Vehicle drive device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle drive device. An input component and a differential gear mechanism have a portion arranged on a first axial side relative to a rotating electric machine. The differential gear mechanism is connected to a first wheel via a shaft component (61) having a portion arranged on a second axial side relative to the differential gear mechanism. A housing (2) has an outer peripheral support portion (25) formed along the outer peripheral surface of a stator core (12), that is, an outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core, and supporting the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core in a radial direction (R). A cutout portion (26A) is formed in the outer peripheral support portion (25) for cutting the outer peripheral support portion (25) over the entire axial configuration area of ​​the stator core (12), and the cutout portion (26A) is arranged between the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core and the radial direction (R) of the shaft component (61) and overlaps with the shaft component (61) when viewed radially along the radial direction (R).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle drive device comprising: a rotating electric machine having a stator on the radially outer side relative to a rotor; an input component drivingly connected to the rotor; a differential gear mechanism that distributes the driving force from the rotating electric machine transmitted via the input component to a first wheel and a second wheel; and a housing that accommodates the rotating electric machine, the input component and the differential gear mechanism. Background Art

[0002] An example of a vehicle drive device as described above is disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-94932 (Patent Document 1). In the following, in the description of the background technology and the subject, the reference numerals shown in parentheses are the contents of Patent Document 1. The vehicle drive device (100) of Patent Document 1 comprises: a rotating electric machine (1) having a stator (11) on the outside of the radial direction (R) relative to the rotor (12), an input component (2) drivingly connected to the rotor (12), a differential gear device (4) that distributes the driving force from the rotating electric machine (1) transmitted via the input component (2) to the first wheel and the second wheel, and a housing (5) that accommodates them. In addition, in the vehicle drive device (100) of Patent Document 1, the number of divisions of the peripheral wall portion (51) of the housing (5) is suppressed to a small number, thereby achieving miniaturization of the housing (5) and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-94932

[0004] However, paragraph 0055 of Patent Document 1 describes that the differential gear mechanism (differential gear device (4) in Patent Document 1) is arranged so as not to overlap with the rotating electric machine when viewed in the radial direction, thereby arranging the shaft on which the rotating electric machine is arranged and the shaft on which the differential gear mechanism is arranged close to each other, thereby achieving miniaturization of the housing. The interaxial distance between the shaft on which the rotating electric machine is arranged and the shaft on which the differential gear mechanism is arranged tends to have a large effect on the size of the housing when viewed in the axial direction, so it is important to keep the interaxial distance short in order to achieve miniaturization of the size of the housing when viewed in the axial direction.

[0005] Therefore, it is desired to realize a technology that can easily shorten the interaxial distance between the shaft on which the rotating electrical machine is arranged and the shaft on which the differential gear mechanism is arranged. Summary of the invention

[0006] As one embodiment, a vehicle drive device comprises: a rotating electric machine having a stator on the radially outer side relative to a rotor; an input member drivingly connected to the above-mentioned rotor; a differential gear mechanism that distributes the driving force from the above-mentioned rotating electric machine transmitted via the above-mentioned input member to a first wheel and a second wheel; and a housing that accommodates the above-mentioned rotating electric machine, the above-mentioned input member and the above-mentioned differential gear mechanism, the above-mentioned rotating electric machine and the above-mentioned input member being arranged on a first shaft, the above-mentioned differential gear mechanism being arranged on a second shaft different from the above-mentioned first shaft, the above-mentioned input member and the above-mentioned differential gear mechanism having a portion arranged on one side of the axial direction relative to the above-mentioned rotating electric machine, that is, on the first side of the axial direction, distributing the above-mentioned axial direction to the first wheel and the second wheel. The side opposite to the first axial side is set as the second axial side, the differential gear mechanism is connected to the first wheel via a shaft component having a portion on the second shaft arranged on the second axial side relative to the differential gear mechanism, the housing has an outer peripheral support portion formed along the outer peripheral surface of the stator core possessed by the stator, that is, the outer peripheral surface of the core, and supports the outer peripheral surface of the core in the radial direction, a cutout portion is formed in the outer peripheral support portion, the outer peripheral support portion is cut over the entire area of ​​the axial configuration area of ​​the stator core, the cutout portion is arranged between the outer peripheral surface of the core and the radial direction of the shaft component and overlaps with the shaft component when observed radially along the radial direction.

[0007] In this structure, each of the input member and the differential gear mechanism includes a portion disposed on the first axial side relative to the rotating electric machine, so that the power transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force between the input member and the differential gear mechanism can be disposed in the space on the first axial side relative to the rotating electric machine. In addition, since the differential gear mechanism includes a portion disposed on the first axial side relative to the rotating electric machine, the differential gear mechanism is disposed close to the first axial side, thereby easily avoiding interference between the differential gear mechanism and the rotating electric machine from becoming an obstacle to shortening the interaxial distance between the first shaft where the rotating electric machine is disposed and the second shaft where the differential gear mechanism is disposed.

[0008] Moreover, in this structure, since the housing is provided with an outer peripheral support portion, the stator core can be supported by the outer peripheral support portion. Thus, for example, the centering of the stator core during assembly can be properly performed, and even if the stator core fixed to the housing is tilted, the tilting amount can be suppressed to a small value. Or in the case of a structure in which the outer peripheral support portion is always in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the core, the stator core can be properly maintained. Moreover, in this structure, the cutout portion formed in the outer peripheral support portion is arranged between the outer peripheral surface of the core and the radial direction of the shaft component and overlaps with the shaft component when viewed in the radial direction. Therefore, while the outer peripheral support portion is provided, it is easy to arrange the outer peripheral surface of the core and the shaft component close to each other in the radial direction, and it is easy to suppress the interaxial distance between the first shaft and the second shaft to be shorter. Therefore, according to this structure, it is easy to achieve miniaturization of the radial dimension of the vehicle drive device. In addition, by suppressing the interaxial distance between the first shaft and the second shaft to be shorter, it is possible to achieve miniaturization of the dimension of the housing when viewed in the axial direction, and it is possible to achieve lightweighting of the housing.

[0009] As another embodiment, a vehicle drive device comprises: a rotating electric machine having a stator on the radially outer side relative to a rotor; an input member drivingly connected to the above-mentioned rotor; a differential gear mechanism that distributes the driving force from the above-mentioned rotating electric machine transmitted via the above-mentioned input member to a first wheel and a second wheel; and a housing that accommodates the above-mentioned rotating electric machine, the above-mentioned input member and the above-mentioned differential gear mechanism, the above-mentioned rotating electric machine and the above-mentioned input member being arranged on a first shaft, the above-mentioned differential gear mechanism being arranged on a second shaft different from the above-mentioned first shaft, the above-mentioned input member and the above-mentioned differential gear mechanism having a portion arranged on one side of the axial direction relative to the above-mentioned rotating electric machine, namely, an axial first side, the axial side opposite to the above-mentioned axial first side being set as an axial second side, and the above-mentioned differential gear mechanism is arranged on the second shaft relative to the above-mentioned rotating electric machine via a portion having a portion arranged on the second shaft relative to the above-mentioned axial first side. The differential gear mechanism is arranged on a shaft component of a portion on the second side of the above-mentioned axial direction and is connected to the above-mentioned first wheel. The above-mentioned shell has an outer peripheral support portion formed along the outer peripheral surface of the stator core provided by the above-mentioned stator, that is, the outer peripheral surface of the core, and supports the outer peripheral surface of the core in the above-mentioned radial direction. The above-mentioned outer peripheral support portion has: an inner shell having a cylindrical inner peripheral surface surrounding the above-mentioned stator core from the outside of the above-mentioned radial direction and embedded in the above-mentioned stator core; an outer shell embedded in the above-mentioned inner shell; and a flow path for refrigerant to flow formed between the above-mentioned inner shell and the above-mentioned outer shell, a cutout portion of the outer shell is formed in the above-mentioned outer shell over the entire area of ​​the above-mentioned axial arrangement area of ​​the above-mentioned stator core, and the above-mentioned cutout portion is arranged between the outer peripheral surface of the core and the above-mentioned radial direction of the above-mentioned shaft component and at a position overlapping with the above-mentioned shaft component when observed radially along the above-mentioned radial direction.

[0010] In this structure, each of the input member and the differential gear mechanism includes a portion disposed on the first axial side relative to the rotating electric machine, so that the power transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force between the input member and the differential gear mechanism can be disposed in the space on the first axial side relative to the rotating electric machine. In addition, since the differential gear mechanism includes a portion disposed on the first axial side relative to the rotating electric machine, the differential gear mechanism is disposed close to the first axial side, thereby easily avoiding interference between the differential gear mechanism and the rotating electric machine from becoming an obstacle to shortening the interaxial distance between the first shaft where the rotating electric machine is disposed and the second shaft where the differential gear mechanism is disposed.

[0011] Moreover, in the present structure, the housing has an outer peripheral support portion, so the stator core can be supported by the outer peripheral support portion. Thus, for example, the centering of the stator core during assembly can be properly performed, and even if the stator core fixed to the housing is tilted, the tilting amount can be suppressed to a small amount. Or in the case of a structure in which the outer peripheral support portion is always in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the core, the stator core can be properly held. Moreover, in the present structure, the cutout portion formed in the outer housing is arranged between the outer peripheral surface of the core and the radial direction of the shaft component and overlaps with the shaft component when viewed radially. Therefore, as the outer peripheral support portion, a support portion of a structure that forms a flow path for the circulation of the refrigerant between the inner housing and the outer housing is used, and it is easy to arrange the outer peripheral surface of the core close to the shaft component in the radial direction, and it is easy to suppress the interaxial distance between the first shaft and the second shaft to be shorter. Therefore, according to the present structure, it is easy to achieve miniaturization of the radial dimension of the vehicle drive device. Furthermore, by keeping the interaxial distance between the first axis and the second axis short in this manner, it is possible to achieve a reduction in the size of the housing when viewed in the axial direction, and to achieve a reduction in the weight of the housing.

[0012] As another embodiment, a vehicle drive device comprises: a rotating electric machine having a stator on the radially outer side relative to a rotor; an input member drivingly connected to the above-mentioned rotor; a differential gear mechanism that distributes the driving force from the above-mentioned rotating electric machine transmitted via the above-mentioned input member to a first wheel and a second wheel; and a housing that accommodates the above-mentioned rotating electric machine, the above-mentioned input member and the above-mentioned differential gear mechanism, the above-mentioned rotating electric machine and the above-mentioned input member are arranged on a first shaft, the above-mentioned differential gear mechanism is arranged on a second shaft different from the above-mentioned first shaft, the above-mentioned input member and the above-mentioned differential gear mechanism have a portion arranged on one side of the axial direction relative to the above-mentioned rotating electric machine, that is, the axial first side, and distributes the above-mentioned axial force to the above-mentioned axial direction. The side opposite to the first side is set as the axial second side, the above-mentioned differential gear mechanism is connected to the above-mentioned first wheel via an axis component having a portion on the above-mentioned second axis arranged on the above-mentioned axial second side relative to the differential gear mechanism, the above-mentioned stator has a stator core comprising: a cylindrical main body extending along the above-mentioned axial direction; and a plurality of protrusions protruding toward the above-mentioned radial outer side relative to the above-mentioned main body, the plurality of the protrusions are dispersed in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface of the above-mentioned main body, and are respectively fixed to the fixing portions formed on the above-mentioned shell, and at least a portion of the above-mentioned axis component is arranged on the above-mentioned radial inner side relative to an imaginary circle passing through the above-mentioned radial outer ends of each of the plurality of the above-mentioned protrusions when observed in the axial direction along the above-mentioned axial direction.

[0013] In this structure, each of the input member and the differential gear mechanism includes a portion disposed on the first axial side relative to the rotating electric machine, so that the power transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force between the input member and the differential gear mechanism can be disposed relative to the space on the first axial side of the rotating electric machine. In addition, since the differential gear mechanism includes a portion disposed on the first axial side relative to the rotating electric machine, the differential gear mechanism can be disposed close to the first axial side, thereby easily avoiding interference between the differential gear mechanism and the rotating electric machine from becoming an obstacle to shortening the interaxial distance between the first shaft where the rotating electric machine is disposed and the second shaft where the differential gear mechanism is disposed.

[0014] Moreover, in the present structure, at least a portion of the shaft component is arranged radially inward relative to an imaginary circle passing through the radial outer ends of each of the plurality of protrusions when viewed axially. Therefore, a protrusion is provided for fixing the stator core to the housing, and the outer peripheral surface of the core and the shaft component are arranged radially close to each other according to the extent to which at least a portion of the shaft component is arranged radially inward relative to the imaginary circle when viewed axially, so that the interaxial distance between the first shaft and the second shaft can be suppressed to be shorter. Therefore, according to the present structure, it is easy to miniaturize the radial dimensions of the vehicle drive device. In addition, by suppressing the interaxial distance between the first shaft and the second shaft to be shorter, it is possible to miniaturize the dimensions of the housing when viewed axially, and to achieve lightweighting of the housing.

