Drive unit

Abstract

A drive system for a vehicle is provided. [Solution] The drive device comprises a motor, a first shaft driven by the motor, a planetary gear mechanism having a sun gear, a ring gear, a carrier, and a planetary gear, a case housing the planetary gear mechanism, an output shaft that outputs driving force to the outside, and a speed control mechanism that can switch the operating mode of the planetary gear mechanism among multiple modes. The first shaft is mechanically connected to the sun gear. The output shaft is mechanically connected to the carrier. The multiple modes include a first mode in which relative rotation of the ring gear with respect to the case is prohibited and relative rotation of the ring gear with respect to the carrier is permitted, and a second mode in which relative rotation of the ring gear with respect to the carrier is prohibited and relative rotation of the ring gear with respect to the case is permitted.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a drive system for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a drive system for a vehicle equipped with a motor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6938678 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A motor-type drive device is required to have a speed change mechanism, but the inclusion of a speed change mechanism may complicate the structure and increase the size of the drive device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present specification discloses a drive device for a vehicle that includes a motor, a first shaft driven by the motor, a planetary gear mechanism having a sun gear, a ring gear, a carrier, and planetary gears, a case that houses the planetary gear mechanism, an output shaft that outputs driving force to the outside, and a transmission mechanism that can switch the operating mode of the planetary gear mechanism among multiple modes. The first shaft is mechanically connected to the sun gear. The output shaft is mechanically connected to the carrier. The multiple modes include a first mode in which relative rotation of the ring gear with respect to the case is prohibited but relative rotation of the ring gear with respect to the carrier is permitted, and a second mode in which relative rotation of the ring gear with respect to the carrier is prohibited but relative rotation of the ring gear with respect to the case is permitted.

[0006] In the above configuration, in the first mode, the carrier can rotate around the central axis of the sun gear. Therefore, the rotation of the first shaft is reduced by the planetary gear mechanism and then output to the output shaft. In the second mode, the carrier and ring gear rotate integrally with the sun gear. Therefore, the rotation of the first shaft is output to the output shaft without being reduced by the planetary gear mechanism. In other words, the planetary gear mechanism can be switched between the first mode, in which it functions as a reducer, and the second mode, in which it does not function as a reducer. By using the planetary gear mechanism, there is no need to separately add a new speed change gear or the like. It is possible to provide a speed change mechanism in the drive unit while suppressing structural complexity and size increases. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a skeleton diagram showing a schematic configuration of a drive device 1. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the planetary gear mechanism 30 for explaining the first mode. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the planetary gear mechanism 30 for explaining the second mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The transmission mechanism may include a connecting component and an actuator configured to move the connecting component between a first position and a second position. When the connecting component is in the first position, the ring gear may be connected to the case so as not to rotate relative to the case and the ring gear may be decoupled from the carrier, thereby realizing a first mode. When the connecting component is in the second position, the ring gear may be connected to the carrier so as not to rotate relative to the case and the ring gear may be decoupled from the case, thereby realizing a second mode.

[0009] The connecting component may be, for example, a dog clutch, which can simplify the structure compared to a wet multi-plate clutch.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the operating mode of the planetary gear mechanism can be switched between the first mode and the second mode by connecting parts.

[0011] The case may include a first ring portion positioned coaxially with the ring gear. The carrier may include a second ring portion positioned coaxially with the ring gear. The ring gear may include a ring gear hub fixed to the outer periphery of the ring gear. An outer periphery spline may be formed on each of the outer peripheries of the ring gear hub, the first ring portion, and the second ring portion. The connecting component may include a sleeve arranged to be slidable in the axial direction of the ring gear. An inner periphery of the sleeve may include an inner periphery spline that engages with each of the outer periphery splines of the ring gear hub, the first ring portion, and the second ring portion. When the sleeve is in the first position, the sleeve may engage with the ring gear hub and the first ring portion but not engage with the second ring portion. When the sleeve is in the second position, the sleeve may engage with the ring gear hub and the second ring portion but not engage with the first ring portion.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the operating mode of the planetary gear mechanism can be switched by the sleeve.

[0013] The rotational speed controller may further include a second shaft having a sun gear disposed at one end thereof, disposed parallel to the first shaft, and receiving the driving force of the first shaft. The rotational speed controller may further include a third shaft having a carrier disposed at one end thereof, disposed coaxially with the second shaft, and receiving the driving force output from the planetary gear mechanism. The output shaft may be disposed coaxially with the first shaft. The driving force of the third shaft may be received by the output shaft.

