Drive unit
The drive device's housing structure separates the power transmission and control units to prevent vibration transmission, safeguarding electronic components and simplifying assembly, addressing the issue of vibration-induced damage in conventional designs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NIDEC CORP(JP)
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-22
Smart Images

Figure 2026085162000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a drive device.
Background Art
[0002] As a drive device mounted on an electric vehicle or the like, a drive device including a motor, a power transmission unit having a plurality of gears, and a control unit that controls the motor is known. In such a drive device, for example, the control unit is disposed directly above the motor and the power transmission unit (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 conventional drive device, vibrations of each gear of the power transmission unit may easily be transmitted to the electronic components of the control unit via the housing.
[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a drive device capable of suppressing transmission of vibrations to the control unit.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] One aspect of the drive device of the present invention includes a motor having a rotor rotatable about a central axis and a stator facing the rotor, a control unit for controlling the motor, a power transmission unit having a differential gear for transmitting power from the motor, and a housing having a first housing for housing the motor, a second housing for housing the power transmission unit, and a third housing for housing the control unit. The differential gear has a ring gear. The first housing has a cylindrical wall portion surrounding the motor from the radially outer side, and a motor cover covering an opening on one axial side of the cylindrical wall portion. The direction perpendicular to the axial direction is defined as the first direction. The second housing portion is located on the other axial side of the first housing portion. The third housing portion overlaps the motor cover in the first direction. The other axial end of the third housing portion is located on one axial side of the other axial end of the ring gear. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a drive device capable of suppressing the transmission of vibrations to the control unit can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a drive device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a drive device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a drive device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a drive device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first electronic component housing of a drive device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front view of a drive device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a front view of the drive unit of the modified example 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first electronic component housing of the drive device according to the modified example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0009] The following description will explain a rotating electric machine and a drive unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the vertical direction will be defined and explained based on the positional relationship when the drive unit is mounted on a vehicle located on a horizontal road surface.
[0010] The drawings show the XYZ coordinate system as a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system where appropriate. In the XYZ coordinate system, the direction in which the Z axis extends is the vertical direction. The vertical direction is, for example, the vertical direction. Note that in this specification, the vertical direction means the vertical direction from one viewpoint and does not necessarily mean the vertical direction. The direction in which the X axis extends is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on which the drive unit 100 is mounted. The direction in which the Y axis extends is perpendicular to both the X and Z axes and is parallel to the first axis (center axis) J1 of the motor 2. The direction in which the Y axis extends is the lateral direction of the vehicle, that is, the vehicle width direction.
[0011] In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the first axis J1 of motor 2 (the Y-axis direction) will simply be referred to as the "axial direction." Furthermore, the radial direction centered on the first axis J1 will simply be referred to as the "radial direction," and the circumferential direction centered on the first axis J1, that is, the direction around the axis of the first axis J1, will simply be referred to as the "circumferential direction."
[0012] In this specification, one direction perpendicular to the axial direction Y is defined as the first direction Z. The direction perpendicular to both the axial direction Y and the first direction Z is defined as the second direction X. In this specification, the first direction Z is the vertical direction, and the second direction X is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. One side of the first direction (+Z) is the side to which the arrow indicating the Z axis in the figure points, and the other side of the first direction (-Z) is the opposite side of the side to which the arrow indicating the Z axis in the figure points. One side of the second direction (+X) is the side to which the arrow indicating the X axis in the figure points, and the other side of the second direction (-X) is the opposite side of the side to which the arrow indicating the X axis in the figure points. One side of the axial direction (+Y) is the side to which the arrow indicating the Y axis in the figure points, and the other side of the axial direction (-Y) is the opposite side of the side to which the arrow indicating the Y axis in the figure points.
[0013] <Drive device> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drive device 100 according to an embodiment. The drive device 100 of the present embodiment is mounted on a vehicle using a motor as a power source, such as a hybrid vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), or an electric vehicle (EV), and is used as the power source.
[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the drive device 100 includes a motor 2, a resolver 8, a power transmission unit 3, a control unit 7, a housing 6, a first wiring 71, and a second wiring 72. The housing 6 houses the motor 2, the resolver 8, the power transmission unit 3, the control unit 7, the first wiring 71, and the second wiring 72.
[0015] (Motor) The motor 2 of the present embodiment is, for example, a three-phase AC motor. The motor 2 may be an N-phase (N is a natural number of 2 or more) AC motor or a DC motor. Further, the motor 2 is not limited to a motor having a magnet, and may be a motor without a magnet such as an induction motor or a reluctance motor. The motor 2 may have only one of the functions of an electric motor and a generator, or may have both of these functions.
[0016] The motor 2 has a rotor 20 and a stator 25. The stator 25 of the present embodiment is located radially outside the rotor 20. The motor 2 of the present embodiment is an inner rotor type motor. However, the motor 2 may be an outer rotor type rotor or an axial gap type motor.
[0017] The rotor 20 is rotatable about a first axis (central axis) J1. The rotor 20 has a motor shaft 21 extending in the axial direction Y about the first axis J1, a rotor core 24 fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the motor shaft 21, and a rotor magnet (not shown) fixed to the rotor core. The motor shaft 21 is connected to the power transmission unit 3. Thereby, the torque of the rotor 20 is transmitted to the power transmission unit 3.
[0018] The stator 25 faces the rotor 20 in the radial direction. The stator 25 surrounds the rotor 20 from the outside in the radial direction. The stator 25 is held by the housing 6. The stator 25 has an annular stator core 27 and a coil 26 attached to the stator core 27. The coil 26 is connected to the control unit 7 via the second wiring 72.
[0019] (Resolver) The resolver 8 is a rotation sensor that measures the rotation angle of the rotor 20. The resolver 8 has a resolver rotor 8a and a resolver stator 8b.
[0020] The resolver rotor 8a has a plurality of magnets arranged along the circumferential direction. The resolver rotor 8a is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of one end (+Y) in the axial direction of the motor shaft 21. The resolver rotor 8a rotates around the first axis J1 together with the rotor 20.
[0021] The resolver stator 8b is fixed to the housing 6. The resolver stator 8b is connected to the control unit 7 via the first wiring 71. The resolver stator 8b surrounds the resolver rotor 8a from the outside in the radial direction. The resolver stator 8b has a coil excited by a magnetic flux change accompanying the rotation of the resolver rotor 8a. The resolver 8 measures the rotation angle of the resolver rotor 8a by detecting the excitation of this coil.
[0022] (Control Unit) FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are perspective views of the drive device 100 according to an embodiment. The control unit 7 controls the motor 2. Further, the control unit 7 may control each part of the drive device 100 and auxiliary machines connected to the drive device 100.
