Drive device

Abstract

To provide a drive device that can be hoisted stably when assembled or attached to a vehicle.SOLUTION: A drive device in one embodiment is a drive device including: a motor having a rotor rotatable about a first axis; a transmission mechanism located on one side in the axial direction of the motor to transmit rotation of the rotor; and a housing having a first accommodation part that accommodates the motor and a second accommodation part that accommodates the transmission mechanism. A first hole part and a second hole part are provided on the outer surface of the housing. A virtual line connecting the first hole part and the second hole part passes through the first accommodation part. The housing includes a housing body having a cylindrical peripheral wall part surrounding the motor from the radial outer side of the first axis. At least one of the gravity center of the housing and the gravity center of the drive device is vertically overlapped with the virtual line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As a drive device for vehicle driving, a drive device including a motor and a transmission mechanism for transmitting the power of the motor to wheels is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a rear transaxle that drives the rear wheels as such a drive device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When performing the assembly process or the process of assembling to a vehicle, the drive device as described above may be lifted using a hook or the like. However, since the drive device has heavy objects such as a motor and a transmission mechanism and has a complex outer shape, there is a problem that it is difficult to stabilize the posture in the lifted state.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a drive device that can be stably lifted during assembly or when assembling to a vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the drive device of the present invention is a drive device including a motor having a rotor rotatable about a first axis, a transmission mechanism located on one axial side of the motor and transmitting the rotation of the rotor, and a housing having a first housing portion for housing the motor and a second housing portion for housing the transmission mechanism. A first hole portion and a second hole portion are provided on an outer surface of the housing. A virtual line connecting the first hole portion and the second hole portion passes through the first housing portion. The housing has a housing body having a cylindrical peripheral wall portion surrounding the motor from the outside in the radial direction of the first axis. At least one of the center of gravity of the housing body and the center of gravity of the drive device overlaps with the virtual line in the vertical direction.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, one of the objectives is to provide a drive device that can be stably lifted during assembly or when assembling to a vehicle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 5

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Figure 7

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Figure 12

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Figure 15

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

[0010] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the first axis J1 of the motor 2 (Y-axis direction) is simply referred to as "axial direction Y", the radial direction centered on the first axis J1 is simply referred to as "radial direction", and the circumferential direction centered on the first axis J1, that is, the periphery of the first axis J1 is simply referred to as "circumferential direction". Further, in the following description, the front-rear direction of the vehicle (that is, the direction parallel to the X-axis) is referred to as the first direction X. The first direction X is a direction orthogonal to both the axial direction Y and the vertical direction Z.

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

[0012] <Drive Device> Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of the drive device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the drive device 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a front view of the drive device 1 according to the embodiment as viewed from the other axial side (-Y side). Figure 4 is a plan view of the drive device 1 according to the embodiment as viewed from above. Figure 5 is a side view of the drive device 1 according to the embodiment as viewed from one side (-X side) in the first direction.

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

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the drive device 1 includes a motor 2, a transmission mechanism 3, a control unit 7, and a housing 6. The housing 6 houses the motor 2, the transmission mechanism 3, and the control unit 7. Also, in the present embodiment, a fluid O such as oil can be stored inside the housing 6. The housing 6 may be provided with a flow path for circulating the fluid O. In this case, a pump for pumping the fluid O and a cooler for cooling the fluid O may be provided on the outer surface of the housing 6 or inside the housing 6.

[0015] <Motor> The motor 2 has a rotor 20 that is rotatable about a first axis J1 extending in the horizontal direction, and a stator 25 located radially outside the rotor 20. The motor 2 of the present embodiment is, for example, an inner rotor type three-phase AC motor. The motor 2 has both a function of outputting power as a motor and a function of generating electricity as a generator. The motor 2 may be used as either an engine or a generator. Also, the configuration of the motor 2 is not limited to the present embodiment, and for example, an AC motor with four or more phases may be used.

[0016] <Stator> The stator 25 is held by the housing 6. The stator 25 surrounds the rotor 20 from the radially outer side. The stator 25 has an annular stator core 27 centered on the first axis J1, a coil 26 attached to the stator core 27, and an insulator (not shown) interposed between the stator core 27 and the coil 26. The stator core 27 has an annular core back portion and a plurality of tooth portions extending radially inward from the core back portion and arranged in the circumferential direction. Between the tooth portions, a plurality of coil wires constituting the coil 26 are arranged.

[0017] <Rotor> The rotor 20 has a shaft 21, a rotor core 24 fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 21, and a plurality of magnets (not shown) fixed to the rotor core 24. The shaft 21 extends along the first axis J1. The shaft 21 is supported by the housing 6 so as to be rotatable about the first axis J1. The rotor core 24 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 21. The rotor core 24 is columnar and extends along the first axis J1. The rotor core 24 is provided with a through hole through which the shaft 21 passes. The rotor core 24 is provided with, for example, holding holes (not shown) penetrating in the axial direction Y, and the magnets are accommodated in the holding holes.

[0018] <Transmission mechanism> The transmission mechanism 3 is located on one axial side (+Y side) of the motor 2. The transmission mechanism 3 is connected to the rotor 20, transmits the rotation of the rotor 20, and outputs it from the output shaft 55. The transmission mechanism 3 has a first shaft 44, a second shaft 45, a first gear 41, a second gear 42, a third gear 43, and a differential device 5. The differential device 5 has a ring gear (gear) 51, a differential mechanism 5a, and a pair of output shafts 55. That is, the transmission mechanism 3 has a ring gear 51, a differential mechanism 5a, and a pair of output shafts 55. Further, the transmission mechanism 3 has a plurality of gears 41, 42, 43, 51. Wheels (not shown) are provided on each of the pair of output shafts 55.

[0019] The first shaft 44 extends in the axial direction Y about the first axis J1. The first shaft 44 is connected to the end on one axial side (+Y side) of the shaft 21 at the end on the other axial side (-Y side). Thereby, the first shaft 44 is connected to the rotor 20 of the motor 2 and rotates together with the rotor 20. The first gear 41 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first shaft 44. The first gear 41 rotates about the first axis J1. The second shaft 45 is rotatable about the third axis J3 parallel to the first axis J1. The second gear 42 and the third gear 43 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second shaft 45. The second gear 42 and the third gear 43 rotate about the third axis J3. The second gear 42 meshes with the first gear 41. The third gear 43 meshes with the ring gear 51 of the differential device 5. The differential device 5 is rotatable about the second axis J2 parallel to the first axis J1. That is, the ring gear 51 is rotatable about the second axis J2. The differential device 5 absorbs the speed difference between the left and right wheels during vehicle turning and transmits the same torque as the torque transmitted from the third gear 43 to the output shaft 55. The torque output from the motor 2 is transmitted to the ring gear 51 of the differential device 5 via the first shaft 44, the first gear 41, the second gear 42, the second shaft 45, and the third gear 43, and is output to the pair of output shafts 55 via the differential mechanism portion of the differential device 5. The pair of output shafts 55 are each rotatable about the second axis J2.

[0020] The ring gear 51 is immersed in the fluid O stored in the housing 6 at the lower end portion. The ring gear 51 stirs up the fluid O to supply the fluid O to the tooth surfaces of the other gears, thereby enhancing the lubricity between the gears. Note that the gear that stirs up the fluid O may be a gear other than the ring gear 51.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, when viewing the drive device 1 in the axial direction Y, the first axis J1, the third axis J3, and the second axis J2 are arranged in this order along the first direction X. When viewing the drive device 1 in the axial direction Y, the second axis J2 is located on one side (-X side) in the first direction with respect to the first axis J1. That is, in this specification, one side in the first direction X means the side on which the second axis J2 is arranged with respect to the first axis J1 in the first direction X. Also, in this specification, the other side in the first direction X means the side on which the first axis J1 is arranged with respect to the second axis J2 in the first direction X.