[0014] According to the above configuration, it is possible to improve the space efficiency for arranging the output shaft, and to reduce the size of the drive device.

[0015] The first shaft may have a hollow structure. The output shaft may pass through the first shaft.

[0016] The above configuration reduces the space required for locating the output shaft, allowing for a smaller overall size of the drive unit.

[0017] The system may further include a differential gear mechanically connected to a third shaft. The output shaft may include a first output shaft and a second output shaft arranged coaxially with respect to each other. One end of the first output shaft may be connected to the differential gear, and the other end may pass through the first shaft. One end of the second output shaft may be connected to the differential gear.

[0018] According to the above configuration, in a configuration that includes a first output shaft and a second output shaft, it becomes possible to reduce the size of the drive unit.

[0019] The case may comprise a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber. The first chamber may house a motor. The second chamber may house a first gear pair connecting the first shaft and the second shaft, and a planetary gear mechanism. The third chamber may house a second gear pair connecting the third shaft and the output shaft. The first, second, and third chambers may be arranged in this order along the axial direction of the first shaft.

[0020] The above configuration allows for increased space efficiency in the case and enables a reduction in the size of the drive unit.

[0021] The case may further include a first wall separating the first chamber from the second chamber, a second wall separating the second chamber from the third chamber, and a third wall defining a third chamber between the first wall and the second wall. The first wall may be provided with a first bearing rotatably supporting the first shaft and a second bearing rotatably supporting the second shaft. The second wall may be provided with a third bearing rotatably supporting the first shaft, a fourth bearing rotatably supporting the third shaft, and a fifth bearing rotatably supporting the output shaft. The third wall may be provided with a sixth bearing rotatably supporting the third shaft and a seventh bearing rotatably supporting the output shaft.

[0022] The above configuration allows for a simplified assembly process for the drive unit.

[0023] The case may also be further equipped with an oil pump for circulating oil. The oil pump may be mechanically connected to the sun gear and driven in conjunction with the rotation of the sun gear.

[0024] According to the above configuration, the amount of oil circulating can be increased in conjunction with an increase in the rotational speed of the sun gear.

[0025] The actuator may be a rotary actuator. The transmission mechanism may further include a linear motion mechanism that converts the rotational motion output by the actuator into linear motion, and a shift fork that transmits the linear motion output by the linear motion mechanism to a sleeve.

[0026] With the above configuration, the sleeve can be slidably moved in the axial direction of the ring gear.

[0027] The linear motion mechanism may also include a ball screw.

[0028] The shift fork may be configured to move in a first direction, which is away from the ring gear, and in a second direction, which is towards the ring gear, in the axial direction of the ring gear. The transmission mechanism may further include a biasing unit that applies an axial biasing force to the shift fork of the ring gear. The biasing unit may apply a biasing force to the shift fork in the first direction when the shift fork moves in the first direction, and apply a biasing force to the shift fork in the second direction when the shift fork moves in the second direction.

[0029] With the above configuration, the biasing force in the first direction allows for smooth engagement of the sleeve with the first ring portion. Furthermore, the biasing force in the second direction allows for smooth engagement of the sleeve with the second ring portion. [Example]

[0030] (Configuration of drive unit 1) Figure 1 is a skeleton diagram illustrating the structure of the drive unit 1 of an electric vehicle. The drive unit 1 is a device that drives a pair of left and right wheels (not shown) of the vehicle. The drive unit 1 may be an integrated device in which the motor, gear unit, and power conversion unit for controlling the motor are housed in the same casing. In Figure 1, the axial direction of the first shaft 61, second shaft 62, ring gear 32, third shaft 63, first output shaft 64, and second output shaft 65 is defined as the x-direction. The case 10 is shown in a cross-sectional view, and the components of the case 10 are hatched. The same applies to subsequent figures.

[0031] The drive unit 1 is controlled by the control unit 2. The control unit 2 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output interface, etc. The control unit 2 is connected to the motor 20, actuator 41, etc. by signal lines (not shown).

[0032] The drive device 1 mainly includes a case 10, a motor 20, a planetary gear mechanism 30, a transmission mechanism 40, an oil pump 50, a first shaft 61, a second shaft 62, a third shaft 63, a first output shaft 64, a second output shaft 65, and a differential gear 70. Note that in addition to the first shaft 61, the second shaft 62, and the third shaft 63, an additional shaft such as a fourth shaft may be included.

