Vehicle Transmission Layout With Lateral Inverter Dry Compartment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle transmissions with integrated electrical machines and power electronics struggle to maintain a compact overall height without increasing external dimensions, which affects ground clearance and installation space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The transmission design incorporates a power electronics module with a carrier element that integrates the inverter and AC/DC voltage connections, allowing for efficient use of installation space by positioning the power electronics module laterally within the gearbox housing, thus reducing the overall cross-section and height, and includes features like pressure compensation and ventilation to prevent moisture accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the power electronics module is integrated within the gearbox housing, then the overall height and ground clearance are reduced, but the installation space utilization becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The power electronics module is nested within the gearbox housing by utilizing the hollow space formed by the rounded wheelset cross-section. The mounting element is positioned concentrically around the wheelset, creating a dry compartment that houses the inverter without increasing the external dimensions of the gearbox.
Solution Approach 2:
The power electronics module is arranged laterally on the transmission rather than above or below, utilizing the radial space around the wheelset. This dimensional repositioning allows efficient use of the rounded cross-section space while maintaining compact external height.
2Area of stationary object
If the power electronics module is positioned laterally on the transmission, then the cross-section increases only slightly, but the module requires access for assembly and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting element is designed with a detachable cover that can be removed to provide access to the inverter and AC voltage connection. This segmentation allows the power electronics module to be integrated laterally while maintaining ease of assembly and maintenance by enabling access without detaching the entire module from the gearbox.
3Ease of operation
If the inverter is housed in a separate housing, then the installation space is increased, but the overall compactness and ground clearance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing for the power electronics module is merged with the gearbox housing by positioning the mounting element within the gearbox's external dimensions. The dry compartment is formed by the interaction of the gearbox housing outer wall and the mounting element, eliminating the need for a separate external housing while providing adequate installation space for the inverter.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a transmission (G) for a motor vehicle, the transmission (G) comprising a housing (GG), a wheel set (RS) arranged inside the housing (GG) in order to form a plurality of gears between a drive shaft (GW1) and an output shaft (GW2) of the transmission (G), an electric motor (EM) operatively connected to the drive shaft (GW1), the output shaft (GW2) or an element (RSx) of the wheel set (RS) and a power electronics module (LE). The power electronics module (LE) comprises a carrier element (S) having an inner face (Sl) and an outer face (SA), a d.c. voltage connection (DC), an inverter (INV) and an a.c. voltage connection (AC). The housing (GG) comprises on an outer wall (GGA) a region (GGE) to accommodate the power electronics module (LE), which region can be closed by the support element (S) of the power electronics module (LE). The region (GGE) of the housing (GG) and the inner face (Sl) of the carrier element (S) form a dry space (TR) to accommodate the inverter (INV), being fastened to the carrier element (S), and the region (GGE) of the housing (GG) separates the wheel set (RS) at least in some sections from the dry space (TR). The invention further relates to a motor vehicle having such a transmission (G).