore, due to this gap, the oil CL supplied to the first gear bearing holding portion 517 can be supplied to the -Y direction side end portion of the first gear bearing 341. Therefore, it becomes easier to lubricate the first gear bearing 341 well.

[0114] Also, preferably, the passage 5126 has a second guide surface 51261. The second guide surface 51261 is a part of the inner surface of the passage 5126. In other words, the inner surface of the passage 5126 includes the second guide surface 51261. The second guide surface 51261 is arranged in the -Y direction with respect to the third gear bearing holder 518, for example, arranged in the -Y direction with respect to the first surface 51841 of the inner wall surface 5182. Specifically, the second guide surface 51261 is the inner surface of the groove portion 51262 that is recessed in the -Y direction. The groove portion 51262 is arranged at least on the inner surface of the passage 5126. In the present embodiment, further, one end of the groove portion 51262 is arranged on the inner wall surface 5182 of the third gear bearing holder 518. The other end of the groove portion 51262 is arranged on at least the outer annular surface 5171 of the first gear bearing holder 517. Note that the other end of the groove portion 51262 may be further arranged on the inner wall surface 5182. The second guide surface 51261 can efficiently guide the oil CL from the first guide surface 51843 to the inner surface of the passage 5126. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the passage 5126 does not have the second guide surface 51261.

[0115] Also, preferably, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the passage 5126 extends in a direction from one of the rotation axis J2 and the intermediate axis J4 to the other. For example, the passage 5126 extends linearly in the above direction. By doing so, the length of the passage 5126 can be made shorter, so that the oil CL can be efficiently supplied from the third gear bearing holder 518 to the first gear bearing holder 517 through the passage 5126.

[0116] <2. Modifications of the Embodiment> Next, with reference to FIG. 11, a modification of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of the drive device 1 according to the modification as viewed from the X-axis direction. Note that FIG. 11 is merely a conceptual diagram, and the arrangement and dimensions of each part are not necessarily the same as those of the actual drive device 1. Hereinafter, configurations different from the above-described embodiment will be described. Also, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the above-described embodiment, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0117] In the modified example, the drive shaft Ds is inserted inside the cylindrical output shaft 20 extending in the Y-axis direction and extends along the rotation axis J2. Specifically, a part of the drive shaft Ds (that is, the central part in the Y-axis direction) is disposed inside the output shaft 20. The end portion of the drive shaft Ds on the -Y direction side is disposed in the -Y direction with respect to the output shaft 20. The end portion of the drive shaft Ds on the +Y direction side and the differential device 32 are disposed in the +Y direction with respect to the output shaft 20. The drive shaft Ds is rotatable about the rotation axis J2. That is, the differential axis J5 coincides with the rotation axis J2. The drive device 1 includes the drive shaft Ds. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the drive shaft Ds is disposed concentrically with the output shaft 20.

[0118] Specifically, the portion of the drive shaft Ds on the -Y direction side is inserted inside the motor shaft 22 and is disposed concentrically with the shaft cylinder portion 221 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Further, the first drive shaft through hole 515 is disposed in the third housing member 53. The third housing member 53 further has a first output bearing holding portion 532 and a first output bearing 5321. The first output bearing holding portion 532 is disposed in the first drive shaft through hole 515 and rotatably supports the -Y direction side of the drive shaft Ds via the first output bearing 5321. The first output bearing holding portion 532 is connected to the third supply path 557. Therefore, the first output bearing 5321 is lubricated and cooled by the oil CL flowing through the third supply path 557. An oil seal (not shown) is disposed on the -Y direction side of the first output bearing holding portion 532.

[0119] The portion of the drive shaft Ds on the +Y direction side is inserted inside the transmission shaft 310 and is arranged concentrically with the transmission shaft cylindrical portion 3102 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. Further, the differential device 32 is arranged in the +Y direction from the transmission shaft 310. The second housing member 52 further includes a second output bearing holder 5231 and a second output bearing 5232. The second output bearing holder 5231 is arranged in the second drive shaft through hole 523 and rotatably supports the +Y direction side of the drive shaft Ds via the second output bearing 5232. An oil seal (not shown) is arranged on the +Y direction side of the second output bearing holder 5231.