[0033] The case 10 has a structure in which a motor cover 11, a center case 12, an intermediate case 13, and a gear cover 14 are arranged side by side in the x direction. Each of these cases may be made of casting. The case 10 is formed by fastening these four members together. The case 10 includes a first chamber R1, a second chamber R2, and a third chamber R3. The first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber are arranged in this order along the axial direction of the first shaft 61 (i.e., the x direction). The case 10 includes a first wall W1, a second wall W2, and a third wall W3. The first wall W1 separates the first chamber R1 from the second chamber R2. The second wall W2 separates the second chamber R2 from the third chamber R3. The third wall W3 defines the third chamber R3 between itself and the second wall W2.

[0034] The first wall W1 is provided with a bearing 81 and a bearing 82. The bearing 81 rotatably supports the first shaft 61. The bearing 82 rotatably supports the second shaft 62. The second wall W2 is provided with a bearing 83, a bearing 84, and a bearing 85. The bearing 83 rotatably supports the first shaft 61. The bearing 84 rotatably supports the third shaft 63. The bearing 85 rotatably supports the first output shaft 64. The third wall W3 is provided with a bearing 86 and a bearing 87. The bearing 86 rotatably supports the third shaft 63. The bearing 87 rotatably supports the second output shaft 65.

[0035] The effect of this is as follows. The first wall W1, the second wall W2, and the third wall W3 are each provided with various bearings. This allows three assemblies, namely, an assembly having the first wall W1, an assembly having the second wall W2, and an assembly having the third wall W3, to be pre-assembled. Then, in the final assembly process, these three assemblies only need to be assembled. This simplifies the assembly process of the drive unit 1.

[0036] The first chamber R1 mainly houses the motor 20 and the oil pump 50. The motor 20 includes a stator 21, a rotor 22, and a motor shaft 23. The stator 21 has a cylindrical shape. The rotor 22 is rotatably disposed inside the stator 21. The motor shaft 23 is fixed to the rotor 22.

[0037] The second chamber R2 mainly houses the first shaft 61, the second shaft 62, the first gear pair 91, the planetary gear mechanism 30, and part of the speed change mechanism 40. The first shaft 61 is coaxially connected to the motor shaft 23. The first shaft and the motor shaft 23 have a hollow structure. The first shaft 61 is supported by bearings 81 and 83. The first shaft 61 is driven by the motor 20.

[0038] The second shaft 62 is positioned parallel to the first shaft 61. The second shaft 62 is supported by bearings 82 and 89. The first shaft 61 and the second shaft 62 are coupled by a first gear pair 91. The driving force of the first shaft 61 is transmitted to the second shaft 62.

[0039] The planetary gear mechanism 30 includes a sun gear 31, a ring gear 32, planetary gears 33, and a carrier 34. The sun gear 31 is disposed at the end of the second shaft 62 in the +x direction. The sun gear 31 is mechanically connected to the motor shaft 23 via the first gear pair 91 and the first shaft 61. As a result, the planetary gear mechanism 30 has the sun gear 31 as an input and the carrier 34 as an output.

[0040] The end of the second shaft 62 in the -x direction is connected to the oil pump 50. As a result, the oil pump 50 is mechanically connected to the sun gear 31. The oil pump 50 is a component for circulating oil within the case 10. The oil pump 50 is a mechanical pump, and is driven in conjunction with the rotation of the sun gear 31. As a result, the amount of oil circulating can be increased in conjunction with an increase in the rotation speed of the sun gear 31. This can effectively prevent the occurrence of seizure and wear in the various gears within the case 10.

[0041] The third chamber R3 mainly houses the third shaft 63, the second gear pair 92, the differential gear 70, the first output shaft 64, the second output shaft 65, and part of the transmission mechanism 40. The third shaft 63 is arranged coaxially with the second shaft 62. The third shaft 63 is supported by bearings 84 and 86. The end of the third shaft 63 in the -x direction is connected to the carrier 34. The driving force output from the planetary gear mechanism 30 is transmitted to the third shaft 63. The third shaft 63 is coupled to the differential gear 70 by the second gear pair 92. The second gear pair 92 is a gear pair constituted by a parallel gear arranged on the third shaft 63 and a ring gear provided in the differential gear 70.

