Drive unit

Abstract

To provide a driving device having a high effective coolant path.SOLUTION: A driving device 1 comprises: a motor 2 that has a motor shaft 21 rotated as a center of a motor axial J2; a power transmission device 3 that is connected from one side of an axial direction to the motor shaft 21; a housing 6 that includes a motor accommodation part 81 accommodating the motor 2 into an inner part and a gear accommodation part 82 that accommodates the power transmission device 3 into the inner part; a coolant path 90 in which a coolant O is circulated; a cooler 9 that cools the coolant O; and a first pump 8 that transmits the coolant O with a pressure. In the housing 6, a first coolant reservoir P1 in which the coolant O is accumulated and a second coolant reservoir P2 in which the coolant reservoir P2 is accumulated on the side upper than the first coolant reservoir P1 are provided. The coolant path 90 includes: a first path 91 that connects the first coolant reservoir P1 and the second coolant reservoir P2; a second path 92 that connects a suction port 8a of the second coolant reservoir P2 and the first pump 8; and a third path 93 that connects a discharge port 8b of the first pump 8 and an inlet port 9a of the cooler 9.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles are equipped with a cooling circuit that cools the motor, battery, etc. Patent Document 1 discloses a cooling system that cools an electric motor using an oil circulation circuit that circulates cooling oil. In Patent Document 1, the oil in the oil circulation circuit passes through a pipe located above the stator. The pipe has a discharge hole, and the oil is supplied from the discharge hole to the stator to cool it. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-61859 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a refrigerant path that cools a motor, if the pressure loss of the refrigerant in the path increases, the power consumption of the pump that pumps the refrigerant increases and the pump becomes larger. For this reason, there is a demand for a more efficient refrigerant path, for example by shortening the path length.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, one object of the present invention is to provide a drive unit having an efficient refrigerant path. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of a drive device of the present invention includes a motor having a motor shaft that rotates about a motor axis, a power transmission mechanism connected to one axial side of the motor shaft, a housing having a motor accommodating section that accommodates the motor and a gear accommodating section that accommodates the power transmission mechanism, a refrigerant path through which a refrigerant circulates, a cooler that cools the refrigerant, and a first pump that pumps the refrigerant. The housing is provided with a first refrigerant reservoir that accumulates the refrigerant, and a second refrigerant reservoir above the first refrigerant reservoir that accumulates the refrigerant. The refrigerant path includes a first passage connecting the first refrigerant reservoir and the second refrigerant reservoir, a second passage connecting the second refrigerant reservoir and an inlet of the first pump, and a third passage connecting the outlet of the first pump and an inlet of the cooler. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a drive unit having an efficient refrigerant path can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drive device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the drive device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the drive device according to the first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view of a drive device according to a second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partial schematic diagram of a drive device according to a third modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a drive device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a drive device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a drive device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a drive device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a drive device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first path and the tenth path of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first path and the tenth path of a modified example that can be adopted in the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, a driving device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the vertical direction is defined based on the positional relationship when the drive device of the embodiment shown in each drawing is mounted on a vehicle positioned on a horizontal road surface. The drawings also appropriately illustrate an XYZ coordinate system as a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. In the XYZ coordinate system, the Z axis direction is the vertical direction. The +Z side is the upper side in the vertical direction, and the -Z side is the lower side in the vertical direction. In the following description, the upper side in the vertical direction is simply referred to as the "upper side," and the lower side in the vertical direction is simply referred to as the "lower side." The X axis direction is perpendicular to the Z axis direction and corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on which the drive device is mounted. In the following embodiments, the +X side is the front side of the vehicle, and the -X side is the rear side of the vehicle. The Y axis direction is perpendicular to both the X axis direction and the Z axis direction and corresponds to the lateral direction of the vehicle, i.e., the vehicle width direction. In the following embodiments, the +Y side is the left side of the vehicle, and the -Y side is the right side of the vehicle. The longitudinal direction and the lateral direction are horizontal directions perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0010] The motor axis J2, as shown in each drawing, extends in the Y-axis direction, i.e., the left-right direction of the vehicle. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the motor axis J2 will be referred to simply as the "axial direction," the radial direction about the motor axis J2 will be referred to simply as the "radial direction," and the circumferential direction about the motor axis J2, i.e., around the axis of the motor axis J2, will be referred to simply as the "circumferential direction." In the following description, the +Y side will sometimes be referred to simply as the "one axial side," and the -Y side will sometimes be referred to simply as the "other axial side."

[0011] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drive device according to a first embodiment. The drive unit 1 is mounted on a vehicle powered by a motor, such as a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHV), or an electric vehicle (EV), and is used as the power source thereof.

[0012] The drive device 1 includes a motor 2, a power transmission mechanism 3, a housing 6, an inverter 7, a cooler 9, a pump (first pump) 8, a refrigerant O, and a refrigerant path 90 through which the refrigerant O circulates.

[0013] The housing 6 has a motor accommodating portion 81 that accommodates the motor 2 therein, a gear accommodating portion 82 that accommodates the power transmission mechanism 3 therein, and an inverter accommodating portion 89 that accommodates the inverter 7. The gear accommodating portion 82 is located on one axial side (+Y side) of the motor accommodating portion 81. The inverter accommodating portion 89 is located above the motor accommodating portion 81.

[0014] (Motor) In this embodiment, the motor 2 is an inner rotor motor. The motor 2 in this embodiment is, for example, a three-phase AC motor. The motor 2 functions both as an electric motor and as a generator. The motor 2 includes a motor shaft 21, a rotor 20, and a stator 30.

[0015] The motor shaft 21 extends axially around the motor axis J2. The motor shaft 21 rotates around the motor axis J2. The motor shaft 21 is a hollow shaft having a hollow portion 22 extending axially therein.

[0016] The motor shaft 21 extends across the motor accommodating portion 81 and the gear accommodating portion 82 of the housing 6. The motor shaft 21 is connected to the rotor 20 inside the motor accommodating portion 81. The motor shaft 21 is connected to the power transmission mechanism 3 inside the gear accommodating portion 82. That is, the power transmission mechanism 3 is connected to the motor shaft 21 from one axial side (+Y side). The motor shaft 21 is rotatably supported by the housing 6 via a bearing (not shown).

[0017] The rotor 20 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the motor shaft 21. The rotor 20 is rotatable about a motor axis J2 extending horizontally. The rotor 20 has a rotor core 24 and a rotor magnet (not shown) fixed to the rotor core. The torque of the rotor 20 is transmitted to the power transmission mechanism 3.

