Drive unit

Abstract

To provide a drive unit which can suppress vibration and an impact generated by a first shaft.SOLUTION: A drive unit comprises a motor, a gear part, a housing, a bearing part, and a holding member. The motor has a motor shaft which rotates around a center axis. The gear part is arranged at one side of the motor shaft in an axial direction. The housing accommodates the motor and the gear part. The bearing part rotatably holds a first shaft attached to the gear part and extending to the other side in the axial direction in an external space of the housing. The holding member is fixed to the housing while holding the bearing part. The housing has a support part to which the holding member is fixed. The support part is arranged at the other side from the gear part in the axial direction and provided on an outer wall facing the first shaft, of the housing. The holding member is fixed to the other side of the support part in the axial direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventional drive devices include an electric motor (motor), a speed reducer (gear unit), a speed reducer casing (housing), and an intermediate shaft (first shaft). The speed reducer is provided on one axial side of the motor shaft. The intermediate shaft is attached to the speed reducer and transmits the rotation of the motor shaft (motor shaft) of the electric motor. Further, the intermediate shaft extends to the other axial side in the external space of the speed reducer casing (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] s

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional drive device, one axial side of the intermediate shaft is attached to and supported by the speed reducer, but the other axial side is not supported. As a result, vibrations and impacts caused by the intermediate shaft may be likely to occur.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a drive device capable of suppressing vibrations and impacts caused by the first shaft.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An exemplary drive device of the present invention comprises a motor, a gear section, a housing, a bearing section, and a retaining member. The motor has a motor shaft that rotates about a central axis. The gear section is provided on one axial side of the motor shaft. The housing houses the motor and the gear section. The bearing section is attached to the gear section and rotatably holds a first shaft that extends in the other axial direction in the external space of the housing. The retaining member holds the bearing section and is fixed to the housing. The housing has a support section to which the retaining member is fixed. The support section is located on the other axial side of the gear section and is provided on the outer wall of the housing facing the first shaft. The retaining member is fixed to the other axial side of the support section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to an exemplary version of the present invention, it is possible to provide a drive device that can suppress vibration and shock caused by the first shaft. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of a drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the housing of a drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a side view of the housing of a drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the mounting location of the drive unit in a vehicle equipped with a drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the housing of a drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of the housing of a drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing an enlarged portion of the drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following description of a drive device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be made with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0010] In the following explanation, the direction of gravity is defined and explained based on the positional relationship when the drive unit 1 is mounted on a vehicle located on a horizontal road surface. In the drawings, the XYZ coordinate system is shown as a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system where appropriate. In the XYZ coordinate system, the Z direction represents the vertical direction (i.e., up and down direction), with the +Z direction being upward (opposite to the direction of gravity) and the -Z direction being downward (direction of gravity). The X direction is perpendicular to the Z direction and represents the front-rear direction of the vehicle on which the drive unit 1 is mounted, with the +X direction being the front of the vehicle and the -X direction being the rear of the vehicle. Note that the +X direction may also be the rear of the vehicle and the -X direction may be the front of the vehicle. The Y direction is perpendicular to both the X and Z directions and represents the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle. Depending on how the drive unit 1 is mounted on the vehicle, the X direction may be the width direction (left-right direction) of the vehicle and the Y direction may be the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0011] In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the direction parallel to the motor shaft J2 of motor 2 (Y direction) will be simply referred to as the "axial direction," the radial direction perpendicular to the motor shaft J2 will be simply referred to as the "radial direction," and the circumferential direction centered on the motor shaft J2 will be simply referred to as the "circumferential direction." Furthermore, the horizontal direction including the X and Y directions will be referred to as the "lateral direction." Note that the "parallel direction" and "horizontal direction" mentioned above include not only perfectly parallel and perfectly horizontal directions, but also approximately parallel and approximately horizontal directions.

[0012] <1. Drive System> The following describes a drive device 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, based on the drawings. Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of the drive device 1 according to one embodiment. Figures 2 and 3 are a perspective view and a side view of the housing 7. Figure 1 is merely a conceptual diagram, and the arrangement and dimensions of each part may not be the same as those of the actual drive device 1. Also, Figures 2 and 3 do not show the closing section 75.

