Drive unit

Abstract

The present invention provides a drive device that electrically connects an inverter and a motor body via a busbar, and that can suppress the increase in size of the drive device. [Solution] The drive unit 100 comprises a motor 10, a control device 30, a busbar 80 that electrically connects the motor and the control device, a busbar holder 61 that supports the busbar, a housing having a motor housing 31 that houses the motor and a control device housing 33 that houses the control device, and a flow path section 70 that spans the motor housing and the control device housing. At least a portion of the control device and at least a portion of the busbar holder are located on one side of the motor in a first direction. The flow path section has a through-flow path section 73 that penetrates the busbar holder in a first direction.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] A motor having a coolant passage for cooling an inverter and a motor main body 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 a drive device such as the above-described motor, the inverter and the motor main body may be electrically connected via a bus bar. Depending on the arrangement of the coolant passage and the bus bar, the length of the coolant passage or the length of the bus bar may become long, and there is a risk that the entire drive device may become large-sized.

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

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the drive device of the present invention comprises a motor, a control device, a busbar electrically connecting the motor and the control device, a busbar holder supporting the busbar, a housing having a motor housing housing the motor and a control device housing housing the control device, and a flow path portion provided spanning the motor housing and the control device housing. At least a portion of the control device and at least a portion of the busbar holder are located on one side of the motor in a first direction. The flow path portion has a through-flow path portion that penetrates the busbar holder in the first direction. [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 the drive device in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the drive device in the first embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the inner cylinder portion in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the inner cylinder portion in the first embodiment, and is a view of the inner cylinder portion from a different angle than that shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the busbar assembly, first substrate, and circuit section in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the drive unit in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the drive device in the second 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 J, as shown in the figures as appropriate, is a virtual axis extending in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. More specifically, the central axis J extends in the Y-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction, i.e., in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The direction in which the central axis J extends is the axial direction of the motor 10 in the following embodiments. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the central axis J will be simply called the "axial direction," the radial direction centered on the central axis J will be simply called the "radial direction," and the circumferential direction centered on the central axis J will be simply called the "circumferential direction." In the following description, the left side (+Y side) of the axial direction will be called the "one axial side," and the right side (-Y side) of the axial direction will be called the "other axial side." 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 embodiment, the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) corresponds to the "first direction," the front-back direction (X-axis direction) corresponds to the "second direction" that intersects the first direction, and the axial direction (left-right direction, Y-axis direction) corresponds to the "third direction" that is orthogonal to both the first and second directions. The first direction, the vertical direction, is the direction that intersects the axial direction of the motor 10. The upper side (+Z side) corresponds to "one side of the first direction," and the lower side (-Z side) corresponds to "the other side of the first direction." The front side (+X side) is, for example, "one side of the second direction." The rear side (-X side) is, for example, "the other side of the second direction." One side of the axial direction (+Y side) is, for example, "one side of the third direction." The other side of the axial direction (-Y side) is, for example, "the other side of the third direction."

[0012] <First Embodiment> 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. As shown in Figure 2, the drive unit 100 comprises a control device 50 and a busbar assembly 60. The housing 30 houses the motor 10, the gear mechanism 20, the control device 50, and the busbar assembly 60 inside. Note that the control device 50 and the busbar assembly 60 are not shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the housing 30 includes a motor housing 31 that houses the motor 10, a gear housing 32 that houses the gear mechanism 20, and a control device housing 33 that houses the control device 50.

[0013] The motor 10 includes a rotor 11 that can rotate about a central axis J, and a stator 12 located radially outward from the rotor 11. The rotor 11 includes a motor shaft 13 arranged along the central axis J, 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 J. 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 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.

[0015] The gear mechanism 20 is connected to the motor 10. The gear mechanism 20 is connected to an end portion on one axial side (+Y side) of the motor shaft 13 in the rotor 11. The gear mechanism 20 transmits the rotation of the rotor 11 to the vehicle 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. The rotation of the rotor 11 is transmitted to the vehicle axle through the reduction gear 21 and the differential gear 22 in this order.

[0016] In the housing 30 of the present 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. The control device housing 33 is located above the motor housing 31 and the gear housing 32. The control device housing 33 is connected to the upper sides of the motor housing 31 and the gear housing 32.

[0017] The housing 30 includes a housing body 30a, a motor cover 30b, a gear cover 30c, and an inner cylinder portion 40. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 30 includes a second housing portion 33b, a lid member 33c, and a support member 33h. In the present embodiment, the housing 30 is composed of the housing body 30a, the motor cover 30b, the gear cover 30c, the inner cylinder portion 40, the second housing portion 33b, and the lid member 33c. The housing body 30a, the motor cover 30b, the gear cover 30c, the inner cylinder portion 40, the second housing portion 33b, and the lid member 33c are separate from each other.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing body 30a includes an outer cylinder portion 30d, a first peripheral wall portion 30e, and a wall portion 34. In the present embodiment, the motor housing 31 is composed of the wall portion 34, the outer cylinder portion 30d, the motor cover 30b, and the inner cylinder portion 40. That is, the motor housing 31 has the inner cylinder portion 40. In the present embodiment, the gear housing 32 is composed of the wall portion 34, the first peripheral wall portion 30e, and the gear cover 30c.

[0019] The outer cylindrical portion 30d is cylindrical and opens on the other axial side (-Y side). The outer cylindrical portion 30d is located radially outside the inner cylindrical portion 40. A wall portion 34 is provided at one axial end (+Y side) of the outer cylindrical portion 30d. The outer cylindrical portion 30d surrounds the inner cylindrical portion 40. The stator 12 is located radially inside the outer cylindrical portion 30d. On the inner peripheral surface of the portion of the outer cylindrical portion 30d located on the other axial side of the stator core 15, a stepped portion 30j having a stepped surface 30k facing the other axial side is provided. The stepped surface 30k is annular and surrounds the central axis J. More specifically, the stepped surface 30k is annular with the central axis J as the center. The inner diameter of the portion of the outer cylindrical portion 30d located on the other axial side of the stepped surface 30k is larger than the inner diameter of the portion of the outer cylindrical portion 30d located on the one axial side of the stepped surface 30k. The opening on the other axial side of the outer cylindrical portion 30d is closed by a motor cover 30b fixed to the end on the other axial side of the outer cylindrical portion 30d. The motor cover 30b covers the motor 10 from the other axial side. A bearing 17a that rotatably supports the end on the other axial side of the motor shaft 13 is held on the surface on the one axial side of the motor cover 30b.

[0020] The first circumferential wall portion 30e is cylindrical and opens on the one axial side (+Y side). A wall portion 34 is provided at the end on the other axial side (-Y side) of the first circumferential wall portion 30e. The opening on the one axial side of the first circumferential wall portion 30e is closed by a gear cover 30c fixed to the end on the one axial side of the first circumferential wall portion 30e. The gear cover 30c has a lid portion 30f that covers the gear mechanism 20 from the one axial side and a second circumferential wall portion 30g that projects axially from the radially outer edge portion of the lid portion 30f. The end on the other axial side of the second circumferential wall portion 30g is connected to the end on the one axial side of the first circumferential wall portion 30e.

[0021] The wall portion 34 constitutes the wall portion of the gear housing 32 located on the other axial side (-Y side). The first circumferential wall portion 30e protrudes from the radial outer edge of the wall portion 34 to one axial side (+Y side). The wall portion 34 has a partition wall portion 34a that separates the interior of the motor housing 31 and the interior of the gear housing 32 in the axial direction. An annular projection portion 34b is provided on the part of the partition wall portion 34a that constitutes a part of the inner surface of the motor housing 31, that is, on the other axial side surface of the partition wall portion 34a, which protrudes to the other axial side. The annular projection portion 34b is an annular shape surrounding the central axis J. More specifically, the annular projection portion 34b is a substantially circular annular shape centered on the central axis J. A bearing holding portion 34c is provided on the radial inner edge of the other axial side surface of the annular projection portion 34b. The bearing holder 34c holds a bearing 17b that rotatably supports the portion of the motor shaft 13 located on one axial side of the rotor core 14.

