Drive unit testing device

Abstract

To provide a drive unit testing apparatus which can easily test plural types of samples with different inter-shaft distances between input shafts and output shafts.SOLUTION: A drive unit testing apparatus 1 comprises: a first output dynamometer 51 and a second output dynamometer 52 which are drive-connected to output shafts 72, 73 extending in one direction and an opposite direction to the one direction of a sample 70; and a first input dynamometer 11 and a second input dynamometer 12 which are located on one end and the other end in an orthogonal direction of an output rotation axis P0 with a sample attachment part 80 held therebetween in plan view. An interval D1 between a rotation axis P1 and the output rotation axis P0 of the first input dynamometer is different from an interval D2 between a rotation axis P2 and the output rotation axis P0 of the second input dynamometer in the orthogonal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive unit test apparatus for testing a specimen including a drive unit.

Background Art

[0002] A drive unit test apparatus for testing a specimen including a drive unit such as a transmission mechanism is known. The specimen to be tested outputs, for example, a driving force input from a drive source to an output shaft of the specimen via a transmission mechanism.

[0003] As such a drive unit test apparatus for a specimen including a drive unit, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a test apparatus using a transaxle as a specimen. That is, in the test apparatus, as disclosed in FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1, a drive motor is connected to an input shaft torque meter via an extension shaft, and the input shaft torque meter is connected to an input shaft of the transaxle. In the test apparatus, a pair of output shafts of the transaxle are connected to an output shaft torque meter via an axle shaft having no angle (parallel to the input shaft and the output shaft).

[0004] Further, in the test apparatus of Patent Document 1, one output shaft torque meter is connected to one dynamometer, and the other output shaft torque meter and the other position-fixed dynamometer are connected via a constant velocity ball joint. The test apparatus is provided with a first moving table that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the input shaft and to which one output shaft torque meter and the dynamometer are attached, and a second moving table to which the other output shaft torque meter is attached.

[0005] In the test apparatus described in Patent Document 1, when testing multiple types of test specimens with different spacings between the input and output shafts, the relative positions of the torque meter and dynamometer for one output shaft and the torque meter for the other output shaft, which are connected to a pair of output shafts of the transaxle, are moved according to the spacing between the input and output shafts of the test specimen. In this way, the test apparatus of Patent Document 1 can perform tests on various types of test specimens with different spacings between the input and output shafts. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-046006 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] By the way, in the test apparatus described in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, when testing multiple types of test specimens with different distances between the input and output shafts of the specimen, it is assumed that the positions of the output shaft torque meter and dynamometer are adjusted to match the pair of output shafts of the specimen by moving the mobile platform.

[0008] Furthermore, in the test apparatus of Patent Document 1, the drive motor and the input shaft torque meter are connected via the extension shaft in order to prevent interference between the output shaft torque meter and the mobile stand and the drive motor. When the drive motor and the input shaft torque meter are connected via the extension shaft in this way, the maximum rotational speed of the input shaft decreases due to the effect of axial resonance, and the axial responsiveness of the input shaft to the drive motor decreases due to the decrease in axial rigidity, compared to when the drive motor and the input shaft torque meter are directly connected. Moreover, the overall length of the test apparatus increases by the length of the extension shaft.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a test apparatus that can easily test multiple types of test specimens with different distances between the input and output shafts, without having to move the mobile platform to change the layout of the torque meter and dynamometer, and without using the extension shafts described above.

[0010] The objective of the present invention is to provide a drive unit testing apparatus that can easily test multiple types of test specimens with different interaxial distances between the input shaft and the output shaft. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A drive unit test apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is a test apparatus for testing a test specimen including a drive unit. This drive unit test apparatus comprises a first output dynamometer and a second output dynamometer arranged opposite each other in a plan view with the test specimen mounting portion in between, and driven and connected to output shafts extending from the test specimen in one direction and in the direction opposite to that direction; a first input dynamometer located on the first output dynamometer side with respect to the test specimen mounting portion and in a plan view in one direction perpendicular to the output rotation axis with respect to the output rotation axis of the first output dynamometer and the second output dynamometer, and drive and connected to the input shaft of the test specimen; and a second input dynamometer located on the second output dynamometer side with respect to the test specimen mounting portion and in a plan view in the other direction perpendicular to the output rotation axis with respect to the output rotation axis, and drive and connected to the input shaft of the test specimen. In the aforementioned orthogonal direction, the distance between the rotation axis of the first input dynamometer and the output rotation axis is different from the distance between the rotation axis of the second input dynamometer and the output rotation axis (first configuration).