[0022] <Control unit> As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 7 is located on the radially outer side of the motor 2 and on the other axial side (-Y side) with respect to the transmission mechanism 3. The control unit 7 is located above the motor 2. The control unit 7 includes an inverter 7A and a power integration system 7B. In this embodiment, the case where the control unit 7 includes the inverter 7A and the power integration system 7B will be described. However, the control unit 7 may include only the inverter 7A and not include the power integration system 7B.

[0023] The inverter 7A is connected to the battery and converts the direct current supplied from the battery into an alternating current. Also, the inverter 7A is connected to the stator 25 and supplies an alternating current to the stator 25.

[0024] The power integration system 7B has, for example, an on-board charger (OBC), a power distribution unit (PDU), a DC / DC converter, etc. The on-board charger is a system that converts the AC voltage supplied via a plug into a DC voltage for charging the battery. The power distribution unit is a part that distributes the current supplied from the battery to various electrical components in the vehicle including the inverter 7A. The DC / DC converter is a part that converts the voltage supplied from the battery to charge other batteries with a low voltage. Note that the power integration system 7B only needs to have at least one of the on-board charger, the power distribution unit, and the DC / DC converter. Also, the power integration system 7B may further have a system other than the on-board charger, the power distribution unit, and the DC / DC converter, such as a battery management system that controls the battery.

[0025] <Housing> As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 6 has a housing body 61, a first lid member 63, a second lid member 62, and a third lid member 64. The housing body 61, the first lid member 63, the second lid member 62, and the third lid member 64 are separate members respectively. The first lid member 63 is arranged on the other axial side (-Y side) of the housing body 61. The second lid member 62 is arranged on one axial side (+Y side) of the housing body 61. The third lid member 64 is arranged on the upper side of the housing body 61.

[0026] Also, the housing 6 has a first accommodation part 6A, a second accommodation part 6B, and a third accommodation part 6C. The first accommodation part 6A accommodates the motor 2. The second accommodation part 6B accommodates the transmission mechanism 3. The third accommodation part 6C accommodates the control part 7. The first accommodation part 6A, the second accommodation part 6B, and the third accommodation part 6C are constituted by each part of the housing body 61, the first lid member 63, the second lid member 62, and the third lid member 64.

[0027] The first housing portion 6A is composed of a cylindrical first peripheral wall portion 6d of the housing main body 61, a partitioning portion 6p of the housing main body 61, and a first lid member 63. The partitioning portion 6p covers the opening on one axial side (+Y side) of the first peripheral wall portion 6d. The first lid member 63 covers the opening on the other axial side (-Y side) of the first peripheral wall portion 6d. At the end of the first peripheral wall portion 6d on the other axial side (-Y side), a first flange portion 61f that extends radially outward is provided. The first flange portion 61f and the first lid member 63 are fastened in the axial direction Y by fastening means such as screws. The motor 2 is disposed in the space surrounded by the housing main body 61 and the first lid member 63.

[0028] The second housing portion 6B is composed of a concave portion that opens on one axial side (+Y side) of the housing main body 61 and a second lid member 62 that covers the opening of this concave portion. The second lid member 62 covers the transmission mechanism 3 from one axial side (+Y). At the end of the housing main body 61 on one axial side (+Y side), a second flange portion 61k that extends radially outward is provided. On the other hand, at the end of the second lid member 62 on the other axial side (-Y side), a third flange portion 62k that extends radially outward is provided. The second flange portion 61k and the third flange portion 62k are fastened in the axial direction Y by fastening means such as screws. The transmission mechanism 3 is disposed in the space surrounded by the housing main body 61 and the second lid member 62. Also, in the present embodiment, the second housing portion 6B can store the fluid O in the internal space.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the second housing portion 6B has a protruding portion 6Ba that protrudes to one side (-X side) in the first direction with respect to the first housing portion 6A. As shown in FIG. 1, the protruding portion 6Ba is a portion that mainly houses the differential device 5 in the second housing portion 6B.

[0030] The third housing portion 6C is composed of a box-shaped portion 6f that opens upward of the housing main body 61 and a third lid member 64 that covers the opening of the box-shaped portion 6f. The control unit 7 is disposed in the space surrounded by the housing main body 61 and the third lid member 64.

[0031] Further, the housing 6 includes a housing body 61, a first lid member 63, a second lid member 62, and a third lid member 64, and has a first side wall portion 6a, a second side wall portion 6b, a third side wall portion 6c, a first peripheral wall portion (peripheral wall portion) 6d, a second peripheral wall portion 6e, a box-shaped portion 6f, and a top wall portion 6g. The first side wall portion 6a, the second side wall portion (wall portion) 6b, and the third side wall portion 6c extend along a plane orthogonal to the first axis J1. The first peripheral wall portion 6d and the second peripheral wall portion 6e are substantially cylindrical and extend along the axial direction Y. The first peripheral wall portion 6d connects the second side wall portion 6b and the first side wall portion 6a. The second peripheral wall portion 6e connects the third side wall portion 6c and the second side wall portion 6b. The box-shaped portion 6f and the top wall portion 6g are located above the first peripheral wall portion 6d.

[0032] The first side wall portion 6a is provided on the first lid member 63. Also, the first side wall portion 6a constitutes a part of the first accommodating portion 6A. The first side wall portion 6a is located on the other axial side (-Y side) of the motor 2. The first side wall portion 6a covers the motor 2 from the other axial side (-Y side).

[0033] The second side wall portion 6b is provided on the housing body 61. The second side wall portion 6b is located on one axial side (+Y side) of the motor 2 and the other axial side (-Y side) of the transmission mechanism 3. That is, the second side wall portion 6b covers the motor 2 from one axial side (+Y side) and covers the transmission mechanism 3 from the other axial side (-Y side).

[0034] The second side wall portion 6b has a partitioning portion 6p and a protruding portion 6q. The partitioning portion 6p is a portion that partitions the internal space of the first accommodating portion 6A and the internal space of the second accommodating portion 6B. On the other hand, the protruding portion 6q is a portion that extends radially outward from the partitioning portion 6p. Among the second side wall portion 6b, the partitioning portion 6p constitutes a part of the first accommodating portion 6A. The partitioning portion 6p is provided with a first hole 61a that communicates the internal space of the first accommodating portion 6A and the internal space of the second accommodating portion 6B. The connecting portion between the shaft 21 and the first shaft 44 is disposed in the first hole 61a. Note that the connecting portion between the shaft 21 and the first shaft 44 may be disposed in the internal space of either the first accommodating portion 6A or the second accommodating portion 6B. The protruding portion 6q is provided with a second hole 61b. The output shaft 55 is passed through the second hole 61b.

[0035] The third side wall portion 6c is provided on the second lid member 62. The third side wall portion 6c constitutes a part of the second accommodating portion 6B. The third side wall portion 6c is disposed on one axial side (+Y side) of the transmission mechanism 3. The third side wall portion 6c covers the transmission mechanism 3 from one axial side (+Y side). The third side wall portion 6c is provided with a third hole 62a that penetrates the third side wall portion 6c in the axial direction Y. The output shaft 55 is passed through the third hole 62a.

[0036] The first peripheral wall portion 6d is provided on the housing main body 61. The first peripheral wall portion 6d constitutes a part of the first accommodating portion 6A. The first peripheral wall portion 6d is a cylindrical shape that surrounds the outer periphery of the motor 2 from the radially outer side of the first axis J1. For example, the stator core 27 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the first peripheral wall portion 6d. A first flange portion 61f that protrudes radially outward from the first peripheral wall portion 6d is provided at the end portion on the other axial side (-Y side) of the first peripheral wall portion 6d. Note that a cylindrical water jacket centered on the central axis J may be disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the first peripheral wall portion 6d and the stator core 27. In this case, the stator core 27 can be cooled by the fluid flowing in the water jacket.