[0022] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the inner cylinder portion 40 is cylindrical, surrounding the central axis J. More specifically, the inner cylinder portion 40 is substantially cylindrical with the central axis J as its center. As shown in Figure 1, the inner cylinder portion 40 is located radially outside the motor 10. The inner cylinder portion 40 surrounds the motor 10. The inner cylinder portion 40 is located radially inside the outer cylinder portion 30d. The inner cylinder portion 40 is fitted radially inside the outer cylinder portion 30d. More specifically, the inner cylinder portion 40 is fitted radially inside the outer cylinder portion 30d by clearance fitting. The inner cylinder portion 40 may also be fitted radially inside the outer cylinder portion 30d by shrink fitting, or it may be press-fitted radially inside the outer cylinder portion 30d. As shown in Figure 3, the inner cylinder portion 40 has a cylindrical body portion 41, an annular bottom portion 42, an annular rib 44, a spiral rib 45, and a projection portion 46.

[0023] The cylindrical body portion 41 is cylindrical, surrounding the central axis J. More specifically, the cylindrical body portion 41 is substantially cylindrical with the central axis J as its center. The cylindrical body portion 41 opens on the other axial side (-Y side). As shown in Figure 1, the stator 12 is located radially inside the cylindrical body portion 41. The outer circumferential surface of the stator core 15 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body portion 41. The end of the cylindrical body portion 41 on the other axial side is the large diameter portion 41a. The outer diameter of the large diameter portion 41a is larger than the outer diameter of the portion of the cylindrical body portion 41 located on one axial side (+Y side) of the large diameter portion 41a. The inner diameter of the large diameter portion 41a is larger than the inner diameter of the portion of the cylindrical body portion 41 located on one axial side of the large diameter portion 41a. The end face of the large diameter portion 41a on the other axial side is the end face of the cylindrical body portion 41 on the other axial side. The end face on the other axial side of the large-diameter portion 41a is positioned in the same location as the stepped surface 30k in the axial direction.

[0024] The large-diameter portion 41a is fitted to the radially inner side of the outer cylinder portion 30d. In this embodiment, the large-diameter portion 41a is fitted to the radially inner side of the outer cylinder portion 30d by clearance fitting. A joint portion 47b is provided at the radial boundary between the end face on the other axial side (-Y side) of the large-diameter portion 41a and the stepped surface 30k, extending around the circumference. The joint portion 47b is the portion where the end face on the other axial side of the large-diameter portion 41a and the stepped surface 30k are joined. The joint portion 47b is, for example, a joint created by joining the end face on the other axial side of the large-diameter portion 41a and the stepped surface 30k from the other axial side by friction stir welding. The joint portion 47b seals the radial space between the end face on the other axial side of the large-diameter portion 41a and the stepped surface 30k over the circumference. The outer circumferential surface of the portion of the cylindrical body 41 located on one axial side (+Y side) of the large diameter portion 41a is positioned radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion 30d.

[0025] The annular base 42 protrudes radially inward from one axial end (+Y side) of the cylindrical body 41. As shown in Figure 3, the annular base 42 is an annular shape surrounding the central axis J. More specifically, the annular base 42 is a substantially circular annular shape centered on the central axis J. The annular base 42 is plate-shaped with its plate surface facing axially. As shown in Figure 1, the annular projection 34b is fitted to the radially inward side of the annular base 42. The other axial side (-Y side) of the annular base 42 is positioned in the same axial direction as the other axial side surface of the annular projection 34b. A joint 47a is provided at the radial boundary between the other axial side surface of the annular base 42 and the other axial side surface of the annular projection 34b, extending around the circumference. The joint 47a is the portion where the other axial side surface of the annular base 42 and the other axial side surface of the annular projection 34b are joined. The joint portion 47a is a joint formed, for example, by joining the other axial surface of the annular base portion 42 and the other axial surface of the annular projection portion 34b from the other axial side by friction stir welding. The joint portion 47a seals the radial space between the other axial surface of the annular base portion 42 and the other axial surface of the annular projection portion 34b over the entire circumference in the circumferential direction. A gap is provided in the axial direction between the annular base portion 42 and the partition portion 34a.

[0026] The annular rib 44 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body portion 41. As shown in Figure 3, the annular rib 44 is an annular shape surrounding the cylindrical body portion 41. In this embodiment, the annular rib 44 is a substantially circular annular shape centered on the central axis J. The annular rib 44 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the portion of the cylindrical body portion 41 on one axial side (+Y side). As shown in Figure 1, the annular rib 44 is fitted radially inward to the outer cylindrical portion 30d. In this embodiment, the annular rib 44 is fitted radially inward to the outer cylindrical portion 30d by clearance fitting.

[0027] The spiral rib 45 protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body portion 41. The spiral rib 45 protrudes radially outward from the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body portion 41 located between the annular rib 44 and the large-diameter portion 41a in the axial direction. As shown in Figure 4, the spiral rib 45 is spiral in shape, surrounding the cylindrical body portion 41 around the central axis J. One end of the spiral rib 45 is connected to the large-diameter portion 41a by a first connecting wall portion 45a. The first connecting wall portion 45a protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body portion 41. The circumferential dimension of the first connecting wall portion 45a is greater than the width WD of the spiral rib 45. The width WD of the spiral rib 45 is the width between one axial side surface and the other axial side surface at each part of the spiral rib 45 that extends spirally around the central axis J. As shown in Figure 3, the other end of the helical rib 45 is connected to the annular rib 44 by a second connecting wall 45b. The circumferential dimension of the second connecting wall 45b is greater than the width WD of the helical rib 45. As shown in Figure 1, the helical rib 45 is fitted radially inward to the outer cylinder portion 30d. In this embodiment, the helical rib 45 is fitted radially inward to the outer cylinder portion 30d by gap fitting.

[0028] The projection 46 protrudes from the axial side (+Y side) of the annular base 42 to the axial side. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the projection 46 is substantially cylindrical. The shape of the projection 46 when viewed in the axial direction is not particularly limited. For example, the projection 46 may be annular when viewed in the axial direction, or it may be substantially C-shaped when viewed in the axial direction. As shown in Figure 1, the projection 46 is fitted into the fitting portion 34d provided on the partition wall 34a. This allows the inner cylinder portion 40 to be positioned in the circumferential direction and prevents the inner cylinder portion 40 from rotating in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the fitting portion 34d is cylindrical and protrudes from the axial side (-Y side) of the partition wall 34a to the axial side. The fitting portion 34d opens to the axial side. The projection 46 is fitted into the interior of the fitting portion 34d from one side in the axial direction. The fitting portion 34d may be a hole recessed in the axial direction from the other axial side surface of the partition wall portion 34a. The internal shape of the fitting portion 34d when viewed in the axial direction may be any shape as long as it is possible to fit the projection 46 into the fitting portion 34d. For example, if the shape of the projection 46 when viewed in the axial direction is annular or roughly C-shaped, the internal shape of the fitting portion 34d when viewed in the axial direction may be the same as the shape of the annular or roughly C-shaped projection 46 when viewed in the axial direction. Alternatively, instead of providing a projection 46 and a fitting portion 34d, the partition wall portion 34a may be provided with a projection, and the annular bottom portion 42 may be provided with a fitting portion into which the projection fits.