[0023] At least a portion of the control unit 7 is located radially outward from the motor 2 and axially on one side (+Y) of the power transmission unit 3. In this embodiment, the control unit 7 is located on one side (+Z) of the motor 2 in the first direction. In this embodiment, the control unit 7 has an inverter (first control device 7A, described later) and supplies alternating current to the stator 25 of the motor 2.
[0024] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drive device 100 of this embodiment. The control unit 7 includes a first control device (electronic component) 7A and a second control device 7B. In this embodiment, the first control device 7A and the second control device 7B are arranged to overlap in the first direction Z. The first control device 7A is located on the other side (-Z) of the second control device 7B in the first direction. The first control device 7A and the second control device 7B are connected to each other.
[0025] The first control device 7A is, for example, an inverter. In this case, the first control device 7A is connected to the vehicle's battery and converts the DC current supplied from the battery into AC current. The first control device 7A is also connected to the stator 25 and supplies AC current to the stator 25. The first control device 7A as an inverter includes, for example, a power module and a capacitor. The power module includes, for example, a switching element, a circuit board on which the switching element is mounted, and a heat sink that contacts the switching element. The switching element is, for example, an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). Alternatively, the switching element may be a field-effect transistor such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET).
[0026] The second control device 7B is, for example, a power integration system. The power integration system has, for example, a voltage regulation function. The second control device 7B includes, for example, an on-board charger (OBC) 12a and a DC / DC converter. The on-board charger is a system for charging the battery by converting an AC voltage supplied from the outside via a plug provided on the control unit 7 into a DC voltage. The DC / DC converter is the part that converts (for example, steps down) the DC voltage supplied from the battery to charge other low-voltage batteries. The power integration system only needs to have at least one of the DC / DC converter or the on-board charger. The DC / DC converter may also step up the DC voltage supplied from the battery and supply it to other electronic components, etc.
[0027] Furthermore, the second control device 7B may have a current distribution unit. The current distribution unit is a power distribution unit (PDU) that has the function of distributing current. The current distribution unit is the part that distributes the current supplied from the battery to various electrical components in the vehicle, including the power module.
[0028] The electronic components provided in the first control device 7A and the second control device 7B are not limited to those described above. Furthermore, the first control device 7A and the second control device 7B may also have electronic components other than those described above. In addition, the electronic components included in the first control device 7A and the second control device 7B may be interchangeable.
[0029] In this embodiment, it is preferable to position the first control device 7A, which acts as an inverter, on the other side (-Z) of the first direction than the second control device 7B. This allows the inverter to be positioned closer to the motor 2, and the second wiring 72 connecting the first control device 7A and the motor 2 can be shortened.
[0030] (Power transmission section) As shown in Figure 3, the power transmission unit 3 is located on the other axial side (-Y) of the motor 2. The power transmission unit 3 is connected to the rotor 20. The power transmission unit 3 transmits the rotation of the rotor 20 to the output shaft 55 at reduced or increased speed.
[0031] The power transmission unit 3 includes a first shaft 44, a second shaft 45, a first gear 41, a second gear 42, a third gear 43, and a differential gear 5. The differential gear 5 includes a ring gear 51, which will be described later. In other words, the power transmission unit 3 has multiple gears, namely the first gear 41, the second gear 42, the third gear 43, and the ring gear 51.
[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the first shaft 44 extends axially Y about the first axis J1. The first shaft 44 is rotatable about the first axis J1. The first shaft 44 is connected at the other axial end (-Y) to the axial end (+Y) of the motor shaft 21. As a result, the first shaft 44 is connected to the rotor 20 of the motor 2 and rotates together with the rotor 20. The first gear 41 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft 44. The first gear 41 rotates together with the rotor 20 about the first axis J1.
[0033] The second shaft 45 extends axially Y about a third axis J3 that extends parallel to the first axis J1. The second shaft 45 is rotatable about the third axis J3. The second gear 42 and the third gear 43 are provided on the outer circumference of the second shaft 45. The second gear 42 meshes with the first gear 41. The diameter of the second gear 42 is larger than the diameter of the first gear 41. The diameter of the third gear 43 is smaller than the diameter of the second gear 42. The third gear 43 is located on the other axial side (-Y) of the second gear 42.
[0034] The differential gear 5 transmits power from the motor 2. The differential gear 5 includes a ring gear 51 and a differential mechanism 5a. The differential gear 5 is rotatable about a second axis J2 which is parallel to the first axis J1 and the third axis J3. The diameter of the ring gear 51 is larger than the diameters of the first gear 41, the second gear 42, and the third gear 43. The ring gear 51 meshes with the third gear 43. A pair of output shafts 55 are connected to the differential mechanism 5a. Each of the pair of output shafts 55 is provided with a wheel (not shown). When the vehicle turns, the differential mechanism 5a absorbs the speed difference between the left and right wheels and transmits torque to the pair of output shafts 55.
[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the first axis J1, the third axis J3, and the second axis J2 are aligned along the second direction X. In this embodiment, the third axis J3 is located on one side (+X) of the second direction relative to the first axis J1. Similarly, the second axis J2 is located on one side (+X) of the second direction relative to the third axis J3.
[0036] The third axis J3 is located one side (+Z) in the first direction relative to the first axis J1 and the second axis J2. Therefore, the end of the second gear 42 on one side (+Z) in the first direction is located one side (+Z) further to the first direction relative to the end of the ring gear 51 on one side (+Z). Of the multiple gears in the power transmission unit 3 (first gear 41, second gear 42, third gear 43, and ring gear 51), the gear located furthest to one side (+Z) in the first direction is the second gear 42. The end of the power transmission unit 3 on one side (+Z) in the first direction is the end 42e of the second gear 42 on one side (+Z) in the second direction.
[0037] (housing) As shown in Figure 2, the housing 6 has a first housing section 6A for housing the motor 2, a second housing section 6B for housing the power transmission section 3, and a third housing section 6C for housing the control section 7.
[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the housing 6 includes a housing body 60, a motor cover 61, a gear cover 63, and a control unit cover 66. In this embodiment, the housing body 60, motor cover 61, gear cover 63, and control unit cover 66 are each separate components. The motor cover 61 is positioned on one axial side (+Y) of the housing body 60. The gear cover 63 is positioned on the other axial side (-Y) of the housing body 60. The control unit cover 66 is positioned on one side (+Z) of the housing body 60 in the first direction.
