Drive unit

Abstract

To connect refrigerant flow paths to each other without needing of strict sealing of refrigerant flow paths in a drive device.SOLUTION: A housing 5 of a drive device 1 includes a refrigerant flow path through which a refrigerant flows. The refrigerant flow path includes a first flow path 55a, a second flow path 55b, and a connection flow path 5531. The refrigerant to be sent from a pump 4 flows through the first flow path 55a. The refrigerant to be supplied to a motor portion flows in the second flow path 55b. The first flow path 55a and the second flow path 55b are connected to each other with the connection flow path 5531. At least a part of the connection flow path 5531 is disposed in a motor accommodation space for accommodating the motor portion 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a drive device has been known that has a flow path for a refrigerant inside a housing to cool a motor (see JP 2019-129608 A). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-129608 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] 9, each of the multiple members A and B that make up the housing H of the drive device may have a flow path Pa and Pb for the refrigerant C. When the flow paths Pa and Pb are connected to each other, it is necessary to seal the connection between the flow paths Pa and Pb formed in the separate members A and B to prevent leakage of the refrigerant C.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to connect coolant flow paths to each other without the need for a strict seal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An exemplary drive device of the present invention includes a motor unit and a housing that accommodates the motor unit. The motor unit includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor has a shaft that is rotatable about a rotation axis extending along the axial direction. The shaft is rotatable about the rotation axis extending along the axial direction. The stator is disposed radially outward from the rotor. The housing includes a first housing, a second housing, a motor accommodating space, and a refrigerant flow path. The first housing extends axially and surrounds the stator. The second housing is attached to one axial end of the first housing. The motor accommodating space is surrounded by the first and second housings and accommodates the motor unit. A refrigerant flows through the refrigerant flow path. The refrigerant flow path includes a first flow path arranged in the first housing, a second flow path arranged in the second housing, and a connecting flow path. The refrigerant delivered from a pump flows through the first flow path. The refrigerant supplied to the motor unit flows through the second flow path. The connecting flow path connects the first flow path and the second flow path, and at least a portion of the connecting flow path is disposed within the motor accommodating space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the exemplary drive device of the present invention, the lubricating liquid flow paths can be connected to each other without the need for precise sealing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the drive device as viewed from the Z-axis direction. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the drive device as viewed from the X-axis direction. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the drive device as viewed from the Y-axis direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the drive unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle having a drive device. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the housing. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the motor-side oil passage. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A shows a first modified example of the connecting pipe. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B shows a second modified example of the connecting pipe. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows an example of a conventional flow channel connection. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Exemplary embodiments will now be described 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 1 is mounted on a vehicle 200 positioned on a horizontal road surface. The drawings also appropriately illustrate an XYZ coordinate system as a three-dimensional Cartesian 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, facing the opposite direction to the direction of gravity), and the -Z direction is downward (vertically downward, facing 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. For each component, the upper end is referred to as the "upper end," and the position of the upper end in the axial direction is referred to as the "upper end." Furthermore, the lower end is referred to as the "lower end," and the position of the lower end in the axial direction is referred to as the "lower end." Furthermore, for the surface of each component, the surface facing upward is referred to as the "upper surface," and the surface facing downward is referred to as the "lower surface."

[0011] The X-axis direction is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and indicates the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 200 on which the drive unit 1 is mounted. Note that the "X-axis direction" in the following description is an example of the "first direction" of the present invention. The +X direction is the front of the vehicle 200, and the -X direction is the rear of the vehicle 200. However, it is also possible that the +X direction is the rear of the vehicle 200 and the -X direction is the front of the vehicle 200.

[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 200. The +Y direction is the left side of the vehicle 200, and the -Y direction is the right side of the vehicle 200. However, if the +X direction is the rear of the vehicle 200, the +Y direction may be the right side of the vehicle 200 and the -Y direction may be the left side of the vehicle 200. In other words, regardless of the X-axis direction, the +Y direction simply corresponds to one side of the left-right direction of the vehicle 200, and the -Y direction corresponds to the other side of the left-right direction of the vehicle 200. Furthermore, depending on how the drive unit 1 is mounted on the vehicle 200, the X-axis direction may correspond to the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle 200, and the Y-axis direction may correspond to the fore-aft direction of the vehicle 200. In the following embodiment, the Y-axis direction is parallel to, for example, the rotation axis J2 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, the direction parallel to a predetermined axis, such as the rotation axis J2 of the motor unit 2 (Y-axis direction), may be simply referred to as the "axial direction." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the predetermined axis is simply referred to as the "radial direction," and the circumferential direction centered on the predetermined axis is referred to as the "circumferential direction." Within the radial direction, the direction approaching the axis is referred to as the "radially inner direction," and the direction away from the axis is referred to as the "radially outer direction." The radially inner end of each component is referred to as the "radially inner end." Furthermore, the outer end is referred to as the "radially outer end." Furthermore, among the side surfaces of each component, the side surface facing radially inward is referred to as the "radially inner surface," and the side surface facing radially outward is referred to as the "radially outer surface."

[0014] In this specification, the term "annular" refers not only to a shape that is continuous and uninterrupted throughout the entire circumferential direction about the central axis CA, but also to a shape that has one or more interruptions in a portion of the entire area about the central axis CA. It also refers to a shape that describes a closed curve on a curved surface that intersects with the central axis CA.

[0015] Furthermore, in the positional relationship between one of a direction, a line, and a plane and another, "parallel" includes not only a state in which they 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 they intersect at 90 degrees, but also a state in which they are substantially perpendicular and a state in which they are substantially orthogonal. In other words, "parallel," "perpendicular," and "orthogonal" each include a state in which there is an angular deviation in the positional relationship between the two to an extent that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention.

[0016] It should be noted that these are names used merely for the purpose of explanation and are not intended to limit the actual positional relationships, directions, names, etc.

[0017] <1. Drive unit 1> A drive unit 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figs. 1 to 3 are conceptual diagrams of the drive unit 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the drive unit 1 as viewed from the Z-axis direction. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of the drive unit 1 as viewed from the X-axis direction. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the drive unit 1 as viewed from the Y-axis direction. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the drive unit 1. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a vehicle 200 having the drive unit 1. Note that Figs. 1 to 5 are merely conceptual diagrams, and the arrangement and dimensions of each part may not be the same as those of the actual drive unit 1.

