Hybrid Drive Unit Nested Clutch Axial Length Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid vehicle drive units face challenges in increasing operating modes without enlarging the structure, particularly in achieving series and series parallel modes while maintaining a compact design.
Innovation Solution
The drive unit incorporates a power distribution device, first and second clutches, and motors arranged coaxially, with the output gear shaped to accommodate the clutches, allowing selective torque transmission and mode switching between series and parallel modes, reducing axial length and component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional clutches are added to enable series and series parallel modes, then operating modes increase, but device complexity and axial length increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second clutch is disposed in an inner circumferential side of the output gear, nesting it within the radial space of the output gear rather than adding it axially. This allows the clutch to be integrated into the existing coaxial arrangement without increasing axial length, resolving the contradiction between adding functionality and maintaining compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging components primarily in the axial direction, the invention utilizes the radial dimension by placing the second clutch in the inner circumferential side of the output gear. This dimensional shift allows additional components to be accommodated without increasing axial length, enabling more operating modes while maintaining compactness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional clutches are added to enable series and series parallel modes, then operating modes increase, but axial length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second clutch is disposed in an inner circumferential side of the output gear, nesting it within the radial space of the output gear rather than adding it axially. This allows the clutch to be integrated into the existing coaxial arrangement without increasing axial length, resolving the contradiction between adding functionality and maintaining compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging components primarily in the axial direction, the invention utilizes the radial dimension by placing the second clutch in the inner circumferential side of the output gear. This dimensional shift allows additional components to be accommodated without increasing axial length, enabling more operating modes while maintaining compactness.
3Device complexity
If planetary gear units are used for speed increasing and speed reducing mechanisms, then compact structure is achieved, but series parallel mode becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces fixed planetary gear units with a dynamic clutch-based power distribution system. The clutches can be selectively engaged and disengaged to change power transmission routes dynamically, enabling the system to switch between series mode, parallel mode, and series-parallel mode, thus resolving the contradiction between structural compactness and operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution device with multiple clutches serves multiple functions: it can connect the engine to the first motor, connect the engine to the output gear through the first motor, or disconnect components for direct motor drive. This multi-functionality enables various operating modes while maintaining a compact coaxial structure, resolving the contradiction between universal operation and structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive unit for a hybrid vehicle an axial length thereof is shortened is provided. A power distribution device is disposed in an inner circumferential side of a cylindrical output gear, and at least a portion of a second clutch is also disposed in the inner circumferential side of the output gear while being adjacent to the power distribution device in an axial direction.