[0120] Also, the second gear bearing holder 521 that rotatably holds the +Y direction side end of the output shaft 20 is arranged on the -Y direction side from the differential device 32 and is supported by the side plate portion 512 or the gear cylindrical portion 513.

[0121] In the modification described above, the drive device 1 further includes a drive shaft Ds. The drive shaft Ds extends along the differential shaft J5 extending in the Y-axis direction and is rotatable about the differential shaft J5. The gear portion 3 further includes a differential device 32. The differential device 32 is attached to the drive shaft Ds and transmits the torque of the fourth gear 321 to the drive shaft Ds. The output shaft 20 is cylindrical and extends in the Y-axis direction. A part of the drive shaft Ds is arranged inside the output shaft 20. The -Y direction side end of the drive shaft Ds is arranged in the -Y direction from the output shaft 20. The +Y direction side end of the drive shaft Ds and the differential device 32 are arranged in the +Y direction from the output shaft 20.

[0122] In this way, there is no need to secure a space for arranging the drive shaft Ds and the differential device 32 radially outward from the output shaft 20. Therefore, the size of the drive device 1 in the direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction can be made smaller. Therefore, the drive device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0123] Also, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the drive shaft Ds is arranged concentrically with the output shaft 20. By doing so, a gap can be obtained between the drive shaft Ds and the output shaft 20 in the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis J2. Therefore, this gap can be utilized as a flow path through which the oil CL flows.

[0124] Also, the differential shaft J5 coincides with the rotation axis J2. Since the rotation centers of the drive shaft Ds and the output shaft 20 coincide, the gap between the two in the radial direction with respect to the rotation axis J2 can be made constant. Therefore, the oil CL can be made to flow through this gap without varying the flow rate and the flow resistance.

[0125] <3. Others> The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Note that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The present invention can be implemented with various modifications made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the gist of the invention. Also, the matters described in the above-described embodiments can be arbitrarily combined as appropriate without causing contradictions.

Industrial Applicability

[0126] The present invention is useful, for example, for drive motors of vehicles such as hybrid vehicles (HV), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHV), and electric vehicles (EV).

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0127] 1... Driving device, 2... Motor section, 20... Output shaft, 21... Rotor, 22... Motor shaft, 220... Hollow portion, 221... Shaft cylinder portion, 222... Shaft hole portion, 23... Rotor core, 230... Rotor through-hole, 231... Rotor communication portion, 24... Rotor magnet, 25... Stator, 26... Stator core, 27... Coil, 271... Coil end, 281... First motor bearing, 282... Second motor bearing, 3... Gear section, 31... Reduction gear device, 310... Transmission shaft, 3101... Hollow portion, 3102... Cylinder portion, 311... First gear, 312... Second gear, 313... Third gear, 314... Intermediate shaft, 32... Differential device, 321... Fourth gear, 341... First gear bearing, 342... Second gear bearing, 343... Third gear bearing, 344... Fourth gear bearing, 4... Pump, 41... Suction port, 42... Strainer, 43... Discharge port, 5... Housing, 51... First housing member, 511... Motor cylinder portion, 512... Side plate portion, 5120... Insertion hole, 5121... Hole portion, 5122... First communication path, 5123... Second communication path, 5124... Third communication path, 5125... Protrusion, 5126... Path, 51261... Second guide surface, 51262... Groove portion, 513... Gear cylinder portion, 5141... Plate portion, 5142... Peripheral wall portion, 515... First drive shaft through-hole, 516... Second motor bearing holding portion, 517... First gear bearing holding portion, 5171... Outer annular surface, 5172... Inner annular surface, 5173... Peripheral wall portion, 518... Third gear bearing holding portion, 5181... Outer wall surface, 5182... Inner wall surface, 5183... Peripheral wall portion, 5184... Guide portion, 51841... First surface, 51842... Second surface, 51843... First guide surface, 519... Side plate opening, 52... Second housing member, 521... Second gear bearing holding portion, 522... Fourth gear bearing holding portion, 523... Second drive shaft through-hole, 5231... Second output bearing holding portion, 5232... Second output bearing, 524... Tray portion, 525... Gear side oil path, 526... Gear side limiting member, 53... Third housing member530 ··· Contact part, 531 ··· First motor bearing holding part, 532 ··· First output bearing holding part, 5321 ··· First output bearing, 54 ··· Fourth housing member, 55 ··· Motor side oil passage, 551 ··· First oil passage, 552 ··· Second oil passage, 553 ··· Third oil passage, 5530 ··· Connecting pipe, 5531 ··· Connecting flow path, 5532 ··· Cylindrical part, 554 ··· Fourth oil passage, 555 ··· First supply path, 556 ··· Second supply path, 557 ··· Third supply path, 5571 ··· Supply restricting member, 558 ··· Oil supply part, 558a ··· First oil supply part, 558b ··· Second oil supply part, 5580 ··· Oil flow path, 5580a ··· First oil flow path, 5580b ··· Second oil flow path, 5581 ··· Spraying hole, 5582 ··· Supply hole, 61 ··· Motor housing part, 62 ··· Gear housing part, 63 ··· Inverter housing part, 64 ··· Pump housing part, 7 ··· Inverter unit, 8 ··· Oil cooler, CL ··· Oil, Ds ··· Drive shaft, J2 ··· Rotation shaft, J4 ··· Intermediate shaft, J5 ··· Differential shaft, P ··· Oil sump, RE ··· Refrigerant, 200 ··· Vehicle, 150 ··· Battery

