Drive unit

Abstract

To provide a drive device that can suppress the increase in size. [Solution] The system comprises a motor, a gear mechanism connected to the motor, and a housing 30 that houses the motor and the gear mechanism. The gear mechanism has a differential mechanism having a first gear and a differential mechanism rotatable around a first axis extending in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, and a second gear 21e rotatable around a second axis extending in the first direction. The second axis is located at a different position from the first axis when viewed in the first direction. The housing has a gear housing 32 that houses the gear mechanism. The gear housing has a first housing section 36c that houses the differential, a second housing section 36b that houses the second gear, and a first flow path section 41 that connects the inside of the first housing section and the inside of the second housing section. The first flow path section has a first end section 41a that connects to the inside of the first housing section and a second end section 41b that connects to the inside of the second housing section. The first end is located above the second end.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a driving device such as a power transmission device in which oil used for lubricating gears and bearings is housed in a case is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the driving device as described above, a catch tank for storing oil is provided in the case, and the oil in the catch tank may be supplied to the gears and bearings in the case. However, in this case, there is a problem that the driving device becomes larger due to the provision of the catch tank.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, one object of the present invention is to provide a driving device having a structure that can suppress an increase in size.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One embodiment of the drive device of the present invention comprises a motor, a gear mechanism connected to the motor, and a housing that houses the motor and the gear mechanism. The gear mechanism includes a differential gear having a first gear and a differential mechanism rotatable about a first axis extending in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, and a second gear rotatable about a second axis extending in the first direction. The second axis is located at a different position from the first axis when viewed in the first direction. The housing has a gear housing that houses the gear mechanism. The gear housing has a first housing portion that houses the differential gear, a second housing portion that houses the second gear, and a first flow path portion that connects the inside of the first housing portion and the inside of the second housing portion. The first flow path portion has a first end portion that connects to the inside of the first housing portion and a second end portion that connects to the inside of the second housing portion. The first end portion is located above the second end portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the drive unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a drive device in one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a view of the housing body in one embodiment, seen from one side in the axial direction. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of the housing and differential in one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a view of the gear cover in one embodiment, seen from the other side in the axial direction. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a part of the housing body in one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a part of the housing body in one embodiment, and shows a part that differs from Figure 5. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the housing in one embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a part of the housing and the pressure adjustment section in one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] In the drawings, the XYZ coordinate system is shown as a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system where appropriate. In the XYZ coordinate system, the Z-axis direction is the up and down direction. The side in which the Z-axis arrow points (+Z side) is the up side, and the side opposite to the side in which the Z-axis arrow points (-Z side) is the down side. The X-axis direction is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and is the front-rear direction of the vehicle on which the drive unit 100 is mounted in the following embodiments. In the following embodiments, the side in which the X-axis arrow points (+X side) is the front side of the vehicle, and the side opposite to the side in which the X-axis arrow points (-X side) is the rear side of the vehicle. The Y-axis direction is perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction and is the left-right direction of the vehicle, i.e., the vehicle width direction. In the following embodiments, the side in which the Y-axis arrow points (+Y side) is the left side of the vehicle, and the side opposite to the side in which the Y-axis arrow points (-Y side) is the right side of the vehicle.

[0010] Note that the relative positions in the front-rear direction are not limited to those in the embodiments described below; the +X side may be the rear of the vehicle and the -X side may be the front of the vehicle. In this case, the +Y side is the right side of the vehicle and the -Y side is the left side of the vehicle. Furthermore, in this specification, "parallel directions" also include substantially parallel directions, and "orthogonal directions" also include substantially orthogonal directions.

[0011] In the following embodiments, the central axis J1 shown in the figures as appropriate is a virtual axis extending in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. More specifically, the central axis J1 extends in the Y-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction, i.e., in the left-right direction of the vehicle. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the central axis J1 is simply called the "axial direction," the radial direction centered on the central axis J1 is simply called the "radial direction," and the circumferential direction centered on the central axis J1 is simply called the "circumferential direction." In the following description, the left side (+Y side) of the axial direction is called the "one side of the axial direction," and the right side (-Y side) of the axial direction is called the "other side of the axial direction." The vertical direction is, for example, the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction and left-right direction (axial direction) are, for example, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. In the following embodiments, the axial direction (left-right direction, Y-axis direction) corresponds to the "first direction" that intersects with the vertical direction, and the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) corresponds to the "second direction" that is perpendicular to both the first direction and the vertical direction. The rear side (-X side) corresponds to "one side of the second direction," and the front side (+X side) corresponds to "the other side of the second direction." The central axis J1 corresponds to the "third axis" extending in the axial direction, which is the first direction.

[0012] The drive unit 100 of this embodiment shown in Figure 1 is a drive unit mounted on a vehicle that rotates the axle. The vehicle on which the drive unit 100 is mounted is a vehicle that uses a motor as a power source, such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), or an electric vehicle (EV). As shown in Figure 1, the drive unit 100 comprises a motor 10, a gear mechanism 20, and a housing 30. The housing 30 houses the motor 10 and the gear mechanism 20 inside. The housing 30 has a motor housing 31 that houses the motor 10 inside and a gear housing 32 that houses the gear mechanism 20 inside.

[0013] The motor 10 includes a rotor 11 that can rotate about a central axis J1, and a stator 12 located radially outward from the rotor 11. The rotor 11 includes a motor shaft 13 arranged along the central axis J1, and a rotor core 14 fixed to the motor shaft 13. In this embodiment, the motor shaft 13 is substantially cylindrical in shape and extends axially about the central axis J1. Although not shown in the figures, a magnet is fixed to the rotor core 14.

[0014] The stator 12 is annular in shape surrounding the rotor 11. The stator 12 has a stator core 15 and a plurality of coils 16. The plurality of coils 16 are attached to the stator core 15. The stator core 15 is located radially outward from the rotor core 14. The stator core 15 is arranged radially opposite to the rotor core 14 with a gap in between. The stator core 15 is constructed by stacking a plurality of plate members, such as electrical steel sheets, in the axial direction. The stator core 15 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical member 17 that extends in the axial direction. The cylindrical member 17 is substantially cylindrical, with a central axis J1 as its center and openings on both sides in the axial direction. The cylindrical member 17 is fixed inside the motor housing 31. A helical groove 17a extending spirally around the central axis J1 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical member 17. The radially outer opening of the helical groove 17a is closed by the inner circumferential surface of the motor housing 31, thereby forming a cooling channel section 18. A fluid that cools the stator 12 flows through the cooling channel section 18. This fluid is, for example, water. The outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical member 17 may be provided with grooves other than helical grooves, such as grooves that meander in the axial or circumferential direction.

[0015] The gear mechanism 20 is connected to the motor 10. The gear mechanism 20 is connected to one axial end (+Y side) of the motor shaft 13 on the rotor 11. The gear mechanism 20 transmits the rotation of the rotor 11 to the vehicle's axle. The gear mechanism 20 includes a reduction gear 21 connected to the rotor 11 and a differential gear 22 connected to the reduction gear 21.

[0016] The speed reduction device 21 has a first gear shaft 21a, a second gear shaft 21b, a pinion gear 21c, a counter gear 21d, and a counter gear 21e. That is, the gear mechanism 20 has a first gear shaft 21a, a second gear shaft 21b, a pinion gear 21c, a counter gear 21d, and a counter gear 21e.

[0017] The first gear shaft 21a extends in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the first gear shaft 21a is substantially cylindrical and extends in the axial direction about the central axis J1. The first gear shaft 21a is rotatably supported about the central axis J1 by a pair of bearings 25a and 25b. The pair of bearings 25a and 25b are rolling bearings such as ball bearings, for example. The end on the other axial side (-Y side) of the first gear shaft 21a is connected to the end on one axial side (+Y side) of the motor shaft 13. The first gear shaft 21a rotates about the central axis J1 together with the motor shaft 13.

[0018] The second gear shaft 21b is rotatable about an intermediate axis J2 extending in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the intermediate axis J2 is a virtual axis extending parallel to the central axis J1. As shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate axis J2 is provided at a position different from the central axis J1 when viewed in the axial direction. The intermediate axis J2 is located above the central axis J1. The intermediate axis J2 is located on the rear side (-X side) of the central axis J1. In the present embodiment, the intermediate axis J2 corresponds to a "second axis" extending in the axial direction, which is the first direction. In the present embodiment, the central axis J1, which is the third axis, is located on the other side, that is, the front side (+X side) in the second direction, with respect to the intermediate axis J2, which is the second axis.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the second gear shaft 21b extends in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the second gear shaft 21b is substantially cylindrical and extends in the axial direction about the intermediate axis J2. The second gear shaft 21b is rotatably supported about the intermediate axis J2 by a pair of bearings 25c and 25d. The pair of bearings 25c and 25d are rolling bearings such as ball bearings, for example.

[0020] The pinion gear 21c is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first gear shaft 21a. The pinion gear 21c is rotatable around the central axis J1. In the present embodiment, the pinion gear 21c corresponds to a "third gear" that is rotatable around the central axis J1 which is the third axis. In the present embodiment, the bearings 25a and 25b correspond to "third bearings" that rotatably support the pinion gear 21c which is the third gear via the first gear shaft 21a.

[0021] The counter gears 21d and 21e are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second gear shaft 21b. The counter gears 21d and 21e are rotatable around the intermediate axis J2. The counter gear 21d meshes with the pinion gear 21c. The counter gear 21e is located on the other axial side (-Y side) with respect to the pinion gear 21c and the counter gear 21d. The outer diameter of the counter gear 21d is larger than the outer diameter of the pinion gear 21c. The outer diameter of the counter gear 21e is smaller than the outer diameter of the counter gear 21d. In the present embodiment, the counter gears 21d and 21e correspond to "second gears" that are rotatable around the intermediate axis J2 which is the second axis. In the present embodiment, the bearings 25c and 25d correspond to "second bearings" that rotatably support the counter gears 21d and 21e which are the second gears via the second gear shaft 21b.