[0012] In the above configuration, the first input dynamometer and the second input dynamometer are positioned on either side of the test specimen mounting portion in a plan view, perpendicular to the output rotation axis, such that the first inter-axis distance, which is the distance between the rotation axis of the first input dynamometer and the output rotation axis, and the second inter-axis distance, which is the distance between the rotation axis of the second input dynamometer and the output rotation axis, are different.

[0013] This allows for the installation orientation of multiple types of test specimens with different distances between the input and output axes to be rotated 180° in a plan view, thereby enabling the drive connection of either the first input dynamometer or the second input dynamometer to the input axis of the test specimen.

[0014] Therefore, a drive unit testing apparatus is obtained that can test a test specimen without significantly changing the relative positions of the first input dynamometer and the second input dynamometer with respect to the first output dynamometer and the second output dynamometer, and without using an extension shaft as disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0015] Therefore, multiple types of test specimens with different distances between the input and output axes can be easily tested without changing the layout of the elements constituting the test apparatus (including equipment such as dynamometers and torque meters, as well as the mounting stand).

[0016] In the first configuration described above, the maximum driving force of the first input dynamometer is different from the maximum driving force of the second input dynamometer (second configuration).

[0017] The maximum driving force of the input dynamometer needs to be varied according to the driving force required by the test specimen. The size of the input dynamometer varies according to the maximum driving force of the input dynamometer. Therefore, the distance between the input shaft and output shaft of the test specimen varies according to the driving force required by the test specimen.

[0018] Therefore, by using a first input dynamometer and a second input dynamometer with different maximum driving forces, and by having the distance between the rotation axis of the first input dynamometer and the output rotation axis differ from the distance between the rotation axis of the second input dynamometer and the output rotation axis, as in the first configuration, multiple types of test specimens with different required driving forces can be easily tested using the drive unit test device without changing the layout of the first input dynamometer and the second input dynamometer.

[0019] In the first or second configuration, the drive unit test device further includes a switching unit that switches between the drive control of the first input dynamometer and the drive control of the second input dynamometer (third configuration).

[0020] Thereby, it is possible to test a plurality of types of specimens using either the first input dynamometer or the second input dynamometer. Therefore, an individual inverter panel corresponding to each input dynamometer becomes unnecessary. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost of the drive unit test device can be reduced and the size can be minimized.

[0021] In the third configuration, the drive unit test device further includes an input dynamometer moving mechanism that moves at least one of the first input dynamometer and the second input dynamometer in at least one of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction (fourth configuration).

[0022] Thereby, the position of at least one of the first input dynamometer and the second input dynamometer can be adjusted to match the position of the input shaft of the specimen. Therefore, more types of specimens can be tested by the drive unit test device.

[0023] Moreover, when the specimen includes a motor, by moving the first input dynamometer and the second input dynamometer in a direction away from the specimen mounting portion, it is possible to prevent the first input dynamometer and the second input dynamometer from interfering with the specimen.

[0024] Therefore, with the above-described configuration, a drive unit test device capable of testing more types of specimens can be obtained.

[0025] In the third configuration, the drive unit test device further includes an output dynamometer moving mechanism that moves at least one of the first output dynamometer and the second output dynamometer in at least one of the horizontal direction and the vertical direction (fifth configuration).

[0026] Accordingly, the position of at least one of the first output dynamometer and the second output dynamometer can be adjusted to match the position of the output shaft of the test specimen. Therefore, more types of test specimens can be tested by the drive unit test apparatus.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] According to the drive unit test apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first input dynamometer and the second input dynamometer are arranged on one side and the other side in a direction orthogonal to the output rotation axis with the test specimen mounting portion interposed therebetween in a plan view such that a first axial distance, which is the distance between the rotation axis and the output rotation axis of the first input dynamometer, and a second axial distance, which is the distance between the rotation axis of the second input dynamometer and the output rotation axis, are different. Therefore, a drive unit test apparatus capable of easily testing a plurality of types of test specimens having different axial distances between the input shaft and the output shaft can be obtained without changing the layout of the elements (including devices such as dynamometers and torque meters, and installation bases, etc.) constituting the test apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a drive unit test apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the drive unit test apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the first input dynamometer included in the drive unit test apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is drivingly connected to the input shaft of a test specimen. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a state in which the second input dynamometer included in the drive unit test apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is drivingly connected to the input shaft of a test specimen. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the drive unit test apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a drive unit test apparatus according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0030] (Overall structure) Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a drive unit test apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of the drive unit test apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a plan view showing the state in which the first input dynamometer 11 of the drive unit test apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1 is driven and connected to the input shaft 71 of the test specimen 70. Figure 4 is a plan view showing the state in which the second input dynamometer 12 of the drive unit test apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1 is driven and connected to the input shaft 71 of the test specimen 70.

