Drive unit

Abstract

To provide a drive device which can be cooled more efficiently.SOLUTION: In a drive device, one end part of a first passage of a fluid passage in which a fluid may circulate is connected to a gear housing part. A third passage is disposed in a partition wall of a housing and extends in a direction intersecting with a rotation axis of a first shaft. One end part of the third passage is connected to the gear housing part through the first passage. A fourth passage is connected to the other end part of the third passage and extends toward a gear side lid part. One end part of a sixth passage is connected to the other end part of the third passage. The other end part of the sixth passage is disposed in a housing cylinder part of the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a drive unit has been known that has a flow path for pumped oil. For example, the flow path branches into a lubrication circuit that supplies oil pumped by a mechanical oil pump to a power transmission mechanism and a cooling circuit that supplies oil pumped by an electric oil pump to an electric motor (see, for example, 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] However, in the above-described drive unit, two flow paths, one for the lubrication circuit and the other for the cooling circuit, are formed, which increases the overall length of the flow paths, and this may result in the drive unit not being able to be cooled efficiently.

[0005] The present invention aims to more efficiently cool a drive unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An exemplary drive device of the present invention includes a motor unit, a gear unit, a housing, and a fluid flow path. The motor unit includes a rotor and a stator. The rotor includes a first shaft. The first shaft is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction. The stator is disposed radially outward from the rotor. The gear unit is attached to one axial side of the first shaft. The housing accommodates the motor unit and the gear unit. The fluid can flow through the fluid flow path. The housing includes a housing cylindrical portion, a partition wall, and a gear-side cover portion. The housing cylindrical portion extends in the axial direction and accommodates the motor unit. The partition wall closes one axial end of the housing cylindrical portion. The gear-side cover portion, together with the partition wall, forms a gear accommodating portion. The gear accommodating portion is disposed at one axial end of the partition wall and accommodates the gear unit. The fluid flow path includes a first flow path, a third flow path, a fourth flow path, and a sixth flow path. One end of the first flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion. The third flow path is disposed inside the partition wall and extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis. One end of the third flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion via the first flow path. The fourth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path and extends toward the gear-side cover portion. One end of the sixth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path. The other end of the sixth flow path is disposed within the housing cylindrical portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the exemplary drive device of the present invention, the drive device can be cooled more efficiently. [Brief explanation 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. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the drive device as viewed from the Z-axis direction. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the underside of the drive unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drive device as seen from the Y-axis direction. [Figure 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 a 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 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 100 is mounted on a vehicle 300 positioned on a horizontal road surface. In addition, in the drawings, an XYZ coordinate system is shown as a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system as appropriate. 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 a "second direction" in the present invention. The "-Z direction" is an example of "one of the second directions" in the present invention, and the "+Z direction" is an example of "the other of the second directions" in the present invention.

[0011] The X-axis direction is perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and indicates the front-to-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 for the +X direction to be the rear of the vehicle 300 and the -X direction to be 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 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, if 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. 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 300, and the -Y direction corresponds to the other side of the left-right direction of the vehicle 300. Furthermore, depending on how the drive unit 100 is mounted on the vehicle 300, the X-axis direction may correspond to the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle 300, and the Y-axis direction may correspond to the fore-aft 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, the direction parallel to a specific axis such as the rotation axis J1 of the motor unit 2 (Y-axis direction) will be simply referred to as the "axial direction." Also, the direction perpendicular to the specific axis will be simply referred to as the "radial direction." Within the radial direction, the direction approaching the axis will be referred to as the "radial inner direction," and the direction away from the axis will be referred to as the "radial outer direction." The radially inner end of each component will be referred to as the "radial inner end." Furthermore, the outer end will be referred to as the "radial outer end." Furthermore, among the side surfaces of each component, the side surface facing radially inward will be referred to as the "radial inner surface," and the side surface facing radially outward will be referred to as the "radial outer surface."

[0014] The rotation direction around a specific axis is called the "circumferential direction Dr." When viewed from the -Y direction to the +Y direction, the counterclockwise direction is called the "one side of the circumferential direction Dr1," and the clockwise direction is called the "other side of the circumferential direction Dr2."

[0015] In this specification, "annular" refers to a shape that is continuous and uninterrupted throughout the entire circumferential direction Dr about a predetermined axis, as well as a shape that has one or more interruptions in a portion of the entire area about the predetermined axis. It also refers to a shape that describes a closed curve on a curved surface that intersects with the predetermined axis.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

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

[0019] <1-1. Drive unit 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), or an electric vehicle (EV). 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 stores power to be supplied to the drive unit 100. In the example 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 driving 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 includes a first shaft 210 and a second shaft 310, which will be described later. However, without being limited to this example, the motor shaft 1 does not have to be divided at the center in the Y-axis direction and may, for example, include only the first shaft 210. In this case, the end of the first shaft 210 on the +Y-axis 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 unit 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The motor unit 2 is a drive source for the drive device 100, and is driven by power from an inverter unit (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, the motor unit 2 has a rotor 21 and a stator 22. As described above, the drive device 100 is equipped with the motor unit 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 unit 2 is an inner rotor type motor. The rotor 21 rotates when power is supplied to the stator 22 from a power supply unit (not shown) of the drive device 100.