[0022] The differential gear 22 includes a differential mechanism 22a and a ring gear 22b. The ring gear 22b is rotatable about an output axis J3 that extends in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the output axis J3 is a virtual axis that extends parallel to the central axis J1. As shown in Figure 2, the output axis J3 is located at a different position from the central axis J1 and the intermediate axis J2 when viewed in the axial direction. That is, the intermediate axis J2 is located at a different position from the output axis J3 when viewed in the axial direction. The output axis J3 is located below the intermediate axis J2. The output axis J3 is located at approximately the same position as the central axis J1 in the vertical direction. The output axis J3 is located, for example, above the central axis J1. The output axis J3 is located behind (-X side) the central axis J1 and the intermediate axis J2. In other words, in the second direction, the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction), the output axis J3 is located on one side (-X side) of the central axis J1 and the intermediate axis J2. In this embodiment, the output axis J3 corresponds to the "first axis" that extends in the first direction, i.e., the axial direction, intersecting the up-and-down direction. In this embodiment, the ring gear 22b corresponds to the "first gear" that is rotatable around the output axis J3, which is the first axis.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the differential mechanism 22a includes a differential case 22f and a mechanism section 22g. The differential case 22f includes a case section 22c that houses the mechanism section 22g, and a pair of differential case shafts 22d and 22e that extend from the case section 22c in the axial direction of the output axis J3. The differential case shaft 22d extends from the case section 22c in one axial direction (+Y side). The differential case shaft 22e extends from the case section 22c in the other axial direction (-Y side). The differential case shaft 22e is rotatably supported around the output axis J3 by a bearing 25e. The bearing 25e is, for example, a rolling bearing such as a ball bearing. The differential case shaft 22d is rotatably supported around the output axis J3 by a bearing 25f. In this embodiment, the bearings 25e and 25f correspond to the "first bearings" that rotatably support the differential 22.

[0024] The ring gear 22b is fixed to the case portion 22c. As shown in Figure 2, the ring gear 22b meshes with the counter gear 21e. The lower end of the ring gear 22b is located lower than the lower end of the pinion gear 21c and the lower ends of the counter gears 21d and 21e. As shown in Figure 1, the lower end of the ring gear 22b is immersed in the oil O stored in the gear housing 32. As the ring gear 22b rotates, the oil O is scooped up. The scooped-up oil O is supplied as lubricant to, for example, the reduction gear 21 and the differential gear 22. As shown in Figure 2, the outer diameter of the ring gear 22b is larger than the outer diameter of the pinion gear 21c and the outer diameters of the counter gears 21d and 21e. In this embodiment, the ring gear 22b is the gear with the largest outer diameter among the multiple gears provided in the gear mechanism 20.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, in the housing 30 of this embodiment, the motor housing 31 and the gear housing 32 are arranged side by side in the axial direction. The gear housing 32 is located on one axial side (+Y side) of the motor housing 31. The gear housing 32 is connected to one axial side of the motor housing 31. In this embodiment, the housing 30 is composed of a housing body 30a, a motor cover 30b, and a gear cover 30c. The housing body 30a, motor cover 30b, and gear cover 30c are separate from each other. The housing body 30a has a first circumferential wall portion 30d, a second circumferential wall portion 30e, and a wall portion 33. In this embodiment, the motor housing 31 is composed of a wall portion 33, a first circumferential wall portion 30d, and a motor cover 30b. In this embodiment, the gear housing 32 is composed of a wall portion 33, a second circumferential wall portion 30e, and a gear cover 30c.

[0026] The first circumferential wall portion 30d is cylindrical and opens to the other axial side (-Y side). A wall portion 33 is provided at the end of the first circumferential wall portion 30d on one axial side (+Y side). The opening of the first circumferential wall portion 30d on the other axial side is closed by a motor cover 30b fixed to the end of the first circumferential wall portion 30d on the other axial side. The motor cover 30b covers the motor 10 from the other axial side. A bearing that rotatably supports the other axial end of the motor shaft 13 is held on the surface of the motor cover 30b on one axial side.

[0027] The second circumferential wall portion 30e is cylindrical and opens to one side in the axial direction (+Y side). A wall portion 33 is provided at the other end of the second circumferential wall portion 30e in the axial direction (-Y side). The opening on one side in the axial direction of the second circumferential wall portion 30e is closed by a gear cover 30c fixed to the end of the second circumferential wall portion 30e in the axial direction. The gear cover 30c has a cover portion 30f that covers the gear mechanism 20 from one side in the axial direction, and a third circumferential wall portion 30g that protrudes from the radial outer edge of the cover portion 30f to the other side in the axial direction. The other end of the third circumferential wall portion 30g in the axial direction is connected to the end of the second circumferential wall portion 30e in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the second circumferential wall portion 30e and the third circumferential wall portion 30g constitute the circumferential wall portion 34. In other words, the gear housing 32 has a circumferential wall portion 34. The peripheral wall portion 34 surrounds the gear mechanism 20 around the output axis J3.

[0028] On the other axial side (-Y side) of the cover portion 30f, there is a bearing retaining portion 35a for holding the bearing 25a and a bearing retaining portion 35c for holding the bearing 25c. As shown in Figure 3, the other axial side of the cover portion 30f is provided with a bearing retaining portion 35f for holding the bearing 25f. In other words, the gear housing 32 has bearing retaining portions 35a, 35c, and 35f. Each bearing retaining portion 35a, 35c, and 35f is substantially annular in shape and surrounds each bearing 25a, 25c, and 25f. In this embodiment, the bearing retaining portion 35f corresponds to the "first bearing retaining portion" that holds the first bearing, bearing 25f. In this embodiment, the bearing retaining portion 35c corresponds to the "second bearing retaining portion" that holds the second bearing, bearing 25c, internally. In this embodiment, the bearing retaining portion 35a corresponds to the "third bearing retaining portion" that holds the third bearing, bearing 25a.

[0029] The wall portion 33 constitutes the wall portion of the gear housing 32 located on the other axial side (-Y side). The second circumferential wall portion 30e protrudes from the radial outer edge of the wall portion 33 on one axial side (+Y side). As shown in Figure 1, the wall portion 33 has a partition wall portion 33a that separates the inside of the motor housing 31 and the inside of the gear housing 32 in the axial direction. A bearing that rotatably supports one axial end of the motor shaft 13 is held on the part of the partition wall portion 33a that constitutes a part of the inner surface of the motor housing 31, that is, on the other axial side of the partition wall portion 33a. A bearing holding portion 35b that holds the bearing 25b and a bearing holding portion 35d that holds the bearing 25d are provided on the part of the partition wall portion 33a that constitutes a part of the inner surface of the gear housing 32, that is, on the one axial side of the partition wall portion 33a. Each bearing retaining portion 35b, 35d is roughly annular in shape and surrounds each bearing 25b, 25d. In this embodiment, bearing retaining portion 35b corresponds to the "third bearing retaining portion" that holds the third bearing, bearing 25b. In this embodiment, bearing retaining portion 35d corresponds to the "second bearing retaining portion" that holds the second bearing, bearing 25d, internally.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the wall portion 33 has a side wall portion 33b connected to the rear side (-X side) of the partition wall portion 33a. The side wall portion 33b coincides with the output axis J3 when viewed in the axial direction. The side wall portion 33b protrudes rearward from the motor housing 31. As shown in Figure 3, the side wall portion 33b has a projection portion 33c that protrudes to the other axial side (-Y side). The projection portion 33c is cylindrical, surrounding the output axis J3 and opening to one axial side (+Y side). The projection portion 33c coincides with the motor housing 31 when viewed in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The projection portion 33c has a cylindrical portion 33d that surrounds the output axis J3 and a bottom portion 33e connected to the other axial end of the cylindrical portion 33d. The bottom portion 33e is located on the other axial side from the partition wall portion 33a.

[0031] A bearing retaining portion 35e is provided on the bottom portion 33e, specifically on the surface on one axial side (+Y side) of the bottom portion 33e, which forms part of the inner surface of the gear housing 32. This portion holds the bearing 25e that rotatably supports the differential case shaft 22e. In this embodiment, the bearing retaining portion 35e corresponds to the "first bearing retaining portion" that holds the first bearing, bearing 25e. As shown in Figure 2, the bearing retaining portion 35e is substantially annular in shape with the output axis J3 as the center. The bearing retaining portion 35e surrounds the bearing 25e. As shown in Figure 1, the bearing retaining portion 35e is located on the other axial side (-Y side) of the partition wall portion 33a. In this embodiment, the bearing retaining portion 35e overlaps with the motor housing 31 when viewed in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction).