[0015] Further features and advantages of the vehicle drive device will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 It is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle drive device according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the vehicle drive device according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 3 This is an axial view showing the support structure of the stator core according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the support structure of the stator core according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 5 This is an axial view showing a support structure for a stator core according to a second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6 This is an axial view showing a stator core support structure according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] [First embodiment]

[0023] Refer to the attached figure ( Figure 1 to Figure 4 ) is a first embodiment of a vehicle drive device. In addition, regarding the directions of the components in the following description, they represent the directions in the state of being assembled in the vehicle drive device. In addition, the terms related to the size, configuration direction, configuration position, etc. of each component are concepts that include states with differences caused by errors (errors to a degree that can be allowed in manufacturing).

[0024] In this specification, "drive connection" refers to the state of connecting two rotating members in a manner that can transmit driving force (synonymous with torque), including the state of connecting the two rotating members in a manner that can rotate as a whole or the state of connecting the two rotating members in a manner that can transmit driving force via one or more transmission components. Such transmission components include various components that transmit rotation at the same speed or at a variable speed (such as shafts, gear mechanisms, belts, chains, etc.), and may also include engagement devices that selectively transmit rotation and driving force (such as friction engagement devices, meshing engagement devices, etc.).

[0025] In this specification, "rotating electric machine" is used as a concept including any one of a motor (electric motor), a generator (generator), and a motor / generator that performs the functions of both a motor and a generator as required. In addition, in this specification, regarding the configuration of two components, "overlapping when viewed in a specific direction" means that when an imaginary straight line parallel to the line of sight is moved in directions orthogonal to the imaginary straight line, the area where the imaginary straight line intersects with both components exists in at least a part. In addition, in this specification, regarding the configuration of two components, "axial configuration area overlaps" means that at least a part of the axial configuration area of ​​one component is included in the axial configuration area of ​​another component.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle drive device 100 includes a rotary electric machine 1, an input member 3, a differential gear mechanism 5, and a housing 2. The housing 2 accommodates the rotary electric machine 1, the input member 3, and the differential gear mechanism 5. In the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 100 further includes a counter gear mechanism 4. The housing 2 also accommodates the counter gear mechanism 4. The housing 2 also accommodates a first output member 61 and a second output member 62 described later. In addition, "accommodating" means to accommodate at least a part of the storage object.

[0027] The vehicle drive device 100 transmits the output torque of the rotary electric machine 1 to the first wheel W1 and the second wheel W2 (see Figure 2 ) to enable the vehicle equipped with the vehicle drive device 100 to travel. That is, the rotating electric machine 1 is the driving force source of the first wheel W1 and the second wheel W2. The first wheel W1 and the second wheel W2 are a pair of left and right wheels of the vehicle (for example, a pair of left and right front wheels or a pair of left and right rear wheels). The rotating electric machine 1 is electrically connected to a power storage device (not shown) such as a battery or a capacitor, and receives power from the power storage device to operate, or supplies power generated by the inertial force of the vehicle to the power storage device for storage.

[0028] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the rotating electrical machine 1 and the input member 3 are arranged on the first axis A1, and the differential gear mechanism 5 is arranged on the second axis A2 different from the first axis A1. In addition, the counter gear mechanism 4 is arranged on the third axis A3 different from the first axis A1 and the second axis A2. The first axis A1, the second axis A2, and the third axis A3 are axes (virtual axes) arranged parallel to each other.

[0029] like Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1 , the rotating electric machine 1 includes a stator 11 fixed to a housing 2 and a rotor 10 supported by the housing 2 so as to be rotatable relative to the stator 11. The rotating electric machine 1 includes the stator 11 on the outer side in the radial direction R relative to the rotor 10. That is, the rotating electric machine 1 is an inner rotor type rotating electric machine. The stator 11 is arranged on the outer side in the radial direction R relative to the rotor 10 so as to overlap with the rotor 10 when viewed in the radial direction along the radial direction R. Here, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the radial direction R is a radial direction based on a first axis A1 on which the rotating electrical machine 1 is arranged, in other words, a radial direction based on the rotation axis of the rotating electrical machine 1 .

[0030] The stator 11 includes a stator core 12. Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the stator core 12 includes a main body 13 formed into a cylindrical shape extending along the axial direction L. The outer peripheral surface of the main body 13 is formed as a cylindrical surface extending along the axial direction L. Here, the axial direction L is the direction in which the rotation axis of the rotating electrical machine 1 extends. That is, the axial direction L is a direction parallel to the first axis A1, in other words, an axial direction shared by the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 (in the present embodiment, an axial direction shared by the first axis A1, the second axis A2, and the third axis A3). The stator core 12 is formed, for example, by stacking a plurality of magnetic plates (e.g., electromagnetic steel plates such as silicon steel plates) along the axial direction L, or is formed with a pressed powder material formed by pressurizing a powder of a magnetic material as a main structural element.

[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, in the present embodiment, the stator core 12 includes a protrusion 14 formed in a manner protruding outward in the radial direction R relative to the main body 13. The stator core 12 includes the protrusion 14 at multiple positions (three positions in this example) in the circumferential direction C. Here, the circumferential direction C is a circumferential direction based on the first axis A1 for configuring the rotating electrical machine 1, in other words, a circumferential direction based on the rotation axis of the rotating electrical machine 1. Thus, in the present embodiment, the stator core 12 includes a cylindrical main body 13 extending in the axial direction L, and a plurality of protrusions 14 protruding outward in the radial direction R relative to the main body 13. Moreover, the plurality of protrusions 14 are dispersedly arranged in the circumferential direction C along the outer peripheral surface of the main body 13. The protrusion 14 is formed to extend in the axial direction L. In this example, the protrusion 14 is formed over the entire area of ​​the axial direction L of the main body 13. The stator core 12 is connected to a fixing portion 27 (see FIG. 2 ) formed on the housing 2 at an end face of the protrusion 14 in the axial direction L (in this example, an end face on the axial first side L1 described later). Figure 1 , Figure 4) is fixed to the housing 2. That is, the plurality of protrusions 14 are respectively fixed to the fixing portion 27. Specifically, a fastening member 28 such as a fastening bolt is formed on the protrusion 14 (see Figure 1 ) is inserted through the insertion hole 16, and a fastening hole for fastening the fastening member 28 is formed in the fixing portion 27. The insertion hole 16 is formed to penetrate the protrusion 14 in the axial direction L. In addition, in a state where the end face of the protrusion 14 in the axial direction L is in contact with the fixing portion 27 (specifically, a seat face formed on the fixing portion 27), the protrusion 14 is fastened and fixed to the fixing portion 27 by the fastening member 28. In this way, the insertion holes 16 for inserting the fastening member 28 for fixing the stator core 12 to the housing 2 (specifically, the fixing portion 27) are formed to penetrate each of the protrusions 14 in the axial direction L.

[0032] The stator 11 includes a first coil end 15A protruding from the stator core 12 to one side in the axial direction L, that is, the first axial side L1, and a second coil end 15B protruding from the stator core 12 to the other side in the axial direction L (the side in the axial direction L opposite to the first axial side L1), that is, the second axial side L2. The stator core 12 is wound with a coil, and a portion of the coil protruding from the stator core 12 to the first axial side L1 forms the first coil end 15A, and a portion of the coil protruding from the stator core 12 to the second axial side L2 forms the second coil end 15B.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the input member 3 is drivingly connected to the rotor 10. Specifically, the input member 3 is connected to the rotor 10 in a manner that rotates together with the rotor 10. In the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 100 includes a rotor shaft 6 to which the rotor 10 is fixed, and the input member 3 is connected to the rotor shaft 6 in a manner that rotates together with the rotor shaft 6. Specifically, a portion of the axial second side L2 of the input member 3 is connected to a portion of the axial first side L1 of the rotor shaft 6 (here, a spline connection is performed). Different from such a structure, it is also possible to set the vehicle drive device 100 to a structure that does not include the rotor shaft 6, and the rotor 10 is fixed to the input member 3 (specifically, a portion of the axial second side L2 of the input member 3).

[0034] The differential gear mechanism 5 distributes the driving force from the rotating electric machine 1 transmitted via the input member 3 to the first wheel W1 and the second wheel W2. The differential gear mechanism 5 includes a differential input gear 51, and distributes the driving force from the rotating electric machine 1 input to the differential input gear 51 via the input member 3 to the first wheel W1 and the second wheel W2. Figure 2As shown, the vehicle drive device 100 includes a first output member 61 drivingly connected to the first wheel W1, and a second output member 62 drivingly connected to the second wheel W2. The differential gear mechanism 5 distributes the driving force from the rotary electric machine 1 transmitted via the input member 3 to the first output member 61 and the second output member 62, thereby distributing the driving force to the first wheel W1 and the second wheel W2.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, in the present embodiment, the first output member 61 is connected to the first wheel W1 via the first output shaft DS1. Here, the first output shaft DS1 is a shaft member that rotates integrally with the first wheel W1, for example, connected to the first wheel W1 via a constant velocity joint. The first output member 61 is connected to the first output shaft DS1 in a manner that it rotates integrally with the first output shaft DS1. Specifically, at least a portion of the first output member 61 on the second axial side L2 is formed into a tubular shape (specifically, a cylindrical shape) extending along the axial direction L, and the first output shaft DS1 is inserted into the interior (space surrounded by the inner circumferential surface) of the first output member 61 from the second axial side L2. Moreover, the engaging portion formed on the inner circumferential surface of the first output member 61 engages with the engaging portion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the first output shaft DS1, so that the first output member 61 is connected to the first output shaft DS1 (here, spline connection is performed). In the present embodiment, the first output member 61 is equivalent to a "shaft member".

[0036] In the present embodiment, the second output member 62 is connected to the second wheel W2 via the second output shaft DS2. Here, the second output shaft DS2 is an axial member that rotates integrally with the second wheel W2, for example, it is connected to the second wheel W2 via a constant velocity joint. The second output member 62 is connected to the second output shaft DS2 in a manner that it rotates integrally with the second output shaft DS2. Specifically, at least a portion of the second output member 62 on the axial first side L1 is formed into a tubular shape (specifically, a cylindrical shape) extending along the axial direction L, and the second output shaft DS2 is inserted into the interior (space surrounded by the inner circumferential surface) of the second output member 62 from the axial first side L1. Moreover, the engaging portion formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second output member 62 engages with the engaging portion formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second output shaft DS2, so that the second output member 62 is connected to the second output shaft DS2 (here, a spline connection is performed).

[0037] The first output member 61 and the second output member 62 are arranged on the second axis A2. In addition, the first output member 61 is arranged on the second axial side L2, which is equivalent to the second output member 62. Figure 1As shown, the first output member 61 includes a portion arranged on the axial second side L2 relative to the differential gear mechanism 5. That is, the differential gear mechanism 5 is connected to the first wheel W1 via the first output member 61 including a portion arranged on the axial second side L2 relative to the differential gear mechanism 5 on the second axis A2. In addition, the second output member 62 includes a portion arranged on the axial first side L1 relative to the differential gear mechanism 5. That is, the differential gear mechanism 5 is connected to the second wheel W2 via the second output member 62 including a portion arranged on the axial first side L1 relative to the differential gear mechanism 5 on the second axis A2.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, in the present embodiment, the differential gear mechanism 5 is a bevel gear type differential gear mechanism. The differential gear mechanism 5 includes a gear set 53 and a differential housing portion 52 surrounding the gear set 53. The differential housing portion 52 is supported by the housing 2 so as to be rotatable relative to the housing 2. The differential input gear 51 is connected to the differential housing portion 52 in a manner that rotates integrally with the differential housing portion 52. Specifically, the differential input gear 51 is mounted on the differential housing portion 52 in a manner that protrudes from the differential housing portion 52 to the outside in the radial direction (radial direction with the second axis A2 as the reference). In the present embodiment, the differential input gear 51 is arranged on the second axial side L2 relative to the pinion shaft 54 ​​described later.

[0039] The gear set 53 includes a pinion 55, and a first side gear 56A and a second side gear 56B respectively meshing with the pinion 55. The pinion 55 (for example, two pinion gears 55) is supported by the pinion shaft 54 ​​in a manner that allows rotation relative to the pinion shaft 54 ​​held by the differential housing portion 52. The first side gear 56A is arranged on the axial second side L2 relative to the pinion shaft 54, and the second side gear 56B is arranged on the axial first side L1 relative to the pinion shaft 54. The differential gear mechanism 5 distributes the rotation of the differential input gear 51 to the first side gear 56A and the second side gear 56B. In addition, the differential gear mechanism 5 may be a planetary gear type differential gear mechanism. In this case, the gear set 53 includes, for example, pinions supported by a planetary carrier, and a sun gear and a ring gear respectively meshing with the pinions.