[0039] As shown in Figure 1, the housing body 60 has a cylindrical wall portion 60a, a control unit case 64, and a gear case 65. In this embodiment, the housing body 60 is a single component. That is, the housing body 60 is a single component in which the cylindrical wall portion 60a, the control unit case 64, and the gear case 65 are integrated. However, the housing body 60 may be composed of multiple components, for example, the cylindrical wall portion 60a, the control unit case 64, or the gear case 65 can be disassembled.
[0040] The cylindrical wall portion 60a is substantially cylindrical with the first axis J1 as its center. The cylindrical wall portion 60a surrounds the motor 2 from the radially outer side. The opening on one axial side (+Y) of the cylindrical wall portion 60a is covered by the motor cover 61.
[0041] The cylindrical wall portion 60a has an expanded portion 60b that extends radially outward at one end on the axial side (+Y side) and further extends in the axial direction (+Y). In the following description, the space radially inside the expanded portion 60b will be referred to as the expanded space A. The expanded space A is located on one axial side (+Y) of the control unit 7. Part of the first wiring 71 and part of the second wiring 72 are arranged in the expanded space A.
[0042] The motor cover 61 rotatably supports one end of the motor shaft 21 via a bearing B8. The motor cover 61 is provided with a retaining hole 61h that penetrates the motor cover 61 in a first direction Z. A resolver stator 8b is fixed to the inner surface of the retaining hole 61h. The opening on one axial side (+Y) of the retaining hole 61h is covered by a cover plate 61c.
[0043] The motor cover 61 has a wiring housing portion 61a that covers a part of the expanded space A from one axial side (+Y). A recess is provided on the surface of the wiring housing portion 61a facing the other axial side (-Y) for accommodating a part of the second wiring 72. More specifically, the recess is a portion of the surface of the wiring housing portion 61a facing the other axial side (-Y) that is recessed toward the one axial side (+Y). In other words, the wiring housing portion 61a accommodates the second wiring 72.
[0044] The gear case 65 has a plate-shaped first side wall portion 65w extending along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and a first circumferential wall portion 65e projecting from the outer edge of the first side wall portion 65w to the other axial side (-Y). The first side wall portion 65w is located on one axial side (+Y) of the power transmission unit 3. Multiple bearings B1, B2, B3, and B4 are each held in the first side wall portion 65w. The first side wall portion 65w rotatably supports the first shaft 44, the motor shaft 21, the second shaft 45, and the differential gear 5 via the bearings B1, B2, B3, and B4. The first circumferential wall portion 65e surrounds the first axis J1, the second axis J2, and the third axis J3 from the radially outside of these axes. The gear case 65 opens to the other axial side (-Y) and covers the power transmission section 3 from one axial side (+Y) and the radial direction.
[0045] The first side wall portion 65w covers the opening on the other axial side (-Y) of the cylindrical wall portion 60a and extends radially outward from the cylindrical wall portion 60a. The first side wall portion 65w faces the motor 2 in the axial direction. The first side wall portion 65w is located between the internal space of the first housing portion 6A and the internal space of the second housing portion 6B, and separates them. The first side wall portion 65w is provided with a through hole 65h that penetrates the first side wall portion 65w in the axial direction. More specifically, the first side wall portion 65w is provided with a through hole 65h in which a connecting portion is located, through which the motor shaft 21 and the first shaft 44 are connected.
[0046] A gear cover 63 is fixed to the gear case 65. The gear cover 63 covers the opening of the gear case 65 from the other axial side (-Y) of the gear case 65. The gear cover 63 has a plate-shaped second side wall portion 63w extending along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction Y, and a second circumferential wall portion 63e projecting from the outer edge of the second side wall portion 63w to the other axial side (+Y). The second side wall portion 63w is located on the other axial side (-Y) of the power transmission unit 3. The second side wall portion 63w holds a plurality of bearings B5, B6, and B7. The second side wall portion 63w rotatably supports the first shaft 44, the second shaft 45, and the differential 5, respectively, via the bearings B5, B6, and B7. More specifically, bearing B5 rotatably supports the first shaft 44. Bearing B6 rotatably supports the second shaft 45. The bearing B7 rotatably supports the differential gear 5. The second circumferential wall portion 63e surrounds the first axis J1, the second axis J2, and the third axis J3 from the radially outer side of these axes. The gear cover 63 opens on one axial side (+Y) and covers the power transmission section 3 from the other axial side (-Y).
[0047] The first circumferential wall portion 65e and the second circumferential wall portion 63e are connected to each other in the axial direction Y. The first circumferential wall portion 65e has a first fastening surface 65f facing the other axial direction (-Y). The second circumferential wall portion 63e has a second fastening surface 63f facing the one axial direction (+Y). In this embodiment, the first fastening surface 65f and the second fastening surface 63f are flat surfaces perpendicular to the axial direction. The first fastening surface 65f and the second fastening surface 63f face each other via a sealing member such as a gasket, and are fastened to each other by fixing members such as screws and nuts. As a result, the first circumferential wall portion 65e and the second circumferential wall portion 63e are connected and constitute a circumferential wall portion 68. The circumferential wall portion 68 surrounds the power transmission portion 3 from the radially outer side. Note that the gear case 65 and the gear cover 63 may be fixed to each other by means other than fastening (for example, welding).
[0048] The control unit case 64 is box-shaped and located radially outside the cylindrical wall portion 60a. The control unit case 64 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical wall portion 60a. The control unit case 64 has a wall portion 67 located on one axial side (+Y) of the internal space of the control unit case 64. The wall portion 67 extends along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction Y. The wall portion 67 is at least a part of the portion that extends radially outward at the other axial side (-Y side) end of the expansion portion 60b. The wall portion 67 is provided with a first through hole 67a and a second through hole 67b. The first through hole 67a and the second through hole 67b penetrate the wall portion 67 in the axial direction Y. The first through hole 67a and the second through hole 67b connect the internal space of the third housing portion 6C and the expansion space A.
[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit case 64 is located on one side (+Z) of the cylindrical wall portion 60a in the first direction. The control unit case 64 also opens on one side (+Z) in the first direction. The opening of the control unit case 64 is covered by the control unit cover 66.
[0050] The control unit cover 66 has a cover body 66a and a lid portion 66b. The cover body 66a is cylindrical with openings on one side (+Z) and the other side (-Z) in the first direction. In this embodiment, the cover body 66a is rectangular with openings on one side (+Z) and the other side (-Z) in the first direction. Note that the shape of the cover body 66a is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be cylindrical, for example. The opening on the other side (-Z) in the first direction of the control unit case 64 is opposite to the opening of the control unit case 64. The opening on one side (+Z) in the first direction of the cover body 66a is covered by the lid portion 66b.
[0051] As shown in Figure 1, the first housing section 6A, the second housing section 6B, and the third housing section 6C are composed of the housing body 60, the motor cover 61, the gear cover 63, and the control unit cover 66, respectively.