[0018] The stator 30 surrounds the rotor 20 from the radially outer side. The stator 30 has a stator core 32, a coil 31, and an insulator (not shown) interposed between the stator core 32 and the coil 31. The stator 30 is held in a housing 6. The stator core 32 has a plurality of magnetic pole teeth (not shown) extending radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the annular yoke. Coil wire is arranged between the magnetic pole teeth. The coil wire located in the gap between adjacent magnetic pole teeth constitutes the coil 31. The insulator is made of an insulating material.

[0019] (Power transmission mechanism) The power transmission mechanism 3 has a plurality of gears 41, 42, 43, and 51. The power transmission mechanism 3 is connected to the rotor 20 of the motor 2 to transmit power. The power transmission mechanism 3 has a reduction gear 4 and a differential gear 5.

[0020] The reduction gear 4 has a function of reducing the rotational speed of the motor 2 and increasing the torque output from the motor 2 in accordance with the reduction ratio. The reduction gear 4 is connected to the motor shaft 21. The reduction gear 4 transmits the torque output from the motor 2 to the differential gear 5.

[0021] The reduction gear 4 has a pinion gear 41, an intermediate shaft 45, and a counter gear 42 and a drive gear 43 fixed to the intermediate shaft 45. Torque output from the motor 2 is transmitted to a ring gear 51 of the differential device 5 via the motor shaft 21, the pinion gear 41, the counter gear 42, and the drive gear 43. The gear ratio of each gear, the number of gears, etc. can be changed in various ways depending on the required reduction ratio.

[0022] The pinion gear 41 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the motor shaft 21. The pinion gear 41 rotates together with the motor shaft 21 about the motor axis J2.

[0023] The intermediate shaft 45 extends along an intermediate axis J4 that is parallel to the motor axis J2 and rotates about the intermediate axis J4.

[0024] The counter gear 42 and the drive gear 43 are arranged side by side in the axial direction. The counter gear 42 and the drive gear 43 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the intermediate shaft 45. The counter gear 42 and the drive gear 43 are connected via the intermediate shaft 45. The counter gear 42 and the drive gear 43 rotate about the intermediate axis J4. At least two of the counter gear 42, the drive gear 43, and the intermediate shaft 45 may be formed from a single member. The counter gear 42 meshes with the pinion gear 41. The drive gear 43 meshes with the ring gear 51 of the differential device 5.

[0025] The differential 5 is a device for transmitting the torque output from the motor 2 to the wheels of the vehicle. When the vehicle turns, the differential 5 has the function of transmitting the same torque to a pair of output shafts 55 while absorbing the speed difference between the left and right wheels.

[0026] The differential device 5 has a ring gear 51, a gear housing (not shown), a pair of pinion gears (not shown), a pinion shaft (not shown), and a pair of side gears (not shown). The ring gear 51 rotates about a differential axis J5 that is parallel to the motor axis J2. Torque output from the motor 2 is transmitted to the ring gear 51 via the reduction gear 4.

[0027] The pair of output shafts 55 extend along the axial direction. One end of each of the pair of output shafts 55 is connected to a side gear, and the other end is connected to a wheel. The pair of output shafts 55 transmit the torque of the motor 2 to the road surface via the wheels.

[0028] (housing) The housing 6 has a housing main body 83, a motor cover 84, a gear cover 85, and an inverter cover 86. The housing main body 83, the motor cover 84, the gear cover 85, and the inverter cover 86 are each separate members. The motor cover 84 is disposed on the other axial side (-Y side) of the housing main body 83. The gear cover 85 is disposed on one axial side (+Y side) of the housing main body 83. The inverter cover 86 is disposed on the upper side of the housing main body 83.

[0029] The housing 6 has a motor accommodating portion 81, a gear accommodating portion 82, and an inverter accommodating portion 89. The motor accommodating portion 81, the gear accommodating portion 82, and the inverter accommodating portion 89 are each formed by a housing main body 83, a motor cover 84, a gear cover 85, and an inverter cover 86.

[0030] The motor accommodating section 81 is composed of a cylindrical section of a housing main body 83 and a motor cover 84 that covers the opening on the other axial side (-Y side) of the cylindrical section. The motor 2 is disposed in a space surrounded by the housing main body 83 and the motor cover 84.

[0031] The gear accommodating portion 82 is configured by a recessed portion that opens on one axial side (+Y side) of the housing main body 83, and a gear cover 85 that covers the opening of this recessed portion. The power transmission mechanism 3 is disposed in the space surrounded by the housing main body 83 and the gear cover.

[0032] The inverter accommodating section 89 is composed of a box-shaped section that opens to the upper side of the housing main body 83, and an inverter cover 86 that covers the opening of this box-shaped section. The inverter 7 is disposed in the space surrounded by the housing main body 83 and the inverter cover 86.

[0033] The housing 6 has a gear cover wall (cover wall) 6a extending along a plane perpendicular to the motor axis J2, a partition wall 6b, and a motor cover wall 6c, a gear peripheral wall 6f surrounding the power transmission mechanism 3 from the radial outside, and a motor peripheral wall 6g surrounding the motor 2 from the radial outside.

[0034] The gear cover wall portion 6a is provided on the gear cover 85. The gear cover wall portion 6a constitutes a part of the gear accommodating portion 82. The gear cover wall portion 6a is disposed on one axial side (+Y side) of the power transmission mechanism 3. The gear cover wall portion 6a covers one axial side (+Y side) of the power transmission mechanism 3.

[0035] The motor cover wall portion 6c is provided on the motor cover 84. The motor cover wall portion 6c constitutes a part of the motor accommodating portion 81. The motor cover wall portion 6c is disposed on the other axial side (-Y side) of the motor 2.

[0036] The partition wall 6b is provided in the housing main body 83. The partition wall 6b separates the internal space of the motor accommodating portion 81 from the internal space of the gear accommodating portion 82. The partition wall 6b forms part of the motor accommodating portion 81 and the gear accommodating portion 82. The partition wall 6b is provided with a shaft passing hole 6p and a partition wall opening 6q. The shaft passing hole 6p and the partition wall opening 6q connect the internal spaces of the motor accommodating portion 81 and the gear accommodating portion 82. The motor shaft 21 passes through the shaft passing hole 6p.

[0037] The gear peripheral wall portion 6f is formed by a part of the housing main body 83 and a part of the gear cover 85. The gear peripheral wall portion 6f forms a part of the gear accommodating portion 82. The gear peripheral wall portion 6f extends along the axial direction. The gear peripheral wall portion 6f connects the gear cover wall portion 6a and the partition wall 6b. The gear peripheral wall portion 6f surrounds the gears 41, 42, 43, and 51 from the radial outside of the motor axis J2, the intermediate axis J4, and the differential axis J5.