[0013] The drive device 1 is mounted on a vehicle that uses at least a motor as a power source, such as a hybrid vehicle (HV), a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV), or an electric vehicle (EV). The drive device 1 is used as a power source for the above vehicle.

[0014] The drive device 1 includes a motor 2, a gear unit 3, an oil pump 4, an oil cooler 5, an inverter 6, a housing 7, a holding member 8, a wire harness 9, and a harness protection member 10. The housing 7 includes a motor housing portion 71 that houses the motor 2, a gear housing portion 72 that houses the gear unit 3, and an inverter housing portion 73 that houses the inverter 6.

[0015] <2. Motor> The motor 2 is housed inside the motor housing portion 71 of the housing 7. The motor 2 includes a rotor 21 and a stator 25.

[0016] <2-1. Rotor> The rotor 21 includes a motor shaft 22, a rotor core 23, and a rotor magnet (not shown). The rotor 21 rotates around a motor axis (central axis) J2 that extends in the horizontal direction. That is, the motor 2 has a motor shaft 22 that rotates around a motor axis (central axis) J2 that extends in the horizontal direction.

[0017] The motor shaft 22 extends around a motor axis J2 that extends in the horizontal direction and in the width direction (Y direction) of the vehicle. More specifically, the motor shaft 22 is divided into a shaft on the motor 2 side and a shaft on the gear unit 3 side, and is connected using a spline shaft. The motor shaft 22 rotates around the motor axis J2.

[0018] The motor shaft 22 extends across the inside of the motor housing portion 71 and the inside of the gear housing portion 72. The end portion on one axial side (+Y direction side) of the motor shaft 22 penetrates through the partition wall portion 74 shared by the motor housing portion 71 and the gear housing portion 72 and protrudes into the inside of the gear housing portion 72. The end portion on one axial side (+Y direction side) of the motor shaft 22 is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) held by a gear cover 72a that closes the end portion on one axial side (+Y direction side) of the gear housing portion 72. The end portion on the other axial side (-Y direction side) of the motor shaft 22 is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) held by the closing portion 75 of the motor housing portion 71 (see FIG. 1).

[0019] The rotor core 23 is formed by laminating silicon steel sheets. The rotor core 23 is a cylindrical body extending along the axial direction. A plurality of rotor magnets (not shown) are fixed to the rotor core 23. The plurality of rotor magnets are arranged along the circumferential direction with alternating magnetic poles.

[0020] <2-2. Stator> The stator 25 is located radially outside the rotor 21 and surrounds the rotor 21 from the radially outside. That is, the motor 2 is an inner rotor type motor in which the rotor 21 is rotatably disposed inside the stator 25. The stator 25 is held by the motor housing portion 71. The stator 25 includes a stator core 26, a coil 27, and an insulator (not shown). The insulator is interposed between the stator core 26 and the coil 27. The stator core 26 has a plurality of magnetic pole teeth (not shown) extending radially inward from the inner peripheral surface of an annular yoke.

[0021] A coil wire (not shown) is wound around between the magnetic pole teeth. The coil wire wound around the magnetic pole teeth constitutes the coil 27. The coil wire is connected to the inverter 6 via a bus bar (not shown). The coil 27 has a coil end 271 protruding from the axial end surface of the stator core 26. The coil end 271 protrudes axially outside the end portion of the rotor core 23 of the rotor 21.

[0022] <3. Gear section> The gear section 3 is provided on one axial side (+Y direction side) of the motor housing section 71. The gear section 3 is housed inside the gear housing section 72 of the housing 7. The gear section 3 is connected to the motor shaft 22 on one axial side (+Y direction side) of the motor shaft 22.

[0023] The gear section 3 includes a reduction gear 31, a differential gear 32, and a first shaft connection section 33. The first shaft Ms is attached to the gear section 3 on the other axial side (-Y direction side). The gear section 3 transmits the rotation of the motor shaft 22 to the first shaft Ms. That is, the first shaft Ms is attached to the gear section 3 and the rotation of the motor shaft 22 is transmitted to it. The first shaft Ms also extends in the other axial side (-Y direction side) in the external space S of the housing 7.