[0052] The first housing section 6A is composed of a cylindrical wall portion 60a of the housing body 60, a first side wall portion 65w of the housing body 60, and a motor cover 61. In other words, the first housing section 6A has a cylindrical wall portion 60a, a first side wall portion 65w, and a motor cover 61. The motor 2 is placed in the space enclosed by the housing body 60 and the motor cover 61.
[0053] The second housing section 6B consists of the gear case 65 and the gear cover 63 of the housing body 60. In other words, the second housing section 6B has the gear case 65 and the gear cover 63. The power transmission section 3 is located in the space enclosed by the housing body 60 and the gear cover 63.
[0054] The third housing section 6C consists of a control unit case 64 and a control unit cover 66 of the housing body 60. In other words, the third housing section 6C has a control unit case 64 and a control unit cover 66. The control unit 7 is arranged in the space enclosed by the housing body 60 and the control unit cover 66. Note that the combination of components constituting the first housing section 6A, the second housing section 6B, and the third housing section 6C in this embodiment is merely an example, and other combinations may be used.
[0055] <About each storage area> As shown in Figure 4, the second housing section 6B is located on the other axial side (-Y) of the first housing section 6A. The third housing section 6C is located on one side (+Z) of the first housing section 6A in the first direction. That is, the third housing section 6C is located on one side (+Z) of the motor 2 in the first direction.
[0056] The differential gear 5 is connected to the output shaft 55. Therefore, when the vehicle is running, the differential gear 5 is susceptible to vibrations received from the road surface by the vehicle via the output shaft 55. The ring gear 51, which is part of the differential gear 5, is also connected to the output shaft 55. Therefore, compared to the other gears in the power transmission unit 3, the ring gear 51 is more susceptible to vibrations received from the road surface by the vehicle. Furthermore, the ring gear 51 is the last gear in the power transmission unit 3 to which power is transmitted. Therefore, the ring gear 51 has a larger diameter compared to the other gears in the power transmission unit 3, making it more susceptible to vibrations from the road surface via the output shaft 55, and also more susceptible to vibrations generated by meshing with other gears.
[0057] In this embodiment, the third housing section 6C overlaps with the motor cover 61 in the first direction (Z). Furthermore, the other axial end (-Y) 6e of the third housing section 6C is located one axial side (+Y) from the other axial end (-Y) 51e of the ring gear 51 of the differential gear 5. According to this embodiment, the third housing section 6C can be positioned axially away from the ring gear 51, which is the component in the power transmission section 3 that is most prone to vibration. This makes it less likely for vibrations from the ring gear 51 to be transmitted to the control unit 7 housed in the third housing section 6C, thereby protecting the control unit 7 from vibrations.
[0058] In this embodiment, the first fastening surface 65f of the gear case 65 is a contact portion 65g that contacts the gear cover 63 in the axial direction. Here, "contact" does not necessarily mean direct contact, but also includes indirect contact via a sealing member such as a gasket. As described above, the gear cover 63 covers the power transmission unit 3 from the other axial side (-Y). The second side wall portion 63w of the gear cover 63 rotatably supports the first shaft 44, the second shaft 45, and the differential gear 5 of the power transmission unit 3 via bearings B5, B6, and B7. For this reason, vibrations from the power transmission unit 3 are easily transmitted to the gear cover 63. Furthermore, vibrations transmitted to the gear cover 63 are transmitted from the contact portion 65g to the gear case 65, and further from the gear case 65 to the control unit case 64 (i.e., the third housing portion 6C). As a result, these vibrations may also be transmitted to the control unit 7 located inside the control unit case 64. In this embodiment, the control unit case 64 has a wall portion 67A located on the other axial side (-Y) of the internal space of the control unit case 64. The wall portion 67A extends along a plane intersecting the axial direction Y. In this embodiment, the wall portion 67A extends along a plane perpendicular to the axial direction Y. The surface of the wall portion 67A on one axial side (+Y) (i.e., the inner surface) is located on one axial side (+Y) of the contact portion 65g. Also, the surface of the wall portion 67A on the other axial side (-Y) (i.e., the outer surface) is located on one axial side (+Y) of the contact portion 65g. In other words, at least a portion of the third housing portion 6C is located on one axial side (+Y) of the contact portion 65g. Therefore, the vibration transmission path from the contact portion 65g to the third housing portion 6C via the gear case 65 is lengthened, making it less likely for the transmitted vibrations to reach the control unit 7 housed in the third housing portion 6C, thereby protecting the control unit 7 from vibration. Furthermore, if the gear case 65 has multiple contact portions 65g, it is desirable that the third housing portion 6C be located further to the axial side (+Y) than the contact portion 65g located furthest to the axial side (+Y).
[0059] In this embodiment, the contact portion 65g is located axially to one side (+Y) of the ring gear 51's other axial side (-Y) end 51e. However, the contact portion 65g may be located even further axially to the other side (-Y) of the ring gear 51's end 51e. In this case, the vibration transmission path from the ring gear 51 to the control unit 7 becomes longer, making it more difficult to transmit vibrations to the control unit 7.
[0060] In the manufacturing process of the drive unit 100 of this embodiment, the gear cover 63 is assembled to the gear case 65 by bringing it into contact with the first fastening surface 65f of the gear case 65 from the other axial side (-Y). In other words, the gear cover 63 is assembled to the gear case 65 by bringing it into contact with the contact portion 65g of the gear case 65 from the other axial side (-Y). According to this embodiment, since the third housing portion 6C is located one axial side (+Y) of the contact portion 65g, it is easier to avoid interference between the jigs and devices used for assembly and the third housing portion 6C during the process of assembling the gear cover 63 to the gear case 65. Similarly, even when a part of the third housing portion 6C is assembled to the housing body 60 after the gear cover 63 has been assembled to the gear case 65, it is easier to avoid interference between the jigs and devices used for assembly and the gear cover 63. That is, according to this embodiment, the assembly process of the drive unit 100 can be easily carried out.
[0061] In this embodiment, a projection 66e, such as a flange, is provided on the outer surface of the third housing portion 6C for fastening the control unit case 64 and the control unit cover 66. The projection 66e protrudes from the outer surface of the third housing portion 6C on the other axial side (-Y) toward the other axial side (-Y). The projection 66e protrudes from the surface (i.e., the outer surface) of the wall portion 67A on the other axial side (-Y). Even when the projection 66e is provided, it is preferable that the part of the projection 66e that is located furthest toward the other axial side (-Y) is located toward one axial side (+Y) than the contact portion 65g. However, even if the portion of the protrusion 66e located furthest to the other axial side (-Y) is located further to the other axial side (-Y) than the contact portion 65g, if at least one of the surface of the wall portion 67A on the other axial side (-Y) (i.e., the outer surface) and the surface of the wall portion 67A on one axial side (+Y) (i.e., the inner surface) is located further to the one axial side (+Y) than the contact portion 65g, the vibration transmission path from the contact portion 65g to the control unit 7 via the wall portion 67A can be lengthened, making it more difficult to transmit vibrations to the control unit 7.
