Drive unit

Abstract

To provide a small-sized driver.SOLUTION: In a driver 100, a pump 5 and a cooler 6 are arranged on a radially outside surface of a housing cylinder part 41, and aligned in a circumferential direction. A fluid path connecting the pump and the cooler has a linear first fluid path and a linear second fluid path. The first fluid path connects the pump and the linear second fluid path, and is connected to the cooler via the second fluid path. The minimum first angle formed by a first line segment connecting a connection portion of the first fluid path and the second fluid path and one end part of the first fluid path and a second line segment connecting the connection portion and a cooler-side end part of the second fluid path when viewed in an axial direction faces a rotational axis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, in a drive device mounted on a vehicle or the like, a technique is known in which oil pumped up by an oil pump is supplied to a motor. For example, the oil pump of a rotating electric machine mounted on a vehicle is disposed inside a housing that houses a stator. (JP Patent Publication No. 2009-17700) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-17700 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when the oil pump is disposed inside the housing together with the stator, or when the oil pump is disposed on one side of the stator in the axial direction, as in the above-described device, the housing tends to become large, which may result in an increase in the size of the drive device.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to make the drive device more compact. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An exemplary drive device of the present invention includes a motor unit, a cylindrical housing portion, a pump, and a cooler. The motor unit includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor includes a motor shaft. The motor shaft is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction. The stator is disposed radially outward from the rotor. The cylindrical housing portion is cylindrical and extends in the axial direction. The pump delivers a fluid. The cooler cools the fluid. The cylindrical housing portion includes a motor accommodating portion and a fluid path. The motor accommodating portion accommodates the motor unit. The fluid path is disposed radially outward from the motor accommodating portion and connects the pump and the cooler. The pump and the cooler are disposed on the radially outer surface of the cylindrical housing portion and are aligned in the circumferential direction. The fluid path includes a first fluid path and a second fluid path that extend linearly. One end of the first fluid path is connected to the pump. The other end of the first fluid path is connected to the second fluid path and is connected to the cooler via the second fluid path. When viewed in the axial direction, the direction in which the first fluid path extends intersects with the direction in which the second fluid path extends. A first line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting a connection portion of the first fluid path and the second fluid path with one end of the first fluid path. A second line segment is an imaginary line segment connecting the connection portion with an end of the second fluid path on the cooler side. When viewed in the axial direction, a minimum first angle formed by the first line segment and the second line segment faces the rotation axis. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the exemplary driving device of the present invention, the driving device can be made more compact. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a driving device as viewed from the X-axis direction. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the drive device as viewed from the Z-axis direction. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the underside of the drive unit. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drive device as viewed from the Y-axis direction. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the drive device as viewed from the Y-axis direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle equipped with the drive device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the arrangement of intermediate shafts. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the second flow path. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the driving device as viewed from the X-axis direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of the tanks. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the tank. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the tank. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the tank. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the third outlet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] In the following description, the direction of gravity is defined based on the positional relationship when the drive unit 100 is mounted on a vehicle 300 positioned on a horizontal road surface. In addition, in the drawings, an XYZ coordinate system is appropriately shown as a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. In the XYZ coordinate system, the Z axis direction indicates the vertical direction (i.e., the up-down direction). The +Z direction is upward (vertically upward in the opposite direction to the direction of gravity), and the -Z direction is downward (vertically downward in the same direction as the direction of gravity). Note that the "Z axis direction" in the following description is an example of the "second direction" of the present invention. The "-Z direction" is an example of the "one of the second directions" of the present invention, and the "+Z direction" is an example of the "other of the second directions" of the present invention.

[0011] The X-axis direction is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and indicates the front-rear direction of the vehicle 300 on which the drive unit 100 is mounted. The +X direction is the front of the vehicle 300, and the -X direction is the rear of the vehicle 300. However, it is also possible that the +X direction is the rear of the vehicle 300 and the -X direction is the front of the vehicle 300. Note that the "X-axis direction" in the following description is an example of a "first direction" in the present invention. The "-X direction" is an example of "one of the first directions" in the present invention, and the "+X direction" is an example of "the other of the first directions" in the present invention.

[0012] The Y-axis direction is a direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction, and indicates the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle 300. The +Y direction is the left side of the vehicle 300, and the -Y direction is the right side of the vehicle 300. However, when the +X direction is the rear of the vehicle 300, the +Y direction may be the right side of the vehicle 300 and the -Y direction may be the left side of the vehicle 300. That is, regardless of the X-axis direction, the +Y direction is simply one side of the left-right direction of the vehicle 300, and the -Y direction is the other side of the left-right direction of the vehicle 300. Also, depending on the method of mounting the drive unit 100 on the vehicle 300, the X-axis direction may be the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle 300, and the Y-axis direction may be the front-rear direction of the vehicle 300. In the following embodiment, the Y-axis direction is parallel to, for example, the rotation axis J1 of the motor unit 2. Note that the "Y-axis direction" in the following description is an example of the "axial direction" in the present invention. Moreover, the "+Y direction" is an example of the "one axial direction" in the present invention, and the "-Y direction" is an example of the "other axial direction" in the present invention.

[0013] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, a direction parallel to a specific axis such as the rotation axis J1 of the motor unit 2 (Y-axis direction) may be simply referred to as the "axial direction". Also, a direction perpendicular to the specific axis is simply referred to as the "radial direction". Within the radial direction, a direction approaching the axis is referred to as the "radial inner direction", and a direction away from the axis is referred to as the "radial outer direction". The end portion on the radial inner side of each component is referred to as the "radial inner end portion". Furthermore, the end portion on the outer side is referred to as the "radial outer end portion". Also, among the side surfaces of each component, the side surface facing radially inward is referred to as the "radial inner side surface", and the side surface facing radially outward is referred to as the "radial outer side surface".

[0014] Moreover, the direction of rotation about a given axis is called the "circumferential direction Dr." Looking from the -Y direction to the +Y direction, the counterclockwise direction is called the "one side circumferential direction Dr1," and the clockwise direction is called the "other side circumferential direction Dr2."

[0015] In this specification, the term "annular" includes a shape that is continuous without breaks over the entire area in the circumferential direction Dr about a predetermined axis, a shape that has one or more breaks in a part of the entire area about the predetermined axis, and a shape that describes a closed curve on a curved surface that intersects with the predetermined axis.

[0016] In addition, in the positional relationship between any one of a direction, a line, and a plane and any other, "parallel" includes not only a state in which the two do not intersect at all no matter how far they are extended, but also a state in which they are substantially parallel. Furthermore, "perpendicular" and "orthogonal" each include not only a state in which the two intersect at 90 degrees, but also a state in which they are substantially perpendicular and a state in which they are substantially orthogonal, respectively. In other words, "parallel," "perpendicular," and "orthogonal" each include a state in which there is an angle deviation in the positional relationship between the two to an extent that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

[0017] Note that these are names used merely for the purpose of explanation, and are not intended to limit the actual positional relationships, directions, names, and the like.

[0018] <1. Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the drive device 100 as viewed from the X-axis direction. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the drive device 100 as viewed from the Z-axis direction. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the bottom surface of the drive device 100. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drive device 100 as viewed from the Y-axis direction. FIG. 5 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the drive device 100 as viewed from the Y-axis direction. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle 300 equipped with the drive device 100. Note that FIG. 3 shows the drive device 100 as viewed from the -Z direction toward the +Z direction. FIGS. 4 and 5 show a cross-sectional structure of the drive device 100 cut on a virtual plane including the dashed dotted line BB in FIG. 3 and perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. FIG. 4 shows the cross-sectional structure as viewed from the -Y direction toward the +Y direction. FIG. 5 shows the cross-sectional structure of the drive device 100 in FIG. 4 as viewed obliquely from the -Y direction toward the +Y direction. Also, FIGS. 1 to 5 are merely conceptual diagrams, and the arrangement and dimensions of each part are not necessarily the same as those of the actual drive device 100. FIG. 6 also conceptually illustrates a vehicle 300.

[0019] <1-1. Driving device 100> In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the drive unit 100 is mounted on a vehicle 300 that uses at least a motor as a power source. The vehicle 300 is, for example, a hybrid vehicle (HV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), an electric vehicle (EV), or the like. The drive unit 100 is used as a power source for the vehicle 300. The vehicle 300 has the drive unit 100 and a battery 200. The battery 200 accumulates power to be supplied to the drive unit 100. In the case of the vehicle 300, the drive unit 100 drives the left and right front wheels. It is sufficient that the drive unit 100 drives at least one of the wheels.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the drive device 100 includes a motor shaft 1, a motor section 2, a gear section 3, a housing 4, a pump 5, a cooler 6, and a fluid flow path .

[0021] The motor shaft 1 extends in the Y-axis direction along a rotation axis J1 parallel to the horizontal direction and is rotatable around the rotation axis J1. In this embodiment, the motor shaft 1 is divided at the center in the Y-axis direction and has a first shaft 210 and a second shaft 310, which will be described later. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the motor shaft 1 does not have to be divided at the center in the Y-axis direction, and may have, for example, only the first shaft 210. In this case, the end of the first shaft 210 on the +Y-direction side is rotatably supported by a second gear bearing holder 431 via a second gear bearing 4311, which will be described later.