[0024] Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram of the mounting location of the drive unit 1 in a vehicle V, viewed from the rear. For example, the drive shaft of vehicle V is divided into a first drive shaft Ds1, a first shaft Ms, and a second drive shaft Ds2. The rotation of the motor shaft 22 is transmitted directly from the gear section 3 to the first drive shaft Ds1. The rotation of the motor shaft 22 is transmitted from the gear section 3 to the second drive shaft Ds2 via the first shaft Ms.

[0025] <3-1. Reduction device> The reduction gear 31 is connected to the motor shaft 22. That is, the gear section 3 is connected to the motor shaft 22 on one axial side (+Y direction side) of the motor shaft J2. The reduction gear 31 has the function of reducing the rotational speed of the motor 2 and increasing the torque output from the motor 2 according to the reduction ratio. The reduction gear 31 transmits the torque output from the motor 2 to the differential gear 32.

[0026] The reduction gear 31 includes a first gear 311, a second gear 312, a third gear 313, and a gear shaft 314. The torque output from the motor 2 is transmitted to the ring gear 321 of the differential gear 32 via the motor shaft 22, the first gear 311, the second gear 312, the gear shaft 314, and the third gear 313. The gear ratio of each gear and the number of gears can be changed in various ways according to the required reduction ratio. The reduction gear 31 is a parallel-axis gear type reduction gear in which the axes of each gear are arranged in parallel.

[0027] The first gear 311 is mounted on the outer surface of the motor shaft 22. The first gear 311 rotates together with the motor shaft 22 around the motor shaft J2.

[0028] The gear shaft 314 extends along the gear shaft J4, which is parallel to the motor shaft J2. Both ends of the gear shaft 314 are rotatably supported by bearings (not shown) held in the gear housing 72. The gear shaft 314 rotates around the gear shaft J4.

[0029] The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 are both mounted on the outer surface of the gear shaft 314. The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 are connected via the gear shaft 314. The third gear 313 is located on the bulkhead 74 side relative to the second gear 312. The second gear 312 and the third gear 313 rotate around the gear shaft J4. The second gear 312 meshes with the first gear 311. The third gear 313 meshes with the ring gear 321 of the differential 32.

[0030] The torque from the motor shaft 22 is transmitted from the first gear 311 to the second gear 312. The torque transmitted to the second gear 312 is then transmitted to the third gear 313 via the gear shaft 314. The torque transmitted to the third gear 313 is then transmitted to the ring gear 321 of the differential 32. In this way, the reduction gear 31 transmits the torque output from the motor 2 to the differential 32.

[0031] <3-2. Differential device> The differential 32 is to which the first drive shaft Ds1 and the first shaft Ms are attached. The first drive shaft Ds1 and the first shaft Ms are attached to the left and right sides of the differential 32, respectively. The differential 32 transmits the output torque of the motor 2 to the first drive shaft Ds1 and the first shaft Ms. For example, when the vehicle V (see Figure 4) turns, the differential 32 transmits torque to the drive shaft and the first shaft Ms while absorbing the speed difference between the left and right wheels.

[0032] The differential gear 32 has a ring gear 321. The ring gear 321 rotates around a differential shaft J5 that is parallel to the motor shaft J2. Torque output from the motor 2 is transmitted to the ring gear 321 via the reduction gear 31.

[0033] <3-3. First shaft connection section> The first shaft connection portion 33 is provided on the differential gear 32. The first shaft connection portion 33 faces the -Y direction side (right side in Figure 1) of the differential gear 32. The first shaft Ms is attached to the first shaft connection portion 33. The motor 2 and the first shaft Ms are positioned offset from each other in the lateral direction (X direction). In this embodiment, the motor shaft J2 and the differential shaft J5 are parallel, and the motor shaft 22 and the first shaft Ms are parallel.