[0023] The first shaft 210 has a cylindrical shape extending 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 radially. The shaft through-hole 2103 is disposed in the first cylindrical shaft portion 2101 and penetrates the first cylindrical shaft portion 2101 radially. A fluid F flows inside the first shaft 210. The fluid F is used as a lubricating liquid that lubricates the gear portion 3. The fluid F is also used as a refrigerant that cools the motor portion 2 and the gear portion 3. Because the fluid F has the functions of lubrication and refrigeration, it is preferable to use, for example, an oil similar to a low-viscosity automatic transmission lubricating oil (ATF: Automatic Transmission Fluid). When the motor shaft 1 rotates, the fluid F inside 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 in the -Y direction from the end of the rotor 21 on the +Y side, and in the +Y direction from the end of the rotor 21 on the -Y 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. Furthermore, there may be a single shaft through-hole 2103, or multiple shaft through-holes 2103 may be disposed in the circumferential direction Dr or the Y-axis direction.

[0026] The rotor 21 further includes a rotor core 211 and magnets 212. In this embodiment, the rotor core 211 is a laminated body in which a plurality of plate-shaped electromagnetic steel sheets are stacked. 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 a fluid F, which also functions as a refrigerant. 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. Some of the outflowing fluid F flies toward the stator 22 and cools, for example, the coil portion 222 (particularly the coil end 2221). Some 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, lubricating and cooling them.

[0028] The stator 22 has a stator core 221 and a coil portion 222. The stator 22 is held in a housing tubular portion 41, which will be described later. The stator core 221 has a plurality of magnetic pole teeth (not shown) that extend radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of an annular yoke. The coil portion 222 is formed by winding a conducting wire around the magnetic pole teeth via an insulator (not shown). The coil portion 222 has coil ends 2221 that protrude from the axial end face of the stator core 221.

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

[0030] <1-3. Gear part 3> Next, the gear unit 3 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The gear unit 3 is attached to the +Y-axis direction side of the motor shaft 1. As described above, the driving 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 rotational speed of the motor shaft 1 and increasing the torque output from the motor unit 2 in accordance with the 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 includes a second shaft 310. The second shaft 310 is cylindrical and extends in the Y-axis direction. The second shaft 310 is connected to the end of the first shaft 210 on the +Y-axis side. As described above, the gear unit 3 includes the second shaft 310. The second shaft 310 is rotatable 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-axis side and connected by spline fitting. However, this is not limiting. The two may be connected, for example, by a screw coupling using male and female threads, 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 used, serrations combining recesses and protrusions extending in the Y-axis direction may be used. This configuration ensures reliable transmission of 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. The end portion of the second cylindrical shaft portion 3101 on the -Y direction side is inserted into and connected to the 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 3102.

[0034] The reduction gear 31 also has a main drive gear 311, an intermediate driven gear 312, and a final drive gear 313. The main drive gear 311 is rotatable together with the motor shaft 1 about 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 (described later) of the differential gear 32. The reduction gear 31 also has an intermediate shaft 314. Torque output from the motor unit 2 is transmitted to the ring gear 321 of the differential gear 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 peripheral surface of the motor shaft 1, and 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 closer to the −X direction than the rotation shaft J1 and closer to the +X direction than the differential shaft J3, and closer to the −Z direction than 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 to 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 closer to the −Z direction than the differential shaft J3, and by making the fourth angle θd 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 distances 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 arranged on the +X side of the rotation shaft J1, a configuration in which the intermediate shaft J2 is arranged on the -X side of the differential shaft J3, or a configuration in which the intermediate shaft J2 is not arranged on the -Z side of the differential shaft J3.

[0038] The intermediate shaft 314 extends along an intermediate axis J2 that extends 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 separate 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 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 device 32 is attached to the output shaft Ds. As described above, the gear unit 3 has the differential device 32. The differential device 32 has a ring gear 321. The ring gear 321 is rotatable about a 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 axis 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 torque transmitted from the motor unit 2 to the differential device 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 device 32, respectively. A drive 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 also accommodates the motor section 2 and the gear section 3. As described above, the drive unit 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 lid section 44, and accommodates the rotor 21, the stator 22, etc. The gear accommodating section 402 is a space surrounded by the partition wall 42 and the gear-side lid section 43, which will be described later, and accommodates the reduction gear 31, the differential gear 32, etc.