[0038] The motor peripheral wall 6g is provided on the housing main body 83. The motor peripheral wall 6g constitutes part of the motor accommodating section 81. The motor peripheral wall 6g is cylindrical and extends axially with the motor axis J2 as its center. The motor peripheral wall 6g connects the partition wall 6b and the motor cover wall 6c. The motor peripheral wall 6g surrounds the motor 2 from the radial outside of the motor axis J2.

[0039] A refrigerant O is accommodated inside the housing 6. The refrigerant O circulates through a refrigerant path 90, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the refrigerant O is oil, and is used not only to cool the motor 2 but also to lubricate the power transmission mechanism 3. In order to function as both a lubricating oil and a cooling oil, it is preferable to use, as the refrigerant O, an oil equivalent to a lubricating oil for automatic transmissions (ATF: Automatic Transmission Fluid), which has a relatively low viscosity.

[0040] In this specification, "a refrigerant is accommodated inside a certain portion" means that the refrigerant is present inside the certain portion at least partially while the motor is running, but the refrigerant does not have to be present inside the certain portion when the motor is stopped. For example, in this embodiment, "a refrigerant O is accommodated inside the motor accommodating portion 81" means that the refrigerant O is present inside the motor accommodating portion 81 at least partially while the motor 2 is running, and when the motor 2 is stopped, all of the refrigerant O inside the motor accommodating portion 81 may move to the gear accommodating portion 82 through the partition wall opening 6q. Note that a portion of the refrigerant O sent to the motor accommodating portion 81 through the refrigerant path 90 (described later) may remain inside the motor accommodating portion 81 when the motor 2 is stopped.

[0041] Three refrigerant reservoirs for storing refrigerant O are provided within the housing 6. The three refrigerant reservoirs are a first reservoir P1, a second reservoir P2, and a catch tank P3. The first reservoir (first refrigerant reservoir) P1 is provided in a lower region within the gear accommodating portion 82. The second reservoir (first refrigerant reservoir) P2 is provided in a lower region within the motor accommodating portion 81. The catch tank (second refrigerant reservoir) P3 is disposed inside the gear accommodating portion 82.

[0042] The catch tank P3 opens upward. The catch tank P3 is located above the first storage section P1 and the second storage section P2. The refrigerant O accumulates in the catch tank P3 above the first storage section P1 and the second storage section P2. In this embodiment, the catch tank P3 stores the refrigerant O above the motor axis J2. Here, storing the refrigerant O above the motor axis J2 means that the lower end of the storage space in which the refrigerant O is stored is located above the motor axis J2.

[0043] The catch tank P3 is, for example, a gutter-shaped member that protrudes from the inner surface of the gear accommodating portion 82. In this case, the catch tank P3 is part of the housing 6. The catch tank P3 may also be a member separate from the housing 6. The catch tank P3 is connected to the inner surface of the gear accommodating portion 82.

[0044] The refrigerant O accumulated in the first storage portion P1 is scooped up by the operation of the power transmission mechanism 3. A portion of the refrigerant O scooped up by the operation of the power transmission mechanism 3 is diffused into the gear accommodating portion 82, increasing the lubrication of the power transmission mechanism 3. Another portion of the refrigerant O scooped up by the operation of the power transmission mechanism 3 is sent to the catch tank P3. The refrigerant O sent to the catch tank P3 is sent to the inside of the motor accommodating portion 81 via a refrigerant path 90, which will be described later. The refrigerant O sent to the inside of the motor accommodating portion 81 drips from the motor 2 and accumulates in the second storage portion P2. A portion of the refrigerant O accumulated in the second storage portion P2 moves to the gear accommodating portion 82 through the partition wall opening 6q and returns to the first storage portion P1.

[0045] (refrigerant path) The refrigerant O circulates through a refrigerant path 90 within the drive unit 1. The refrigerant path 90 is a path that supplies the refrigerant O from the first storage part P1 to the motor 2 and returns the refrigerant O to the first storage part P1 again.

[0046] In this specification, the term "refrigerant path" refers to a path through which the refrigerant O circulates inside the housing 6 (or inside and outside the housing 6). Therefore, the term "refrigerant path" is a concept that includes not only a "flow path" that forms a steady flow of the refrigerant in one direction, but also a path that temporarily retains the refrigerant (for example, one that functions as a catch tank), a path through which the refrigerant drips, and a path through which the refrigerant scatters.

[0047] The refrigerant path 90 is provided with a catch tank P3, a pump 8, a cooler 9, and a supply pipe 94P. The catch tank P3 is disposed directly above the power transmission mechanism 3 inside the gear accommodating portion 82. The pump 8 and the cooler 9 are each fixed to the outer surface of the housing 6. The supply pipe 94P is disposed directly above the motor 2 inside the motor accommodating portion 81. In this specification, "directly above" means arranged above and overlapping when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0048] The cooler 9 cools the refrigerant O in the refrigerant path 90. Inside the cooler 9, there are provided an internal flow path (not shown) through which the refrigerant O flows and an internal flow path (not shown) through which cooling water flows. The cooler 9 is a heat exchanger that cools the refrigerant O by transferring heat of the refrigerant O to the cooling water. The cooler 9 has an inlet 9a and an outlet 9b. The refrigerant O flows into the internal flow path of the cooler 9 from the inlet 9a and flows out from the outlet 9b.

[0049] The pump 8 is an electric pump that is driven by electricity. The pump 8 may also be a mechanical pump that operates in conjunction with the driving of the power transmission mechanism 3. The pump 8 pumps the refrigerant O in the refrigerant path 90. The pump 8 has an intake port 8a and an outlet port 8b. The refrigerant O is drawn into the pump 8 through the intake port 8a and discharged from the outlet port 8b.

[0050] The refrigerant path 90 of this embodiment has a first path 91, a second path 92, a third path 93, and a fourth path 94. The entire lengths of the second path 92 and the third path 93 and a portion of the fourth path 94 are holes provided in the housing 6. The entire lengths of the second path 92 and the third path 93 and a portion of the fourth path 94 are formed by drilling holes in the wall of the housing 6. The other portion of the fourth path 94 is provided inside the supply pipe 94P.

[0051] The first path 91 is a path connecting the first storage portion P1 and the catch tank P3. The first path 91 guides the refrigerant O from the first storage portion P1 to the catch tank P3. In this embodiment, the first path 91 is a scooping path that supplies the refrigerant O from the first storage portion P1 to the catch tank P3 by scooping up the refrigerant O in association with rotation of a gear (in this embodiment, the ring gear 51) of the power transmission mechanism 3.