[0037] The second peripheral wall portion 6e is constituted by a part of the housing main body 61 and a part of the second lid member 62. That is, the second peripheral wall portion 6e is constituted by a part of a concave portion that opens to one axial side (+Y side) of the housing main body 61 and a part of the second lid member 62 that covers the opening of this concave portion. The second peripheral wall portion 6e constitutes a part of the second accommodating portion 6B. The second peripheral wall portion 6e surrounds the transmission mechanism 3 from the radially outer side. More specifically, the second peripheral wall portion 6e surrounds the gears 41, 42, 43, 51 from the radially outer side of the first axis J1, the third axis J3, and the second axis J2. The second peripheral wall portion 6e is provided with a fastening portion 69 that fastens the second flange portion 61k and the third flange portion 62k. This fastening portion 69 protrudes radially outward from the radially outer surface of the second peripheral wall portion 6e.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the box-shaped portion 6f is provided in the housing main body 61. The box-shaped portion 6f constitutes a part of the third accommodating portion 6C. The box-shaped portion 6f is located above the first peripheral wall portion 6d. The box-shaped portion 6f is connected to the outer surface of the first peripheral wall portion 6d. The box-shaped portion 6f of the present embodiment is in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from above, but may have a shape other than the rectangular frame shape.

[0039] The box-shaped portion 6f of the present embodiment is a part of the housing main body 61, and the box-shaped portion 6f and the first peripheral wall portion 6d are a single member formed integrally, but the box-shaped portion 6f may be formed as a separate member from the housing main body 61 and assembled to the first peripheral wall portion 6d. In this case, the box-shaped portion 6f is fixed to the housing main body 61 using a fastener such as a bolt.

[0040] The top wall portion 6g is provided on the third lid member 64. The top wall portion 6g constitutes a part of the third accommodating portion 6C. The top wall portion 6g is plate-shaped and extends along the horizontal plane (XY plane). The top wall portion 6g is fixed to the upper end portion of the box-shaped portion 6f. The top wall portion 6g faces the bottom of the box-shaped portion 6f in the vertical direction Z. The box-shaped portion 6f and the top wall portion 6g surround the internal space of the third accommodating portion 6C. As shown in FIG. 1, the control unit 7 is fixed to the top wall portion 6g of the present embodiment. Note that the control unit 7 may be fixed to the inner surface of the box-shaped portion 6f.

[0041] <First hole portion, second hole portion> As shown in FIG. 2, two protrusions 31 and 32 are provided on the housing 6. Hole portions 31h and 32h are provided in the two protrusions 31 and 32 respectively. That is, two hole portions 31h and 32h are provided on the outer surface of the housing 6. As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, when assembling the drive device 1 or attaching the drive device 1 to a vehicle, for example, a hook F can be hung on the hole portions 31h and 32h. The hook F is fixed to the tip of the chain C. The chain C is wound up or unwound by, for example, a chain block. Thereby, the drive device 1 or the housing 6 is lifted upward or lowered downward by the two chains C.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the case where the hook F is inserted into the hole portions 31h and 32h to lift the drive device 1 will be described, but the tool used to lift the drive device 1 is not limited to the present embodiment. For example, a rod-shaped member may be inserted into the hole portions 31h and 32h and the drive device 1 may be lifted by supporting both ends of the rod-shaped member.

[0043] In the present embodiment, both of the two protrusions 31 and 32 are provided on the outer surface of the housing main body 61. In the present embodiment, among the two protrusions 31 and 32, one is located at one end (+Y side) in the axial direction of the housing main body 61, and the other is located at the other end (-Y side) in the axial direction of the housing main body 61. In the following description, when distinguishing the two protrusions 31 and 32 from each other, the protrusion located on one side (+Y side) in the axial direction is called the first protrusion 31, and the protrusion located on the other side (-Y side) in the axial direction is called the second protrusion 32. Also, in the following description, when distinguishing the two hole portions 31h and 32h, the hole portion provided in the first protrusion 31 is called the first hole portion 31h, and the hole portion provided in the second protrusion 32 is called the second hole portion 32h.

[0044] The first protrusion 31 of the present embodiment protrudes radially outward from the second flange portion 61k. Therefore, the first protrusion 31 is provided on the outer surface of the second housing portion 6B. Further, the first protrusion 31 is provided on the second peripheral wall portion 6e. The first protrusion 31 protrudes from the outer surface of the housing 6 toward one side (-X side) in the first direction.

[0045] On the other hand, the second protrusion 32 of the present embodiment protrudes radially outward from the first flange portion 61f. Therefore, the second protrusion 32 is provided on the outer surface of the first housing portion 6A. Further, the second protrusion 32 is provided at the end portion on the other side (-Y side) in the axial direction of the first peripheral wall portion 6d. The second protrusion 32 protrudes from the outer surface of the housing 6 toward the other side (+X side) in the first direction.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the first protrusion 31 and the second protrusion 32 are plate-shaped and extend along a plane orthogonal to the axial direction Y. However, the first protrusion 31 and the second protrusion may be plate-shaped and extend along other planes, or may not be plate-shaped. Further, the first protrusion 31 and the second protrusion 32 may be provided at other portions of the housing 6.

[0047] The first hole 31h penetrates the first protrusion 31 in the thickness direction. Similarly, the second hole 32h penetrates the first protrusion in the thickness direction. That is, the first hole 31h is a through hole that penetrates the first protrusion 31 in the axial direction, and the second hole 32h is a through hole that penetrates the second protrusion 32 in the axial direction.

[0048] The first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h of the present embodiment are circular when viewed from the axial direction. Also, the diameter of the first hole portion 31h and the diameter of the second hole portion 32h of the present embodiment are equal to each other. However, the shapes of the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h are not limited to the present embodiment. The shapes of the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h may not be circular, or may be different from each other. Further, either the first hole portion 31h, or both the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h, or either one of them may be a concave hole portion having a bottom. Either the first hole portion 31h, or both the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h, or either one of them may be a threaded hole provided with a thread on the inner peripheral surface. When the hole portions 31h, 32h are threaded holes, a hanging tool such as an eyebolt can be fixed to the hole portions 31h, 32h. Also, the hook F is hung on a hanging tool fixed to the hole portions 31h, 32h. Either the first hole portion 31h, or both the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h, or either one of them may penetrate in the axial direction and may be notched in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. Note that the protruding portions 31, 32 provided with such hole portions 31h, 32h have a hook shape.

[0049] According to the present embodiment, since the hole portions 31h, 32h are through holes penetrating the plate-shaped protruding portions 31, 32, it is possible to stably hang the hook F without using a hanging tool such as an eyebolt on the hole portions 31h, 32h. Thereby, when performing the lifting operation, the procedure of inserting a hanging tool into the hole by an operator or a device or the like (hereinafter, the operator or the like) can be omitted, and the man-hours of the operator or the like at the time of lifting can be reduced. Also, according to the present embodiment, since the penetrating direction of the hole portions 31h, 32h is the axial direction Y, the hook F can be hung on the hole portions 31h, 32h from the axial direction Y. Note that, in the present embodiment, the case where both the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h are through holes penetrating the protruding portions 31, 32 is illustrated. However, if at least one of the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h is a through hole penetrating the protruding portions 31, 32, the above-described effects can be obtained for that hole portion.

[0050] As described above, the protrusions 31 and 32 of the present embodiment are both provided on the housing main body 61. According to the present embodiment, since the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h are provided in a single member, compared with the case where they are provided in different members that are connected and fixed to each other, it is difficult for a force to be applied to the connecting portion between the members constituting the housing 6 during lifting. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of displacement in the connecting portion of the housing 6 during lifting. In addition, since the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h are provided in a single member, the rigidity between the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h can be increased, and the deformation of the housing 6 during lifting can be suppressed. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a load from being applied to the members arranged inside the housing 6 due to the deformation of the housing 6 during lifting.

[0051] According to the present embodiment, since the protrusions 31 and 32 are plate-shaped and extend in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction Y, the rigidity against the stress in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction Y can be increased. Since the axial direction Y is orthogonal to the vertical direction Z, according to the present embodiment, when an upward force is applied to the protrusions 31 and 32, the deformation and damage of the protrusions 31 and 32 can be suppressed.