[0042] A fluid pool P in which fluid F pools is disposed in a lower portion of the gear accommodating portion 402. A portion 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, the −Z direction side portion of the ring gear 321 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 the gears and bearings 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 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. Furthermore, to prevent galvanic corrosion at the contact portions, 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 and houses the motor unit 2. As described above, the housing 4 has the housing tubular portion 41. The motor unit 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 them integrally, their rigidity can be increased. However, this is not limiting, 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 through 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 through the first output shaft through-hole 4202. An oil seal (not shown) is disposed in the gap between the output shaft Ds and the first output shaft through-hole 4202 to seal the gap between them. Note that sealing refers to the tight contact between different components to an extent that, for example, fluid F inside the components does not leak to the outside and that foreign matter such as water, dirt, and dust does not enter from outside. 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 the −Z direction side of the motor accommodating portion 401 flows from the opening 4203 into the gear accommodating portion 402, lubricates and cools part of the gear portion 3, and then accumulates in the fluid pool P.

[0047] The partition wall 42 further includes a first motor bearing holder 421, a first gear bearing holder 422, a first intermediate bearing holder 423, and a first output bearing holder 424.

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

[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 +Y direction end of the partition wall through-hole 4201 and rotatably holds the −Y direction end of the second shaft 310 via a first gear bearing 4221. The first intermediate bearing holder 423 rotatably holds the −Y direction end of the intermediate shaft 314 via a first intermediate bearing 4231. The first output bearing holder 424 is disposed along the outer edge of the +Y direction end of the first output shaft through-hole 4202 and rotatably holds the −Y direction output shaft Ds via a 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 lid portion 43 is a lidded cylindrical member. The lid portion (reference numeral omitted) of the gear-side lid portion 43 expands in a direction intersecting with the rotation axis J1. The cylindrical portion (reference numeral omitted) of the gear-side lid portion 43 extends in the Y-axis direction. As described above, the housing 4 has the gear-side lid portion 43. The gear-side lid portion 43 is disposed at the end of the partition wall 42 on the +Y direction side, and together with the partition wall 42, forms the gear accommodating portion 402 that accommodates the gear portion 3.

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

[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 through 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 +Y direction end of the second shaft 310 via a second gear bearing 4311. The second intermediate bearing holder 432 rotatably holds the +Y direction end of the intermediate shaft 314 via a second intermediate bearing 4321. The second output bearing holder 433 is disposed along the outer edge of the −Y direction end of the second output shaft through-hole 4301, and rotatably holds the +Y direction output shaft Ds via a second output bearing 4331.

[0055] The gear-side lid 43 also has a tray 434 (see FIG. 1, for example). The tray 434 is disposed on the −Y direction side of the gear-side lid 43, and has a recess (reference numeral omitted) recessed in the −Z direction (vertically downward), and one or more holes 4341. The holes 4341 penetrate the tray 434. The fluid F scooped up by the ring gear 321 accumulates in the tray 434, then flows out through the holes 4341 and is supplied to the gears, bearings, and the like in the gear accommodating section 402, lubricating and cooling them.

[0056] In addition, the gear-side lid portion 43 has a fifth flow path 75 (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 lid 44 is detachably attached to the end of the cylindrical housing 41 on the -Y direction side, and closes and seals the end of the cylindrical housing 41 on the -Y direction side. The motor-side lid 44 can be fixed to the cylindrical housing 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 lid 44 to be tightly attached to the cylindrical housing 41.

[0058] The motor-side lid 44 has a second motor bearing retaining portion 441. The second motor bearing retaining portion 441 is disposed on the +Y direction side of the motor-side lid 44. The housing 4 has a second motor bearing retaining portion 441. The second motor bearing retaining portion 441 rotatably retains the end of the first shaft 210 on the -Y direction side via a second motor bearing 4411. The second motor bearing retaining portion 441 is another example of a "bearing retaining portion" in the present invention, and the second motor bearing 4411 is another example of a "bearing" in the present invention.

[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 Figures 1 to 5. As described above, the drive unit 100 includes the pump 5, the cooler 6, and the fluid flow path 7. The pump 5 delivers the fluid F in the housing 4. The cooler 6 cools the fluid F. 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). The pump 5 may be a trochoidal pump, a centrifugal pump, or the like. The pump 5 is fixed to the cylindrical housing portion 41. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the pump 5 has a plurality of fixing portions 50 fixed to the cylindrical housing portion 41. The fixing portions 50 are arranged along the outer edge of the pump 5 as viewed from the Y-axis direction. Each fixing portion 50 has a through-hole (reference numeral omitted) extending in the Y-axis direction. A bolt extending in the Y-axis direction is inserted into this through-hole. The pump 5 is fixed to the housing 4 by threading this bolt into, for example, the cylindrical housing portion 41 of the housing 4. Here, the third line segment L3 is an imaginary line segment connecting the two protrusions 223 arranged closest to the pump 5 as viewed from the Y-axis direction. The fourth line segment L4 is an imaginary line segment connecting the two fixing portions 50 arranged 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 when 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 when viewed from the Y-axis direction, so the distance between the stator 22 and the pump 5 in the radial direction can be made smaller. Therefore, the drive device 100 can be made more compact.