[0029] In this embodiment, oil O as a fluid is stored inside the gear housing 32. The oil O is used as a lubricant for the reduction gear 21 and the differential gear 22. As oil O, it is preferable to use an oil equivalent to automatic transmission fluid (ATF) with relatively low viscosity in order to perform its lubricating function. Although not shown in the figures, the gear housing 32 protrudes rearward (-X side) from the motor housing 31.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the housing body 30a has a first housing section 33a. In this embodiment, the control device housing 33 is composed of a first housing section 33a, a second housing section 33b, a lid member 33c, and a support member 33h. The first housing section 33a is box-shaped and opens upward. The first housing section 33a has a first bottom section 33d and a first side wall section 33e. The first bottom section 33d extends along a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. A part of the first bottom section 33d is composed of the upper part of the outer cylinder section 30d and the upper part of the first circumferential wall section 30e. The portion 33k of the first bottom section 33d, composed of the upper part of the outer cylinder section 30d, protrudes upward more than the portions of the first bottom section 33d that are adjacent to each other on both sides in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) of portion 33k. The portion 33k is arc-shaped and convex upward when viewed in the axial direction. The first side wall portion 33e protrudes upward from the outer peripheral edge of the first bottom portion 33d. Although not shown in the illustration, the first side wall portion 33e is frame-shaped when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0031] The second housing section 33b is located above the first housing section 33a. The second housing section 33b is fixed to the upper end of the first housing section 33a. The second housing section 33b closes the upper opening of the first housing section 33a. In this embodiment, the second housing section 33b is box-shaped with an opening to the top. The second housing section 33b has a second bottom section 33f and a second side wall section 33g. The second bottom section 33f widens along a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The second bottom section 33f closes the upper opening of the first housing section 33a. The second side wall section 33g protrudes upward from the outer peripheral edge of the second bottom section 33f. Although not shown in the figures, the second side wall section 33g is frame-shaped when viewed in the vertical direction. The lid member 33c is fixed to the upper end of the second side wall section 33g. The lid member 33c closes the upper opening of the second storage section 33b.

[0032] The support member 33h is fixed to the lower surface of the second bottom 33f of the second housing section 33b. The support member 33h extends along a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The support member 33h is located inside the first housing section 33a.

[0033] The control device 50 is housed inside the control device housing 33. The control device 50 controls the motor 10. The control device 50 includes a first circuit board 51, a second circuit board 52, a power module 53, a capacitor 54, a heat sink 55, and a plurality of electronic components 56. The first circuit board 51, the second circuit board 52, the power module 53, the capacitor 54, and the heat sink 55 are housed inside the first housing section 33a. The plurality of electronic components 56 are housed inside the second housing section 33b.

[0034] The surface of the first substrate 51 is oriented in the vertical direction. The first substrate 51 is fixed to the lower surface of the support member 33h via the heat sink 55 and the power module 53. The first substrate 51 has a portion 33k of the first bottom portion 33d, i.e., a portion located above the outer cylinder portion 30d. The first substrate 51 has a portion located behind (-X side) the outer cylinder portion 30d. In this embodiment, the first substrate 51 is a drive substrate electrically connected to the power module 53 that supplies power to the motor 10. The first substrate 51 is located below the power module 53. In this embodiment, the first substrate 51 is positioned separately below the power module 53. The first substrate 51 may be in contact with the lower surface of the power module 53.

[0035] The power module 53 is fixed to the lower surface of the support member 33h via a heat sink 55. The power module 53 has a circuit section 53a and a case 53b. In other words, the control device 50 has a circuit section 53a, a case 53b, and a plurality of terminals 57. The case 53b houses the circuit section 53a inside. The circuit section 53a supplies power to the motor 10. The circuit section 53a is, for example, an inverter circuit. Although not shown in the figures, the circuit section 53a has a plurality of switching elements. These plurality of switching elements are, for example, IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors). These plurality of switching elements may also be field-effect transistors such as metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). Although not shown in the figures, the plurality of terminals 57 are electrically connected to the circuit section 53a. Multiple terminals 57 protrude from inside the case 53b to the outside of the case 53b. Note that the cross-section of the power module 53 is omitted in each figure.

[0036] The heatsink 55 has a heatsink body 55a and a plurality of fin portions 55b. A power module 53 is fixed to the lower surface of the heatsink body 55a. The heatsink body 55a is fixed to the lower surface of the support member 33h. The plurality of fin portions 55b protrude upward from the heatsink body 55a. The plurality of fin portions 55b are inserted into the second cooling channel portion 71c, which will be described later. Alternatively, a first substrate 51 may be fixed to the lower surface of the heatsink 55, and a circuit portion 53a may be mounted on the lower surface of the first substrate 51.

[0037] The capacitor 54 is fixed to the lower surface of the support member 33h. The capacitor 54 is, for example, a film capacitor. The capacitor 54 may be of another type. A second substrate 52 is fixed to the lower surface of the capacitor 54. The second substrate 52 may be electrically connected to the capacitor 54. Although not shown in the figures, the second substrate 52 is electrically connected to the first substrate 51. In this embodiment, the second substrate 52 is a control board on which a processor that controls the circuit section 53a is mounted.

[0038] Multiple electronic components 56 are fixed to the lower surface of the lid member 33c. The multiple electronic components 56 include electronic components 56 that adjust voltage and electronic components 56 that distribute current. Examples of electronic components 56 that adjust voltage include an onboard charger (OBC) and a DC / DC converter. The onboard charger provided as electronic component 56 is a device for charging a battery (not shown) by converting an AC voltage supplied from an external source via a plug provided in the control device 50 into a DC voltage. The battery (not shown) is a battery that supplies power to the drive unit 100. The DC / DC converter provided as electronic component 56 is a device for charging another low-voltage battery by converting the voltage supplied from the battery (not shown) to the drive unit 100. The control device 50 may have both an onboard charger and a DC / DC converter as electronic components 56 that adjust voltage, or it may have only one of the onboard charger and a DC / DC converter. The DC / DC converter provided as electronic component 56 may be a device that boosts the voltage supplied from a battery (not shown) to the drive unit 100 and supplies it to other electronic components, etc.

[0039] The electronic component 56 that distributes the current is, for example, a power distribution unit (PDU). The power distribution unit provided as electronic component 56 is a device that distributes the current supplied from a battery (not shown) to the drive unit 100 to various electrical components in the vehicle, including the circuit section 53a.

[0040] At least a portion of the control device 50 is located above the motor 10 in the vertical direction. At least a portion of the control device 50 overlaps with the motor 10 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, a portion of the first substrate 51, a portion of the circuit section 53a, a portion of the heat sink 55, a plurality of terminals 57, and a portion of the electronic components 56 are located above the motor 10 and overlap with the motor 10 when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0041] The control device 50 has a first part 50a and a second part 50b. In this embodiment, the first part 50a is the part composed of a first substrate 51 and a power module 53. In this embodiment, the second part 50b is the part composed of a second substrate 52 and a capacitor 54. At least a portion of the first part 50a is located above the motor 10. In this embodiment, the front (+X side) portion of the first substrate 51 and the front portion of the power module 53 of the first part 50a are located above the motor 10. The second part 50b is a part that is larger in the vertical direction than the first part 50a. The second part 50b is provided at a different position from the motor 10 in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) which is perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the axial direction of the motor 10. In this way, by positioning at least a portion of the first portion 50a, which has a smaller vertical dimension, above the motor 10, and positioning the second portion 50b, which has a larger vertical dimension, offset from the motor 10 in the front-rear direction, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the drive unit 100 in both the front-rear and vertical directions. In this embodiment, the second portion 50b is located behind (-X side) the motor 10.

