Rotating electric machine and drive device

Abstract

The present invention comprises: a rotor that can rotate about the central axis; a stator that has a stator core that faces the rotor via a gap in the radial direction; and a guide member that is disposed on one side of the stator core in the axial direction and that supplies a refrigerant in the circumferential direction. The stator core is provided with a plurality of stator flow paths which penetrate the stator core in the axial direction and through which the refrigerant flows. Each of the plurality of stator flow paths is disposed at a position different from each other in the circumferential direction. The guide member has a connection flow path part connecting the plurality of stator flow paths and is constituted by a plurality of flow path members stacked in the axial direction.

Description

Rotating electric machine and drive unit

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-141793, filed on August 31, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] A rotating electric machine is known in which a cooling oil supply pipe having an injection hole for injecting cooling oil is placed above the stator, and the cooling oil injected from the injection hole is supplied to the stator to cool the stator core (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-130119

[0004] In the rotating electrical machine described above, for example, the amount of cooling oil supplied to the stator tends to vary in the circumferential direction, which tends to cause temperature variations in the stator, and therefore there is a risk that the temperature of a portion of the stator may become too high.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present invention has an object to provide a rotating electric machine and a drive device that can suppress a temperature rise in the entire stator.

[0006] One aspect of the rotating electric machine of the present invention includes a rotor rotatable about a central axis, a stator having a stator core facing the rotor with a radial gap therebetween, and a guide member disposed on one axial side of the stator core and supplying a refrigerant in a circumferential direction. The stator core is provided with a plurality of stator flow paths that axially penetrate the stator core and through which the refrigerant flows. The plurality of stator flow paths are disposed at different positions in the circumferential direction. The guide member has a connecting flow path portion that connects the plurality of stator flow paths and is constituted by a plurality of flow path members stacked in the axial direction.

[0007] One aspect of a drive device of the present invention includes the above rotating electric machine and a gear mechanism connected to the rotor.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, in a rotating electric machine and a drive device, it is possible to suppress a rise in temperature of the entire stator.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drive unit according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a rotating electric machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a guide member and a supply passage portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the rotating electric machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the rotating electric machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an external view of the guide member according to the first embodiment as seen from one axial side. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the guide member according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a second external view of the guide member according to the first embodiment as seen from one axial side. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the rotating electric machine according to the first embodiment, taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 6 . FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a guide member according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the rotating electric machine according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a guide member according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the rotating electric machine according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a rotating electric machine according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a guide member according to the fourth embodiment.

[0010] In the following description, the vertical direction is defined based on the positional relationship when the drive unit of the embodiment is mounted on a vehicle positioned on a horizontal road surface. In other words, the positional relationship with respect to the vertical direction described in the following embodiments only needs to be satisfied when the drive unit is mounted on a vehicle positioned on a horizontal road surface.

[0011] In each drawing, an XYZ coordinate system is shown as a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system as appropriate. In the XYZ coordinate system, the Z axis direction is the vertical direction. The +Z side is the upper vertical side, and the -Z side is the lower vertical side. In the following description, the upper vertical side is simply referred to as the "upper side," and the lower vertical side is simply referred to as the "lower side." The X axis direction is perpendicular to the Z axis direction and corresponds to the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle on which the drive unit 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 left-to-right direction of the vehicle, i.e., the vehicle width direction. In the following embodiments, the +Y side is the right side of the vehicle, and the -Y side is the left side of the vehicle.

[0012] The positional relationship in the front-rear direction is not limited to the positional relationship in the following embodiment, and the +X side may be the rear side of the vehicle and the -X side may be the front side of the vehicle. In this case, the +Y side is the left side of the vehicle and the -Y side is the right side of the vehicle. In addition, in this specification, the "parallel direction" includes a direction that is approximately parallel, and the "orthogonal direction" includes a direction that is approximately orthogonal.

[0013] The central axis J shown in each drawing is a virtual axis extending in the Y-axis direction, that is, in the left-right direction of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the central axis J extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). In other words, the central axis J extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction. In the following description, the direction parallel to the central axis J will be simply referred to as the "axial direction," the radial direction centered on the central axis J will be simply referred to as the "radial direction," and the circumferential direction centered on the central axis J will be simply referred to as the "circumferential direction." Furthermore, the +Y side will be referred to as the "one axial side," and the -Y side will be referred to as the "other axial side."

[0014] The circumferential direction is indicated by the arrow θ in each drawing. The side of the circumferential direction toward which the arrow θ points (+θ side) is called "one circumferential side." The side of the circumferential direction opposite to the side toward which the arrow θ points (-θ side) is called "the other circumferential side." The one circumferential side is the side that advances clockwise around the central axis J when viewed from the right side (+Y side). The other circumferential side is the side that advances counterclockwise around the central axis J when viewed from the right side.

[0015] <First Embodiment> A drive device 1 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is mounted on a vehicle and rotates an axle 73. The vehicle on which the drive device 1 is mounted is 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). The drive device 1 includes a rotating electric machine 10, a gear mechanism 70 connected to the rotating electric machine 10, a housing 63 that accommodates the rotating electric machine 10 and the gear mechanism 70 therein, and a refrigerant flow path 90. In this embodiment, the rotating electric machine 10 is a motor.

[0016] The housing 63 accommodates the rotating electric machine 10 and the gear mechanism 70. The housing 63 has a motor housing 63a that accommodates the rotating electric machine 10 therein and a gear housing 63b that accommodates the gear mechanism 70 therein. The motor housing 63a is connected to the right side (+Y side) of the gear housing 63b. The motor housing 63a accommodates a refrigerant L therein. The refrigerant L is stored in a lower region within the motor housing 63a. The motor housing 63a has a peripheral wall portion 63c, a partition wall portion 63d, and a lid portion 63e. The peripheral wall portion 63c and the partition wall portion 63d are, for example, part of the same single member. The lid portion 63e is, for example, separate from the peripheral wall portion 63c and the partition wall portion 63d.

[0017] The peripheral wall portion 63c is cylindrical and surrounds the central axis J, opening to the right (+Y side). The peripheral wall portion 63c surrounds the rotating electric machine 10 from the radially outer side. The partition wall portion 63d is connected to the left (-Y side) end of the peripheral wall portion 63c. The partition wall portion 63d axially separates the interior of the motor housing 63a from the interior of the gear housing 63b. The partition wall portion 63d has a partition wall opening 63f that connects the interior of the motor housing 63a to the interior of the gear housing 63b. The partition wall portion 63d holds the bearing 64a. The lid portion 63e is fixed to the right end of the peripheral wall portion 63c. The lid portion 63e closes the opening of the peripheral wall portion 63c. The lid portion 63e holds the bearing 64b.

[0018] The gear housing 63b accommodates a refrigerant L therein. The refrigerant L is stored in a lower region within the gear housing 63b. The refrigerant L circulates through a refrigerant flow path 90. In this embodiment, the refrigerant L is a lubricating oil that cools the rotating electrical machine 10 and lubricates the gear mechanism 70. As the refrigerant L, for example, it is preferable to use an oil equivalent to a lubricating oil for an automatic transmission (ATF: Automatic Transmission Fluid) that has a relatively low viscosity in order to perform the cooling function and the lubricating function.

[0019] The gear mechanism 70 is connected to a rotor 15 (described later) of the rotating electric machine 10 and transmits rotation of the rotor 15 to an axle 73 of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the gear mechanism 70 has a reduction gear 71 connected to the rotor 15 and a differential gear 72 connected to the reduction gear 71. The differential gear 72 has a ring gear 72a. Torque output from the rotating electric machine 10 is transmitted to the ring gear 72a via the reduction gear 71. The lower end of the ring gear 72a is immersed in the refrigerant L stored in the gear housing 63b. When the ring gear 72a rotates, the refrigerant L is stirred up, and the stirred-up refrigerant L lubricates the reduction gear 71 and the differential gear 72.

[0020] The rotating electric machine 10 includes a rotor 15 that is rotatable about a central axis J, a stator 30 that faces the rotor 15 in the radial direction with a gap therebetween, and a guide member 40. The rotor 15, the stator 30, and the guide member 40 are each housed in a housing 63. More specifically, the rotor 15, the stator 30, and the guide member 40 are each housed in a motor housing 63a. In this embodiment, the stator 30 is disposed radially outward of the rotor 15. The stator 30 and the guide member 40 are fixed to the motor housing 63a. The rotor 15 includes a rotor core 16 and a shaft 17.