[0018] The drive unit 1 is mounted on a vehicle 200 that uses at least a motor as a power source, such as a hybrid vehicle (HV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), or an electric vehicle (EV) (see FIG. 5). The drive unit 1 is used as a power source for the vehicle 200. The vehicle 200 has the drive unit 1 and a battery 150. The battery 150 stores power to be supplied to the drive unit 1. In the example of the vehicle 200, the drive unit 1 drives the left and right front wheels. Note that the drive unit 1 only needs to drive at least one of the wheels.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1 , the drive unit 1 includes a motor unit 2, a gear unit 3, a pump 4, a housing 5, and an oil cooler 8. The motor unit 2 includes a rotor 21 having a motor shaft 22 and a stator 25 disposed radially outward of the rotor 21. The motor shaft 22 is rotatable about a rotation axis J2 extending along the Y-axis direction. Note that the motor shaft 22 is an example of a "shaft" in the present invention, and the Y-axis direction is an example of an "axial direction" in the present invention, as described above. The gear unit 3 is connected to an end of the motor shaft 22 in the +Y direction. The housing 5 accommodates the motor unit 2 and the gear unit 3. The pump 4 supplies oil CL accommodated in the housing 5 to the motor unit 2. As described above, the drive unit 1 includes the pump 4. The oil cooler 8 cools the oil CL. In this embodiment, the oil cooler 8 cools the oil CL supplied from the pump 4 to the motor unit 2.

[0020] The driving device 1 further includes an inverter unit 7. The inverter unit 7 supplies driving power to the motor section 2.

[0021] An accommodating space is provided inside the housing 5 to accommodate the motor section 2, the gear section 3, the pump 4, and the inverter unit 7. As will be described later, this accommodating space is partitioned into a motor accommodating section 61 that accommodates the motor section 2, a gear accommodating section 62 that accommodates the gear section 3, an inverter accommodating section 63 that accommodates the inverter unit 7, and a pump accommodating section 64 that accommodates the pump 4. The inverter unit 7 is fixed integrally to a fourth housing member 54 that will be described later.

[0022] <1-1. Motor section 2> The motor section 2 is accommodated in a motor accommodating section 61 of the housing 5. The motor section 2 includes a rotor 21 and a stator 25.

[0023] <1-1-1. Rotor 21> The rotor 21 rotates about a rotation axis J2 extending in the horizontal direction when power is supplied from a battery (not shown) to the stator 25. In addition to the motor shaft 22, the rotor 21 further includes a rotor core 23 and a rotor magnet 24.

[0024] The motor shaft 22 extends along the rotation axis J2. The motor shaft 22 rotates around the rotation axis J2. The motor shaft 22 is rotatably supported by a first motor bearing 281 and a second motor bearing 282. The first motor bearing 281 is, for example, a ball bearing, and is held by a third housing member 53 of the housing 5, which will be described later. The second motor bearing 282 is, for example, a ball bearing, and is held by a side plate portion 512 of the housing 5, which will be described later.

[0025] The motor shaft 22 is a cylindrical hollow shaft. The motor shaft 22 has a hollow portion 220 and a tubular shaft portion 221 extending in the Y-axis direction. The hollow portion 220 is surrounded by the inner surface of the tubular shaft portion and is connected to a third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) described below. In detail, the hollow portion 220 is connected to the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) at the end of the tubular shaft portion on the -Y direction side. The motor shaft 22 further has a shaft hole portion 222. The shaft hole portion 222 penetrates the tubular shaft portion 221 in the radial direction.

[0026] A hollow transmission shaft 310 (described later) of the gear unit 3 is inserted into and connected to the end of the motor shaft 22 on the +Y direction side. In this embodiment, the two are spline-fitted. Alternatively, the two may be joined by a fixing method such as welding. The hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 communicates with a hollow portion 3101 (described later) of the transmission shaft 310 and a first motor bearing holder 531 that houses the first motor bearing 281.

[0027] The rotor core 23 is a cylindrical body extending along the Y-axis direction. The rotor core 23 is fixed to the radially outer surface of the motor shaft 22. As described above, the rotor 21 has the rotor core 23. In addition, a plurality of rotor magnets 24 are fixed to the rotor core 23. The plurality of rotor magnets 24 are arranged along the circumferential direction with their magnetic poles alternating.

[0028] The rotor core 23 has a rotor through hole 230. The rotor through hole 230 penetrates the rotor core 23 in the Y-axis direction and is connected to the shaft hole portion 222. The rotor through hole 230 is connected to the third supply passage 557 (fourth flow passage 55d) via the hollow portion 220. More specifically, the rotor core 23 has a rotor communication portion 231. The rotor communication portion 231 is a space that penetrates from the radial inner surface of the rotor core 23 to the rotor through hole 230 and connects the rotor through hole 230 and the shaft hole portion 222. The rotor through hole 230 is used as a flow path for oil CL that cools the rotor 21 from the inside. The oil CL flowing through the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 can flow into the rotor through hole 230 via the shaft hole portion 222 and the rotor communication portion 231, as described below. In this way, when rotor 21 rotates, oil CL flows out from the end of rotor through-hole 230 in the Y-axis direction. This oil CL is supplied to the end of stator 25 in the Y-axis direction by centrifugal force caused by the rotation of rotor 21, and is particularly supplied to coil ends 271 (described below) that are arranged at the end of stator 25 in the Y-axis direction. This oil CL can cool the end of stator 25 in the Y-axis direction, and in particular, can cool coil ends 271 of stator 25.

[0029] <1-1-2. Stator 25> The stator 25 surrounds the rotor 21 from the radially outer side and drives the rotor 21 to rotate. As described above, the stator 25 is disposed radially outward of the rotor 21. That is, the motor section 2 is an inner rotor type motor in which the rotor 21 is rotatably disposed inside the stator 25. The stator 25 has a stator core 26, a coil 27, and an insulator (not shown) interposed between the stator core 26 and the coil 27. The stator 25 is held in the housing 5. The stator core 26 has a plurality of magnetic pole teeth (not shown) extending radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the annular yoke.

[0030] A coil wire is wound between the magnetic pole teeth. The coil wire wound around the magnetic pole teeth constitutes the coil 27. The coil wire is connected to the inverter unit 7 via a bus bar (not shown). The coil 27 has a coil end 271 that protrudes from the axial end face of the stator core 26. The coil end 271 protrudes in the axial direction beyond the end of the rotor core 23 of the rotor 21.

[0031] <1-2. Gear part 3> Next, the gear unit 3 transmits the driving force of the motor unit 2 to a drive shaft Ds that drives the wheels of the vehicle 200. Details of the gear unit 3 will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1 etc., the gear unit 3 is housed in a gear housing portion 62 of the housing 5. The gear unit 3 has a reduction gear 31 and a differential gear 32.

[0032] <1-2-1. Reduction device 31> The reduction gear 31 is connected to the motor shaft 22. The reduction gear 31 reduces the rotational speed of the motor unit 2, increases the torque output from the motor unit 2 in accordance with the reduction ratio, and transmits the increased torque to the differential gear 32.