[0061] 4, the pump 5 is disposed on the −X side of the rotation axis J1 and on the +X side of the differential axis J3. In this embodiment, the pump 5 is disposed on the −Z 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 easier to position the inlet of the strainer of the pump 5 (i.e., one end of the first flow path 71 described later) at the center in the X-axis direction of the gear accommodating portion 402 that accommodates the gear unit 3. Therefore, even if the driving device 100 is tilted around the Y-axis direction, for example, the inlet of the strainer of the pump 5 (one end of the first flow path 71) is unlikely to move away from the liquid surface of the fluid pool P on the −Z side of the gear accommodating portion 402. Therefore, even if the driving device 100 is tilted, the pump 5 can continue to draw 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 another portion to the outside of the motor section 2. The pump 5 and the cooler 6 are disposed midway along the fluid flow path 7. That is, the fluid F sucked by the pump 5 passes through the cooler 6 and is then supplied into the motor shaft 1 and to the outside of the motor section 2.

[0063] The fluid flow path 7 includes 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 lid portion 43. The other end of the fifth flow path 75 connects 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 inside the housing cylindrical portion 41 .

[0064] In this configuration, 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 unit 2 through the fourth flow path 74, the fifth flow path 75, the interior of the second shaft 310, and the interior of the first shaft 210, and can also be supplied to the outside of the motor unit 2 (e.g., the stator 22) through the sixth flow path 76. In other words, using the same pump 5, the fluid F can be supplied to the inside and outside of the motor unit 2 through different flow paths, such as the fourth flow path 74, the fifth flow path 75, and the sixth flow path 76. This eliminates the need to install multiple pumps 5, thereby enabling the drive unit 100 to be made more compact. Furthermore, this reduces the manufacturing cost and the number of manufacturing steps, thereby improving the productivity of the drive unit 100. Furthermore, the fourth flow path 74 and the sixth flow path 76, which supply the fluid F to the inside and outside of the motor unit 2, branch off at the other end of the third flow path 73, thereby simplifying the fluid flow path 7. Furthermore, by connecting the second flow path 72 passing through the cooler 6 to one end of the third flow path 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 path.

[0065] The first inlet 51 of the pump 5 is inserted into one end of the first flow path 71. A strainer is connected to the other end of the first flow path 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. Specifically, 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 prevents air from flowing into the first flow path 71. Furthermore, by disposing the strainer in the −Z direction from the differential shaft J3, the first flow path 71 can be made shorter, thereby reducing the flow path resistance acting on the fluid F flowing through the first flow path 71. The fluid F is sucked in through the inlet of the strainer when the pump 5 is driven, supplied to the first inlet 51 of the pump 5 through the first flow path 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 path 72 is disposed radially outward of the motor accommodating portion 401 and connects the pump 5 and the cooler 6 together.

[0067] 8 is an enlarged view of the second flow path 72. Note that 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 in from the first inlet 51 from the first outlet 52 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 via 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 arrangement shortens the flow path between the pump 5 and the cooler 6. In this embodiment, the pump 5 is disposed on the other circumferential side D2 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. The cooler 6 is disposed on the one circumferential side Dr1 of the first imaginary line Lv1, as viewed from the Y-axis direction. This arrangement reduces the radial distance between the pump 5 and the cooler 6 and the rotation axis J1, as the pump 5 and the cooler 6 are not disposed on the first imaginary line Lv1 in the Y-axis direction. This arrangement reduces the radial distance between the pump 5 and the cooler 6 and the rotation axis J1. This allows the drive unit 100 to 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 disposed 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 (described later). Note that the connection portion Cp1 is the portion where the first fluid path 721 is connected to the second fluid path 722, as described later. This allows the connection portion Cp1 to be positioned closer to the rotation axis J1 in the radial direction, thereby further reducing the radial size of the cylindrical housing portion 41. This allows the drive unit 100 to 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 further reduced. Furthermore, 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 further reduced. Therefore, the pump 5 and the cooler 6 can be arranged more compactly. Furthermore, 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 shortened. Therefore, the flow path connecting the first outlet 52 of the pump 5 and the second inlet 61 of the cooler 6 can be shortened.

[0073] However, the arrangement of the first inlet 51 and first outlet 52 of the pump 5 and the second inlet 61 and 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] As shown in FIG. 3 , the second inlet 61 of the cooler 6 is preferably disposed on the −Y direction side and the other circumferential side Dr2 of the cooler 6. The second outlet 62 of the cooler 6 is preferably disposed on the +Y direction side and the one circumferential side Dr1 of the cooler 6. This allows the second inlet 61 and the second outlet 62 in the cooler 6 to be disposed diagonally in a plan view seen from the radial direction, for example. Therefore, the distance between the second inlet 61 and the second outlet 62 can be increased, thereby increasing the length of the portion of the second flow path 72 disposed within the cooler 6. This allows the cooler 6 to sufficiently cool the fluid F. 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 disposed on the −Y direction side and the other circumferential side Dr2 of the cooler 6 and a configuration in which the second outlet 62 is not disposed on the +Y direction side and the one circumferential side Dr1 of the cooler 6.