[0040] The first side gear 56A rotates integrally with the first output member 61, and the second side gear 56B rotates integrally with the second output member 62. In the present embodiment, the first side gear 56A is formed in a member different from the member constituting the first output member 61, and is connected to the first output member 61 (here, spline connection is performed) so as to rotate integrally with the first output member 61. The first side gear 56A is connected to the end portion of the first output member 61 on the axial first side L1. In addition, in the present embodiment, the second side gear 56B is formed in a member constituting the second output member 62. Specifically, the second side gear 56B is formed at the end portion of the second output member 62 on the axial second side L2.

[0041] The counter gear mechanism 4 drivingly connects the input member 3 and the differential gear mechanism 5. The counter gear mechanism 4 includes a first gear 41, a second gear 42, and a counter shaft 40 connecting the first gear 41 and the second gear 42. In the present embodiment, the second gear 42 is arranged on the second axial side L2 relative to the first gear 41. The first gear 41 meshes with the input gear 30 that rotates integrally with the input member 3, and the second gear 42 meshes with the differential input gear 51. Therefore, the rotation of the input member 3 is input to the differential gear mechanism 5 via the counter gear mechanism 4. In the present embodiment, the first gear 41 is formed to have a larger diameter than the input gear 30, and the second gear 42 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the differential input gear 51. Therefore, the rotation of the input member 3 is decelerated according to the gear ratio between the input gear 30 and the first gear 41, and is further decelerated according to the gear ratio between the second gear 42 and the differential input gear 51 (i.e., two-stage deceleration), and is input to the differential gear mechanism 5.

[0042] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 2 , the housing 2 includes a peripheral wall portion 20 that surrounds the stator 11 from the outside in the radial direction R. Figure 1 As shown, the housing 2 further includes a first wall portion 21, a second wall portion 22, and a third wall portion 23. The peripheral wall portion 20 is formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction L (here, the cross-sectional shape is different depending on the position in the axial direction L). The second wall portion 22 is arranged on the axial first side L1 relative to the first wall portion 21, and the third wall portion 23 is arranged on the axial first side L1 relative to the second wall portion 22. The internal space of the housing 2 surrounded by the peripheral wall portion 20, the first wall portion 21, and the third wall portion 23 is divided along the axial direction L by the second wall portion 22.

[0043] like Figure 1As shown, the input member 3 includes a portion arranged on the axial first side L1 relative to the rotating electric machine 1. In the present embodiment, the rotating electric machine 1 is arranged between the first wall portion 21 and the second wall portion 22 in the axial direction L. The rotor shaft 6 is supported by the first wall portion 21 via a bearing, and is supported by the second wall portion 22 via another bearing. On the other hand, the input member 3 is supported by the second wall portion 22 via a bearing, and is supported by the third wall portion 23 via another bearing. The portion of the input member 3 arranged between the second wall portion 22 and the third wall portion 23 in the axial direction L is arranged on the axial first side L1 relative to the rotating electric machine 1. The input gear 30 that rotates integrally with the input member 3 is arranged between the second wall portion 22 and the third wall portion 23 in the axial direction L. That is, the input gear 30 is provided in the portion of the input member 3 arranged on the axial first side L1 relative to the rotating electric machine 1.

[0044] The differential gear mechanism 5 includes a portion that is arranged on the first axial side L1 relative to the rotating electrical machine 1. In the present embodiment, the differential housing portion 52 is supported by the second wall portion 22 via a bearing, and is supported by the third wall portion 23 via another bearing. Furthermore, the gear set 53 and the differential input gear 51 are arranged on the first axial side L1 relative to the rotating electrical machine 1. That is, in the present embodiment, the gear set 53 constituting the differential gear mechanism 5 is arranged on the first axial side L1 relative to the stator 11. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the stator 11 is arranged to overlap with the gear set 53 when viewed axially along the axial direction L. The first output member 61 is arranged to extend along the axial direction L through a through hole formed in the second wall portion 22, and is supported by the first wall portion 21 via a bearing.

[0045] In this way, the input member 3 and the differential gear mechanism 5 include a portion arranged on the first axial side L1 relative to the rotating electric machine 1. Moreover, the portion of the input member 3 arranged on the first axial side L1 relative to the rotating electric machine 1 and the portion of the differential gear mechanism 5 arranged on the first axial side L1 relative to the rotating electric machine 1 are drivingly connected. In the present embodiment, the portion of the input member 3 arranged on the first axial side L1 relative to the rotating electric machine 1 and the portion of the differential gear mechanism 5 arranged on the first axial side L1 relative to the rotating electric machine 1 are drivingly connected via the counter gear mechanism 4. The counter gear mechanism 4 includes a portion arranged on the first axial side L1 relative to the rotating electric machine 1. In the present embodiment, the counter shaft 40 is supported by the second wall portion 22 via a bearing, and is supported by the third wall portion 23 via another bearing. Moreover, the first gear 41 and the second gear 42 are arranged between the second wall portion 22 and the third wall portion 23 in the axial direction L.

[0046] like Figure 1As shown, in the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 100 includes a first hydraulic pump 7A and a second hydraulic pump 7B. Each of the first hydraulic pump 7A and the second hydraulic pump 7B draws the oil stored in the oil storage portion provided at the lower portion of the housing 2 to generate hydraulic pressure. In the present embodiment, the oil discharged from the first hydraulic pump 7A is supplied to lubricate the rotating parts and bearings provided in the vehicle drive device 100. In addition, in the present embodiment, the oil discharged from the second hydraulic pump 7B is supplied to cool the cooling target portion of the rotary electric machine 1 after passing through the oil cooler 8 as a heat exchanger for cooling oil. The cooling target portion of the rotary electric machine 1 includes the outer peripheral surface of the stator core 12, the first coil end 15A, and the second coil end 15B. As the first hydraulic pump 7A and the second hydraulic pump 7B, for example, an internal gear pump, an external gear pump, a vane pump, etc. can be used.

[0047] The first hydraulic pump 7A is an oil pump (so-called mechanical oil pump) driven by power transmitted in the power transmission path connecting the rotary electric machine 1 and the wheels (the first wheel W1 and the second wheel W2). In the present embodiment, a gear rotating integrally with the drive shaft of the first hydraulic pump 7A meshes with a pump drive gear 57 rotating integrally with the differential case portion 52. Therefore, the first hydraulic pump 7A is driven by the rotation of the differential case portion 52. On the other hand, the second hydraulic pump 7B is an oil pump (so-called electric oil pump) driven by an electric motor independent of the above-mentioned power transmission path.

[0048] like Figure 1As shown, in the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 100 includes an oil supply portion 70 for supplying cooling oil to the stator 11. In the present embodiment, the oil supply portion 70 includes a supply pipe 71 that is configured to extend along the axial direction L and is opposed to the stator 11 in the radial direction R. The supply pipe 71 is configured on the outside of the stator 11 in the radial direction R. In the present embodiment, when the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle, the supply pipe 71 is configured on the upper side V1 of the vertical direction V relative to the stator 11 so as to overlap with the stator 11 when viewed in the vertical direction along the vertical direction V. Here, the "vertical direction V" refers to the vertical direction in the use state of the vehicle drive device 100, that is, the vertical direction when the vehicle drive device 100 is configured in the orientation in the use state. Since the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on a vehicle for use, the vertical direction V is consistent with the vertical direction when the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle, more specifically, consistent with the vertical direction when the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle and the vehicle is stopped on a flat road (horizontal road). Moreover, the upper side V1 and the lower side V2 refer to the upper side and the lower side of the vertical direction V. In addition, in the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 100 is mounted on the vehicle with the axial direction L oriented along the left-right direction of the vehicle. Therefore, when viewed along the axial direction L (refer to Figure 3 ) becomes a direction along the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0049] A flow passage 72 for circulating oil is formed inside the supply pipe 71. The supply pipe 71 has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface extending along the axial direction L, and the flow passage 72 is formed by dividing the cylindrical inner peripheral surface. In the present embodiment, a supply oil passage 74 is provided in the first wall portion 21. In the present embodiment, the oil discharged from the second hydraulic pump 7B is supplied to the supply oil passage 74 after passing through the oil cooler 8. Moreover, the supply pipe 71 is supported by the housing 2 in such a manner that the flow passage 72 is connected to the supply oil passage 74. Therefore, the oil discharged from the second hydraulic pump 7B is supplied to the flow passage 72 via the supply oil passage 74. Here, the end of the supply pipe 71 on the second axial side L2 is supported by the first wall portion 21, and the end of the supply pipe 71 on the first axial side L1 is supported by the second wall portion 22.

[0050] The supply pipe 71 includes a supply hole 73 for supplying oil toward the stator 11. Thus, the oil flowing in the flow path 72 is supplied from the supply hole 73 to the stator 11 to cool the stator 11. The supply hole 73 is formed to penetrate the peripheral wall portion of the supply pipe 71 and connect the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the supply pipe 71. In the present embodiment, the supply pipe 71 includes a plurality of supply holes 73. The plurality of supply holes 73 include a supply hole 73 for supplying oil toward the stator core 12, a supply hole 73 for supplying oil toward the first coil end 15A, and a supply hole 73 for supplying oil toward the second coil end 15B.

[0051] The supply hole 73 for supplying oil to the stator core 12 is arranged outside the radial direction R relative to the stator core 12 so as to overlap with the stator core 12 when viewed in the radial direction along the radial direction R. Here, the supply hole 73 for supplying oil to the stator core 12 is arranged on the upper side V1 in the vertical direction V relative to the stator core 12 so as to overlap with the stator core 12 when viewed in the vertical direction along the vertical direction V. The supply hole 73 for supplying oil to the first coil end 15A is arranged outside the radial direction R relative to the first coil end 15A so as to overlap with the first coil end 15A when viewed in the radial direction along the radial direction R. Here, the supply hole 73 for supplying oil to the first coil end 15A is arranged on the upper side V1 in the vertical direction V relative to the first coil end 15A so as to overlap with the first coil end 15A when viewed in the vertical direction along the vertical direction V. The supply hole 73 for supplying oil toward the second coil end 15B is arranged outside the second coil end 15B in the radial direction R so as to overlap with the second coil end 15B when viewed in the radial direction along the radial direction R. Here, the supply hole 73 for supplying oil toward the second coil end 15B is arranged on the upper side V1 in the vertical direction V relative to the second coil end 15B so as to overlap with the second coil end 15B when viewed in the vertical direction along the vertical direction V.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, in the present embodiment, the differential housing portion 52 has an opening portion 52a that communicates the inside and outside of the differential housing portion 52. In the present embodiment, the opening portion 52a is provided on the second axial side L2 relative to the pinion shaft 54. In the present embodiment, an oil reservoir for storing oil is formed at a portion of the lower side V2 in the vertical direction V of the housing 2 (the bottom of the housing 2), and the oil is lifted from the oil reservoir by the differential input gear 51. Moreover, the oil lifted by the differential input gear 51 is supplied to the opening portion 52a from the outside of the differential housing portion 52 under the action of gravity.

[0053] In the vehicle drive device 100 , it is easy to keep the interaxial distance between the first axis A1 on which the rotary electric machine 1 is arranged and the second axis A2 on which the differential gear mechanism 5 is arranged short, and this point will be described below.

[0054] The rotating electrical machine 1 is disposed in a first space H1 inside the housing 2, and the first output member 61 is disposed in a second space H2 inside the housing 2 (see Figure 3 ). The second space H2 is connected to the first space H1 inside the housing 2. Figure 1As shown, in the entire configuration area P in the axial direction L of the stator core 12 provided in the stator 11, the stator core 12 (here, the main body 13) and the first output member 61 are configured to be directly opposed to each other in the radial direction R (in other words, directly opposed to each other in the radial direction R via the first gap G1). The configuration area P is the area between the end surface of the axial first side L1 of the stator core 12 and the end surface of the axial second side L2 of the stator core 12 in the axial direction L. The first output member 61 is formed so that its diameter is smaller than the diameter of the stator core 12. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the first output member 61 is arranged to overlap with the stator core 12 in a region of a portion of the circumferential direction C when viewed in the radial direction along the radial direction R. In the present embodiment, the stator core 12 is arranged to overlap with the gear set 53 constituting the differential gear mechanism 5 when viewed in the axial direction along the axial direction L. The gap formed between the stator core 12 and the first output member 61, i.e., the first gap G1, is set to about 3 to 5 [mm], for example. In the present embodiment, the first space H1 corresponds to the "storage space of the rotating electric machine", and the second space H2 corresponds to the "space connected to the storage space of the rotating electric machine".

[0055] In the present embodiment, the stator 11 and the first output member 61 are arranged so as to be directly opposed to each other in the radial direction R in the entire configuration area of ​​the stator 11 in the axial direction L. Here, the configuration area of ​​the stator 11 in the axial direction L is a region between the end of the first coil end 15A on the axial first side L1 and the end of the second coil end 15B on the axial second side L2 in the axial direction L. In addition, the first output member 61 is supported by the first wall portion 21 via a bearing, and the bearing is arranged on the axial second side L2 relative to the stator core 12. In the present embodiment, the bearing is arranged on the axial second side L2 relative to the second coil end 15B.