[0042] The busbar assembly 60 is housed inside the control device housing 33. More specifically, the busbar assembly 60 is housed inside the first housing section 33a. Within the first housing section 33a, the busbar assembly 60 is located in front of the first substrate 51, the power module 53, and the heat sink 55 (+X side). The busbar assembly 60 is fixed to the lower surface of the support member 33h. The busbar assembly 60 has a busbar holder 61 and a plurality of busbars 80. In other words, the drive unit 100 comprises a busbar holder 61 and a plurality of busbars 80.

[0043] The busbar holder 61 supports a plurality of busbars 80. In this embodiment, the busbar holder 61 is made of resin. A portion of each busbar 80 is embedded in and held by the busbar holder 61. The busbar holder 61 is made, for example, by insert molding using the first extension portions 81U, 81V, and 81W of the plurality of busbars 80, which will be described later, as insert members. At least a portion of the busbar holder 61 is located above the motor 10 in the vertical direction. At least a portion of the busbar holder 61 overlaps with the motor 10 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, almost the entire busbar holder 61, excluding the front (+X side) end, is located above the motor 10 and overlaps with the motor 10 when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the busbar holder 61 is located in front of the central axis J.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the busbar holder 61 has a shape that is elongated in the axial direction (Y-axis direction) when viewed in the vertical direction. The busbar holder 61 is located in front of the first substrate 51 (+X side). The power module 53 and the busbar holder 61 are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) when viewed in the vertical direction. In other words, the circuit section 53a of the power module 53 and the busbar holder 61 are arranged side by side in the front-to-back direction, which is perpendicular to both the vertical direction and the axial direction of the motor 10 when viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the circuit section 53a and the busbar holder 61 are aligned in the axial direction when viewed in the vertical direction, it is possible to suppress the axial enlargement of the drive device 100.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, the busbar holder 61 is fixed to the lower surface of the support member 33h via a plurality of spacer portions 33m. The plurality of spacer portions 33m protrude downward from the lower surface of the support member 33h. The busbar holder 61 has a base portion 61a, a first projection portion 61b, and a second projection portion 61c. The base portion 61a is the part that supports the plurality of busbars 80. The base portion 61a is fixed to the plurality of spacer portions 33m. The base portion 61a is positioned away from the lower surface of the support member 33h. As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the base portion 61a has a shape that is elongated in the axial direction (Y-axis direction) when viewed in the vertical direction. A through hole 61d is provided in the base portion 61a. That is, the busbar holder 61 has a through hole 61d. The through hole 61d penetrates the busbar holder 61 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the through-hole 61d penetrates the base 61a in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the through-hole 61d is circular when viewed in the vertical direction. When viewed in the vertical direction, the center of the through-hole 61d is located one axial side (+Y side) of the axial center of the base 61a.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, the first protrusion 61b and the second protrusion 61c protrude vertically from the base 61a. The first protrusion 61b protrudes upward from the upper surface of the base 61a. The first protrusion 61b protrudes upward from the edge of the through hole 61d on the upper surface of the base 61a. The upper end of the first protrusion 61b is positioned away from the lower surface of the support member 33h. The upper end of the first protrusion 61b may be in contact with the lower surface of the support member 33h.

[0047] As shown in Figure 5, the first projection 61b is cylindrical in shape, surrounding the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the first projection 61b is cylindrical with an opening on the upper side. When viewed in the vertical direction, the center of the first projection 61b coincides with the center of the through hole 61d. However, when viewed in the vertical direction, the centers of the first projection 61b and the through hole 61d may be offset from each other. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the first projection 61b is the same as the inner diameter of the through hole 61d. As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the first projection 61b and the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 61d are connected without any step difference. However, the inner diameter of the first projection 61b may be different from the inner diameter of the through hole 61d. Furthermore, the shape of the first projection 61b when viewed in the vertical direction is not particularly limited, as long as it surrounds the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction. The first projection 61b may be substantially C-shaped when viewed in the vertical direction, or it may be an arc shape extending around the center of the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the first projection 61b may be composed of a plurality of pieces arranged at intervals around the center of the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction. In this case, the plurality of pieces surround the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0048] The second projection 61c protrudes downward from the lower surface of the base 61a. The second projection 61c protrudes downward from a position on the lower surface of the base 61a that is away from the edge of the through hole 61d. As shown in Figure 5, the second projection 61c is cylindrical in shape, surrounding the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the second projection 61c is cylindrical with an opening on the lower side. When viewed in the vertical direction, the center of the second projection 61c coincides with the center of the through hole 61d. However, when viewed in the vertical direction, the center of the second projection 61c and the center of the through hole 61d may be offset from each other. Furthermore, the second projection 61c may be roughly C-shaped when viewed in the vertical direction, or it may be an arc shape extending around the center of the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the second projection 61c may be composed of multiple pieces arranged at intervals around the center of the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction. In this case, the multiple pieces surround the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0049] The outer diameter of the second protrusion 61c is larger than the outer diameter of the first protrusion 61b. The inner diameter of the second protrusion 61c is larger than the inner diameter of the first protrusion 61b and the inner diameter of the through hole 61d. Note that the outer diameters of the first protrusion 61b and the second protrusion 61c may be the same as each other. The inner diameters of the first protrusion 61b and the second protrusion 61c may be the same as each other. The inner diameter of the second protrusion 61c may be the same as the inner diameter of the through hole 61d. As shown in Figure 6, the vertical dimension of the second protrusion 61c is smaller than the vertical dimension of the first protrusion 61b. Note that the vertical dimension of the second protrusion 61c may be the same as the vertical dimension of the first protrusion 61b, or it may be larger than the vertical dimension of the first protrusion 61b.

[0050] Multiple busbars 80 electrically connect the motor 10 and the control device 50. In this embodiment, multiple busbars 80 electrically connect the motor 10 and the circuit section 53a. More specifically, multiple busbars 80 electrically connect the coil 16 of the stator 12 and the circuit section 53a. As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, there are three busbars 80: busbar 80U, busbar 80V, and busbar 80W. In this embodiment, each busbar 80U, 80V, and 80W is composed of two conductive members.

[0051] Busbar 80U has a first extension 81U, a second extension 82U, a third extension 83U, a fourth extension 84U, and a connecting part 85U. Busbar 80V has a first extension 81V, a second extension 82V, a third extension 83V, a fourth extension 84V, and a connecting part 85V. Busbar 80W has a first extension 81W, a second extension 82W, and a connecting part 85W. In other words, multiple busbars 80U, 80V, and 80W each have a first extension 81U, 81V, and 81W. The first extensions 81U, 81V, and 81W extend in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction) intersecting the up-and-down direction. The first extensions 81U, 81V, and 81W of the multiple busbars 80U, 80V, and 80W are arranged side by side with spacing in the axial direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to both the vertical and horizontal directions. The first extension 81V is located on one axial side (+Y side) of the first extension 81U. The first extension 81W is located on one axial side of the first extension 81V. The axial spacing between the first extension 81V and the first extension 81W is greater than the axial spacing between the first extension 81U and the first extension 81V. The first extension 81V and the first extension 81W are arranged with the through hole 61d in the axial direction. The rear (-X side) ends of the multiple first extensions 81U, 81V, and 81W are electrically connected to multiple terminals 57 that are electrically connected to the circuit section 53a. As a result, each busbar 80 is electrically connected to the first substrate 51 via multiple terminals 57 and circuit section 53a.