[0031] In the figure, arrow Z indicates the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the base portion 60 of the drive unit test device 1. The Z-axis direction will also be referred to as the up and down direction below. In the figure, arrow X indicates the X-axis direction, which is one of the horizontal directions perpendicular to the Z-axis direction of the drive unit test device 1. In the figure, arrow Y indicates the Y-axis direction, which is the horizontal direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction of the drive unit test device 1.

[0032] The drive unit test apparatus 1 is a device for testing a test specimen 70, which includes a drive unit E.

[0033] The drive unit E is part of a drive system used as a powertrain in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle. The drive system includes, for example, a drive motor which is a power source, the drive unit E which is a power transmission system, and an inverter. There are multiple types of drive systems with different outputs depending on the output of the drive motor.

[0034] The drive unit test apparatus 1 is a device for evaluating the performance of a test specimen 70, which includes a drive unit E, a part of a drive system. First, let's describe the test specimen 70 that the drive unit test apparatus 1 is testing.

[0035] (Specimen) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the test specimen 70 includes an input shaft 71 to which driving force is input from a drive source such as a drive motor, a drive unit E, and a first output shaft 73 and a second output shaft 74, which are output shafts extending from the test specimen 70 in one direction and in the opposite direction.

[0036] The drive unit E changes the speed of the driving force input to the input shaft 71 of the test specimen 70 and outputs it to the first output shaft 73 and the second output shaft 74.

[0037] The test specimen 701 shown in Figure 3 includes a drive unit E of a high-power drive system. Therefore, in the following, the test specimen 701 will also be referred to as a high-power test specimen. The input shaft 71 and the first output shaft 73 of the test specimen 701 are parallel, and the distance between them is D1.

[0038] Furthermore, the test specimen 702 shown in Figure 4 includes a drive unit E of a low-power drive system. Therefore, in the following, test specimen 702 will also be referred to as a low-power test specimen. The input shaft 71 and the first output shaft 73 of test specimen 702 are parallel, and the distance between them is D2.

[0039] Note that interval D1 is larger than interval D2.

[0040] In the following, unless there is a need to specifically distinguish between the high-power test specimen 701 and the low-power test specimen 702, they will be collectively referred to as test specimen 70.

[0041] (Drive unit testing device) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the drive unit test apparatus 1 includes an output-side load device 50, an input-side load device 10, a test specimen mounting section 80 having a mounting frame 90 on which a test specimen 70 can be installed, a base section 60, and a test control unit 100.

[0042] (Output side load device) The output load device 50 includes a first output dynamometer 51, a second output dynamometer 52, a first output torque meter 53, and a second output torque meter 54.

[0043] The first output dynamometer 51 has a dynamometer body 51a and a rotating shaft 51b. The second output dynamometer 52 has a dynamometer body 52a and a rotating shaft 52b.

[0044] The first output dynamometer 51 and the second output dynamometer 52 absorb the torque output from the test specimen 70. More specifically, the first output dynamometer 51 and the second output dynamometer 52 function as loads for the test specimen 70. Since the first output dynamometer 51 and the second output dynamometer 52 have the same configuration as conventional dynamometers, a detailed explanation of the dynamometer configuration is omitted.

[0045] The first output torque meter 53 is positioned between the rotating shaft 51b of the first output dynamometer 51 and the first output shaft 73 of the test specimen 70, and detects torque. The second output torque meter 54 is positioned between the rotating shaft 52b of the second output dynamometer 52 and the second output shaft 74 of the test specimen 70, and detects torque. The first output torque meter 53 and the second output torque meter 54 do not need to be provided when torque is not being detected.