[0022] <1-2. Motor section 2> Next, the motor section 2 will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. The motor section 2 is a driving source of the drive device 100, and is driven by electric power from an inverter unit (not shown). As shown in Fig. 1, the motor section 2 has a rotor 21 and a stator 22. As described above, the drive device 100 includes the motor section 2. The rotor 21 has a first shaft 210. The first shaft 210 is rotatable about a rotation axis J1 extending in the Y-axis direction. The stator 22 is disposed radially outward from the rotor 21. In other words, the motor section 2 is an inner rotor type motor. The rotor 21 rotates when electric power is supplied to the stator 22 from a power supply section (not shown) of the drive device 100.

[0023] The first shaft 210 is cylindrical and extends in the Y-axis direction. The first shaft 210 has a first cylindrical shaft portion 2101 and a first hollow portion 2102. The first cylindrical shaft portion 2101 extends in the Y-axis direction along the rotation axis J1. The first hollow portion 2102 is a space surrounded by the first cylindrical shaft portion 2101, and is disposed inside the first cylindrical shaft portion 2101.

[0024] The first shaft 210 further has a shaft through hole 2103 penetrating in the radial direction. The shaft through hole 2103 is disposed in the first shaft cylindrical portion 2101 and penetrates the first shaft cylindrical portion 2101 in the radial direction. A fluid F flows inside the first shaft 210. The fluid F is used as a lubricating liquid for lubricating the gear portion 3. The fluid F is also used as a refrigerant for cooling the motor portion 2 and the gear portion 3. Since the fluid F has the functions of lubrication and refrigeration, it is preferable to use an oil equivalent to a low-viscosity automatic transmission lubricating oil (ATF: Automatic Transmission Fluid) for the fluid F. When the motor shaft 1 rotates, the fluid F in the first shaft 210 flows out of the first shaft 210 from the first hollow portion 2102 through the shaft through hole 2103 to the outside of the first shaft 210 by centrifugal force. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the shaft through hole 2103 is positioned further in the -Y direction than the end of the rotor 21 on the +Y direction side, and further in the +Y direction than the end of the rotor 21 on the -Y direction side, and is connected to the rotor through hole 2111 described later.

[0025] However, without being limited to the above example, the shaft through hole 2103 may be disposed in the +Y direction from the end of the rotor 21 on the +Y direction side, or may be disposed in the -Y direction from the end of the rotor 21 on the -Y direction side. That is, at least some of the shaft through holes 2103 may be disposed in at least one of these positions. Also, the shaft through hole 2103 may be a single hole, or a plurality of holes may be disposed in the circumferential direction Dr or the Y-axis direction.

[0026] The rotor 21 further includes a rotor core 211 and a magnet 212. In this embodiment, the rotor core 211 is a laminated body in which a plurality of plate-shaped electromagnetic steel sheets are laminated. The rotor core 211 is a cylindrical body extending along the Y-axis direction, and is fixed to the radially outer surface of the first shaft 210. A plurality of magnets 212 are fixed to the rotor core 211. The plurality of magnets 212 are arranged along the circumferential direction Dr with their magnetic poles alternating.

[0027] The rotor core 211 also has a rotor through hole 2111. The rotor through hole 2111 penetrates the rotor core 211 in the Y-axis direction and is connected to the shaft through hole 2103. The rotor through hole 2111 is used as a flow path for the fluid F, which also functions as a coolant. When the rotor 21 rotates, the fluid F flowing through the first hollow portion 2102 of the first shaft 210 flows into the rotor through hole 2111 via the shaft through hole 2103. The fluid F that flows into the rotor through hole 2111 flows out from both ends of the rotor through hole 2111 in the Y-axis direction to the outside. A part of the outflowing fluid F flies toward the stator 22 and cools, for example, the coil portion 222 (particularly the coil end 2221) and the like. A part of the outflowing fluid F flies toward the first motor bearing 4211 and the second motor bearing 4411 that rotatably support the first shaft 210, and lubricates and cools them.

[0028] The stator 22 has a stator core 221 and a coil portion 222. The stator 22 is held in a housing cylindrical portion 41 described later. The stator core 221 has a plurality of magnetic pole teeth (not shown) extending radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of a circular ring-shaped yoke. The coil portion 222 is formed by winding a conductor around the magnetic pole teeth via an insulator (not shown). The coil portion 222 has coil ends 2221 protruding from an axial end face of the stator core 221.

[0029] The stator 22 further has a protruding portion 223 (see FIG. 4, for example). The protruding portion 223 protrudes radially outward at a radially outer end of the stator 22 and extends in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the protruding portion 223 is a portion for fixing the stator 22 to the housing 4. The protruding portion 223 is disposed at a radially outer end of the stator core 221. The stator 22 has a plurality of protruding portions 223 arranged in the circumferential direction. The protruding portion 223 has a through hole (reference numeral omitted) extending in the Y-axis direction. A bolt extending in the Y-axis direction is inserted into the through hole. The bolt is screwed into, for example, a partition wall 42 of the housing 4, which will be described later, whereby the stator 22 is fixed to the housing 4. In addition, a recessed portion 411 is disposed on the inner surface of the housing tubular portion 41 (see FIG. 4, for example). The recessed portion 411 is recessed radially outward and extends in the Y-axis direction. At least a portion of the protruding portion 223 is housed in the recess 411. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the stator 22 from rotating relative to the housing tubular portion 41 in the circumferential direction.

[0030] <1-3. Gear section 3> Next, the gear unit 3 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The gear unit 3 is attached to the +Y axis direction side of the motor shaft 1. As described above, the drive device 100 includes the gear unit 3. In detail, the gear unit 3 is attached to the +Y axis direction side of the first shaft 210, and transmits the power of the motor unit 2 to the output shaft Ds. The gear unit 3 has a reduction gear 31 and a differential gear 32.

[0031] <1-3-1. Reduction device 31> The reduction gear 31 is connected to the motor shaft 1, and more specifically, to the +Y-axis direction side of the first shaft 210. The reduction gear 31 has a function of reducing the rotation speed of the motor shaft 1 and increasing the torque output from the motor unit 2 in accordance with a reduction ratio. The reduction gear 31 transmits the torque output from the motor unit 2 to the differential gear 32.

[0032] The reduction gear 31 has a second shaft 310. The second shaft 310 is cylindrical and extends in the Y-axis direction, and is connected to the end of the first shaft 210 on the +Y-direction side. As described above, the gear unit 3 has the second shaft 310. The second shaft 310 can rotate around the rotation axis J1 together with the first shaft 210. In this embodiment, the second shaft 310 is inserted into the end of the first shaft 210 on the +Y-direction side, and is connected by spline fitting. However, this is not limited to the example, and the two may be connected, for example, by a screw coupling using a male screw and a female screw, or may be joined by a fixing method such as press-fitting or welding. When a fixing method such as press-fitting or welding is adopted, a serration combining a recess and a protrusion extending in the Y-axis direction may be adopted. With such a configuration, it is possible to reliably transmit rotation.

[0033] The second shaft 310 has a second cylindrical shaft portion 3101 and a second hollow portion 3102. The second cylindrical shaft portion 3101 extends in the Y-axis direction along the rotation axis J1. An end portion of the second cylindrical shaft portion 3101 on the -Y direction side is inserted into and connected to an end portion of the first cylindrical shaft portion 2101 on the +Y direction side. The second hollow portion 3102 is a space surrounded by the second cylindrical shaft portion 3101, is disposed inside the second cylindrical shaft portion 3101, and is connected to the first hollow portion 2102.

[0034] The reduction gear 31 further includes a main drive gear 311, an intermediate driven gear 312, and a final drive gear 313. The main drive gear 311 is an example of a "first gear" of the present invention. The intermediate driven gear 312 is an example of a "second gear" of the present invention, and the final drive gear 313 is an example of a "third gear" of the present invention. The main drive gear 311 can rotate together with the motor shaft 1 around the rotation axis J1. The intermediate driven gear 312 meshes with the main drive gear 311. The final drive gear 313 meshes with a ring gear 321, which will be described later. The reduction gear 31 further includes an intermediate shaft 314. The torque output from the motor unit 2 is transmitted to the ring gear 321 of the differential 32 via the second shaft 310, the main drive gear 311, the intermediate driven gear 312, the intermediate shaft 314, and the final drive gear 313.

[0035] The main drive gear 311 is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the motor shaft 1, more specifically, on the radially outer surface of the second cylindrical shaft portion 3101. The main drive gear 311 may be the same member as the second cylindrical shaft portion 3101, or may be a different member. In the latter case, the main drive gear 311 is firmly fixed to the second cylindrical shaft portion 3101 by shrink fitting or the like.

[0036] The intermediate driven gear 312 and the final drive gear 313, together with the intermediate shaft 314, are rotatable about an intermediate axis J2 extending in the Y-axis direction.

