Excavator Inverter Layout Between Hydraulic Tank and Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction machines face challenges in securing space for electric devices like inverter devices due to restrictive layouts, particularly in compact excavators, limiting the freedom and efficiency of device placement.
Innovation Solution
The construction machine incorporates an electric device, such as an inverter device, positioned on a pedestal spaced apart from the hydraulic oil tank, with a fan located between an open part of the hydraulic oil tank's housing space and an exterior cover, and a drive part with a drive seat on a seat mount, allowing for efficient placement in limited spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the electric device is placed in a staircase-shaped component case in front of the tank, then the controller and storage are housed, but the position on the swing frame is restricted and space is difficult to secure in compact excavators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar layout (staircase-shaped component case on the swing frame) to a three-dimensional configuration by placing the electric device in the vertical space between the hydraulic oil tank and the exterior cover. This utilizes the height dimension that was previously underutilized, allowing the electric device to be accommodated without restricting swing frame positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric device is nested within the existing structural envelope formed by the hydraulic oil tank and exterior cover, effectively utilizing the void space between these components. This nesting approach allows the electric device to be integrated into the existing structure without requiring additional external space on the swing frame.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a staircase-shaped component case is used to house the electric device, then the controller and storage are contained, but the position of the electric device is heavily restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electric device from the restrictive staircase-shaped component case and places it directly in the space between the hydraulic oil tank and exterior cover. This extraction eliminates the need for the complex staircase-shaped housing structure while maintaining proper device containment and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The space between the hydraulic oil tank and exterior cover serves multiple functions: it houses the electric device, provides structural support through the pedestal mounting, and maintains proper spacing for heat dissipation. This multi-functional use of space eliminates the need for dedicated staircase-shaped housing.
3Area of stationary object
If the electric device is placed close to the hydraulic oil tank, then space is efficiently utilized, but heat from the hydraulic oil may affect the electric device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary medium between the hydraulic oil tank and the electric device. The natural air gap acts as a thermal buffer, preventing direct heat transfer from the hot hydraulic oil to the temperature-sensitive electric device while maintaining compact space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different thermal management approaches to different regions: the hydraulic oil tank area maintains high temperature for optimal hydraulic fluid viscosity, while the electric device area maintains lower temperature through the air gap insulation. This localized thermal quality control allows efficient space use without compromising device reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention makes it possible to, in a configuration provided with electrical components such as an inverter device for controlling an electric motor, obtain a high degree of freedom with regard to the layout of the electrical components and efficiently place the electrical components in a limited space. An excavator comprises: an electric motor; a hydraulic fluid tank in which hydraulic fluid is stored; a hydraulic pump that is driven by the electric motor and supplies the hydraulic fluid within the hydraulic fluid tank to an actuator; and an inverter device that, with respect to the hydraulic fluid tank, is provided at a position away from a left-side surface part of the hydraulic fluid tank.