[0033] The reduction gear 31 has a transmission shaft 310, a first gear (intermediate drive gear) 311, a second gear (intermediate gear) 312, a third gear (primary drive gear) 313, and an intermediate shaft 314. Torque output from the motor unit 2 is transmitted to a fourth gear 321 of the differential device 32 via the motor shaft 22, the transmission shaft 310, the first gear 311, the second gear 312, the intermediate shaft 314, and the third gear 313. The gear ratio of each gear, the number of gears, etc. can be changed according to the required reduction ratio. The reduction gear 31 is a parallel-axis gear type reducer in which the axes of the gears are arranged in parallel. The motor shaft 22 and the transmission shaft 310 are spline-fitted.

[0034] The transmission shaft 310 extends in the Y-axis direction around the rotation axis J2 and rotates together with the motor shaft 22 around the rotation axis J2. The motor shaft 22 is rotatably supported by a first gear bearing 341 and a second gear bearing 342. The first gear bearing 341 is, for example, a ball bearing, and is held by a side plate portion 512 of the housing 5, as described below. The second gear bearing 342 is, for example, a ball bearing, and is held by a second housing member 52, as described below.

[0035] The transmission shaft 310 is a cylindrical hollow shaft. The transmission shaft 310 has a hollow portion 3101 and a cylindrical transmission shaft cylindrical portion 3102 extending in the Y-axis direction. The hollow portion 3101 is surrounded by the inner surface of the transmission shaft cylindrical portion 3102, and is connected to a gear-side oil passage 525 (described later) at the end of the transmission shaft cylindrical portion 3102 on the +Y direction side. The end of the transmission shaft cylindrical portion 3102 on the -Y direction side is connected to the end of the motor shaft 22 on the +Y direction side. In addition, the end of the transmission shaft cylindrical portion 3102 on the +Y direction side is rotatably held by a second gear bearing holding portion 521 via a second gear bearing 342.

[0036] Note that, without being limited to the example of this embodiment, the transmission shaft 310 may be the same member as the motor shaft 22, that is, they may be integral. In other words, the motor shaft 22 may be a hollow shaft extending across the motor accommodating portion 61 and the gear accommodating portion 62 of the housing 5. In this case, the end of the motor shaft 22 on the +Y direction side protrudes toward the gear accommodating portion 62 and is rotatably supported by the second gear bearing 342. In addition, the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 communicates with a first motor bearing holder 531 that houses the first motor bearing 281 and a second gear bearing holder 521 that houses the second gear bearing 342.

[0037] The first gear 311 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the transmission shaft 310. The first gear 311 may be the same member as the transmission shaft 310, or may be a different member. When the first gear 311 and the transmission shaft 310 are different members, the first gear 311 and the transmission shaft 310 are firmly fixed together by shrink fitting or the like. The first gear 311 is rotatable together with the transmission shaft 310 about the rotation axis J2.

[0038] The intermediate shaft 314 extends along an intermediate axis J4 that is parallel to the rotation axis J2, and is supported by the housing 5 so as to be rotatable about the intermediate axis J4. Both ends of the intermediate shaft 314 are rotatably supported by a third gear bearing 343 and a fourth gear bearing 344. The third gear bearing 343 is, for example, a ball bearing, and is held by the side plate portion 512 of the housing 5. The fourth gear bearing 344 is, for example, a ball bearing, and is held by the second housing member 52.

[0039] The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate shaft 314. The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 may be the same member as the intermediate shaft 314 or may be different members. If the second gear 312 and the intermediate shaft 314 are different members, they are firmly fixed to each other by shrink fitting or the like. If the third gear 313 and the intermediate shaft 314 are different members, they are firmly fixed to each other by shrink fitting or the like. The third gear 313 is disposed closer to the side plate portion 512 (i.e., in the -Y direction) than the second gear 312. The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 are connected via the intermediate shaft 314. The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 are rotatable about the intermediate shaft J4. The second gear 312 meshes with the first gear 311. The third gear 313 meshes with the fourth gear 321 of the differential device 32 .

[0040] The torque of the transmission shaft 310 is transmitted from the first gear 311 to the second gear 312. Then, the torque transmitted to the second gear 312 is transmitted to the third gear 313 via the intermediate shaft 314. Furthermore, the torque transmitted to the third gear 313 is transmitted to the fourth gear 321 of the differential device 32. In this way, the reduction gear 31 transmits the torque output from the motor unit 2 to the differential device 32.

[0041] <1-2-2. Differential device 32> The differential 32 is attached to the drive shaft Ds. The differential 32 transmits the output torque of the motor unit 2 to the drive shaft Ds. The drive shafts Ds are attached to the left and right sides of the differential 32. For example, when the vehicle 200 turns, the differential 32 has a function of absorbing the speed difference between the left and right wheels (drive shafts Ds) and transmitting the same torque to the left and right drive shafts Ds. The differential 32 has, for example, a fourth gear (ring gear) 321, a gear housing (not shown), a pair of pinion gears (not shown), a pinion shaft (not shown), and a pair of side gears (not shown).

[0042] The fourth gear 321 is rotatable about a differential axis J5 that is parallel to the rotation axis J2. Torque output from the motor unit 2 is transmitted to the fourth gear 321 via the reduction gear 31. A portion of the fourth gear 321 on the −Z direction side is immersed in an oil reservoir P at the bottom of the gear accommodating portion 62. For example, when the fourth gear 321 of the differential gear 32 rotates, oil CL is scooped up by the tooth surface of the fourth gear 321. Some of the oil is supplied to the inside of the gear accommodating portion 62 and used to lubricate the gears and bearings of the reduction gear 31 and the differential gear 32 within the gear accommodating portion 62. Another portion of the scooped up oil CL is collected in a receptacle portion 524 (described later) and then supplied to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 through a gear-side oil passage 525 (described later) and a hollow portion 3101 of the transmission shaft 310, where it is used to cool the stator 25.

[0043] <1-3. Pump 4 and oil cooler 8> Next, the pump 4 is an electrically driven pump, and is connected to the inverter unit 7 via a harness cable (not shown). That is, the pump 4 is driven by the inverter unit 7. A trochoidal pump, a centrifugal pump, or the like can be used as the pump 4. The pump 4 is provided in a pump accommodating portion 64 formed in the housing 5. For example, the pump 4 is fixed to the housing 5 with bolts (not shown).

[0044] The suction port 41 of the pump 4 is inserted into the first oil passage 551 so as to block the first oil passage 551, which will be described later. The suction port 41 of the pump 4 is connected to the strainer 42 via the first oil passage 551, which will be described later. The strainer 42 is disposed in the gear accommodating portion 62 of the housing 5. The strainer 42 is disposed in an oil reservoir P (see FIG. 2, etc.), which will be described later, in the gear accommodating portion 62. The strainer 42 draws oil CL from an inlet (not shown) disposed on its underside when the pump 4 is driven, and supplies the oil to the suction port 41 of the pump 4. A filtering structure (not shown), such as a filter, is attached to the strainer 42. The attachment of the filtering structure can prevent foreign matter from entering the pump 4 and the motor section 2.