[0021] The shaft 17 is cylindrical and extends in the axial direction about the central axis J. The shaft 17 may be cylindrical and extends in the axial direction about the central axis J. The shaft 17 is disposed inside the motor housing 63a. The left end of the shaft 17 protrudes into the gear housing 63b. The right end of the shaft 17 is rotatably supported by the bearing 64b. The left side (-Y side) of the shaft 17 is rotatably supported by the bearing 64a. This allows the shaft 17 to rotate about the central axis J.

[0022] The rotor core 16 has a substantially circular ring shape centered on the central axis J. The rotor core 16 is made of a magnetic material. The rotor core 16 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 17. This allows the rotor core 16 to rotate around the central axis J. In other words, the rotor 15 is rotatable around the central axis J. A plurality of magnets (not shown) are fixed to the rotor core 16. The magnets are arranged along the circumferential direction.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2 , the stator 30 has a stator core 31, an insulator 34, and a coil portion 35. The stator core 31 is annular and centered on a central axis J. In this embodiment, the stator core 31 is substantially annular and centered on the central axis J. The stator core 31 may have another shape, such as an octagonal shape. The stator core 31 surrounds the rotor core 16 from the radial outside. The stator core 31 faces the rotor 15 in the radial direction with a gap between them. The stator core 31 has a core back portion 32, multiple teeth 33, and first fastening hole portions 31 a. The stator core 31 is provided with multiple stator flow paths 96.

[0024] The core back portion 32 has an annular shape centered on the central axis J. In the present embodiment, the core back portion 32 has a substantially circular annular shape centered on the central axis J. Each of the plurality of tooth portions 33 protrudes radially from the core back portion 32. In the present embodiment, each tooth portion 33 protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of the core back portion 32. In the present embodiment, the stator 30 has eight tooth portions 33. The number of tooth portions 33 included in the stator 30 may be seven or less, or nine or more. The tooth portions 33 are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction along the inner circumferential surface of the core back portion 32. Each tooth portion 33 faces the rotor core 16 in the radial direction via a gap.

[0025] The first fastening hole portions 31a are holes that penetrate the stator core 31 in the axial direction. The stator core 31 has a plurality of first fastening hole portions 31a. In this embodiment, the stator core 31 has six first fastening hole portions 31a. The number of first fastening hole portions 31a included in the stator core 31 may be five or less, or seven or more. The first fastening hole portions 31a are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The first fastening hole portions 31a are provided on the radial outer edge portion of the stator core 31. In this embodiment, the first fastening hole portions 31a open radially outward. The inner surface of each first fastening hole portion 31a is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the stator core 31. Note that each first fastening hole portion 31a does not have to open radially outward.

[0026] The multiple stator flow passages 96 are holes that penetrate the stator core 31 in the axial direction. When viewed in the axial direction, each stator flow passage 96 has the shape of an elongated hole extending in the circumferential direction. When viewed in the axial direction, each stator flow passage 96 may have another shape, such as a circular shape or a rectangular shape. As shown in FIG. 1 , a refrigerant L flows through each stator flow passage 96. As shown in FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, 24 stator flow passages 96 are provided in the stator core 31. The number of stator flow passages 96 provided in the stator core 31 may be 23 or less, or 25 or more. The stator flow passages 96 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. That is, the multiple stator flow passages 96 are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction from each other. In this embodiment, the multiple stator flow passages 96 are provided in the core back portion 32.

[0027] The insulators 34 insulate the stator core 31 from the coil portions 35. The insulators 34 are attached to each of the plurality of tooth portions 33. The coil portions 35 are attached to the tooth portions 33. In this embodiment, the stator 30 has eight coil portions 35. Each coil portion 35 is attached to a different tooth portion 33 via an insulator 34. As shown in FIG. 1 , one axial side portion of each coil portion 35 is located on one axial side of the stator core 31. The other axial side portion of each coil portion 35 is located on the other axial side of the stator core 31.

[0028] Although not shown, the coil portions 35 are electrically connected to an external power supply (not shown). When current is supplied to the coil portions 35 from the external power supply, each coil portion 35 forms an electromagnet. At this time, heat and Joule heat are generated in each coil portion 35 due to iron loss, causing the temperature of each coil portion 35 to rise. The heat generated in each coil portion 35 is transferred to the stator core 31. This causes the temperature of the stator 30, including the stator core 31, to rise. If the temperature of each coil portion 35 becomes too high, there is a risk of the coil portions 35 being deteriorated. Therefore, in this embodiment, the heat generated in each coil portion 35 is transferred via the stator core 31 to the refrigerant L flowing inside each stator flow path 96, thereby dissipating the heat to the outside of the rotating electric machine 10. This prevents the temperature of the stator 30, particularly the coil portions 35, from becoming too high.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3 , the guide member 40 has a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. In this embodiment, the guide member 40 has a substantially annular plate shape centered on the central axis J. The guide member 40 may have another shape, such as an octagonal shape centered on the central axis J. As shown in FIG. 4 , the guide member 40 is disposed on one axial side of the stator core 31. The guide member 40 is fixed to a surface of the stator core 31 facing one axial side with an adhesive. The guide member 40 contacts the surface of the stator core 31 facing one axial side. That is, the guide member 40 is in axial contact with the stator core 31. As shown in FIG. 1 , the guide member 40 faces the coil portion 35 in the radial direction. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the guide member 40 can be disposed closer to the stator core 31 in the axial direction than when the guide member 40 is disposed axially opposite the coil portion 35, i.e., when the guide member 40 is disposed on one axial side of the coil portion 35. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the rotating electric machine 10 and the drive device 1 from becoming larger in size in the axial direction.

[0030] The guide member 40 has a connecting flow passage portion 95 that connects multiple stator flow passages 96. As shown in Fig. 3, the guide member 40 has second fastening hole portions 40g and mounting holes 40h. As shown in Fig. 4, the guide member 40 is composed of multiple flow passage members 40a stacked in the axial direction.

[0031] The second fastening holes 40g are holes that penetrate the guide member 40 in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 3 , the guide member 40 has a plurality of second fastening holes 40g. In this embodiment, the guide member 40 has six second fastening holes 40g. The second fastening holes 40g are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The second fastening holes 40g are arranged on the radially outer edge of the guide member 40. In this embodiment, the second fastening holes 40g open radially outward. The second fastening holes 40g do not have to open radially outward. As shown in FIG. 5 , the second fastening holes 40g overlap with different first fastening holes 31a when viewed in the axial direction.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 6 , the mounting hole 40h is a hole that penetrates the guide member 40 in the axial direction. When viewed in the axial direction, the mounting hole 40h is a substantially circular hole. In this embodiment, the mounting hole 40h is a female threaded hole. In this embodiment, the guide member 40 has two mounting holes 40h. Each mounting hole 40h is provided on the upper side (+Z side) of the guide member 40. The mounting holes 40h are arranged at intervals in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction).

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, the multiple flow path members 40a include a first flow path member 41, a second flow path member 42, and a third flow path member 43. Each of the first flow path member 41, the second flow path member 42, and the third flow path member 43 has a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The first flow path member 41, the second flow path member 42, and the third flow path member 43 are arranged in this order from one axial side. In this embodiment, the first flow path member 41, the second flow path member 42, and the third flow path member 43 are fixed to each other with an adhesive. As a result, the first flow path member 41, the second flow path member 42, and the third flow path member 43 constitute the guide member 40.

[0034] 7 , in this embodiment, the first flow path member 41 has a substantially annular plate shape centered on the central axis J. The first flow path member 41 may have another shape, such as an octagonal shape centered on the central axis J. The first flow path member 41 has a first inlet hole 41 a, a fastening hole 41 g, and an attachment hole 41 h. The first inlet hole 41 a, the fastening hole 41 g, and the attachment hole 41 h are each a hole that passes through the first flow path member 41 in the axial direction.

[0035] The first inlet hole 41a is provided in an upper portion (+Z side) of the first flow path member 41. In this embodiment, the first inlet hole 41a is a circular hole when viewed in the axial direction. The first flow path member 41 has six fastening holes 41g. The fastening holes 41g are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The fastening holes 41g are arranged on the radial outer edge of the first flow path member 41. The fastening holes 41g open radially outward. Each fastening hole 41g constitutes a part of each second fastening hole portion 40g shown in FIG. 3.