[0056] In addition, in the entire arrangement area P of the stator core 12 in the axial direction L, the stator core 12 (here, the main body 13) and the supply pipe 71 provided in the oil supply portion 70 are arranged to be directly opposed in the radial direction R (in other words, directly opposed in the radial direction R via the second gap G2). The supply pipe 71 is formed to have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the stator core 12. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the supply pipe 71 is arranged to overlap the stator core 12 in a portion of the circumferential direction C when viewed in the radial direction R. In the present embodiment, the stator 11 and the supply pipe 71 are arranged to directly face each other in the radial direction R in the entire arrangement area of ​​the stator 11 in the axial direction L.

[0057] like Figure 1As shown, in the present embodiment, the first output member 61 includes a uniform diameter portion 61a whose outer diameter is uniformly formed along the axial direction L. Moreover, the uniform diameter portion 61a is opposed to the stator core 12 in the radial direction R in the entire arrangement area P of the stator core 12 in the axial direction L. In the present embodiment, the uniform diameter portion 61a is opposed to the stator 11 in the radial direction R in the entire arrangement area of ​​the stator 11 in the axial direction L.

[0058] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the housing 2 includes a stator support portion 24 that supports the stator core 12. The stator support portion 24 is provided to avoid the first facing region 91, which is a region where the stator core 12 (here, the main body 13) and the first output member 61 face each other in the radial direction R. That is, the stator support portion 24 is provided in a region adjacent to the first facing region 91 (for example, a region adjacent to the circumferential direction C), and is not provided in the first facing region 91. In addition, the stator support portion 24 is provided to avoid the second facing region 92, which is a region where the stator core 12 (here, the main body 13) and the supply pipe 71 face each other in the radial direction R. That is, the stator support portion 24 is provided in a region adjacent to the second facing region 92 (for example, a region adjacent to the circumferential direction C), and is not provided in the second facing region 92. In the present embodiment, the first output member 61 and the supply pipe 71 are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction C. Furthermore, the first output member 61 and the supply pipe 71 face the stator core 12 (here, the body 13 ) in the radial direction R at different positions in the circumferential direction C. Therefore, the first facing region 91 and the second facing region 92 are formed at different positions in the circumferential direction C.

[0059] In the present embodiment, the stator support portion 24 includes the above-mentioned fixing portion 27. In addition, in the present embodiment, the stator support portion 24 includes an outer peripheral support portion 25 that supports the outer peripheral surface of the stator core 12, that is, the core outer peripheral surface 12a in the radial direction R. That is, the housing 2 includes the outer peripheral support portion 25 that supports the core outer peripheral surface 12a in the radial direction R. Here, the concept that the outer peripheral support portion 25 supports the core outer peripheral surface 12a includes not only the case where the outer peripheral support portion 25 always contacts and supports the core outer peripheral surface 12a, but also includes the case where the outer peripheral support portion 25 is arranged with a gap with respect to the core outer peripheral surface 12a, and contacts and supports the core outer peripheral surface 12a when the stator core 12 moves in a direction intersecting the axial direction L (including the case where the stator core 12 is tilted with respect to the axial direction L). In the latter case, the movement of the stator core 12 in the direction intersecting the axial direction L is limited within a range corresponding to the gap formed between the outer peripheral support portion 25 and the core outer peripheral surface 12a. It is preferable that the gap be set to a size (for example, a gap narrower than the first gap G1) assuming that the stator core 12 does not contact the first output member 61 even when the stator core 12 moves in the direction intersecting the axial direction L. In addition, it is preferable that the gap be set to a size assuming that the stator core 12 does not contact the rotor 10 even when the stator core 12 moves in the direction intersecting the axial direction L.

[0060] The outer peripheral support portion 25 is formed along the core outer peripheral surface 12a. Specifically, at least the inner portion of the outer peripheral support portion 25 in the radial direction R is formed along the core outer peripheral surface 12a. The outer peripheral support portion 25 includes an inner peripheral surface (support inner peripheral surface) that surrounds the core outer peripheral surface 12a from the outside of the radial direction R. That is, the outer peripheral support portion 25 includes a support surface S that is opposite to the core outer peripheral surface 12a. The support surface S is arranged to be opposite to the core outer peripheral surface 12a in a manner of contacting the core outer peripheral surface 12a, or is arranged to be opposite to the core outer peripheral surface 12a with a gap relative to the core outer peripheral surface 12a. The support surface S is a surface that supports the core outer peripheral surface 12a. Specifically, the support surface S always contacts and supports the core outer peripheral surface 12a, or is arranged with a gap relative to the core outer peripheral surface 12a, and contacts and supports the core outer peripheral surface 12a when the stator core 12 moves in a direction intersecting the axial direction L. In addition, the outer peripheral support portion 25 includes a portion arranged on the lower side V2 of the rotating electrical machine 1.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral support portion 25 includes a radial protrusion 29 that protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 20 to the inner side in the radial direction R and forms a support surface S at the inner end in the radial direction R. Moreover, the arrangement area in the radial direction R of the first output member 61 overlaps with the arrangement area in the radial direction R of the outer peripheral support portion 25. That is, the first output member 61 is arranged so that the arrangement area in the radial direction R overlaps with the outer peripheral support portion 25 at a position in the circumferential direction C where the outer peripheral support portion 25 is not arranged. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the arrangement area in the radial direction R of the first output member 61 overlaps with the arrangement area in the radial direction R of the radial protrusion 29. That is, the first output member 61 is arranged so that the arrangement area in the radial direction R overlaps with the radial protrusion 29 at a position in the circumferential direction C where the radial protrusion 29 is not arranged.

[0062] The stator core 12 is configured, for example, so that the core outer peripheral surface 12a is fitted with the supporting inner peripheral surface (fitting inner peripheral surface) of the outer peripheral support portion 25 through a gap. As described later, the outer peripheral support portion 25 includes a first cutout portion 26A and a second cutout portion 26B (in this embodiment, there is also a third cutout portion 26C), and the outer peripheral support portion 25 includes a plurality of supporting portions separated along the circumferential direction C by the cutout portions. The plurality of supporting portions include a first supporting portion 25A and a second supporting portion 25B described later. Moreover, the inner peripheral surface (the surface on the inner side of the radial direction R, that is, the supporting surface S) of each of the plurality of supporting portions is configured along the supporting inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral support portion 25. That is, the supporting inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral support portion 25 is formed by the collection of the inner peripheral surfaces (the surface on the inner side of the radial direction R) of each of the plurality of supporting portions. In other words, the core outer peripheral surface 12a is fitted with the supporting surface S, specifically, is fitted with the cylindrical surface (cylindrical surface having a discontinuous portion) formed by the plurality of supporting surfaces S. This fitting is, for example, a gap fitting.

[0063] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the outer peripheral support portion 25 includes a first cutout portion 26A formed in an area (hereinafter referred to as "first circumferential area") in the circumferential direction C that overlaps with the first opposing area 91. The first cutout portion 26A is formed over the entire area in the axial direction L of the stator core 12. That is, the first cutout portion 26A is formed by cutting out a portion of the outer peripheral support portion 25 arranged in the first circumferential area over the entire area in the axial direction L. The first circumferential area is set to include the entire first opposing area 91. Therefore, the outer peripheral support portion 25 is set so as not to overlap with the first output member 61 when viewed in the radial direction along the radial direction R. The area in the circumferential direction C where the first cutout portion 26A is formed is, for example, an area of ​​about 80 degrees when converted into an angle around the first axis A1.

[0064] In this way, the outer peripheral support portion 25 is provided with a first cutout portion 26A which cuts the outer peripheral support portion 25 over the entire area of ​​the arrangement area P in the axial direction L of the stator core 12. The first cutout portion 26A is formed by cutting at least the outer portion of the outer peripheral support portion 25 in the radial direction R. In the present embodiment, the first cutout portion 26A is formed by cutting the entire area in the radial direction R of the outer peripheral support portion 25. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the area where the first cutout portion 26A is formed, the core outer peripheral surface 12a is not covered by the outer peripheral support portion 25 and is exposed. Furthermore, the first cutout portion 26A is arranged between the core outer peripheral surface 12a (here, the outer peripheral surface of the main body 13) and the first output member 61 in the radial direction R and at a position overlapping with the first output member 61 when viewed in the radial direction. That is, the first output member 61 is arranged at a position outside the first cutout portion 26A in the radial direction R and overlapping with the first cutout portion 26A when viewed in the radial direction. In the present embodiment, the first cutout portion 26A corresponds to a “cutout portion”.

[0065] As described above, the first cutout portion 26A is arranged between the core outer peripheral surface 12A and the radial direction R of the first output member 61 and overlaps with the first output member 61 when viewed in the radial direction. In other words, the first cutout portion 26A is arranged on a line connecting the first axis A1 (the axis center of the rotating electrical machine 1) and the second axis A2 (the axis center of the first output member 61). In other words, the first cutout portion 26A is arranged at a position overlapping with the first output member 61 in the radial direction R (the radial direction of the rotating electrical machine 1). That is, the first cutout portion 26A is arranged at a position opposite to the first output member 61 in the radial direction R (in other words, at the same position as the first output member 61 in the circumferential direction C). Here, the above-mentioned line connecting the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 is at Figure 3 The imaginary line segment represented by "X" in the figure, specifically, is an imaginary line segment connecting the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 when observed axially. In other words, it is a portion sandwiched by the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 in the intersection of two imaginary planes orthogonal to the axial direction L and an imaginary plane containing the first axis A1 and the second axis A2.

[0066] The outer peripheral support portion 25 includes a second cutout portion 26B formed in a region in the circumferential direction C (hereinafter referred to as the "second circumferential region") that overlaps with the second opposing region 92. The second cutout portion 26B is formed over the entire region in the axial direction L of the stator core 12. That is, the second cutout portion 26B is formed by cutting out a portion of the outer peripheral support portion 25 arranged in the second circumferential region over the entire region in the axial direction L. The second circumferential region is set to include the entirety of the second opposing region 92. Therefore, the outer peripheral support portion 25 is set so as not to overlap with the supply pipe 71 when viewed in the radial direction along the radial direction R.

[0067] Thus, in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral support portion 25 is provided with the second cutout portion 26B which cuts the outer peripheral support portion 25 over the entire area of ​​the arrangement area P in the axial direction L of the stator core 12. The second cutout portion 26B is formed at a position different from the first cutout portion 26A in the circumferential direction C of the outer peripheral support portion 25. The second cutout portion 26B is formed by cutting at least the outer portion of the outer peripheral support portion 25 in the radial direction R. In the present embodiment, the second cutout portion 26B is formed by cutting the entire area in the radial direction R of the outer peripheral support portion 25. Moreover, the second cutout portion 26B is arranged between the core outer peripheral surface 12a (here, the outer peripheral surface of the main body 13) and the radial direction R of the supply pipe 71 and at a position overlapping with the supply pipe 71 when viewed in the radial direction. That is, the supply pipe 71 is arranged at a position outside the second cutout portion 26B in the radial direction R and overlapping with the second cutout portion 26B when viewed in the radial direction.

[0068] The cutout portion of the outer peripheral support portion 25 is also formed in the area in the circumferential direction C overlapping with the protrusion 14. That is, the outer peripheral support portion 25 is provided to support the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 13 provided in the stator core 12. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, in the present embodiment, the stator core 12 includes three protrusions 14, namely, a first protrusion 14A, a second protrusion 14B, and a third protrusion 14C. Here, among the plurality of protrusions 14 (here, three protrusions 14), the protrusion 14 disposed closest to the first output member 61 is the first protrusion 14A, the protrusion 14 disposed closest to the supply pipe 71 is the second protrusion 14B, and the remaining protrusion 14 is the third protrusion 14C. Furthermore, the first cutout 26A is formed in a region in the circumferential direction C overlapping the first facing region 91 and the first protrusion 14A. That is, the cutout corresponding to the first protrusion 14A is formed integrally with the first cutout 26A. In addition, the second cutout 26B is formed in a region in the circumferential direction C overlapping the second facing region 92 and the second protrusion 14B. That is, the cutout corresponding to the second protrusion 14B is formed integrally with the second cutout 26B. In addition, the outer peripheral support portion 25 includes a third cutout portion 26C formed in a region in the circumferential direction C (hereinafter referred to as a "third circumferential region") overlapping the third protruding portion 14C. The third cutout portion 26C is formed over the entire region in the axial direction L of the stator core 12. That is, the third cutout portion 26C is formed by cutting out a portion of the outer peripheral support portion 25 arranged in the third circumferential region over the entire region in the axial direction L.