[0045] The discharge port 43 of the pump 4 opens into the pump housing portion 64. That is, the oil CL ejected from the pump 4 fills the pump housing portion 64. A second oil passage 552, which will be described later, is connected to the pump housing portion 64. The pump 4 discharges the oil CL sucked from the suction port 41 from the discharge port 43 and sends it to the oil cooler 8 via the second oil passage 552.

[0046] The oil cooler 8 exchanges heat between the oil CL delivered from the pump 4 via the second oil passage 552 and the refrigerant RE supplied via a system separate from the motor-side oil passage 55, which includes the second oil passage 552 and will be described later. In this way, the oil cooler 8 cools the oil CL delivered from the pump 4. The oil CL cooled by the oil cooler 8 is supplied to the motor section 2 via a third oil passage 553 and a fourth oil passage 554, which will be described later. The refrigerant RE is supplied to the oil cooler 8 after cooling IGBTs, SIC elements, and the like (not shown) of the inverter unit 7.

[0047] The pump accommodating section 64 is formed in the peripheral wall section 514 that surrounds the inverter accommodating section 63 (see FIG. 5). For example, the pump accommodating section 64 can be arranged by utilizing dead space in the inverter accommodating section 63 other than the space occupied by the inverter unit 7. This allows the pump 4 to be arranged compactly, which contributes to the miniaturization of the drive device 1.

[0048] <1-4. Housing 5> Next, the configuration of the housing 5 will be described. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the housing 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the housing 5 has a first housing member 51. The first housing member 51 has a cylindrical tubular portion 511. That is, the housing 5 has the tubular portion 511. The tubular portion 511 extends in the Y-axis direction and surrounds the stator 25. The tubular portion 511 is an example of the "first housing" in the present invention. The first housing member 51 also has a side plate portion 512. That is, the housing 5 has the side plate portion 512. The side plate portion 512 covers the end of the tubular portion 511 on the +Y-direction side. The end on the +Y-direction side corresponds to the "other axial end." In this embodiment, the tubular portion 511 and the side plate portion 512 are the same member. However, this is not limiting, and the tubular portion 511 and the side plate portion 512 may be separate members.

[0049] The housing 5 further includes a second housing member 52. The second housing member 52 is attached to the end of the side plate portion 512 on the +Y direction side. The second housing member 52 and the side plate portion 512 form a gear accommodating portion 62, which will be described later.

[0050] The housing 5 further includes a third housing member 53. The third housing member 53 is an example of the "second housing" in the present invention. The third housing member 53 is attached to the end of the cylindrical portion 511 on the -Y direction side. The end on the -Y direction side corresponds to the "one axial end" in the present invention. The third housing member 53 closes and blocks the end of the cylindrical portion 511 on the -Y direction side.

[0051] The contact portion 530 where the third housing member 53 comes into contact with the cylindrical portion 511 is annular when viewed in the Y-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 3. The housing 5 has a continuous contact portion 530 where the cylindrical portion 511 and the third housing member 53 come into contact. The third housing member 53 has a first motor bearing 281 that rotatably supports the motor shaft 22. The first motor bearing 281 is an example of a "bearing" in the present invention. The third housing member 53 also has a first motor bearing holder 531 that holds the first motor bearing 281. The first motor bearing holder 531 rotatably supports the end of the motor shaft 22 on the -Y direction side via the first motor bearing 281.

[0052] The housing 5 further includes a fourth housing member 54. The fourth housing member 54 is disposed vertically above the cylindrical portion 511. The vertically above direction is perpendicular to the axial direction. The fourth housing member 54 is attached to the upper part of the first housing member 51.

[0053] The housing 5 further includes a motor accommodating portion 61. The motor accommodating portion 61 is surrounded by the cylindrical portion 511 and the third housing member 53 and accommodates the motor unit 2. The motor accommodating portion 61 is an example of a "motor accommodating space" in the present invention. More specifically, the motor accommodating portion 61 is a space surrounded by the cylindrical portion 511, the side plate portion 512, and the third housing member 53, and accommodates the motor unit 2.

[0054] The housing 5 further includes a gear accommodating portion 62. The gear accommodating portion 62 is a space surrounded by the side plate portion 512 and the second housing member 52, and accommodates the gear portion 3. An oil reservoir P for collecting oil CL is located vertically below the gear accommodating portion 62. The motor accommodating portion 61 and the gear accommodating portion 62 are separated by the side plate portion 512.

[0055] The housing 5 further has an inverter accommodating portion 63 that accommodates the inverter unit 7. The inverter accommodating portion 63 is a space surrounded by the cylindrical portion 511, a plate portion 513 (described later), and a peripheral wall portion 514 (described later). The inverter accommodating portion 63 opens in the +Z direction. This opening is covered by the fourth housing member 54. The inverter unit 7 is fixed integrally to the fourth housing member 54. That is, by fixing the inverter unit 7 integrally to the lower side of the fourth housing member 54, the inverter unit 7 is fixed facing downward in the inverter accommodating portion 63. The fourth housing member 54 may be provided with an inverter cooling passage (not shown).

[0056] The housing 5 also has a pump accommodating portion 64. The pump accommodating portion 64 accommodates the pump 4. The pump accommodating portion 64 is formed in the first housing member 51. That is, the first housing member 51 further has the pump accommodating portion 64.

[0057] Next, the first housing member 51 further has a plate portion 513 and a peripheral wall portion 514. That is, the housing 5 has the plate portion 513 and the peripheral wall portion 514. The plate portion 513 extends from the cylindrical portion 511 in the X-axis direction perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. The peripheral wall portion 514 surrounds the inverter accommodating portion 63 when viewed from the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the Y-axis and X-axis directions. Specifically, the plate portion 513 extends in the -X direction from the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 511. The peripheral wall portion 514 protrudes in the +Z direction from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 511 and the plate portion 513, and surrounds the inverter accommodating portion 63 when viewed vertically (see FIG. 1).

[0058] The first housing member 51 further has an insertion hole 5120, a first drive shaft passage hole 515, a second motor bearing holding portion 516, a first gear bearing holding portion 517, a third gear bearing holding portion 518, and a side plate opening 519.

[0059] The insertion hole 5120 and the first drive shaft passing hole 515 are disposed in the side plate portion 512 and pass through the side plate portion 512 in the Y-axis direction. The center of the insertion hole 5120 coincides with the rotation axis J2. A second motor bearing holder 516 is disposed on the -Y direction side of the insertion hole 5120. A first gear bearing holder 517 is disposed on the +Y direction side of the insertion hole 5120.

[0060] The drive shaft Ds rotatably passes through the first drive shaft passing hole 515. A second drive shaft passing hole 523 is disposed in the second housing member 52. The second drive shaft passing hole 523 is a hole that passes through the second housing member 52 in the axial direction. The drive shaft Ds rotatably passes through the second drive shaft passing hole 523. The second drive shaft passing hole 523 overlaps with the first drive shaft passing hole 515 when viewed from the axial direction. This allows the drive shafts Ds, which are disposed at both ends of the differential device 32 in the Y-axis direction, to rotate around the differential axis J5. Oil seals (not shown) are provided between the drive shaft Ds and the first drive shaft passing hole 515 and between the drive shaft Ds and the second drive shaft passing hole 523 to prevent leakage of oil CL. An axle (not shown) that rotates the wheels is connected to the tip of the drive shaft Ds.

