Rotating Electric Machine Connector Offset Terminal Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rotating electric machine units in hybrid and electric vehicles require two separate connectors for connecting three phases of each rotating electric machine to the power drive unit, leading to increased component costs and a larger outer shape due to the need for a connector arrangement that prevents interference with the rotating electric machines.
Innovation Solution
A configuration where six connecting terminals are held by a single connector, with terminal ends oriented orthogonally to the axial direction, allowing for offset arrangement to fit within the outer periphery of one rotating electric machine, enabling compact placement and reducing the outer shape's size by utilizing dead spaces on the periphery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate connectors are used for connecting three phases of each rotating electric machine to the power drive unit, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and product cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate connectors into a single integrated connector that holds all six connecting terminals. This single connector simultaneously connects both rotating electric machines (motor and generator) to the power drive unit, reducing the total number of connectors from two to one while maintaining all necessary electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The single connector serves multiple functions: it connects both the motor and generator to the power drive unit, holds six connecting terminals in total (three for each machine), and provides a unified mounting structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate connectors for each rotating electric machine.
2Device complexity
If six connecting terminals are arranged side by side in a row in a single connector, then the device complexity is reduced, but the outer shape size increases due to connector interference with the rotating electric machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement of terminals to a two-dimensional grid arrangement. The six connecting terminals are organized in two rows of three terminals each, allowing the connector to be positioned in the radial direction away from the rotating electric machine, thus avoiding interference and reducing the overall height of the unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with asymmetric terminal arrangement where terminals are offset in the axial direction. The first row of three terminals and the second row of three terminals are positioned at different axial locations, creating an asymmetric pattern that optimizes space utilization and avoids interference with the rotating electric machine components.
3Reliability
If the connector is positioned to avoid interfering with the rotating electric machine, then the reliability is improved, but the outer shape becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension to position the connector away from the rotating electric machine, preventing interference during operation. By arranging terminals in a two-dimensional grid pattern, the connector can be mounted on the outer periphery of the rotating electric machine, maintaining operational reliability while optimizing the overall volume of the unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating electric machine unit including a connector holding six connecting terminals is provided. When viewed from an axial direction, respective one-end parts of first to third connecting terminals are arranged side by side in a row. When viewed from the axial direction, respective one-end parts of fourth and fifth connecting terminals are arranged to offset to a back side of a first row composed of the first to third connecting terminals, and the one-end parts protrude further inside a casing than the one-end parts of the connecting terminals of the first row. When viewed from the axial direction, a one-end part of a sixth connecting terminal is arranged to offset to a back side of a second row composed of the fourth and fifth connecting terminals, and the one-end part protrudes further inside the casing than the one-end parts of the connecting terminals of the second row.