[0052] The second path 92 connects the catch tank P3 and the suction port 8a of the pump 8. The upstream end of the second path 92 opens into the storage area of ​​the catch tank P3. The second path 92 is arranged inside the gear cover wall portion 6a along the wall surface of the gear cover wall portion 6a of the gear cover 85.

[0053] The third path 93 connects the discharge port 8b of the pump 8 and the inlet 9a of the cooler 9. The third path 93 supplies the refrigerant O from the pump 8 to the cooler 9. The third path 93 extends from one axial side to the other. The third path 93 is provided in the gear peripheral wall portion 6f of the gear accommodating portion 82. The third path 93 extends between the housing main body 83 and the gear cover 85.

[0054] The fourth path 94 extends from the outlet 9b of the cooler 9 to the inside of the supply pipe 94P. The fourth path 94 has an in-wall path 94a that passes through the inside of the housing 6, and an in-pipe path 94b that passes through the inside of the supply pipe 94P.

[0055] The in-wall passage 94a extends from the outlet 9b of the cooler 9 to the other axial side (-Y side). The in-wall passage 94a opens into the internal space of the motor accommodating portion 81. A supply pipe 94P is inserted into and fixed to the opening of the in-wall passage 94a. The supply pipe 94P extends axially inside the motor accommodating portion 81 directly above the motor 2.

[0056] The pipe passage 94b extends in the axial direction inside the supply pipe 94P. The refrigerant O supplied to the pipe passage 94b flows in the axial direction above the motor 2. The supply pipe 94P is provided with an injection hole that opens toward the motor 2. The refrigerant O in the pipe passage 94b is injected onto the stator 30 through the injection hole. That is, the fourth passage 94 extends into the motor accommodating portion 81 in the pipe passage 94b to supply the refrigerant O to the motor 2 from the outside.

[0057] The refrigerant O supplied to the motor 2 absorbs heat from the stator 30 as it flows along the surface of the stator 30, cooling the stator 30. The refrigerant O then drips from the stator 30 to reach the second reservoir P2, and then returns to the first reservoir P1 through the partition wall opening 6q.

[0058] According to this embodiment, by placing the motor 2 in the refrigerant path 90 and supplying the refrigerant O to the motor 2, the motor 2 is cooled and the temperature of the motor 2 is prevented from rising too high, thereby improving the reliability of the motor 2.

[0059] In this embodiment, the cooler 9 is fixed to the outer surface of the gear accommodating portion 82 above a horizontal plane including the motor axis J2. This makes it easier to arrange the cooler 9 close to the motor 2, and the fourth path 94 connected to the cooler 9 can be shortened. As a result, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant O from absorbing heat on the way from the cooler 9 to the motor 2, and it is possible to keep the temperature of the refrigerant O supplied to the motor 2 low. Furthermore, by shortening the fourth path 94, it is possible to reduce the pipe resistance of the refrigerant path 90.

[0060] In this embodiment, the pump 8, like the cooler 9, is fixed to the outer surface of the gear accommodating portion 82 above the horizontal plane including the motor axis J2. This allows the pump 8 and the cooler 9 to be disposed close to each other, thereby shortening the third path 93 connecting the pump 8 and the cooler 9. By shortening the third path 93, the pipe resistance of the refrigerant path 90 can be reduced.

[0061] According to the present embodiment, a catch tank P3 is provided in the refrigerant path 90, and the pump 8 draws up the refrigerant O from the catch tank P3 via the second path 92. The catch tank P3 is disposed above the first storage portion P1. Therefore, the pump 8 can be made smaller and its power consumption can be reduced compared to when the pump 8 draws up the refrigerant O from the first storage portion P1.

[0062] According to the present embodiment, the first path 91 is a scoop-up path that scoops up the refrigerant O and transfers the refrigerant O in conjunction with the operation of the power transmission mechanism 3. Therefore, according to the refrigerant path 90 of the present embodiment, the pipe resistance does not increase in the first path 91, and therefore the refrigerant path 90 can be configured to be highly efficient overall.

[0063] According to the present embodiment, a portion of the refrigerant O accumulated in the first storage portion P1 is transferred to and stored in the catch tank P3 by being scooped up by the power transmission mechanism 3. This allows the liquid level of the refrigerant O accumulated in the first storage portion P1 to be lowered, and the stirring resistance of the gears immersed in the refrigerant O in the first storage portion P1 to be reduced.

[0064] In this embodiment, the fourth path 94 passes through the inside of the supply pipe 94P and supplies the refrigerant O to the motor 2 through the nozzle holes of the supply pipe 94P. Therefore, the discharge pressure of the pump 8 is used to increase the pressure inside the supply pipe 94P, allowing the refrigerant O to be dispersed far from the nozzle holes. This makes it easier for the refrigerant O to reach the complicated parts of the motor 2, thereby effectively cooling the motor 2. Instead of the supply pipe 94P, a trough-shaped reservoir may be disposed directly above the motor 2. In this case, the reservoir may be provided with a discharge port, and the refrigerant O stored in the reservoir may be supplied to the motor 2 by dripping onto the motor 2.

[0065] According to the present embodiment, at least one of the second path 92 and the third path 93 is configured by a hole provided in the wall of the housing 6. That is, the second path 92 and the third path 93 are arranged inside the wall of the housing 6. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate piping member between the first storage portion P1 and the pump 8, which can suppress an increase in the number of parts. However, the second path 92 and the third path 93 do not have to be arranged inside the wall of the housing 6, and separate piping members may be provided.

[0066] Fig. 2 is a top view of the drive device 1 of this embodiment, and Figs. 3 and 4 are top views of drive devices 1A and 1B of Modifications 1 and 2, respectively. Furthermore, Fig. 5 is a partial schematic view of a drive device 1C of Modification 3. Note that the inverter accommodating section 89 is not shown in Figs. 2 to 5.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 2, in the drive unit 1 of this embodiment, the cooler 9 and the pump 8 are arranged side by side in the axial direction and fixed to the outer surface of the gear accommodating portion 82. That is, the cooler 9 and the pump 8 at least partially overlap in the axial direction of the motor axis. In addition, in this embodiment, the intake port 8a and the discharge port 8b of the pump 8 and the inlet 9a and the outlet 9b of the cooler 9 are arranged in this order from one axial side (+Y side) to the other axial side (-Y side). This makes it easy to arrange the second path 92, the third path 93, and the fourth path 94 in a straight line on the gear peripheral wall portion 6f, thereby simplifying the refrigerant path 90 and reducing pipe resistance.

[0068] 3 and 4, in the drive devices 1A and 1B of the first and second modifications, the cooler 9 and the pump 8 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction. That is, in the first and second modifications, the cooler 9 and the pump 8 at least partially overlap in the circumferential direction of the motor axis J2.