[0062] As shown in Figure 4, the drive unit 100 has a plurality of third wires 73 and 74. The third wires 73 and 74 are drawn into the internal space of the third housing 6C and electrically connected to the control unit 7. The third wires 73 and 74 extend from the third housing 6C to the other axial side (-Y) and are connected to an external device. More specifically, the third wires 73 and 74 are electrically connected to the control unit 7 via a connector or the like provided in the part of the third housing 6C on the other axial side (-Y). The third wire 73 is, for example, connected to a battery (not shown) as an external device and is a power line that supplies power from the battery to the control unit 7. The third wire 74 is, for example, connected to a heater (auxiliary equipment) as an external device and is at least one of either a power line that supplies power from the control unit 7 to the heater or a signal line that transmits a control signal. In this case, the heater heats the battery, for example. In addition, the third wire 74 may be connected to a pump (auxiliary equipment) as an external device. Multiple third wirings 74 may be provided, and multiple auxiliary devices such as heaters and pumps may be connected to the control unit 7. The third wirings 74 may also be connected to external devices other than those exemplified.
[0063] In this embodiment, the third wirings 73 and 74 overlap with the gear cover 63 in the first direction (Z). More specifically, the third wirings 73 and 74 and the portion to which the third wirings 73 and 74 are connected to the third housing 6C are located in the space on one side of the gear cover 63 in the first direction (+Z) and on the other side of the third housing 6C in the axial direction (-Y). According to this embodiment, the space on one side of the gear cover 63 in the first direction (+Z) can be effectively utilized, and the size of the gear cover 63 can be suppressed.
[0064] The third housing section 6C of this embodiment includes a first electronic component housing section 6C1 and a second electronic component housing section 6C2. The first electronic component housing section 6C1 and the second electronic component housing section 6C2 each have a three-dimensional shape, and each has a space inside. In this embodiment, the internal space of the first electronic component housing section 6C1 and the internal space of the second electronic component housing section 6C2 are connected to each other.
[0065] The first electronic component housing section 6C1 houses the first control device 7A. In this embodiment, the first electronic component housing section 6C1 is composed of a control unit case 64.
[0066] The first electronic component housing 6C1 has a first portion 6p and a second portion 6q. The first portion 6p and the second portion 6q are arranged side by side in the axial direction Y. The first portion 6p and the second portion 6q each have a three-dimensional shape, and each has a space inside. In this embodiment, the internal space of the first portion 6p and the internal space of the second portion 6q are connected to each other.
[0067] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first electronic component housing section 6C1 of the drive unit 100 of this embodiment. At least a portion of the first part 6p overlaps with the cylindrical wall portion 60a in the first direction (Z). The first part 6p is substantially rectangular when viewed from the first direction Z. In this embodiment, the first control device 7A is arranged in the first part 6p. Note that the first part 6p is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be circular, for example.
[0068] As shown in Figure 5, the second portion 6q is connected to one axial end (+Y) of the first portion 6p. The first wiring retainer 71f is located in the second portion 6q.
[0069] The first wiring retainer 71f is fixed to the inner surface 64f of the second portion 6q. In this embodiment, the first wiring retainer 71f is ring-shaped for holding the first wiring 71. The first wiring retainer 71f may also be hook-shaped, for example, as long as it can hold the first wiring 71. In this embodiment, the first wiring retainer 71f is fixed to the inner surface 64f of the second portion 6q that faces one side in the first direction (+Z). However, the surface to which the first wiring retainer 71f is fixed is not limited to this embodiment, and may be, for example, another surface constituting the second portion 6q or the inner surface of the first portion 6p.
[0070] According to this embodiment, the first wiring retaining portion 71f, which holds the first wiring 71, is fixed to the inner surface 64f of the second portion 6q. Therefore, vibrations generated when the drive unit 100 is driven or vibrations transmitted from the vehicle can cause the first wiring 71 to collide with the inner surface of the third housing portion 6C, which can cause noise or damage to the first wiring 71. Furthermore, in the assembly process of the drive unit 100, routing the first wiring 71 becomes easier, making the assembly process of the drive unit 100 simpler. In addition, according to this embodiment, compared to the case where the first wiring retaining portion 71f is fixed to a part other than the second portion 6q, the internal space of the second portion 6q can be effectively utilized, and the third housing portion 6C can be made smaller.
[0071] According to this embodiment, the first wiring 71 held by the first wiring holding portion 71f is guided from the internal space of the first housing portion 6A to the internal space of the third housing portion 6C. Therefore, by fixing the first wiring 71 to the inner surface 64f of the second portion 6q, it is possible to suppress the first wiring 71 from becoming loose within the first housing portion 6A. As a result, it is possible to suppress the first wiring 71 from interfering with the rotating part of the motor 2 housed in the first housing portion 6A (such as the resolver rotor 8a and the motor shaft 21) or being affected by the heat of the motor 2.
[0072] Furthermore, the wiring held by the first wiring holding section 71f does not necessarily have to be wiring that is led from the internal space of the first housing section 6A to the internal space of the third housing section 6C, as long as it is wiring connected to the control section 7. In other words, the first wiring holding section 71f may hold wiring other than the first wiring 71 that is connected to the control section 7.
[0073] In this embodiment, the first wiring holding section 71f and the first control device 7A housed in the first section 6p are positioned at different locations when viewed from the first direction Z. That is, when viewed from the first direction Z, the first wiring holding section 71f and the first control device 7A do not overlap. According to this embodiment, the first electronic component housing section 6C1 can be miniaturized in the first direction Z compared to the case where the first wiring holding section 71f and the first control device 7A overlap in the first direction Z. However, as shown in Figure 4, the first wiring holding section 71f overlaps with the second control device 7B housed in the second electronic component housing section 6C2 in the first direction Z.
[0074] Figure 6 is a front view of the drive unit 100 of this embodiment, viewed from one axial side (+Y). As shown in Figure 6, the first section 6p is provided with a pressure adjustment unit 4. The pressure adjustment unit 4 connects the internal space of the third housing section 6C with the external space according to the pressure in the internal space of the third housing section 6C. In this way, the pressure adjustment unit 4 adjusts the internal pressure of the third housing section 6C.