[0042] The differential gear 70 is a mechanism that distributes the driving force transmitted from the third shaft 63 to a pair of left and right output shafts, a first output shaft 64 and a second output shaft 65. The first output shaft 64 and the second output shaft 65 are arranged coaxially with each other. The first output shaft 64 and the second output shaft 65 are shafts that output the driving force to a pair of tires (not shown).

[0043] The first output shaft 64 is supported by bearings 85 and 88. The end of the first output shaft 64 in the +x direction is connected to the differential gear 70. The end of the first output shaft 64 in the -x direction passes through the first shaft 61. This makes it possible to reduce the space required for arranging the first output shaft 64, thereby enabling the size of the drive unit 1 to be reduced.

[0044] The second output shaft 65 is supported by a bearing 87. The end of the second output shaft 65 in the −x direction is connected to the differential gear 70.

[0045] (Configuration of the transmission mechanism 40) The speed change mechanism 40 mainly includes an actuator 41, a ball screw 42, a biasing member 43, a shift fork 44, a sleeve 45, a first ring portion 46, a second ring portion 47, and a ring gear hub 48. The first ring portion 46 is positioned coaxially with the ring gear 32 and is disposed on the second wall W2. The second ring portion 47 is positioned coaxially with the ring gear 32 and is disposed on the carrier 34. The ring gear hub 48 is positioned coaxially with the ring gear 32 and is fixed to the outer periphery of the ring gear 32. An outer periphery spline is formed on the outer periphery of each of the first ring portion 46, the second ring portion 47, and the ring gear hub 48. The sleeve 45 is disposed slidably in the axial direction of the ring gear 32 (i.e., the x direction). An inner periphery spline is formed on the inner periphery of the sleeve 45. The inner periphery spline is configured to be engageable with the outer periphery splines of the first ring portion 46, the second ring portion 47, and the ring gear hub 48, respectively. This forms a so-called dog clutch. Note that an outer peripheral spline may be formed on the ring gear 32 and configured to be engageable, without using the ring gear hub 48. Alternatively, an outer peripheral spline may be formed on the first ring hub connected to the first ring portion 46 and the second ring hub connected to the second ring portion 47, and configured to be engageable.

[0046] The actuator 41 is a rotary actuator. In this embodiment, the actuator 41 is a motor. The ball screw 42 is a linear motion mechanism that converts the rotational motion output by the actuator 41 into linear motion. A nut 42n of the ball screw 42 is connected to the shift fork 44 via a biasing portion 43. The -x-direction end of the shift fork 44 is connected to a sleeve 45. The shift fork 44 is a component that transmits the linear motion output by the ball screw 42 to the sleeve 45. The shift fork 44 is configured to be movable in a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 in the axial direction of the ring gear 32. The first direction D1 is a direction away from the ring gear 32 (i.e., the +x direction). The second direction D2 is a direction toward the ring gear 32 (i.e., the -x direction).

[0047] The biasing portion 43 includes a spring (not shown) and applies a biasing force in the axial direction of the ring gear to the shift fork 44. When the shift fork moves in the first direction D1, the biasing portion 43 applies a biasing force in the first direction D1 to the shift fork 44. When the shift fork moves in the second direction D2, the biasing portion 43 applies a biasing force in the second direction D2 to the shift fork 44. Note that the specific structure for realizing the function of the biasing portion 43 is well known, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0048] (Operation of the transmission mechanism 40) The speed change mechanism 40 is a mechanism that can switch the operating mode of the planetary gear mechanism 30 between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the rotation of the motor 20 is decelerated before being transmitted to the output shaft. In the second mode, the rotation of the motor 20 is transmitted to the output shaft without being decelerated. The operating mode is switched by moving the sleeve 45 between a first position P1 and a second position P2, as will be explained below.

[0049] The first mode will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the planetary gear mechanism 30 and its vicinity. In the first mode, the sleeve 45 is in a first position P1. In the first position P1, the sleeve 45 engages with the ring gear hub 48 and the first ring portion 46, but does not engage with the second ring portion 47. The ring gear 32 is connected to the case 10 so as not to rotate relative to the case 10, and the ring gear 32 is disconnected from the carrier 34. That is, in the first mode, the ring gear 32 is prohibited from rotating relative to the case 10, but is allowed to rotate relative to the carrier 34. Therefore, the carrier 34 is rotatable around the central axis of the sun gear 31. Therefore, the rotation of the first shaft 61 is transmitted to the carrier 34 via the sun gear 31 and the planetary gears 33 (see transmission path T1 indicated by the dotted arrow). This allows the planetary gear mechanism 30 to function as a reducer.