[0036] When viewed from the axial direction, the mounting holes 41h are substantially circular holes. The first flow path member 41 has two mounting holes 41h. Each mounting hole 41h is provided on the upper side (+Z side) of the first flow path member 41. The mounting holes 41h are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The mounting holes 41h are arranged on either side of the first inlet hole 41a in the front-rear direction. Each mounting hole 41h constitutes a part of the mounting hole portion 40h shown in FIG. 3.

[0037] In the present embodiment, the second flow path member 42 has a substantially annular plate shape centered on the central axis J. The second flow path member 42 may have another shape, such as an octagonal shape centered on the central axis J. As shown in FIG. 4 , the second flow path member 42 is disposed on the other axial side of the first flow path member 41. As shown in FIG. 7 , the second flow path member 42 has a second flow path portion 42 a, a first communication hole 42 c, a plurality of first connecting holes 42 e, a fastening hole 42 g, and an attachment hole 42 h. The second flow path portion 42 a, the first communication hole 42 c, the plurality of first connecting holes 42 e, the fastening hole 42 g, and the attachment hole 42 h are holes that axially penetrate the second flow path member 42.

[0038] The second flow path portion 42a is provided in an upper portion (+Z side) of the second flow path member 42. In the present embodiment, the second flow path portion 42a is a circular hole when viewed in the axial direction. The second flow path portion 42a may be a hole recessed from a surface of the second flow path member 42 facing one axial side to the other axial side. When viewed in the axial direction, at least a portion of the second flow path portion 42a overlaps with at least a portion of the first inlet hole 41a. As a result, the second flow path portion 42a is connected to the first inlet hole 41a in the axial direction.

[0039] The first communication hole 42c is a hole extending downward (toward the -Z direction) from the second flow path portion 42a. The first communication hole 42c is radially connected to the second flow path portion 42a. Each of the multiple first connection holes 42e is an elongated hole extending in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the second flow path member 42 has 24 first connection holes 42e. The multiple first connection holes 42e are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Of the multiple first connection holes 42e, the first connection hole 42e arranged on the uppermost side (+Z direction) is connected to the first communication hole 42c. As a result, at least one first connection hole 42e is connected to the second flow path portion 42a via the first communication hole 42c. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the multiple first connection holes 42e are arranged below (toward the -Z direction) the first inlet hole 41a. That is, the first inlet hole 41a is disposed vertically above (on the +Z side of) the plurality of first connection holes 42e.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 7 , the second flow path member 42 has six fastening holes 42g. The fastening holes 42g are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The fastening holes 42g are arranged on the radially outer edge of the second flow path member 42. The fastening holes 42g open radially outward. When viewed from the axial direction, the fastening holes 42g overlap with different fastening holes 41g. The fastening holes 42g constitute part of the second fastening hole portions 40g shown in FIG. 3 .

[0041] When viewed from the axial direction, the mounting holes 42h are substantially circular holes. The second flow path member 42 has two mounting holes 42h. Each mounting hole 42h is provided on the upper (+Z side) portion of the second flow path member 42. The mounting holes 42h are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The mounting holes 42h are arranged on either side of the second flow path portion 42a in the front-rear direction. When viewed from the axial direction, each mounting hole 42h overlaps with a different mounting hole 41h. Each mounting hole 42h constitutes a part of each mounting hole portion 40h shown in FIG. 3.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the third flow path member 43 has a substantially annular plate shape centered on the central axis J. The third flow path member 43 may have another shape, such as an octagonal shape centered on the central axis J. As shown in FIG. 4 , the third flow path member 43 is disposed between the second flow path member 42 and the stator core 31. The surface of the third flow path member 43 facing the other axial side is fixed to the stator core 31 with an adhesive. The third flow path member 43 contacts the stator core 31. As shown in FIG. 7 , the third flow path member 43 has a plurality of second connection holes 43 a, fastening holes 43 g, and mounting holes 43 h. Each of the plurality of second connection holes 43 a, fastening holes 43 g, and mounting holes 43 h is a hole that penetrates the third flow path member 43 in the axial direction.

[0043] Each of the second connection holes 43a is an elongated hole extending in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the third flow path member 43 has 24 second connection holes 43a. The second connection holes 43a are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 8 , each of the second connection holes 43a overlaps with a first connection hole 42e when viewed in the axial direction. More specifically, each of the second connection holes 43a overlaps with a pair of first connection holes 42e arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction when viewed in the axial direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9 , the portion of each second connection hole 43a on the other circumferential side (−θ side) is axially connected to the first connection hole 42e arranged on the other circumferential side of the pair of first connection holes 42e. Furthermore, the portion of each second connection hole 43a on one circumferential side (+θ side) is axially connected to the first connection hole 42e of the pair of first connection holes 42e that is arranged on one circumferential side. As a result, a pair of first connection holes 42e that are arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are connected to each other via the second connection hole 43a. Furthermore, a pair of second connection holes 43a that are arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are connected to each other via the first connection hole 42e.

[0044] As viewed from the axial direction, each of the multiple stator flow paths 96 overlaps with a second connection hole 43a. More specifically, in the present embodiment, as viewed from the axial direction, each of the multiple stator flow paths 96 overlaps with a different second connection hole 43a. As a result, each stator flow path 96 is connected to the first inlet hole 41a via the second flow path portion 42a, the first communication hole 42c, the multiple first connection holes 42e, and the multiple second connection holes 43a. In the present embodiment, the connection flow path portion 95 is formed by the first inlet hole 41a, the second flow path portion 42a, the first communication hole 42c, the multiple first connection holes 42e, and the multiple second connection holes 43a. The connection flow path portion 95 connects the multiple stator flow paths 96 arranged at different circumferential positions. Note that, as shown in FIG. 1 , in the present embodiment, the radial distance between the stator flow path 96 and the central axis J is shorter than the radial distance between the first inlet hole 41a and the central axis J.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7 , the third flow path member 43 has six fastening holes 43g. The fastening holes 43g are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The fastening holes 43g are arranged on the radially outer edge of the third flow path member 43. The fastening holes 43g open radially outward. When viewed from the axial direction, the fastening holes 43g overlap with different fastening holes 41g and different fastening holes 42g. The fastening holes 43g constitute a part of each second fastening hole portion 40g shown in FIG. 3 . As described above, the fastening holes 41g and the fastening holes 42g constitute a part of each second fastening hole portion 40g. In other words, each second fastening hole portion 40g is formed by the fastening holes 41g, 42g, and 43g.

[0046] 5 , when the fastening members 81 are passed axially through the first fastening hole portions 31 a and the second fastening hole portions 40 g and the male thread portions 81 b of the fastening members 81 are fastened to the female thread holes 63 g provided in the peripheral wall portion 63 c of the housing 63, the heads 81 a of the fastening members 81 press the stator core 31 and the guide member 40 against the peripheral wall portion 63 c. This fixes the stator 30 and the guide member 40 to the housing 63. According to the present embodiment, the stator core 31 and the guide member 40 are fixed to the housing 63 by the fastening members 81 that are passed axially through the first fastening hole portions 31 a and the second fastening hole portions 40 g and fastened to the housing 63. This allows the stator 30 and the guide member 40 to be fixed to the housing 63 by the same fastening members 81. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the stator 30 and the guide member 40 are fixed to the housing 63 separately by different fastening members, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of fastening members 81. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of parts and manufacturing costs of the rotating electric machine 10 and the drive device 1.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the stator 30 and the guide member 40 can be fixed to the housing 63 with the same fastening member 81 as described above, which simplifies the process of fixing the stator 30 and the guide member 40 to the housing 63 during the assembly process of the rotating electric machine 10. Therefore, an increase in the number of manufacturing steps for the rotating electric machine 10 and the drive device 1 can be suppressed.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heads 81a of the fastening members 81 press the stator core 31 against the housing 63 via the guide member 40. This prevents the heads 81a of the fastening members 81 from coming into direct contact with the stator core 31, thereby reducing the stress applied to the stator core 31 by the heads 81a of the fastening members 81. Therefore, even if the stator core 31 is made of, for example, a metallic material with an amorphous structure that has a small fracture strain, damage to the stator core 31 can be prevented.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7 , the mounting holes 43h are generally circular when viewed from the axial direction. The third flow path member 43 has two mounting holes 43h. Each mounting hole 43h is provided on the upper (+Z side) portion of the third flow path member 43. The mounting holes 43h are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction). When viewed from the axial direction, each mounting hole 43h overlaps with a different mounting hole 41h and a different mounting hole 42h. Each mounting hole 43h constitutes a part of the mounting hole portion 40h shown in FIG. 3 . As described above, each mounting hole 41h and each mounting hole 42h constitute a part of the mounting hole portion 40h. In other words, each mounting hole portion 40h is constituted by the mounting holes 41h, 42h, and 43h.