[0034] <4. Oil pump> The oil pump 4 circulates oil CL inside the motor housing 71. The oil pump 4 is an electric pump that has a pump motor (not shown) and is driven by electricity. The housing 7 further has a pump housing section 76 that houses the oil pump 4. The oil pump 4 is housed inside the pump housing section 76.

[0035] The drive unit 1 has an oil circulation path CP for circulating oil CL inside the motor housing section 71. The oil circulation path CP includes an oil pump 4, an oil pipe through which oil CL flows steadily in one direction, a path for temporarily storing oil CL (e.g., an oil reservoir), and a path through which oil CL drips. For example, the oil circulation path CP includes an oil reservoir P provided in the lower region inside the gear housing section 72 where oil CL is stored. Also, for example, the oil circulation path CP includes an oil pipe 77 connecting the pump housing section 76 and the motor housing section 71.

[0036] The oil piping 77 supplies oil CL discharged from the oil pump 4 to an oil reservoir (not shown) located at the top of the inside of the motor housing 71. The oil CL supplied to the oil reservoir drips onto the coil end 271 of the motor 2. The coil 27 is cooled by the oil CL dripped from the oil reservoir onto the coil end 271. In other words, the motor 2 is cooled by the oil CL.

[0037] The oil CL that has cooled the motor 2 flows to the lower part of the inside of the motor housing 71. The partition wall 74 has a partition wall opening 741. The oil CL that has flowed to the lower part of the inside of the motor housing 71 flows into the inside of the gear housing 72, and further flows into the oil reservoir P at the bottom of the gear housing 72. The oil CL in the oil reservoir P is then scraped up by the ring gear 321 and supplied to each gear of the gear section 3 as lubricant.

[0038] <5. Oil Cooler> The oil cooler 5 is installed in the middle of the oil flow path CP of the oil piping 77. The refrigerant piping 51 is connected to the oil cooler 5. Refrigerant flows into the oil cooler 5 via the refrigerant piping 51. The oil cooler 5 cools the oil CL flowing inside the oil piping 77 by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the oil CL.

[0039] One end of the refrigerant pipe 51 is connected to the oil cooler 5, and the other end of the refrigerant pipe 51 is connected to the inverter housing 73. In this embodiment, the refrigerant that has cooled the inverter 6 is guided to the oil cooler 5 via the refrigerant pipe 51 to cool the oil CL, but this is not limited to this. The oil CL may be cooled by a refrigerant different from the refrigerant that cools the inverter 6. The refrigerant that cools the inverter 6 is cooled by a radiator (not shown).

[0040] <6. Inverter> The inverter 6 is housed and fixed inside the inverter housing 73. The inverter 6 is electrically connected to the motor 2. The inverter 6 supplies power to the motor 2. Furthermore, the inverter 6 controls the operation of the motor 2 by controlling the current supplied to the motor 2.

[0041] The inverter 6 further supplies power to the oil pump 4. One end of the wire harness 9 is electrically connected to the inverter 6, and the other end is electrically connected to the oil pump 4. The wire harness 9 includes power lines and signal lines for driving the oil pump 4.

[0042] The wire harness 9 has connectors 91 and 92 at both ends. Connector 91 penetrates the lower wall portion 731 of the inverter housing portion 73 (described later) and is electrically connected to the inverter 6 inside the inverter housing portion 73. Connector 92 penetrates the outer wall of the pump housing portion 76 and is electrically connected to the oil pump 4 inside the pump housing portion 76.

[0043] The harness protection member 10 is positioned in the intermediate region between connectors 91 and 92 of the wire harness 9. The harness protection member 10 has a harness housing portion (not shown) that covers and surrounds a portion of the periphery of the wire harness 9. That is, the harness protection member 10 covers at least a portion of the periphery of the wire harness 9. The harness protection member 10 is fixed to at least one of the motor housing 71 or the inverter housing 73. With this configuration, the wire harness 9 can be held close to the housing 7. This makes it possible to avoid interference between the wire harness 9 and other auxiliary equipment.