[0032] In this embodiment, the gear housing 32 has a storage section 39 in which oil O as a fluid is stored. The oil O is used as a lubricant for the reduction gear 21 and the differential gear 22. As the oil O, it is preferable to use an oil equivalent to an automatic transmission fluid (ATF) with relatively low viscosity in order to perform the function of a lubricant. The storage section 39 is provided in the lower part of the gear housing 32. The storage section 39 is composed of the lower part of the peripheral wall 34, the lower part of the wall 33, and the lower part of the lid 30f.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the gear housing 32 has a pinion gear housing 36a, a counter gear housing 36b, and a differential gear housing 36c. The pinion gear housing 36a houses the pinion gear 21c inside. The pinion gear housing 36a has a portion of the wall 33 and lid 30f that sandwiches the pinion gear 21c in the axial direction. The pinion gear housing 36a has a third recess 36e that is recessed in the axial direction. The third recess 36e is provided in the wall 33. The third recess 36e is recessed on the other side (-Y side) in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the third recess 36e has an outer edge that extends in an arc shape centered on the central axis J1 when viewed in the axial direction. The pinion gear housing 36a has a bearing holding portion 35b. The bearing retaining portion 35b is provided on the inner surface of the third recess 36e, on the other side in the axial direction. As shown in Figure 4, the pinion gear housing portion 36a has the bearing retaining portion 35a.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the counter gear housing 36b houses the counter gears 21d and 21e inside. The counter gear housing 36b has a portion of the wall portion 33 and the cover portion 30f that sandwiches the counter gears 21d and 21e in the axial direction. The counter gear housing 36b has a fourth recess 36f that is recessed in the axial direction. The fourth recess 36f is provided in the wall portion 33. The fourth recess 36f is recessed on the other side (-Y side) in the axial direction. The fourth recess 36f has an outer edge that extends in an arc shape centered on the intermediate axis J2 when viewed in the axial direction. The counter gear housing 36b has a bearing retaining portion 35d. The bearing retaining portion 35d is provided on the inner surface of the fourth recess 36f that is located on the other side in the axial direction. As shown in Figure 4, the counter gear housing 36b has a bearing retaining portion 35c. The counter gear housing 36b is located behind (-X side) and above the pinion gear housing 36a. The interior of the counter gear housing 36b connects to the interior of the pinion gear housing 36a. As shown in Figure 2, the front (+X side) and lower portion of the counter gear 21d is located inside the pinion gear housing 36a. In this embodiment, the counter gear housing 36b corresponds to a "second housing" that houses the second gears, counter gears 21d and 21e.

[0035] The differential gear housing 36c houses the differential gear 22 inside. The differential gear housing 36c has a wall portion 33 and a cover portion 30f that sandwich the differential gear 22 in the axial direction. The differential gear housing 36c has a bearing retaining portion 35e. As shown in Figure 4, the differential gear housing 36c has a bearing retaining portion 35f. As shown in Figure 2, the differential gear housing 36c is located on the rear side (-X side) of the counter gear housing 36b. The interior of the differential gear housing 36c connects to the interior of the counter gear housing 36b. The lower end of the differential gear housing 36c is located lower than the lower end of the pinion gear housing 36a and the lower end of the counter gear housing 36b. Viewed in the axial direction, the outer edge of the differential gear housing 36c is in the shape of an arc centered on the output axis J3. When viewed in the axial direction, the outer edge of the differential gear housing 36c is roughly C-shaped, opening to the front (+X side). Both ends of the roughly C-shaped outer edge of the differential gear housing 36c, when viewed in the axial direction, connect to the counter gear housing 36b. A portion of the front part of the ring gear 22b in the differential gear 22 is located inside the counter gear housing 36b. In this embodiment, the differential gear housing 36c corresponds to the "first housing" that houses the differential gear 22 inside.

[0036] The differential housing 36c has a first recess 36d that is recessed in the axial direction. The first recess 36d is provided in the portion of the wall 33 that constitutes the differential housing 36c. The first recess 36d is recessed from one axial side (+Y side) of the side wall 33b to the other axial side (-Y side). The first recess 36d is substantially circular in shape when viewed in the axial direction, centered on the output axis J3. As shown in Figure 3, the internal space of the first recess 36d is the internal space of the protruding portion 33c. At least a part of the differential mechanism 22a is located inside the first recess 36d. In this embodiment, the other axial side portion of the differential case 22f and the other axial side portion of the mechanism portion 22g are located inside the first recess 36d.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the gear housing 32 has a first flow path section 41. The first flow path section 41 connects the inside of the differential gear housing section 36c and the inside of the counter gear housing section 36b. The first flow path section 41 extends in a direction that is obliquely inclined vertically with respect to the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) when viewed in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the first flow path section 41 is a groove that is recessed from one axial side (+Y side) of the wall section 33 to the other axial side (-Y side). Oil O from inside the gear housing 32 flows into the first flow path section 41. For example, some of the oil O that is scattered when the differential gear 22 is driven inside the differential gear housing section 36c flows into the first flow path section 41. The oil O that is scattered when the differential gear 22 is driven inside the differential gear housing section 36c includes oil O that is scooped up from inside the storage section 39 by the ring gear 22b, and oil O that is scattered when the differential case 22f and mechanism section 22g rotate.

[0038] The first flow channel section 41 has a first end 41a and a second end 41b. The first end 41a is the rear (-X side) end of the first flow channel section 41. The first end 41a connects to the inside of the differential gear housing section 36c. The second end 41b is the front (+X side) end of the first flow channel section 41. The second end 41b connects to the inside of the counter gear housing section 36b.

[0039] The first end portion 41a is located above the second end portion 41b. Therefore, oil O that has scattered within the differential gear housing 36c and flowed into the first flow path 41 from the first end portion 41a can be used by gravity to flow to the second end portion 41b which is connected to the counter gear housing 36b. This makes it easier to supply oil O into the counter gear housing 36b. Consequently, it is easier to supply oil O to the counter gears 21d, 21e and bearings 25a, 25b located within the counter gear housing 36b. Furthermore, since oil O can be supplied to the counter gears 21d, 21e and bearings 25a, 25b by the first flow path 41 provided in the gear housing 32, the size of the gear housing 32 can be suppressed compared to the case where a catch tank is provided. Therefore, it is possible to suitably supply oil O as lubricant to the counter gears 21d, 21e and bearings 25a, 25b while suppressing the size of the drive unit 100.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the first end portion 41a is connected to the interior of the first recess 36d. Therefore, at least a portion of the oil O that is scattered when the differential mechanism 22a moves within the first recess 36d can be easily allowed to flow from the first end portion 41a into the first flow channel 41. This makes it easier for at least a portion of the oil O in the first recess 36d to flow to the counter gear housing portion 36b via the first flow channel 41. Consequently, oil O can be supplied more effectively to the counter gears 21d, 21e and bearings 25a, 25b.

[0041] The first end portion 41a is located above the output axis J3, which is the first axis. Therefore, it is possible to easily allow oil O that has been scattered upward within the first recess 36d to flow from the first end portion 41a into the first flow path portion 41. This makes it easier for oil O to flow to the counter gear housing portion 36b via the first flow path portion 41.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the first end portion 41a is located above the upper end portion of the bearing retaining portion 35e. The first end portion 41a is located in front of (+X side of) the output axis J3. In this embodiment, the first end portion 41a is positioned at the same location as the front (+X side) end portion of the bearing retaining portion 35e in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The first end portion 41a is positioned at approximately the same location as the intermediate axis J2 in the vertical direction.

[0043] The second end portion 41b connects to the inside of the bearing retaining portion 35d, which is the second bearing retaining portion. Therefore, the oil O flowing through the first flow path portion 41 can be suitably supplied from the second end portion 41b to the bearing retaining portion 35d. This allows for a suitable supply of oil O to the bearing 25d. The second end portion 41b penetrates the rear (-X side) portion of the lower part of the bearing retaining portion 35d from the outer circumferential surface to the inner circumferential surface and opens into the inside of the bearing retaining portion 35d. The second end portion 41b is located below the intermediate axis J2. The second end portion 41b is located above the output axis J3.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first flow path section 41 is located lower as it approaches the front side (+X side). Therefore, the oil O that flows into the first flow path section 41 can be more effectively supplied into the counter gear housing section 36b using gravity. In this embodiment, the first flow path section 41 extends in a straight line when viewed in the axial direction.

[0045] The first end 41a and the second end 41b are located at different positions in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). In this embodiment, the first end 41a is located behind (-X side) the second end 41b. Because the first end 41a is located above the second end 41b, even if the drive unit 100 is tilted so that the front (+X side) portion of the drive unit 100 is raised upwards, the first end 41a is unlikely to be positioned below the second end 41b. Therefore, even when the vehicle on which the drive unit 100 is mounted is traveling down a slope, and the front (+X side) portion of the drive unit 100 is tilted upwards, it is easy to use gravity to flow the oil O from the first end 41a to the second end 41b.

[0046] The housing 30 has a plurality of second flow channels 42 that extend toward the first bearing retaining parts, bearing retaining parts 35e, 35f, when viewed in the axial direction. The plurality of second flow channels 42 are located above the bearing retaining parts 35e, 35f. In this embodiment, the plurality of second flow channels 42 extend linearly in a direction that is inclined diagonally in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) with respect to the up-down direction when viewed in the axial direction. The plurality of second flow channels 42 are located downward as they approach the bearing retaining parts 35e, 35f when viewed in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the plurality of second flow channels 42 are located downward as they move toward the rear side (-X side). In this embodiment, the plurality of second flow channels 42 are located in front of the output axis J3 (+X side).

[0047] In this embodiment, oil O from the gear housing 32 flows into the plurality of second flow channels 42. At least a portion of the oil O that is scattered when the gear mechanism 20 is driven within the gear housing 32 flows into the plurality of second flow channels 42. The oil O that is scattered when the gear mechanism 20 is driven within the gear housing 32 includes, for example, oil O that is scattered when the reduction gear 21 is driven and oil O that is scattered when the differential gear 22 is driven.

[0048] In this embodiment, the plurality of second flow channels 42 include second flow channels 42a and 42b shown in Figure 2, and second flow channel 42c shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 2, the second flow channels 42a and 42b extend toward the bearing retaining portion 35e when viewed in the axial direction. The ends of the second flow channels 42a and 42b closer to the bearing retaining portion 35e are connected to the interior of the differential gear housing 36c. As shown in Figure 4, the second flow channel 42c extends toward the bearing retaining portion 35f when viewed in the axial direction. The end of the second flow channel 42c closer to the bearing retaining portion 35f is connected to the interior of the differential gear housing 36c. Therefore, oil O that flows into the second flow channels 42a, 42b, and 42c extending toward the bearing retaining portions 35e and 35f is easily supplied to the bearing retaining portions 35e and 35f provided in the differential gear housing 36c. This allows for a suitable supply of oil O to the bearings 25e and 25f within the bearing holding sections 35e and 35f.