[0052] Each figure shows the center of gravity G1 of the drive device 1 of the present embodiment. In the following description, the center of gravity of the drive device 1 is referred to as the first center of gravity G1. The first center of gravity G1 is the center of gravity of the drive device 1 when the drive device 1 is assembled to the vehicle. The fluid O that can be stored in the drive device 1 may be supplied into the drive device 1 after the drive device 1 is assembled to the vehicle. The first center of gravity G1 is the center of gravity of the drive device 1 before storing the fluid O such as oil inside the housing 6. Note that the first center of gravity G1 may be the center of gravity of the drive device 1 including the fluid O after storing the fluid O inside the housing 6.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the motor 2 is the heaviest among the components constituting the drive device 1. Therefore, the first center of gravity G1 is likely to be located in the vicinity of the motor 2. In the present embodiment, the first center of gravity G1 is located in the internal space of the first housing portion 6A.

[0054] Also, FIG. 4 shows a virtual line VL connecting the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h. The virtual line VL only needs to pass through at least a part of the internal space of the first hole portion 31h and at least a part of the internal space of the second hole portion 32h. That is, the virtual line VL may be any one of a plurality of virtual straight lines passing through both the internal space of the first hole portion 31h and the internal space of the second hole portion 32h.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, the driving device 1 is hooked to the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h respectively and lifted. That is, the driving device 1 in the lifted state is supported at two points with reference to the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h. The driving device 1 in the lifted state can rotate around the virtual line VL connecting these two support points. The driving device 1 in the lifted state stably stops in a state where the sum of the moments around the virtual line VL is 0. That is, the driving device 1 in the lifted state stops in a state where the first center of gravity G1 is disposed directly below the virtual line VL.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, in the drive device 1 of the present embodiment, the first center of gravity G1 overlaps the virtual line VL in the vertical direction. As described above, here, the vertical direction of the drive device 1 is defined in the state of being mounted on the vehicle. Therefore, in the state of being mounted on the vehicle, when viewed from the vertical direction, the first center of gravity G1 of the drive device 1 overlaps the virtual line. According to the drive device 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to maintain the posture in the state of being mounted on the vehicle in the lifted state. For this reason, the drive device 1 can be mounted on the vehicle without adjusting the posture of the drive device 1 from the lifted state, and the assembling work of the drive device 1 to the vehicle can be simplified. Further, according to the present embodiment, even when the drive device 1 mounted on the vehicle is removed from the vehicle and lifted, since the posture of the drive device 1 is stabilized during lifting, a safer lifting operation of the drive device 1 becomes possible. Note that in the drive device 1 of the present embodiment, not only the posture in the state of being mounted on the vehicle is necessarily maintained at the time of lifting before mounting, but also the posture can be adjusted to a posture that is easy to attach to the vehicle after lifting and maintained. Even in this case, the drive device 1 can be easily attached to the vehicle, and the assembling work of the drive device 1 to the vehicle can be simplified.

[0057] The drive device 1 is preferably placed on the floor surface of a factory or the like, a conveying device, or the like in the same posture as the state of being mounted on the vehicle or a posture that is easy to assemble to the vehicle. In this case, in the state of being mounted on the floor surface or the like, the first center of gravity G1 of the drive device 1 overlaps the virtual line VL when viewed from the vertical direction. Even when the drive device 1 of the present embodiment is lifted from the floor surface or the like or lowered to the floor surface or the like, the posture of the drive device 1 can be stabilized.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 2, in the drive device 1 of the present embodiment, the virtual line VL passes through the first housing portion 6A. Here, "the virtual line VL passes through the first housing portion 6A" means that at least a part of the first housing portion 6A is arranged on the virtual line VL. In this specification, the first housing portion 6A is a wall-like portion surrounding the space (motor housing space) in which the motor 2 is arranged. Therefore, "the virtual line VL passes through the first housing portion 6A" means that the virtual line VL passes through the wall-like portion surrounding the motor housing space. The virtual line VL may pass through the motor housing space surrounded by the first housing portion 6A together with the first housing portion 6A, or may pass only through the first housing portion 6A without passing through the motor housing space.

[0059] According to the present embodiment, by passing the virtual line VL through the first housing portion 6A, the virtual line VL can be arranged close to the first center of gravity G1 arranged in the internal space of the first housing portion 6A. The drive device 1 may be arranged on a floor surface or the like in a posture inclined with respect to the posture when mounted on a vehicle. In this case, the first center of gravity G1 of the drive device 1 mounted on the floor surface or the like does not overlap the virtual line VL when viewed from the vertical direction and is shifted with respect to the virtual line VL. When attempting to lift the drive device 1 in this state using the hook F applied to the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h, the drive device 1 rotates around the virtual line VL until the first center of gravity G1 moves directly below the virtual line VL. According to the present embodiment, since the virtual line VL and the first center of gravity G1 are close to each other, the moment around the virtual line VL when lifting the drive device 1 can be reduced. As a result, the change in the posture of the drive device 1 when lifting the drive device 1 can be made gentle.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4, the first hole portion 31h of the present embodiment is located on one side in the axial direction (+Y side) and one side in the first direction (-X side) with respect to the first center of gravity G1. The second hole portion 32h is located on the other side in the axial direction (-Y side) and the other side in the first direction (+X side) with respect to the first center of gravity G1. In the present embodiment, a part of the transmission mechanism 3 is arranged on one side in the axial direction (+Y) and one side in the first direction (-X side) with respect to the motor 2. Therefore, the center of gravity of the transmission mechanism 3 is located on one side in the axial direction (+Y side) and one side in the first direction (-X side) with respect to the first center of gravity G1. On the other hand, the center of gravity of the motor 2 is located on the other side in the axial direction (-Y side) and the other side in the first direction (+X side) with respect to the first center of gravity G1. According to the present embodiment, the first hole portion 31h can be arranged close to the center of gravity of the transmission mechanism 3, and the second hole portion 32h can be arranged close to the center of gravity of the motor 2. Therefore, when the driving device 1 is rotated around the virtual line VL in the suspended state, the angular momentum of the driving device 1 around the virtual line VL can be reduced, and the posture of the driving device 1 in the suspended state can be easily operated.

[0061] The first hole portion 31h of the present embodiment is provided in the protruding portion 6Ba on one side in the first direction (-X side) with respect to the first axis J1. According to the present embodiment, the driving device 1 can be lifted at the protruding portion 6Ba, and by reducing the portion where the protruding portion 6Ba protrudes from the lifting position, the driving device 1 can be stably lifted. According to the present embodiment, the operation of the posture of the driving device 1 in the lifted state becomes easy, and the moving operation of the driving device 1 can be easily performed. Further, the second hole portion 32h of the present embodiment is provided in the first housing portion 6A on the other side in the first direction (+X side) with respect to the first axis J1. According to the present embodiment, by arranging the second hole portion 32h on the opposite side of the protruding portion 6Ba in the first direction X, the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h can be sufficiently separated from each other, and the driving device 1 can be stably lifted.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the housing body 61 of the present embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 6 shows the center of gravity G2 of the housing body 61 of the present embodiment and a virtual line VL connecting the first hole 31h and the second hole 32h. In the following description, the center of gravity of the housing body 61 is referred to as the second center of gravity G2. Here, the second center of gravity G2 is the center of gravity of the housing body 61 as a single member without other members attached thereto.

[0063] In the housing body 61 of the present embodiment, the second center of gravity G2 overlaps with the virtual line VL in the vertical direction. In the housing 6 of the present embodiment, since the first hole 31h and the second hole 32h are provided in the housing body 61, the housing body 61 can be lifted by hanging the hook F on the first hole 31h and the second hole 32h. Further, since the housing body 61 of the present embodiment is lifted in the same posture as when installed in the vehicle or in a posture easy to assemble to the vehicle, the assembly work can be simplified.

[0064] The housing body 61 of the present embodiment is preferably placed on the floor surface of a factory or a conveying device or the like in the same posture as when mounted on the vehicle or in a posture easy to assemble to the vehicle. In this case, in the state where the housing body 61 is placed on the floor surface or the like, the second center of gravity G2 overlaps with the virtual line VL when viewed from the vertical direction. According to the housing body 61 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress the housing body 61 from rotating around the virtual line VL when lifting from the floor surface or the like or lowering it to the floor surface or the like.