[0052] The second extension portion 82U extends from the first extension portion 81U in the axial direction (Y-axis direction). The second extension portion 82V extends from the first extension portion 81V in the axial direction. The second extension portion 82W extends from the first extension portion 81W in the axial direction. In this embodiment, each second extension portion 82U, 82V, 82W extends from the front end (+X side) of each first extension portion 81U, 81V, 81W to the other side in the axial direction (-Y side). The multiple second extension portions 82U, 82V, 82W are at different positions in the vertical direction. The multiple second extension portions 82U, 82V, 82W are arranged at the same position in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction). When viewed in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the multiple second extension portions 82U, 82V, 82W overlap each other.

[0053] The third extension portion 83U extends from the second extension portion 82U in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The third extension portion 83V extends from the second extension portion 82V in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, each third extension portion 83U, 83V extends from the other axial side (-Y side) end (-X side) of each second extension portion 82U, 82V toward the rear side (-X side). The multiple third extension portions 83U, 83V are at different positions in the vertical direction. The multiple third extension portions 83U, 83V are arranged at the same position in the axial direction (Y-axis direction). When viewed in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the multiple third extension portions 83U, 83V overlap with each other. As shown in Figure 6, at least a portion of the third extension portions 83U, 83V overlaps with the through hole 61d when viewed in the axial direction. In this embodiment, a portion of each third extension 83U, 83V overlaps with the through hole 61d when viewed in the axial direction.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5, the fourth extension portion 84U extends axially (Y-axis direction) from the third extension portion 83U. The fourth extension portion 84V extends axially from the third extension portion 83V. In this embodiment, each fourth extension portion 84U, 84V extends axially from the rear (-X side) end of each third extension portion 83U, 83V to the other side (-Y side). The multiple fourth extension portions 84U, 84V are located at different positions in the vertical direction. The fourth extension portion 84U is located behind the fourth extension portion 84V.

[0055] The connection section 85U extends upward from the other axial end (-Y side) of the fourth extension section 84U. A terminal 19U attached to the end of a lead wire extending from the U-phase coil 16 is fixed to the connection section 85U, for example, by a bolt. The connection section 85V extends upward from the other axial end of the fourth extension section 84V. A terminal 19V attached to the end of a lead wire extending from the V-phase coil 16 is fixed to the connection section 85V, for example, by a bolt. The connection section 85W extends upward from the other axial end of the second extension section 82W. A terminal 19W attached to the end of a lead wire extending from the W-phase coil 16 is fixed to the connection section 85W, for example, by a bolt. In this way, the multiple busbars 80U, 80V, and 80W are electrically connected to the multiple coils 16. The connectors 85U, 85V, and 85W are arranged side by side with a gap between them in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction). Connector 85V is located in front of connector 85U (+X side). Connector 85W is located in front of connector 85V.

[0056] In this embodiment, the second extension portion 82U, the third extension portion 83U, the fourth extension portion 84U, and the connecting portion 85U are part of the same single member and are separate from the first extension portion 81U. The first extension portion 81U and the second extension portion 82U are fixed to each other, for example, by bolts. The second extension portion 82V, the third extension portion 83V, the fourth extension portion 84V, and the connecting portion 85V are part of the same single member and are separate from the first extension portion 81V. The first extension portion 81V and the second extension portion 82V are fixed to each other, for example, by bolts. The second extension portion 82W and the connecting portion 85W are part of the same single member and are separate from the first extension portion 81W. The first extension portion 81W and the second extension portion 82W are fixed to each other, for example, by bolts.

[0057] The busbar assembly 60 has a second busbar holder 62. The second busbar holder 62 supports the portion of each busbar 80 that is separate from the first extensions 81U, 81V, and 81W. The second busbar holder 62 is made of resin. The second busbar holder 62 is manufactured, for example, by insert molding, using the portion of each busbar 80 that is separate from the first extensions 81U, 81V, and 81W as an insert member.

[0058] As shown in Figure 2, the drive unit 100 includes a flow path section 70. The flow path section 70 is a flow path that cools each part of the drive unit 100. The fluid W flowing through the flow path section 70 is, for example, water. The fluid W flowing through the flow path section 70 may be a fluid other than water, such as oil. The flow path section 70 is provided spanning the motor housing 31 and the control device housing 33. The flow path section 70 has a first flow path section 71, a second flow path section 72, and a through flow path section 73. The first flow path section 71 is provided in the control device housing 33. The second flow path section 72 is provided in the motor housing 31. The first flow path section 71 and the second flow path section 72 are connected to each other by the through flow path section 73. In this embodiment, the fluid W flows into the first flow path section 71 from outside the drive unit 100, and flows from the first flow path section 71 through the through flow path section 73 into the second flow path section 72. The fluid W that flows into the second flow channel 72 is discharged to the outside of the drive unit 100, cooled by a radiator (not shown), and then flows back into the first flow channel 71. Alternatively, the fluid W may flow from the second flow channel 72 through the through-flow channel 73 into the first flow channel 71. In this case, the fluid W flows from outside the drive unit 100 into the second flow channel 72 and is discharged from the first flow channel 71 to the outside of the drive unit 100.

[0059] The first flow channel section 71 includes a first cooling flow channel section 71a, a first connecting flow channel section 71b, a second cooling flow channel section 71c, and a second connecting flow channel section 71d. The first cooling flow channel section 71a is provided in the second bottom section 33f. The fluid W flowing through the first cooling flow channel section 71a cools, for example, multiple electronic components 56 in the second housing section 33b. The fluid W flowing through the first cooling flow channel section 71a also cools, for example, the capacitor 54 and the second substrate 52 via the support member 33h. The first connecting flow channel section 71b connects the first cooling flow channel section 71a and the second cooling flow channel section 71c. The first connecting flow channel section 71b extends from the second bottom section 33f to the support member 33h. The second cooling flow channel section 71c is provided in the support member 33h. Multiple fin portions 55b of the heat sink 55 are located within the second cooling channel portion 71c. The circuit portion 53a is cooled via the heat sink 55 by the fluid W flowing through the second cooling channel portion 71c. The first substrate 51 may also be cooled by the fluid W flowing through the second cooling channel portion 71c. The second connecting channel portion 71d is provided on the support member 33h. In this embodiment, the second connecting channel portion 71d extends from the downstream end of the second cooling channel portion 71c toward the front (+X side).

[0060] The second flow channel 72 is a portion of the flow channel 70 provided in the gap between the inner cylinder portion 40 and the outer cylinder portion 30d. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the second flow channel 72 is formed by covering the radially outer openings of grooves provided between portions of the helical ribs 45 that are spaced apart in the axial direction, between the helical ribs 45 and the annular rib 44 in the axial direction, and between the helical ribs 45 and the large-diameter portion 41a in the axial direction, with the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder portion 30d. As shown in Figure 4, the second flow channel 72 is helical, surrounding the cylindrical body portion 41 around the central axis J. The second flow channel 72 helically surrounds the stator 12. The stator 12 is cooled by the fluid W flowing through the second flow channel 72. The second flow channel 72 may have a shape other than a helical shape, such as a meandering shape in the axial or circumferential direction.

[0061] A first connecting wall portion 45a is provided at the first end portion 72a, which is one end of the second flow channel portion 72. As shown in Figure 3, a second connecting wall portion 45b is provided at the second end portion 72b, which is the other end of the second flow channel portion 72. In this embodiment, the second end portion 72b is located axially to one side (+Y side) of the first end portion 72a. In this embodiment, the first end portion 72a is the upstream end of the second flow channel portion 72. In this embodiment, the second end portion 72b is the downstream end of the second flow channel portion 72.