[0049] In this embodiment, each second flow channel 42 is positioned upwards as it moves from the rear (-X side) to the front (+X side) in the front-rear direction. The rear end of each second flow channel 42 is connected to the inside of the differential gear housing 36c. Therefore, within the second flow channel 42, oil O can be flowed towards the end connected to the differential gear housing 36c using gravity. Consequently, the second flow channel 42 makes it easier to supply oil O to the bearing holding parts 35e and 35f within the differential gear housing 36c.

[0050] The second flow channel section 42a is provided in the wall section 33. As shown in Figure 5, the second flow channel section 42a is a second flow channel section 42 having a hole flow channel section 42d formed by a hole. In this embodiment, the second flow channel section 42a has a hole flow channel section 42d and a connecting flow channel section 42e. The hole flow channel section 42d is formed by a hole provided in the wall section 33 of the gear housing 32. The hole flow channel section 42d is located on the rear side (-X side) and the other axial side (-Y side) as it moves downward. The upper end of the hole flow channel section 42d is the upper end of the second flow channel section 42a. The upper end of the hole flow channel section 42d is located above the differential gear housing section 36c. The upper end of the hole flow channel section 42d opens into the interior of the gear housing 32. The upper end of the hole flow channel section 42d opens into the axial side (+Y side) of the portion of the wall section 33 located above the differential gear housing section 36c. In other words, the upper end of the bore passage section 42d, which is part of the second passage section 42a, is located above the end of the second passage section 42a that is closer to the differential gear housing section 36c, and opens into the inside of the gear housing 32. Therefore, at least a portion of the oil O scattered inside the gear housing 32 can flow into the second passage section 42a via the upper end of the bore passage section 42d. This makes it easier to supply the oil O inside the gear housing 32 into the bearing holding section 35e via the second passage section 42a.

[0051] The connecting channel section 42e connects to the lower end of the bore channel section 42d. The connecting channel section 42e extends downward and backward (-X side) from the lower end of the bore channel section 42d. The lower end of the connecting channel section 42e is the lower end of the second channel section 42a. The lower end of the connecting channel section 42e penetrates a portion of the upper part of the bearing retaining section 35e from the outer circumferential surface to the inner circumferential surface, and opens into the interior of the bearing retaining section 35e. As a result, the second channel section 42a connects to the interior of the bearing retaining section 35e. Therefore, the oil O flowing in the second channel section 42a can be supplied more effectively to the bearing 25e in the bearing retaining section 35e.

[0052] In this embodiment, the connecting channel portion 42e is formed by a groove recessed on the other axial side (-Y side). The opening on one axial side (+Y side) of the connecting channel portion 42e opens into the interior of the first recess 36d. Therefore, oil O scattered in the first recess 36d easily flows into the connecting channel portion 42e. This allows the oil O in the first recess 36d to be supplied more effectively to the bearing 25e in the bearing holding portion 35e.

[0053] The second flow channel section 42b is provided in the wall section 33. The second flow channel section 42b is a second flow channel section 42 having a grooved flow channel section 42f formed by grooves. In this embodiment, the second flow channel section 42b consists of a grooved flow channel section 42f. The grooved flow channel section 42f is recessed from the axial side surface of the wall located on one axial side (+Y side) of the holed flow channel section 42d to the other axial side (-Y side). The holed flow channel section 42d and the grooved flow channel section 42f have portions that overlap each other when viewed in the axial direction. Therefore, the second flow channel section 42a having the holed flow channel section 42d and the second flow channel section 42b having the grooved flow channel section 42f can be arranged so that at least a portion of them overlap in the axial direction, and the gear housing 32 can be made larger in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction compared to the case where the two second flow channels 42a and 42b are arranged in positions that do not overlap when viewed in the axial direction. Therefore, the drive device 100 can be made larger. In this embodiment, the grooved channel section 42f overlaps with the lower portion of the bore channel section 42d when viewed in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the entire grooved channel section 42f is provided in the differential gear housing section 36c.

[0054] The grooved channel section 42f is located on the rear side (-X side) and the other axial side (-Y side) as it extends downwards. The lower end of the grooved channel section 42f is connected to the connecting channel section 42e of the second channel section 42a. Therefore, the oil O flowing through the grooved channel section 42f can be supplied to the inside of the bearing holding section 35e via the connecting channel section 42e. The first end 41a of the first channel section 41 is connected to the grooved channel section 42f. In other words, the first end 41a is connected to the second channel section 42b. Therefore, a portion of the oil O flowing through the second channel section 42b can be supplied to the first channel section 41 via the first end 41a. Consequently, it is easier to supply oil O to the counter gear housing section 36b via the first channel section 41.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first end portion 41a is connected to the lower end of the grooved passage portion 42f from the front (+X side). The first passage portion 41 extends forward and downward from the grooved passage portion 42f. A portion of the grooved passage portion 42f, i.e., a portion of the second passage portion 42b, is located above the end of the second passage portion 42b that is closer to the bearing holding portion 35e, and opens into the inside of the gear housing 32. Therefore, at least a portion of the oil O scattered inside the gear housing 32 can flow into the second passage portion 42b. In this embodiment, the entire second passage portion 42b, which is composed of the grooved passage portion 42f, opens into the inside of the gear housing 32. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for oil O to flow into the second passage portion 42b.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, the second flow path section 42c is provided in the cover section 30f. In this embodiment, the second flow path section 42c is composed of a groove that is recessed in the axial direction. More specifically, the second flow path section 42c is composed of a groove that is recessed from the other axial side (-Y side) surface of the cover section 30f toward one axial side (+Y side). The second flow path section 42c is located above the bearing retaining section 35f. When viewed in the axial direction, the second flow path section 42c extends linearly in a direction that is located toward the rear side (-X side) as it moves downward. The upper end of the second flow path section 42c is located above the differential gear housing section 36c. The lower end of the second flow path section 42c is connected to the inside of the bearing retaining section 35f. Therefore, oil O flowing through the second flow path section 42c can be suitably supplied into the bearing retaining section 35f. Thus, oil O can be suitably supplied to the bearing 25f inside the bearing retaining section 35f.

[0057] A portion of the second flow path 42c is located above the end of the second flow path 42c that is closer to the bearing holding portion 35f, and opens into the gear housing 32. Therefore, at least a portion of the oil O scattered inside the gear housing 32 can flow into the second flow path 42c. In this embodiment, the entire second flow path 42c, which is composed of grooves, opens into the gear housing 32. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for oil O to flow into the second flow path 42c.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 30 has a third flow channel 43. In this embodiment, the third flow channel 43 is provided in the counter gear housing 36b. In this embodiment, a plurality of third flow channel 43s are provided. The plurality of third flow channel 43s include the third flow channel 43a shown in Figure 2 and the third flow channel 43b shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 2, the third flow channel 43a has a third end 43e that connects to the inside of the bearing retaining part 35d, which is the second bearing retaining part. As shown in Figure 4, the third flow channel 43b has a third end 43f that connects to the inside of the bearing retaining part 35c, which is the second bearing retaining part. Therefore, oil O flowing in each of the third flow channel sections 43a and 43b can be suitably supplied to the bearing retaining parts 35d and 35c via the third ends 43e and 43f, respectively. This allows oil O to be suitably supplied to the bearings 25d and 25c in the bearing retaining parts 35d and 35c.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the third end 43e is located in front of (towards the +X) the intermediate axis J2. In the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction), the second end 41b and the third end 43e are positioned on opposite sides of the intermediate axis J2, which is the second axis. Therefore, oil O can be supplied into the bearing holder 35d from both sides in the front-to-back direction. Consequently, it is possible to easily supply oil O to the entire bearing 25d within the bearing holder 35d.

[0060] In this embodiment, the third flow channel 43a is composed of grooves. As shown in Figure 6, the third flow channel 43a has a first groove 43c and a second groove 43d. The first groove 43c is provided on the inner surface of the fourth recess 36f in a portion located radially outward from the intermediate axis J2. The first groove 43c is recessed radially outward from the intermediate axis J2. In this embodiment, the first groove 43c is provided on the inner surface of the fourth recess 36f in a portion located on the rear (-X side) and upper side. The first groove 43c is recessed on the rear and upper side. The first groove 43c extends in the axial direction. The end of the first groove 43c on one axial side (+Y side) opens to the other axial side.

[0061] The second groove 43d is provided on the inner surface of the fourth recess 36f, on the other axial side (-Y side). The second groove 43d is recessed on the other axial side. The second groove 43d extends rearward (-X side) and downward from the other axial end of the first groove 43c. The second groove 43d is located downward as it approaches the rear. The second groove 43d extends linearly when viewed in the axial direction. The rear end of the second groove 43d is the third end 43e.