[0069] like Figure 3As shown in FIG. 1 , the outer peripheral support portion 25 includes two support portions arranged on both sides of the circumferential direction C with the first cutout portion 26A sandwiched therebetween. Here, one of the two support portions (here, the one arranged on the lower side V2) is set as the first support portion 25A, and the other is set as the second support portion 25B. The first protrusion 14A is arranged between the first support portion 25A and the second support portion 25B in the circumferential direction C. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the first output member 61 is arranged to extend in the axial direction L between one protrusion 14 (here, the first protrusion 14A) among the plurality of protrusions 14 and the first support portion 25A in the circumferential direction C. Support surfaces S are formed on both sides of the core outer peripheral surface 12a sandwiching the first cutout portion 26A in the circumferential direction C. Specifically, the support surface S formed by the inner circumferential surface of the first support portion 25A is arranged on one side of the circumferential direction C relative to the first cutout portion 26A, and the support surface S formed by the inner circumferential surface of the second support portion 25B is arranged on the other side of the circumferential direction C relative to the first cutout portion 26A. In the present embodiment, the first output member 61 is arranged below the first axis A1 and above the lowermost portion V1 of the rotary electric machine 1. In the present embodiment, the first protrusion 14A corresponds to the “target protrusion” and the first support portion 25A corresponds to the “target support portion”.

[0070] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a portion of the first output member 61 is arranged to overlap with a first imaginary circle B1 passing through the centers of the plurality of insertion holes 16 formed in the plurality of protrusions 14 when viewed in the axial direction along the axial direction L. The first imaginary circle B1 is an imaginary circle centered on the first axis A1 when viewed in the axial direction. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the first imaginary circle B1 is an imaginary circle passing through the centers of the first insertion hole 16A formed in the first protrusion 14A, the centers of the second insertion hole 16B formed in the second protrusion 14B, and the centers of the third insertion hole 16C formed in the third protrusion 14C when viewed in the axial direction. Thus, in the present embodiment, at least a portion of the first output member 61 (here, the inner portion in the radial direction R) is arranged on the inner side of the radial direction R relative to the first imaginary circle B1 when viewed in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, the first imaginary circle B1 corresponds to "an imaginary circle passing through the centers of the plurality of insertion holes formed in the plurality of protrusions".

[0071] [Second embodiment]

[0072] Refer to the attached figure ( Figure 5 ) A second embodiment of the vehicle drive device is described. Hereinafter, the vehicle drive device of this embodiment is described with a focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Aspects that are not particularly described are the same as those of the first embodiment, and are marked with the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral support portion 25 includes a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 80a and a flow path 83 for circulating refrigerant. The flow path 83 is formed along the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 80a at a position adjacent to the outer side of the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 80a in the radial direction R, except for the area in the circumferential direction C where the first cutout portion 26A is formed. In the present embodiment, it is configured to cool the stator 11 using the refrigerant (here, coolant) circulating in the flow path 83. The flow path 83 is, for example, a water jacket for circulating cooling water as the refrigerant. In the present embodiment, the vehicle drive device 100 does not include the oil supply portion 70. In addition, in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral support portion 25 does not include the radial protrusion 29.

[0074] The cylindrical inner circumferential surface 80a is formed to surround the stator core 12 from the outside of the radial direction R, except for the area in the circumferential direction C where the first cutout portion 26A is formed or throughout the entire area in the circumferential direction C. That is, the cylindrical inner circumferential surface 80a is a support surface S opposite to the core outer circumferential surface 12a. The cylindrical inner circumferential surface 80a is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction L. Moreover, in the present embodiment, the core outer circumferential surface 12a is fitted with the cylindrical inner circumferential surface 80a by interference fitting (for example, press fitting, shrink fitting). Specifically, in the present embodiment, the stator core 12 does not have a protrusion 14. Moreover, the outer circumferential surface of the main body 13 of the stator core 12 is fitted with the cylindrical inner circumferential surface 80a by interference fitting.

[0075] In this embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 80a is formed to surround the stator core 12 from the outside of the radial direction R over the entire area in the circumferential direction C. That is, in the present embodiment, the first cutout portion 26A is formed by cutting out only the outer portion of the outer peripheral support portion 25 in the radial direction R. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the stator core 12 and the first output member 61 are not arranged to be directly opposed to each other in the radial direction R, but are arranged to be opposed to each other in the radial direction R via the outer peripheral support portion 25 (specifically, the inner housing 81 described later). In the present embodiment, in the area where the first cutout portion 26A is formed, the core outer peripheral surface 12a is covered by the outer peripheral support portion 25 (specifically, the inner housing 81) and is not exposed. In the present embodiment, support surfaces S are formed on both sides of the core outer peripheral surface 12a sandwiching the first cutout portion 26A along the circumferential direction C, and support surfaces S are also formed in the area where the first cutout portion 26A is formed in the circumferential direction C.

[0076] In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral support portion 25 includes a rotating electrical machine case 80 that surrounds the stator core 12 from the outside in the radial direction R. The rotating electrical machine case 80 is fixed to the case 2. Figure 5In the example shown, the outer peripheral support portion 25 (rotating electric machine housing 80) includes an inner housing 81 fitted on the stator core 12, and an outer housing 82 fitted on the inner housing 81. The inner housing 81 is fitted on the stator core 12 by interference fit, and the outer housing 82 is fitted on the inner housing 81 by interference fit. A flow path 83 is formed between the inner housing 81 and the outer housing 82. Figure 5 In the example shown, the inner housing 81 has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface 80a. That is, the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 80a is formed by the inner peripheral surface of the inner housing 81. Thus, in the present embodiment, the outer peripheral support portion 25 includes: the inner housing 81 having the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 80a surrounding the stator core 12 from the outside in the radial direction R and being externally embedded in the stator core 12; the outer housing 82 externally embedded in the inner housing 81; and the flow path 83 formed between the inner housing 81 and the outer housing 82 for the refrigerant to flow.

[0077] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the inner housing 81 is continuously formed over the entire area in the circumferential direction C, whereas the outer housing 82 is formed with a cutout portion cut out over the entire area of ​​the arrangement area P in the axial direction L of the stator core 12. Figure 5 In the example shown, the first cutout portion 26A is formed by cutting out only the outer portion of the outer peripheral support portion 25 in the radial direction R. In the present embodiment, the outer peripheral support portion 25 includes a circumferential extension portion 84 formed so as to extend continuously in the circumferential direction C except for a portion of the circumferential direction C (specifically, the region where the first cutout portion 26A is formed). Figure 5 In the illustrated example, the outer housing 82 includes a circumferentially extending portion 84. A first notch portion 26A is formed between an end portion on one side in the circumferential direction C of the circumferentially extending portion 84 and an end portion on the other side in the circumferential direction C of the circumferentially extending portion 84.

[0078] Here, if Figure 5As shown, the imaginary circle passing through the outer peripheral surface of the rotating electrical machine housing 80 (here, the outer peripheral surface of the outer housing 82) when viewed in the axial direction is set as the fourth imaginary circle B4, and the imaginary circle passing through the outer end of the flow path 83 in the radial direction R when viewed in the axial direction is set as the third imaginary circle B3. The third imaginary circle B3 and the fourth imaginary circle B4 are both imaginary circles centered on the first axis A1 when viewed in the axial direction. In the present embodiment, at least a portion of the first output member 61 (here, the inner portion in the radial direction R) is arranged on the inner side of the radial direction R with respect to the fourth imaginary circle B4 when viewed in the axial direction. Moreover, in the present embodiment, at least a portion of the first output member 61 (here, the inner portion in the radial direction R) is arranged on the inner side of the radial direction R with respect to the third imaginary circle B3 when viewed in the axial direction. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the arrangement area of ​​the first output member 61 in the radial direction R overlaps with the arrangement area of ​​the flow path 83 in the radial direction R. That is, the first output member 61 is arranged so that the arrangement area in the radial direction R overlaps with the flow path 83 at the position in the circumferential direction C where the flow path 83 is not arranged.

[0079] Here, although the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 80a is formed to cover the entire area in the circumferential direction C and surround the stator core 12 from the outside in the radial direction R, the following example is described. Figure 6 As in the example shown in FIG. 1 , the cylindrical inner peripheral surface 80a may be formed to surround the stator core 12 from the outside in the radial direction R except for the region in the circumferential direction C where the first notch portion 26A is formed. Figure 6 In the example shown, Figure 5 Unlike the example shown, the first cutout portion 26A is formed by cutting out the entire area of ​​the radial direction R of the outer peripheral support portion 25. Figure 6 In the example shown, not only Figure 5 In the example shown, the portion corresponding to the outer housing 82 is also formed with a cutout portion corresponding to the inner housing 81, which is cut out over the entire area of ​​the arrangement region P in the axial direction L of the stator core 12. Figure 6 In the example shown, the stator core 12 and the first output member 61 are directly opposed to each other in the radial direction R. Figure 6 In the example shown, in the region where the first cutout portion 26A is formed, the core outer peripheral surface 12a is not covered by the outer peripheral support portion 25 and is exposed. Figure 6 In the illustrated example, support surfaces S are formed on both sides of the core outer peripheral surface 12 a along the circumferential direction C and sandwiching the first cutout portion 26A, whereas support surfaces S are not formed in the region in the circumferential direction C where the first cutout portion 26A is formed.

[0080] [Other implementation methods]

[0081] Next, other embodiments of the vehicle drive device will be described.

[0082] (1) In the above embodiments, the stator support 24 is described as including the outer peripheral support 25 that supports the core outer peripheral surface 12 a in the radial direction R. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and the stator support 24 may not include the outer peripheral support 25 .

[0083] (2) In the above-mentioned embodiments, the first output member 61 is provided with the uniform diameter portion 61a whose outer diameter is uniformly formed along the axial direction L, and the uniform diameter portion 61a is opposed to the stator core 12 in the radial direction R in the entire arrangement area P of the stator core 12 in the axial direction L. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and a step portion, an inclined portion, etc. whose outer diameter changes may be provided in the portion of the first output member 61 that is opposed to the stator core 12 in the radial direction R.

[0084] (3) In the first embodiment described above, a structure in which a portion of the first output member 61 is arranged to overlap with a first imaginary circle B1 passing through the centers of the plurality of insertion holes 16 formed in the plurality of protrusions 14 when viewed in the axial direction is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and a structure in which the entire first output member 61 is arranged on the outside of the first imaginary circle B1 in the radial direction R when viewed in the axial direction. In this case, a portion of the first output member 61 may be arranged to overlap with a second imaginary circle B2 (see FIG. 1 ) passing through the outermost circumference (the outermost part in the radial direction R, in other words, the outer end in the radial direction R) of each of the plurality of protrusions 14 (three protrusions 14 in the above embodiment) when viewed in the axial direction. Figure 3 That is, at least a portion of the first output member 61 (for example, only the inner portion in the radial direction R) may be arranged on the inner side of the radial direction R relative to the second imaginary circle B2 when viewed in the axial direction. The second imaginary circle B2 is an imaginary circle centered on the first axis A1 when viewed in the axial direction. Figure 3 As shown, the second imaginary circle B2 is an imaginary circle having a larger diameter than the first imaginary circle B1. In addition, in the above embodiment, the configuration is such that, when viewed in the axial direction, a portion of the first output member 61 overlaps with the first imaginary circle B1, and another portion of the first output member 61 overlaps with the second imaginary circle B2. Here, the second imaginary circle B2 corresponds to "an imaginary circle passing through the radially outer ends of each of the plurality of protrusions".

[0085] (4) In the second embodiment described above, a configuration is described by taking as an example a configuration in which at least a portion of the first output member 61 is arranged on the inner side of the radial direction R with respect to the third imaginary circle B3 when viewed in the axial direction. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and a configuration in which the entire first output member 61 is arranged on the outer side of the radial direction R with respect to the third imaginary circle B3 when viewed in the axial direction may be adopted. Even in this case, it is preferable to set a configuration in which at least a portion of the first output member 61 is arranged on the inner side of the radial direction R with respect to the fourth imaginary circle B4 when viewed in the axial direction.

[0086] (5) In the first embodiment described above, the first output member 61 is arranged to extend along the axial direction L between the first protrusion 14A and the first support portion 25A in the circumferential direction C. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and the first output member 61 may be arranged to extend along the axial direction L between the first protrusion 14A and the second support portion 25B in the circumferential direction C, for example.

[0087] (6) In the above-mentioned embodiments, the structure in which the first output member 61 is arranged on the lower side V2 of the first axis A1 and on the upper side V1 of the lowermost portion of the rotating electrical machine 1 is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and for example, the first output member 61 may be arranged on the upper side V1 of the first axis A1 and on the lower side V2 of the uppermost portion of the rotating electrical machine 1.

[0088] (7) In the first embodiment described above, the oil supply portion 70 is provided with a supply pipe 71 that is arranged to extend along the axial direction L and is opposed to the stator 11 in the radial direction R. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and for example, the oil supply portion 70 may be provided with an oil passage formed in the peripheral wall portion 20 in a manner extending along the axial direction L instead of the supply pipe 71, and the oil passage may be provided with a supply hole for supplying oil toward the stator 11. In this case, the stator support portion 24 is provided to avoid the region of the stator core 12 that is opposed to the oil passage in the radial direction R, and the outer peripheral support portion 25 may be provided with a cutout portion formed in a region in the circumferential direction C that overlaps with the region.