[0062] The fluid W flowing through the spirally extending second flow channel 72 collides circumferentially with the first connecting wall 45a and the second connecting wall 45b at the first end 72a and the second end 72b, respectively, easily applying a force to the inner cylinder 40 that causes it to vibrate circumferentially. In contrast, in this embodiment, the circumferential dimensions of the first connecting wall 45a and the second connecting wall 45b are larger than the width WD of the spiral rib 45. Therefore, the rigidity of the first connecting wall 45a and the second connecting wall 45b can be increased. As a result, even if the fluid W collides with the first connecting wall 45a and the second connecting wall 45b, the inner cylinder 40 is less likely to vibrate.

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment, the helical rib 45 is fitted into the outer cylinder portion 30d by gap fitting. Therefore, a gap is provided between the helical rib 45 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder portion 30d. Consequently, a portion of the fluid W flowing through the second flow channel 72 flows into the gap between the helical rib 45 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder portion 30d. This reduces the pressure loss in the fluid W flowing through the second flow channel 72 compared to when no gap is provided.

[0064] As described above, in this embodiment, the annular rib 44 is fitted into the outer cylinder portion 30d by gap fitting. Therefore, a portion of the fluid W flowing in the second flow channel portion 72 flows through the gap between the annular rib 44 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder portion 30d, into the gap between the portion of the inner cylinder portion 40 located on one axial side (+Y side) of the annular rib 44 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder portion 30d, and into the axial gap between the annular bottom portion 42 and the partition wall portion 34a. Therefore, the fluid W flowing into these gaps makes it easier to cool the coil end 16a and the bearing 17b of the stator 12 that protrude from the stator core 15 on one axial side. As described above, the boundary between the radial inner edge of the annular bottom portion 42 and the radial outer edge of the annular protrusion 34b is joined and sealed by friction stir welding. Therefore, the fluid W that flows in the axial gap between the annular bottom portion 42 and the partition wall portion 34a is prevented from flowing into the inner cylinder portion 40 from between the annular bottom portion 42 and the annular protrusion portion 34b.

[0065] As shown in Figure 6, the through-flow channel 73 extends in the vertical direction. The through-flow channel 73 penetrates the busbar holder 61 in the vertical direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the flow channel 70 is provided while avoiding the busbar holder 61, the length of the flow channel 70 can be kept from becoming excessive. In addition, there is no need to provide the busbar holder 61 while avoiding the flow channel 70, and the length of the busbar 80 supported by the busbar holder 61 can be kept from becoming excessive. Consequently, the length of the flow channel 70 and the busbar 80 can be shortened, and the size of the drive unit 100 can be kept from becoming excessive.

[0066] As described above, in this embodiment, the control device 50 has an electronic component 56 that adjusts voltage and an electronic component 56 that distributes current. When the control device 50 has at least one of such an electronic component 56 that adjusts voltage and an electronic component 56 that distributes current, the control device 50 tends to become larger due to the electronic component 56, and the drive device 100 tends to become larger as well. In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, the drive device 100 can be made larger by configuring the through-flow channel 73 to pass through the busbar holder 61. In other words, because the through-flow channel 73 passes through the busbar holder 61, even if the control device 50 has at least one of an electronic component 56 that adjusts voltage and an electronic component 56 that distributes current, the control device 50 can be made larger.

[0067] As described above, in this embodiment, the drive unit 100 includes a gear mechanism 20 connected to the motor 10. When the drive unit 100 includes a gear mechanism 20, the drive unit 100 tends to become larger. In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, the drive unit 100 can be made larger by configuring the through-flow channel 73 to pass through the busbar holder 61. In other words, because the through-flow channel 73 passes through the busbar holder 61, the flow channel 70 can be shortened and the control device housing 33 can be made smaller, and even when the drive unit 100 is configured to include a gear mechanism 20, the drive unit 100 can be made larger.

[0068] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the through-channel 73 penetrates vertically through the portion of the busbar holder 61 located between adjacent first extensions 81V and 81W in the axial direction. Therefore, the fluid W flowing through the through-channel 73 easily cools each of the first extensions 81V and 81W. In this embodiment, the third direction in which the multiple first extensions 81U, 81V, and 81W are aligned is the axial direction of the motor 10. Therefore, for example, even if the spacing between adjacent first extensions 81V and 81W is increased to allow the through-channel 73 to penetrate, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the busbar holder 61 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the busbar holder 61 in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). Consequently, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the drive unit 100 in the front-rear direction.

[0069] As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the through-flow channel 73 passes vertically through the through-hole 61d. Therefore, compared to, for example, the case where the through-hole 61d constitutes at least a part of the through-flow channel 73, there is no need to provide a sealing structure to suppress fluid W leakage to the busbar holder 61. This simplifies the structure of the busbar holder 61.

[0070] In this embodiment, the through-flow channel 73 is formed by connecting a first cylindrical portion 33i and a second cylindrical portion 31a to each other. The first cylindrical portion 33i protrudes downward from the portion of the control device housing 33 in which the first flow channel 71 is provided. In this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 33i protrudes downward from the lower surface of the support member 33h. More specifically, the first cylindrical portion 33i protrudes downward from the lower surface of the portion of the support member 33h in which the downstream end of the second connecting flow channel 71d is provided. In this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 33i and the support member 33h are part of the same single member. The first cylindrical portion 33i may be a separate entity from the support member 33h.

[0071] The first cylindrical portion 33i is cylindrical with an opening on the lower side. In this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion 33i is substantially cylindrical in shape, with its center coinciding with the center of the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction. The outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 33i is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 61d. The first cylindrical portion 33i passes through the through hole 61d in the vertical direction. The lower end of the first cylindrical portion 33i is located below the through hole 61d. The outer circumferential surface of the portion of the first cylindrical portion 33i located inside the through hole 61d is positioned away from the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 61d. The first cylindrical portion 33i is located inside the control device housing 33. More specifically, the first cylindrical portion 33i is located inside the first housing portion 33a. The upper end inside the first cylindrical portion 33i is connected to the downstream end of the second connecting flow channel portion 71d, i.e., the front (+X) end. An annular groove 33j is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the lower portion of the first cylindrical part 33i, surrounding the central axis of the first cylindrical part 33i. A sealing member 90 is placed in the annular groove 33j. The sealing member 90 is an annular shape that surrounds the first cylindrical part 33i. The sealing member 90 is, for example, an O-ring.

[0072] The second cylindrical portion 31a protrudes upward from the portion of the motor housing 31 in which the second flow path portion 72 is provided. In this embodiment, the portion of the motor housing 31 in which the second flow path portion 72 is provided includes the outer cylindrical portion 30d and the inner cylindrical portion 40. In this embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 31a protrudes upward from the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion 30d. More specifically, the second cylindrical portion 31a protrudes upward from the upper surface of the portion 33k of the outer cylindrical portion 30d that constitutes a part of the first bottom portion 33d. The second cylindrical portion 31a is cylindrical with an opening on the upper side. In this embodiment, the second cylindrical portion 31a is substantially cylindrical, with its center coinciding with the center of the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction. The outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 31a is smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 61d. The outer diameter of the second cylindrical portion 31a is larger than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 33i.

[0073] The lower end inside the second cylindrical portion 31a is the lower end inside the through-flow channel portion 73. The lower end inside the second cylindrical portion 31a connects to the inside of the second flow channel portion 72. More specifically, the lower end inside the second cylindrical portion 31a connects to the inside of the portion of the second flow channel portion 72 that is located downstream of the first end portion 72a. As a result, the through-flow channel portion 73 connects to the portion of the flow channel portion 70 provided in the gap between the inner cylindrical portion 40 and the outer cylindrical portion 30d, i.e., the second flow channel portion 72. Therefore, the fluid W inside the through-flow channel portion 73 can flow into the second flow channel portion 72, and the motor 10 can be cooled by the fluid W flowing inside the second flow channel portion 72. Also, when the fluid W flows from the second flow channel portion 72 to the through-flow channel portion 73, the fluid W inside the second flow channel portion 72 can flow to the first flow channel portion 71 via the through-flow channel portion 73.