[0050] The second mode will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the planetary gear mechanism 30. In the second mode, the sleeve 45 is in a second position P2. In the second position P2, the sleeve 45 engages with the ring gear hub 48 and the second ring portion 47, but does not engage with the first ring portion 46. The ring gear 32 is connected to the carrier 34 so as not to rotate relative to the carrier 34, and the ring gear 32 is disconnected from the case 10. That is, in the second mode, relative rotation of the ring gear 32 with respect to the carrier 34 is prohibited, but relative rotation of the ring gear 32 with respect to the case 10 is permitted. Therefore, the carrier 34 and the ring gear 32 rotate integrally with the sun gear 31. Therefore, the rotation of the first shaft 61 is transmitted to the carrier 34 via the sun gear 31, planetary gear 33, ring gear 32, ring gear hub 48, sleeve 45, and second ring portion 47 (see transmission path T2 indicated by the dotted arrow). As a result, the planetary gear mechanism 30 does not function as a reducer.

[0051] Movement of the sleeve 45 will now be described. When moving the sleeve 45 to the first position P1, the actuator 41 moves the nut 42n in the first direction D1 (see FIG. 2). As the nut 42n moves, the shift fork 44 and the sleeve 45 also move in the first direction D1. Because the biasing force in the first direction D1 is applied by the biasing portion 43, the sleeve 45 can smoothly mesh with the first ring portion 46.

[0052] On the other hand, when the sleeve 45 is moved to the second position P2, the nut 42n is moved in the second direction D2 by the actuator 41. As the nut 42n moves, the shift fork 44 and the sleeve 45 also move in the second direction D2. Because the biasing force in the second direction D2 is applied by the biasing portion 43, the sleeve 45 can be smoothly engaged with the second ring portion 47.

[0053] (effect) The technology of this specification allows the planetary gear mechanism 30 to be switched between a first mode in which it functions as a reducer and a second mode in which it does not function as a reducer. By using the planetary gear mechanism 30, there is no need to separately add a new speed change gear or the like. It is possible to provide the drive unit 1 with a speed change mechanism while suppressing the complexity of the structure and the increase in size.

[0054] With the technology of this specification, the motor 20, planetary gear mechanism 30, various gears, and various shafts can be housed in the first chamber R1, the second chamber R2, and the third chamber R3. Since an integrated drive unit 1 can be realized, the size can be reduced.

[0055] Although embodiments have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technologies described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself.

[0056] (Variation) The drive unit 1 may be configured to include only one of the first output shaft 64 and the second output shaft 65. In this case, the differential gear 70 can be omitted.

[0057] In this specification, a sleeve 45 is described as an example of a connecting component, but the invention is not limited to this form. The connecting component may also be a pin, a ball, or the like.

[0058] The linear motion mechanism that converts the rotational motion output by actuator 41 into linear motion is not limited to a ball screw. Various mechanisms, such as a rack and pinion mechanism, can be used. Furthermore, actuator 41 is not limited to a rotary actuator; it can be a linear actuator. In this case, the linear motion mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear motion is unnecessary.

[0059] The first and second modes are examples of multiple modes. These multiple modes may include other modes, such as a neutral mode.

[0060] The vehicles to which the drive system described herein is installed are not limited to electric vehicles. The drive system described herein can be installed in, for example, hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Furthermore, the drive system described herein is also applicable to vehicles that use an electric motor for at least part of their driving, such as fuel cell vehicles.

[0061] The ball screw 42 is an example of a linear motion mechanism, and the sleeve 45 is an example of a connecting part. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1: Drive unit 10: Case 20: Motor 30: Planetary gear mechanism 31: Sun gear 32: Ring gear 33: Planetary gear 34: Carrier 40: Speed ​​change mechanism 41: Actuator 45: Sleeve 61: First shaft 62: Second shaft 64: First output shaft 65: Second output shaft

Claims

1. A drive device for a vehicle, A motor; a first shaft driven by a motor; a planetary gear mechanism having a sun gear, a ring gear, a carrier, and a planetary gear; a case that houses the planetary gear mechanism; an output shaft that outputs a driving force to the outside; a speed change mechanism that can switch the operation mode of the planetary gear mechanism among a plurality of modes; Equipped with the first shaft is mechanically connected to the sun gear; the output shaft is mechanically connected to the carrier; The plurality of modes include: a first mode in which relative rotation of the ring gear with respect to the case is prohibited and relative rotation of the ring gear with respect to the carrier is permitted; a second mode in which relative rotation of the ring gear with respect to the carrier is prohibited and relative rotation of the ring gear with respect to the case is permitted. Drive unit.