[0065] In the drive device 1 of the present embodiment, both the first center of gravity G1 and the second center of gravity G2 overlap with the virtual line VL in the vertical direction. However, if only either one of the first center of gravity G1 and the second center of gravity G2 overlaps with the virtual line VL in the vertical direction, they can be stably lifted during the assembly of the drive device 1 or during the assembly using the housing body 61. That is, in the drive device 1 of the present embodiment, at least one of the center of gravity G2 of the housing body 61 or the center of gravity G1 of the drive device 1 may overlap with the virtual line VL in the vertical direction.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, the second centroid G2 of the present embodiment is disposed in the internal space of the first housing portion 6A. Also, as described above, the virtual line VL passes through the first housing portion 6A. According to the present embodiment, by disposing the virtual line VL closer to the second centroid G2, the moment around the virtual line VL when lifting the housing body 61 can be reduced. For this reason, when lifting the housing body 61 disposed on the floor surface or the like in a posture inclined with respect to the posture when mounted on the vehicle, the change in the posture of the housing body 61 when lifting the housing body 61 can be moderated. Thereby, it becomes possible to easily operate the posture of the housing body 61 in the lifted state.

[0067] In the drive device 1 of the present embodiment, the case where both the first centroid G1 and the second centroid G2 are located in the internal space of the first housing portion 6A and are disposed near the virtual line VL has been described. However, only one of the first centroid G1 and the second centroid G2 may be disposed in the internal space of the first housing portion 6A. That is, in the drive device 1 of the present embodiment, if at least one of the centroid G2 of the housing body 61 or the centroid G1 of the drive device 1 is located in the internal space of the first housing portion 6A, the above-described effects can be obtained for either the housing body 61 or the drive device 1.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h are located above the first axis J1. According to the present embodiment, since the hole portions 31h and 32h are located above the first axis J1, the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h can be arranged above the first center of gravity G1 and the second center of gravity G2. Thereby, in the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h, the drive device 1 or the housing main body 61 can be stably lifted. Further, according to the present embodiment, the attachment work and the removal work of the hook F to the hole portions 31h and 32h can be easily performed from above the drive device 1. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform the attachment work and the removal work of the hook F to the drive device 1 mounted on the vehicle. When the hole portions 31h and 32h are screw holes, since the hole portions 31h and 32h are located above the first axis J1, the attachment work of a lifting tool such as an eyebolt to the hole portions 31h and 32h becomes easy.

[0069] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h are located above the rotation axes (the second axis J2 and the third axis J3) of the plurality of gears 42, 43, and 51 of the transmission mechanism 3. According to the present embodiment, since the hole portions 31h and 32h are located above the second axis J2 and the third axis J3, the drive device 1 or the housing main body 61 can be stably lifted using the hook F. Further, according to the present embodiment, the attachment work and the removal work of the hook F to the hole portions 31h and 32h can be easily performed from above the drive device 1.

[0070] In the present embodiment, the second hole portion 32h is located above the first hole portion 31h. That is, in the present embodiment, the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h are provided at different positions in the vertical direction. According to the present embodiment, when the heights of the two hooks F are made the same and the hooks are moved upward and the driving device 1 is lifted by the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h respectively, one hook F will lift the driving device 1 earlier than the other hook F. In this case, compared with the case where the driving device 1 is lifted simultaneously by the two hooks F through the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h, the driving device 1 gently separates from the installation surface or the floor surface, etc., so that a safer lifting operation is possible. The same effect can also be obtained when the driving device 1 is lowered onto the installation surface of the vehicle or the floor surface, etc. In the present embodiment, the case where the second hole portion 32h is located above the first hole portion 31h has been described. However, the first hole portion 31h may be located above the second hole portion 32h. Also in this case, compared with the case where the driving device 1 is lifted simultaneously by the two hooks F through the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h, the driving device 1 gently separates from the installation surface or the floor surface, etc., so that a safer lifting operation is possible.

[0071] In the present embodiment, both the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 32h are provided at positions different from the housing 6 when viewed from the axial direction. The housing 6 is not disposed on the extension line obtained by projecting the hole portions 31h, 32h in the axial direction. According to the present embodiment, in the operation where an operator or the like hangs the hook F on the hole portions 31h, 32h from the axial direction, it is difficult for the housing 6 to obstruct the operation. Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to hang the hook F from both sides in the axial direction with respect to the hole portions 31h, 32h. Therefore, the lifting operation of the driving device 1 by an operator or the like can be easily performed.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1, in the drive device 1 of the present embodiment, the third housing portion 6C is composed of a box-shaped portion 6f of the housing main body 61 and a third lid member 64. Further, the control unit 7 is disposed in a space surrounded by the box-shaped portion 6f and the third lid member 64. Since the hole portions 31h and 32h are provided in the housing main body 61 of the present embodiment, the housing main body 61 is slightly elastically deformed by the weight of the drive device 1 when the drive device 1 is lifted. In the drive device 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 7 is fixed to the third lid member 64. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress a load from being applied to the control unit 7 due to the elastic deformation of the housing main body 61 during lifting.

[0073] The housing 6 of the present embodiment is provided with two protrusions 31 and 32 in which the hole portions 31h and 32h are respectively provided. According to the housing 6 of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the housing 6 and simplify the structure of the housing 6 as compared with the case where three or more protrusions are provided.

[0074] <Modification Example> Hereinafter, a modification example of the drive device will be described. In the description of each modification example described below, the same components as those in the embodiment or modification example already described are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0075] (Modification Example 1) FIG. 7 is a plan view of the drive device 101 of Modification Example 1 as viewed from above. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the drive device 101 of Modification Example 1 has a housing 106 provided with a first protrusion 131 and a second protrusion 132 on the outer surface. Further, a first hole portion 131h is provided in the first protrusion 131, and a second hole portion 132h is provided in the second protrusion 132. Further, similar to the above-described embodiment, the first center of gravity G1 (or the second center of gravity G2) overlaps with a virtual line VL connecting the first hole portion 131h and the second hole portion 132h in the vertical direction.

[0076] In this modified example, both the first protrusion 131 and the second protrusion 132 are provided on the housing body 61. In this modified example, the first protrusion 131 is provided on the outer surface of the second housing portion 6B. The first protrusion 131 protrudes from the second flange portion 61k toward the other side in the first direction (+X side).

[0077] On the other hand, the second protrusion 132 of this modified example is provided on the outer surface of the first housing portion 6A. The second protrusion 132 is provided on the box-shaped portion 6f. Further, the second protrusion 132 protrudes toward one side in the first direction (-X side).

[0078] In this modified example, the first hole portion 131h is located on one side in the axial direction (+Y side) and the other side in the first direction (+X side) with respect to the first center of gravity G1. On the other hand, the second hole portion 132h is located on the other side in the axial direction (-Y side) and one side in the first direction (-X side) with respect to the first center of gravity G1. According to this modified example, the hole portions 131h and 132h can be provided in the second housing portion 6B and the third housing portion 6C instead of the first housing portion 6A. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a load from being applied to the first housing portion 6A during lifting. Further, in this modified example, since the third housing portion 6C is arranged above the first housing portion 6A, the second hole portion 132h provided in the third housing portion can be easily arranged on the upper end side of the drive device 101, and the drive device 101 can be stably suspended. Further, in a state where the drive device 101 is mounted on a vehicle, by arranging the second hole portion 132h on the upper end side of the drive device 101, it becomes easier to access the second hole portion 132h from above, and it becomes easier for an operator or the like to hook the hook F on the second hole portion 132h.

[0079] (Modified Example 2) FIG. 8 is a plan view of the drive device 201 of Modified Example 2 as viewed from above. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the drive device 201 of Modified Example 2 has a housing 206 provided with a first protrusion 31 and a second protrusion 232 on the outer surface. Further, a first hole portion 31h is provided in the first protrusion 31, and a second hole portion 232h is provided in the second protrusion 232. Further, similar to the above-described embodiment, the first center of gravity G1 overlaps with the virtual line VL connecting the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 232h in the vertical direction.