Claims

1. a first shaft extending along a first rotation axis extending in an axial direction and rotatable about the first rotation axis; a rotor supported by the first shaft and rotatable together with the first shaft; a stator disposed radially outward from the rotor; a gear portion connected to one axial end of the first shaft; a lubricant supply unit disposed radially outward from the stator and supplying lubricant to the stator; a housing that accommodates the rotor, the stator, the lubricating liquid supply unit, and the gear unit; Equipped with The gear portion has a second shaft extending along a second rotation axis extending in the axial direction, The housing includes: a motor cylinder portion extending in an axial direction; a gear cylinder portion disposed axially to one side of the motor cylinder portion and extending in the axial direction; a side plate portion that extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction and separates the motor cylindrical portion from the gear cylindrical portion; a motor housing portion that is surrounded by the motor cylindrical portion and the side plate portion and houses the rotor and the stator; a gear accommodating portion that is surrounded by the gear cylinder portion and the side plate portion and accommodates the gear portion; having The side plate portion has a first bearing retaining portion and a second bearing retaining portion, the first bearing holder rotatably supports the first shaft via a first bearing, the second bearing holder rotatably supports the second shaft via a second bearing, the lubricating liquid supply unit has a lubricating liquid flow path through which the lubricating liquid can flow, the lubricating liquid flow path is connected to at least one of the first bearing retaining portion and the second bearing retaining portion, The side plate portion further includes a hole portion disposed inside the side plate portion, the hole portion includes a first communication passage, a second communication passage, and a third communication passage, the first communication passage is a space extending in one axial direction from the other axial end surface of the side plate portion and connected to the lubricating liquid flow path; The second communication passage is a space extending from one axial end face of the side plate portion to the other axial end face, and is connected to the second bearing retaining portion. the third communication passage is a space extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction, and connects one axial end of the first communication passage and the other axial end of the second communication passage, a position in the axial direction of the drive device where the third communication passage is disposed is different from a position where the second bearing is disposed.