[0089] (8) In the first embodiment described above, the vehicle drive device 100 is described as an example in which the vehicle drive device 100 includes the oil supply unit 70 for supplying cooling oil to the stator 11. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and for example, as in the second embodiment described above, the vehicle drive device 100 may include a cooling water supply unit for supplying cooling water to the stator 11 instead of the oil supply unit 70, and the stator 11 may be cooled by the cooling water supplied to the stator 11.

[0090] (9) In the above-described embodiments, the differential case portion 52 is described as an example in which the differential case portion 52 includes the opening portion 52a that communicates the inside and the outside of the differential case portion 52. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and for example, a structure in which oil is supplied to the inside of the differential case portion 52 from an oil passage formed inside the first output member 61 may be used.

[0091] (10) In the above-mentioned embodiments, the gear group 53 constituting the differential gear mechanism 5 is arranged on the first axial side L1 relative to the stator 11. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and the gear group 53 may be arranged so that a portion of the circumferential direction C overlaps with the stator 11 when viewed in the radial direction along the radial direction R, that is, the arrangement area of ​​the gear group 53 in the axial direction L overlaps with the arrangement area of ​​the stator 11 in the axial direction L.

[0092] (11) In the above-mentioned embodiments, the vehicle drive device 100 is described as an example in which the vehicle drive device 100 includes the counter gear mechanism 4. However, the present invention is not limited to such a structure, and the vehicle drive device 100 may be configured not to include the counter gear mechanism 4. In this case, for example, an idler gear meshing with both the input gear 30 and the differential input gear 51 may be provided instead of the counter gear mechanism 4, or the input gear 30 may be meshed with the differential input gear 51.

[0093] (12) In addition, as long as no contradiction occurs, the structure disclosed in each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined with the structure disclosed in other embodiments for application (including the combination of the embodiments described as other embodiments). With regard to other structures, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative in all aspects. Therefore, various changes can be appropriately made without departing from the scope of the purpose of the present invention.

[0094] [Summary of the present embodiment]

[0095] Hereinafter, the outline of the vehicle drive device described above will be described.

[0096] A vehicle drive device (100) comprises: a rotating electric machine (1) having a stator (11) on the radially (R) outer side relative to a rotor (10); an input member (3) drivingly connected to the rotor (10); a differential gear mechanism (5) for distributing the driving force from the rotating electric machine (1) transmitted via the input member (3) to a first wheel (W1) and a second wheel (W2); and a housing (2) accommodating the rotating electric machine (1), the input member (3) and the differential gear mechanism (5), wherein the rotating electric machine (1) and the input member (3) are arranged on a first shaft (A1), the differential gear mechanism (5) is arranged on a second shaft (A2) different from the first shaft (A1), the input member (3) and the differential gear mechanism (5) have a portion arranged on one side of the axial direction (L), i.e., on a first axial side (L1), relative to the rotating electric machine (1), and the portion of the axial direction (L) opposite to the first axial side (L1) is distributed to the first wheel (W1). The opposite side is set as the axial second side (L2), the differential gear mechanism (5) is connected to the first wheel (W1) via a shaft member (61) having a portion on the second shaft (A2) arranged on the axial second side (L2) relative to the differential gear mechanism (5), the housing (2) is formed along the outer peripheral surface of the stator core (12) provided by the stator (11), that is, the core outer peripheral surface (12a), and the radial direction (R) supports the core outer peripheral surface ( The outer peripheral support portion (25) of the stator core (12a) is provided with a notch portion (26A) formed in the outer peripheral support portion (25) so as to cut out the outer peripheral support portion (25) over the entire area of ​​the configuration area (P) in the axial direction (L) of the stator core (12); the notch portion (26A) is configured between the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core and the radial direction (R) of the shaft component (61) and overlaps with the shaft component (61) when viewed radially along the radial direction (R).

[0097] In this structure, each of the input member (3) and the differential gear mechanism (5) includes a portion disposed on the first axial side (L1) relative to the rotating electric machine (1), so that a power transmission mechanism for transmitting driving force between the input member (3) and the differential gear mechanism (5) can be disposed in a space on the first axial side (L1) relative to the rotating electric machine (1). Furthermore, the differential gear mechanism (5) includes a portion disposed on the first axial side (L1) relative to the rotating electric machine (1), so that the differential gear mechanism (5) is disposed close to the first axial side (L1), thereby easily avoiding interference between the differential gear mechanism (5) and the rotating electric machine (1) from becoming an obstacle to shortening the interaxial distance between the first shaft (A1) disposed for the rotating electric machine (1) and the second shaft (A2) disposed for the differential gear mechanism (5).

[0098] Furthermore, in the present structure, since the housing (2) has an outer peripheral support portion (25), the stator core (12) can be supported by the outer peripheral support portion (25). Thus, for example, the stator core (12) can be centered during assembly, and even if the stator core (12) fixed to the housing (2) is tilted, the tilt can be suppressed to a small amount. Alternatively, in the case of a structure in which the outer peripheral support portion (25) is always in contact with the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core, the stator core (12) can be properly held. Furthermore, in the present structure, the cutout portion (26A) formed in the outer peripheral support portion (25) is arranged between the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core and the radial direction (R) of the shaft member (61) and at a position overlapping with the shaft member (61) when viewed radially. Therefore, when the outer peripheral support portion (25) is provided, it is easy to arrange the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core and the shaft component (61) close to the radial direction (R), and it is easy to suppress the interaxial distance between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) to be shorter. Therefore, according to this structure, it is easy to achieve miniaturization of the radial (R) dimension of the vehicle drive device (100). In addition, by suppressing the interaxial distance between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) to be shorter, it is possible to achieve miniaturization of the dimension of the housing (2) when observed in the axial direction, and to achieve lightweighting of the housing (2).

[0099] Here, it is preferred that the radial (R) arrangement region of the shaft member (61) overlaps with the radial (R) arrangement region of the outer peripheral support portion (25).

[0100] According to this structure, the shaft component (61) is arranged close to the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core according to the degree of overlap between the radial (R) arrangement area of ​​the shaft component (61) and the radial (R) arrangement area of ​​the outer peripheral support portion (25), so that the interaxial distance between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) can be shortened.

[0101] As described above, preferably, in a structure in which the radial (R) configuration area of ​​the above-mentioned shaft component (61) overlaps with the radial (R) configuration area of ​​the above-mentioned outer peripheral support portion (25), the above-mentioned housing (2) has a peripheral wall portion (20) surrounding the above-mentioned stator (11) from the outside of the above-mentioned radial (R), and the above-mentioned outer peripheral support portion (25) has: a support surface (S) opposite to the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the above-mentioned core; and a radial protrusion portion (29) protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the above-mentioned peripheral wall portion (20) to the inside of the above-mentioned radial (R), and the above-mentioned support surface (S) is formed at the end portion on the inner side of the above-mentioned radial (R), and the above-mentioned radial (R) configuration area of ​​the above-mentioned shaft component (61) overlaps with the above-mentioned radial (R) configuration area of ​​the above-mentioned radial protrusion portion (29).

[0102] According to this structure, the radial (R) configuration area of ​​the shaft component (61) overlaps with the radial (R) configuration area of ​​the radial protrusion (29), so that even when the outer peripheral support portion (25) has a radial protrusion (29), the shaft component (61) can be configured close to the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core, thereby shortening the interaxial distance between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2).

[0103] In the vehicle drive device (100) of each of the above structures, the stator core (12) preferably includes: a cylindrical main body (13) extending along the axial direction (L), and a plurality of protrusions (14) protruding outward in the radial direction (R) relative to the main body (13), the plurality of protrusions (14) being dispersedly arranged in the circumferential direction (C) along the outer peripheral surface of the main body (13) and being respectively fixed to a fixing portion (27) formed on the housing (2), and the plurality of protrusions (14) being arranged in a cylindrical main body (13) extending in the axial direction (L), and the plurality of protrusions (14) being arranged in a cylindrical main body (13) and protruding outward in the radial direction (R) relative to the main body (13). One of the above-mentioned protrusions (14) in the protrusion portion (14) is used as the target protrusion (14A), one of the two supporting portions (25A, 25B) of the above-mentioned outer peripheral supporting portion (25) which are arranged on both sides of the above-mentioned circumferential direction (C) with the above-mentioned first cutout portion (26A) is used as the target supporting portion (25A), and the above-mentioned shaft component (61) is configured to extend along the above-mentioned axial direction (L) between the above-mentioned target protrusion (14A) and the above-mentioned target supporting portion (25A) in the above-mentioned circumferential direction (C).

[0104] According to this structure, even when a protrusion (14) is provided for fixing the stator core (12) to the housing (2), interference between the shaft component (61) and the target protrusion (14A) can be avoided and the shaft component (61) can be arranged close to the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core, thereby shortening the interaxial distance between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2).

[0105] As described above, it is preferred that in a structure in which the shaft component (61) is configured to extend along the axial direction (L) between the object protrusion (14A) and the circumferential direction (C) of the object support portion (25A), at least a portion of the shaft component (61) is, when observed axially along the axial direction (L), configured on the inner side of the radial direction (R) relative to an imaginary circle (B2) passing through the outer ends of the radial directions (R) of each of the plurality of protrusions (14).

[0106] According to this structure, a protrusion (14) for fixing the stator core (12) to the housing (2) is provided, and at the same time, the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core and the shaft member (61) are arranged close to each other in the radial direction (R) to the extent that at least a portion of the shaft member (61) is arranged on the inner side in the radial direction (R) relative to the above-mentioned imaginary circle (B2) when viewed axially, so that the interaxial distance between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) can be suppressed to be shorter.

[0107] In the vehicle drive device (100) of each of the above structures, it is preferred to have an oil supply unit (70) for supplying cooling oil to the stator (11), the oil supply unit (70) having a supply pipe (71) configured to extend along the axial direction (L) and to be opposed to the stator (11) in the radial direction (R), the supply pipe (71) having a flow passage (72) for oil circulation formed therein and having a supply hole (73) for supplying oil toward the stator (11), the cutout portion (26A) being used as a first cutout A portion (26A) is formed at a position different from the first cutout portion (26A) on the circumferential direction (C) of the outer peripheral support portion (25), and a second cutout portion (26B) is cut over the entire area of ​​the configuration area (P) in the axial direction (L) of the stator core (12). The second cutout portion (26B) is configured between the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core and the radial direction (R) of the supply pipe (71) and overlaps with the supply pipe (71) when observed in the radial direction.

[0108] According to this structure, the oil flowing through the flow path (72) formed inside the supply pipe (71) is supplied to the stator (11) from the supply hole (73), thereby cooling the stator (11). In addition, in this structure, the second cutout portion (26B) formed in the outer peripheral support portion (25) is arranged between the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core and the radial direction (R) of the supply pipe (71) and overlaps with the supply pipe (71) when viewed in the radial direction. Therefore, while the outer peripheral support portion (25) is provided, it is easy to supply the cooling oil to the stator (11) in a manner that appropriately exchanges heat with the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core, and it is easy to appropriately ensure the cooling performance of the stator (11).

[0109] As described above, preferably, in a structure in which the radial (R) configuration area of ​​the above-mentioned shaft component (61) overlaps with the radial (R) configuration area of ​​the above-mentioned outer peripheral support portion (25), the above-mentioned outer peripheral support portion (25) comprises: a cylindrical inner circumferential surface (80a) that surrounds the above-mentioned stator core (12) from the outside of the above-mentioned radial (R) direction, except for the circumferential (C) area where the above-mentioned cutout portion (26A) is formed or throughout the entire circumferential (C) area; and a flow path (83) for refrigerant circulation, the above-mentioned flow path (83) being formed along the above-mentioned cylindrical inner circumferential surface (80a) at a position adjacent to the above-mentioned radial (R) outer side relative to the above-mentioned cylindrical inner circumferential surface (80a), except for the above-mentioned circumferential (C) area where the above-mentioned cutout portion (26A) is formed, and the above-mentioned radial (R) configuration area of ​​the above-mentioned shaft component (61) overlaps with the above-mentioned radial (R) configuration area of ​​the above-mentioned flow path (83).

[0110] According to this structure, the stator (11) can be cooled by the refrigerant flowing in the flow path (83). In addition, in this structure, since the flow path (83) is not formed in the circumferential (C) region where the cutout portion (26A) is formed, the shaft member (61) and the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core are arranged close to each other according to the degree of overlap between the radial (R) arrangement region of the shaft member (61) and the radial (R) arrangement region of the flow path (83), thereby shortening the interaxial distance between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2).