[0046] (Input-side load device) The input-side load device 10 includes a first input dynamometer 11, a first input torque meter 13, a second input dynamometer 12, and a second input torque meter 14.

[0047] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the first input dynamometer 11 has a dynamometer body 11a and a rotating shaft 11b.

[0048] The first input dynamometer 11 simulates a high-power drive motor during testing of the high-power test specimen 701. Therefore, the first input dynamometer 11 is capable of outputting a predetermined maximum driving force to simulate a high-power drive motor. Details of the testing of the high-power test specimen 701 will be described later. Furthermore, since the first input dynamometer 11 has the same configuration as a conventional dynamometer, a detailed explanation of its configuration will be omitted.

[0049] The first input torque meter 13 is positioned between the rotating shaft 11b of the first input dynamometer 11 and the input shaft 71 of the test specimen 701, and detects torque.

[0050] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the second input dynamometer 12 has a dynamometer body 12a and a rotating shaft 12b of the second input dynamometer.

[0051] The second input dynamometer 12 simulates a low-power drive motor during testing of the low-power test specimen 702. Therefore, to simulate a low-power drive motor, the second input dynamometer 12 can output a maximum drive force smaller than that of the first input dynamometer 11. Details of the testing of the low-power test specimen 702 will be described later. Furthermore, since the second input dynamometer 12 has the same configuration as a conventional dynamometer, a detailed explanation of its configuration will be omitted.

[0052] The second input torque meter 14 is positioned between the rotating shaft 12b of the second output dynamometer and the input shaft 71 of the test specimen 702, and detects torque.

[0053] The first input torque meter 13 and the second input torque meter 14 do not need to be provided when torque is not being detected.

[0054] (Test specimen mounting section) The specimen mounting section 80 is a space on which the specimen 70 can be installed. Specifically, the specimen mounting section 80 includes the space between the first input dynamometer 11 and the second input dynamometer 12, and the space between the first output dynamometer 51 and the second output dynamometer 52. The size of the space in the specimen mounting section 80 changes according to the size of the specimen 70 being tested.

[0055] The specimen mounting section 80 is located between the first output dynamometer 51 and the second output dynamometer 52. The specimen mounting section 80 is also located between the first input dynamometer 11 and the second input dynamometer 12.

[0056] The specimen mounting section 80 has a mounting frame 90 on which the specimen 70 is installed. The mounting frame 90 is a frame on which the specimen 70 is installed. The mounting frame 90 may have any configuration as long as it is capable of fixing the specimen 70.

[0057] (Base section) The base portion 60 is a plate-shaped member on which the output-side load device 50, input-side load device 10, and mounting frame 90 described above can be installed. The base portion 60 may have any configuration as long as it is capable of fixing the output-side load device 50, input-side load device 10, and mounting frame 90.

[0058] (Positional relationship between output load device and input load device) The first output dynamometer 51 and the second output dynamometer 52 are arranged such that, as shown in Figure 2 in particular, the rotation axis 51b of the first output dynamometer and the rotation axis 52b of the second output dynamometer face each other in a plan view, with the specimen mounting portion 80 in between.

[0059] In the following explanation, the axis of rotation of the first output dynamometer's rotation axis 51b and the second output dynamometer's rotation axis 52b will be referred to as the output rotation axis P0.

[0060] In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first output dynamometer 51 is driven and connected to a first output shaft 73 that extends in one direction from the test specimen 70. The second output dynamometer 52 is driven and connected to a second output shaft 74 that extends in the opposite direction from the test specimen 70.

[0061] In other words, the first output dynamometer 51 and the second output dynamometer 52 are positioned on the same line as the output rotation axis P0 as the first output shaft 73 and the second output shaft 74 of the test specimen, and are drive-connected by the rotation axis 51b of the first output dynamometer and the rotation axis 52b of the second output dynamometer.

[0062] In the following, the axis of rotation shaft 11b of the first input dynamometer will be referred to as the first input axis P1. The axis of rotation shaft 12b of the second input dynamometer will be referred to as the second input axis P2. The output rotation axis P0, the first input axis P1, and the second input axis P2 are parallel to each other.

[0063] The first input dynamometer 11 is positioned on the side of the first output dynamometer 51 relative to the specimen mounting section 80. The first input dynamometer 11 is positioned such that its rotation shaft 11b extends toward the specimen mounting section 80.