[0080] The first protrusion 31 of this modified example has the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment. That is, the first protrusion 31 of this modified example protrudes from the second flange portion 61k of the housing main body 61 to one side (-X side) in the first direction.

[0081] On the other hand, the second protrusion 232 of this modified example is provided on the first lid member 63. The second protrusion 232 protrudes from the first lid member 63 to the other side (+X side) in the first direction.

[0082] According to this modified example, the first hole portion 31h is provided in the housing main body 61, and the second hole portion 232h is provided in the first lid member 63. According to this modified example, by providing the second hole portion 232h in the member (the first lid member 63) located on the other axial side (-Y side) than the housing main body 61, the distance between the first hole portion 31h and the second hole portion 232h can be ensured to be large, and the posture of the lifted driving device 201 can be easily stabilized.

[0083] (Modified Example 3) FIG. 9 is a plan view of the driving device 301 of Modified Example 3 as viewed from above. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the driving device 301 of Modified Example 3 has a housing 306 provided with a first protrusion 331 and a second protrusion 32 on the outer surface. Further, a first hole portion 331h is provided in the first protrusion 331, and a second hole portion 32h is provided in the second protrusion 32. Furthermore, similar to the above-described embodiment, the first center of gravity G1 overlaps vertically with the virtual line VL connecting the first hole portion 331h and the second hole portion 32h.

[0084] The first protrusion 331 of this modified example is provided on the outer surface of the second housing portion 6B. The first protrusion 331 is provided on the second lid member 62. The first protrusion 331 protrudes from the third flange portion 62k to one side (-X side) in the first direction.

[0085] On the other hand, the second protrusion 32 of this modified example has the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment. That is, the second protrusion 32 of this modified example protrudes from the first flange portion 61f of the housing main body 61 to the other side (+X side) in the first direction.

[0086] According to this modification example, the first hole portion 331h is provided in the second lid member 62, and the second hole portion 32h is provided in the housing main body 61. According to this modification example, by providing the first hole portion 331h in the member (the second lid member 62) located on one axial side (+Y side) of the housing main body 61, the distance between the first hole portion 331h and the second hole portion 32h can be ensured to be large, and the posture of the lifted driving device 301 can be easily stabilized.

[0087] (Modification Example 4) FIG. 10 is a plan view of the driving device 401 of Modification Example 4 as viewed from above. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the driving device 401 of Modification Example 4 has a housing 406 provided with a first protrusion 331 and a second protrusion 232 on the outer surface. Further, a first hole portion 331h is provided in the first protrusion 331, and a second hole portion 232h is provided in the second protrusion 232. Furthermore, similar to the above-described embodiment, the first center of gravity G1 overlaps with the virtual line VL connecting the first hole portion 331h and the second hole portion 232h in the vertical direction.

[0088] The first protrusion 331 of this modification example has the same configuration as that of Modification Example 3. That is, the first protrusion 331 is provided on the outer surface of the second housing portion 6B. The first protrusion 331 is provided in the second lid member 62. The first protrusion 331 protrudes from the third flange portion 62k to one side (-X side) in the first direction.

[0089] The second protrusion 232 of this modification example has the same configuration as that of Modification Example 2. That is, the second protrusion 232 is provided in the first lid member 63. The second protrusion 232 protrudes from the first lid member 63 to the other side (+X side) in the first direction.

[0090] According to this modification example, the first hole portion 331h is provided in the second lid member 62, and the second hole portion 232h is provided in the first lid member 63. According to this modification example, the distance between the first hole portion 331h and the second hole portion 232h can be ensured to be large, and the posture of the lifted driving device 401 can be easily stabilized.

[0091] (Modification Example 5) FIG. 11 is a plan view of the drive device 501 of Modification 5 as viewed from above. The drive device 501 of this modification includes a control unit 507, similar to the above-described embodiment. The control unit 507 includes an inverter 507A connected to the motor 2 and a power integration system 507B connected to the inverter 507A. In the housing 506 of this modification, the inverter 507A and the power integration system 507B are housed in different housing portions. In the following description, the housing portion in which the inverter 507A is housed is referred to as the third housing portion 506D, and the housing portion in which the power integration system 507B is housed is referred to as the fourth housing portion 506C. The housing 506 of this modification has a first housing portion 6A, a second housing portion 6B, a third housing portion 506D, and a fourth housing portion 506C.

[0092] The third housing portion 506D of this modification is located on the other axial side (-Y side) of the first housing portion 6A. Also, similar to the above-described embodiment, the second housing portion 6B is located on one axial side (+Y) of the first housing portion 6A. Therefore, in this modification, the second housing portion 6B and the third housing portion 506D are arranged on opposite sides sandwiching the first housing portion 6A in the axial direction Y. Also, according to this modification, by arranging a part of the control unit 507 on the other axial side (-Y side) of the motor 2, the motor 2 can be miniaturized in the vertical direction.

[0093] The first housing portion 6A of this modification has a housing portion main body 563 and a cover 565. The housing portion main body 563 is fastened to a first flange portion 61f provided on the first peripheral wall portion 6d of the housing main body 61. The housing portion main body 563 covers the opening on the other axial side (-Y side) of the first peripheral wall portion 6d. The housing portion main body 563 is box-shaped and opens on the other axial side (-Y side). The opening of the housing portion main body 563 is covered by the cover 565. The inverter 507A is arranged in the space surrounded by the housing portion main body 563 and the cover 565.

[0094] Similar to the above-described embodiment, a first protrusion 31 and a second protrusion 532 are provided on the outer surface of the housing 506. Further, a first hole 31h is provided in the first protrusion 31, and a second hole 532h is provided in the second protrusion 532. Furthermore, the first center of gravity G1 overlaps with a virtual line VL connecting the first hole 31h and the second hole 532h in the vertical direction.

[0095] The first protrusion 31 of this modification has the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment. That is, the first protrusion 31 of this modification protrudes from one side (-X side) in the first direction from the second flange portion 61k of the housing main body 61. The first hole 31h is provided in the housing main body 61.

[0096] The second protrusion 532 of this modification is provided in the third housing portion 506D. That is, the second hole 532h is provided in the housing portion main body 563. The second protrusion 532 protrudes from the housing portion main body 563 to the other side (+X side) in the first direction.

[0097] According to this modification, the first hole 31h is provided in the second housing portion 6B on one side (-X side) in the first direction from the first axis J1. Further, the second hole 532h is provided in the third housing portion 506D on the other side (+X side) in the first direction from the first axis J1. According to this modification, the distance between the first hole 31h and the second hole 532h can be ensured to be large, and the posture of the lifted drive device 501 can be easily stabilized. According to this modification, by providing the second hole 532h in the third housing portion 506D disposed on the other side (-Y side) in the axial direction of the motor 2, the second hole 532h can be disposed at a distance from the fourth housing portion 506C. Thereby, it becomes difficult for the second protrusion 532 to obstruct the connector portion and the cable extending from the fourth housing portion 506C, and the degree of freedom in arranging the connector portion and the cable can be increased.

[0098] (Modification 6) FIG. 12 is a front view of the drive device 601 of Modification 6 as viewed from the other axial side (-Y side). Similar to the above-described embodiment, the drive device 601 of Modification 6 has a housing 606 provided with a first protrusion 31 and a second protrusion 632 on the outer surface. Further, a first hole 31h is provided in the first protrusion 31, and a second hole 632h is provided in the second protrusion 632. Furthermore, similar to the above-described embodiment, the first center of gravity G1 and the second center of gravity G2 overlap with a virtual line VL connecting the first hole 31h and the second hole 632h in the vertical direction.

[0099] In this modification, the second protrusion 632 is located on the other axial side (-Y side) of the third housing portion 6C and overlaps the third housing portion 6C when viewed axially. Therefore, the second hole 632h overlaps the housing 606 in the axial direction. According to this modification, it is possible to suppress the second protrusion 632 provided with the second hole 632h from protruding from the outer shape of the housing 606 when viewed axially, and the drive device 601 can be miniaturized.