[0062] The third flow path 43a is located lower as it approaches the bearing retaining portion 35d when viewed in the axial direction. A portion of the third flow path 43a is located above the third end portion 43e and opens into the inside of the gear housing 32. Therefore, at least a portion of the oil O scattered inside the gear housing 32 can flow into the third flow path 43a, and the oil O that has flowed into the third flow path 43a can be easily carried to the third end portion 43e using gravity. This makes it easier to supply oil O from the third end portion 43e into the bearing retaining portion 35d. In this embodiment, the entire third flow path 43a opens into the gear housing 32.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the third flow channel 43b is provided in the cover portion 30f. In this embodiment, the third flow channel 43b is composed of a groove that is recessed in the axial direction. The third flow channel 43b is recessed on one side in the axial direction (+Y side). The third flow channel 43b is located lower as it approaches the rear side (-X side). The third flow channel 43b extends linearly when viewed in the axial direction. The inclination of the third flow channel 43b with respect to the vertical direction is smaller than the inclination of the third flow channel 43a with respect to the vertical direction. The third flow channel 43b is located lower as it approaches the bearing holding portion 35c when viewed in the axial direction. A part of the third flow channel 43b is located above the third end portion 43f and opens into the interior of the gear housing 32. Therefore, at least a portion of the oil O scattered inside the gear housing 32 can flow into the third flow channel 43b, and the oil O that has flowed into the third flow channel 43b can be easily directed to the third end portion 43f using gravity. This makes it easier to supply oil O from the third end portion 43f into the bearing holding portion 35c. In this embodiment, the entire third flow channel 43b opens into the gear housing 32.

[0064] The third flow channels 43a and 43b are located on the upper side as they move from the rear side (-X side) to the front side (+X side) in the front-rear direction. The third ends 43e and 43f are the rear ends of the third flow channels 43a and 43b. Therefore, within the third flow channels 43a and 43b, gravity can be used to more effectively flow the oil O into the bearing retaining sections 35d and 35c. Thus, the third flow channels 43a and 43b make it easier to more effectively supply the oil O into the bearing retaining sections 35d and 35c.

[0065] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 30 has a fourth flow path 44 that connects to the inside of the bearing retaining portion 35b, which is the third bearing retaining portion. Therefore, oil O flowing through the fourth flow path 44 can be supplied to the inside of the bearing retaining portion 35b. This allows for a suitable supply of oil O to the bearing 25b inside the bearing retaining portion 35b.

[0066] In this embodiment, the fourth flow channel 44 is composed of grooves. As shown in Figure 6, the fourth flow channel 44 has a third groove 44a and a fourth groove 44b. The third groove 44a is provided on the inner surface of the third recess 36e, on the radially outward side with respect to the central axis J1. The third groove 44a is recessed radially outward with respect to the central axis J1. In this embodiment, the third groove 44a is provided on the upper part of the inner surface of the third recess 36e. The third groove 44a is recessed upward. The third groove 44a extends axially. The third groove 44a is positioned below the first groove 43c. The first groove 43c and the third groove 44a are connected to each other. As a result, the third flow channel 43a and the fourth flow channel 44 are connected to each other. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the flow of oil O from one of the third flow channel sections 43a and the fourth flow channel section 44 to the other, and to more easily supply oil O from the other flow channel section to the bearing holding section to which the other flow channel section is connected. The axial end (+Y side) of the third groove section 44a opens to the axial side.

[0067] The fourth groove 44b is provided on the inner surface of the third recess 36e, on the other axial side (-Y side). The fourth groove 44b is recessed on the other axial side. The fourth groove 44b extends downward from the other axial end of the third groove 44a. The fourth groove 44b extends linearly in the vertical direction when viewed in the axial direction. The lower end of the fourth groove 44b is the fourth end 44c, which connects to the inside of the bearing retaining portion 35b.

[0068] The fourth flow path 44 is located lower as it approaches the bearing retaining portion 35b, which is the third bearing retaining portion, when viewed in the axial direction. A portion of the fourth flow path 44 is located above the portion that connects to the inside of the bearing retaining portion 35b, i.e., above the fourth end portion 44c, and opens into the inside of the gear housing 32. Therefore, at least a portion of the oil O scattered inside the gear housing 32 can flow into the fourth flow path 44, and the oil O that has flowed into the fourth flow path 44 can be easily carried to the fourth end portion 44c by gravity. This makes it easier to supply oil O from the fourth end portion 44c into the bearing retaining portion 35b. In this embodiment, the entire fourth flow path 44 opens into the gear housing 32.

[0069] As shown in Figure 4, the gear housing 32 has a fifth flow path 45 that connects the inside of the bearing retaining portion 35c and the inside of the bearing retaining portion 35a. Therefore, at least a portion of the oil O supplied to the inside of the bearing retaining portion 35c can be supplied to the inside of the bearing retaining portion 35a. In this embodiment, the fifth flow path 45 extends in a direction that is inclined diagonally in the vertical direction with respect to the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) when viewed in the axial direction. The fifth flow path 45 is located lower as it approaches the front side (+X side). The rear end (-X side) of the fifth flow path 45 connects to the inside of the bearing retaining portion 35c. The front end of the fifth flow path 45 connects to the inside of the bearing retaining portion 35a.

[0070] As shown in Figure 2, the gear housing 32 has a first rib 51 located on the other side in the front-rear direction from the second flow path 42, i.e., on the front side (+X side). Therefore, when oil O is scattered from the rear side (-X side) to the front side of the second flow path 42 within the gear housing 32, at least a portion of the oil O can be blocked by the first rib 51 in front of the second flow path 42. This makes it easier to retain at least a portion of the oil O scattered from the rear side to the front side of the second flow path 42 within the gear housing 32 at the position where the second flow path 42 is located in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), and makes it easier for the oil O to flow into the second flow path 42. The oil O that is scattered from the rear to the front of the second flow path 42 within the gear housing 32 includes, for example, the oil O that is scooped up by the ring gear 22b as the ring gear 22b rotates counterclockwise around the output axis J3 when viewed from one axial side.

[0071] In this embodiment, the gear housing 32 has a plurality of first ribs 51. There are two first ribs 51, a first rib 51a and a first rib 51b. The first rib 51a is provided on the wall portion 33. The first rib 51a protrudes from one axial side (+Y side) of the wall portion 33 to the other axial side. In this embodiment, the first rib 51a extends in a direction that is obliquely inclined in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) with respect to the vertical direction. The first rib 51a is located towards the rear side (-X side) as it moves downward. In this embodiment, the first rib 51a extends in a direction parallel to the second flow channels 42a and 42b when viewed in the axial direction.

[0072] At least a portion of the first rib 51a is positioned in the same vertical position as the second flow channel 42a. Therefore, the first rib 51a can dam the oil O at the same vertical position as the portion where the second flow channel 42a is provided. This makes it easier for the oil O dammed by the first rib 51a to flow into the second flow channel 42a.

[0073] In this embodiment, the lower portion of the first rib 51a is positioned in the same location as the second flow channel 42a in the vertical direction. The upper portion of the first rib 51a is located above the second flow channel 42a. The first rib 51a is positioned adjacent to the front of the upper opening of the bore flow channel 42d in the second flow channel 42a. In the axial direction, the distance between the first rib 51a and the upper opening of the bore flow channel 42d is smaller than the width of the first rib 51a. The width of the first rib 51a is the dimension of the first rib 51a in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first rib 51a extends in the axial direction. The upper end of the first rib 51a connects to the upper part of the inner surface of the second peripheral wall 30e. The lower end of the first rib 51a connects to the outer edge of the differential gear housing 36c in the axial direction. The first rib 51a is located in front of the output axis J3 and behind the intermediate axis J2.

[0074] As shown in Figure 4, the first rib 51b is provided on the lid portion 30f. The first rib 51b protrudes from the other axial side (-Y side) of the lid portion 30f to the other axial side. In this embodiment, the first rib 51b extends in a direction that is obliquely inclined in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) with respect to the vertical direction. The first rib 51b is located towards the rear side (-X side) as it moves downward. In this embodiment, the first rib 51b extends in a direction parallel to the second flow channel portion 42c when viewed in the axial direction.

[0075] At least a portion of the first rib 51b is positioned in the same vertical position as the second flow channel 42c. Therefore, the first rib 51b can dam the oil O in the same vertical position as the portion where the second flow channel 42c is provided. This makes it easier for the oil O dammed by the first rib 51b to flow into the second flow channel 42c.

[0076] In this embodiment, the lower portion of the first rib 51b is positioned in the same location as the second flow channel 42c in the vertical direction. The upper portion of the first rib 51b is located above the second flow channel 42c. The first rib 51b is positioned adjacent to the front side (+X side) of the second flow channel 42c. The lower portion of the first rib 51b is provided on the front edge of the second flow channel 42c on the other axial side (-Y side) of the cover portion 30f. The upper end of the first rib 51b connects to the upper part of the inner surface of the third peripheral wall portion 30g. The lower end of the first rib 51b connects to the outer edge of the differential gear housing portion 36c when viewed in the axial direction. The first rib 51b is located in front of the output axis J3 and behind the intermediate axis J2 (-X side).

[0077] As shown in Figure 7, the first rib 51a and the first rib 51b are positioned offset from each other in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction). The first rib 51b is located in front of the first rib 51a (+X side). The first rib 51a and the first rib 51b are positioned apart in the axial direction. The axial distance between the first rib 51a and the first rib 51b is greater than the axial dimensions of the first rib 51a and the axial dimensions of the first rib 51b. The axial dimension of the first rib 51a is greater than the axial dimension of the first rib 51b. The axial dimension of the first rib 51a may be the same as the axial dimension of the first rib 51b, or it may be smaller than the axial dimension of the first rib 51b.

[0078] As shown in Figure 4, the gear housing 32 has a second rib 52 located on the other side in the front-rear direction from the third flow path 43b, i.e., on the front side (+X side). Therefore, when oil O is scattered from the rear side (-X side) to the front side of the third flow path 43b within the gear housing 32, at least a portion of the oil O can be blocked by the second rib 52 in front of the third flow path 43b. This makes it easier to retain at least a portion of the oil O scattered from the rear side to the front side of the third flow path 43b within the gear housing 32 at the position where the third flow path 43b is located in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), and makes it easier for the oil O to flow into the third flow path 43b.