[0064] The first input dynamometer 11 is located in a plan view on one side of the direction perpendicular to the output rotation axis P0 (the Y1 side in Figure 2) and is arranged to be driveable to the input shaft 71 of the specimen.

[0065] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the first input axis P1 and the output rotation axis P0 are parallel and arranged so that the distance between them is the distance between the input and output axes of the high-output test specimen 701, which is the distance D1. Also, in a plan view, the outer diameter of the first input dynamometer body 11a is d1. The distance D1 is greater than d1 / 2.

[0066] As shown in Figure 3, when testing a high-output test specimen 701 in the drive unit test apparatus 1, a first input dynamometer 11 that simulates a high-output drive motor is used. That is, the input shaft 71 of the test specimen 701 is driven and connected to the rotation shaft 11b of the first input dynamometer. In addition, the first output shaft 73 of the test specimen 701, which extends in one direction, is driven and connected to the rotation shaft 51b of the first output dynamometer. The second output shaft 74 of the test specimen 701, which extends in the opposite direction to the aforementioned one direction, is driven and connected to the rotation shaft 52b of the second output dynamometer.

[0067] Furthermore, the second input dynamometer 12 is positioned on the second output dynamometer 52 side with respect to the specimen mounting section 80. The second input dynamometer 12 is positioned such that its rotation shaft 12b extends toward the specimen mounting section 80.

[0068] The second input dynamometer 12 is located in a plan view on the other side of the direction perpendicular to the output rotation axis P0 (the Y2 side in Figure 2) and is arranged to be driveable to the input shaft 71 of the specimen.

[0069] Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the second input axis P2 and the output rotation axis P0 are parallel and arranged such that the distance between them is D2, which is the distance between the input and output axes of the low-power test specimen 702. Also, in a plan view, the outer diameter of the dynamometer body 12a of the second input dynamometer 12 is d2. The distance D2 is greater than d2 / 2.

[0070] As shown in Figure 4, when testing a low-output test specimen 702 in the drive unit test apparatus 1, a second input dynamometer 12 that simulates a low-output drive motor is used. That is, the input shaft 71 of the test specimen 702 is driven and connected to the rotation shaft 12b of the second input dynamometer. In addition, the first output shaft 73 of the test specimen 702, which extends in one direction, is driven and connected to the rotation shaft 52b of the second output dynamometer. The second output shaft 74 of the test specimen 702, which extends in the opposite direction to the aforementioned one direction, is driven and connected to the rotation shaft 51b of the first output dynamometer.

[0071] Furthermore, when testing the low-output test specimen 702 in the drive unit test apparatus 1, the installation orientation of the test specimen 702 is rotated 180° in plan view compared to the installation orientation of the test specimen 701 when testing the high-output test specimen 701. That is, the connection direction of the first output shaft 73 and the second output shaft 74 of the test specimen 702 is rotated 180° in plan view compared to the connection direction of the first output shaft 73 and the second output shaft 74 of the test specimen 701 when testing the high-output test specimen 701. If the axes of the first output shaft 73 and the second output shaft 74 of the test specimen 701 are called the test specimen output axis Q, then the test specimen output axis Q and the output rotation axis P0 are located on the same line. Therefore, even if the installation orientation of the test specimen 70 is rotated 180° in plan view as described above, the test specimen 70 can be installed in the drive unit test apparatus 1.

[0072] In the drive unit test apparatus 1, the first inter-axis distance corresponds to the spacing D1, which is the distance between the input shaft 71 and the first output shaft 73 in the high-output test specimen 701. The second inter-axis distance corresponds to the spacing D2, which is the distance between the input shaft 71 and the first output shaft 73 in the low-output test specimen 702. The first inter-axis distance is greater than the second inter-axis distance.

[0073] In other words, in a plan view, in the direction orthogonal to the output rotation axis P0, the first inter-axis distance, which is the distance between the first input axis P1 and the output rotation axis P0, is different from the second inter-axis distance, which is the distance between the second input axis P2 and the output rotation axis P0. More specifically, the first input dynamometer 11 and the second input dynamometer 12 are positioned on one side and the other in a direction orthogonal to the output rotation axis P0, with the specimen mounting portion 80 in the plane view, such that the first inter-axis distance, which is the distance between the rotation axis of the first input dynamometer (first input axis P1) and the output rotation axis P0, and the second inter-axis distance, which is the distance between the rotation axis of the second input dynamometer (second input axis P2) and the output rotation axis P0, are different.