2. The transmission mechanism is A connecting part; an actuator configured to move the connecting piece between a first position and a second position; It is equipped with When the connecting part is in the first position, the ring gear is connected to the case so as not to rotate relative to the case, and the ring gear is disconnected from the carrier, thereby realizing the first mode; 2. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein when the connecting part is in the second position, the ring gear is connected to the carrier so as not to rotate relative to the carrier, and the ring gear is disconnected from the case, thereby realizing the second mode.

3. the case includes a first ring portion positioned coaxially with the ring gear, the carrier includes a second ring portion positioned coaxially with the ring gear, The ring gear includes a ring gear hub fixed to an outer periphery of the ring gear, an outer periphery of each of the ring gear hub, the first ring portion, and the second ring portion is formed with an outer periphery spline; the connecting component includes a sleeve that is slidably disposed in the axial direction of the ring gear, an inner periphery of the sleeve is formed with inner periphery splines that engage with the outer periphery splines of the ring gear hub, the first ring portion, and the second ring portion; when the sleeve is in the first position, the sleeve engages with the ring gear hub and the first ring portion but does not engage with the second ring portion; 3. The drive apparatus of claim 2, wherein when said sleeve is in said second position, said sleeve engages said ring gear hub and said second ring portion and does not engage said first ring portion.

4. a second shaft having the sun gear disposed at one end thereof, disposed parallel to the first shaft, and to which the driving force of the first shaft is transmitted; a third shaft, the third shaft having the carrier disposed at one end thereof and disposed coaxially with the second shaft, the third shaft receiving the driving force output from the planetary gear mechanism; Furthermore, the output shaft is disposed coaxially with the first shaft, 4. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the driving force of the third shaft is transmitted to the output shaft.

5. the first shaft has a hollow structure, The drive device of claim 4 , wherein the output shaft extends through the first shaft.

6. a differential gear mechanically connected to the third shaft; The output shafts include a first output shaft and a second output shaft that are coaxially arranged with each other, One end of the first output shaft is connected to the differential gear, and the other end passes through the first shaft, 6. The drive device according to claim 5, wherein one end of the second output shaft is connected to the differential gear.

7. The case includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber, The first chamber houses the motor, The second chamber houses a first gear pair that connects the first shaft and the second shaft, and the planetary gear mechanism, The third chamber houses a second gear pair that connects the third shaft and the output shaft, The drive unit according to claim 4 , wherein the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber are arranged in this order along the axial direction of the first shaft.

8. the case further includes a first wall separating the first chamber and the second chamber, a second wall separating the second chamber and the third chamber, and a third wall defining the third chamber between the first wall and the third wall, The first wall is provided with a first bearing that rotatably supports the first shaft and a second bearing that rotatably supports the second shaft, the second wall is provided with a third bearing that rotatably supports the first shaft, a fourth bearing that rotatably supports the third shaft, and a fifth bearing that rotatably supports the output shaft, The drive device according to claim 7 , wherein the third wall is provided with a sixth bearing that rotatably supports the third shaft and a seventh bearing that rotatably supports the output shaft.

9. An oil pump that circulates oil within the case is further provided, 2. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the oil pump is mechanically connected to the sun gear and is driven in conjunction with rotation of the sun gear.

10. the actuator is a rotary actuator; The transmission mechanism is a linear motion mechanism that converts the rotational motion output by the actuator into linear motion; a shift fork that transmits the linear motion output by the linear motion mechanism to the sleeve; The drive arrangement of claim 3 further comprising:

11. The drive device according to claim 10 , wherein the linear motion mechanism comprises a ball screw.

12. the shift fork is configured to be movable in an axial direction of the ring gear in a first direction that is a direction away from the ring gear and in a second direction that is a direction toward the ring gear, the transmission mechanism further includes a biasing portion that applies a biasing force to the shift fork in the axial direction of the ring gear, The biasing portion is When the shift fork moves in the first direction, a biasing force in the first direction is applied to the shift fork, The drive device according to claim 10, wherein when the shift fork moves in the second direction, a biasing force in the second direction is applied to the shift fork.

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