[0111] A vehicle drive device (100) comprises: a rotating electric machine (1) having a stator (11) on the radially (R) outer side relative to a rotor (10); an input member (3) drivingly connected to the rotor (10); a differential gear mechanism (5) for distributing a driving force from the rotating electric machine (1) transmitted via the input member (3) to a first wheel (W1) and a second wheel (W2); and a housing (2) for accommodating the rotating electric machine (1), the input member (3) and the differential gear mechanism (5), wherein the rotating electric machine (1) and the input member (3) are connected to the first wheel (W1) and the second wheel (W2). The differential gear mechanism (5) is configured on a first shaft (A1), the differential gear mechanism (5) is configured on a second shaft (A2) different from the first shaft (A1), the input member (3) and the differential gear mechanism (5) have a portion configured on one side of the axial direction (L), that is, on the first axial side (L1) relative to the rotating electrical machine (1), the side of the axial direction (L) opposite to the first axial side (L1) is set as the second axial side (L2), and the differential gear mechanism (5) is configured on the second shaft (A2) relative to the differential gear mechanism (5) via a portion configured on the second axial side (L1) relative to the differential gear mechanism (5). The shaft component (61) of the side (L2) is connected to the first wheel (W1), and the housing (2) has an outer peripheral support portion (25) formed along the outer peripheral surface of the stator core (12) provided by the stator (11), that is, the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core, and supports the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core in the radial direction (R), and the outer peripheral support portion (25) has: an inner housing (81) surrounding the cylindrical inner peripheral surface (80a) of the stator core (12) from the outside of the radial direction (R) and embedded in the stator core (12); (81) an outer shell (82); a flow path (83) for refrigerant circulation formed between the inner shell (81) and the outer shell (82); a cutout portion (26A) is formed in the outer shell (82) to cut the outer shell (82) over the entire area of ​​the configuration area (P) in the axial direction (L) of the stator core (12); the cutout portion (26A) is arranged between the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core and the radial direction (R) of the shaft component (61) and overlaps with the shaft component (61) when observed radially along the radial direction (R).

[0112] In this structure, since each of the input member (3) and the differential gear mechanism (5) includes a portion disposed on the first axial side (L1) relative to the rotating electric machine (1), a power transmission mechanism for transmitting driving force between the input member (3) and the differential gear mechanism (5) can be disposed in a space on the first axial side (L1) relative to the rotating electric machine (1). Furthermore, since the differential gear mechanism (5) includes a portion disposed on the first axial side (L1) relative to the rotating electric machine (1), the differential gear mechanism (5) is disposed close to the first axial side (L1), thereby easily avoiding interference between the differential gear mechanism (5) and the rotating electric machine (1) from becoming an obstacle to shortening the interaxial distance between the first shaft (A1) disposed for the rotating electric machine (1) and the second shaft (A2) disposed for the differential gear mechanism (5).

[0113] Furthermore, in the present structure, since the housing (2) has an outer peripheral support portion (25), the stator core (12) can be supported by the outer peripheral support portion (25). Thus, for example, the stator core (12) can be properly centered during assembly, and even when the stator core (12) fixed to the housing (2) is tilted, the tilt can be suppressed to a small amount. Alternatively, in the case of a structure in which the outer peripheral support portion (25) is always in contact with the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core, the stator core (12) can be properly held. Furthermore, in the present structure, the cutout portion (26A) formed in the outer housing (82) is arranged between the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core and the radial direction (R) of the shaft member (61) and at a position overlapping with the shaft member (61) when viewed radially. Therefore, as the peripheral support portion (25), a support portion having a structure that forms a flow path (83) for refrigerant circulation between the inner shell (81) and the outer shell (82) is used, and it is easy to arrange the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core and the shaft component (61) close to each other in the radial direction (R), and it is easy to suppress the axial distance between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) to be shorter. Therefore, according to this structure, it is easy to achieve miniaturization of the radial (R) dimension of the vehicle drive device (100). In addition, by suppressing the axial distance between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) to be shorter, it is possible to achieve miniaturization of the dimension of the shell (2) when viewed in the axial direction, and to achieve lightweighting of the shell (2).

[0114] As described above, in the structure in which the cutout portion (26A) is formed in the outer shell (82), it is preferred that the radial (R) arrangement area of ​​the shaft member (61) overlaps with the radial (R) arrangement area of ​​the flow path (83).

[0115] According to this structure, the shaft component (61) is arranged close to the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core according to the degree of overlap between the radial (R) configuration area of ​​the shaft component (61) and the radial (R) configuration area of ​​the flow path (83), thereby shortening the interaxial distance between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2).

[0116] As described above, in the structure in which the stator core (12) is surrounded by the cylindrical inner circumferential surface (80a) from the outer side in the radial direction (R), the core outer circumferential surface (12a) is preferably fitted with the cylindrical inner circumferential surface (80a) by interference fit.

[0117] According to this structure, even if the protrusion (14) protruding radially (R) outward relative to the main body (13) is not provided, the stator core (12) can be held by the outer peripheral support portion (25) and the stator core (12) can be fixed to the housing (2). In addition, in this structure, compared with the case where the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core is fitted with the cylindrical inner peripheral surface (80a) through a gap, the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant flowing in the flow path (83) and the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core can be improved, and the cooling efficiency of the stator (11) can be improved.

[0118] In addition, it is preferred that the above-mentioned outer peripheral support portion (25) has a circumferential extension portion (84) formed in a manner that extends continuously along the above-mentioned circumferential direction (C) except for a portion of the circumferential direction (C), and the above-mentioned cutout portion (26A) is formed between the end of the above-mentioned circumferential extension portion (84) on one side of the above-mentioned circumferential direction (C) and the end of the above-mentioned circumferential extension portion (84) on the other side of the above-mentioned circumferential direction (C).

[0119] According to this structure, the cutout portion (26A) is formed in the outer peripheral support portion (25), and the presence of the circumferential extension portion (84) makes it easy to ensure high support rigidity of the outer peripheral support portion (25) for the stator core (12).

[0120] In the vehicle drive device (100) of each of the above-mentioned structures, the above-mentioned peripheral support portion (25) preferably has a support surface (S) opposite to the above-mentioned outer peripheral surface (12a) of the iron core, and the above-mentioned support surface (S) is formed on both sides of the above-mentioned cutout portion (26A) along the circumferential direction (C) of the above-mentioned outer peripheral surface (12a).

[0121] According to this structure, the cutout portion (26A) is formed in the outer peripheral support portion (25), and the stator core (12) can be appropriately supported by the support surfaces (S) formed on both sides sandwiching the cutout portion (26A).

[0122] Furthermore, it is preferred that the outer peripheral support portion (25) includes a portion disposed on a lower side (V2) than the rotating electrical machine (1).

[0123] According to this structure, the outer peripheral support portion (25) can limit the movement of the stator core (12) toward the lower side (V2) due to the action of gravity. Therefore, for example, the centering of the stator core (12) during assembly can be properly performed, and the inclination of the stator core (12) fixed to the housing (2) can be properly suppressed.

[0124] A vehicle drive device (100), the vehicle drive device (100) comprising: a rotating electric machine (1) having a stator (11) on the outer side in the radial direction (R) relative to a rotor (10); an input member (3) drivingly connected to the rotor (10); a differential gear mechanism (5) for distributing the driving force from the rotating electric machine (1) transmitted via the input member (3) to a first wheel (W1) and a second wheel (W2); and a housing (2) accommodating the rotating electric machine (1), the input member (3) and the differential gear mechanism (5), the rotating electric machine (1) and the input member (3) being arranged on a first shaft (A1), the differential gear mechanism (5) being arranged on a second shaft (A2) different from the first shaft (A1), the input member (3) and the differential gear mechanism (5) comprising a portion arranged on one side in the axial direction (L), i.e., a first side in the axial direction (L1) relative to the rotating electric machine (1), distributing the driving force from the rotating electric machine (1) to a first wheel (W1) and a second wheel (W2) The side opposite to the one side (L1) is set as the axial second side (L2), the differential gear mechanism (5) is connected to the first wheel (W1) via a shaft member (61) having a portion on the second shaft (A2) arranged on the axial second side (L2) relative to the differential gear mechanism (5), and the stator core (12) of the stator (11) has a cylindrical main body (13) extending in the axial direction (L), and a radial direction (L2) relative to the main body (13) R), the plurality of protrusions (14) being dispersedly arranged in the circumferential direction (C) along the outer peripheral surface of the main body (13) and respectively fixed to a fixing portion (27) formed on the shell (2), and at least a portion of the shaft component (61) being arranged on the inner side of the radial direction (R) relative to an imaginary circle (B2) passing through the outer side ends of the radial direction (R) of each of the plurality of protrusions (14) when observed axially along the axial direction (L).

[0125] In this structure, since each of the input member (3) and the differential gear mechanism (5) includes a portion disposed on the first axial side (L1) relative to the rotating electric machine (1), a power transmission mechanism for transmitting driving force between the input member (3) and the differential gear mechanism (5) can be disposed in a space on the first axial side (L1) of the rotating electric machine (1). Furthermore, since the differential gear mechanism (5) includes a portion formed on the first axial side (L1) of the rotating electric machine (1), the differential gear mechanism (5) is disposed close to the first axial side (L1), thereby easily avoiding interference between the differential gear mechanism (5) and the rotating electric machine (1) from becoming an obstacle to shortening the interaxial distance between the first shaft (A1) disposed for the rotating electric machine (1) and the second shaft (A2) disposed for the differential gear mechanism (5).

[0126] Moreover, in the present structure, at least a portion of the shaft component (61) is arranged radially (R) inner relative to an imaginary circle (B2) passing through the radial (R) outer ends of each of the plurality of protrusions (14) when viewed axially. Therefore, a protrusion (14) is provided for fixing the stator core (12) to the housing (2), and the core outer peripheral surface (12a) and the shaft component (61) are arranged close to each other in the radial direction (R) to the extent that at least a portion of the shaft component (61) is arranged radially (R) inner relative to the imaginary circle (B2) when viewed axially, so that the interaxial distance between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) can be suppressed to be shorter. Therefore, according to the present structure, it is easy to achieve miniaturization of the radial (R) dimension of the vehicle drive device (100). Furthermore, by shortening the interaxial distance between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2), the size of the housing (2) when viewed in the axial direction can be reduced, and the housing (2) can be made lighter.

[0127] As described above, in a structure in which at least a portion of the shaft member (61) is arranged on the inner side of the radial direction (R) relative to an imaginary circle (B2) passing through the outer ends of the radial directions (R) of each of the plurality of protrusions (14) when viewed in the axial direction, it is preferred that an insertion hole (16) for inserting a fastening member (28) for fixing the stator core (12) to the fixing portion (27) is formed to penetrate each of the protrusions (14) along the axial direction (L), and in which, at least a portion of the shaft member (61) is arranged on the inner side of the radial direction (R) relative to an imaginary circle (B1) passing through the centers of the plurality of insertion holes (16) formed in the plurality of protrusions (14) when viewed in the axial direction.

[0128] According to this structure, the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core is arranged close to the shaft member (61) in the radial direction (R) to the extent that at least a portion of the shaft member (61) is arranged radially (R) inward relative to the above-mentioned imaginary circle (B1) when viewed axially, so that the interaxial distance between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) can be suppressed to be shorter. In addition, according to this structure, the stator core (12) can be fastened and fixed to the fixing portion (27) of the housing (2) using a fastening member (28). Therefore, when the housing (2) has an outer peripheral support portion (25) and this structure is adopted, the influence of the fixing structure of the stator core (12) relative to the housing (2) is suppressed to a small extent, and a cutout portion (26A) can be formed in the outer peripheral support portion (25).

[0129] In the vehicle drive device (100) of each of the above structures, the shaft member (61) is preferably arranged in a space (H2) inside the housing (2) that communicates with a storage space (H1) of the rotating electrical machine (1).

[0130] According to this structure, there is no other component such as the housing (2) between the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core and the shaft component (61), and the outer peripheral surface (12a) of the core and the shaft component (61) can be arranged in a manner opposite to each other in the radial direction (R) (for example, in a manner directly opposite to each other). Therefore, it is easy to suppress the interaxial distance between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) to be relatively short.

[0131] In addition, the differential gear mechanism (5) preferably comprises: a gear group (53) and a differential housing portion (52) surrounding the gear group (53), and the differential housing portion (52) comprises an opening portion (52a) connecting the inside and the outside of the differential housing portion (52).

[0132] According to this structure, the oil existing inside the housing (2) (for example, the oil lifted by the differential input gear (51)) can be introduced from the opening (52a) into the inside of the differential housing (52), thereby lubricating the gear set (53). Different from such a structure, for example, a structure is also considered, that is, a shaft oil passage extending in the axial direction (L) inside the shaft member (61) and a radial oil passage connecting the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member (61) with the shaft oil passage are formed, and the oil supplied from the radial oil passage to the shaft oil passage is supplied from the shaft oil passage to the inside of the differential housing (52). However, in this case, it is necessary to provide an oil supply structure for supplying oil to the radial oil passage on the radial outer side relative to the shaft member (61), and there is a possibility that the interference between the oil supply structure and the rotating electric machine (1) will hinder the shortening of the interaxial distance between the first shaft (A1) and the second shaft (A2). In contrast, according to the present configuration, since it is not necessary to provide such an oil supply mechanism, it is easy to keep the interaxial distance between the first shaft (A1) and the second shaft (A2) short.