[0100] (Modification 7) FIG. 13 is a front view of the drive device 701 of Modification 7 as viewed from the other axial side (-Y side). Similar to the above-described embodiment, the drive device 701 of Modification 7 has a housing 706 provided with a first protrusion 731 and a second protrusion 32 on the outer surface. Further, a first hole 731h is provided in the first protrusion 731, and a second hole 32h is provided in the second protrusion 32. Furthermore, similar to the above-described embodiment, the first center of gravity G1 and the second center of gravity G2 overlap with a virtual line VL connecting the first hole 731h and the second hole 32h in the vertical direction.

[0101] In this modification, the first protrusion 731 is located on one axial side (+Y side) of the third housing portion 6C and overlaps the third housing portion 6C when viewed axially. Therefore, the first hole 731h overlaps the housing 706 in the axial direction. According to this modification, it is possible to suppress the first protrusion 731 provided with the first hole 731h from protruding from the outer shape of the housing 706 when viewed axially, and the drive device 701 can be miniaturized.

[0102] Here, as Modification 6, the case where the second hole portion 632h overlaps with the housing 606 in the axial direction was exemplified, and as Modification 7, the case where the first hole portion 731h overlaps with the housing 706 in the axial direction was exemplified. However, both the first hole portion and the second hole portion may overlap with the housing in the axial direction, respectively. That is, if at least one of the first hole portion and the second hole portion overlaps with the housing in the axial direction, it is possible to suppress the protrusion of the protrusion portion provided with the hole portion from the housing. For example, when assembling the drive device to the vehicle, it is possible to suppress the interference between the protrusion portion and the vehicle.

[0103] (Modification 8) FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the protrusion portion 831 of Modification 8 that can be adopted for either one or both of the two protrusion portions 31 and 32 of the present embodiment. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the protrusion portion 831 of this modification is plate-shaped and protrudes from the outer surface of the housing 806 and extends along a plane orthogonal to the axial direction Y. Further, a hole portion 831h penetrating in the axial direction Y is provided in the protrusion portion 831. A hook F is hung on the hole portion 831h when lifting the drive device.

[0104] An opening portion 831c that is notched and opened in the radial direction of the hole portion 831h is provided in the protrusion portion 831 of this modification. The opening portion 831c extends in the first direction X. For example, a flexible tubular portion T is passed through the hole portion 831h. That is, the protrusion portion 831 holds wiring or piping. The tubular portion T is inserted into the hole portion 831h from the opening portion 831c. Therefore, it is preferable that the width of the opening portion 831c is substantially the same as the diameter of the tubular portion T or larger than the diameter of the tubular portion T. However, the width of the opening portion 831c may be smaller than the diameter of the tubular portion T. In this modification, the case where one tubular portion T is held by the protrusion portion 831 will be described. However, the protrusion portion 831 may hold a plurality of tubular portions T together by passing a plurality of tubular portions T bundled in the hole portion 831h.

[0105] The tubular part T is a wiring or a pipe extending from the outer surface of the third housing part 6C. When the tubular part T is a wiring, the tubular part T electrically connects the control part 7 and an external electronic device. In this case, one end of the tubular part T is connected to the control part 7 (see FIG. 1) inside the third housing part 6C, and the other end is connected to a battery, an auxiliary device, a control part of a vehicle, etc. When the tubular part T is a pipe, a refrigerant or cooling water flows through the tubular part T. In this case, one end of the tubular part T is connected to the flow path of the third housing part 6C, and the other end is connected to a radiator, a pump, the first housing part 6A, etc. Note that the form of the tubular part T in this modification example is an example, and other forms may be adopted. For example, the tubular part T may be a wiring or a pipe not connected to the third housing part 6C.

[0106] According to this modification example, by passing a wiring or a pipe through the hole part 831h, the protrusion part 831 holds the wiring or the pipe. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the wiring or the pipe from interfering with the members around the driving device. Further, when a plurality of wirings or pipes are passed through the hole part 831h, the protrusion part 831 can hold the plurality of wirings or pipes together, and it is possible to effectively suppress the plurality of wirings or pipes from interfering with the members around the driving device.

[0107] (Modification Example 9) FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the protrusion part 931 of modification example 9 that can be adopted for either one or both of the two protrusion parts 31 and 32 of the present embodiment. Similar to the above-described embodiment, the protrusion part 931 of this modification example is plate-shaped and protrudes from the outer surface of the housing 906 and extends along a plane orthogonal to the axial direction Y. Further, a hole part 931h penetrating in the axial direction Y is provided in the protrusion part 931.

[0108] The housing 906 of this modification example has a rib 939 connecting the outer surface of the housing 906 and the protrusion part 931. The rib 939 reinforces the protrusion part 931 and can suppress the protrusion part 931 from being deformed or damaged when a force is applied to the protrusion part 931.

[0109] The rib 939 of this modified example extends in the thickness direction of the protrusion 931 (i.e., the axial direction Y). According to this modified example, the rib 939 can supplement the rigidity and strength in the thickness direction of the protrusion 931. Note that the extending direction of the rib 939 of this modified example is an example. The rib 939 may extend in a direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the protrusion 931.

[0110] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However, each configuration and their combinations in the embodiments are examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes of the configuration are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Further, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments.

[0111] Also, the configuration of the transmission mechanism shown in the above-described embodiments and their modified examples is merely an example. The transmission mechanism may be, for example, one in which the first shaft and the output shaft are arranged coaxially. In this case, a part of the output shaft passes inside the diameter of the rotor. Further, the first axis J1, the third axis J3, and the second axis J2 may not be arranged side by side along the first direction X. For example, at least one of the first axis J1, the third axis J3, and the second axis J2 may be provided at a position different from the other two in the vertical direction.