[0074] In the drive unit test apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, a high-output test specimen 701 and a low-output test specimen 702, which have different distances between the input shaft 71 and the output shaft 73, can be arranged with their mounting orientation rotated 180° in a plan view relative to the test specimen mounting section 80, and either the first input dynamometer 11 or the second input dynamometer 12 can be driven and connected to the input shaft 71 of the test specimens 701 and 702.

[0075] Therefore, multiple types of test specimens with different distances between the input and output shafts can be easily tested without changing the layout of the elements constituting the test apparatus (including equipment such as dynamometers and torque meters, as well as the mounting stand, etc.) and without using an extension shaft as disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0076] Furthermore, in the drive unit test apparatus 1, the maximum driving force of the first input dynamometer 11 is different from the maximum driving force of the second input dynamometer 12.

[0077] As mentioned above, there are multiple types of drive systems with different outputs, depending on the output of the drive motor. Generally, the outer diameter of the drive motor increases as the output increases.

[0078] In other words, high-power drive motors have a larger outer diameter than low-power drive motors, and therefore the distance between the rotating shaft and the outer surface of the drive motor body is greater in a plan view compared to low-power drive motors. Consequently, the distance between the input shaft and the output shaft in a high-power drive unit E is greater than the distance between the input shaft and the output shaft in a low-power drive unit E.

[0079] Therefore, the distance between the input shaft 71 and the output shaft 73 in the high-output test specimen 701 is greater than the distance between the input shaft 71 and the output shaft 73 in the low-output test specimen 702. Thus, the size of the drive motor differs depending on the driving force required by the test specimen 70, and the distance between the input shaft 71 and the output shaft 73 differs accordingly.

[0080] In the drive unit test apparatus 1, the size of the input dynamometer simulating the drive motor varies depending on the maximum driving force. Furthermore, the maximum driving force of the input dynamometer simulating the drive motor needs to be changed according to the driving force required by the test specimen.

[0081] Therefore, by using a first input dynamometer 11 and a second input dynamometer 12 with different maximum driving forces, and by having the distance D1 between the first input axis P1 and the output rotation axis P0 of the first input dynamometer 11 be different from the distance D2 between the second input axis P2 and the output rotation axis P0 of the second input dynamometer 12, multiple types of test specimens with different required driving forces can be easily tested by the drive unit test device 1 without changing the layout of the first input dynamometer 11 and the second input dynamometer 12.

[0082] In addition, the drive unit test apparatus 1 does not require the preparation of a new drive unit test apparatus with a different distance between the input axis of the input dynamometer and the output axis of the output dynamometer depending on the type of test specimen 70, thus reducing the cost of introducing the drive unit test apparatus. Furthermore, it does not require space to install multiple drive unit test apparatuses.

[0083] (Test Control Unit) The drive unit test device 1 has a test control unit 100. The test control unit 100 controls the test performed by the drive unit test device 1 by controlling the drive of the drive unit test device 1.

[0084] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the drive unit test apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 5, the test control unit 100 of the drive unit test apparatus 1 includes a power supply device 151, a first output dynamometer inverter panel 153, a second output dynamometer inverter panel 154, an input dynamometer inverter panel 152, and a switching unit 110.

[0085] The power supply device 151 controls the operation of the first output dynamometer inverter panel 153, the second output dynamometer inverter panel 154, and the input dynamometer inverter panel 152 by controlling the power from the power grid.

[0086] The input dynamometer inverter panel 152 is electrically connected to the first input dynamometer 11 and the second input dynamometer 12 via the switching unit 110. The input dynamometer inverter panel 152 controls the operation of the connected dynamometer by controlling the power supplied to the connected dynamometer selected by the switching unit 110.

[0087] The first output dynamometer inverter panel 153 controls the operation of the first output dynamometer 51 by controlling the power supplied to the first output dynamometer 51. The second output dynamometer inverter panel 154 controls the operation of the second output dynamometer 52 by controlling the power supplied to the second output dynamometer 52.

[0088] The switching unit 110 switches the connection destination of the input dynamometer inverter panel 152 and controls the operation of the first input torque meter 13 and the second input torque meter 14 according to the connection destination of the input dynamometer inverter panel 152. Details of the switching unit 110 will be described later.