[0075] In the drive device 100 of this embodiment, the internal space of the first housing section 6A and the internal space of the third housing section 6C are in communication with each other via the first through-hole 67a and the second through-hole 67b. Therefore, the pressure adjustment unit 4 can also adjust the pressure inside the first housing section 6A.
[0076] In this embodiment, the pressure adjustment section 4 is provided on the surface of the first section 6p facing one axial side (+Y). In this embodiment, the second section 6q is located on one side of the pressure adjustment section 4 in the first direction (+Z) and the other side in the second direction (-X). That is, when viewed from the axial direction Y, at least a part of the second section 6q overlaps with the pressure adjustment section 4 in the first direction Z, and at least a part of it overlaps with the pressure adjustment section 4 in the second direction X. According to this embodiment, the second section 6q surrounds the pressure adjustment section 4 from one side in the first direction (+Z) and the other side in the second direction (-X). This prevents foreign matter from entering the internal space of the third housing section 6C via the pressure adjustment section 4.
[0077] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the end 6qa of the second portion 6q on the other side (-Z) in the first direction is located on the one side (+Z) in the first direction than the end 6pa of the first portion 6p on the other side (-Z) in the first direction. According to this embodiment, the second portion 6q can be positioned further in the first direction Z from the axes J1, J2, and J3 of the power transmission unit 3 than the first portion 6p. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the transmission of vibrations from the power transmission unit 3 to the member (second wiring 72 in this embodiment) positioned in the second portion 6q.
[0078] As described above, in this embodiment, the gear located furthest to the first direction (+Z) among the multiple gears of the power transmission unit 3 is the second gear 42. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the second part 6q is located further to the first direction (+Z) than the end 42e of the second gear 42 on the first direction (+Z). According to this embodiment, at least a portion of the second part 6q can be positioned further to the first direction (+Z) than the end 42e of the power transmission unit 3 on the first direction (+Z). Therefore, it is possible to suppress the transmission of vibrations from the power transmission unit 3 to the member (second wiring 72 in this embodiment) located in the second part 6q.
[0079] In this embodiment, the case described is that the gear located furthest to the first direction (+Z) among the multiple gears of the power transmission unit 3 is the second gear 42, but the relevant gear may be any other gear. For example, the gear located furthest to the first direction (+Z) among the multiple gears of the power transmission unit 3 may be the ring gear 51. In this case, at least a part of the second portion 6q only needs to be located furthest to the first direction (+Z) than the end of the ring gear 51 on the first direction (+Z).
[0080] As shown in Figure 2, the second portion 6q protrudes from the first portion 6p in one axial direction (+Y). At least a portion of the second portion 6q overlaps with the motor cover 61 in the first direction (Z), and at least a portion of it overlaps with the motor cover (61) in the second direction (X).
[0081] According to this embodiment, the third housing section 6C has a portion (second portion 6q) that overlaps with the motor cover 61 in two directions (first direction Z and second direction X). According to this embodiment, the internal space of the third housing section 6C can be expanded in one axial direction (+Y), making it easier to arrange electronic components and the like housed in the internal space of the third housing section 6C away from the power transmission section 3. This makes it possible to suppress the transmission of vibrations from the power transmission section 3 to the control unit 7 located in the internal space of the third housing section 6C.
[0082] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the second portion 6q overlaps the motor cover 61 from two directions (first direction Z and second direction X), which makes it possible to secure a wider internal space for the third housing portion 6C while suppressing the dimensions of the third housing portion 6C in each direction, compared to the case where it overlaps from only one direction.
[0083] In addition, according to this embodiment, the second portion 6q overlaps one side of the motor cover 61 in the first direction (+Z) and one side in the second direction (+X), thereby protecting the motor cover 61 from the first direction Z side (+Z) and one side in the second direction (+X). Therefore, even if a large impact is applied to the drive unit 100 from the first direction side (+Z) or one side in the second direction (+X), damage to the electronic components (e.g., resolver stator 8b) fixed to the motor cover 61 can be suppressed.
[0084] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the axial end 64e of the second portion 6q on one side (+Y) is located axially (+Y) further to the left (+Y) than the axial end 61e of the motor cover 61 on one side (+Y). That is, the second portion 6q can protect the motor cover 61 by protruding axially (+Y) relative to the motor cover 61. Therefore, even if a large impact is applied to the drive unit 100 from the outside axially (+Y), the electronic components (e.g., resolver stator 8b) fixed to the motor cover 61 can be protected.
[0085] As shown in Figure 4, the second electronic component housing 6C2 is located on one side (+Z) of the first electronic component housing 6C1 in the first direction. The second electronic component housing 6C2 houses the second control device 7B. In this embodiment, the first electronic component housing 6C1 is composed of a control unit cover 66.
[0086] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the second electronic component housing 6C2 overlaps with the second portion 6q in the first direction Z. According to this embodiment, the internal space of the second portion 6q can be provided on the other side (-Z) of the second control device 7B housed in the second electronic component housing 6C2 in the first direction. This prevents the surface of the second control device 7B facing the other side (-Z) from getting too close to the inner surface of the housing 6, making it easier to ensure insulation between the second control device 7B and the inner surface of the housing 6.
[0087] As shown in Figure 1, both the first wiring 71 and the second wiring 72 are connected to the control unit 7. At least a portion of the first wiring 71 passes between the motor 2 and the motor cover 61 in the axial direction. Similarly, at least a portion of the second wiring 72 passes between the motor 2 and the motor cover 61 in the axial direction.
[0088] In this embodiment, the first wiring 71 connects the resolver stator 8b and the control unit 7. The first wiring 71 may also be a wiring that connects a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the stator 25 to the control unit 7. The first wiring 71 passes through the first through-hole 67a and is arranged across the internal space of the first housing 6A and the internal space of the third housing 6C. The first wiring 71 may also be a wiring that connects equipment other than those exemplified above, or a wiring that connects equipment other than those exemplified above to the control unit 7.
[0089] As shown in Figure 6, the first wiring 71 extends from the resolver stator 8b toward the first through-hole 67a inside the first housing 6A. In this embodiment, the first through-hole 67a is located radially outward from the motor 2, on one side in the first direction (+Z) and one side in the second direction (+X) with respect to the first axis J1. Therefore, the first wiring 71 is drawn out from the motor 2 side on one side in the first direction (+Z) and one side in the second direction (+X).
[0090] The first wiring 71 is held by the first wiring retainer 71f and the second wiring retainer 71g. As described above, the first wiring retainer 71f is located inside the third housing 6C. On the other hand, the second wiring retainer 71g is located inside the first housing 6A. The second wiring retainer 71g is fixed to the other side (-X) of the first through hole 67a on the surface of the wall portion 67 facing one axial side (+Y). The second wiring retainer 71g is, for example, ring-shaped or hook-shaped and holds the first wiring 71.