[0050] 1 , the refrigerant flow path 90 is a path that supplies the refrigerant L stored in the gear housing 63 b and the motor housing 63 a to the stator 30. A pump 97 and a cooler 98 are provided in the refrigerant flow path 90. The refrigerant flow path 90 has a first flow path portion 91, a second flow path portion 92, a third flow path portion 93, a supply flow path portion 94, a connection flow path portion 95, and a stator flow path 96.

[0051] The first flow path portion 91, the second flow path portion 92, and the third flow path portion 93 are provided, for example, in a wall portion of the motor housing 63a. The first flow path portion 91 connects a lower region in the gear housing 63b where the refrigerant L is stored to the pump 97. The second flow path portion 92 connects the pump 97 to the cooler 98. The third flow path portion 93 connects the cooler 98 to the supply flow path portion 94.

[0052] The supply flow path portion 94 is a pipe extending in the axial direction. The supply flow path portion 94 connects the third flow path portion 93 and the connection flow path portion 95. The supply flow path portion 94 is disposed on one axial side of the guide member 40. The supply flow path portion 94 faces the coil portion 35 in the radial direction. One axial end of the supply flow path portion 94 is supported by the motor housing 63a. One axial end of the supply flow path portion 94 is connected to the third flow path portion 93. As shown in FIG. 3 , a flange portion 94a is provided at the other axial end of the supply flow path portion 94. The flange portion 94a is plate-shaped and protrudes from the supply flow path portion 94 on both sides in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The flange portion 94a has two through holes 94b that penetrate the flange portion 94a in the axial direction. The through holes 94b are disposed on either side of the supply flow path portion 94 in the front-rear direction. When viewed from the axial direction, each through hole 94b overlaps with a different mounting hole 40h of the guide member 40. When a screw (not shown) is passed through each through hole 94b and tightened into each mounting hole 40h, the flange portion 94a is fixed to the guide member 40. In this way, the supply flow path portion 94 is fixed to the guide member 40. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4 , the other axial end of the supply flow path portion 94 is connected to the first inlet 41a. In other words, the supply flow path portion 94 and the connection flow path portion 95 are connected.

[0053] 9, the connection flow path portion 95 connects the supply flow path portion 94 and the plurality of stator flow paths 96. As described above, the connection flow path portion 95 is composed of the first inlet hole 41 a, the second flow path portion 42 a, the first communication hole 42 c, the plurality of first connection holes 42 e, and the plurality of second connection holes 43 a.

[0054] 1, each of the multiple stator flow passages 96 extends axially inside the stator core 31. One axial end of each stator flow passage 96 is connected to the connecting flow passage portion 95. The other axial end of each stator flow passage 96 opens into the interior of the motor housing 63a.

[0055] When the pump 97 is driven, the refrigerant L stored in the lower region of the gear housing 63b is sucked into the pump 97 through the first flow path portion 91, and the refrigerant L discharged from the pump 97 flows into the cooler 98 through the second flow path portion 92. The refrigerant L that flows into the cooler 98 is cooled in the cooler 98, and then flows into the supply flow path portion 94 through the third flow path portion 93. As shown in FIG. 9 , the refrigerant L that flows into the supply flow path portion 94 is supplied to the connection flow path portion 95. That is, the supply flow path portion 94 supplies the refrigerant L to the connection flow path portion 95.

[0056] The refrigerant L supplied to the connection flow path portion 95 passes through the first inlet hole 41 a, the second flow path portion 42 a, and the first communication hole 42 c, and flows into the first connection hole 42 e. The refrigerant L that flows into the first connection hole 42 e flows toward both sides in the circumferential direction, alternately passing through the second connection hole 43 a and the first connection hole 42 e. That is, the guide member 40 supplies the refrigerant L in the circumferential direction. A portion of the refrigerant L flowing toward both sides in the circumferential direction flows into each stator flow path 96. As a result, the refrigerant L flows into each stator flow path 96 that is located at different positions in the circumferential direction.

[0057] The coolant L that flows into each stator flow passage 96 comes into contact with the inner surface of each stator flow passage 96, thereby absorbing heat from the stator 30. As a result, heat generated by iron loss in the coil portion 35 and Joule heat are transferred to the coolant L, thereby cooling the stator 30. As shown in FIG. 1 , the coolant L that has absorbed the heat from the stator 30 flows into the motor housing 63a from the opening on the other axial side of each stator flow passage 96 and is stored in a lower region within the motor housing 63a.

[0058] In this embodiment, the lower (-Z side) portion of the stator 30 is immersed in the coolant L stored in the lower region of the motor housing 63a. The lower portion of the stator core 31 and the coil portion 35 attached to the lower portion of the stator core 31 are immersed in the coolant L. As a result, heat from the lower portion of the stator 30 is transferred to the coolant L, thereby cooling the lower portion of the stator 30. The coolant L stored in the lower region of the motor housing 63a flows into the gear housing 63b through the partition opening 63f and is again stored in the lower region of the gear housing 63b.

[0059] According to this embodiment, the stator core 31 is provided with multiple stator flow passages 96 that axially penetrate the stator core 31 and through which the coolant L flows. Each of the multiple stator flow passages 96 is located at a different circumferential position from the others. The guide member 40 has a connecting flow passage portion 95 that connects the multiple stator flow passages 96 and is composed of multiple flow passage members 40a stacked in the axial direction. Therefore, the connecting flow passage portion 95 allows the coolant L to be supplied to each of the stator flow passages 96 located at different circumferential positions from each other. This allows heat from the stator core 31 to be transferred to the coolant L flowing through each stator flow passage 96, thereby enabling the stator 30 to be suitably cooled over a wide circumferential area. This suppresses an increase in the temperature of the entire stator 30. This suppresses excessive temperature rise in some of the multiple coil portions 35 arranged along the circumferential direction, thereby suppressing deterioration of the coil portions 35. This improves the operational stability of the rotating electric machine 10 and the drive device 1.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connection flow passage portion 95 can be configured by the shape of a hole or the like provided in each of the multiple flow passage members 40a stacked in the axial direction. This allows for greater freedom in the shape of the connection flow passage portion 95 compared to when the guide member 40 is configured from a single member, making it easier to configure the shape of the connection flow passage portion 95 to match the positions of the supply flow passage portion 94 and the stator flow passages 96. This makes it easier to suppress variations in the flow rate of the refrigerant L flowing through each stator flow passage 96, thereby effectively suppressing temperature variations in the circumferential direction of the stator core 31. This therefore effectively suppresses temperature increases in the entire stator 30.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the guide member 40 is in axial contact with the stator core 31. Therefore, heat from the stator core 31 can be transferred to the coolant L flowing through the connecting flow passage portion 95 via the guide member 40. This increases the amount of heat transferred from the stator core 31 to the coolant L, thereby more effectively suppressing a temperature rise in the stator 30.

[0062] According to this embodiment, the first flow path member 41, the second flow path member 42, and the third flow path member 43 each have a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The first flow path member 41 has a first inlet hole 41a penetrating the first flow path member 41 in the axial direction. The second flow path member 42 has a second flow path portion 42a connected to the first inlet hole 41a and a plurality of first connection holes 42e. The third flow path member 43 has a plurality of second connection holes 43a penetrating the third flow path member 43 in the axial direction. When viewed in the axial direction, at least a portion of the second flow path portion 42a overlaps with at least a portion of the first inlet hole 41a. Each of the plurality of first connection holes 42e is arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction. At least one first connection hole 42e is connected to the second flow path portion 42a. Each of the plurality of second connection holes 43a is arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction and overlaps with the first connection hole 42e when viewed in the axial direction. When viewed from the axial direction, each of the multiple stator flow paths 96 overlaps with a second connection hole 43a. In this embodiment, the first inlet hole 41a, the second flow path portion 42a, the multiple first connection holes 42e, and the multiple second connection holes 43a can be formed by processing each of the plate-shaped first flow path member 41, the second flow path member 42, and the third flow path member 43 using a simple processing method such as press working. Furthermore, the connection flow path portion 95 can be formed by simply stacking each of the first flow path member 41, the second flow path member 42, and the third flow path member 43 in the axial direction, allowing the refrigerant L to be supplied to each of the stator flow paths 96 arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction. This prevents an increase in the number of steps and costs required to manufacture the guide member 40.