[0061] The second motor bearing holder 516 extends in the -Y direction from the edge of the insertion hole 5120. The outer ring of the second motor bearing 282 is fixed to the second motor bearing holder 516. The end of the motor shaft 22 on the +Y direction side is fixed to the inner ring of the second motor bearing 282. The first motor bearing holder 531 is disposed on the +Y direction side of the third housing member 53. The central axes of the first motor bearing holder 531 and the second motor bearing holder 516 each coincide with the rotation axis J2. The outer ring of the first motor bearing 281 is fixed to the first motor bearing holder 531. The end of the motor shaft 22 on the -Y direction side is fixed to the inner ring of the first motor bearing 281. As a result, both ends of the rotor 21 in the Y axis direction of the motor unit 2 are rotatably supported by the housing 5 via the first motor bearing 281 and the second motor bearing 282.

[0062] The first gear bearing retaining portion 517 extends in the +Y direction from the edge of the insertion hole 5120. The outer ring of the first gear bearing 341 is fixed to the first gear bearing retaining portion 517. The end of the transmission shaft 310 on the -Y direction side is fixed to the inner ring of the first gear bearing 341. The second gear bearing retaining portion 521 is disposed on the -Y direction side of the second housing member 52. The central axes of the second gear bearing retaining portion 521 and the first gear bearing retaining portion 517 coincide with the rotation axis J2. The outer ring of the second gear bearing 342 is fixed to the second gear bearing retaining portion 521. The transmission shaft 310 is fixed to the inner ring of the second gear bearing 342. As a result, the transmission shaft 310 is rotatably supported by the side plate portion 512 of the housing 5 and the second housing member 52 via the first gear bearing 341 and the second gear bearing 342.

[0063] Next, the third gear bearing retaining portion 518 is cylindrical and extends in the +Y direction from the side plate portion 512. The third gear bearing retaining portion 518 is disposed further in the -X direction and +Z direction than the first gear bearing retaining portion 517. The outer ring of the third gear bearing 343 is fixed to the third gear bearing retaining portion 518. The intermediate shaft 314 is fixed to the inner ring of the third gear bearing 343. The fourth gear bearing retaining portion 522 is disposed on the -Y direction side of the second housing member 52. The fourth gear bearing retaining portion 522 is cylindrical and extends in the -Y direction from the second housing member 52. The central axes of the third gear bearing retaining portion 518 and the fourth gear bearing retaining portion 522 coincide with the intermediate axis J4. The outer ring of the fourth gear bearing 344 is fixed to the fourth gear bearing retaining portion 522. Additionally, an end portion of the intermediate shaft 314 on the +Y direction side is fixed to the inner ring of the fourth gear bearing 344. As a result, the intermediate shaft 314 is rotatably supported by the side plate portion 512 of the housing 5 and the second housing member 52 via the third gear bearing 343 and the fourth gear bearing 344.

[0064] The side plate opening 519 is arranged in the side plate portion 512 that separates the motor accommodating portion 61 and the gear accommodating portion 62. The housing 5 includes the side plate opening 519. The side plate opening 519 axially penetrates the side plate portion 512 and connects the motor accommodating portion 61 and the gear accommodating portion 62. The side plate opening 519, in particular, communicates the lower portion of the motor accommodating portion 61 with the lower portion of the gear accommodating portion 62. The side plate opening 519 allows the oil CL that has accumulated in the lower portion of the motor accommodating portion 61 to move to the gear accommodating portion 62. The oil CL that has moved to the gear accommodating portion 62 can flow into the oil reservoir P.

[0065] Next, the configuration of the second housing member 52 will be described. The second housing member 52 is attached to the +Y direction side of the side plate portion 512 of the first housing member 51. The second housing member 52 has a concave shape that opens toward the side plate portion 512. The opening of the second housing member 52 is covered by the side plate portion 512. As shown in FIG. 1 and other figures, the second housing member 52 has a second gear bearing holding portion 521, a fourth gear bearing holding portion 522, and a second drive shaft passing hole 523. Note that these have been described above and will not be described here.

[0066] The second housing member 52 has a receiving pan portion 524, a gear-side oil passage 525, and a gear-side restricting member 526. In other words, the housing 5 has the receiving pan portion 524, the gear-side oil passage 525, and the gear-side restricting member 526.

[0067] The receptacle portion 524 is disposed radially outward of the fourth gear 321 relative to the differential shaft J5, and opens in the +Z direction (i.e., vertically upward). The receptacle portion 524 stores the oil CL scooped up by the fourth gear 321. The receptacle portion 524 extends in the +Y direction from the side plate portion 512. An end of the receptacle portion 524 on the +Y direction side is connected to the inner surface of the second housing member 52 facing the -Y direction.

[0068] The gear-side oil passage 525 is formed inside the second housing member 52. The gear-side oil passage 525 is a passage for oil CL that connects the end of the receptacle portion 524 on the +Y direction side and the second gear bearing holder 521. One end of an oil passage 627 is connected to the end of the receptacle portion 524 on the +Y direction side and is connected to the receptacle portion 524. The other end of the gear-side oil passage 525 is connected to the second gear bearing holder 521. The oil CL stored in the receptacle portion 524 is supplied to the gear-side oil passage 525. As shown in FIG. 2 , a portion of the oil CL supplied to the gear-side oil passage 525 is supplied to the second gear bearing 342. Another portion of the oil CL supplied to the gear-side oil passage 525 flows from the end of the transmission shaft 310 on the +Y direction side into the hollow portion 3101, flows in the −Y direction, and flows into the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22.

[0069] The gear-side limiting member 526 limits the amount of oil CL supplied from the gear-side oil passage 525 to the second gear bearing 342. This limitation ensures that the oil CL is supplied from the gear-side oil passage 525 to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 through the hollow portion 3101 of the transmission shaft 310. The gear-side limiting member 526 has an annular portion (reference numeral omitted) that faces the second gear bearing 342 in the Y-axis direction, and a tubular portion (reference numeral omitted) that extends in the -Y direction from the radially inner end of the annular portion and is inserted into the interior of the transmission shaft 310. The annular portion has a through-hole (reference numeral omitted) that penetrates the annular portion in the Y-axis direction. The oil CL is supplied to the second gear bearing 342 through the through-hole and is also supplied to the interior of the transmission shaft 310 through the tubular portion.

[0070] <1-5. Motor side oil passage 55> Next, motor-side oil passage 55 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and 7. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of motor-side oil passage 55. Note that Figure 7 is viewed from the +Z direction to the -Z direction.