[0091] As shown in Figure 1, the second wiring 72 in this embodiment connects the motor 2 and the control unit 7. The second wiring 72 in this embodiment is, for example, a coil wire drawn from the stator 25 and connected to the control unit 7. The second wiring 72 may also be a busbar connected to the stator 25. In this embodiment, three second wirings 72 are provided, corresponding to the U phase, V phase, and W phase. Different phase alternating currents flow through the three second wirings 72. The second wiring 72 passes through the second through-hole 67b and is arranged to span the internal space of the first housing 6A and the internal space of the third housing 6C.
[0092] As shown in Figure 6, the second wiring 72 extends from the stator 25 toward the second through-hole 67b inside the first housing 6A. In this embodiment, the second through-hole 67b is located radially outward from the motor 2, on one side in the first direction (+Z) and the other side in the second direction (-X) with respect to the first axis J1. Therefore, the second wiring 72 is drawn out from the motor 2 side toward one side in the first direction (+Z) and the other side in the second direction (-X).
[0093] As described above, the motor cover 61 has a wiring housing portion 61a that accommodates the second wiring 72. In this embodiment, the second portion 6q of the third housing portion 6C overlaps with the wiring housing portion 61a in the second direction X. According to this embodiment, compared to the case where the second portion 6q overlaps with the wiring housing portion 61a in the first direction Z, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the drive device 100 in the first direction Z.
[0094] In this embodiment, the first wiring 71 is drawn out from the motor 2 side to one side in the second direction (+X), and the second wiring 72 is drawn out from the motor 2 side to the other side in the second direction (-X). In other words, in this embodiment, the first wiring 71 and the second wiring 72 are drawn out from the motor 2 toward the opposite side in the second direction X. Therefore, interference between the first wiring 71 and the second wiring 72 can be suppressed during the assembly process of the drive unit 100, and the routing of the first wiring 71 and the second wiring 72 can be easily performed. In addition, in this embodiment, the first wiring 71 and the second wiring 72 overlap with the second portion 6q in the second direction X. Therefore, the second portion 6q, the first wiring 71, and the second wiring 72 are arranged side by side in the second direction X. According to this embodiment, the drive unit 100 can be miniaturized in the first direction Z and the axial direction Y compared to the case where the second portion 6q, the first wiring 71, and the second wiring 72 are arranged offset in the first direction Z or the axial direction Y.
[0095] <Variation> Next, we will describe some modifications that can be adopted in the above-described embodiments. In the descriptions of each modification below, components that are identical in form to those of the embodiments or modifications already described will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.
[0096] (Variation 1) Figure 7 is a front view of the drive unit 200 of the modified example 1, viewed from one axial side (+Y). The drive unit 200 of this modified example differs from the embodiment described above mainly in the arrangement of the pressure adjustment unit 104. In the drive unit 200 of this modified example, the pressure adjustment unit 104 is provided in the second part 6q of the third housing unit 6C.
[0097] According to this modified example, since the pressure adjustment unit 104 can be placed in the second section 6q, the degree of freedom in arranging electronic components inside the first section 6p can be increased, and the internal space of the first section 6p can be effectively utilized, such as by making it easier to route wiring. In addition, by placing a filter or the like in the internal space of the second section 6q, the intrusion of foreign matter into the third housing section 6C can be suppressed.
[0098] (Modification 2) Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first electronic component housing 6C1 of the drive unit 300 of modified example 2. The drive unit 300 of this modified example differs from the embodiment described above mainly in the shape of the second control device (electronic component) 207B. In the drive unit 300 of this modified example, at least a portion 207c of the second control device 207B is housed in the second portion 6q.
[0099] According to this modified example, when the number of electronic components in the second control device 207B is large or the electronic components are large, at least a portion 207c (electronic components) of the second control device 207B can be housed in the second portion 6q, and the internal space of the second portion 6q can be effectively utilized. Furthermore, as explained with reference to Figure 4, by positioning the end 6qa of the second portion 6q on the other side (-Z) of the first direction further to one side (+Z) than the end 6pa of the first portion 6p on the other side (-Z) of the first direction, it is possible to position it away from the axes J1, J2, and J3 of the power transmission unit 3 in the first direction Z. Therefore, a portion 207c of the second control device 207B located in the second portion 6q can be protected from vibrations of the power transmission unit 3.
[0100] Although embodiments and variations of the present invention have been described above, the configurations and combinations thereof in the embodiments and variations are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments.
[0101] Furthermore, this technology can be configured as follows: (1) A motor having a rotor that can rotate about a central axis and a stator facing the rotor, A control unit that controls the motor, A power transmission unit having a differential device for transmitting power from the motor, The housing has a first housing section for housing the motor, a second housing section for housing the power transmission section, and a third housing section for housing the control unit, The differential device has a ring gear, The first housing section is, A cylindrical wall portion surrounds the motor from the radially outer side, The motor cover covers the opening on one axial side of the cylindrical wall portion, The direction perpendicular to the axial direction is defined as the first direction. The second housing is located on the other axial side of the first housing, The third housing overlaps the motor cover in the first direction, A drive device wherein the axial end of the third housing portion is located axially to one side of the axial end of the ring gear. (2) The second housing section is A gear case covering the power transmission section from one axial side, The gear case has a gear cover that covers the opening of the gear case from the other axial side of the gear case, The gear case has a contact portion that contacts the gear cover in the axial direction, The drive device according to (1), wherein at least a portion of the third housing is located on one axial side of the contact portion. (3) The third housing section is A first portion that overlaps with the cylindrical wall portion in the first direction, It has a second portion that protrudes from the first portion in one axial direction, The second direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the first direction. The drive device according to (1) or (2), wherein at least a portion of the second part overlaps with the motor cover in the first direction and at least a portion of the second part overlaps with the motor cover in the second direction. (4) The third housing is located on one side in the first direction relative to the motor, The third storage section is, A first electronic component housing having the first part and the second part, It has a second electronic component housing located on one side of the first electronic component housing in the first direction, At least a portion of the second electronic component housing overlaps the second portion in the first direction, the drive device according to (3). (5) The control unit is equipped with wiring connected to the control unit, The motor cover has a wiring housing section for housing wiring, The second portion is the drive device according to (3) or (4), which overlaps with the wiring housing in the second direction. (6) The drive device according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein the axial end of the second part is located axially to one side of the axial end of the motor cover. (7) A first wiring connected to the control unit, A drive device according to any one of (3) to (6), wherein a wiring retainer for holding the first wiring is fixed to the inner surface of the second part. (8) The control unit has electronic components housed in the