[0037] Preferably, the intermediate shaft J2 is disposed on the -X direction side of the rotation shaft J1 and on the +X direction side of the differential shaft J3, and on the -Z direction side of the rotation shaft J1 and the differential shaft J3. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the intermediate shaft J2. Note that FIG. 7 is a view of the arrangement of the intermediate shaft J2 from the +Y direction toward the -Y direction. When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the smallest fourth angle θd formed by the fifth line segment L5 and the sixth line segment L6 is an obtuse angle. Note that the fifth line segment L5 is a virtual line segment connecting the intermediate shaft J2 and the rotation shaft J1. The sixth line segment L6 is a virtual line segment connecting the intermediate shaft J2 and the differential shaft J3. By disposing the intermediate shaft J2 between the rotation shaft J1 and the differential shaft J3 in the X-axis direction and on the -Z direction side of the differential shaft J3, and setting the fourth angle θd to an obtuse angle, the intermediate shaft J2 can be brought closer to the rotation shaft J1 and the differential shaft J3 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the distance between the rotation shaft J1 and the differential shaft J3 and the intermediate shaft J2 in the Z-axis direction can be made narrower. Therefore, the size of the gear unit 3 in the Z-axis direction can be made smaller, and the drive device 100 can be made more compact in the Z-axis direction. However, the example in Fig. 7 does not exclude a configuration in which the intermediate shaft J2 is disposed on the +X side of the rotation shaft J1, a configuration in which the intermediate shaft J2 is disposed on the -X side of the differential shaft J3, or a configuration in which the intermediate shaft J2 is not disposed on the -Z side of the differential shaft J3.

[0038] The intermediate shaft 314 extends along an intermediate axis J2 extending in the Y-axis direction and is rotatable about the intermediate axis J2. The intermediate axis J2 is parallel to the rotation axis J1. The intermediate driven gear 312 and the final drive gear 313 are disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate shaft 314. At least one of the intermediate driven gear 312 and the final drive gear 313 may be the same member as the intermediate shaft 314, or may be a member different from the intermediate shaft 314. In the latter case, at least one of the intermediate driven gear 312 and the final drive gear 313 is firmly fixed to the intermediate shaft 314 by shrink fitting or the like.

[0039] The torque of the first shaft 210 is transmitted to the main drive gear 311 via the second shaft 310, and is further transmitted from the main drive gear 311 to the intermediate driven gear 312. The torque transmitted to the intermediate driven gear 312 is then transmitted to the final drive gear 313 via the intermediate shaft 314. The torque is further transmitted from the final drive gear 313 to the ring gear 321 of the differential device 32.

[0040] <1-3-2. Differential device 32> The differential gear 32 is attached to the output shaft Ds. As described above, the gear unit 3 has the differential gear 32. The differential gear 32 has a ring gear 321. The ring gear 321 is rotatable around the differential shaft J3 extending in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the differential shaft J3 is disposed on the -X direction side and the -Z direction side of the rotation shaft J1. The X-axis direction is perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and the X-axis direction. The ring gear 321 transmits the torque transmitted from the motor unit 2 to the differential gear 32 via the reduction gear 31 to the output shaft Ds. The output shafts Ds are attached to the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side of the differential gear 32, respectively. A driving wheel of the vehicle 300 is attached to each output shaft Ds. For example, when the vehicle 300 turns, the differential device 32 transmits torque to each output shaft Ds while absorbing the difference in rotational speed between the output shafts Ds on the +Y direction side and the -Y direction side.

[0041] <1-4. Housing 4> Next, the housing 4 will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 1 to 5. The housing 4 accommodates the motor shaft 1. The housing 4 further accommodates the motor section 2 and the gear section 3. As described above, the drive device 100 includes the housing 4. In detail, the housing 4 has a motor accommodating section 401 that accommodates the motor section 2, and a gear accommodating section 402 that accommodates the gear section 3. The motor accommodating section 401 is a space surrounded by the housing cylindrical section 41, the partition wall 42, and the motor side cover section 44, and accommodates the rotor 21, the stator 22, and the like. The gear accommodating section 402 is a space surrounded by the partition wall 42 and the gear side cover section 43, which will be described later, and accommodates the reduction gear 31, the differential gear 32, and the like.

[0042] A fluid pool P in which the fluid F pools is disposed in a lower portion of the gear accommodating portion 402. A part of the differential gear 32 is immersed in the fluid pool P. The fluid F pooled in the fluid pool P is scooped up by the operation of the differential gear 32 and supplied to the inside of the gear accommodating portion 402. For example, in this embodiment, a portion of the ring gear 321 on the -Z direction side is disposed inside the fluid pool P on the -Z direction side of the gear accommodating portion 402 (see FIG. 1). When the ring gear 321 of the differential gear 32 rotates, the fluid F is scooped up by the tooth surface of the ring gear 321. The scooped up fluid F is supplied to each gear and each bearing of the reduction gear 31 and the differential gear 32 in the gear accommodating portion 402, and is used for lubrication and cooling at the supply destination.

[0043] The housing 4 has a cylindrical housing tube portion 41, a partition wall 42, a motor side cover portion 44, and a gear side cover portion 43. In this embodiment, these are formed using a metal material such as iron, aluminum, or an alloy thereof. In order to suppress galvanic corrosion at the contact portion, these are preferably formed using the same material. However, this is not limiting, and these may be formed using a material other than a metal, or at least some of these may be formed using a different material.

[0044] <1-4-1. Housing cylindrical portion 41> The housing tubular portion 41 extends in the Y-axis direction. The housing tubular portion 41 has a motor accommodating portion 401 that accommodates the motor portion 2. As described above, the housing 4 has the housing tubular portion 41. The motor portion 2, a fluid supply member 762 (described later), and the like are arranged inside the housing tubular portion 41. In addition, a stator core 221 is fixed to the inner surface of the housing tubular portion 41.

[0045] <1-4-2. Bulkhead 42> The partition wall 42 extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis J1. As described above, the housing 4 has the partition wall 42. The partition wall 42 closes the end of the housing tubular portion 41 on the +Y direction side. In this embodiment, the partition wall 42 extends in a direction perpendicular to the Y axis direction. Furthermore, the housing tubular portion 41 and the partition wall 42 are different parts of the same member. By forming the two integrally, the rigidity of these can be increased. However, this is not limited to the example, and the housing tubular portion 41 and the partition wall 42 may be separate bodies.

[0046] The partition wall 42 has a partition wall through hole 4201 through which the motor shaft 1 is inserted, a first output shaft through hole 4202, and an opening 4203. The partition wall through hole 4201, the first output shaft through hole 4202, and the opening 4203 each penetrate the partition wall 42 in the Y-axis direction. The center of the partition wall through hole 4201 coincides with the rotation axis J1. The motor shaft 1 is inserted into the partition wall through hole 4201. The center of the first output shaft through hole 4202 coincides with the differential shaft J3. The output shaft Ds on the -Y direction side is inserted into the first output shaft through hole 4202. An oil seal (not shown) that seals between the output shaft Ds and the first output shaft through hole 4202 is disposed in the gap between them. The term "seal" refers to the fact that different members are in close contact with each other to such an extent that, for example, a fluid F inside the members does not leak to the outside, and that foreign matter such as water, dirt, and dust from the outside does not enter. The same applies to the seals below. The opening 4203 is disposed on the -Z direction side of the partition wall 42, and connects the motor accommodating portion 401 and the gear accommodating portion 402. The fluid F that has flowed down to the -Z direction side of the motor accommodating portion 401 flows from the opening 4203 into the gear accommodating portion 402, lubricates and cools a part of the gear portion 3, and then accumulates in the fluid pool P.

[0047] In addition, the partition wall 42 further has a first motor bearing retaining portion 421, a first gear bearing retaining portion 422, a first intermediate bearing retaining portion 423, and a first output bearing retaining portion 424.

[0048] The first motor bearing retaining portion 421 is disposed on the end surface on the -Y direction side of the partition wall 42. The first motor bearing retaining portion 421 is disposed along the outer edge of the end portion on the -Y direction side of the partition wall through-hole 4201. The housing 4 has the first motor bearing retaining portion 421. The first motor bearing retaining portion 421 rotatably retains the end portion on the +Y direction side of the first shaft 210 via the first motor bearing 4211.

[0049] The first gear bearing holder 422, the first intermediate bearing holder 423, and the first output bearing holder 424 are disposed on the end surface of the partition wall 42 on the +Y direction side. The first gear bearing holder 422 is disposed along the outer edge of the end of the partition wall through hole 4201 on the +Y direction side, and rotatably holds the end of the second shaft 310 on the -Y direction side via the first gear bearing 4221. The first intermediate bearing holder 423 rotatably holds the end of the intermediate shaft 314 on the -Y direction side via the first intermediate bearing 4231. The first output bearing holder 424 is disposed along the outer edge of the end of the first output shaft through hole 4202 on the +Y direction side, and rotatably holds the output shaft Ds on the -Y direction side via the first output bearing 4241.

[0050] In addition, the partition wall 42 has a third flow path 73 (described later) of the fluid flow path 7. The third flow path 73 will be described later.

[0051] <1-4-3. Gear side cover part 43> The gear side cover portion 43 is a lidded cylindrical member. A cover portion (reference number omitted) of the gear side cover portion 43 expands in a direction intersecting with the rotation axis J1. A cylindrical portion (reference number omitted) of the gear side cover portion 43 extends in the Y-axis direction. As described above, the housing 4 has the gear side cover portion 43. The gear side cover portion 43 is disposed at the end portion on the +Y direction side of the partition wall 42, and together with the partition wall 42, forms a gear accommodating portion 402 that accommodates the gear portion 3.