[0074] The second cylindrical portion 31a has a small-diameter cylindrical portion 31b and a large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 31b is the lower part of the second cylindrical portion 31a. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 31b protrudes upward from the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylindrical portion 30d. The inner diameter of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 31b is the same as the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 33i. The inner diameter of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 31b may be different from the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 33i. The lower end of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 31b is the lower end of the second cylindrical portion 31a. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c is the upper part of the second cylindrical portion 31a. The large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c is connected to the upper side of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 31b. The upper end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c is the upper end of the second cylindrical portion 31a. The upper end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c is located inside the through hole 61d. The outer circumferential surface at the upper end of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c is positioned away from the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 61d.

[0075] The inner diameter of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c is larger than the inner diameter of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 31b. The inner diameter of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c is larger than the outer diameter of the first cylindrical portion 33i. The lower portion of the first cylindrical portion 33i is inserted into the interior of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c. The sealing member 90 contacts the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c over a full circumference around the central axis of the second cylindrical portion 31a. As a result, the space between the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 33i and the inner circumferential surface of the second cylindrical portion 31a is sealed by the sealing member 90. The annular groove 33j in which the sealing member 90 is placed may be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 31c.

[0076] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the connecting portion between the first cylindrical portion 33i and the second cylindrical portion 31a is located inside the through hole 61d. Therefore, even if fluid W leaks from the connecting portion between the first cylindrical portion 33i and the second cylindrical portion 31a, the inner surface of the through hole 61d can easily suppress the scattering of the leaked fluid W. Thus, it is possible to suppress the leaked fluid W from reaching the first substrate 51 and the circuit portion 53a, etc. The connecting portion between the first cylindrical portion 33i and the second cylindrical portion 31a is the portion where the first cylindrical portion 33i and the second cylindrical portion 31a overlap radially around the central axis of each cylindrical portion when the first cylindrical portion 33i is inserted into the second cylindrical portion 31a. In this embodiment, the upper portion of the connecting portion is located inside the through hole 61d. The lower portion of the connecting portion is located below the through hole 61d. Alternatively, the entire connecting portion may be located inside the through hole 61d.

[0077] In this embodiment, the gap between the first cylindrical portion 33i and the second cylindrical portion 31a opens upward between the inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the second cylindrical portion 31a and the outer circumferential surface of the first cylindrical portion 33i. Since the upper end of the second cylindrical portion 31a is located within the through hole 61d, the upper opening of the gap can be positioned within the through hole 61d. As a result, even if fluid W leaks from the upper opening of the gap, the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 61d can prevent the fluid W from splashing.

[0078] As described above, in this embodiment, the busbar holder 61 has a first projection 61b and a second projection 61c that project vertically from the base 61a. The first projection 61b and the second projection 61c surround the through hole 61d when viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if fluid W leaks from the connection between the first cylindrical portion 33i and the second cylindrical portion 31a and leaks from inside the through hole 61d, the first projection 61b or the second projection 61c can easily suppress the scattering of the leaked fluid W. This prevents the fluid W leaked from inside the through hole 61d from scattering beyond the first projection 61b and the second projection 61c. Consequently, it is possible to further suppress the leakage of the fluid W from reaching the first substrate 51 and the circuit portion 53a, etc. In this embodiment, the busbar holder 61 has two protrusions: a first protrusion 61b that protrudes upward from the base 61a and a second protrusion 61c that protrudes downward from the base 61a. Therefore, the scattering of fluid W leaking upward from the through hole 61d and fluid W leaking downward from the through hole 61d can be suppressed by each of the protrusions.

[0079] As shown in Figure 5, the through-flow channel 73 is located on one axial side (+Y side) of the third extensions 83U and 83V. As described above, at least a portion of the third extensions 83U and 83V overlaps with the through-flow channel 73 when viewed in the axial direction. Therefore, compared to the case where the entirety of the third extensions 83U and 83V does not overlap with the through-flow channel 73 when viewed in the axial direction, it is possible to suppress an increase in the overall dimension of the multiple busbars 80 in the front-to-back direction (X-axis direction). This further suppresses an increase in the size of the drive unit 100 in the front-to-back direction.

[0080] <Second Embodiment> In the following description, components similar to those in the embodiments described above may be omitted from explanation by using the same reference numerals as appropriate. As shown in Figure 7, in the drive device 200 of this embodiment, the busbar holder 261 differs from the busbar holder 61 of the first embodiment in that it does not have a first projection 61b and a second projection 61c. The busbar holder 261 has a through hole 261d that penetrates the busbar holder 261 in the vertical direction. The through hole 261d penetrates the base 261a in the vertical direction. The inner diameter of the through hole 261d is the same as the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 233i and the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 231a. However, the inner diameter of the through hole 261d may differ from the inner diameter of the first cylindrical portion 233i and the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 231a. The other components of the base 261a are the same as the other components of the base 61a of the first embodiment.

[0081] In this embodiment, the lower end face of the first cylindrical portion 233i contacts the peripheral edge of the through hole 261d on the upper surface of the base portion 261a. A sealing member 291 is provided between the lower end face of the first cylindrical portion 233i and the upper surface of the base portion 261a. The sealing member 291 is an annular sealing member that seals the space between the lower end face of the first cylindrical portion 233i and the upper surface of the base portion 261a over a full circumference around the central axis of the first cylindrical portion 233i. The sealing member 291 is, for example, an O-ring. In this embodiment, the sealing member 291 is fitted into a groove provided on the lower end face of the first cylindrical portion 233i. Alternatively, the sealing member 291 may be fitted into a groove provided on the upper surface of the base portion 261a.

[0082] In this embodiment, the upper end face of the second cylindrical portion 231a contacts the peripheral edge of the through hole 261d on the lower surface of the base portion 261a. A sealing member 292 is provided between the upper end face of the second cylindrical portion 231a and the lower surface of the base portion 261a. The sealing member 292 is an annular sealing member that seals the space between the upper end face of the second cylindrical portion 231a and the lower surface of the base portion 261a over a full circumference around the central axis of the second cylindrical portion 231a. The sealing member 292 is, for example, an O-ring. In this embodiment, the sealing member 292 is fitted into a groove provided on the upper end face of the second cylindrical portion 231a. Alternatively, the sealing member 292 may be fitted into a groove provided on the lower surface of the base portion 261a. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the second cylindrical portion 231a is the same throughout its entire vertical direction.

[0083] In this embodiment, the through-flow channel section 273 of the flow channel section 270 is composed of a first cylindrical section 233i, a second cylindrical section 231a, and a through-hole 261d. In other words, in this embodiment, the through-hole 261d constitutes a part of the through-flow channel section 273. Therefore, the fluid W can be brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole 261d. This makes it easier to cool the busbar 80 supported by the busbar holder 261 with the fluid W. The through-hole 261d connects the inside of the first cylindrical section 233i and the inside of the second cylindrical section 231a. The upper end of the through-hole 261d connects to the inside of the lower end of the first cylindrical section 233i. The lower end of the through-hole 261d connects to the inside of the upper end of the second cylindrical section 231a. The other configurations of the flow channel section 270 are the same as the other configurations of the flow channel section 70 in the first embodiment. The other components of the drive unit 200 are the same as those of the drive unit 100 in the first embodiment.