2. a first shaft extending along a first rotation axis extending in an axial direction and rotatable about the first rotation axis; a rotor supported by the first shaft and rotatable together with the first shaft; a stator disposed radially outward from the rotor; a gear portion connected to one axial end of the first shaft; a lubricant supply unit disposed radially outward from the stator and supplying lubricant to the stator; a housing that accommodates the rotor, the stator, the lubricating liquid supply unit, and the gear unit; Equipped with The gear portion has a second shaft extending along a second rotation axis extending in the axial direction, The housing includes: a motor cylinder portion extending in an axial direction; a gear cylinder portion disposed axially to one side of the motor cylinder portion and extending in the axial direction; a side plate portion that extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction and separates the motor cylindrical portion from the gear cylindrical portion; a motor housing portion that is surrounded by the motor cylindrical portion and the side plate portion and houses the rotor and the stator; a gear accommodating portion that is surrounded by the gear cylinder portion and the side plate portion and accommodates the gear portion; having The side plate portion has a first bearing retaining portion and a second bearing retaining portion, the first bearing holder rotatably supports the first shaft via a first bearing, the second bearing holder rotatably supports the second shaft via a second bearing, the lubricating liquid supply unit has a lubricating liquid flow path through which the lubricating liquid can flow, the lubricating liquid flow path is connected to at least one of the first bearing retaining portion and the second bearing retaining portion, The side plate portion further includes a hole portion disposed inside the side plate portion, the hole portion includes a first communication passage, a second communication passage, and a third communication passage, the first communication passage is a space extending in one axial direction from the other axial end surface of the side plate portion and connected to the lubricating liquid flow path; The second communication passage is a space extending from one axial end face of the side plate portion to the other axial end face, and is connected to the second bearing retaining portion. the third communication passage is a space extending in a direction intersecting the axial direction, and connects one axial end of the first communication passage and the other axial end of the second communication passage, the second bearing is disposed axially to one side of the second communication passage, a drive device, wherein one axial end of the second communication passage opens toward the other axial end of the second bearing.

3. The drive unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one axial side of the lubricant supply portion is fitted into the hole portion.

4. The side plate portion further includes a protrusion extending in the other axial direction, The hole penetrates the protrusion in the axial direction, The drive unit according to claim 1 , wherein the protrusion is connected to the lubricating liquid supply unit.

5. The second bearing retaining portion has an annular outer wall surface and an annular inner wall surface, The outer wall surface and the inner wall surface are surfaces facing one axial direction, the other axial end of the second bearing contacts the outer wall surface, The inner wall surface is disposed on the inner side of the outer wall surface as viewed in the axial direction, and is disposed in the other axial direction than the outer wall surface, The drive unit according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of one axial end of the lubricating liquid flow path overlaps with the inner wall surface when viewed from the axial direction.

6. The drive device according to claim 1 , wherein the side plate portion further includes a passage that connects the second bearing retaining portion to the first bearing retaining portion.

7. The side plate portion further includes a passage that connects the second bearing retaining portion to the first bearing retaining portion, the second bearing holder further includes a guide portion that guides a portion of the lubricating liquid supplied to the second bearing holder to the passage, The guide portion has a first surface, a second surface, and a first guide surface, the first surface and the second surface are each a portion of the inner wall surface; The first surface is disposed on the other side of the second surface in the axial direction and on one side of the second surface, the one direction is a direction from the second rotation axis toward the first rotation axis in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction and a vertical direction, The drive device according to claim 5 , wherein the first guide surface connects an end of the first surface on the second surface side to an end of the second surface on the first surface side, and is connected to the passage.

8. The drive unit according to claim 7 , wherein at least a portion of one axial end of the hole is disposed on the first surface.

9. The first bearing retainer has an annular outer annular surface and an annular inner annular surface; The outer annular surface and the inner annular surface are surfaces facing in one axial direction, the other axial end of the first bearing contacts the outer annular surface, The drive device according to claim 6 , wherein the inner annular surface is positioned more inward than the outer annular surface, which is annular when viewed in the axial direction, and is positioned on the other side of the outer annular surface in the axial direction.

10. The drive device according to claim 6 , wherein an inner surface of the passage includes a second guide surface that is disposed on the other side of the second bearing retaining portion in the axial direction.

11. The drive device according to claim 6 , wherein the passage extends in a direction from one of the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft to the other when viewed in the axial direction.

12. The lubricant flow path includes a first lubricant flow path and a second lubricant flow path, the first lubricating liquid flow passage is disposed on one side of the second lubricating liquid flow passage in the axial direction and on one side of the lubricating liquid supply portion in the axial direction, The drive unit according to claim 1 , wherein a flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first lubricant flow path is smaller than a flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second lubricant flow path.

Citation Information

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