[0052] The gear side cover 43 is detachably attached to the end of the partition 42 on the +Y direction side. The gear side cover 43 can be attached to the partition 42 by, for example, fixing with a screw, but is not limited to this, and any method that can firmly fix the gear side cover 43 to the partition 42, such as screwing or press fitting, can be widely used. This allows the gear side cover 43 to be tightly attached to the partition 42. Note that tight attachment refers to a level of sealing that prevents the fluid F inside the member from leaking to the outside and prevents foreign matter such as water, dirt, and dust from entering from the outside. The same applies hereinafter to tight attachment.

[0053] The gear side cover 43 has a second output shaft through hole 4301. The center of the second output shaft through hole 4301 coincides with the differential shaft J3. The output shaft Ds on the +Y direction side is inserted into the second output shaft through hole 4301. An oil seal (not shown) is disposed in the gap between the output shaft Ds and the second output shaft through hole 4301 to seal the gap between them.

[0054] The gear side cover 43 further includes a second gear bearing holder 431, a second intermediate bearing holder 432, and a second output bearing holder 433. The second gear bearing holder 431, the second intermediate bearing holder 432, and the second output bearing holder 433 are disposed on the -Y direction side of the gear side cover 43. The second gear bearing holder 431 rotatably holds the end of the second shaft 310 on the +Y direction side via the second gear bearing 4311. The second intermediate bearing holder 432 rotatably holds the end of the intermediate shaft 314 on the +Y direction side via the second intermediate bearing 4321. The second output bearing holder 433 is disposed along the outer edge of the end of the second output shaft through hole 4301 on the -Y direction side, and rotatably holds the output shaft Ds on the +Y direction side via the second output bearing 4331.

[0055] Further, the gear-side lid portion 43 has a saucer portion 434 (see FIG. 1, for example). The saucer portion 434 is disposed on the -Y direction side of the gear-side lid portion 43, and has a recess (reference number omitted) recessed in the -Z direction (vertically downward), and one or more holes 4341. The holes 4341 penetrate the saucer portion 434. The fluid F scooped up by the ring gear 321 is stored in the saucer portion 434, and then flows out through the holes 4341 and is supplied to each gear, bearing, etc. in the gear accommodating portion 402 to lubricate and cool them.

[0056] In addition, the gear side cover portion 43 has a fifth flow path 75, which will be described later, of the fluid flow path 7. The fifth flow path 75 will be described later.

[0057] <1-4-4. Motor side cover 44> The motor side cover 44 is detachably attached to the end of the cylindrical housing portion 41 on the -Y direction side, and closes and blocks the end of the cylindrical housing portion 41 on the -Y direction side. The motor side cover 44 can be fixed to the cylindrical housing portion 41 by, for example, screws, but is not limited to this, and any strong fixing means such as screwing or press fitting can be widely used. This allows the motor side cover 44 to be in close contact with the cylindrical housing portion 41.

[0058] The motor side cover part 44 has a second motor bearing holding part 441. The second motor bearing holding part 441 is disposed on the +Y direction side of the motor side cover part 44. The housing 4 has a second motor bearing holding part 441. The second motor bearing holding part 441 rotatably holds the end part on the -Y direction side of the first shaft 210 via a second motor bearing 4411.

[0059] <1-5. Pump 5, cooler 6, and fluid flow path 7> Next, the pump 5, the cooler 6, and the fluid flow path 7 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 5. As described above, the drive unit 100 includes the pump 5 and the cooler 6. The pump 5 delivers the fluid F. The cooler 6 cools the fluid F. The drive unit 100 also includes the fluid flow path 7. The fluid F flows through the fluid flow path 7.

[0060] The pump 5 is an electric pump driven by an inverter unit (not shown). A trochoidal pump, a centrifugal pump, or the like can be used as the pump 5. The pump 5 is fixed to the housing tubular portion 41. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the pump 5 has a plurality of fixing parts 50 fixed to the housing tubular portion 41. The fixing parts 50 are arranged along the outer edge of the pump 5 as viewed from the Y-axis direction. The fixing parts 50 are formed with a through hole (reference numeral omitted) extending in the Y-axis direction. A bolt extending in the Y-axis direction is inserted into the through hole. The bolt is screwed into, for example, the housing tubular portion 41 of the housing 4, whereby the pump 5 is fixed to the housing 4. Here, the third line segment L3 is an imaginary line segment connecting two protruding parts 223 arranged at positions closest to the pump 5 as viewed from the Y-axis direction. The fourth line segment L4 is an imaginary line segment connecting two fixing parts 50 arranged at positions closest to the stator 22 as viewed from the Y-axis direction. In this case, preferably, the third line segment L3 is parallel to the fourth line segment L4 as viewed from the Y-axis direction. In this way, the protruding portion 223 of the stator 22 and the fixing portion 50 of the pump 5 are not disposed between the third line segment L3 and the fourth line segment L4 as viewed from the Y-axis direction, so that the distance between the stator 22 and the pump 5 in the radial direction can be made smaller. Therefore, the driving device 100 can be made more compact.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, the pump 5 is disposed on the −X direction side of the rotation axis J1 and on the +X direction side of the differential axis J3. In this embodiment, the pump 5 is disposed on the −Z direction side of the differential axis J3. By disposing the pump 5 between the rotation axis J1 of the motor shaft 1 and the differential axis J3 of the ring gear 321 (or the output shaft Ds) in the X-axis direction, it becomes easy to dispose the inlet of the strainer of the pump 5 (i.e., one end of the first flow path 71 described later) in the center in the X-axis direction of the gear accommodating portion 402 that accommodates the gear portion 3. Therefore, for example, even if the driving device 100 is tilted around the Y-axis direction, the inlet of the strainer of the pump 5 (one end of the first flow path 71) is unlikely to leave the liquid surface of the fluid pool P on the −Z direction side of the gear accommodating portion 402. Therefore, even if the driving device 100 is tilted, the pump 5 can continue to suck the fluid F from the fluid pool P.

[0062] The fluid flow path 7 supplies a portion of the fluid F stored in the fluid reservoir P of the gear accommodating portion 402 into the motor shaft 1, and supplies the other portion to the outside of the motor section 2. The pump 5 and the cooler 6 are disposed midway through the fluid flow path 7. That is, the fluid F sucked by the pump 5 passes through the cooler 6, and then is supplied to the inside of the motor shaft 1 and the outside of the motor section 2.

[0063] The fluid flow path 7 has a first flow path 71, a second flow path 72, a third flow path 73, a fourth flow path 74, a fifth flow path 75, and a sixth flow path 76. The first flow path 71 connects the gear accommodating portion 402 and the first inlet 51 of the pump 5. The second flow path 72 connects the first outlet 52 of the pump 5 and one end of the third flow path 73 via the cooler 6. The third flow path 73 is disposed inside the partition wall 42 and extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis J1. The fourth flow path 74 connects the other end of the third flow path 73 and one end of the fifth flow path 75. The fifth flow path 75 is disposed inside the gear side cover portion 43. The other end of the fifth flow path 75 is connected to the end of the second shaft 310 on the +Y direction side. One end of the sixth flow path 76 is connected to the other end of the third flow path 73. The other end of the sixth flow passage 76 is disposed within the housing cylindrical portion 41 .

[0064] In this way, the fluid F discharged from the pump 5 and flowing through the third flow path 73 can be supplied to the inside of the motor section 2 through the fourth flow path 74, the fifth flow path 75, the inside of the second shaft 310, and the inside of the first shaft 210, and can also be supplied to the outside of the motor section 2 (for example, the stator 22) through the sixth flow path 76. In other words, the same pump 5 can be used to supply the fluid F to the inside and outside of the motor section 2 through different flow paths, such as the fourth flow path 74, the fifth flow path 75, and the sixth flow path 76. Therefore, since there is no need to mount multiple pumps 5, the drive device 100 can be made more compact. Furthermore, since the manufacturing cost and the number of manufacturing steps can be reduced, the productivity of the drive device 100 can be improved. In addition, since the fourth flow path 74 and the sixth flow path 76 that supply the fluid F to the inside and outside of the motor section 2 branch off at the other end of the third flow path 73, the fluid flow path 7 can be simplified. Furthermore, by connecting the second flow passage 72 passing through the cooler 6 to one end of the third flow passage 73 inside the partition wall 42, the cooled fluid F can be supplied to the inside and outside of the motor section 2 via a shorter route.

[0065] The first inlet 51 of the pump 5 is inserted into one end of the first flow passage 71. A strainer is connected to the other end of the first flow passage 71. The strainer is disposed in the -Z direction from the differential shaft J3 and in the -Z direction from the liquid level of the fluid pool P. In this embodiment, the strainer is disposed in the fluid pool P of the gear accommodating portion 402. In detail, the inlet (not shown) of the strainer is disposed in the -Z direction (i.e., vertically below) from the liquid level of the fluid pool P. This can prevent air from flowing into the first flow passage 71. In addition, by disposing the strainer in the -Z direction from the differential shaft J3, the first flow passage 71 can be made shorter, so that the flow passage resistance acting on the fluid F flowing in the first flow passage 71 can be reduced. The fluid F is sucked from the inlet of the strainer by the drive of the pump 5, supplied to the first inlet 51 of the pump 5 through the first flow passage 71, and sucked into the pump 5. A filtering structure (not shown) such as a filter is attached to the strainer. By installing the filtering structure, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the pump 5, the motor section 2, and the like.

[0066] The second flow passage 72 is disposed radially outward from the motor accommodating portion 401, and connects the pump 5 and the cooler 6. The second flow passage 72 is an example of a “fluid path” in the present invention. The housing cylindrical portion 41 has the second flow passage 72.