[0079] The second rib 52 is provided on the lid portion 30f. The second rib 52 protrudes from the other axial side (-Y side) of the lid portion 30f to the other axial side. In this embodiment, the second rib 52 extends in a direction that is obliquely inclined in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction) with respect to the vertical direction. The second rib 52 is located towards the rear side (-X side) as it moves downward. In this embodiment, the second rib 52 extends in a direction parallel to the third flow channel portion 43b when viewed in the axial direction.

[0080] At least a portion of the second rib 52 is positioned in the same vertical position as the third flow channel 43b. Therefore, the second rib 52 can dam the oil O in the same vertical position as the portion where the third flow channel 43b is provided. This makes it easier for the oil O dammed by the second rib 52 to flow into the third flow channel 43b.

[0081] In this embodiment, the lower portion of the second rib 52 is positioned in the same location as the third flow channel 43b in the vertical direction. The upper portion of the second rib 52 is positioned above the third flow channel 43b. The second rib 52 is positioned adjacent to the front side (+X side) of the third flow channel 43b. The lower portion of the second rib 52 is provided on the front edge of the third flow channel 43b on the other axial side (-Y side) of the cover portion 30f. The upper end of the second rib 52 connects to the upper part of the inner surface of the third peripheral wall portion 30g. The lower end of the second rib 52 connects to the outer circumferential surface of the bearing holding portion 35c when viewed in the axial direction. The second rib 52 is positioned in front of the intermediate axis J2 and behind the central axis J1 (-X side).

[0082] The gear housing 32 has a third rib 53 located inside the gear housing 32. The third rib 53 is located above the pinion gear housing 36a. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the third rib 53 is composed of a rib portion 53a that protrudes from the wall portion 33 to one axial side (+Y side) and a rib portion 53b that protrudes from the cover portion 30f to the other axial side (-Y side). The axial end of the rib portion 53a and the axial end of the rib portion 53b are in contact with each other. The third rib 53 may also be composed of a single rib portion that protrudes axially from one side of the wall portion 33 to the other side of the cover portion 30f.

[0083] As shown in Figure 2, the third rib 53 has a first extension 53c and a second extension 53d. The first extension 53c extends downward and forward (+X side) from the upper part of the inner surface of the peripheral wall 34 when viewed in the axial direction. The second extension 53d extends forward and downward from the lower end of the first extension 53c when viewed in the axial direction. When viewed in the axial direction, the inclination of the direction in which the second extension 53d extends with respect to the vertical direction is greater than the inclination of the direction in which the first extension 53c extends with respect to the vertical direction. The front end of the second extension 53d connects to the front part of the inner surface of the peripheral wall 34. The upper end of the first extension 53c is one end of the third rib 53. The front end of the second extension 53d is the other end of the third rib 53. In other words, one end and the other end of the third rib 53 are connected to the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 34.

[0084] The connection of one end and the other end of the third rib 53 to the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 34 provides a first space S1 within the internal space of the gear housing 32. The first space S1 is a space within the internal space of the gear housing 32 that is separated from the third space S3 in which the gear mechanism 20 is housed. The third space S3 includes the internal space of the pinion gear housing portion 36a, the internal space of the counter gear housing portion 36b, and the internal space of the differential gear housing portion 36c. In this embodiment, the third space S3 is the portion of the internal space of the gear housing 32 excluding the first space S1 and the second space S2, which will be described later. The first space S1 is a space enclosed by the third rib 53 and the peripheral wall portion 34. The first space S1 is a space within the internal space of the gear housing 32 that is located above the pinion gear housing portion 36a and in front of the counter gear housing portion 36b (+X side). The first space S1 is sandwiched in the axial direction by the wall portion 33 and the lid portion 30f.

[0085] As shown in Figure 8, the first space S1 connects to the second space S2, which is provided in the mounting portion 37 that protrudes from the lid portion 30f in one axial direction (+Y side). The mounting portion 37 protrudes from the upper end of the lid portion 30f in one axial direction. The mounting portion 37 is a hollow portion. The second space S2 is the internal space of the hollow mounting portion 37. The mounting portion 37 is provided with a mounting hole 37a. In other words, the gear housing 32 has a mounting hole 37a. The mounting hole 37a penetrates vertically through the portion of the mounting portion 37 located on the upper side of the second space S2 at the axial end. The mounting hole 37a opens upward. The mounting hole 37a connects the external space of the housing 30 to the second space S2. The mounting hole 37a connects to the first space S1, which is surrounded by the third rib 53 and the peripheral wall portion 34, via the second space S2. The mounting hole 37a is, for example, circular when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0086] A pressure adjustment unit 60 is mounted in the mounting hole 37a. In other words, the drive unit 100 is equipped with a pressure adjustment unit 60 that is mounted on the gear housing 32. The pressure adjustment unit 60 can adjust the pressure inside the gear housing 32. In this embodiment, the pressure adjustment unit 60 is a breather valve. When the pressure inside the gear housing 32 exceeds a threshold, the pressure adjustment unit 60 connects the inside of the gear housing 32 to the outside of the gear housing 32, allowing a portion of the air inside the gear housing 32 to be released to the outside of the gear housing 32. This allows the pressure inside the gear housing 32 to be reduced when the pressure inside the gear housing 32 exceeds a threshold. In this embodiment, the pressure adjustment unit 60 is substantially cylindrical in shape and extends in the vertical direction. The pressure adjustment unit 60 protrudes upward from the mounting hole 37a.

[0087] A through hole 53p is provided in the second extension portion 53d of the third rib 53. The through hole 53p is provided in the portion of the second extension portion 53d that protrudes axially from the cover portion 30f, i.e., the rib portion 53b. The through hole 53p penetrates the front (+X side) end of the second extension portion 53d in the vertical direction. The through hole 53p connects the first space S1 and the third space S3. When a portion of the air in the third space S3 is discharged by the pressure adjustment unit 60, a portion of the air is discharged to the outside of the housing 30 through the through hole 53p via the first space S1, the second space S2, and the mounting hole 37a. Oil O in the third space S3 is less likely to flow into the first space S1, which is partitioned by the third rib 53. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the leakage of oil O in the gear housing 32 to the outside of the gear housing 32 through the mounting hole 37a.

[0088] As shown in Figure 6, the third rib 53 is connected to at least one of the third flow channel 43 and the fourth flow channel 44. Therefore, oil O that has scattered within the gear housing 32 and hit the third rib 53 is easily directed to at least one of the third flow channel 43 and the fourth flow channel 44 connected to the third rib 53. This makes it easier for oil O to flow to at least one of the third flow channel 43 and the fourth flow channel 44.

[0089] In this embodiment, the third rib 53 is connected to the third flow channel 43a and the fourth flow channel 44. More specifically, the lower part of the first extension 53c is connected to one axial end (+Y side) of the first groove 43c in the third flow channel 43a and to one axial end of the third groove 44a in the fourth flow channel 44. This makes it easier for oil O that has come into contact with the third rib 53 to flow into the first groove 43c and the third groove 44a. As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the through hole 53p is provided in the part of the third rib 53 that is located below the part where the third flow channel 43a and the fourth flow channel 44 are connected.

[0090] A second recess 53e is provided on the surface of the third rib 53 that faces the outside of the first space S1. The surface of the third rib 53 that faces the outside of the first space S1 is the surface of the third rib 53 that faces the third space S3. The second recess 53e is provided between the portion of the third rib 53 where the third flow channel 43a and the fourth flow channel 44 are connected when viewed in the axial direction, and the through hole 53p. Therefore, even if oil O that does not flow into the third flow channel 43a and the fourth flow channel 44 from the oil O that is in contact with the third rib 53 travels along the third rib 53 toward the through hole 53p, the second recess 53e provided between the oil O and the through hole 53p can prevent the oil O from flowing to the through hole 53p. This prevents the oil O from flowing from the through hole 53p toward the first space S1. Consequently, leakage of oil O from the gear housing 32 to the outside of the gear housing 32 can be further suppressed.

[0091] The second recess 53e is provided on the lower surface of the rear portion of the second extension 53d. The second recess 53e is recessed upward from the lower surface of the second extension 53d. In this embodiment, the second recess 53e is located above the bearing holding portions 35a and 35b when viewed in the axial direction. The second recess 53e is located forward (+X side) of the central axis J1. In this embodiment, the second recess 53e is provided spanning the rib portion 53a and the rib portion 53b. Oil O flowing from the portion of the third rib 53 connected to the third flow path portion 43a and the fourth flow path portion 44 down the third rib 53 to the second recess 53e is, for example, dripped downward from the second recess 53e. The oil O dripped downward from the second recess 53e is supplied into the pinion gear housing portion 36a. Therefore, oil O can be supplied more effectively to the pinion gear 21c and bearings 25a and 25b within the pinion gear housing 36a.

[0092] As shown in Figure 8, the gear housing 32 has partition walls 53f and 53g located inside the first space S1. Each of the partition walls 53f and 53g is configured such that a portion protruding axially from the lid 30f and a portion protruding axially from the wall 33 are in axial contact with each other. The partition walls 53f and 53g extend substantially in the front-rear direction. The partition wall 53g is located above the partition wall 53f. By providing the partition walls 53f and 53g, the first space S1 is divided into three spaces arranged vertically. The partition walls 53f and 53g are provided between the portion of the first space S1 connected to the through hole 53p and the portion of the first space S1 connected to the second space S2.

[0093] The partition wall portion 53f is provided with a hole 53j that penetrates the partition wall portion 53f in the vertical direction. The hole 53j is located behind (-X side) the through hole 53p. The hole 53j is provided in the portion of the partition wall portion 53f that protrudes from the lid portion 30f in the other axial direction (-Y side). The partition wall portion 53g is provided with holes 53k and 53m that penetrate the partition wall portion 53g in the vertical direction. The hole 53k is located behind the hole 53j. The hole 53m is located in front (+X side) of the hole 53j. The holes 53k and 53m are provided in the portion of the partition wall portion 53f that protrudes from the lid portion 30f in the other axial direction. In this embodiment, the axial dimension of the hole 53j is longer than the axial dimensions of the holes 53k and 53m. The front-to-back dimension of hole 53k is longer than the front-to-back dimension of hole 53m.