[0044] <7. Housing> The housing 7 comprises a motor housing section 71, a gear housing section 72, and an inverter housing section 73. The motor housing section 71 houses the motor 2. The gear housing section 72 houses the gear section 3. The inverter housing section 73 houses the inverter 6. The internal space of the housing 7 is divided by the motor housing section 71, the gear housing section 72, and the inverter housing section 73 into a space for housing the motor 2, a space for housing the gear section 3, and a space for housing the inverter 6. The housing 7 further comprises a partition wall section 74, a closing section 75, a pump housing section 76, and a support section 712.

[0045] <7-1. Motor Housing Section> The motor housing portion 71 has a peripheral wall portion 711 that houses the motor 2. The peripheral wall portion 711 is cylindrical and extends along the axial direction (Y direction) of the motor shaft J2. That is, the housing 7 has a peripheral wall portion 711 that surrounds the motor 2. One end of the peripheral wall portion 711 on the axial side (+Y direction side) is closed by a partition wall portion 74. The partition wall portion 74 is located at the boundary between the motor housing portion 71 and the gear housing portion 72. The other end of the peripheral wall portion 711 on the axial side (-Y direction side) is closed by a closing portion 75 (see Figure 1).

[0046] <7-2. Gear Housing Section> The gear housing portion 72 is positioned on one side of the axial direction of the motor shaft 22 relative to the motor housing portion 71. The gear housing portion 72 protrudes laterally (rearward, -X direction) from the region that overlaps with the motor housing portion 71 when viewed from the axial direction (Y direction).

[0047] <7-3. Inverter Housing Section> The inverter housing section 73 is positioned across the upper part of the motor housing section 71 and the upper part of the gear housing section 72. The inverter housing section 73 is positioned above the first shaft Ms. More specifically, the inverter housing section 73 is positioned above the first shaft Ms which is attached to the first shaft connection section 33.

[0048] The housing 7 forms an external space S surrounded on three sides by the motor housing portion 71, the gear housing portion 72, and the inverter housing portion 73. The external space S is located on the first shaft Ms side (-X direction side) of the motor housing portion 71. The external space S is located on the other axial side (-Y direction side) of the gear housing portion 72. The external space S is located below the inverter housing portion 73 (-Z direction side). The first shaft Ms, which is attached to the first shaft connection portion 33, is located in the external space S.

[0049] The inverter housing 73 has a lower wall portion 731 located below (towards the -Z direction) the internal space that houses the inverter 6. The lower wall portion 731 faces the external space S below the inverter housing 73. In other words, the lower wall portion 731 of the inverter housing 73 faces the outside air.

[0050] The motor housing section 71 and the inverter housing section 73 are both parts of the housing 7. That is, the motor housing section 71 and the inverter housing section 73 are both parts of a single component (housing 7). This configuration makes it possible to improve the strength of the housing 7 of the entire drive unit 1. In addition, the number of parts is reduced, and the assembly man-hours can be reduced.

[0051] <7-4.Support part> Figures 5 and 6 are enlarged perspective views showing a portion of the housing 7. Figure 6 shows the state with the retaining member 8 removed. Figure 7 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a portion of the drive unit 1.

[0052] The housing 7 has a support portion 712 to which the retaining member 8 is fixed. The support portion 712 is positioned on the other axial side (-Y direction side) of the gear portion 3. The support portion 712 is also positioned on the portion of the peripheral wall 711 of the motor housing portion 71 and the lower wall 731 of the inverter housing portion 73, which will be described later, that faces the first shaft Ms. In other words, the support portion 712 is provided on the outer wall of the housing 7 that faces the first shaft Ms.

[0053] The support portion 712 has an annular portion 712a and a connecting portion 712b. The annular portion 712a is formed in an annular shape surrounding the first shaft Ms. A retaining member 8, which will be described later, is fixed to the other axial side (-Y direction side) of the support portion 712.

[0054] Ribs 7121a and 7122a are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the annular portion 712a. The ribs 7121a and 7122a protrude radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the annular portion 712a toward the differential shaft J5 (the rotation axis of the first shaft Ms) and extend in the circumferential direction of the differential shaft J5. Rib 7121a is positioned at one end on the axial side (+Y direction side). Rib 7122a is positioned at the other end on the axial side (-Y direction side). By providing ribs 7121a and 7122a, the annular portion 712a has improved strength against radial stress. Note that one of the ribs 7121a or 7122a may be omitted.