[0071] 1 to 3, the housing 5 further has a motor-side oil passage 55 through which oil CL flows. The motor-side oil passage 55 is an example of a "refrigerant flow passage" in the present invention. The oil CL is a lubricating liquid and is an example of a "refrigerant" in the present invention. A portion of the motor-side oil passage 55 is disposed in the first housing member 51, and the remaining portion is disposed in the third housing member 53. The motor-side oil passage 55 is a passage through which the oil CL, which has been sucked up from the oil reservoir P in the gear accommodating portion 62 by the pump 4 and cooled in the oil cooler 8, flows toward the motor portion 2.

[0072] The motor-side oil passage 55 includes a first oil passage 551, a second oil passage 552, a third oil passage 553, and a fourth oil passage 554. The first oil passage 551, the second oil passage 552, and the third oil passage 553 are formed in the first housing member 51.

[0073] As described above, the first oil passage 551 connects the gear accommodating portion 62 and the suction port 41 of the pump 4, and in particular connects the vertically lower portion of the gear accommodating portion 62 and the suction port 41 of the pump 4. In this embodiment, the first oil passage 551 is formed inside the side plate portion 512.

[0074] The second oil passage 552 connects the discharge port 43 of the pump 4 to the oil cooler 8, and supplies the oil CL discharged from the pump 4 to the oil cooler 8. The third oil passage 553 is connected to a fourth oil passage 554 via a connecting passage 5531, which will be described later. The second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553 form a first passage 55a. The motor-side oil passage 55 has the first passage 55a through which the oil CL delivered from the pump 4 flows. The first passage 55a is arranged in the first housing member 51.

[0075] The second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) are arranged in either the plate portion 513 or the peripheral wall portion 514. For example, in the embodiment, the second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) are formed inside the peripheral wall portion 514. However, without being limited to this example, at least one of the second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553 may be formed inside the plate portion 513. In this way, for example, the second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) can be arranged by utilizing dead space other than the space occupied by the inverter unit 7 in the inverter accommodating portion 63. Therefore, the motor-side oil passage 55 can be arranged compactly, which contributes to the miniaturization of the drive device 1.

[0076] The fourth oil passage 554 connects the third oil passage 553 and the motor accommodating portion 61. The fourth oil passage 554 is disposed inside the third housing member 53. In other words, the fourth oil passage 554 is a through hole formed in the third housing member 53. In this way, the fourth oil passage 554 can be disposed without increasing the number of parts of the drive unit 1.

[0077] The motor-side oil passage 55 further includes a connection passage 5531. The connection passage 5531 connects the second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553 (first passage 55a) to a fourth oil passage 554 (second passage 55b, described later). Specifically, the +Y direction end of the connection passage 5531 is connected to the −Y direction end of the third oil passage 553 (first passage 55a). The −Y direction end of the connection passage 5531 is connected to the +Y direction end of the fourth oil passage 554 (second passage 55b). At least a portion of the connection passage 5531 is disposed within the motor accommodating portion 61. This allows oil CL to flow down into the motor accommodating portion 61 even if oil CL leaks from a connection portion between the connection passage 5531 and at least one of the third oil passage 553 (first passage 55a) and the fourth oil passage 554 (second passage 55b). Therefore, since there is no need to provide a strict seal at the connecting portion, the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) can be connected to the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b) with a simple configuration. Therefore, the flow paths of the oil CL can be connected to each other without providing a strict seal. Note that leakage of the oil CL at the connecting portion described above is more likely to occur depending on the level of the internal pressure of the motor-side oil passage 55. Therefore, if the internal pressure of the motor-side oil passage 55 becomes excessively high, the internal pressure can be reduced by the leakage of the oil CL at the connecting portion described above, thereby extending the life of the motor-side oil passage 55.

[0078] When viewed from the axial direction, the connection passage 5531 is disposed inside the contact portion 530 between the first housing member 51 and the third housing member 53 (see, for example, FIG. 3). In this way, a portion of the connection passage 5531 can be reliably disposed inside the motor accommodating portion 61.

[0079] In this embodiment, the end of the third oil passage 553 (first passage 55a) and the end of the fourth oil passage 554 (second passage 55b) connected by the connection passage 5531 face each other with a gap therebetween. This allows the connection passage 5531 to have a simple configuration.

[0080] The connection flow path 5531 is a space surrounded by the inner surface of the connection pipe 5530. The housing 5 has a cylindrical connection pipe 5530 that connects the first oil passage 551, the second oil passage 552, and the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) with a first supply passage 555 (second flow path 55b) of the fourth oil passage 554, which will be described later. The connection pipe 5530 is an example of the "connecting member" in the present invention. The connection pipe 5530 extends in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment, the connection pipe 5530 is a member separate from the first housing member 51 and the third housing member 53. One end of the connection pipe 5530 is connected to the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a). The other end of the connection pipe 5530 is connected to the first supply passage 555 (second flow path 55b) of the fourth oil passage 554. In this way, the connecting pipe 5530 can easily position the ends of the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) and the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b). Furthermore, when the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) is arranged in the first housing member 51 and the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b) is arranged in the third housing member 53, the connecting pipe 5530 can position the third housing member 53 relative to the first housing member 51. Therefore, it becomes easier to attach the third housing member 53 to the first housing member 51, and it is possible to reduce the number of positioning pins 5111 used for the above-mentioned positioning, for example.

[0081] For example, the +Y direction end of connecting pipe 5530 is fitted into the -Y direction end of third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a). The -Y direction end of connecting pipe 5530 is fitted into the +Y direction end of fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b). However, the form of connecting pipe 5530 is not limited to this example. FIG. 8A shows a first modified example of connecting pipe 5530. FIG. 8B shows a second modified example of connecting pipe 5530.

[0082] 8A , first housing member 51 may have a cylindrical portion 5532 extending in the −Y direction from a portion along the outer edge of the −Y direction end of third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) (i.e., the opening facing motor accommodating portion 61). Then, this cylindrical portion 5532 may be fitted into the +Y direction end of connecting pipe 5530. And / or third housing member 53 may have a cylindrical portion extending in the −Y direction from a portion along the outer edge of the +Y direction end of fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b) (i.e., the opening facing motor accommodating portion 61), and this cylindrical portion may be fitted into the +Y direction end of connecting pipe 5530.

[0083] 8B , the connecting pipe 5530 may be integral with one of the first housing member 51 and the third housing member 53, or may be a separate member from the other. In this case, the connecting flow path 5531 is integral with one of the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) and the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b) and is connected to the other of the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) and the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b). In this way, the connecting pipe 5530 can easily position the end of the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) and the end of the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b). Furthermore, when the second oil passage 552 and the third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) are arranged in the first housing member 51 and the fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b) is arranged in the third housing member 53, the third housing member 53 can be positioned relative to the first housing member 51 by the connecting pipe 5530. Therefore, it becomes easier to attach the third housing member 53 to the first housing member 51, and for example, the number of positioning pins 5111 used for the above-mentioned positioning can be reduced.