[0069] The drive devices 1A and 1B of the first and second modifications differ in the circumferential positions of the pump 8 and the cooler 9. In the drive device 1A of the first modification shown in Fig. 3, the pump 8 is disposed directly above the catch tank P3, and the cooler 9 is disposed on one circumferential side of the pump 8 (the lower side of the paper in the figure). On the other hand, in the drive device 1B of the second modification shown in Fig. 4, the pump 8 is disposed on the horizontal side of the catch tank P3, and the cooler 9 is disposed on the other circumferential side of the pump 8 (the upper side of the paper in the figure).

[0070] In the drive unit 1A of the first modification, the inlet 9a and the outlet 9b of the cooler 9 are aligned along the circumferential direction. This makes it easy to arrange the second path 92 and the third path 93 along the circumferential direction on the gear peripheral wall portion 6f, simplifying the refrigerant path 90 and reducing pipeline resistance. Furthermore, in the drive unit 1A of the first modification, the discharge port 8b of the pump 8 faces the inlet 9a of the cooler 9 in the circumferential direction. This makes it possible to arrange the second path 92 and the third path 93 linearly in the circumferential direction, further reducing pipeline resistance.

[0071] In the drive devices 1A and 1B of the first and second modifications, the cooler 9 and the pump 8 are fixed to the gear accommodating portion 82 above a horizontal plane including the motor axis J2. As a result, similar to the above-described embodiment, the pump 8 and the cooler 9 can be arranged close to each other, and the third path 93 connecting the pump 8 and the cooler 9 can be shortened. Furthermore, the cooler 9 can be easily arranged close to the motor 2, and the fourth path 94 connected to the cooler 9 can be shortened.

[0072] 5, in a drive device 1C of the third modification, the pump 8 is fixed to the gear accommodating portion 82 from one axial side (+Y side). Therefore, the pump 8 is located on one axial side (+Y side) of the catch tank P3. According to this modification, by arranging the catch tank P3 and the pump 8 close to each other, the second path 92 connecting the catch tank P3 and the pump 8 can be shortened, and the line resistance of the refrigerant path 90 can be reduced.

[0073] In the third modification, the intake port 8a of the pump 8 is located below the catch tank P3. Therefore, the second path 92 slopes downward from the catch tank P3 toward the intake port 8a of the pump 8. Therefore, even when the amount of refrigerant in the catch tank P3 is sufficiently small, the refrigerant O can be smoothly guided from the catch tank P3 to the pump 8. Note that "the suction port 8a of the pump 8 is located below the catch tank P3" means that the suction port 8a is located below the bottom end of the storage space of the catch tank P3.

[0074] In this modification, the outlet 9b of the cooler 9 is disposed on the other axial side (-Y side) of the inlet 9a. This allows the fourth path 94 extending from the outlet 9b of the cooler 9 to the motor 2 side to be shortened, thereby reducing the pipeline resistance of the refrigerant path 90.

[0075] Second Embodiment FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a driving device 101 according to the second embodiment. In the following description of each embodiment and modified example, the same components as those in the already described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] The driving device 101 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the refrigerant path 190. Compared to the first embodiment, the refrigerant path 190 of this embodiment further includes an eleventh path (shaft supply path) 171, a fifth path 195, an inverter path 195a, a connection path 195b, a sixth path 196, an in-shaft path 194c, and an in-rotor path 194d.

[0077] The eleventh path 171 connects the discharge port 8b of the pump 8 and an end portion on one axial side (+Y side) of the in-shaft path 194c. The eleventh path 171 is a path that supplies the refrigerant O pressure-fed by the pump 8 to the hollow portion 22 of the motor shaft 21.

[0078] The eleventh path 171 is arranged inside the gear peripheral wall portion 6f and the gear cover wall portion 6a of the housing 6. The eleventh path 171 is a path branching off from the third path 93. 6, when a pump having a plurality of discharge ports 8b, 108b is used, the eleventh path 171 is directly connected to one of the discharge ports 108b of the pump. In this case, the refrigerant path 190 branches inside the pump 8.

[0079] The fifth path 195 connects the downstream end of the fourth path 94 and the inverter path 195a. The fifth path 195 is a path that supplies a portion of the refrigerant O that has not been supplied to the motor 2 through the fourth path 94 to the inverter path 195a. The fifth path 195 is disposed inside the wall of the housing 6.

[0080] The inverter path 195a passes through the inverter accommodating portion 89 to cool the inverter 7. The inverter path 195a passes through, for example, the boundary between the inverter accommodating portion 89 and the inverter 7. In this case, the refrigerant O comes into direct contact with the inverter 7 to cool the inverter 7.

[0081] The connection path 195b connects the downstream end of the inverter path 195a and the internal space of the gear accommodating portion 82. The connection path 195b is, for example, a path disposed in a pipe connected to the housing 6. The connection path 195b may also be a path disposed inside the wall of the housing 6. The connection path 195b is a path that returns the refrigerant O that has passed through the inverter path 195a to the internal space of the gear accommodating portion 82. The downstream end of the connection path 195b preferably opens to an upper region within the gear accommodating portion 82. In this case, the refrigerant O that flows into the gear accommodating portion 82 from the downstream end of the connection path 195b is supplied to the tooth surfaces of the gears of the power transmission mechanism 3, thereby improving the lubrication of the power transmission mechanism 3.

[0082] The sixth path 196 connects the downstream end of the fourth path 94 and the other axial end of the in-shaft path 194c. The sixth path 196 is a path branching off from the fifth path 195. The sixth path 196 is a path that supplies a portion of the refrigerant O that was not supplied to the motor 2 through the fourth path 94 to the hollow portion 22 of the motor shaft 21. The sixth path 196 is disposed inside the motor cover wall portion 6c of the housing 6.

[0083] The intra-shaft passage 194c is a passage that passes through the hollow portion 22 of the motor shaft 21. In the intra-shaft passage 194c, the refrigerant O flows along the axial direction. The hollow portion 22 opens into the interior of the gear accommodating portion 82 at one end on the axial side (+Y side), and opens into the interior of the motor accommodating portion 81 at the other end on the axial side (-Y side).

[0084] The shaft in-path 194c is connected to the eleventh path 171 and the sixth path 196 at both ends of the hollow portion 22. The refrigerant O that flows into the hollow portion 22 from one axial side and the other axial side join together in the shaft in-path 194c.

[0085] The motor shaft 21 has a communication hole 194h that extends radially and provides communication between the inside and outside of the hollow portion 22. The radially outer opening of the communication hole 194h is connected to the in-rotor passage 194d. Therefore, the communication hole 194h connects the in-shaft passage 194c and the in-rotor passage 194d.