[0055] A recess 7123a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the rib 7122a, penetrating in the axial direction of the differential shaft J5 and recessing radially inward, allowing the wire harness (signal wire) 9 to contact its interior. By providing the recess 7123a, the positioning of the wire harness 9 can be facilitated, improving assembly workability. Furthermore, by forming the recess 7123a on the outer circumferential surface of the rib 7122a, the wire harness 9 is housed inside the recess 7123a. This prevents the outer surface of the wire harness 9 from protruding significantly radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the rib. However, if the recess 7123a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the annular portion 712a other than the ribs 7121a and 7122a, it is necessary to increase the radial thickness of the entire annular portion 712a to maintain strength. This leads to the problem of the entire support portion 712, including the ribs 7121a and 7122a, becoming larger in the radial direction. However, by forming the recess 7123a on the outer circumferential surface of the rib 7122a, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the strength of the support portion 712 while suppressing an increase in the radial size of the entire support portion 712.

[0056] In this embodiment, the recess 7123a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the rib 7122a, but it may also be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the rib 7121a. Furthermore, if ribs 7121a and 7122a are not provided, the recess 7123a may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the annular portion 712a.

[0057] The connecting portion 712b connects the support portion 712 to the outer wall of the housing 7. One end of the connecting portion 712b (the radial outer end of the differential shaft J5) is connected across the motor housing portion 71 and the inverter housing portion 73 (see Figure 3). Specifically, one end of the connecting portion 712b is connected across the peripheral wall portion 711 and the lower wall portion 731, and the support portion 712 is connected to the outer surface of the motor housing portion 71 and the inverter housing portion 73 facing the first shaft Ms. As a result, the support portion 712 is firmly fixed to the housing 7.

[0058] The other end of the connecting portion 712b (the radially inner end of the differential shaft J5) is connected to the annular portion 712a. One end of the connecting portion 712b may be connected to only one of the motor housing portion 71 or the inverter housing portion 73. In this case, the support portion 712 is connected to only one of the outer surfaces of the peripheral wall portion 711 or the lower wall portion 731.

[0059] Two fixing portions 7124a are provided on the other end face of the annular portion 712a on the axial side. The fixing portion 7124a is positioned in a region radially adjacent to the connecting portion 712b of the annular portion 712a. The fixing portion 7124a is a screw hole extending in the axial direction (Y direction) of the differential shaft J5. A fixing screw 84, described later, is attached to the fixing portion 7124a. Because the fixing portion 7124a is adjacent to the connecting portion 712b which is connected to the peripheral wall portion 711 and the lower wall portion 731, a wide external space S on the radially opposite side of the annular portion 712a from the peripheral wall portion 711 and the lower wall portion 731 can be secured. This improves work efficiency during assembly. It also prevents interference between the fixing portion 712 and other equipment when mounted on a vehicle. The fixing portion 7124a may also be provided on the connecting portion 712b.

[0060] <8. Retaining Members> The retaining member 8 is attached to the support portion 712 of the housing 7. The retaining member 8 has a cylindrical portion 81 and a flange portion 82. The cylindrical portion 81 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction (Y direction) of the differential shaft J5 and holds the bearing portion 83 inside. The bearing portion 83 rotatably holds the first shaft Ms. The flange portion 82 protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical portion 81 of the differential shaft J5 (the rotation axis of the first shaft Ms).

[0061] The flange portion 82 and the annular portion 712a are fixed by aligning the screw hole 82a that penetrates the flange portion 82 with the fixing portion 7124a and fastening it with the fixing screw 84. As a result, the holding member 8 is fixed to the other axial side (-Y direction side) of the support portion 712. At this time, the cylindrical portion 81 is fitted into the inner surface of the annular portion 712a, and the flange portion 82 is fixed to the end face of the annular portion 712a on the other axial side (-Y direction side). By holding the first shaft Ms with the holding member 8 and the support member 712, vibration and shock caused by the first shaft Ms can be suppressed.

