Electric Vehicle Drive Apparatus Terminal Block Axial Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive apparatus for electric vehicles face challenges in minimizing the height and diameter of rotating electric devices due to terminal block positioning, which affects installation space and output, while also requiring reduced agitation resistance from oil.
Innovation Solution
A drive apparatus with a terminal block fitted to the rotating electric device, positioned near the coil-end and inserted from the side surface, minimizing the height and diameter, and featuring a seal member to secure the connection, allowing for easier installation and improved output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the terminal block is positioned outside of the outer periphery of the stator in the radial direction, then the terminal block can be easily connected to the power supply cable, but the height of the entire rotating electric device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block is repositioned from a radial arrangement (outside the stator periphery) to an axial arrangement (at the end of the stator). This dimensional change allows the terminal block to be connected to the power supply cable from the axial direction, maintaining ease of connection while reducing the radial height of the rotating electric device to fit vehicle space constraints.
2Length of stationary object
If the diameter of the stator is reduced to minimize the increase in height, then the height of the rotating electric device is minimized, but the output of the rotating electric device decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the terminal block arrangement from radial to axial, the patent reduces the radial height requirement without compromising the stator diameter. This allows the stator to maintain its original diameter and output capacity while the overall device height is minimized through the axial terminal block configuration.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the stator and rotor are disposed at higher positions to reduce oil agitation resistance, then the oil agitation resistance is reduced, but the terminal block connection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal block connection is shifted from a radial approach (which would require lower positioning) to an axial approach (insertion from the side surface). This dimensional change allows the stator and rotor to be positioned at higher locations to minimize oil agitation resistance, while the terminal block can still be easily connected from the axial direction without being affected by the elevated position.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive apparatus for an electric vehicle includes a rotating electric device; a power source; and a terminal block. The rotating electric device drives the wheels of the vehicle. Electric power is supplied to the rotating electric device from the power source through a power-supply passage connected to the rotating electric device through the terminal block, which is fitted to the rotating electric device. The rotating electric device also includes a housing; a stator provided within the housing; and a coil-end positioned at the end of the stator in the axial direction. The terminal block is disposed near the coil-end at a position equal to or lower than the top surface of the housing. The terminal block is fitted to the rotating electric device so that the terminal block is electrically connected to the coil-end, by inserting the terminal block from the side surface of the housing.