[0067] Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of the second flow path 72. Fig. 8 shows an enlarged view of a portion D surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 4. One end of the second flow path 72 is connected to the first outlet 52 of the pump 5. The pump 5 delivers the fluid F sucked from the first inlet 51 from the first outlet 52 and delivers it to the cooler 6 via the second flow path 72.

[0068] The second flow path 72 passes through the inside of the cooler 6 and is connected to the third flow path 73. A refrigerant RE such as water supplied from the outside is supplied to the cooler 6 through a path separate from the second flow path 72. The cooler 6 exchanges heat between the fluid F and the refrigerant RE to lower the temperature of the fluid F flowing through the second flow path 72.

[0069] Here, the pump 5 and the cooler 6 are disposed on the radially outer surface of the housing cylindrical portion 41, and are aligned in the circumferential direction Dr. The cooler 6 is disposed on one circumferential side Dr1 of the pump 5. This makes it possible to shorten the flow path between the pump 5 and the cooler 6. In this embodiment, the pump 5 is disposed on the other circumferential side Dr1 of a first imaginary line Lv1 passing through the rotation axis J1 and the radially outer end of the protrusion 223, as viewed from the Y-axis direction. r 2 side. The cooler 6 is arranged on one circumferential side Dr1 of the first imaginary line Lv1 when viewed from the Y-axis direction. In this way, the pump 5 and the cooler 6 are not arranged on the first imaginary line Lv1 in the Y direction, so the radial distance between the pump 5 and the cooler 6 and the rotating shaft J1 can be made smaller. Therefore, the driving device 100 can be made more compact. However, the circumferential arrangement of the pump 5 and the cooler 6 is not limited to this example. For example, the cooler 6 may be arranged on the other circumferential side Dr2 of the pump 5.

[0070] More preferably, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the first virtual line Lv1 intersects with a second virtual line Lv2 extending from the rotation axis J1 toward a connection portion Cp1, which will be described later. Note that the connection portion Cp1 is a portion where the first fluid path 721 is connected to the second fluid path 722, as will be described later. In this way, the connection portion Cp1 can be brought closer to the rotation axis J1 in the radial direction, so that the radial size of the housing tubular portion 41 can be made smaller. Therefore, the drive device 100 can be made more compact.

[0071] 3, the first inlet 51 of the pump 5 is preferably disposed on the +Y direction side of the pump 5. The first outlet 52 of the pump 5 is preferably disposed on the -Y direction side of the pump 5. The second inlet 61 of the cooler 6 is preferably disposed on the -Y direction side of the cooler 6 and connected to the first outlet 52 of the pump 5. The second outlet 62 of the cooler 6 is preferably disposed on the +Y direction side of the cooler 6 and connected to the third flow path 73.

[0072] By arranging the first inlet 51 on the +Y direction side of the pump 5 and the first outlet 52 on the -Y direction side, the width of the pump 5 in the circumferential direction Dr can be made smaller. In addition, by arranging the second inlet 61 on the -Y direction side of the cooler 6 and the second outlet 62 on the +Y direction side, the width of the cooler 6 in the circumferential direction Dr can be made smaller. Therefore, the pump 5 and the cooler 6 can be arranged more compactly. In addition, by connecting the first outlet 52 and the second inlet 61 on the -Y direction side, the portion of the second flow path 72 connecting the first outlet 52 and the second inlet 61 can be made shorter. Therefore, the flow path connecting the first outlet 52 of the pump 5 and the second inlet 61 of the cooler 6 can be made shorter.

[0073] However, the arrangement of the first inlet 51 and the first outlet 52 of the pump 5 and the second inlet 61 and the second outlet 62 of the cooler 6 is not limited to the above example. In other words, the above example does not exclude a configuration in which the first inlet 51 is not arranged on the +Y direction side of the pump 5, a configuration in which the first outlet 52 is not arranged on the -Y direction side of the pump 5, a configuration in which the second inlet 61 is not arranged on the -Y direction side of the cooler 6, and a configuration in which the second outlet 62 is not arranged on the +Y direction side of the cooler 6.

[0074] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the second inlet 61 of the cooler 6 is preferably arranged on the -Y direction side and the other circumferential Dr2 side of the cooler 6. The second outlet 62 of the cooler 6 is arranged on the +Y direction side and the one circumferential Dr1 side of the cooler 6. In this way, in the cooler 6, the second inlet 61 and the second outlet 62 can be arranged diagonally in a plan view seen from the radial direction, for example. Therefore, the interval between the second inlet 61 and the second outlet 62 can be made longer, so that the portion of the second flow path 72 arranged in the cooler 6 can be made longer. Therefore, the fluid F can be sufficiently cooled by the cooler 6. However, the arrangement of the second inlet 61 and the second outlet 62 of the cooler 6 is not limited to the above example. In other words, the above example does not exclude a configuration in which the second inlet 61 is not arranged on the -Y direction side and the other circumferential Dr2 side of the cooler 6, and a configuration in which the second outlet 62 is not arranged on the +Y direction side and the one circumferential Dr1 side of the cooler 6.

[0075] Next, as described above, the third flow passage 73 is formed inside the partition wall 42. The other end of the third flow passage 73 is disposed in the +Z direction from one end of the third flow passage 73. Preferably, the third flow passage 73 extends linearly from the one end to the other end as viewed in the axial direction. This can further shorten the flow passage length of the third flow passage 73.

[0076] As described above, the fourth flow path 74 connects the other end of the third flow path 73 and one end of the fifth flow path 75. The fourth flow path 74 has a third inlet 741. The third inlet 741 is disposed in the partition wall 42. In other words, the partition wall 42 has the third inlet 741. The third inlet 741 is a hole extending in the -Y direction from an end face of the partition wall 42 on the +Y direction side, and connects the other end of the third flow path 73 and one end of the fourth flow path 74.

[0077] Furthermore, the fourth flow passage 74 has a third outlet 742. The third outlet 742 of the fourth flow passage 74 is disposed in the gear side lid portion 43. In other words, the gear side lid portion 43 has the third outlet 742. The third outlet 742 connects the other end of the fourth flow passage 74 and one end of the fifth flow passage 75.

[0078] Moreover, the fourth flow path 74 has a tank 8. The tank 8 will be described later.

[0079] Next, as described above, the fifth flow passage 75 is formed inside the gear side cover portion 43. The other end of the fifth flow passage 75 is connected to the second gear bearing holding portion 431. The second gear bearing 4311 is lubricated and cooled by a part of the fluid F flowing into the second gear bearing holding portion 431 through the fifth flow passage 75. In addition, another part of the fluid F flowing into the second gear bearing holding portion 431 through the fifth flow passage 75 flows into the motor shaft 1 from the end of the second shaft 310 on the +Y direction side, and is supplied to the motor portion 2 side.

[0080] Here, a supply limiting member 751 is disposed in the second gear bearing holding portion 431. In other words, the housing 4 has the supply limiting member 751. The supply limiting member 751 limits the amount of fluid F supplied from the fifth flow path 75 to the second gear bearing 4311. This limit ensures that the fluid F is supplied from the fifth flow path 75 to the motor portion 2 side through the second hollow portion 3102 of the second shaft 310. The supply limiting member 751 has an annular portion (reference numeral omitted) facing the second gear bearing 4311 in the Y-axis direction, and a tubular portion (reference numeral omitted) extending from a radially inner end of the annular portion in the -Y direction and inserted into an end of the second shaft 310 on the +Y-direction side. The annular portion has a through hole (reference numeral omitted) penetrating the annular portion in the Y-axis direction. The fluid F is supplied to the second gear bearing 4311 through this through hole, and is also supplied to the inside of the second shaft 310 through the tubular portion.

[0081] Next, the sixth flow path 76 has an internal flow path 761. The internal flow path 761 is a flow path for the fluid F formed inside the partition wall 42. One end of the internal flow path 761 is connected to the other end of the third flow path 73. The other end of the internal flow path 761 opens at an end face on the -Y direction side of the partition wall 42. In the present embodiment, the internal flow path 761 is a portion on one end side of the sixth flow path 76.

[0082] Moreover, the sixth flow passage 76 further includes a fluid supply member 762. The fluid supply member 762 is disposed radially outward from the stator 22, and supplies the fluid F to the stator 22. In this embodiment, the fluid supply member 762 is a portion on the other end side of the sixth flow passage 76. The fluid supply member 762 is accommodated in the motor accommodating portion 401. An end portion on the +Y direction side of the fluid supply member 762 is connected to the other end portion of the internal flow passage 761. An end portion on the -Y direction side of the fluid supply member 762 is fixed to the motor side cover portion 44.

[0083] In this embodiment, the fluid supply member 762 is cylindrical and extends in the Y-axis direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the fluid supply member 762 may be in the shape of a tray having a recess recessed in the -Z direction (vertically downward) and opening in the +Z direction (vertically upward). The fluid F supplied from the third flow path 73 to the sixth flow path 76 flows inside the fluid supply member 762.