[0062] Furthermore, the gear section 3 is located on one axial side (+Y direction side) of the support section 712, resulting in limited workspace. On the other hand, there are no other components located on the other axial side (-Y direction side) of the support section, providing ample workspace. Therefore, by fixing the retaining member 8 to the other axial side (-Y direction side) of the support section 712, the retaining member 8 can be easily attached and detached. Consequently, the workability when replacing the bearing section 83 and the first shaft Ms can be improved.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 81 is positioned inside the annular portion 712a. This allows the bearing portion 83 to be firmly held inside the annular portion 712a. In addition, deformation of the holding member 8 due to vibration of the first shaft Ms can be suppressed. Therefore, vibration and shock caused by the first shaft Ms can be further suppressed.

[0064] Furthermore, a signal wire holding portion 85 is formed on the outer circumference of the flange portion 82, protruding radially outward from the differential shaft J5 (the rotation axis of the first shaft Ms). The signal wire holding portion 85 is formed in a roughly U-shape when viewed from the axial direction and holds the wire harness (signal wire) 9 connected to the inverter 6 (see Figure 1). This prevents the wire harness 9 from coming into contact with the first shaft Ms.

[0065] In this embodiment, the signal wire holding section 85 holds the wire harness 9 that electrically connects the oil pump 4 and the inverter 6, but the signal wire holding section 85 may hold other signal wires. For example, the signal wire holding section 85 may hold the wire harness that electrically connects the motor 2 and the inverter 6.

[0066] Furthermore, the bearing portion 83 is a ball bearing, and the axial center of the ball 83a of the bearing portion 83 is located on one axial side (+Y direction) of the annular portion 712a than the other axial side (-Y direction side). This allows the bearing portion 83 to be held more firmly inside the annular portion 712a. In addition, deformation of the retaining member 8 due to vibration of the first shaft Ms can be further suppressed.

[0067] Furthermore, the other axial end (-Y direction side) of the bearing portion 83 is located further axially (-Y direction side) than the other axial end (-Y direction side) of the annular portion 712a. This allows the end of one axial side (+Y direction side) of the cylindrical portion 81 to be positioned on the other axial side (-Y direction side), thereby shortening the axial length of the cylindrical portion 81. Consequently, the manufacturing cost of the retaining member 8 can be reduced.

[0068] <9. Others> Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications, including additions, omissions, substitutions, and other changes to the configuration, can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in this embodiment, the signal line holding portion 85 is formed on the outer circumference of the holding member 8, but the signal line holding portion 85 may be formed on the outer circumference of the support portion 712. For example, the same effect can be obtained by forming the signal line holding portion 85 on the outer circumference of the rib 7121a. In this case, a recess may be formed on the outer surface of the holding member 8, recessed radially inward from the differential shaft J5, so that the wire harness (signal line) 9 contacts the inside. [Industrial applicability]

[0069] The drive system of the present invention can be used, for example, as a drive system for hybrid vehicles (HV), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHV), and electric vehicles (EV). Furthermore, the drive system of the present invention is not limited to vehicles, but can be used as a drive system for vehicles such as ships and aircraft. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0070] 1. Drive unit 2 motors 3 Gear section 4. Oil pump 5. Oil cooler 6 Inverters 7 Housing 8 Retaining member 9 Wire Harness 10 Harness protection component 21 Rotors 22 Motor shaft 23 Rotor Core 25 Status 26 Stator Core 27 coils 31 Reducer 32 Differential device 33. First shaft connection section 51 Refrigerant piping 71 Motor housing section 72 Gear Housing Section 72a Gear cover 73 Inverter Housing Section 74 Bulkhead 75 Occlusion 76 Pump Housing Section 77 Oil piping 81 Cylindrical part 82 Flange section 82a Screw hole 83 Bearing section 83a Ball 84 Fixing screws 85 Signal line holding section 91, 92 connectors 92 connectors 271 Coil End 311 First gear 312 Second gear 313 Third gear 314 Gear shaft 321 Ring Gear 711 Peripheral wall section 712 Support part 712a Ring section 712b Connection section 731 Lower wall part 741 Bulkhead opening 7121a, 7122a Ribs 7123a Recess 7124a Fixed part CL Oil CP Oil Distribution Channels J2 Motor shaft J4 Gear shaft J5 differential shaft Ms 1st Shaft S External space

