EV Drive Unit Casing Layout for In-Vehicle Component Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increase in size of the casing accommodating both a rotating electric machine and an inverter device in existing electrified vehicles limits the layout flexibility of in-vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
A drive device configuration with a first casing housing an electric motor and a second casing housing a power conversion device, positioned upward or downward, creating an accommodation space between them for in-vehicle components, allowing for improved layout flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a single casing accommodates both the rotating electric machine and the inverter device, then device integration is improved, but the layout freedom of in-vehicle components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the drive device into two separate casings: a first casing for the rotating electric machine and a second casing for the inverter device. This segmentation allows each casing to be independently positioned, creating accommodation spaces that improve layout freedom for other in-vehicle components while maintaining functional integration of the drive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the second casing upward or downward from the first casing. This three-dimensional arrangement creates accommodation spaces in the vertical direction, enabling flexible routing of power cables, steering shafts, and heat transfer medium piping without compromising horizontal space utilization.
2Area of moving object
If the casing size is increased to accommodate both devices, then device integration is improved, but the vehicle space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the drive device into two smaller casings rather than one large casing, the patent reduces the overall volume occupied in the vehicle. The separate casings can be positioned more efficiently in three-dimensional space, creating accommodation spaces that improve vehicle space utilization while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic positioning of the second casing relative to the first casing (upward or downward), allowing flexible adaptation to different vehicle layouts and component arrangements. This dynamic configuration optimizes space utilization based on specific vehicle design requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electrified vehicle (10) includes a drive device (20) and in-vehicle components that are not directly connected to the drive device (20). The drive device (20) includes an electric motor (31), a first casing (34) that accommodates the electric motor (31), a power conversion device that is electrically connected to the electric motor (31), and a second casing (74) that is situated upward or downward from the first casing (34) and is fixed to the first casing (34), and that also houses the power conversion device, An accommodation space (SP1) that passes through the drive device (20) in a vehicle front-rear direction is provided between the first casing (34) and the second casing (74). Part of the in-vehicle components are situated within the accommodation space (SP1).