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

[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 that extends in the −Y direction from the 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, fourth flow path 74 has a third outlet 742. Third outlet 742 of fourth flow path 74 is disposed in gear side lid portion 43. In other words, gear side lid portion 43 has third outlet 742. Third outlet 742 connects the other end of fourth flow path 74 and one end of fifth flow path 75.

[0078] The fourth flow path 74 also includes a tank 8. The tank 8 will be described later.

[0079] Next, as described above, the fifth flow path 75 is formed inside the gear-side cover portion 43. The other end of the fifth flow path 75 is connected to the second gear bearing holding portion 431. A portion of the fluid F flowing into the second gear bearing holding portion 431 through the fifth flow path 75 lubricates and cools the second gear bearing 4311. In addition, another portion of the fluid F flowing into the second gear bearing holding portion 431 through the fifth flow path 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 limitation ensures that the fluid F is supplied from the fifth flow path 75 to the motor unit 2 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-axis direction and inserted into the end of the second shaft 310 on the +Y-axis 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 interior 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 the end face of the partition wall 42 on the -Y direction side. In this embodiment, the internal flow path 761 is a portion on the one end side of the sixth flow path 76.

[0082] The sixth flow path 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 path 76. The fluid supply member 762 is housed in the motor housing portion 401. The end of the fluid supply member 762 on the +Y direction side is connected to the other end of the internal flow path 761. The end of the fluid supply member 762 on the -Y direction side is fixed to the motor-side lid portion 44.

[0083] In this embodiment, the fluid supply member 762 has a cylindrical shape extending in the Y-axis direction. However, without being limited to this example, the fluid supply member 762 may have a tray shape that has a recess recessed in the -Z direction (vertically downward) and opens 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 that penetrates the fluid supply member 762. For example, in this embodiment, multiple supply holes 763 are arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. The supply hole 763 arranged furthest in the +Y-axis direction opens toward the first motor bearing 4211. The supply hole 763 arranged furthest in the −Y-axis direction opens toward the second motor bearing 4411. The supply holes 763 arranged between these in the Y-axis direction open toward the radially outer surface of the stator 22 and the end of the stator 22 in the Y-axis direction (e.g., the coil end 2221). This allows the supply hole 763 to 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, these 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 of ​​the fourth flow path 74 is narrower than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the sixth flow path 76. Furthermore, the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path 73 is wider than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the sixth flow path 76. For example, the diameter 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 of the sixth flow path 76 and the inner diameter of the fluid supply member 762. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the third flow path 73 is larger than the smaller of the inner diameter of the internal flow path 761 of the sixth flow path 76 and the inner diameter of the fluid supply member 762. By making the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​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 of ​​the fourth flow path 74 is not narrower than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the sixth flow path 76, or a configuration in which the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the third flow path 73 is not wider than the minimum flow path cross-sectional area of ​​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 unit 100 as viewed from the X-axis direction. Note that FIG. 9 shows the configuration of the drive unit 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 may not necessarily be the same as those of the actual drive unit 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. Specifically, the seventh flow path 77 is disposed within the motor-side cover 44 and is connected to the second motor bearing holder 441. In other words, the motor-side cover 44 has the seventh flow path 77. A portion 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. 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 portion of the fluid F flowing from the sixth flow path 76 to the seventh flow path 77 is supplied to the interior 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 path 76 and the seventh flow path 77 can also be supplied in the −Y direction of the first shaft 210. Therefore, a larger amount of fluid F can be supplied sufficiently to the inside of the motor section 2.

[0088] 9, a supply limiting member 771 is disposed in the second motor bearing holder 441. In other words, the housing 4 includes 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 limitation ensures that the fluid F is supplied from the seventh flow path 77 to the inside of the motor unit 2 through the first hollow portion 2102 of the first shaft 210. The supply limiting member 771 includes an annular portion (reference numeral omitted) facing the second motor bearing 4411 in the Y-axis direction, and a cylindrical portion (reference numeral omitted) extending in the −Y-axis direction from the radially inner end of the annular portion and inserted into the −Y-axis side end of the first shaft 210. The annular portion includes a through-hole (reference numeral 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 cylindrical 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 path 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. Specifically, the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 are disposed inside the cylindrical housing 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 radially outer surface of the cylindrical housing portion 41. One end of the second fluid path 722 is closed by a seal plug 7221 to prevent leakage of the fluid F.

[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 cylindrical housing portion 41 and connects one end of the second fluid path 722 to 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 to 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 in a separate pipe. The fifth fluid path 725 is disposed inside the cylindrical housing portion 41 and connects the second outlet 62 of the cooler 6 to 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 between 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 the end of the second fluid path 722 on the cooler 6 side. In this case, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the smallest first angle θa formed by the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2 is oriented toward the rotation axis J1.