[0084] For example, connecting pipe 5530 may be a cylindrical member extending in the -Y direction from a portion along the outer edge of the -Y direction side end (i.e., the opening facing motor accommodating portion 61) of third oil passage 553 (first flow path 55a) of first housing member 51. Alternatively, connecting pipe 5530 may be a cylindrical member extending in the +Y direction from a portion along the outer edge of the +Y direction side end (i.e., the opening facing motor accommodating portion 61) of fourth oil passage 554 (second flow path 55b) of third housing member 53.

[0085] Next, fourth oil passage 554 has first supply passage 555, second supply passage 556, and third supply passage 557. First supply passage 555 is connected to third oil passage 553 via connecting passage 5531. Second supply passage 556 connects first supply passage 555 to oil supply section 558. Third supply passage 557 connects first supply passage 555 to hollow section 220 of motor shaft 22. In other words, one end of fourth oil passage 554 is first supply passage 555, and the other end of fourth oil passage 554 branches into second supply passage 556 and third supply passage 557.

[0086] In other words, the motor-side oil passage 55 has a first supply passage 555. The first supply passage 555 constitutes the second passage 55b. The motor-side oil passage 55 has the second passage 55b arranged in the third housing member 53. The oil CL to be supplied to the motor section 2 flows through the first supply passage 555 (second passage 55b).

[0087] The motor-side oil passage 55 further includes a second supply passage 556 and a third supply passage 557. The second supply passage 556 constitutes a third flow passage 55c, and the third supply passage 557 constitutes a fourth flow passage 55d. The motor-side oil passage 55 includes the third flow passage 55c and the fourth flow passage 55d. The second supply passage 556 (third flow passage 55c) supplies a portion of the oil CL flowing through the first supply passage 555 (second flow passage 55b) to the outer surface of the stator 25. The third supply passage 557 (fourth flow passage 55d) supplies another portion of the oil CL flowing through the first supply passage 555 (second flow passage 55b) to the first motor bearing 281. In this manner, a portion of the oil CL delivered from the pump 4 can cool the outer surface of the stator 25, and another portion can lubricate the first motor bearing 281, which rotatably supports the motor shaft 22.

[0088] The second supply passage 556 (third flow passage 55c) and the third supply passage 557 (fourth flow passage 55d) extend in a direction intersecting the Y-axis direction. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the size of the third housing member 53 in the Y-axis direction due to the arrangement of the second supply passage 556 (third flow passage 55c) and the third supply passage 557 (fourth flow passage 55d).

[0089] Preferably, the inner diameter of the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) is larger than the inner diameter of the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d). Specifically, the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) is larger than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d). In this way, the oil CL flowing through the first supply path 555 (second flow path 55b) flows more easily into the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) than into the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d). Therefore, even if the pressure of the oil CL flowing through the motor-side oil path 55 is not too high, a sufficient amount of oil CL can be made to flow through the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) and supplied to the outer surface of the stator 25. Note that the above examples do not exclude a configuration in which the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) is narrower than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d), or a configuration in which the two are equal.

[0090] Next, the second supply passage 556 (third flow passage 55c) is connected to the oil supply unit 558. The oil supply unit 558 is housed in the motor housing 61 together with the motor unit 2. The oil supply unit 558 is an example of the "refrigerant supply unit" of the present invention. The drive device 1 further includes the oil supply unit 558. Specifically, the oil supply unit 558 is a cylindrical member extending in the Y-axis direction, and is disposed radially outward from the stator 25 and vertically above the rotation axis J2 (i.e., in the +Z direction). The interior of the oil supply unit 558 is connected to the second supply passage 556 (third flow passage 55c). The interior of the oil supply unit 558 is also connected to the third gear bearing holder 518 via a hole 5121 penetrating the side plate portion 512 in the Y-axis direction.

[0091] Oil supply portion 558 has diffusion holes 5581. Note that diffusion holes 5581 are one example of the "refrigerant supply holes" of the present invention. Diffusion holes 5581 penetrate from the inner surface to the outer surface of oil supply portion 558 and open toward the outer surface of stator 25. In this way, oil supply portion 558 can diffuse oil CL flowing through third supply passage 557 (fourth flow passage 55d) from diffusion holes 5581 toward the outer surface of stator 25, thereby cooling stator 25 from its radially outer surface.

[0092] Furthermore, the third supply passage 557 (fourth flow passage 55d) is connected to the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 via the first motor bearing retaining portion 531. As described above, the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 is connected to the rotor through-hole 230 of the rotor core 23. For example, the hollow portion 220 of the motor shaft 22 is connected to the rotor through-hole 230 via the recess 223, the shaft hole portion 222, and the rotor communicating portion 231. In other words, the rotor through-hole 230 is connected to the second supply passage 556 (third flow passage 55c) via the first motor bearing retaining portion 531 and the hollow portion 220. Therefore, when the rotor 21 rotates, the oil CL is supplied from the end of the rotor through-hole 230 in the Y-axis direction to the end of the stator 25 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the oil CL supplied from the rotor through-hole 230 can cool the end of the stator 25 in the Y-axis direction, and in particular, can cool the coil ends 271 of the stator 25.

[0093] The oil CL that has cooled the motor unit 2 accumulates in the lower part of the motor accommodating portion 61 and then flows through the side plate opening 519 to the oil sump P in the lower part of the gear accommodating portion 62. That is, the oil CL that is supplied from the second supply path 556 (third flow path 55c) through the oil supply portion 558 to the radially outer surface of the stator 25 and cools the stator 25 accumulates in the lower part of the motor accommodating portion 61 and then flows through the side plate opening 519 to the oil sump P in the lower part of the gear accommodating portion 62. The oil CL that is supplied from the third supply path 557 (fourth flow path 55d) through the rotor through-hole 230 to the coil end 271 and the like accumulates in the lower part of the motor accommodating portion 61 and then flows through the side plate opening 519 to the oil sump P in the lower part of the gear accommodating portion 62.