[0063] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the connection flow path portion 95 can be configured by processing each of the plate-shaped first flow path member 41, second flow path member 42, and third flow path member 43 by a processing method such as press working, thereby further increasing the degree of freedom in the shape of the connection flow path portion 95. This allows the shape of the connection flow path portion 95 to be configured to match the positions of the supply flow path portion 94 and the stator flow paths 96, respectively, making it easier to more effectively suppress variations in the flow rate of the refrigerant L flowing through each stator flow path 96. Therefore, temperature variations in the circumferential direction of the stator core 31 can be more effectively suppressed, and therefore, temperature increases in the entire stator 30 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the multiple first connection holes 42e and the multiple second connection holes 43a is a hole extending in the circumferential direction. Therefore, even if the circumferential position of the third flow path member 43 relative to the second flow path member 42 is misaligned during the manufacturing process of the guide member 40, the first connection holes 42e and the second connection holes 43a can be easily arranged to overlap in the axial direction. Furthermore, even if the circumferential position of the third flow path member 43 relative to the stator core 31 is misaligned during the assembly process of the rotating electric machine 10, the second connection holes 43a and the stator flow paths 96 can be easily arranged to overlap in the axial direction. This allows the refrigerant L to be stably supplied to each stator flow path 96 via the connection flow path portion 95. Therefore, variation in the flow rate of the refrigerant L flowing through each stator flow path 96 can be more effectively suppressed, thereby more effectively suppressing an increase in the temperature of the entire stator 30.

[0065] 9 , in this embodiment, the coolant L flows circumferentially while reciprocating axially between the first connection hole 42e and the second connection hole 43a, thereby increasing the contact area between the coolant L and the inner surface of the connection flow path 95. This increases the amount of heat transferred from the stator core 31 to the coolant L flowing through the connection flow path 95 via the guide member 40. Therefore, the amount of heat transferred from the stator core 31 to the coolant L can be increased, thereby more effectively suppressing a temperature rise in the stator 30.

[0066] According to the present embodiment, the radial distance between the stator flow passage 96 and the central axis J is shorter than the radial distance between the first inlet hole 41 a and the central axis J. Therefore, the first inlet hole 41 a can be easily disposed radially outward, and the radial distance between the first inlet hole 41 a and the coil portion 35 can be easily increased. Therefore, during the assembly process of the rotating electric machine 10, when the supply flow passage portion 94 is fixed to the guide member 40, it is easy to prevent the supply flow passage portion 94 from interfering with the coil portion 35. Therefore, the task of fixing the supply flow passage portion 94 to the guide member 40 can be simplified, and an increase in the number of manufacturing steps for the rotating electric machine 10 and the drive device 1 can be more effectively prevented.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the stator flow passages 96 can be easily disposed radially inward, which makes it easy to shorten the distance between the stator flow passages 96 and the teeth 33. This makes it easy to transfer heat generated in the coils 35 attached to the teeth 33 to the coolant L flowing through the stator flow passages 96. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress temperature increases in the entire stator 30.

[0068] According to this embodiment, the central axis J extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, and the first inlet hole 41a is positioned vertically above (on the +Z side of) the plurality of first connection holes 42e. Therefore, gravity acting on the refrigerant L can be utilized to cause the refrigerant L flowing from the first inlet hole 41a to flow into the first connection holes 42e. This increases the flow rate of the refrigerant L flowing through the first connection holes 42e, thereby increasing the flow rate of the refrigerant L flowing through each stator flow path 96. This further increases the amount of heat that can be transferred from the stator core 31 to the refrigerant L, thereby more effectively suppressing an increase in the temperature of the entire stator 30.

[0069] According to this embodiment, the stator core 31 has an annular core back portion 32 and a plurality of teeth 33 protruding radially from the core back portion, and a plurality of stator flow passages 96 are provided in the core back portion 32. In this embodiment, because the core back portion 32 is annular, it is easy to increase the number of stator flow passages 96 arranged at different circumferential positions. Therefore, temperature variations in the circumferential direction of the stator core 31 can be more effectively suppressed, and therefore, temperature increases in the entire stator 30 can be more effectively suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, compared to a configuration in which multiple stator flow paths 96 are provided in the teeth 33, it is possible to prevent the flow of magnetic flux passing through the inside of the teeth 33 from being obstructed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the magnetic force between the stator 30 and the rotor 15, and therefore it is possible to prevent a decrease in the output torque of the rotating electric machine 10 and the drive device 1.

[0071] According to this embodiment, the rotating electric machine 10 includes a supply passage portion 94 that is connected to the connection passage portion 95 and supplies the refrigerant L to the connection passage portion 95, and the supply passage portion 94 faces the coil portion 35 in the radial direction. Therefore, compared to when the supply passage portion 94 is disposed on one axial side of the coil portion 35, it is possible to prevent the rotating electric machine 10 and the drive device 1 from becoming larger in the axial direction.

[0072] 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a guide member 240 of this embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 11 , the guide member 240 of this embodiment has a connecting flow path portion 295 that connects the multiple stator flow paths 96. The guide member 240 supplies the coolant L in the circumferential direction. As shown in Fig. 10 , the guide member 240 has second fastening hole portions 240g and mounting holes 240h. The guide member 240 is composed of multiple flow path members 240a stacked in the axial direction.

[0074] The second fastening hole portions 240g are holes that axially penetrate the guide member 240. In this embodiment, the guide member 240 has six second fastening hole portions 240g. Each second fastening hole portion 240g is composed of fastening holes 41g, 42g, 43g, and fastening hole 244g. Other configurations of the second fastening hole portions 240g are similar to those of the second fastening hole portions 40g in the first embodiment described above.

[0075] The mounting hole 240h is a female threaded hole that axially penetrates the guide member 240. In this embodiment, the guide member 240 has two mounting holes 240h. Each mounting hole 240h is composed of mounting holes 41h, 42h, 43h, and a mounting hole 244h. Other configurations of the mounting hole 240h are similar to those of the mounting hole 40h in the first embodiment described above.

[0076] In this embodiment, the multiple flow path members 240a include a first flow path member 41, a second flow path member 42, a third flow path member 43, and a fourth flow path member 244. The fourth flow path member 244 is plate-shaped and extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The first flow path member 41, the second flow path member 42, the third flow path member 43, and the fourth flow path member 244 are arranged in this order from one axial side. In this embodiment, the first flow path member 41, the second flow path member 42, the third flow path member 43, and the fourth flow path member 244 are fixed to each other with an adhesive.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the fourth flow path member 244 has a substantially annular plate shape centered on the central axis J. As shown in FIG. 11 , the fourth flow path member 244 is disposed between the third flow path member 43 and the stator core 31. The surface of the fourth flow path member 244 facing the other axial side is fixed to the stator core 31 with an adhesive. The fourth flow path member 244 contacts the stator core 31. As shown in FIG. 10 , the fourth flow path member 244 has a plurality of outlet holes 244 a, fastening holes 244 g, and mounting holes 244 h. Each of the plurality of outlet holes 244 a, fastening holes 244 g, and mounting holes 244 h is a hole that penetrates the fourth flow path member 244 in the axial direction.

[0078] Each of the plurality of outlet holes 244a is an elongated hole extending in the circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the fourth flow path member 244 has 24 outlet holes 244a. The plurality of outlet holes 244a are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 11 , when viewed in the axial direction, each of the plurality of outlet holes 244a overlaps with a second connecting hole 43a. More specifically, when viewed in the axial direction, each of the outlet holes 244a overlaps with a different second connecting hole 43a. Furthermore, when viewed in the axial direction, each of the outlet holes 244a overlaps with a stator flow path 96. More specifically, when viewed in the axial direction, each of the outlet holes 244a overlaps with a different stator flow path 96. In the present embodiment, the connection flow path portion 295 is formed by the first inlet hole 41a, the second flow path portion 42a, the first communication hole 42c, the plurality of first connecting holes 42e, the plurality of second connecting holes 43a, and the plurality of outlet holes 244a. The connection flow passage portion 295 connects a plurality of stator flow passages 96 arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction to each other. Other configurations of the connection flow passage portion 295 are similar to those of the connection flow passage portion 95 of the first embodiment described above.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 10 , the fourth flow path member 244 has six fastening holes 244g. The fastening holes 244g are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction. The fastening holes 244g are arranged on the radially outer edge of the fourth flow path member 244. The fastening holes 244g open radially outward. When viewed from the axial direction, the fastening holes 244g overlap with different fastening holes 41g, different fastening holes 42g, and different fastening holes 43g. Each fastening hole 244g constitutes a part of a corresponding second fastening hole portion 240g.