[0093] Because the direction in which the first fluid path 721 extends intersects with the direction in which the second fluid path 722 extends, the minimum first angle θa formed by the first line segment L1 and the second line segment L2 is greater than 0 degrees and less 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 radially inner end and the radially outer end of the space occupied by the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 can be further reduced. This allows the radial size of the tubular housing portion 41 to be further reduced. Furthermore, the pump 5 and the cooler 6, which are aligned circumferentially, can be positioned further radially inward. This allows the drive unit 100 to be further miniaturized.

[0094] Preferably, the first angle θa is an obtuse angle when viewed from the Y-axis direction (see FIG. 8 ). By setting the first angle θa to an obtuse angle, the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 can be positioned closer to the motor accommodating portion 401 in the radial direction. Note that, if the first angle θa is an acute angle when forming the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 inside the tubular housing portion 41, it becomes necessary to position 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. This allows the radial size of the tubular housing portion 41 to be reduced, thereby enabling the drive unit 100 to be made more compact. Furthermore, a seal plug 7221 is disposed at the radially outer end of the second fluid path 722 to prevent leakage of the fluid F. By setting the first angle θa to an obtuse angle, it becomes easier to position the radially outer end 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 placement of the cooler 6. Furthermore, since the radially outer end of the second fluid path 722 can be positioned further radially inward, it is possible to prevent an increase in the radial size of the cylindrical housing portion 41. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in the size of the drive unit 100. 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, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the smallest second angle θb formed between the direction in which the first fluid path 721 extends and the direction in which the second fluid path 722 extends is smaller than the smallest third angle θc formed 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 a tangent line Lt at the end of the second fluid path 722 on the cooler 6 side extends. This tangent line Lt is tangent to an 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 a connection portion 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 portion 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 radially outer end of the second fluid path 722 from the cooler 6, which more reliably prevents the radially outer end of the second fluid path 722 from interfering with the placement of the cooler 6. Furthermore, 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 tubular housing 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] 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 extending directions of the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 is parallel to an imaginary plane Pv that is perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. For example, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , both the extending directions of the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 are parallel to the imaginary 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 within the housing tubular portion 41. However, this example does not exclude a configuration in which both the extending directions of the first fluid path 721 and the second fluid path 722 intersect with the imaginary plane Pv.

[0097] <1-7.Tank 8> Next, the tank 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 10 to 13. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of the tank 8. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration 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 schematically shows the cross-sectional structure of the drive unit 100 taken along a virtual plane that includes the two-dot chain line CC in FIG. 3 and is perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. In FIG. 10, the gear unit 3 and other components are omitted for clarity. 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 includes the tank 8. The tank 8 is connected to the other end of the third flow path 73 through the third inlet 741 and 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 along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the direction in which the fluid F flows in the tank 8. This ensures a large volume for the internal space of the tank 8, allowing the tank 8 to store the fluid F flowing from the third flow path 73 to the fourth flow path 74. Therefore, by providing 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 +Y-direction end of the first tank member 81 contacts the −Y-direction end of the second tank member 82 via the sealing member 83. The sealing member 83 can be, for example, an annular gasket disposed between the first and second tank members. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , the tank 8 can be formed by fixing the gear-side lid 43 to the partition wall 42 while the first and second tank members are butted against each other via the sealing member 83. In this way, the sealing member 83 can seal the connection between the +Y-direction end of the first tank member 81 and the −Y-direction end of the second tank member 82. This more reliably prevents leakage of the fluid F from the joint between them.

[0101] 12A and 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 fit into the other.

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

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

[0104] In this way, the tank 8 can be constructed by a fitting structure 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. Compared to a configuration in which the two are butt-connected as shown in FIG. 11, this is less susceptible to the dimensional tolerances of the two. Therefore, the tank 8 can be constructed easily. Furthermore, leakage of the fluid F at the joint between the two can be prevented without using a sealing member 83, for example.

[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 when 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 unit 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 as 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 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 and other figures, 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 through 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 includes 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, for example, FIG. 10). 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 the 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. 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]

[0112] The present invention is useful for a device 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 cylindrical 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 a gear portion, 31 reduction gear device, 310 second shaft, 3101 first cylindrical 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, 4301...second output shaft through hole, 431...second gear bearing retaining portion, 4311... Second gear bearing, 432, second intermediate bearing holder, 4321, second intermediate bearing, 433, second output bearing holder, 4331, second output bearing, 434, tray portion, 4341, hole portion, 44, motor side cover portion, 441, second motor bearing holder, 4411, second motor bearing, 5, pump, 50, fixing 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 restriction member, 76... sixth flow path, 761... internal flow path, 762... fluid supply member, 763... supply hole, 77... seventh flow path, 771... supply restriction 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 first shaft rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the axial direction, and a stator disposed radially outward from the rotor; a gear portion attached to one axial side of the first shaft; a housing that accommodates the motor unit and the gear unit; a fluid flow path through which a fluid can flow, The housing includes: a cylindrical housing portion extending in the axial direction and accommodating the motor portion; a partition wall that closes one axial end of the cylindrical housing portion; a gear-side cover portion disposed at one axial end of the partition wall and constituting, together with the partition wall, a gear accommodating portion that accommodates the gear portion, the fluid flow path includes a first flow path, a third flow path, a fourth flow path, and a sixth flow path; One end of the first flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion, the third flow path is disposed inside the partition wall and extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis, one end of the third flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion via the first flow path, the fourth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path and extends toward the gear-side cover portion, One end of the sixth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path, the other end of the sixth flow path is disposed within the housing cylindrical portion, the third flow path overlaps with the rotation axis when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and intersecting the up-down direction.