[0094] By providing two partition walls 53f and 53g between the through-hole 53p and the second space S2, even if oil O flows into the first space S1 from the through-hole 53p, the two partition walls 53f and 53g can prevent the oil O from reaching the mounting hole 37a. Therefore, leakage of oil O from the mounting hole 37a to the outside of the gear housing 32 can be further suppressed. In addition, since holes 53j, 53k, and 53m are provided in each partition wall 53f and 53g, it is possible to discharge air from the mounting hole 37a through the holes 53j, 53k, and 53m. In this embodiment, the hole 53j of the partition wall 53f is located at a different position from the through-hole 53p when viewed in the vertical direction, and the holes 53k and 53m of the partition wall 53g are located at a different position from the hole 53j of the partition wall 53f when viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, the air passage between the through hole 53p and the mounting hole 37a can be made more complex. This further suppresses the oil O from reaching the mounting hole 37a. Consequently, the leakage of oil O from the mounting hole 37a to the outside of the gear housing 32 can be further suppressed.

[0095] Furthermore, the axial dimensions of the holes 53j, 53k, and 53m may be the same or different from each other, or two of the holes 53j, 53k, and 53m may be the same and the remaining one may be different. The front-to-back dimensions of the holes 53j, 53k, and 53m may be the same or different from each other, or two of the holes 53j, 53k, and 53m may be the same and the remaining one may be different. In addition, in this embodiment, the holes 53j, 53k, and 53m are provided in the parts of the partition walls 53f, 53g that protrude from the lid portion 30f in the other axial direction (-Y side), but at least one of the holes 53j, 53k, and 53m may be provided in the part of the partition walls 53f, 53g that protrudes from the wall portion 33 in the one axial direction (+Y side).

[0096] As shown in Figure 7, in the axial direction, the dimensions of the first rib 51 are smaller than those of the second rib 52. Therefore, it is possible to prevent all of the oil O scattered from the rear (-X side) to the front (+X side) within the gear housing 32 from being blocked by the first rib 51, making it easier for the oil O to reach the second rib 52, which is located in front of the first rib 51. In the axial direction, the dimensions of the second rib 52 are smaller than those of the third rib 53. Therefore, it is possible to prevent all of the oil O scattered in front of the first rib 51 from being blocked by the second rib 52, making it easier for the oil O to reach the third rib 53, which is located in front of the second rib 52. As a result, it is possible to make it easier for the oil O to reach the first rib 51, the second rib 52, and the third rib 53, respectively. Consequently, each rib can more effectively guide the oil O to the second flow path section 42, the third flow path section 43, and the fourth flow path section 44.

[0097] In this embodiment, as described above, the first rib 51a and the first rib 51b are offset in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction), making it easier for oil O to pass between the first rib 51a and the first rib 51b. Therefore, a portion of the oil O that scatters from the rear (-X side) to the front (+X side) within the gear housing 32 can be more easily directed to the front of the first ribs 51a and 51b. As a result, oil O can reach the second rib 52 more easily. Also, in this embodiment, the second rib 52 is provided on the lid portion 30f and not on the wall portion 33. Therefore, compared to the case where the second rib 52 is also provided on the wall portion 33, a portion of the oil O that scatters from the rear to the front within the gear housing 32 can be more easily directed to the front of the second rib 52. As a result, oil O can reach the third rib 53 more easily.

[0098] In this embodiment, the axial dimension of the third rib 53 is the sum of the axial dimensions of the rib portion 53a and the axial dimension of the rib portion 53b. In this embodiment, the axial dimension of the third rib 53 is equal to the axial distance between the wall portion 33 and the cover portion 30f in the portion where the third rib 53 is provided.

[0099] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and other configurations and methods may be adopted within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. The first flow path can have any shape, as long as the first end connected to the interior of the first housing that houses the differential gear is located above the second end connected to the interior of the second housing that houses the second gear. The first flow path may extend in a curved shape or have a bent portion when viewed in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction. Multiple first flow paths may be provided. The second gear is not particularly limited as long as it is a gear rotatable about a second axis. For example, the central axis J1 in the embodiments described above may be the second axis, and the pinion gear 21c may be the second gear. The first direction may be any direction that intersects the vertical direction. The first direction may also be a direction that intersects the axial direction of the motor.

[0100] The second flow path may have any configuration as long as it extends toward the first bearing retaining portion when viewed in the first direction, and the end closest to the first bearing retaining portion connects to the inside of the first housing. The second flow path may, for example, be a flow path that extends from the inside of the motor housing that houses the motor to the inside of the gear housing. The number of second flow paths is not particularly limited. The second flow path may not be provided at all.

[0101] The third flow path can have any configuration as long as it has a third end connected to the inside of the second bearing retaining portion. The third flow path may be, for example, a flow path extending from the inside of the motor housing that houses the motor to the inside of the gear housing. The number of third flow paths is not particularly limited. The third flow path may not be provided at all.

[0102] The fourth flow path can have any configuration as long as it connects to the inside of the third bearing retaining section. The fourth flow path may, for example, be a flow path extending from the inside of the motor housing that houses the motor to the inside of the gear housing. The number of fourth flow paths is not particularly limited. Multiple fourth flow paths may be provided. The fourth flow path may not be provided at all.

[0103] The first rib can be any rib, as long as it is located inside the gear housing on the other side of the second flow path in the second direction. The first rib may extend in any way when viewed in the first direction. The first rib may extend straight vertically when viewed in the first direction (axial direction), or it may be inclined in the second direction (front-to-back direction) in a direction different from that of the first ribs 51a and 51b in the embodiments described above with respect to the vertical direction. The number of first ribs is not particularly limited. The first rib may not be provided at all.

[0104] The second rib can be any rib, as long as it is located inside the gear housing on the other side of the third flow path in the second direction. The second rib may extend in any way when viewed in the first direction. The second rib may extend straight vertically when viewed in the first direction (axial direction), or it may be inclined in the second direction (front-rear direction) in a direction different from that of the second rib 52 in the embodiments described above with respect to the vertical direction. The number of second ribs is not particularly limited. Multiple second ribs may be provided. The second rib may not be provided at all.

[0105] The third rib may be located inside the gear housing and may have any configuration as long as it is connected to at least one of the third and fourth flow channels. The third rib may be connected to only the third flow channel, or to only the fourth flow channel. The portion of the third flow channel connected to the third rib is not particularly limited, and any part of the third flow channel may be connected to the third rib. The portion of the fourth flow channel connected to the third rib is not particularly limited, and any part of the fourth flow channel may be connected to the third rib. The third rib may not be provided.

[0106] The applications of the drive unit are not particularly limited. For example, the drive unit may be mounted on a vehicle for purposes other than rotating an axle, or it may be mounted on equipment other than a vehicle.