[0089] (Switching section) As described above, the drive unit test device 1 has a switching section 110. The switching section 110 includes an input dynamometer switching section 111 and a measuring instrument switching section 112.

[0090] The input dynamometer switching unit 111 switches the target of drive control by the input dynamometer inverter panel 152 to either the first input dynamometer 11 or the second input dynamometer 12.

[0091] In other words, the input dynamometer switching unit 111 can drive either the first input dynamometer 11 or the second input dynamometer 12 by switching the dynamometer controlled by the input dynamometer inverter panel 152.

[0092] This allows the unused dynamometers from the first input dynamometer 11 and the second input dynamometer 12 to be put into a dormant state.

[0093] The measuring instrument switching unit 112 switches the operation of the first input torque meter 13 and the second input torque meter 14 according to the connection destination of the input dynamometer switching unit 111.

[0094] With the above configuration, multiple types of test specimens 70 can be tested using either the first input dynamometer 11 or the second input dynamometer 12. Therefore, individual inverter panels corresponding to each input dynamometer are not required. Consequently, the manufacturing cost of the drive unit test equipment can be reduced and the size can be miniaturized.

[0095] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments described above are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and it is possible to carry out the invention by appropriately modifying the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the drive unit test apparatus 1 does not have a mechanism for moving the elements constituting the test apparatus (including equipment such as a dynamometer and torque meter, and a mounting stand, etc.). However, the drive unit test apparatus may have a moving mechanism 130 for moving the elements constituting the test apparatus.

[0097] As shown in Figure 6, the drive unit test apparatus 1001 may have a moving mechanism 130. The moving mechanism 130 may include at least one of the following: an output moving mechanism 135 for moving the output-side load device 50, an input moving mechanism 131 for moving the input-side load device 10, and a test specimen moving mechanism 137 for moving the test specimen 70.

[0098] The drive unit test apparatus 1001 may further include an input dynamometer moving mechanism that moves at least one of the first input dynamometer 11 and the second input dynamometer 12 of the input-side load device 10 in at least one of the horizontal and vertical directions. That is, the input moving mechanism 131 may include the input dynamometer moving mechanism.

[0099] The drive unit test device 1001 may further include an output dynamometer moving mechanism that moves at least one of the first output dynamometer 51 and the second output dynamometer 52 of the output side load device 50 in at least one of the horizontal and vertical directions. That is, the output moving mechanism 135 may include the output dynamometer moving mechanism.

[0100] The moving mechanism 130 may have any configuration as long as it is capable of moving the mobile platform horizontally and vertically. Known configurations can be used for moving the mobile platform. For example, a configuration for moving the mobile platform horizontally may be a configuration in which the mobile platform is moved horizontally along rails installed below the mobile platform, or a configuration in which the mobile platform is moved horizontally using casters installed below the mobile platform. For example, a configuration for moving the mobile platform vertically may be a configuration in which the mobile platform is moved vertically using a jack structure installed below the mobile platform. The moving mechanism 130 may have a configuration for moving the base portion itself, or a configuration for moving the mobile platform on the base portion.

[0101] As a result, the drive unit test apparatus 1001 can adjust the position of at least one of the first input dynamometer 11, the second input dynamometer 12, the first output dynamometer 51, the second output dynamometer 52, and the test specimen 70.

[0102] Therefore, the drive unit test device 1001 can adjust the relative positions of the test specimen mounting section 80, output dynamometers 51, 52 and input dynamometers 11, 12 and the test specimen 70.

[0103] Furthermore, if the test specimen 70 includes a motor, the first input dynamometer 11 and the second input dynamometer 12 can be moved away from the test specimen mounting portion 80 to prevent them from interfering with the test specimen 70.

[0104] In addition, the drive unit test apparatus 1001 can be used to install other types of test specimens, even if the output shafts extending from the test specimen in one direction and in the opposite direction are not located on the same line, by means of the moving mechanism 130. This improves the versatility of the drive unit test apparatus.