[0133] In addition, a counter gear mechanism (4) drivingly connecting the input member (3) and the differential gear mechanism (5) is preferably arranged on a third shaft (A3) different from the first shaft (A1) and the second shaft (A2).

[0134] According to this structure, it is easier to set the speed ratio between the input member (3) and the differential gear mechanism (5) to a desired value than when the input member (3) and the differential gear mechanism (5) are drivingly connected without the counter gear mechanism (4).

[0135] Furthermore, it is preferred that the shaft member (61) is arranged on a lower side (V2) than the first shaft (A1) and on an upper side (V1) than a lowermost portion of the rotating electrical machine (1).

[0136] According to this structure, when the rotating electric machine (1) is arranged in a housing (2) forming a storage space that is approximately rectangular, the dead zone formed at the corner portion of the lower side (V2) in the rectangular space can be used to arrange the shaft member (61). Therefore, the interaxial distance between the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) is suppressed to be short, so that a balance can be achieved between the miniaturization of the size in the vertical direction (V) and the miniaturization of the size in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction when viewed in the axial direction), and the miniaturization of the size of the housing (2) when viewed in the axial direction can be achieved.

[0137] Furthermore, it is preferred that the gear group (53) constituting the differential gear mechanism (5) is arranged on the first axial side (L1) relative to the stator (11).

[0138] According to this structure, the gear group (53) formed with a larger diameter in the differential gear mechanism (5) can be arranged at a position different from the stator (11) in the axial direction (L). Therefore, it is easy to avoid the situation where the interference between the differential gear mechanism (5) and the rotating electric machine (1) becomes an obstacle to shortening the interaxial distance between the first shaft (A1) and the second shaft (A2). Therefore, for example, the first shaft (A1) and the second shaft (A2) can be arranged close to each other according to the degree of overlap between the stator (11) and the gear group (53) when viewed in the axial direction.

[0139] The vehicle drive device of the present invention only needs to achieve at least one of the above-mentioned effects.

[0140] Description of Reference Numerals

[0141] 1: Rotating electric machine, 2: Housing, 3: Input member, 4: Counter gear mechanism, 5: Differential gear mechanism, 10: Rotor, 11: Stator, 12: Stator core, 12a: Core outer peripheral surface, 13: Main body, 14: Projection, 14A: First projection (target projection), 16: Insertion hole, 24: Stator support, 25: Outer peripheral support, 25A: First support portion (support portion, target support portion), 25B: Second support portion (support portion), 26A: First cutout portion (cutout portion), 26B: Second cutout portion, 28: Fastening member, 29: Radial protrusion, 52: Differential housing portion, 52a: Opening, 53: Gear train, 61: First output member (shaft member), 61a: Same diameter portion, 70: Oil supply portion, 71: Supply pipe, 72: Flow path, 73: supply hole, 80a: cylindrical inner circumferential surface, 81: inner shell, 82: outer shell, 83: flow path, 84: circumferential extension portion, 91: first opposing area, 92: second opposing area, 100: vehicle drive device, A1: first axis, A2: second axis, A3: third axis, B1: first imaginary circle (imaginary circle passing through the centers of multiple insertion holes formed in multiple protrusions), B2: second imaginary circle (imaginary circle passing through the radial outer ends of each of the multiple protrusions), C: circumferential direction, H1: first space (storage space for rotating electric machine), H2: second space (space connected to the storage space for rotating electric machine), L: axial direction, L1: axial first side, L2: axial second side, P: configuration area, R: radial direction, S: support surface, V1: upper side, V2: lower side, W1: first wheel, W2: second wheel.

Claims

1. A vehicle drive device, comprising: A rotating electrical machine including a stator on the radially outer side relative to a rotor; An input member drivingly connected to the rotor; a differential gear mechanism that distributes the driving force from the rotating electric machine transmitted via the input member to the first wheel and the second wheel; and a housing that accommodates the rotating electrical machine, the input member, and the differential gear mechanism; The rotating electrical machine and the input member are arranged on a first shaft. The differential gear mechanism is arranged on a second shaft different from the first shaft. The input member and the differential gear mechanism include a portion arranged on one side in the axial direction, that is, on a first side in the axial direction, with respect to the rotating electrical machine. The axial side opposite to the axial first side is defined as the axial second side, The differential gear mechanism is connected to the first wheel via a shaft member having a portion disposed on the second shaft on the second axial side relative to the differential gear mechanism. The housing includes an outer peripheral support portion formed along the outer peripheral surface of the stator core provided in the stator, that is, the outer peripheral surface of the core, and supporting the outer peripheral surface of the core in the radial direction. The outer peripheral support portion is formed with a notch portion which is notched over the entire area of ​​the axial arrangement area of ​​the stator core. The cutout portion is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the core and the shaft member in the radial direction and at a position overlapping the shaft member when viewed in the radial direction along the radial direction.

2. The vehicle drive device according to claim 1, wherein: The radial arrangement region of the shaft member overlaps with the radial arrangement region of the outer peripheral support portion.

3. The vehicle drive device according to claim 2, wherein: The housing includes a peripheral wall portion surrounding the stator from the outer side in the radial direction. The outer peripheral support portion comprises: a support surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the core; and a radial protrusion protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion toward the inner side of the radial direction and forming the support surface at the inner end of the radial direction. The radial arrangement region of the shaft member overlaps with the radial arrangement region of the radial protrusion.

4. The vehicle drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The stator core includes: a cylindrical main body extending in the axial direction; and a plurality of protrusions protruding outward in the radial direction relative to the main body. The plurality of protrusions are dispersedly arranged in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface of the main body, and are respectively fixed to the fixing portions formed on the shell. One of the plurality of protrusions is defined as a target protrusion, and one of the two support portions of the outer peripheral support portion disposed on both sides of the circumferential direction with the cutout portion interposed therebetween is defined as a target support portion. The shaft member is arranged to extend in the axial direction between the counterpart protrusion and the counterpart support portion in the circumferential direction.

5. The vehicle drive device according to claim 4, wherein: At least a portion of the shaft member is arranged radially inward with respect to an imaginary circle passing through the radially outer ends of each of the plurality of protrusions when viewed in the axial direction along the axial direction.

6. The vehicle drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: An oil supply unit for supplying cooling oil to the stator is provided, The oil supply portion includes a supply pipe extending in the axial direction and arranged to face the stator in the radial direction. The supply pipe has a flow passage formed inside for circulating oil and a supply hole for supplying oil toward the stator. The cutout portion is used as a first cutout portion, and a second cutout portion is formed at a position different from the first cutout portion in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral support portion, which cuts out the outer peripheral support portion over the entire area of ​​the axial arrangement area of ​​the stator core. The second cutout portion is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the core and the supply pipe in the radial direction and at a position overlapping the supply pipe when viewed in the radial direction.

7. The vehicle drive device according to claim 2, wherein: The outer peripheral support portion includes: a cylindrical inner peripheral surface surrounding the stator core from the radially outer side except for the circumferential region where the cutout portion is formed or throughout the entire circumferential region; and a flow path for the refrigerant to flow, The flow path is formed along the cylindrical inner peripheral surface at a position adjacent to the radially outer side relative to the cylindrical inner peripheral surface, except for the circumferential region where the cutout portion is formed. The radial arrangement region of the shaft member overlaps with the radial arrangement region of the flow path.

8. The vehicle drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The outer peripheral support portion includes a circumferential extension portion formed to extend continuously in the circumferential direction except for a portion of the circumferential region. The cutout portion is formed between an end portion of the circumferentially extending portion on one side in the circumferential direction and an end portion of the circumferentially extending portion on the other side in the circumferential direction.

9. The vehicle drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The outer peripheral support portion includes a support surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the core. The support surfaces are formed on both sides of the cutout portion along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the core.

10. The vehicle drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The outer peripheral support portion includes a portion disposed below the rotating electrical machine.

11. The vehicle drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The shaft member is disposed in a space inside the housing that communicates with a housing space of the rotating electrical machine.

12. The vehicle drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The differential gear mechanism includes a gear set and a differential case portion surrounding the gear set. The differential case portion includes an opening portion that connects the inside and the outside of the differential case portion.

13. The vehicle drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A counter gear mechanism drivingly coupling the input member and the differential gear mechanism is disposed on a third shaft different from the first shaft and the second shaft.

14. The vehicle drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The shaft member is arranged below the first shaft and above the lowest portion of the rotating electrical machine.

15. The vehicle drive device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The gear set constituting the differential gear mechanism is arranged on the first side in the axial direction relative to the stator.

16. The vehicle driving device according to claim 5, wherein: An insertion hole for inserting a fastening member for fixing the stator core to the fixing portion is formed to penetrate each of the protruding portions in the axial direction. When viewed in the axial direction, at least a portion of the shaft member is arranged on the inner side in the radial direction with respect to an imaginary circle passing through the centers of the plurality of insertion holes formed in the plurality of protruding portions.

17. The vehicle driving device according to claim 7, wherein: The core outer peripheral surface is fitted with the cylindrical inner peripheral surface by interference fit.

18. A vehicle driving device, comprising: A rotating electrical machine including a stator on the radially outer side relative to a rotor; An input member drivingly connected to the rotor; a differential gear mechanism that distributes the driving force from the rotating electric machine transmitted via the input member to the first wheel and the second wheel; and a housing that accommodates the rotating electrical machine, the input member, and the differential gear mechanism; The rotating electrical machine and the input member are arranged on a first shaft. The differential gear mechanism is arranged on a second shaft different from the first shaft. The input member and the differential gear mechanism include a portion arranged on one side in the axial direction, that is, on a first side in the axial direction, with respect to the rotating electrical machine. The axial side opposite to the axial first side is defined as the axial second side, The differential gear mechanism is connected to the first wheel via a shaft member having a portion disposed on the second shaft on the second axial side relative to the differential gear mechanism. The housing includes an outer peripheral support portion formed along the outer peripheral surface of the stator core provided in the stator, that is, the outer peripheral surface of the core, and supporting the outer peripheral surface of the core in the radial direction. The outer peripheral support portion includes: an inner shell that surrounds the cylindrical inner peripheral surface of the stator core from the radially outer side and is externally embedded in the stator core; an outer shell that is externally embedded in the inner shell; and a flow path formed between the inner shell and the outer shell for the refrigerant to flow. The outer casing is formed with a cutout portion which cuts out the outer casing over the entire area of ​​the axial arrangement area of ​​the stator core. The cutout portion is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the core and the shaft member in the radial direction and at a position overlapping the shaft member when viewed in the radial direction along the radial direction.

19. The vehicle driving device according to claim 18, wherein: The radial arrangement region of the shaft member overlaps with the radial arrangement region of the flow path.

20. The vehicle drive device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: The core outer peripheral surface is fitted with the cylindrical inner peripheral surface by interference fit.

21. The vehicle drive device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: The outer peripheral support portion includes a circumferential extension portion formed to extend continuously in the circumferential direction except for a portion of the circumferential region. The cutout portion is formed between an end portion of the circumferentially extending portion on one side in the circumferential direction and an end portion of the circumferentially extending portion on the other side in the circumferential direction.

22. A vehicle driving device, comprising: A rotating electrical machine including a stator on the radially outer side relative to a rotor; An input member drivingly connected to the rotor; a differential gear mechanism that distributes the driving force from the rotating electric machine transmitted via the input member to the first wheel and the second wheel; and a housing that accommodates the rotating electrical machine, the input member, and the differential gear mechanism; The rotating electrical machine and the input member are arranged on a first shaft. The differential gear mechanism is arranged on a second shaft different from the first shaft. The input member and the differential gear mechanism include a portion arranged on one side in the axial direction, that is, on a first side in the axial direction, with respect to the rotating electrical machine. The axial side opposite to the axial first side is defined as the axial second side, The differential gear mechanism is connected to the first wheel via a shaft member having a portion disposed on the second shaft on the second axial side relative to the differential gear mechanism. The stator core includes: a cylindrical main body extending in the axial direction; and a plurality of protrusions protruding outward in the radial direction relative to the main body. The plurality of protrusions are dispersedly arranged in the circumferential direction along the outer peripheral surface of the main body, and are respectively fixed to the fixing portions formed on the shell. At least a portion of the shaft member is disposed radially inward with respect to an imaginary circle passing through the radially outer ends of each of the plurality of protrusions when viewed in the axial direction along the axial direction.

23. The vehicle driving device according to claim 22, wherein: An insertion hole for inserting a fastening member for fixing the stator core to the fixing portion is formed to penetrate each of the protruding portions in the axial direction. When viewed in the axial direction, at least a portion of the shaft member is arranged on the inner side in the radial direction with respect to an imaginary circle passing through the centers of the plurality of insertion holes formed in the plurality of protruding portions.

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