[0084] 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 flow path section may have any configuration as long as it has a through flow path section and is provided spanning the motor housing and the control device housing. The through flow path section may have any configuration as long as it penetrates the busbar holder in a first direction. The first direction in which the through flow path section penetrates the busbar holder may be any direction. The second direction may be any direction as long as it intersects the first direction. The number of busbars is not particularly limited as long as there is one or more. If a second extension section and a third extension section are provided, it is sufficient that at least one busbar has the second extension section and the third extension section. The drive unit does not have to have both an electronic component that adjusts voltage and an electronic component that distributes current. The drive unit does not have to have a gear mechanism connected to the motor. The drive unit may include an electronic component that controls at least one of the equipment on which the drive unit is mounted and the heat generated in the drive unit. The drive unit may include an electronic component that has at least some of the functions of an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls each electronic device provided in the vehicle. 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. The drive unit may also be a generator. That is, a motor may combine the functions of both a motor and a generator.

[0085] Furthermore, this technology can be configured as follows: (1) A drive device comprising: a motor; a control device; a busbar electrically connecting the motor and the control device; a busbar holder supporting the busbar; a housing having a motor housing housing the motor and a control device housing housing the control device; and a flow path portion provided spanning the motor housing and the control device housing, wherein at least a portion of the control device and at least a portion of the busbar holder are located on one side of the motor in a first direction, and the flow path portion has a through-flow path portion that penetrates the busbar holder in the first direction. (2) The drive device according to (1), comprising a plurality of bus bars, each of the plurality of bus bars having a first extension portion extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, the first extension portions of the plurality of bus bars being arranged side by side with spacing in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions, and the through-flow portion passing through the portion of the bus bar holder located between adjacent first extension portions in the third direction in the first direction. (3) The drive device according to (2), wherein the third direction is the axial direction of the motor. (4) The drive device according to (2) or (3), wherein at least one of the busbars has a second extension extending from the first extension in the third direction and a third extension extending from the second extension in the second direction, and at least a portion of the third extension overlaps with the through-flow channel when viewed in the third direction. (5) The drive device according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the control device has a circuit section that supplies power to the motor, the busbar electrically connects the motor and the circuit section, and the circuit section and the busbar holder are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the axial direction of the motor when viewed in the first direction. (6) The drive device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the first direction is a direction intersecting the axial direction of the motor, the control device having a first part and a second part having a larger dimension in the first direction than the first part, at least a portion of the first part is located on one side of the motor in the first direction, and the second part is provided at a position different from the motor in a direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the axial direction of the motor. (7) The drive device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the busbar holder has a through hole that penetrates the busbar holder in the first direction, and the through flow channel is passed through the through hole in the first direction. (8) The drive device according to (7), wherein the flow path portion comprises a first flow path portion provided in the control device housing and a second flow path portion provided in the motor housing, the first flow path portion and the second flow path portion are connected to each other by the through flow path portion, the through flow path portion is configured by connecting a first cylindrical portion that protrudes from the portion of the control device housing provided with the first flow path portion to the other side in the first direction and a second cylindrical portion that protrudes from the portion of the motor housing provided with the second flow path portion to one side in the first direction, and at least a part of the connecting portion between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion is located inside the through hole. (9) The drive device according to (8), wherein the busbar holder has a base portion provided with the through hole and a projection portion projecting from the base portion in the first direction, the projection portion surrounding the through hole when viewed in the first direction. (10) The drive device according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the busbar holder has a through hole that penetrates the busbar holder in the first direction, and the through hole constitutes a part of the through-flow channel. (11) The drive device according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein the motor housing has an inner cylinder portion surrounding the motor and an outer cylinder portion surrounding the inner cylinder portion, the flow path portion has a portion provided in the gap between the inner cylinder portion and the outer cylinder portion, and the through flow path portion is connected to the portion of the flow path portion provided in the gap between the inner cylinder portion and the outer cylinder portion. (12) The drive device according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the control device has at least one of an electronic component for adjusting voltage and an electronic component for distributing current. (13) A drive device according to any one of (1) to (12), comprising a gear mechanism connected to the motor.

[0086] The configurations and methods described herein can be combined as appropriate, within the bounds of non-inconsistency. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 10...Motor, 20...Gear mechanism, 30...Housing, 30d...Outer cylinder, 31...Motor housing, 31a,231a...Second cylindrical part, 33...Control device housing, 33i,233i...First cylindrical part, 40...Inner cylinder, 50...Control device, 50a...First part, 50b...Second part, 53a...Circuit section, 56...Electronic components, 61,261...Busbar holder, 61a,261a...Base, 61 b...First protrusion (protrusion), 61c...Second protrusion (protrusion), 61d, 261d...Through hole, 70, 270...Flow channel section, 71...First flow channel section, 72...Second flow channel section, 73, 273...Through flow channel section, 80, 80U, 80V, 80W...Bus bar, 81U, 81V, 81W...First extension section, 82U, 82V, 82W...Second extension section, 83U, 83V...Third extension section, 100, 200...Drive unit

Claims

1. Motor and, Control device and A busbar electrically connects the motor and the control device, A busbar holder that supports the busbar, A housing having a motor housing that houses the motor inside and a control device housing that houses the control device inside, A flow path section is provided spanning the motor housing and the control device housing, Equipped with, At least a portion of the control device and at least a portion of the busbar holder are located on one side of the motor in the first direction. The drive device has a through-flow channel that penetrates the busbar holder in the first direction.

2. The busbars are provided in multiple locations, Each of the busbars has a first extension that extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction, The first extensions in the multiple busbars are arranged side by side with spacing between them in a third direction perpendicular to both the first and second directions. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the through-flow channel portion penetrates the busbar holder in the first direction in the portion located between adjacent first extension portions in the third direction.

3. The drive device according to claim 2, wherein the third direction is the axial direction of the motor.

4. At least one of the busbars is A second extension extending from the first extension in the third direction, A third extension extending in the second direction from the second extension, It has, The drive device according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the third extension overlaps with the through-flow channel when viewed in the third direction.

5. The control device has a circuit section that supplies power to the motor, The busbar electrically connects the motor and the circuit section. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the circuit section and the busbar holder are arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the axial direction of the motor when viewed in the first direction.

6. The first direction is a direction intersecting the axial direction of the motor, The control device is Part 1 and, A second part having a larger dimension in the first direction than the first part, It has, At least a portion of the first part is located on one side of the motor in the first direction, The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the second part is provided at a position different from the motor in a direction perpendicular to both the first direction and the axial direction of the motor.

7. The busbar holder has a through hole that penetrates the busbar holder in the first direction, The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the through-flow channel is passed through the through-hole in the first direction.

8. The aforementioned flow channel section is The control device housing includes a first flow path section, The motor housing includes a second flow path section, It has, The first flow channel and the second flow channel are connected to each other by the through-flow channel. The through-flow channel is configured by connecting a first cylindrical portion that protrudes from the portion of the control device housing in which the first flow channel is provided to the other side in the first direction, and a second cylindrical portion that protrudes from the portion of the motor housing in which the second flow channel is provided to one side in the first direction, The drive device according to claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the connecting portion between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion is located inside the through hole.

9. The aforementioned busbar holder is The base portion in which the through hole is provided, A protruding portion that extends from the base in the first direction, It has, The drive device according to claim 8, wherein the protruding portion surrounds the through hole when viewed in the first direction.

10. The busbar holder has a through hole that penetrates the busbar holder in the first direction, The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the through hole constitutes a part of the through-flow channel.

11. The motor housing is The inner cylinder portion surrounding the motor, The outer cylinder portion surrounds the inner cylinder portion, It has, The flow path portion has a portion provided in the gap between the inner cylinder portion and the outer cylinder portion, The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the through-flow channel is connected to a portion of the flow channel provided in the gap between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder.

12. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control device has at least one of an electronic component for adjusting voltage and an electronic component for distributing current.

13. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a gear mechanism connected to the motor.

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