Hybrid Vehicle Powertrain Motor Vertical Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid vehicle driving apparatuses installed longitudinally, designing a power generation motor with a core diameter and width that improves efficiency is challenging due to space constraints, especially when a differential mechanism and transfer mechanism are involved, leading to difficulties in power transmission and floor tunnel modifications.
Innovation Solution
A gear train is provided between the engine and power generation motor, with the rotary shaft of the power generation motor disposed above the crankshaft, allowing for a reduced width dimension and enlarged diameter, and a clutch mechanism couples the power generation and travel motors via a planetary gear train, enabling efficient power transmission and improved design freedom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the power generation motor is designed to be thin to secure space for the differential mechanism, then the space for the differential mechanism is secured, but the core diameter and core width cannot be substantially identical, reducing power generation motor efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the power generation motor from a lateral arrangement to a vertical arrangement above the crankshaft, utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the spatial conflict. This allows the motor to have sufficient core diameter and core width for high efficiency while providing space below for the differential mechanism, eliminating the need to thin the motor design.
2Ease of operation
If a transfer mechanism is incorporated into the driving apparatus, then power can be transmitted to the front wheel, but the output shaft must overhang greatly in the vehicle width direction, requiring modification of the floor tunnel shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the differential mechanism vertically below the power generation motor, utilizing the vertical space above the front wheel. This eliminates the need for lateral overhang and floor tunnel modifications, as the power transmission path is reconfigured in the vertical dimension rather than extending horizontally.
3Ease of operation
If the engine and power generation motor are disposed coaxially, then the driving apparatus can be installed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, but the rotary shaft must be positioned to avoid the power generation motor, causing great overhang in the vehicle width direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the power generation motor vertically above the crankshaft rather than coaxially, creating separation in the vertical dimension. This allows the output shaft to be positioned below the motor without lateral overhang, as the shafts are offset vertically rather than requiring horizontal clearance.
Data Source
AI summary
In a driving apparatus for a hybrid vehicle, a travel motor is provided on a rear end of the power unit such that power from the travel motor is transmitted to a differential mechanism from a motor shaft via a gear train and a pinion shaft. Further, an engine is provided on a front end of the power unit, and a generator is provided in the center of the power unit. The engine and the generator are coupled via a gear train, and a generator shaft is disposed above a crankshaft. Thus, a space can be secured below the generator so that the pinion shaft can be disposed below the generator.