[0080] When viewed from the axial direction, the mounting holes 244h are substantially circular. The fourth flow path member 244 has two mounting holes 244h. Each mounting hole 244h is provided on the upper (+Z side) portion of the fourth flow path member 244. The mounting holes 244h are spaced apart in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). When viewed from the axial direction, each mounting hole 244h overlaps with a different mounting hole 41h, a different mounting hole 42h, and a different mounting hole 43h. Each mounting hole 244h constitutes a part of the mounting hole portion 240h. Other configurations of the guide member 240 are similar to those of the guide member 40 of the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, other configurations of the rotating electric machine 210 and the drive device 201 are similar to those of the rotating electric machine 10 and the drive device 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0081] According to this embodiment, the plurality of flow path members 240a include a plate-shaped fourth flow path member 244 extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The fourth flow path member 244 is disposed between the third flow path member 43 and the stator core 31. The fourth flow path member 244 has a plurality of outlet holes 244a penetrating the fourth flow path member 244 in the axial direction. The outlet holes 244a are spaced apart in the circumferential direction and overlap with the second connection holes 43a and the stator flow paths 96 as viewed in the axial direction. Therefore, the outlet holes 244a guide the coolant L flowing through the connection flow path portion 295 to the stator flow paths 96. This allows the coolant L to be stably supplied to each of the stator flow paths 96, which are disposed at different positions in the circumferential direction, thereby effectively cooling the stator 30 over a wide area in the circumferential direction. This effectively suppresses an increase in the temperature of the entire stator 30.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plurality of holes, such as the outflow holes 244a, can be formed by processing the plate-shaped fourth flow path member 244 using a simple processing method, such as press working. Furthermore, the connection flow path portion 295 can be formed by the simple task of stacking the first flow path member 41, the second flow path member 42, the third flow path member 43, and the fourth flow path member 244 in the axial direction. Therefore, an increase in the number of manufacturing steps and manufacturing costs for the guide member 240 can be suppressed.

[0083] 12 is an exploded perspective view showing a guide member 340 of this embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] As shown in Fig. 13 , the guide member 340 of this embodiment has a connecting flow path portion 395 that connects the multiple stator flow paths 96. The guide member 340 supplies the coolant L in the circumferential direction. As shown in Fig. 12 , the guide member 340 has second fastening hole portions 340g and mounting holes 340h. The guide member 340 is composed of multiple flow path members 340a stacked in the axial direction.

[0085] The second fastening hole portions 340g are holes that axially penetrate the guide member 340. In this embodiment, the guide member 340 has six second fastening hole portions 340g. Each second fastening hole portion 340g is formed by a fastening hole 41g or 42g. Other configurations of the second fastening hole portions 340g are similar to those of the second fastening hole portions 40g in the first embodiment described above.

[0086] The mounting hole portion 340h is a female threaded hole that axially penetrates the guide member 340. In this embodiment, the guide member 340 has two mounting hole portions 340h. Each mounting hole portion 340h is formed by a mounting hole 41h, 42h. Other configurations of the mounting hole portion 340h are similar to those of the mounting hole portion 40h in the first embodiment described above.

[0087] In this embodiment, the multiple flow path members 340a include a first flow path member 341 and a second flow path member 342. Each of the first flow path member 341 and the second flow path member 342 has a plate shape that extends in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The first flow path member 341 and the second flow path member 342 are arranged in this order from one axial side. In this embodiment, the first flow path member 341 and the second flow path member 342 are fixed to each other with an adhesive.

[0088] In this embodiment, the first flow path member 341 has a substantially annular plate shape centered on the central axis J. The first flow path member 341 has a first inlet hole 341 a, a fastening hole 41 g, and an attachment hole 41 h. The first inlet hole 341 a, the fastening hole 41 g, and the attachment hole 41 h are holes that penetrate the first flow path member 341 in the axial direction.

[0089] The first inlet hole 341a is provided in an upper portion (+Z side) of the first flow path member 341. In this embodiment, the first inlet hole 341a is an elongated hole extending in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). Other configurations of the first flow path member 341 are similar to those of the first flow path member 41 of the first embodiment described above.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the second flow path member 342 has a substantially annular plate shape centered on the central axis J. As shown in Fig. 13 , the second flow path member 342 is disposed between the first flow path member 341 and the stator core 31. The surface of the second flow path member 342 facing the other axial side is fixed to the stator core 31 with an adhesive. The second flow path member 342 contacts the stator core 31. As shown in Fig. 12 , the second flow path member 342 has two second flow path portions 342a, 342b, two first communication holes 342c, 342d, two first connection holes 342e, 342f, a fastening hole 42g, and a mounting hole 42h. The second flow path portions 342a, 342b, the first communication holes 342c, 342d, the first connection holes 342e, 342f, the fastening hole 42g, and the mounting hole 42h are holes that pass through the second flow path member 342 in the axial direction.

[0091] Each second flow path section 342a, 342b is provided on the upper side (+Z side) of the second flow path member 342. Each second flow path section 342a, 342b is a circular hole. Each second flow path section 342a, 342b may be a hole recessed from a surface facing one axial side of the second flow path member 342 toward the other axial side. Each second flow path section 342a, 342b is arranged at an interval in the front-rear direction (X-axis direction). The second flow path section 342a is arranged forward (+X side) of the second flow path section 342b. In the front-rear direction, each second flow path section 342a, 342b is arranged between two mounting holes 41h. When viewed in the axial direction, at least a portion of each second flow path section 342a, 342b overlaps with at least a portion of the first inlet hole 341a. As a result, each of the second flow passage portions 342a, 342b is connected to the first inlet hole 341a in the axial direction.

[0092] The first communication hole 342c is a hole extending downward (toward the -Z side) from the second flow path portion 342a. The first communication hole 342d is a hole extending downward from the second flow path portion 342b. Each of the two first connection holes 342e, 342f is a hole extending in the circumferential direction. The end of one of the first connection holes 342e on the other circumferential side (-θ side) is connected to the second flow path portion 342a via the first communication hole 342c. The end of the other of the first connection holes 342f on one circumferential side (+θ side) is connected to the second flow path portion 342b via the first communication hole 342d. In other words, each of the two first connection holes 342e, 342f is connected to the second flow path portions 342a, 342b.

[0093] One of the first connection holes 342e extends from the second flow path portion 342a toward one circumferential side (+θ side). The other of the first connection holes 342f extends from the second flow path portion 342b toward the other circumferential side (−θ side). The other circumferential end of the other first connection hole 342f and the one circumferential end of the one of the first connection holes 342e are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction (X-axis direction). As shown in FIG. 13 , the one of the first connection holes 342e overlaps with two or more stator flow paths 96 when viewed from the axial direction. Although not shown, in this embodiment, the one of the first connection holes 342e overlaps with twelve stator flow paths 96 when viewed from the axial direction. The other of the first connection holes 342f overlaps with two or more stator flow paths 96 when viewed from the axial direction. Although not shown, in this embodiment, the other first connection hole 342f overlaps with twelve stator flow paths 96 when viewed in the axial direction. Therefore, all stator flow paths 96 axially overlap with either one of the first connection holes 342e or the other first connection hole 342f. In this embodiment, the connection flow path portion 395 is formed by the first inlet hole 341a, the second flow path portions 342a and 342b, the first communication holes 342c and 342d, and the first connection holes 342e and 342f. The connection flow path portion 395 connects multiple stator flow paths 96 arranged at different circumferential positions. Other configurations of the connection flow path portion 395 are similar to those of the connection flow path portion 95 of the first embodiment described above. Other configurations of the second flow path member 342 are similar to those of the second flow path member 42 of the first embodiment described above. Other configurations of the guide member 340 are similar to those of the guide member 40 of the first embodiment described above. Other configurations of the rotating electric machine 310 and the drive device 301 are similar to other configurations of the rotating electric machine 10 and the drive device 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0094] According to this embodiment, the first flow path member 341 and the second flow path member 342 each have a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. The first flow path member 341 has a first inlet hole 341a penetrating the first flow path member 341 in the axial direction. The second flow path member 342 has second flow path portions 342a and 342b connected to the first inlet hole 341a, and two first connection holes 342e and 342f. As viewed in the axial direction, at least a portion of the second flow path portions 342a and 342b overlaps with at least a portion of the first inlet hole 341a. The two first connection holes 342e and 342f are connected to the second flow path portions 342a and 342b, respectively. One of the first connection holes 342e extends from the second flow path portion 342a toward one circumferential side (the +θ side) and overlaps with two or more stator flow paths 96 as viewed in the axial direction. The other first connection hole 342f extends from the second flow path portion 342b toward the other circumferential side (-θ side) and overlaps with two or more stator flow paths 96 when viewed axially. Therefore, the connection flow path portion 395 that supplies refrigerant L to each of the stator flow paths 96 arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction can be formed using two flow path members 340a. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in the number of parts of the guide member 340. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of manufacturing steps and manufacturing costs of the guide member 340.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting flow passage portion 395 allows the coolant L to be supplied to each of the stator flow passages 96 that are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction, thereby enabling the stator 30 to be suitably cooled over a wide range in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the temperature rise of the entire stator 30 can be suppressed.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first inlet hole 341a and the two first connecting holes 342e, 342f can be formed by processing each of the plate-shaped first flow path member 341 and second flow path member 342 using a simple processing method such as press working. Furthermore, the connecting flow path section 395 can be formed by the simple task of stacking the first flow path member 341 and the second flow path member 342 in the axial direction. Therefore, an increase in the number of manufacturing steps and manufacturing costs for the guide member 340 can be suppressed.