[0084] The fluid supply member 762 has at least one supply hole 763. The supply hole 763 opens toward at least one of the stator 22, the first motor bearing 4211, and the second motor bearing 4411. The supply hole 763 is a hole penetrating the fluid supply member 762. For example, in this embodiment, a plurality of supply holes 763 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. The supply hole 763 arranged on the most +Y-direction side opens toward the first motor bearing 4211. The supply hole 763 arranged on the most -Y-direction side opens toward the second motor bearing 4411. In the Y-axis direction, the supply holes 763 arranged between them open toward the radial outer surface of the stator 22 and the end of the stator 22 in the Y-axis direction (for example, the coil end 2221). In this way, the supply hole 763 can supply the fluid F flowing out from the supply hole 763 to at least one of the stator 22, the first motor bearing 4211, and the second motor bearing 4411. Therefore, they can be cooled and lubricated.

[0085] Here, the fluid flow path 7 branches into a fourth flow path 74 and a sixth flow path 76 at the other end of the third flow path 73. Preferably, the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the fourth flow path 74 is narrower than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the sixth flow path 76. Also, the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the third flow path 73 is wider than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the sixth flow path 76. For example, the aperture of the third inlet 741 of the fourth flow path 74 is smaller than the smaller of the inner diameter of the internal flow path 761 in the sixth flow path 76 and the inner diameter of the fluid supply member 762. Also, the inner diameter of the third flow path 73 is larger than the smaller of the inner diameter of the internal flow path 761 in the sixth flow path 76 and the inner diameter of the fluid supply member 762. By making the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the fourth flow path 74 narrower than that of the sixth flow path 76, a decrease in the flow pressure of the fluid F flowing through the third flow path 73 can be reduced. Therefore, for example, even if the fluid supply member 762 is located in the +Z direction (vertically above) the third inlet 741 of the fourth flow path 74 or the viscosity of the fluid F is high, the fluid F can be sufficiently supplied to the fluid supply member 762 through the sixth flow path 76. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the fourth flow path 74 is not narrower than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the sixth flow path 76, or a configuration in which the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the third flow path 73 is not wider than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area in the sixth flow path 76.

[0086] In addition, the fluid flow path 7 may further include a flow path that supplies the fluid F flowing through the sixth flow path 76 to the end of the motor shaft 1 on the -Y direction side. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the drive device 100 as viewed from the X-axis direction. Note that Fig. 9 shows the configuration of the drive device 100a according to the modified example as viewed from the -X direction to the +X direction. Also, Fig. 1 is merely a conceptual diagram, and the arrangement and dimensions of each part are not necessarily the same as those of the actual drive device 100a.

[0087] In FIG. 9, the fluid flow path 7a further includes a seventh flow path 77. One end of the seventh flow path 77 is connected to the end of the sixth flow path 76 on the -Y direction side. The other end of the seventh flow path 77 is connected to the end of the first shaft 210 on the -Y direction side. In detail, the seventh flow path 77 is disposed in the motor side cover 44 and connected to the second motor bearing holder 441. In other words, the motor side cover 44 has the seventh flow path 77. A part of the fluid F flowing from the sixth flow path 76 to the seventh flow path 77 is supplied to the second motor bearing 4411 to lubricate and cool the second motor bearing 4411. In addition, the other end of the seventh flow path 77 is connected to the end of the first shaft 210 on the -Y direction side via the second motor bearing holder 441. Another part of the fluid F flowing from the sixth flow path 76 to the seventh flow path 77 is supplied to the inside of the motor unit 2 via the second motor bearing holder 441. In this way, the fluid F that has passed through the sixth flow passage 76 and the seventh flow passage 77 can also be supplied in the −Y direction of the first shaft 210. Therefore, a larger amount of the fluid F can be sufficiently supplied to the inside of the motor section 2.

[0088] 9, a supply limiting member 771 is disposed in the second motor bearing holding portion 441. In other words, the housing 4 has the supply limiting member 771. The supply limiting member 771 limits the amount of fluid F supplied from the seventh flow path 77 to the second motor bearing 4411. This limit ensures that the fluid F is supplied from the seventh flow path 77 to the inside of the motor portion 2 through the first hollow portion 2102 of the first shaft 210. The supply limiting member 771 has an annular portion (reference number omitted) facing the second motor bearing 4411 in the Y-axis direction, and a tubular portion (reference number omitted) extending from a radial inner end of the annular portion in the -Y direction and inserted into an end portion of the first shaft 210 on the -Y direction side. The annular portion has a through hole (reference number omitted) penetrating the annular portion in the Y-axis direction. The fluid F is supplied to the second motor bearing 4411 through this through hole, and is also supplied to the inside of the first shaft 210 through the tubular portion.

[0089] <1-6. Second flow path 72> Next, the configuration of the second flow path 72 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0090] The second flow passage 72 includes a first fluid path 721 and a second fluid path 722. The first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 each extend linearly. One end of the first fluid path 721 is connected to the pump 5. The other end of the first fluid path 721 is connected to the second fluid path 722 and is connected to the cooler 6 via the second fluid path 722. In detail, the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 are disposed inside the housing cylindrical portion 41. The other end of the first fluid path 721 is connected to a portion between both ends of the second fluid path 722. The other end of the second fluid path 722 opens to the radial outer surface of the housing cylindrical portion 41. In order to prevent leakage of the fluid F, one end of the second fluid path 722 is blocked by a seal plug 7221.

[0091] The second flow path 72 includes a third fluid path 723, a fourth fluid path 724, and a fifth fluid path 725. The third fluid path 723 is disposed inside the housing cylindrical portion 41, and connects one end of the second fluid path 722 and the second inlet 61 of the cooler 6. The fourth fluid path 724 is disposed inside the cooler 6, and connects the third fluid path 723 and the fifth fluid path 725. In this embodiment, one end of the fourth fluid path 724 is the second inlet 61, and the other end of the fourth fluid path 724 is the second outlet 62. The fluid F flowing through the fourth fluid path 724 is cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant RE of a separate pipe. The fifth fluid path 725 is disposed inside the housing cylindrical portion 41, and connects the second outlet 62 of the cooler 6 and one end of the third flow path 73.

[0092] When viewed from the Y-axis direction, the direction in which the first fluid path 721 extends intersects with the direction in which the second fluid path 722 extends. Here, as shown in Fig. 8, the first line segment L1 is an imaginary line segment connecting a connection portion Cp1 of the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 and one end of the first fluid path 721. The second line segment L2 is an imaginary line segment connecting the connection portion Cp1 and an end of the second fluid path 722 on the cooler 6 side. In this case, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the minimum first angle θa formed by the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2 is directed toward the rotation axis J1.

[0093] Since the direction in which the first fluid path 721 extends and the direction in which the second fluid path 722 extends intersect, the minimum first angle θa formed by the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2 is greater than 0 degrees and smaller than 180 degrees. Furthermore, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the first angle θa faces the rotation axis J1. As a result, the width between the radial inner end and the radial outer end of the space occupied by the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 can be made smaller. Therefore, the radial size of the housing cylindrical portion 41 can be made smaller. In addition, the pump 5 and the cooler 6, which are arranged in the circumferential direction, can be arranged further radially inward. Therefore, the drive device 100 can be made more compact.

[0094] Preferably, the first angle θa is an obtuse angle as viewed from the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 8). By making the first angle θa an obtuse angle, the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 can be brought closer to the motor accommodating portion 401 in the radial direction. If the first angle θa is an acute angle when forming the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 in the housing tubular portion 41, it becomes necessary to move the connection portion Cp1 of the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 farther away from the motor accommodating portion 401 in the radial direction. Therefore, the radial size of the housing tubular portion 41 can be reduced, so that the drive device 100 can be made more compact. In addition, a seal plug 7221 for preventing leakage of the fluid F is disposed at the end portion on the radially outer side of the second fluid path 722. By making the first angle θa an obtuse angle, it becomes easier to move the end portion on the radially outer side of the second fluid path 722 farther away from the cooler 6 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the seal plug 7221 from interfering with the cooler 6 and hindering the arrangement of the cooler 6. Also, since the radially outer end of the second fluid path 722 can be arranged further radially inward, an increase in the radial size of the housing cylindrical portion 41 can be suppressed. Therefore, an increase in the size of the drive device 100 can be suppressed. However, the above examples do not exclude a configuration in which the first angle θa is a right angle or an acute angle when viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0095] Preferably, the minimum second angle θb between the direction in which the first fluid path 721 extends and the direction in which the second fluid path 722 extends as viewed from the Y-axis direction is smaller than the minimum third angle θc between the tangential direction Dt and the direction in which the first fluid path 721 extends (see FIG. 8). Here, the tangential direction Dt is the direction in which the tangent Lt at the end of the second fluid path 722 on the cooler 6 side extends. .child The tangent line Lt of the second fluid path 722 is tangent to the imaginary circle Cv when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The imaginary circle Cv is centered on the rotation axis J1 and passes through the end of the second fluid path 722 on the cooler 6 side. In other words, the imaginary circle Cv passes through the connection part Cp2 between the second fluid path 722 and the third fluid path 723. The tangent line Lt is tangent to the imaginary circle Cv at the connection part Cp2 between the second fluid path 722 and the third fluid path 723. By making θb<θc, it becomes easier to separate the seal plug 7221 arranged at the end of the second fluid path 722 on the radially outer side from the cooler 6, so that it is possible to more reliably prevent the end of the second fluid path 722 on the radially outer side from interfering with the arrangement of the cooler 6. In addition, since the end of the second fluid path 722 on the radially outer side can be arranged further radially inward, an increase in the radial size of the housing cylindrical portion 41 can be suppressed. Therefore, an increase in the size of the drive unit 100 can be suppressed. However, this example does not exclude a configuration where θb≧θc.