[0105] Therefore, the above configuration provides a drive unit testing apparatus capable of testing a wider variety of test specimens.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the test specimen 70 is, for example, part of a drive system used in a vehicle such as an electric vehicle. However, the test specimen may also be part of a drive unit used in a gasoline engine vehicle, as long as it has an input shaft and a pair of output shafts. The test specimen may also have a separate inverter. The test specimen does not have a transmission. The test specimen may or may not have a differential.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the drive unit test apparatus 1 has a mounting frame 90 on which the test specimen 70 can be installed. However, the drive unit test apparatus does not have to have a mounting frame, and the test specimen may be directly fixed to the base. Also, the drive unit test apparatus may have a mounting frame on which at least one of the output-side load device and the input-side load device can be installed.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the output rotation axis P0, the first input axis P1, and the second input axis P2 are parallel to each other in the drive unit test apparatus 1. However, the output rotation axis and the input axis do not have to be strictly parallel. That is, the output rotation axis and the input axis may not only not intersect, but may also extend in a direction that intersects the other, such as by intersecting on an extension line.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the first input dynamometer 11 and the second input dynamometer 12 have different maximum driving forces. However, the first input dynamometer and the second input dynamometer may have the same maximum driving force. [Industrial applicability]

[0110] The present invention can be used in a drive unit testing apparatus for testing a test specimen that includes a drive unit that outputs the driving force generated by a drive source to a first output shaft and a second output shaft. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 1. Drive unit test device 10 Input-side load device 11. First Input Dynamometer 11a First Input Dynamometer Unit 11b Rotation axis of the first input dynamometer 12. Second Input Dynamometer 12a Second Input Dynamometer Unit 12b Rotation axis of the second input dynamometer 13. First Input Torque Meter 14. Second Input Torque Meter 50 Output side load device 51. First Output Dynamometer 51a First Output Dynamometer Unit 51b Rotation axis of the first output dynamometer 52. Second Output Dynamometer 52a Second Output Dynamometer Unit 52b Rotation axis of the second output dynamometer 53. First Output Torque Meter 54. Second Output Torque Meter 60 Base section 70,701,702 Specimen 71 Input axis of the test specimen 73 Output shaft of the test specimen (first output shaft) 74 Output shaft of the test specimen (second output shaft) 80 Specimen mounting section 90 Mounting bracket 100 Test Control Unit 110 Switching section 111 Input dynamometer switching section 112 Measuring instrument switching section 151 Power supply equipment 152 Input Dynamometer Inverter Panel 153. First Output Dynamometer Inverter Panel 154 Second Output Dynamometer Inverter Panel 1001 Drive unit test device 130 Moving mechanism 131 Input Movement Mechanism 135 Output movement mechanism 137 Specimen movement mechanism E Drive Unit Q Test specimen output axis P0 Output rotation axis P1 Rotation axis of the first input dynamometer (first input axis) P2 Rotation axis of the second input dynamometer (second input axis)

Claims

1. A drive unit test apparatus for testing a test specimen including a drive unit, A first output dynamometer and a second output dynamometer are arranged opposite each other in a plan view, with the specimen mounting portion in between, and are driven and connected to output shafts extending from the specimen in one direction and in the opposite direction, respectively. A first input dynamometer is located on the first output dynamometer side with respect to the specimen mounting portion and, in a plan view, in one direction perpendicular to the output rotation axis of the first output dynamometer and the second output dynamometer, and is drive-connectable to the input shaft of the specimen, A second input dynamometer is located on the second output dynamometer side with respect to the specimen mounting portion and in a plan view in a direction perpendicular to the output rotation axis with respect to the output rotation axis, and is drive-connectable to the input shaft of the specimen, Equipped with, In the aforementioned orthogonal direction, the distance between the rotation axis of the first input dynamometer and the output rotation axis is different from the distance between the rotation axis of the second input dynamometer and the output rotation axis. Drive unit testing device.

2. In the drive unit testing apparatus according to claim 1, The maximum driving force of the first input dynamometer is different from the maximum driving force of the second input dynamometer. Drive unit testing device.

3. In the drive unit testing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, The system further includes a switching unit that switches between the drive control of the first input dynamometer and the drive control of the second input dynamometer. Drive unit testing device.

4. In the test apparatus described in claim 3, The system further includes an input dynamometer movement mechanism that moves at least one of the first input dynamometer and the second input dynamometer in at least one of the horizontal and vertical directions. Drive unit testing device.

5. In the test apparatus described in claim 3, The system further includes an output dynamometer movement mechanism that moves at least one of the first output dynamometer and the second output dynamometer in at least one of the horizontal and vertical directions. Drive unit testing device.

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