[0107] Furthermore, this technology can be configured as follows: (1) A drive device comprising a motor, a gear mechanism connected to the motor, and a housing that houses the motor and the gear mechanism, wherein the gear mechanism has a differential gear having a first gear and a differential mechanism rotatable around a first axis extending in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, and a second gear rotatable around a second axis extending in the first direction, the second axis being located at a different position from the first axis when viewed in the first direction, and the housing having a gear housing that houses the gear mechanism, the gear housing having a first housing portion that houses the differential gear, a second housing portion that houses the second gear, and a first flow path portion connecting the inside of the first housing portion and the inside of the second housing portion, the first flow path portion having a first end portion connected to the inside of the first housing portion and a second end portion connected to the inside of the second housing portion, the first end portion being located above the second end portion. (2) The drive device according to (1), wherein the first housing has a first recess that is recessed in the first direction, at least a part of the differential mechanism is located inside the first recess, and the first end is connected to the inside of the first recess. (3) The drive device according to (1) or (2), wherein the first end is located above the first axis. (4) The drive device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the first housing has a first bearing holding portion that holds a first bearing that rotatably supports the differential, the housing has a second flow path portion that extends toward the first bearing holding portion when viewed in the first direction, the end of the second flow path portion closer to the first bearing holding portion connects to the interior of the first housing, and the first end connects to the second flow path portion. (5) The drive device according to (4), wherein the second flow path is located on the lower side as it approaches the first bearing retaining portion when viewed in the first direction, a part of the second flow path is located above the end of the second flow path that is closer to the first bearing retaining portion, and opens into the inside of the gear housing. (6) The drive device according to (4) or (5), wherein the housing has a plurality of second flow channels, and the plurality of second flow channels include a second flow channel having a bore flow channel formed by holes, and a second flow channel having a grooved flow channel formed by grooves, and the bore flow channel and the grooved flow channel have portions that overlap each other when viewed in the first direction. (7) The drive device according to any one of (4) to (6), wherein the second flow path is located on the upper side as it extends from one side to the other in a second direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the vertical direction, and one end of the second flow path in the second direction is connected to the interior of the first housing. (8) The drive device according to any one of (4) to (7), wherein in a second direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the vertical direction, the first axis is located to one side of the second axis, and the gear housing has a first rib located inside the gear housing to the other side of the second direction from the second flow channel. (9) The drive device according to (8), wherein at least a portion of the first rib is positioned in the same position as the second flow channel in the vertical direction. (10) The drive device according to any one of (4) to (7), wherein the gear housing has a second bearing holding portion that holds a second bearing for rotatably supporting the second gear, the housing has a third flow path portion, the second end of which connects to the interior of the second bearing holding portion, and the third flow path portion has a third end that connects to the interior of the second bearing holding portion, and in a second direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the vertical direction, the second end and the third end are arranged on opposite sides of the second axis. (11) The drive device according to (10), wherein the gear housing has a second rib located inside the gear housing on the other side in the second direction from the third flow path. (12) The drive device according to (11), wherein at least a portion of the second rib is positioned in the same position as the third flow channel in the vertical direction. (13) The drive device according to any one of (10) to (12), wherein the third flow channel is located on the upper side as it extends from one side in the second direction to the other side, and the third end is the end of the third flow channel on one side in the second direction. (14) The drive device according to any one of (10) to (13), wherein the third flow path is located downward as it approaches the second bearing holding portion when viewed in the first direction, and a portion of the third flow path is located above the third end and opens into the inside of the gear housing. (15) The drive device according to any one of (10) to (14), wherein the gear mechanism has a third gear rotatable about a third axis extending in the first direction, the third axis being located on the other side of the second direction than the second axis, the gear housing has a third bearing retaining portion that holds a third bearing that rotatably supports the third gear, and the housing has a fourth flow path portion that leads into the interior of the third bearing retaining portion. (16) The drive device according to (15), wherein the fourth flow path is located lower as it approaches the third bearing retaining portion when viewed in the first direction, a portion of the fourth flow path is located above the portion connected to the inside of the third bearing retaining portion, and opens into the inside of the gear housing. (17) The drive device according to (15) or (16), wherein the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel are connected to each other. (18) The drive device according to any one of (15) to (17), wherein the gear housing has a third rib located inside the gear housing, and at least one of the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel is connected to the third rib. (19) The drive device according to (11), wherein in a second direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the vertical direction, the first axis is located to one side of the second axis, the gear mechanism has a third gear rotatable about a third axis extending in the first direction, the third axis is located to the other side of the second direction than the second axis, the gear housing has a first rib located inside the gear housing to the other side of the second direction than the second flow channel, a third bearing holding portion for holding a third bearing that rotatably supports the third gear, and a third rib located inside the gear housing, the housing has a fourth flow channel connected to the inside of the third bearing holding portion, at least one of the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel is connected to the third rib, the dimensions of the first rib are smaller than the dimensions of the second rib in the first direction, and the dimensions of the second rib are smaller than the dimensions of the third rib in the first direction. (20) The drive device according to (18) or (19), further comprising a pressure adjustment unit attached to the gear housing, wherein the gear housing has a mounting hole to which the pressure adjustment unit is attached, and a peripheral wall portion surrounding the gear mechanism around the first axis, one end and the other end of the third rib connect to the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion, the mounting hole connects to a space enclosed by the third rib and the peripheral wall portion, a through hole is provided in the portion of the third rib located below the portion where at least one of the third flow channel portion and the fourth flow channel portion connects, a second recess is provided on the surface of the third rib facing the outside of the space, the second recess is provided between the portion of the third rib where at least one of the third flow channel portion and the fourth flow channel portion connects when viewed in the first direction and the through hole.

[0108] The configurations and methods described herein can be combined as appropriate, within the bounds of non-inconsistency. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0109] 10...Motor, 20...Gear mechanism, 21c...Pinion gear (3rd gear), 21d, 21e...Counter gear (2nd gear), 22...Differential gear, 22a...Differential mechanism, 22b...Ring gear (1st gear), 25a, 25b...Bearing (3rd bearing), 25c, 25d...Bearing (2nd bearing), 25e, 25f...Bearing (1st bearing), 30...Housing, 32...Gear housing, 34...Circumferential wall, 35a, 35b...Bearing holder (3rd bearing holder), 35c, 35d...Bearing holder (2nd bearing holder), 35e, 35f...Bearing holder (1st bearing holder), 36b...Cow Intergear housing section (second housing section), 36c... Differential gear housing section (first housing section), 36d... First recess, 37a... Mounting hole, 41... First flow path section, 41a... First end, 41b... Second end, 42, 42a, 42b, 42c... Second flow path section, 42d... Hole flow path section, 42f... Groove flow path section, 43, 43a, 43b... Third flow path section, 43e, 43f...Third end, 44...Fourth flow path section, 51, 51a, 51b...First rib, 52...Second rib, 53...Third rib, 53e...Second recess, 53p...Through hole, 60...Pressure adjustment section, 100...Drive device, J1...Central axis (Third axis), J2...Intermediate axis (Second axis), J3...Output axis (First axis), S1...First space (Space)

Claims

1. Motor and, A gear mechanism connected to the motor, A housing that houses the motor and the gear mechanism inside, Equipped with, The gear mechanism is, A differential device having a first gear and a differential mechanism rotatable around a first axis extending in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, A second gear rotatable around a second axis extending in the first direction, It has, The second axis is positioned differently from the first axis when viewed in the first direction. The housing has a gear housing that houses the gear mechanism inside, The gear housing is, A first housing section that houses the differential device inside, A second housing section that houses the second gear inside, A first flow channel connecting the inside of the first housing and the inside of the second housing, It has, The first flow channel section is, The first end connected to the interior of the first housing section, The second end portion connected to the interior of the second housing section, It has, The first end is located above the second end, and the drive device.

2. The first housing portion has a first recess that is recessed in the first direction, At least a portion of the differential mechanism is located inside the first recess, The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the first end is connected to the interior of the first recess.

3. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the first end is located above the first axis.

4. The first housing portion has a first bearing holding portion that holds a first bearing that rotatably supports the differential gear, The housing has a second flow path portion that extends toward the first bearing holding portion when viewed in the first direction, The end of the second flow channel that is closer to the first bearing holding portion is connected to the inside of the first housing portion. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the first end is connected to the second flow path.

5. The second flow path is located on the lower side as it approaches the first bearing holding portion when viewed in the first direction. The drive device according to claim 4, wherein a portion of the second flow path is located above the end of the second flow path that is closer to the first bearing holding portion, and opens into the inside of the gear housing.

6. The housing has a plurality of the second flow channels, The multiple second flow channels are, The second channel section having a channel section formed by holes, The second channel section having a groove channel section formed by grooves, Includes, The drive device according to claim 4, wherein the hole channel and the groove channel have portions that overlap each other when viewed in the first direction.

7. The second flow channel is located on the upper side as it moves from one side to the other in the second direction, which is perpendicular to both the first direction and the vertical direction. The drive device according to claim 4, wherein one end of the second flow channel in the second direction is connected to the inside of the first housing.

8. In a second direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the vertical direction, the first axis is located to one side of the second axis. The drive device according to claim 4, wherein the gear housing has a first rib located inside the gear housing on the other side in the second direction from the second flow path portion.

9. The drive device according to claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the first rib is positioned in the same location as the second flow channel in the vertical direction.

10. The gear housing has a second bearing holding portion that holds a second bearing which rotatably supports the second gear, The housing has a third flow channel section, The second end is connected to the inside of the second bearing retaining portion. The third flow channel has a third end that connects to the inside of the second bearing holding portion. The drive device according to claim 4, wherein in a second direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the vertical direction, the second end and the third end are arranged on opposite sides of the second axis.

11. The drive device according to claim 10, wherein the gear housing has a second rib located inside the gear housing on the other side in the second direction from the third flow path.

12. The drive device according to claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the second rib is positioned in the same location as the third flow channel in the vertical direction.

13. The third flow channel is located on the upper side as it moves from one side to the other in the second direction. The drive device according to claim 10, wherein the third end is one end of the third flow channel in the second direction.

14. The third flow path is located on the lower side as it approaches the second bearing holding portion when viewed in the first direction. The drive device according to claim 10, wherein a portion of the third flow path is located above the third end and opens into the inside of the gear housing.

15. The gear mechanism has a third gear that is rotatable about a third axis extending in the first direction, The third axis is located on the other side of the second direction than the second axis, The gear housing has a third bearing holding portion that holds a third bearing that rotatably supports the third gear, The drive device according to claim 10, wherein the housing has a fourth flow path that connects to the inside of the third bearing holding portion.

16. The fourth flow path is located on the lower side as it approaches the third bearing holding portion when viewed in the first direction. The drive device according to claim 15, wherein a portion of the fourth flow path is located above the portion connected to the inside of the third bearing holding portion and opens into the inside of the gear housing.

17. The drive device according to claim 15, wherein the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel are connected to each other.

18. The gear housing has a third rib located inside the gear housing, The drive device according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel is connected to the third rib.

19. In a second direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the vertical direction, the first axis is located to one side of the second axis. The gear mechanism has a third gear that is rotatable about a third axis extending in the first direction, The third axis is located on the other side of the second direction than the second axis, The gear housing is, A first rib located inside the gear housing on the other side in the second direction from the second flow path, A third bearing holding portion that holds a third bearing that rotatably supports the third gear, A third rib located inside the gear housing, It has, The housing has a fourth flow path that connects to the inside of the third bearing holding portion. At least one of the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel is connected to the third rib. In the first direction, the dimension of the first rib is smaller than the dimension of the second rib. The drive device according to claim 11, wherein in the first direction, the dimension of the second rib is smaller than the dimension of the third rib.

20. The gear housing is equipped with a pressure adjustment unit, The gear housing is, A mounting hole into which the pressure adjustment unit is attached, The gear mechanism is surrounded by a peripheral wall portion around the first axis, It has, One end and the other end of the third rib are connected to the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion. The mounting hole is connected to the space enclosed by the third rib and the peripheral wall portion. A through hole is provided in the portion of the third rib located below the portion where at least one of the third flow channel and the fourth flow channel is connected. A second recess is provided on the surface of the third rib that faces the outside of the space. The drive device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the second recess is provided between the portion of the third rib where at least one of the third flow channel portion and the fourth flow channel portion is connected when viewed in the first direction and the through hole.

Images