[0086] The intra-rotor path 194d is a path that passes through the inside of the rotor core 24 and splashes the refrigerant O onto the stator 30. As the refrigerant O passes through the intra-rotor path 194d, it absorbs heat from the rotor 20, cooling the rotor 20. As the rotor 20 rotates, centrifugal force is applied to the refrigerant O passing through the intra-shaft path 194c. The refrigerant O passes radially outward through the intra-rotor path 194d and splashes radially outward from the rotor 20, and is supplied to the stator 30 from the radially inner side. The refrigerant O supplied from the radially inner side absorbs heat from the stator 30 as it flows along the surface of the stator 30, cooling the stator 30 from the inside.

[0087] According to this embodiment, a portion of the refrigerant O stored in the catch tank P3 cools the motor 2 from the outside via the fourth path 94. Furthermore, a portion of the refrigerant O stored in the catch tank P3 cools the motor 2 from the inside via the sixth path 196. That is, according to this embodiment, the inside and outside of the motor 2 can be cooled using the refrigerant O, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the motor 2. Furthermore, a portion of the refrigerant O stored in the catch tank P3 is used to cool the inverter 7. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the refrigerant O in the catch tank P3 can be used to cool each component of the drive device 101, and a highly reliable drive device 101 can be provided.

[0088] <Third embodiment> FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a driving device 201 according to the third embodiment. The driving device 201 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the refrigerant path 290. Compared to the first embodiment, the refrigerant path 290 of this embodiment further includes a seventh path (inverter supply path) 297, an inverter path 195a, an eighth path 298, a ninth path 299, an in-shaft path 194c, and an in-rotor path 194d.

[0089] The seventh path 297 connects the outlet 209b of the cooler 9 and the inverter path 195a. The inverter path 195a passes through the inverter accommodating section 89 to cool the inverter 7. The downstream end of the inverter path 195a is connected to the eighth path 298. The seventh path 297 in this embodiment is a path branching off from the fourth path 94.

[0090] The eighth path 298 connects the downstream end of the inverter path 195a and the other axial end of the in-shaft path 194c. The eighth path 298 supplies the refrigerant O that has passed through the inverter path 195a to the hollow portion 22 of the motor shaft 21. The eighth path 298 is disposed inside the motor cover wall portion 6c of the housing 6.

[0091] The cooler 9 of this embodiment has one inlet 9a and multiple outlets 9b, 209b. That is, the refrigerant path 290 of this embodiment branches inside the cooler 9. A fourth path 94 is connected to one outlet 9b of the cooler 9, and a ninth path 299 is connected to the other outlet 209b.

[0092] The ninth path 299 connects the outlet 209b of the cooler 9 and an end portion on one axial side (+Y side) of the in-shaft path 194c. The ninth path 299 is disposed inside the gear peripheral wall portion 6f and the gear cover wall portion 6a of the housing 6. The ninth path 299 is a path that supplies the refrigerant O pressure-fed to the pump 8 to the hollow portion 22 of the motor shaft 21.

[0093] A ninth path 299 and an eighth path 298 are connected to the in-shaft path 194c. The refrigerant O that flows into the hollow portion 22 from one axial side and the other axial side join together in the in-shaft path 194c. Centrifugal force is applied to the refrigerant O passing through the in-shaft path 194c as the rotor 20 rotates, causing the refrigerant O to pass through the in-rotor path 194d radially outward and splash out from the rotor 20 radially outward, and then to be supplied to the stator 30.

[0094] <Fourth embodiment> FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a driving device 301 according to the fourth embodiment. The driving device 301 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the refrigerant path 390 and in that a second pump 308 is provided.

[0095] The driving device 301 of this embodiment has a second pump 308 in addition to the first pump 8 similar to the above-described embodiment. The second pump 308 is disposed in the refrigerant path 390 and pumps out the refrigerant O in the refrigerant path 390. The second pump 308 is fixed to the outer surface of the motor peripheral wall portion 6g.

[0096] The refrigerant path 390 of this embodiment includes a first path 391, a second path 92, a third path 93, a fourth path 94, a seventh path (inverter supply path) 397, an inverter path 195a, and a connection path 395b.

[0097] The first path 391 connects the second storage portion P2 and the catch tank (second refrigerant reservoir) P4. The first path 391 transfers the refrigerant O stored in the second storage portion P2 to the catch tank P4. The second pump 308 is provided in the first path 391. The first path 391 has a suction path 391a and a discharge path 391b. The suction path 391a connects the second storage portion P2 and the suction port 8a of the second pump 308. The suction path 391a penetrates the motor peripheral wall portion 6g in the thickness direction. The discharge path 391b connects the discharge port 308b of the second pump 308 and the catch tank P4. The discharge path 391b is disposed inside the partition wall 6b. The discharge path 391b extends along the wall surface of the partition wall 6b. That is, the first path 391 is disposed inside the partition wall 6b along the wall surface of the partition wall 6b in the discharge path 391b.

[0098] The second pump 308 pumps the refrigerant O from the second storage section P2 to the catch tank P4 through the first path 391. According to this embodiment, the amount of refrigerant O stored in the catch tank P4 can be ensured regardless of the operation of the power transmission mechanism 3.

[0099] The catch tank P4 in this embodiment is disposed in an upper region within the gear accommodating portion 82. Therefore, the catch tank P4 stores not only the refrigerant O pumped by the second pump 308 but also the refrigerant O scooped up by the power transmission mechanism 3. The second pump 308 sends the refrigerant O from the second storage portion P2 to the catch tank P4 when the liquid level of the refrigerant O in the catch tank P4 becomes low.

[0100] It should be noted that the second refrigerant reservoir (catch tank P4) of this embodiment does not necessarily have to be disposed inside the gear accommodating portion 82. Because the refrigerant O is supplied to the second refrigerant reservoir (catch tank P4) by the second pump 308, it is not necessarily required to supply the refrigerant O by scooping it up by the gears. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the second refrigerant reservoir (catch tank P4) can be disposed in another portion of the housing 6, such as inside the motor accommodating portion 81, thereby increasing the design freedom of the housing 6.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the case where suction path 391a is connected to second storage portion P2 has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 8 by a modified suction path 391c indicated by a virtual line (two-dot chain line), suction path 391c may be connected to first storage portion P1. That is, first path 391 may have modified suction path 391c instead of suction path 391a. In this case, first path 391 connects first storage portion P1 and catch tank P4, and transfers refrigerant O stored in first storage portion P1 to catch tank P4. Furthermore, first path 391 may have both suction path 391a connected to first storage portion P1 and suction path 391c connected to second storage portion P2. In this case, two suction paths 391a and 391c are connected to the second pump 308, or the two suction paths 391a and 391c join together midway along the path.