2. A motor unit having a rotor having a first shaft rotatable around an axially extending rotation axis, and a stator disposed radially outward from the rotor; a gear portion attached to one axial side of the first shaft; a housing that accommodates the motor unit and the gear unit; a fluid flow path through which a fluid can flow, The housing includes: a cylindrical housing portion extending in the axial direction and accommodating the motor portion; a partition wall that closes one axial end of the cylindrical housing portion; a gear-side cover portion that is disposed at one axial end of the partition wall and that, together with the partition wall, defines a gear accommodating portion that accommodates the gear portion, the fluid flow path includes a first flow path, a third flow path, a fourth flow path, and a sixth flow path; One end of the first flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion, the third flow path is disposed inside the partition wall and extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis, one end of the third flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion via the first flow path, the fourth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path and extends toward the gear-side cover portion, One end of the sixth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path, the other end of the sixth flow path is disposed within the housing cylindrical portion, A drive device, wherein a pump is provided in the fluid flow path and spaced radially outward from the rotation shaft.

3. A motor unit having a rotor having a first shaft rotatable around an axially extending rotation axis, and a stator arranged radially outward from the rotor; a gear portion attached to one axial side of the first shaft; a housing that accommodates the motor unit and the gear unit; a fluid flow path through which a fluid can flow, The housing includes: a cylindrical housing portion extending in the axial direction and accommodating the motor portion; a partition wall that closes one axial end of the cylindrical housing portion; a gear-side cover portion that is disposed at one axial end of the partition wall and that, together with the partition wall, defines a gear accommodating portion that accommodates the gear portion, the fluid flow path includes a first flow path, a third flow path, a fourth flow path, and a sixth flow path; One end of the first flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion, the third flow path is disposed inside the partition wall and extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis, one end of the third flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion via the first flow path, the fourth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path and extends toward the gear-side cover portion, One end of the sixth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path, the other end of the sixth flow path is disposed within the housing cylindrical portion, a pump is provided in the fluid flow path; the gear portion has a differential device rotatable around a differential shaft extending in the axial direction, The pump is disposed between the rotation shaft and the differential shaft in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the up-down direction.

4. a cooler is provided in the fluid flow path; The drive unit according to claim 3 , wherein the fluid flow path includes a second flow path that connects the pump and one end of the third flow path via the cooler.

5. the gear unit has an output shaft attached to the differential device, The drive device according to claim 4 , wherein the cooler, the pump, and the output shaft are aligned in the first direction when viewed from above and below.

6. A motor unit having a rotor having a first shaft rotatable around an axially extending rotation axis, and a stator arranged radially outward from the rotor; a gear portion attached to one axial side of the first shaft; a housing that accommodates the motor unit and the gear unit; a fluid flow path through which a fluid can flow, The housing includes: a cylindrical housing portion extending in the axial direction and accommodating the motor portion; a partition wall that closes one axial end of the cylindrical housing portion; a gear-side cover portion that is disposed at one axial end of the partition wall and that, together with the partition wall, defines a gear accommodating portion that accommodates the gear portion, the fluid flow path includes a first flow path, a third flow path, a fourth flow path, and a sixth flow path; One end of the first flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion, the third flow path is disposed inside the partition wall and extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis, one end of the third flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion via the first flow path, the fourth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path and extends toward the gear-side cover portion, One end of the sixth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path, the other end of the sixth flow path is disposed within the housing cylindrical portion, a pump and a cooler are provided in the fluid flow path; the sixth flow path has an axially extending fluid supply portion; The fluid supply unit is provided between the pump and the cooler in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the up-down direction.

7. A motor unit having a rotor having a first shaft rotatable around an axially extending rotation axis, and a stator arranged radially outward from the rotor; a gear portion attached to one axial side of the first shaft; a housing that accommodates the motor unit and the gear unit; a fluid flow path through which a fluid can flow, The housing includes: a cylindrical housing portion extending in the axial direction and accommodating the motor portion; a partition wall that closes one axial end of the cylindrical housing portion; a gear-side cover portion that is disposed at one axial end of the partition wall and that, together with the partition wall, defines a gear accommodating portion that accommodates the gear portion, the fluid flow path includes a first flow path, a third flow path, a fourth flow path, and a sixth flow path; One end of the first flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion, the third flow path is disposed inside the partition wall and extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis, one end of the third flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion via the first flow path, the fourth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path and extends toward the gear-side cover portion, One end of the sixth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path, the other end of the sixth flow path is disposed within the housing cylindrical portion, a pump and a cooler are provided in the fluid flow path; The pump and the cooler are respectively disposed on a radially outer surface of the cylindrical housing portion and are aligned in a circumferential direction.