[0097] 15 is an exploded perspective view showing a guide member 440 of this embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 14 , the stator core 431 of the stator 430 of this embodiment is provided with multiple stator flow passages 496. Each stator flow passage 496 is a hole that penetrates the stator core 431 in the axial direction. When viewed from the axial direction, each stator flow passage 496 has an elongated hole shape that extends in the circumferential direction. When viewed from the axial direction, each stator flow passage 496 may have other shapes, such as a circular shape or a rectangular shape. Coolant L flows through each stator flow passage 496. In this embodiment, eight stator flow passages 496 are provided in the stator core 431. The number of stator flow passages 496 provided in the stator core 431 may be seven or less, or nine or more. The stator flow passages 496 are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. That is, the multiple stator flow passages 496 are located at different positions in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the multiple stator flow passages 496 are provided in each of the multiple tooth portions 33.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 15 , the guide member 440 of this embodiment has a connection flow path portion 495 that connects multiple stator flow paths 496. The guide member 440 supplies refrigerant L in the circumferential direction. The guide member 440 is composed of multiple flow path members 440a stacked in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the multiple flow path members 440a include a first flow path member 441, a second flow path member 442, and a third flow path member 443. The first flow path member 441, the second flow path member 442, and the third flow path member 443 are arranged in this order from one axial side. The first flow path member 441, the second flow path member 442, and the third flow path member 443 are fixed to each other with an adhesive.

[0100] In the present embodiment, the first flow path member 441 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 441i. Each protrusion 441i protrudes radially inward from the first flow path member 441. Eight protrusions 441i are provided on the first flow path member 441. The protrusions 441i are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Although not shown, when viewed from the axial direction, the protrusions 441i overlap with different tooth portions 33 and different stator flow paths 496. Other configurations of the first flow path member 441 are similar to those of the first flow path member 41 of the first embodiment described above.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the second flow path member 442 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 442i. Each protrusion 442i protrudes radially inward from the second flow path member 442. Eight protrusions 442i are provided on the second flow path member 442. The protrusions 442i are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Although not shown, when viewed from the axial direction, the protrusions 442i overlap with different tooth portions 33 and different stator flow paths 496. Other configurations of the second flow path member 442 are similar to those of the second flow path member 42 of the first embodiment described above.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the third flow path member 443 has a plurality of third connection holes 443c and a plurality of outlet holes 443e. A plurality of protrusions 443i are provided on the third flow path member 443. Each of the plurality of third connection holes 443c and the plurality of outlet holes 443e is a hole that penetrates the third flow path member 443 in the axial direction.

[0103] Each protrusion 443i protrudes radially inward from the third flow path member 443. Eight protrusions 443i are provided on the third flow path member 443. The protrusions 443i are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Although not shown, when viewed in the axial direction, the protrusions 443i overlap with different tooth portions 33 and different stator flow paths 496.

[0104] Each of the multiple third connection holes 443c is a hole extending in the radial direction. In this embodiment, the third flow path member 443 has eight third connection holes 443c. The third connection holes 443c are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction. The radially outer ends of the third connection holes 443c are connected to different second connection holes 43a. The radially inner ends of the third connection holes 443c reach different protrusions 443i.

[0105] Each of the multiple outlet holes 443e is an elongated hole extending in the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the third flow path member 443 has eight outlet holes 443e. The outlet holes 443e are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The outlet holes 443e are provided in different protrusions 443i. Although not shown, when viewed in the axial direction, the outlet holes 443e overlap with different stator flow paths 496. In other words, when viewed in the axial direction, the stator flow paths 496 overlap with different outlet holes 443e. In this embodiment, the connection flow path portion 495 is formed by the first inlet hole 41a, the second flow path portion 42a, the first communication hole 42c, the multiple first connection holes 42e, the multiple second connection holes 43a, the multiple third connection holes 443c, and the multiple outlet holes 443e. The connection flow path portion 495 connects the multiple stator flow paths 496 arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction. Other configurations of the third flow path member 443 are similar to other configurations of the third flow path member 43 of the first embodiment described above. Other configurations of the guide member 440 are similar to other configurations of the guide member 40 of the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, other configurations of the rotating electric machine 410 and the drive device 401 are similar to other configurations of the rotating electric machine 10 and the drive device 1 of the first embodiment described above.

[0106] According to this embodiment, a plurality of stator flow passages 496 are provided for each of the plurality of tooth portions 33. As described above, a coil portion 35 is attached to each tooth portion 33. Furthermore, when a current is supplied to each coil portion 35, heat is generated in each coil portion 35. In contrast, in this embodiment, each stator flow passage 496 can be disposed near each coil portion 35, thereby reducing the thermal resistance between each coil portion 35 and the stator flow passage 496. This increases the amount of heat transferred from each coil portion 35 to the coolant L flowing through the stator flow passage 496. Therefore, the temperature rise of the entire stator 430 can be suppressed.

[0107] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and other configurations and methods may be adopted within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. The shape and configuration of the connecting flow path portion are not limited to the present embodiment, and other shapes and configurations may be used as long as they are capable of supplying refrigerant to multiple stator flow paths arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction. In addition, the number of flow path members constituting the guide member may be five or more.

[0108] The configuration of the coolant flow path is not limited to that of this embodiment, and any configuration may be used as long as the stator can be cooled by the coolant circulating within the drive device.

[0109] The rotating electric machine to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a motor, and may also be a generator. The application of the rotating electric machine is not particularly limited. The rotating electric machine may be mounted on equipment other than a vehicle. The application of the drive device to which the present invention is applied is not particularly limited. For example, the drive device may be mounted on a vehicle for an application other than rotating an axle, or may be mounted on equipment other than a vehicle. The attitude of the rotating electric machine and the drive device when used is not particularly limited. The central axis may be inclined with respect to a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, or may extend in the vertical direction.

[0110] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the configurations and combinations thereof in the embodiments 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.