first part, The drive device according to (7), wherein the wiring holding portion and the electronic component are arranged in different positions when viewed from the first direction. (9) A second wiring connected to the control unit, The first wiring is drawn out from the motor side to one side in the second direction, The second wiring is drawn out from the motor side to the other side in the second direction, The drive device according to (7) or (8), wherein the first and second wirings overlap with the second portion in the second direction. (10) The drive device according to any one of (3) to (9), wherein the second part is provided with a pressure adjustment unit for adjusting the pressure inside the third housing. (11) A pressure adjustment unit for adjusting the internal pressure of the third housing is provided on the surface of the first portion facing one side in the axial direction, The drive device according to any one of (3) to (9), wherein the second portion, when viewed from the axial direction, at least a part of it overlaps with the pressure adjustment unit in the first direction and at least a part of it overlaps with the pressure adjustment unit in the second direction. (12) The control unit has electronic components, At least a portion of the aforementioned electronic components is housed in the second portion, the drive device according to any one of (3) to (11). (13) The third housing is located on one side in the first direction relative to the motor, The drive device according to any one of (3) to (12), wherein the end of the second part on the other side in the first direction is located on one side in the first direction than the end of the first part on the other side in the first direction. (14) The power transmission unit has a plurality of gears, The third housing is located on one side in the first direction relative to the motor, The drive device according to any one of (3) to (13), wherein at least a portion of the second part is located to one side in the first direction beyond the end of the gear located furthest to one side in the first direction among the plurality of gears. (15) A third wiring extending from the third housing to the other axial direction and connected to an external device, The second housing has a gear cover that covers the power transmission section from the other axial side, The third wiring overlaps with the gear cover in the first direction, according to any one of the drive devices described in (1) to (14). [Explanation of Symbols]
[0102] 2…Motor, 3…Power transmission section, 4, 104…Pressure adjustment section, 5…Differential gear, 6…Housing, 6C1…First electronic component housing section, 6C2…Second electronic component housing section, 6e, 6qa, 42e, 51e, 61e, 64e…End section, 6p…First part, 6q…Second part, 6A…First housing section, 6B…Second housing section, 6C…Third housing section, 7…Control unit, 7A…First control device (electronic component), 20…Rotor, 25…Stator, 51…Ring gear, 60a ...Cylindrical wall section, 61...Motor cover, 61a...Wiring housing section, 63...Gear cover, 64f...Inner surface, 65...Gear case, 65g...Contact section, 67...Wall section, 71...First wiring (wiring), 71f...First wiring holding section (wiring holding section), 72...Second wiring (wiring), 73,74...Third wiring, 100,200,300...Drive unit, 207B...Second control device (electronic component), J1...First axis (central axis), X...Second direction, Y...Axial direction, Z...First direction
Claims
1. A motor having a rotor that can rotate about a central axis and a stator facing the rotor, A control unit that controls the motor, A power transmission unit having a differential device for transmitting power from the motor, The housing has a first housing section for housing the motor, a second housing section for housing the power transmission section, and a third housing section for housing the control unit, The differential device has a ring gear, The first storage section is, A cylindrical wall portion surrounds the motor from the radially outer side, The motor cover covers the opening on one axial side of the cylindrical wall portion, The direction perpendicular to the axial direction is defined as the first direction. The second housing portion is located on the other axial side of the first housing portion, The third housing overlaps the motor cover in the first direction, The other axial end of the third housing is located on one axial side of the other axial end of the ring gear. Drive unit.
2. The second storage section is, A gear case covering the power transmission section from one axial side, The gear case has a gear cover that covers the opening of the gear case from the other axial side of the gear case, The gear case has a contact portion that contacts the gear cover in the axial direction, At least a portion of the third housing is located on one axial side of the contact portion, The drive device according to claim 1.
3. The third housing section is, A first portion that overlaps with the cylindrical wall portion in the first direction, It has a second portion that protrudes from the first portion in one axial direction, The second direction is defined as the direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the first direction. The second portion overlaps with the motor cover in at least a part in the first direction, and overlaps with the motor cover in at least a part in the second direction. The drive device according to claim 1.
4. The third housing is located on one side in the first direction relative to the motor, The third housing section is, A first electronic component housing having the first part and the second part, It has a second electronic component housing located on one side of the first electronic component housing in the first direction, At least a portion of the second electronic component housing overlaps the second portion in the first direction. The drive device according to claim 3.
5. The control unit is equipped with wiring connected to the control unit, The motor cover has a wiring housing section for housing wiring, The second portion overlaps with the wiring housing in the second direction, The drive device according to claim 3.
6. The axial end of the second portion is located axially to one side of the axial end of the motor cover. The drive device according to claim 3.
7. It includes a first wiring connected to the control unit, A wiring retaining portion for holding the first wiring is fixed to the inner surface of the second portion. The drive device according to claim 3.
8. The control unit has electronic components housed in the first part, The wiring holding portion and the electronic component are arranged in different positions when viewed from the first direction. The drive device according to claim 7.
9. It includes a second wiring connected to the control unit, The first wiring is drawn out from the motor side to one side in the second direction, The second wiring is drawn out from the motor side to the other side in the second direction, The first wiring and the second wiring overlap the second portion in the second direction. The drive device according to claim 7.
10. The second part is provided with a pressure adjustment unit for adjusting the pressure inside the third housing. The drive device according to claim 3.
11. A pressure adjustment unit for adjusting the internal pressure of the third housing is provided on the surface of the first portion facing one side in the axial direction. The second portion, when viewed from the axial direction, has at least a portion that overlaps with the pressure adjustment portion in the first direction, and at least a portion that overlaps with the pressure adjustment portion in the second direction. The drive device according to claim 3.
12. The control unit has electronic components, At least a portion of the electronic component is housed in the second portion. The drive device according to claim 3.
13. The third housing is located on one side in the first direction relative to the motor, The end of the second portion on the other side in the first direction is located on one side in the first direction than the end of the first portion on the other side in the first direction. The drive device according to claim 3.
14. The power transmission unit has a plurality of gears, The third housing is located on one side in the first direction relative to the motor, At least a portion of the second part is located to one side in the first direction more than the end of the gear located furthest to one side in the first direction among the plurality of gears, The drive device according to claim 3.
15. The third housing portion extends axially to the other side and is equipped with a third wiring that is connected to an external device, The second housing section has a gear cover that covers the power transmission section from the other axial side, The third wiring overlaps with the gear cover in the first direction. The drive device according to claim 1.