[0094] <2.Other> The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, 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 combined in any appropriate manner as long as no contradiction occurs. [Industrial Applicability]

[0095] The present invention is useful for drive motors for vehicles such as hybrid vehicles (HVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHVs), and electric vehicles (EVs). [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1 Drive unit, 2 Motor unit, 21 Rotor, 22 Motor shaft, 220 Hollow portion, 221 Shaft cylinder portion, 222 Shaft hole portion, 223 Recessed portion, 23 Rotor core, 230 Rotor through hole, 231 Rotor core communication portion, 24 Rotor magnet, 25 Stator, 26 Stator core, 27 Coil, 271 Coil end, 281 First motor bearing, 282 Second motor bearing, 3 Gear unit, 31 Reduction gear device, 310 Transmission shaft, 1... hollow portion, 3102... transmission shaft cylindrical portion, 311... first gear, 312... second gear, 313... third gear, 314... intermediate shaft, 32... differential device, 321... fourth gear, 341... first gear bearing, 342... second gear bearing, 343... third gear bearing, 344... fourth gear bearing, 4... pump, 41... suction port, 42... strainer, 43... discharge port, 5... housing, 51... first housing member, 511... cylindrical portion, 5111... positioning pin, 512... side plate portion, 5120 Insertion hole, 5121 Hole portion, 513 Plate portion, 514 Peripheral wall portion, 515 First drive shaft passing hole, 516 Second motor bearing retaining portion, 517 First gear bearing retaining portion, 518 Third gear bearing retaining portion, 519 Side plate opening, 52 Second housing member, 521 Second gear bearing retaining portion, 522 Fourth gear bearing retaining portion, 523 Second drive shaft passing hole, 524 Receptacle portion, 525 Gear side oil passage, 526 Gear side limiting member, 53 Third housing member , 530... contact portion, 531... first motor bearing holding portion, 54... fourth housing member, 55... motor side oil passage, 55a... first flow passage, 55b... second flow passage, 55c... third flow passage, 55d... fourth flow passage, 551... first oil passage, 552... second oil passage, 553... third oil passage, 5530... connecting pipe, 5531... connecting flow passage, 5532... cylindrical portion, 554... fourth oil passage, 555... first supply passage, 556... second supply passage, 557... third supply passage, 558... oil supply portion, 5581... spray hole, 61... motor accommodating portion,62···Gear housing, 63···Inverter housing, 64···Pump housing, 7···Inverter unit, 8···Oil cooler, CL···Oil, Ds···Drive shaft, J2···Rotating shaft, J4···Intermediate shaft, J5···Differential shaft, P···Oil reservoir, RE···Refrigerant, 200···Vehicle, 150···Battery,

Claims

1. A motor unit; a housing that accommodates the motor unit; an inverter unit that supplies driving power to the motor unit; a pump that supplies a refrigerant contained in the housing to the motor unit; Equipped with The motor unit includes: a rotor having a shaft rotatable about a rotation axis extending along the axial direction; a stator disposed radially outward of the rotor; and The housing includes: a first housing extending in the axial direction and surrounding the stator; a second housing attached to one axial end of the first housing; a motor accommodating space surrounded by the first housing and the second housing and accommodating the motor; a refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows; a side plate portion covering the other axial end portion of the first housing; an inverter accommodating portion that accommodates the inverter unit; a plate portion extending from the first housing in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction; a peripheral wall portion surrounding the inverter accommodating portion when viewed in the axial direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a pump housing portion that houses the pump; and The refrigerant flow path is a first flow path disposed in the first housing and through which the refrigerant delivered from the pump flows; a second flow path disposed in the second housing and through which the refrigerant to be supplied to the motor portion flows; a connecting flow path that connects the first flow path and the second flow path; and At least a portion of the connecting passage is disposed within the motor accommodating space, the inverter accommodating portion is a space surrounded by the first housing, the plate portion, and the peripheral wall portion, the first flow path is disposed in either the plate portion or the peripheral wall portion, The pump housing is formed in a peripheral wall portion surrounding the inverter housing portion.

2. the second housing has a bearing that rotatably supports the shaft, the refrigerant is a lubricating liquid; The refrigerant flow path is a third flow path that supplies a portion of the refrigerant flowing through the second flow path to an outer surface of the stator; a fourth flow path that supplies another portion of the refrigerant flowing through the second flow path to the bearing; The drive arrangement of claim 1 , comprising:

3. The drive unit according to claim 2 , wherein the third flow path and the fourth flow path extend in a direction intersecting the axial direction.

4. 4. The drive device according to claim 2, wherein a minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path is larger than a minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the fourth flow path.

5. a refrigerant supply unit having a cylindrical shape extending in an axial direction and disposed radially outward of the stator and vertically above the rotation shaft, the inside of the refrigerant supply unit is connected to the third flow path, The drive unit according to claim 2 , wherein the coolant supply portion has a coolant supply hole that penetrates from an inner surface of the coolant supply portion to an outer surface thereof and opens toward an outer surface of the stator.

6. The shaft a cylindrical shaft portion extending in the axial direction; a hollow portion surrounded by an inner surface of the cylindrical shaft portion and connected to the fourth flow path; a shaft hole portion that penetrates the cylindrical shaft portion in a radial direction; and the rotor has a rotor core fixed to a radially outer surface of the shaft; the rotor core has a rotor through-hole that penetrates the rotor core in the axial direction and is connected to the shaft hole portion, The drive unit according to claim 2 , wherein the rotor through-hole is connected to the fourth flow path via the hollow portion.

7. The drive device according to claim 1 , wherein the end of the first flow path and the end of the second flow path connected by the connecting flow path face each other with a gap therebetween.

8. The drive device according to claim 1 , wherein the connecting flow path is integral with one of the first flow path and the second flow path and is connected to the other of the first flow path and the second flow path.

9. The drive device according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the first flow path overlaps with the motor accommodating space in the first direction.

10. a motor unit and a housing that accommodates the motor unit, The motor unit includes: a rotor having a shaft rotatable about a rotation axis extending along the axial direction; a stator disposed radially outward of the rotor; and The housing includes: a first housing extending in the axial direction and surrounding the stator; a second housing attached to one axial end of the first housing; a motor accommodating space surrounded by the first housing and the second housing and accommodating the motor; a refrigerant flow path through which the refrigerant flows; and The refrigerant flow path is a first flow path disposed in the first housing and through which the refrigerant delivered from the pump flows; a second flow path disposed in the second housing and through which the refrigerant to be supplied to the motor portion flows; a connecting flow path that connects the first flow path and the second flow path; and At least a portion of the connecting passage is disposed within the motor accommodating space, further comprising an inverter unit for supplying drive power to the motor unit; The housing includes: a side plate portion covering the other axial end portion of the first housing; an inverter accommodating portion that accommodates the inverter unit; a plate portion extending from an outer surface of the first housing toward one side in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction; a peripheral wall portion surrounding the inverter accommodating portion when viewed in the axial direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and the inverter accommodating portion is a space surrounded by the first housing, the plate portion, and the peripheral wall portion, the first flow path is disposed in either the plate portion or the peripheral wall portion, At least a portion of the first flow path overlaps with the motor accommodating space in a first direction, A drive device in which, when viewed in the axial direction, the plate portion is located on the other side in the second direction of one end of the first housing in the second direction, and is also located on the one side in the second direction of the other end of the first housing in the second direction.

11. the pump supplies the refrigerant contained in the housing to the motor unit, the housing further includes a pump accommodating portion that accommodates the pump; The drive device according to claim 10 , wherein the pump housing portion is formed in a peripheral wall portion surrounding the inverter housing portion.

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