Power converter and electric car drive system employing the same
AssigneeNippondenso Co., Ltd.
InventorHiroshi Ishiyama
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A power converter having substantially a "U" shape is mounted on the axial side of a motor from which a drive shaft protrudes. Due to the opening end of the "U" shape, the power converter may be removed from the motor or mounted thereon while a load such as vehicle wheels are connected to the motor.
Claims23
A power converter for converting electricity to provide operative power to a motor in an electric car drive system having an electrical power source, said converter comprising:
- a power converter element;
- a housing substantially enclosing said converter element, a surface of said housing defining a cutout recessed radially from an outer peripheral portion of said housing;
- a set of input terminals mounted on said housing for electrically connecting said converter element to said electrical power source;
- and
- a set of output terminals for electrically connecting said converter element to said motor to provide operative power;
- wherein said converter housing is adapted to be mounted on said motor so that a drive shaft extending from said motor is accommodated in said cutout.
An electric car drive system for converting electrical energy into motive power to drive said car, said system comprising:
- a source of electrical energy;
- a motor for generating said motive power, said motor having at least one shaft connected to a wheel of said car;
- and
- a power converter for converting electricity from said source and supplying said converted electricity to said motor, said converter including a housing substantially enclosing said converter, a surface of said housing defining a cutout recessed from a main portion of said housing, said converter being mounted on said motor so that a drive shaft extending from said motor is accommodated in said cutout.
A method of operating an electric car which includes a drive motor having a first end of a drive shaft extending therefrom and a load connected to an end of said drive shaft opposite said motor, said method comprising the steps of:
- converting, using a power converter mounted on said drive motor, electrical energy from a power source to converted electrical power for use by said drive motor;
- applying said converted electrical power to said drive motor to transmit motive power through said load and thereby propel said car;
- and
- removing, radially through a cutout radially formed on said power converter, said power converter from said drive motor while said load is kept connected to said shaft.
A method of operating an electric car which includes a drive motor having a drive shaft extending therefrom and a load connected to an end of said drive shaft opposite said motor, said method comprising the steps of:
- converting, using a power converter mounted on said drive motor substantially around said drive shaft, electrical energy from a power source to converted electrical power for use by said drive motor;
- applying said converted electrical power to said drive motor to transmit motive power through said load and thereby propel said car;
- and
- removing said power converter from said drive motor while said load is kept connected to said shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.