[0096] Also, preferably, at least one of the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 extends in a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. In other words, at least one of the directions in which the first fluid path 721 extends and the second fluid path 722 extends is parallel to a virtual plane Pv perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. For example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, both the directions in which the first fluid path 721 extends and the second fluid path 722 extend are parallel to the virtual plane Pv. By extending at least one of the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 in a direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction, at least one of the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 can be more easily formed in the housing tube portion 41. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which both the directions in which the first fluid path 721 extends and the second fluid path 722 extend intersect with the virtual plane Pv.

[0097] <1-7.Tank 8> Next, the tank 8 will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG. 10 to FIG. 13. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of the tank 8. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the tank 8. FIG. 12A is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a first modified example of the tank 8. FIG. 12B is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a second modified example of the tank 8. FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the third outlet 742. Note that FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional structure of the drive device 100 cut along a virtual plane including the two-dot chain line CC in FIG. 3 and perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. In FIG. 10, the gear unit 3 and the like are omitted for ease of viewing. FIG. 11 shows an enlarged view of the portion A surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 1. FIGS. 12A to 13 each correspond to the portion A surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 1.

[0098] As described above, the fourth flow path 74 has the tank 8. The tank 8 is connected to the other end of the third flow path 73 through the third inlet 741, and is connected to one end of the fifth flow path 75 through the third outlet 742. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the tank 8 is larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third inlet 741. In the tank 8, the fluid F flows in the +Y direction. The "flow path cross-sectional area" is the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space of the tank 8 when the tank 8 is cut by a virtual plane perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid F flows in the tank 8. In this way, the volume of the internal space of the tank 8 can be secured widely, so that the fluid F flowing from the third flow path 73 to the fourth flow path 74 can be stored in the tank 8. Therefore, by disposing the tank 8, the fluid F can be smoothly supplied from the fourth flow path 74 to the fifth flow path 75 without interruption.

[0099] The tank 8 has a cylindrical first tank member 81 and a cylindrical second tank member 82. The first tank member 81 extends in the +Y direction from the +Y direction side of the partition wall 42. The second tank member 82 extends in the -Y direction from the -Y direction side of the gear side lid portion 43 and is connected to the end of the first tank member 81 on the +Y direction side. In other words, the partition wall 42 has the first tank member 81, and the gear side lid portion 43 has the second tank member 82. In this way, the tank 8 can be configured by the first tank member 81 on the partition wall 42 side and the second tank member 82 on the gear side lid portion 43 side.

[0100] In this embodiment, the tank 8 further includes a sealing member 83. The end of the first tank member 81 on the +Y direction side is in contact with the end of the second tank member 82 on the -Y direction side via the sealing member 83. For example, a ring-shaped gasket disposed between the first tank member 81 and the second tank member 82 can be used as the sealing member 83. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the tank 8 can be formed by fixing the gear-side cover 43 to the partition wall 42 in a state where the first tank member 81 and the second tank member 82 are butted against each other via the sealing member 83. In this way, the sealing member 83 can seal the connection portion between the end of the first tank member 81 on the +Y direction side and the end of the second tank member 82 on the -Y direction side. Therefore, leakage of the fluid F at the joint between the first tank member 81 and the second tank member 82 can be more reliably prevented.

[0101] The configuration of the tank 8 is not limited to the example of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B, one of the end portion on the +Y direction side of the first tank member 81 and the end portion on the -Y direction side of the second tank member 82 may be fitted into the other.

[0102] 12A, the outer diameter of the end portion on the +Y direction side of the first tank member 81 and the inner diameter of the end portion on the -Y direction side of the second tank member 82 are the same to such an extent that a fitting structure can be formed between the two. In FIG. 12A, the end portion on the +Y direction side of the first tank member 81 fits into the end portion on the -Y direction side of the second tank member 82.

[0103] 12B, the inner diameter of the end portion on the +Y direction side of the first tank member 81 and the outer diameter of the end portion on the -Y direction side of the second tank member 82 when viewed from the Y axis direction are the same to such an extent that a fitting structure can be formed between the two. In FIG. 12B, the end portion on the -Y direction side of the second tank member 82 fits into the end portion on the +Y direction side of the first tank member 81.

[0104] In this way, the tank 8 can be constructed by a fitting structure between the end portion on the +Y direction side of the first tank member 81 and the end portion on the -Y direction side of the second tank member 82. Compared to a configuration in which the two are butt-connected as in FIG. 11, this is less susceptible to the effects of dimensional tolerances between the two. Therefore, the tank 8 can be easily constructed. Also, for example, even without using the sealing member 83, leakage of the fluid F at the joint between the two can be prevented.

[0105] The tank 8 also has a third outlet 742 and a bottom surface 84. The X-axis direction is perpendicular to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction (vertical direction). The third outlet 742 is disposed on the -Z direction side (vertically downward side) and the -X direction side of the tank 8 as viewed from the Y-axis direction, and is connected to the fifth flow path 75. Preferably, the bottom surface 84 extends in the -Z direction (vertically downward) as it approaches the -X direction. The inclination of the bottom surface 84 is set according to the inclination of the drive unit 100 that occurs when the vehicle 300 mounting the drive unit 100 turns left or right. In this way, even if the drive unit 100 tilts when the vehicle 300 mounting the drive unit 100 turns right or left, for example, the fluid F can be collected on the -X direction side of the tank 8 where the third outlet 742 is disposed. Therefore, the fluid F in the tank 8 can be supplied to the fifth flow path 75 without interruption. Therefore, even if the drive device 100 is tilted, the fluid F can be stably supplied into the second shaft 310. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which the bottom surface 84 does not widen in the -Z direction (vertically downward) as it approaches the -X direction. For example, the bottom surface 84 may be parallel to the X-axis direction when viewed from the axial direction, or may extend in the +Z direction (vertically upward) as it approaches the -X direction. In the latter case, an appropriate amount of the fluid F can be stored in the tank 8.

[0106] The third outlet 742 is the other end of the fourth flow path 74. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 11 etc., the third outlet 742 is disposed at the end of the tank 8 on the +Y direction side. This allows the fluid F to flow smoothly into the fifth flow path 75.

[0107] However, the arrangement of the third outlet 742 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 11. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, the third outlet 742 may be arranged away from the end of the tank 8 on the +Y direction side in the -Y direction. In this way, the fluid F can be supplied to the fifth flow path 75 while an appropriate amount of the fluid F is stored in the tank 8.

[0108] Preferably, as in this embodiment, the tank 8 further has an inclined surface 85. The inclined surface 85 is disposed opposite the third inlet 741, and extends in the +Y direction as it moves in the -Z direction (vertically downward) (see FIG. 10, for example). This makes it easier to guide the fluid F that flows into the tank 8 from the third inlet 741 and hits the inclined surface 85 in the -Z direction (vertically downward).

[0109] In this case, the inner surface of one end of the fifth flow path 75 is connected to the inclined surface 85. The direction in which the one end of the fifth flow path 75 extends is parallel to the inclined surface 85. In this way, the fluid F flowing along the inclined surface 85 can be smoothly guided to the one end of the fifth flow path 75.

[0110] However, the examples of this embodiment do not exclude a configuration in which the tank 8 does not have an inclined surface 85. Alternatively, even if the tank 8 has an inclined surface 85, the examples of this embodiment do not exclude a configuration in which the inner surface of one end of the fifth flow path 75 is not directly connected to the inclined surface 85, or a configuration in which the extending direction of one end of the fifth flow path 75 is not parallel to the inclined surface 85.

[0111] <2.Other> The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. Note that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The present invention can be implemented by adding various modifications to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the matters described in the above-described embodiments can be appropriately combined in any manner as long as no contradiction occurs. [Industrial Applicability]

[0112] The present invention is useful for an apparatus that supplies fluid within a housing to a motor section. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 100, 100a... drive device, 200... battery, 300... vehicle, 1... motor shaft, 2... motor section, 21... rotor, 210... first shaft, 2101... first shaft cylinder section, 2102... first hollow section, 2103... shaft through hole, 211... rotor core, 2111... rotor through hole, 212... magnet, 22... stator, 221... stator core, 222... coil section, 2221... coil end, 223... protrusion, 3... gear section, 31... reduction gear, 310... second shaft, 3101... first 2cylindrical shaft portion, 3102...second hollow portion, 311...main drive gear, 312...intermediate driven gear, 313...final drive gear, 314...intermediate shaft, 32...differential device, 321...ring gear, 4...housing, 401...motor accommodating portion, 402...gear accommodating portion, 41...cylindrical housing portion, 411...recess, 42...partition wall, 4201...partition wall through hole, 4202...first output shaft through hole, 4203...opening, 421...first motor bearing retaining portion, 4211...first motor bearing , 422...first gear bearing retaining portion, 4221...first gear bearing, 423...first intermediate bearing retaining portion, 4231...first intermediate bearing, 424...first output bearing retaining portion, 4241...first output bearing, 43...gear side cover portion, 4301...second output shaft through hole, 431...second gear bearing retaining portion, 4311...second gear bearing, 432...second intermediate bearing retaining portion, 4321...second intermediate bearing, 433...second output bearing retaining portion, 4331...second output bearing, 43 4···Receiver portion, 4341···Hole portion, 44···Motor side cover portion, 441···Second motor bearing retaining portion, 4411···Second motor bearing, 5···Pump, 50···Fixed portion, 51···First inlet, 52···First outlet, 6···Cooler, 61···Second inlet, 62···Second outlet, 7, 7a···Fluid flow path, 71···First flow path, 72···Second flow path, 721···First fluid path, 722···Second fluid path, 7221···Seal plug, 723···Third fluid path, 724···Fourth fluid path, 725···Fifth fluid path, 73··· third flow path, 74···fourth flow path, 741···third inlet, 742···third outlet, 75···fifth flow path, 751···supply limiting member, 76···sixth flow path, 761···internal flow path, 762···fluid supply member, 763···supply hole, 77···seventh flow path, 771···supply limiting member, 8···tank, 81···first tank member, 82···second tank member, 83···sealing member, 84···bottom surface, 85···inclined surface, F···fluid, P···fluid reservoir, Ds···output shaft, J1···rotating shaft, J2···intermediate shaft, J3···differential shaft, Cp1,Cp2: Connection part, Lv1: First virtual line, Lv2: Second virtual line, L1: First line segment, L2: Second line segment, L3: Third line segment, L4: Fourth line segment, L5: Fifth line segment, L6: Sixth line segment, Cv: Virtual circle, Pv: Virtual plane,