[0102] As in the above-described embodiment, the catch tank P4 stores the refrigerant O above the first storage section P1 and the second storage section P2. The catch tank P4 is a trough-shaped member. In this embodiment, the catch tank P4 is located inside the gear accommodating section and above the motor axis J2. The catch tank P4 is disposed directly above the power transmission mechanism 3.

[0103] The bottom of the catch tank P4 is provided with a plurality of through-holes 379h for supplying the refrigerant O to the power transmission mechanism 3. In the catch tank P4 of this embodiment, the refrigerant O stored therein drips from the through-holes 379h at the bottom toward the motor 2. Here, the path for supplying the refrigerant O from the catch tank P4 to the power transmission mechanism 3 is referred to as the gear supply path 379. In other words, the refrigerant path 390 has the gear supply path 379 for supplying the refrigerant O from the catch tank P4 to the power transmission mechanism 3.

[0104] According to the present embodiment, catch tank P4 is shaped like a trough that can store refrigerant O, and supplies the stored refrigerant O to power transmission mechanism 3 through gear supply path 379. Therefore, according to catch tank P4 of the present embodiment, even if the power transmission mechanism 3 is unable to scoop up the refrigerant O, the refrigerant O stored in catch tank P4 can be supplied to power transmission mechanism 3 in small amounts over a long period of time, thereby maintaining lubrication of power transmission mechanism 3 for a long period of time.

[0105] The cooler 9 of this embodiment has one inlet 9a and multiple outlets 9b, 309b. That is, the refrigerant path 390 of this embodiment branches inside the cooler 9. The fourth path 94 is connected to one outlet 9b of the cooler 9, and the seventh path 397 is connected to the other outlet 309b.

[0106] The seventh path 397 connects the outlet 309b of the cooler 9 and the inverter path 195a. The seventh path 397 is disposed inside the wall of the housing 6. More specifically, the seventh path 397 extends from inside the wall of the gear accommodating portion 82 to inside the wall of the inverter accommodating portion 89. The seventh path 397 supplies the refrigerant O cooled by the cooler 9 to the inverter 7.

[0107] The inverter path 195a passes through the inverter accommodating portion 89 to cool the inverter 7. The inverter path 195a passes through, for example, the boundary between the inverter accommodating portion 89 and the inverter 7. In this case, the refrigerant O comes into direct contact with the inverter 7 to cool the inverter 7.

[0108] The connection path 395b connects the downstream end of the inverter path 195a and the internal space of the gear accommodating portion 82. The connection path 395b is, for example, a path disposed inside a pipe connected to the housing 6. The connection path 395b may be a path disposed inside the wall of the housing 6. The connection path 395b is a path that returns the refrigerant O that has passed through the inverter path 195a to the internal space of the gear accommodating portion 82.

[0109] Fifth Embodiment FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a driving device 401 according to the fifth embodiment. The driving device 401 of this embodiment has a similar configuration to that of the fourth embodiment (FIG. 8). The driving device 401 of this embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment mainly in the path connected to the inverter path 195a. The driving device 401 of this embodiment also differs from the fourth embodiment in that the refrigerant O is supplied to the inside of the motor shaft 21.

[0110] Compared to the fourth embodiment, the refrigerant path 490 of this embodiment has a fifth path 195, an inverter path 195a, a connection path 195b, a sixth path 196, an in-shaft path 194c, and an in-rotor path 194d.

[0111] The fifth path 195 connects the downstream end of the fourth path 94 to the inverter path 195a. The inverter path 195a passes through the inverter accommodating portion 89 to cool the inverter 7. The connection path 195b connects the downstream end of the inverter path 195a to the internal space of the gear accommodating portion 82. The connection path 195b is a path that returns the refrigerant O that has passed through the inverter path 195a to the internal space of the gear accommodating portion 82.

[0112] The sixth path 196 connects the downstream end of the fourth path 94 and the other axial end of the in-shaft path 194c. The sixth path 196 is a path branching off from the middle of the fifth path 195. Centrifugal force is applied to the refrigerant O passing through the in-shaft path 194c as the rotor 20 rotates, causing the refrigerant O to pass radially outward through the in-rotor path 194d and splash radially outward from the rotor 20, and then to be supplied to the stator 30.

[0113] Sixth Embodiment FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a driving device 501 according to the sixth embodiment. The driving device 501 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment mainly in the configuration of the refrigerant path 590 and in that a second pump 308 is provided.

[0114] The drive unit 501 of this embodiment has a second pump 308 in addition to the first pump 8 similar to the above-described embodiment. The second pump 308 is disposed in the refrigerant path 590 and pumps the refrigerant O in the refrigerant path 590. The second pump 308 is fixed to the outer surface of the gear accommodating portion 82. More specifically, the second pump 308 is fixed to the surface of the gear cover wall portion 6a facing one axial side (+Y side).

[0115] The refrigerant path 590 of the present embodiment includes a first path 591, a second path 92, a third path 93, a fourth path 94, a tenth path 570, an in-shaft path 194c, and an in-rotor path 194d.

[0116] The first path 591 connects the second storage part P2 and the catch tank P3. The first path 591 transfers the refrigerant O stored in the second storage part P2 to the catch tank P3. A second pump 308 is provided in the first path 591.

[0117] The first path 591 has a suction path 591a and a discharge path 591b. The suction path 591a connects the second reservoir P2 and the suction port 8a of the second pump 308. The suction path 591a penetrates the gear cover wall 6a in the thickness direction. The discharge path 591b connects the discharge port 308b of the second pump 308 and the catch tank P3. The discharge path 591b is disposed inside the gear cover wall 6a. The discharge path 591b extends along the wall surface of the gear cover wall 6a. That is, the first path 591 is disposed inside the gear cover wall 6a at the discharge path 591b along the wall surface of the gear cover wall 6a.

[0118] The second pump 308 pumps the refrigerant O from the second storage section P2 to the catch tank P3 through the first path 591. According to this embodiment, the amount of refrigerant O stored in the catch tank P3 can be ensured regardless of the operation of the power transmission mechanism 3.

[0119] The refrigerant O stored in the catch tank P3 is supplied to the motor 2 via the second path 92, the first pump 8, the third path 93, the cooler 9, and the fourth path 94, thereby cooling the motor 2.