[0111] The present technology can be configured as follows: (1) A rotating electric machine including: a rotor rotatable about a central axis; a stator having a stator core facing the rotor in a radial direction with a gap therebetween; and a guide member disposed on one axial side of the stator core and supplying a coolant in a circumferential direction, wherein the stator core is provided with a plurality of stator flow paths that axially penetrate the stator core and through which the coolant flows, each of the plurality of stator flow paths being disposed at a different position from one another in the circumferential direction, and the guide member has a connecting flow path portion that connects the plurality of stator flow paths and is constituted by a plurality of flow path members stacked in the axial direction. (2) The rotating electric machine described in (1), wherein the guide member is in axial contact with the stator core. (3) The plurality of flow path members include a first flow path member, a second flow path member, and a third flow path member, each of the first flow path member, the second flow path member, and the third flow path member having a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the second flow path member being disposed on the other axial side of the first flow path member, the third flow path member being disposed between the second flow path member and the stator core, the first flow path member having a first inlet hole penetrating the first flow path member in the axial direction, the second flow path member having a second flow path portion and a plurality of first connection holes connected to the first inlet hole, a rotating electric machine according to (2), wherein the material has a plurality of second connection holes penetrating the third flow path member in the axial direction, and when viewed from the axial direction, at least a portion of the second flow path portion overlaps with at least a portion of the first inlet hole, each of the plurality of first connection holes is arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction, at least one of the first connection holes is connected to the second flow path portion, each of the plurality of second connection holes is arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction and overlaps with the first connection hole when viewed from the axial direction, and each of the plurality of stator flow paths overlaps with the second connection hole when viewed from the axial direction.(4) The rotating electric machine according to (3), wherein the plurality of flow path members include a fourth flow path member having a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the fourth flow path member being disposed between the third flow path member and the stator core, the fourth flow path member having a plurality of outflow holes penetrating the fourth flow path member in the axial direction, the plurality of outflow holes being disposed at intervals along the circumferential direction, and overlapping with the second connection hole and the stator flow path as viewed in the axial direction. (5) The rotating electric machine according to (2), wherein the plurality of flow path members include a first flow path member and a second flow path member, each of the first flow path member and the second flow path member having a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the second flow path member being disposed between the first flow path member and the stator core, the first flow path member having a first inlet hole penetrating the first flow path member in the axial direction, the second flow path member having a second flow path section connected to the first inlet hole and two first connection holes, at least a portion of the second flow path section overlaps with at least a portion of the first inlet hole as viewed in the axial direction, each of the two first connection holes is connected to the second flow path section, one of the first connection holes extends from the second flow path section to one circumferential side and overlaps with two or more of the stator flow paths as viewed in the axial direction, and the other of the first connection holes extends from the second flow path section to the other circumferential side and overlaps with two or more of the stator flow paths as viewed in the axial direction. (6) The rotating electric machine according to any one of (3) to (5), wherein a radial distance between the stator flow passage and the central axis is shorter than a radial distance between the first inlet hole and the central axis. (7) The rotating electric machine according to any one of (3) to (6), wherein the central axis extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, and the first inlet hole is disposed vertically above the first connection holes. (8) The rotating electric machine according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the stator core has an annular core back portion and a plurality of teeth protruding radially from the core back portion, and the plurality of stator flow passages are provided in the core back portion. (9) The rotating electric machine according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the stator core has an annular core back portion and a plurality of teeth protruding radially from the core back portion, and the plurality of stator flow passages are provided in each of the plurality of teeth.(10) The rotating electric machine according to (8) or (9), wherein the stator has a coil portion attached to the tooth portion, and the guide member faces the coil portion in the radial direction. (11) The rotating electric machine according to (10), wherein the stator includes a supply flow path portion that is connected to the connection flow path portion and supplies the refrigerant to the connection flow path portion, and the supply flow path portion faces the coil portion in the radial direction. (12) The rotating electric machine according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the rotating electric machine includes a housing that accommodates the rotor, the stator, and the guide member, wherein the stator core has first fastening hole portions that penetrate the stator core in the axial direction, the guide member has second fastening hole portions that penetrate the guide member in the axial direction, the second fastening hole portions overlap with the first fastening hole portions in the axial direction, and the stator core and the guide member are fixed to the housing by fastening members that pass axially through the first fastening hole portions and the second fastening hole portions, respectively, and are fastened to the housing. (13) A drive device including the rotating electric machine according to any one of (1) to (12) and a gear mechanism connected to the rotor.

[0112] 1, 201, 301, 401... Drive device, 10, 210, 310, 410... Rotating electric machine, 15... Rotor, 30, 430... Stator, 31, 431... Stator core, 31a... First fastening hole portion, 32... Core back portion, 33... Teeth portion, 35... Coil portion, 40, 240, 340, 440... Guide member, 40a, 240a, 340a, 440a... Flow path member, 40g... Second fastening hole portion, 41, 341, 441... First flow path member, 41a, 34 Reference Signs List 1a...first inlet hole, 42, 342, 442...second flow path member, 42a, 342a, 342b...second flow path portion, 42e, 342e, 342f...first connecting hole, 43, 443...third flow path member, 43a...second connecting hole, 63...housing, 70...gear mechanism, 81...fastening member, 94...supply flow path portion, 95, 295, 395, 495...connecting flow path portion, 96, 496...stator flow path, 244...fourth flow path member, 244a...outlet hole, J...central axis, L...refrigerant

Claims

1. A rotating electric machine comprising: a rotor rotatable about a central axis; a stator having a stator core facing the rotor with a radial gap therebetween; and a guide member arranged on one axial side of the stator core and supplying a refrigerant in a circumferential direction, wherein the stator core is provided with a plurality of stator flow paths that penetrate the stator core in the axial direction and through which the refrigerant flows, each of the plurality of stator flow paths being arranged at a different circumferential position from one another, and the guide member has a connecting flow path portion that connects the plurality of stator flow paths, and is constituted by a plurality of flow path members stacked in the axial direction.

2. The rotating electric machine according to claim 1, wherein the guide member is in axial contact with the stator core.

3. The multiple flow path members include a first flow path member, a second flow path member, and a third flow path member, each of the first flow path member, the second flow path member, and the third flow path member is in a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the second flow path member is arranged on the other axial side of the first flow path member, and the third flow path member is arranged between the second flow path member and the stator core, the first flow path member has a first inlet hole penetrating the first flow path member in the axial direction, the second flow path member has a second flow path portion and a plurality of first connection holes connected to the first inlet hole, the third flow path member has a plurality of second connection holes penetrating the third flow path member in the axial direction, when viewed in the axial direction, at least a portion of the second flow path portion overlaps with at least a portion of the first inlet hole, each of the multiple first connection holes is arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction, and at least one of the first connection holes is connected to the second flow path portion, 3. The rotating electric machine according to claim 2, wherein each of the second connection holes is arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction and overlaps with the first connection hole when viewed in the axial direction, and each of the stator flow paths overlaps with the second connection hole when viewed in the axial direction.

4. A rotating electric machine as described in claim 3, wherein the plurality of flow path members include a fourth flow path member having a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the fourth flow path member being arranged between the third flow path member and the stator core, the fourth flow path member having a plurality of outflow holes penetrating the fourth flow path member in the axial direction, and the plurality of outflow holes being arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction and overlapping with the second connection hole and the stator flow path when viewed from the axial direction.

5. The rotating electric machine according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of flow path members include a first flow path member and a second flow path member, each of the first flow path member and the second flow path member being plate-shaped extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the second flow path member being arranged between the first flow path member and the stator core, the first flow path member having a first inlet hole penetrating the first flow path member in the axial direction, the second flow path member having a second flow path section connected to the first inlet hole and two first connection holes, at least a portion of the second flow path section overlaps with at least a portion of the first inlet hole as viewed in the axial direction, each of the two first connection holes being connected to the second flow path section, one of the first connection holes extending from the second flow path section to one circumferential side and overlapping with two or more of the stator flow paths as viewed in the axial direction, and the other of the first connection holes extending from the second flow path section to the other circumferential side and overlapping with two or more of the stator flow paths as viewed in the axial direction.

6. A rotating electric machine according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the radial distance between the stator flow passage and the central axis is shorter than the radial distance between the first inlet hole and the central axis.

7. A rotating electric machine according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the central axis extends in a direction intersecting the vertical direction, and the first inlet hole is positioned vertically above the plurality of first connection holes.

8. A rotating electric machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stator core has an annular core back portion and a plurality of teeth protruding radially from the core back portion, and the plurality of stator flow paths are provided in the core back portion.

9. A rotating electric machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stator core has an annular core back portion and a plurality of teeth portions protruding radially from the core back portion, and a plurality of the stator flow paths are provided in each of the plurality of teeth portions.

10. A rotating electric machine according to claim 8, wherein the stator has a coil portion attached to the teeth portion, and the guide member faces the coil portion in the radial direction.

11. A rotating electric machine according to claim 10, further comprising a supply passage portion connected to said connection passage portion and supplying said refrigerant to said connection passage portion, said supply passage portion being radially opposed to said coil portion.

12. A rotating electric machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a housing that accommodates the rotor, the stator, and the guide member, wherein the stator core has a first fastening hole portion that penetrates the stator core in the axial direction, the guide member has a second fastening hole portion that penetrates the guide member in the axial direction, and when viewed in the axial direction, the second fastening hole portion overlaps the first fastening hole portion, and the stator core and the guide member are fixed to the housing by fastening members that pass axially through each of the first fastening hole portion and the second fastening hole portion and are fastened to the housing.

13. A drive device comprising: a rotating electric machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5; and a gear mechanism connected to the rotor.

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