8. A motor unit having a rotor having a first shaft rotatable around an axially extending rotation axis, and a stator arranged radially outward from the rotor; a gear portion attached to one axial side of the first shaft; a housing that accommodates the motor unit and the gear unit; a fluid flow path through which a fluid can flow, The housing includes: a cylindrical housing portion extending in the axial direction and accommodating the motor portion; a partition wall that closes one axial end of the cylindrical housing portion; a gear-side cover portion that is disposed at one axial end of the partition wall and that, together with the partition wall, defines a gear accommodating portion that accommodates the gear portion, the fluid flow path includes a first flow path, a third flow path, a fourth flow path, and a sixth flow path; One end of the first flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion, the third flow path is disposed inside the partition wall and extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis, one end of the third flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion via the first flow path, the fourth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path and extends toward the gear-side cover portion, One end of the sixth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path, the other end of the sixth flow path is disposed within the housing cylindrical portion, a pump and a cooler are provided in the fluid flow path; the first inlet of the pump is disposed on one axial side of the pump; the first outlet of the pump is disposed on the other axial side of the pump, the second inlet of the cooler is disposed on the other axial side of the cooler and is connected to the first outlet, A drive device, wherein the second outlet of the cooler is arranged on one axial side of the cooler and is connected to the third flow path.

9. the cooler is disposed on one circumferential side of the pump, the second inlet is disposed on the other axial side and the other circumferential side of the cooler, The drive device according to claim 8 , wherein the second outlet is disposed on one axial side and one circumferential side of the cooler.

10. A motor unit having a rotor having a first shaft rotatable around an axially extending rotation axis, and a stator disposed radially outward from the rotor; a gear portion attached to one axial side of the first shaft; a housing that accommodates the motor unit and the gear unit; a fluid flow path through which a fluid can flow, The housing includes: a cylindrical housing portion extending in the axial direction and accommodating the motor portion; a partition wall that closes one axial end of the cylindrical housing portion; a gear-side cover portion that is disposed at one axial end of the partition wall and that, together with the partition wall, defines a gear accommodating portion that accommodates the gear portion, the fluid flow path includes a first flow path, a third flow path, a fourth flow path, and a sixth flow path; One end of the first flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion, the third flow path is disposed inside the partition wall and extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis, one end of the third flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion via the first flow path, the fourth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path and extends toward the gear-side cover portion, One end of the sixth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path, the other end of the sixth flow path is disposed within the housing cylindrical portion, the gear portion has a second shaft connected to one axial end of the first shaft, the fluid flow path further includes a fifth flow path disposed inside the gear side cover portion, The other end of the fifth flow path is connected to one axial end of the second shaft.

11. A motor unit having a rotor having a first shaft rotatable around an axially extending rotation axis, and a stator disposed radially outward from the rotor; a gear portion attached to one axial side of the first shaft; a housing that accommodates the motor unit and the gear unit; a fluid flow path through which a fluid can flow, The housing includes: a cylindrical housing portion extending in the axial direction and accommodating the motor portion; a partition wall that closes one axial end of the cylindrical housing portion; a gear-side cover portion that is disposed at one axial end of the partition wall and that, together with the partition wall, defines a gear accommodating portion that accommodates the gear portion, the fluid flow path includes a first flow path, a third flow path, a fourth flow path, and a sixth flow path; One end of the first flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion, the third flow path is disposed inside the partition wall and extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis, one end of the third flow path is connected to the gear accommodating portion via the first flow path, the fourth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path and extends toward the gear-side cover portion, One end of the sixth flow path is connected to the other end of the third flow path, the other end of the sixth flow path is disposed within the housing cylindrical portion, the fourth flow path has a third inlet and a tank, the tank is connected to the other end of the third flow path through the third inlet, The tank is provided on one side of the rotation shaft in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the up-down direction.

12. The drive device according to claim 11 , wherein the fourth flow path further includes a third outlet disposed at one axial end of the tank.

13. The tank is a cylindrical first tank member extending in one axial direction from one axial side of the partition wall; 13. The drive device according to claim 11, further comprising: a second tank member that is cylindrical and extends from the other axial side of the gear-side cover portion in the other axial direction and is connected to one axial end of the first tank member.

14. the housing further includes a bearing holding portion that rotatably holds the first shaft via a bearing, The drive unit according to claim 1 , wherein the sixth flow path has at least one supply portion that opens toward at least one of the stator and the bearing.

15. the fluid flow path further includes a seventh flow path; one end of the seventh flow passage is connected to the other axial end of the sixth flow passage, The drive unit according to claim 1 , wherein the other end of the seventh flow path is connected to the other axial end of the first shaft.

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