Claims

1. a motor section including a rotor having a motor shaft rotatable about a rotation axis extending in an axial direction, and a stator disposed radially outward from the rotor; a housing tubular portion that is tubular and extends in an axial direction; A pump for pumping a fluid; A cooler for cooling the fluid; Equipped with The housing cylindrical portion is a motor housing portion that houses the motor portion; a fluid passage disposed radially outward from the motor housing portion and connecting the pump and the cooler; having the pump and the cooler are respectively disposed on a radially outer surface of the cylindrical housing portion and aligned in a circumferential direction; The fluid path includes a first fluid path and a second fluid path extending linearly, One end of the first fluid path is connected to the pump, the other end of the first fluid path is connected to the second fluid path and is connected to the cooler via the second fluid path; When viewed from the axial direction, the direction in which the first fluid path extends intersects with the direction in which the second fluid path extends, The first line segment is a virtual line segment that connects a connection portion of the first fluid path and the second fluid path and one end of the first fluid path, the second line segment is a virtual line segment connecting the connection portion and an end portion of the second fluid path on the cooler side, When viewed from the axial direction, in a circumferential direction centered on a connection portion of the first fluid path and the second fluid path, a circumferential position of the rotation shaft is within a circumferential range of a minimum first angle formed by the first line segment and the second line segment, When viewed in an axial direction, the first angle is an obtuse angle.

2. The tangential direction at the end of the second fluid path on the cooler side is a direction in which a tangent line tangent to a virtual circle that is centered on the rotation axis and passes through the end of the second fluid path on the cooler side extends when viewed from the axial direction, 2. The drive device according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed in the axial direction, a minimum second angle formed between the direction in which the first fluid path extends and the direction in which the second fluid path extends is smaller than a minimum third angle formed between the tangential direction and the direction in which the first fluid path extends.

3. A motor section including a rotor having a motor shaft rotatable about an axially extending rotation axis, and a stator disposed radially outward from the rotor; a housing tubular portion that is tubular and extends in an axial direction; A pump for pumping a fluid; A cooler for cooling the fluid; Equipped with The housing cylindrical portion is a motor housing portion that houses the motor portion; a fluid passage disposed radially outward from the motor housing portion and connecting the pump and the cooler; having the pump and the cooler are respectively disposed on a radially outer surface of the cylindrical housing portion and aligned in a circumferential direction; The fluid path includes a first fluid path and a second fluid path extending linearly, One end of the first fluid path is connected to the pump, the other end of the first fluid path is connected to the second fluid path and is connected to the cooler via the second fluid path; When viewed from the axial direction, the direction in which the first fluid path extends intersects with the direction in which the second fluid path extends, The first line segment is a virtual line segment that connects a connection portion of the first fluid path and the second fluid path and one end of the first fluid path, the second line segment is a virtual line segment connecting the connection portion and an end portion of the second fluid path on the cooler side, When viewed from the axial direction, in a circumferential direction centered on a connection portion of the first fluid path and the second fluid path, a circumferential position of the rotation shaft is within a circumferential range of a minimum first angle formed by the first line segment and the second line segment, The tangential direction at the end of the second fluid path on the cooler side is a direction in which a tangent line tangent to a virtual circle that is centered on the rotation axis and passes through the end of the second fluid path on the cooler side extends when viewed from the axial direction, A drive device, wherein, when viewed in the axial direction, a minimum second angle formed between the direction in which the first fluid path extends and the direction in which the second fluid path extends is smaller than a minimum third angle formed between the tangential direction and the direction in which the first fluid path extends.

4. A motor section including a rotor having a motor shaft rotatable about an axially extending rotation axis, and a stator disposed radially outward from the rotor; a housing tubular portion that is tubular and extends in an axial direction; A pump for pumping a fluid; A cooler for cooling the fluid; Equipped with The housing cylindrical portion is a motor housing portion that houses the motor portion; a fluid passage disposed radially outward from the motor housing portion and connecting the pump and the cooler; having the pump and the cooler are respectively disposed on a radially outer surface of the cylindrical housing portion and aligned in a circumferential direction; The fluid path includes a first fluid path and a second fluid path extending linearly, One end of the first fluid path is connected to the pump, the other end of the first fluid path is connected to the second fluid path and is connected to the cooler via the second fluid path; When viewed from the axial direction, the direction in which the first fluid path extends intersects with the direction in which the second fluid path extends, The first line segment is a virtual line segment that connects a connection portion of the first fluid path and the second fluid path and one end of the first fluid path, the second line segment is a virtual line segment connecting the connection portion and an end portion of the second fluid path on the cooler side, When viewed from the axial direction, in a circumferential direction centered on a connection portion of the first fluid path and the second fluid path, a circumferential position of the rotation shaft is within a circumferential range of a minimum first angle formed by the first line segment and the second line segment, The stator has a protrusion that protrudes radially outward at a radially outer end of the stator, the cooler is disposed on one circumferential side of a first imaginary line passing through the rotation shaft and a radial outer end portion of the protrusion, as viewed in the axial direction, the pump is disposed on the other circumferential side of the first imaginary line as viewed in the axial direction, The pump has a plurality of fixing parts fixed to the housing cylindrical part, The fixing portion is disposed along an outer edge portion of the pump as viewed in an axial direction, The protrusions of the stator are arranged in a circumferential direction, The third line segment is a virtual line segment connecting two of the protruding portions that are arranged at a position closest to the pump as viewed in the axial direction, a fourth line segment is a virtual line segment connecting two of the fixed portions that are disposed at positions closest to the stator as viewed in the axial direction, A drive device, wherein the third line segment is parallel to the fourth line segment when viewed in an axial direction.

5. The stator has a protrusion that protrudes radially outward at a radially outer end of the stator, the cooler is disposed on one circumferential side of a first imaginary line passing through the rotation shaft and a radial outer end portion of the protrusion, as viewed in the axial direction, The drive device according to claim 1 , wherein the pump is disposed on another circumferential side of the first imaginary line when viewed in the axial direction.

6. The pump has a plurality of fixing parts fixed to the housing cylindrical part, The fixing portion is disposed along an outer edge portion of the pump as viewed in an axial direction, The protrusions of the stator are arranged in a circumferential direction, The third line segment is a virtual line segment connecting two of the protruding portions that are arranged at a position closest to the pump as viewed in the axial direction, a fourth line segment is a virtual line segment connecting two of the fixed portions that are disposed at positions closest to the stator as viewed in the axial direction, The drive device according to claim 5 , wherein the third line segment is parallel to the fourth line segment when viewed in the axial direction.

7. The drive unit according to claim 4 , wherein, as viewed in the axial direction, the first imaginary line intersects with a second imaginary line extending from the rotation shaft toward the connection portion.

8. The drive unit according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of a direction in which the first fluid path extends and a direction in which the second fluid path extends is parallel to a virtual plane perpendicular to an axial direction.

9. a gear portion attached to one axial side of the motor shaft, The gear unit has a differential device having a ring gear rotatable around a differential shaft extending in the axial direction, The first direction is perpendicular to the axial direction, the differential shaft is disposed on one side of the rotation shaft in the first direction, The drive unit according to claim 1 , wherein the pump is disposed on one side of the rotation shaft in the first direction and on the other side of the differential shaft in the first direction.

10. The gear portion is a first gear rotatable together with the motor shaft about the rotation axis; a second gear meshing with the first gear; a third gear meshing with the ring gear; and The second direction is perpendicular to the axial direction and the first direction, The second gear and the third gear are rotatable about an intermediate shaft extending in an axial direction, the intermediate shaft is disposed on one side of the rotation shaft in the first direction and on the other side of the differential shaft in the first direction, and is disposed on one side of the rotation shaft and the differential shaft in the second direction, The fifth line segment is a virtual line segment connecting the intermediate shaft and the rotation shaft, a sixth line segment is a virtual line segment connecting the intermediate shaft and the differential shaft, The drive device according to claim 9 , wherein the minimum fourth angle formed by the fifth line segment and the sixth line segment when viewed in the axial direction is an obtuse angle.

Images