Claims

1. A motor having a motor shaft that rotates around a central axis, A gear section provided on one axial side of the motor shaft, A housing that houses the motor and the gear section, A bearing portion attached to the gear portion and rotatably holding the first shaft that extends in the other axial direction in the external space of the housing, A retaining member that holds the bearing portion and is fixed to the housing, Equipped with, The housing has a support portion to which the retaining member is fixed, The support portion is positioned on the other axial side of the gear portion and is provided on the outer wall of the housing facing the first shaft. The retaining member is fixed to the other axial side of the support portion. The support portion has an annular portion surrounding the first shaft, The aforementioned retaining member is A cylindrical part that holds the bearing part inside, The cylindrical portion has a flange portion that protrudes radially outward from the rotation axis of the first shaft, The cylindrical portion is arranged inside the annular portion. The flange portion is fixed to the other end face of the annular portion on the axial side, A drive device wherein the axial end of the bearing portion is located further axially than the axial end of the annular portion.

2. The bearing portion is a ball bearing, The drive device according to claim 1, wherein the axial central portion of the ball of the bearing portion is located axially to one side of the other axial end of the annular portion.

3. The drive device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a rib is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the annular portion, positioned at least one of the axial end and the other axial end, projecting radially outward from the rotation axis of the first shaft and extending in the circumferential direction.

4. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support portion has a connecting portion that connects the annular portion and the outer wall of the housing, and a fixing portion to which the holding member is fixed, and the fixing portion is provided in a region of the annular portion radially adjacent to the connecting portion, or on the connecting portion.

5. The housing has a motor housing portion that houses the motor, The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the support portion is connected to the outer surface of the motor housing portion facing the first shaft.

6. The housing has an inverter housing portion which houses an inverter that is arranged radially outward from the motor and electrically connected to the motor. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the support portion is connected to the outer surface of the inverter housing portion facing the first shaft.

7. The system further includes an inverter electrically connected to the motor, A signal wire holding portion is formed on the outer circumference of at least one of the support portion and the holding member, projecting radially outward from the rotation axis of the first shaft. The drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the signal line holding unit holds the signal line connected to the inverter.

8. The signal line holding portion is formed on either the support portion or the holding member, The drive device according to claim 7, wherein the other outer surface has a recess formed therein, which is recessed radially inward from the rotation axis of the first shaft, and the signal line makes contact with the inside.

9. A motor having a motor shaft that rotates around a central axis, A gear section provided on one axial side of the motor shaft, A housing that houses the motor and the gear section, A bearing portion attached to the gear portion and rotatably holding the first shaft that extends in the other axial direction in the external space of the housing, A retaining member that holds the bearing portion and is fixed to the housing, Equipped with, The housing has a support portion to which the retaining member is fixed, The support portion is positioned on the other axial side of the gear portion and is provided on the outer wall of the housing facing the first shaft. The retaining member is fixed to the other axial side of the support portion. The system further includes an inverter electrically connected to the motor, A signal wire holding portion is formed on the outer circumference of at least one of the support portion and the holding member, projecting radially outward from the rotation axis of the first shaft. The signal line holding unit holds the signal line connected to the inverter. The signal line holding portion is formed on either the support portion or the holding member, The other outer surface of the drive device has a recess formed therein, which is recessed radially inward from the rotation axis of the first shaft, and the signal wire makes contact with the inside of the recess.

10. The system further includes an inverter electrically connected to the motor, A signal wire holding portion is formed on the outer circumference of at least one of the support portion and the holding member, projecting radially outward from the rotation axis of the first shaft. The signal line holding unit holds the signal line connected to the inverter. The signal line holding portion is formed on the holding member, The outer circumferential surface of the support portion has a recess formed inward in the radial direction of the rotation axis of the first shaft, into which the signal line connected to the inverter makes contact with the inside. The drive device according to claim 3, wherein the recess is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the rib.

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