[0112] Note that the present technology can take the following configuration. (1) A drive device, comprising: a motor having a rotor rotatable about a first axis; a transmission mechanism located on one axial side of the motor for transmitting the rotation of the rotor; a housing having a first housing portion for housing the motor and a second housing portion for housing the transmission mechanism, wherein a first hole portion and a second hole portion are provided on an outer surface of the housing, and a virtual line connecting the first hole portion and the second hole portion passes through the first housing portion, and the housing has a housing main body having a cylindrical peripheral wall portion surrounding the motor from the outside in the radial direction of the first axis, and at least one of the center of gravity of the housing main body or the center of gravity of the drive device overlaps with the virtual line in the vertical direction, drive device. (2) At least one of the center of gravity of the housing body or the center of gravity of the drive device is located in the internal space of the first accommodating portion, and the virtual line passes through the first accommodating portion. The drive device according to (1). (3) A direction orthogonal to both the axial direction and the vertical direction is defined as the first direction. The transmission mechanism has a gear rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis. When viewed from the axial direction, the second axis is located on one side of the first direction with respect to the first axis. The first hole portion is located on one side of the axial direction and one side of the first direction with respect to the center of gravity of the drive device. The second hole portion is located on the other side of the axial direction and the other side of the first direction with respect to the center of gravity of the drive device. The drive device according to (1) or (2). (4) A direction orthogonal to both the axial direction and the vertical direction is defined as the first direction. The transmission mechanism has a gear rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis. When viewed from the axial direction, the second axis is located on one side of the first direction with respect to the first axis. The first hole portion is located on one side of the axial direction and the other side of the first direction with respect to the center of gravity of the drive device. The second hole portion is located on the other side of the axial direction and one side of the first direction with respect to the center of gravity of the drive device. The drive device according to (1) or (2). (5) A direction orthogonal to both the axial direction and the vertical direction is defined as the first direction. The second accommodating portion has a protruding portion protruding to one side of the first direction with respect to the first accommodating portion. The first hole portion is provided in the protruding portion on one side of the first direction with respect to the first axis. The second hole portion is provided in the first accommodating portion on the other side of the first direction with respect to the first axis. The drive device according to any one of (1) to (4). (6) The housing body is a single member, and both the first hole portion and the second hole portion are provided in the housing body. The drive device according to any one of (1) to (5). (7) The housing has a first lid member connected to the peripheral wall portion and covering the opening on the other side of the axial direction of the peripheral wall portion. The first hole portion is provided in the housing body, and the second hole portion is provided in the first lid member. The drive device according to any one of (1) to (5). (8) The housing includes a housing main body having a wall portion that covers the transmission mechanism from the other side in the axial direction, and a second lid member that covers the transmission mechanism from one side in the axial direction. The first hole portion is provided in the second lid member, and the second hole portion is provided in the housing main body. The drive device according to any one of (1) to (5). (9) The housing includes a housing main body having a wall portion that covers the transmission mechanism from the other side in the axial direction, a first lid member that is connected to the peripheral wall portion and covers an opening on the other side in the axial direction of the peripheral wall portion, and a second lid member that covers the transmission mechanism from one side in the axial direction. The first hole portion is provided in the second lid member, and the second hole portion is provided in the first lid member. The drive device according to any one of (1) to (5). (10) A control unit connected to the motor is provided. The housing has a third accommodation portion that accommodates the control unit. The second accommodation portion is located on one side in the axial direction of the first accommodation portion, and the third accommodation portion is located on the other side in the axial direction of the first accommodation portion. A direction orthogonal to both the axial direction and the vertical direction is defined as a first direction. The first hole portion is provided in the second accommodation portion on one side in the first direction with respect to the first axis, and the second hole portion is provided in the third accommodation portion on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first axis. The drive device according to any one of (1) to (5). (11) At least one of the first hole portion and the second hole portion is a through hole that penetrates a protrusion protruding from the outer surface of the housing. The drive device according to any one of (1) to (10). (12) The protrusion is plate-shaped and extends along a plane orthogonal to the axial direction. The through hole penetrates the protrusion in the axial direction. The drive device according to (11). (13) The housing has a rib that connects the outer surface of the housing and the protrusion. The drive device according to (11) or (12). (14) The first hole portion and the second hole portion are located above the first axis. The drive device according to any one of (1) to (13). (15) The transmission mechanism has a plurality of gears, and the first hole portion and the second hole portion are located above the rotation axes of the plurality of gears, and the driving device according to any one of (1) to (14). (16) The first hole portion and the second hole portion are provided at different positions in the vertical direction, and the driving device according to any one of (1) to (15). (17) At least one of the first hole portion and the second hole portion is provided at a position different from the housing when viewed from the axial direction, and the driving device according to (12). (18) At least one of the first hole portion and the second hole portion overlaps the housing in the axial direction, and the driving device according to (12). (19) Wiring or piping is passed through at least one of the first hole portion and the second hole portion, and the driving device according to any one of (1) to (18).

Explanation of reference numerals

[0113] 1,101,201,301,401,501,601,701… Driving device, 2… Motor, 3… Transmission mechanism, 6,106,206,306,406,506,606,706,806,906… Housing, 6b… Second side wall portion (wall portion), 6d… First peripheral wall portion (peripheral wall portion), 6A… First accommodating portion, 6B… Second accommodating portion, 6Ba… Protrusion, 506D… Third accommodating portion, 7,507… Control portion, 20… Rotor, 31,32,131,132,232,331,532,632,731,831,931… Protrusion portion, 831h,931h… Hole portion (first hole portion, second hole portion), 31h,131h,331h,731h… First hole portion, 32h,132h,232h,532h,632h… Second hole portion, 41,42,43,51… Gear, 61… Housing main body, 62… Second lid member, 63… First lid member, 939… Rib, G1,G2… Center of gravity, J1… First axis, J2… Second axis, VL… Virtual line, X… First direction, Y… Axial direction, Z… Vertical direction

Claims

1. A drive device, comprising: a motor having a rotor rotatable about a first axis; a transmission mechanism located on one axial side of the motor for transmitting the rotation of the rotor; a housing having a first housing portion for housing the motor and a second housing portion for housing the transmission mechanism; a first hole portion and a second hole portion are provided on an outer surface of the housing; a virtual line connecting the first hole portion and the second hole portion passes through the first housing portion; the housing has a housing body having a cylindrical peripheral wall portion surrounding the motor from radially outside the first axis; at least one of the center of gravity of the housing body or the center of gravity of the drive device overlaps with the virtual line in the vertical direction; Drive device.

2. At least one of the center of gravity of the housing body or the center of gravity of the drive device is located in an internal space of the first housing portion, the virtual line passes through the first housing portion, The drive device according to claim 1.

3. Taking the direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the vertical direction as the first direction, the transmission mechanism has a gear rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis, when viewed from the axial direction, the second axis is located on one side of the first direction with respect to the first axis, the first hole portion is located on one side of the axial direction and one side of the first direction with respect to the center of gravity of the drive device, the second hole portion is located on the other side of the axial direction and the other side of the first direction with respect to the center of gravity of the drive device, The drive device according to claim 1.

4. Taking the direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the vertical direction as the first direction, the transmission mechanism has a gear rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis, when viewed from the axial direction, the second axis is located on one side of the first direction with respect to the first axis, the first hole portion is located on one side of the axial direction and the other side of the first direction with respect to the center of gravity of the drive device, the second hole portion is located on the other side of the axial direction and one side of the first direction with respect to the center of gravity of the drive device, The drive device according to claim 1.

5. Taking the direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the vertical direction as the first direction, the second housing portion has a protruding portion protruding to one side of the first direction with respect to the first housing portion, the first hole portion is provided in the protruding portion on one side of the first direction with respect to the first axis, The second hole portion is provided in the first accommodating portion on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first axis. The drive device according to claim 1.

6. The housing body is a single member. Both the first hole portion and the second hole portion are provided in the housing body. The drive device according to claim 1.

7. The housing has a first lid member connected to the peripheral wall portion and covering the opening on the other side in the axial direction of the peripheral wall portion. The first hole portion is provided in the housing body. The second hole portion is provided in the first lid member. The drive device according to claim 1.

8. The housing has a housing body having a wall portion covering the transmission mechanism from the other side in the axial direction, and a second lid member covering the transmission mechanism from one side in the axial direction. The first hole portion is provided in the second lid member. The second hole portion is provided in the housing body. The drive device according to claim 1.

9. The housing has a housing body having a wall portion covering the transmission mechanism from the other side in the axial direction, a first lid member connected to the peripheral wall portion and covering the opening on the other side in the axial direction of the peripheral wall portion, and a second lid member covering the transmission mechanism from one side in the axial direction. The first hole portion is provided in the second lid member. The second hole portion is provided in the first lid member. The drive device according to claim 1.

10. Comprises a control unit connected to the motor, The housing has a third accommodating portion for accommodating the control unit. The second accommodating portion is located on one side in the axial direction of the first accommodating portion. The third accommodating portion is located on the other side in the axial direction of the first accommodating portion. A direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the vertical direction is defined as the first direction. The first hole portion is provided in the second accommodating portion on one side in the first direction with respect to the first axis. The second hole portion is provided in the third accommodating portion on the other side in the first direction with respect to the first axis. The drive device according to claim 1.

11. At least one of the first hole portion and the second hole portion is a through hole penetrating a protrusion protruding from the outer surface of the housing. The drive device according to claim 1.

12. The protrusion is plate-shaped and extends along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction. The through hole penetrates the protrusion in the axial direction. The drive device according to claim 11.

13. The housing has ribs connecting the outer surface of the housing and the protrusion. The drive device according to claim 11.

14. The first hole portion and the second hole portion are located above the first axis. The drive device according to claim 1.

15. The transmission mechanism has a plurality of gears. The first hole portion and the second hole portion are located above the respective rotation axes of the plurality of gears. The drive device according to claim 1.

16. The first hole portion and the second hole portion are provided at different positions in the vertical direction. The drive device according to claim 1.

17. At least one of the first hole portion and the second hole portion is provided at a position different from the housing when viewed from the axial direction. The drive device according to claim 12.

18. At least one of the first hole portion and the second hole portion overlaps the housing in the axial direction. The drive device according to claim 12.

19. Wiring or piping is passed through at least one of the first hole portion and the second hole portion. The drive device according to claim 1.

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