[0120] The tenth path 570 is a path branching off from the discharge path 391b of the first path 591 inside the wall of the housing 6 (more specifically, inside the gear cover wall portion 6a). The tenth path 570 connects the discharge port 8b of the second pump 308 to an end of the in-shaft path 194c on one axial side (+Y side). The tenth path 570 supplies the refrigerant O pressure-fed by the second pump 308 to the hollow portion 22 of the motor shaft 21. Centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the rotor 20 is applied to the refrigerant O flowing from the first path 591 into the in-shaft path 194c, causing the refrigerant O to pass radially outward through the in-rotor path 194d and splash radially outward from the rotor 20, and then to be supplied to the stator 30.

[0121] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first path 591 and the tenth path 570 of this embodiment. Meanwhile, Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first path 591 and the tenth path 570A of a modified example that can be used in this embodiment. In both the embodiment and the modified example, the first path 591 and the tenth paths 570, 570A are arranged inside the gear cover wall portion 6a.

[0122] 11, the tenth path 570 branches off from the first path 591 at a branching portion 591d. Therefore, the upstream regions of the first path 591 and the tenth path 570 are arranged in the same hole up to the branching portion 591d. Furthermore, the downstream regions of the first path 591 and the tenth path 570 are arranged in separate holes extending from the branching portion 591d.

[0123] 12, second pump 308 has one suction port 308a and multiple discharge ports 308b, 308d. That is, in this modification, refrigerant path 590A branches inside second pump 308. In refrigerant path 590A, first path 591 is connected to one port 308b, and tenth path 570A is connected to the other port 308d.

[0124] The refrigerant path 590 of this embodiment may further include the paths described in the above-described embodiments. For example, the refrigerant path 590 may include a path that supplies refrigerant to the inverter path 195a (see FIG. 6, etc.). That is, the refrigerant path 590 may include a fifth path 195 (see FIG. 6) connected to the fourth path 94, a seventh path 297 (see FIG. 7) branching from the fourth path 94, or a seventh path 397 (see FIG. 8) connected to the cooler 9. The refrigerant path 590 may also include a path that supplies refrigerant O to the in-shaft path 194c (see FIG. 6, etc.). That is, the refrigerant path 590 may include a sixth path 196 (see FIG. 6) connected to the fourth path 94, an eleventh path 171 branching from the third path 93, a ninth path 299 (see FIG. 7) connected to the cooler 9, or an eighth path 298 (see FIG. 7) connected to the inverter path 195a.

[0125] Although various embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the configurations and combinations thereof in each embodiment and modification are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configurations are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 101, 201, 301, 401, 501... drive unit, 2... motor, 3... power transmission mechanism, 6... housing, 6a... gear cover wall (cover wall), 6b... partition wall, 7... inverter, 8... pump (first pump), 8a, 308a... intake port, 8b, 308b, 308d... discharge port, 9... cooler, 9a... inlet, 9b, 209b, 309b... outlet, 21... motor shaft, 22... hollow portion, 41... gear, 42, 43, 51, 81... motor housing, 82... gear housing, 89... inverter housing, 90, 19 0, 290, 390, 490, 590, 590A...refrigerant path, 91, 391, 591...first path, 92...second path, 93...third path, 94...fourth path, 171...eleventh path (shaft supply path), 194c...intra-shaft path, 195a...inverter path, 297, 397...seventh path (inverter supply path), 308...second pump, 379...gear supply path, J2...motor axis, O...refrigerant, P1...first storage section (first refrigerant reservoir), P2...second storage section (first refrigerant reservoir), P3, P4...catch tank (second refrigerant reservoir)

Claims

1. a motor having a motor shaft that rotates about a motor axis; a power transmission mechanism connected to the motor shaft from one axial side; a housing having a motor accommodating portion that accommodates the motor therein and a gear accommodating portion that accommodates the power transmission mechanism therein; a refrigerant path through which the refrigerant circulates; a cooler that cools the refrigerant; a first pump that pumps the refrigerant, Within the housing: a first coolant reservoir in which the coolant is stored; a second refrigerant reservoir above the first refrigerant reservoir in which the refrigerant is stored; The refrigerant path is a first path connecting the first refrigerant reservoir and the second refrigerant reservoir; a second passage connecting the second refrigerant reservoir and a suction port of the first pump; a third passage connecting the discharge port of the first pump and the inlet of the cooler.

2. the first coolant reservoir is provided in a lower region within the gear accommodating portion, The drive device according to claim 1 , wherein the first path is a scoop-up path that supplies the refrigerant from the first refrigerant reservoir to the second refrigerant reservoir by scooping up of gears of the power transmission mechanism.

3. the housing has a cover wall portion that covers one axial side of the power transmission mechanism, The drive device according to claim 1 , wherein the first path is disposed inside the cover wall along a wall surface of the cover wall.

4. the housing has a partition wall that separates an internal space of the motor accommodating portion from an internal space of the gear accommodating portion, The drive unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first path is disposed inside the partition along a wall surface of the partition.

5. A second pump is provided to pressurize the refrigerant, The second pump pumps the refrigerant from the first refrigerant reservoir to the second refrigerant reservoir through the first path.

5. The drive device according to claim 1, 3 or 4.

6. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second path is arranged inside a wall of the housing.

7. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the third path is arranged inside a wall of the housing.

8. the second refrigerant reservoir is located inside the gear accommodating portion and above the motor axis line, the refrigerant path includes a gear supply path that supplies the refrigerant from the second refrigerant reservoir to the power transmission mechanism. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. the motor shaft is hollow and has a hollow portion extending in the axial direction; The refrigerant path is an inner shaft path passing through the hollow portion of the motor shaft; a shaft supply path connecting the discharge port of the first pump and the shaft internal path, The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the shaft supply path branches off from the third path.

10. Equipped with an inverter, the housing has an inverter accommodating portion that accommodates the inverter, The refrigerant path is a fourth passage connected to an outlet of the cooler and supplying the refrigerant to the motor; an inverter path that passes through the inverter accommodating section and cools the inverter; an inverter supply path connecting the outlet of the cooler and the inverter path; The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the inverter supply path branches off from the fourth path.

11. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cooler is fixed to the gear accommodating portion above a horizontal plane including the motor axis.

12. the cooler and the first pump are fixed to the gear accommodating portion above a horizontal plane including the motor axis; the cooler and the first pump at least partially overlap in the axial direction of the motor axis, the suction port and discharge port of the first pump, and the inlet and outlet of the cooler are arranged in this order from one axial side to the other. A drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. the cooler and the first pump are fixed to the gear accommodating portion above a horizontal plane including the motor axis; the cooler and the first pump at least partially overlap in the circumferential direction of the motor axis, The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the inlet and outlet of the cooler are aligned in a circumferential direction.

14. the first pump is fixed to the gear accommodating portion from one axial side, a suction port of the first pump located below the second refrigerant reservoir; The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the outlet of the cooler is arranged on the other axial side of the inlet.

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