Vitesco Technologies will exhibit its innovative Rotor Lock Actuator at the SIA Powertrain expo in Lille, France.
The electric vehicles (EVs) module is a single element that performs three essential tasks. It has an externally excited synchronous machine (EESM) brush system that is optional, as well as a park lock function and accurate rotor position detection. Customers’ expenses, complexity, and packing area on the e-axle are all decreased as a result.
In addition to the park brakes at the wheels, most EVs use a mechanical park lock in the reducer gearbox to secure the parking position. This is the most advanced method for ensuring safe vehicle parking conditions available today. This occupies a significant amount of room in the car. By moving the park lock functionality from the gearbox to the rotor shaft of the e-machine, the creative rotor lock concept results in a more efficient and economical system design.
“The key to the success of e-mobility is the reduction of costs and complexity”, explains Robert Paul, Head of the Actuation business unit at Vitesco Technologies: “By combining up to three functions in one product our Rotor Lock Actuator enables us to offer high functionality while optimizing both packaging space and costs.”
The end-of-shaft position on the rotor enables a smaller actuator, which can be easily integrated into the vehicle’s drive.
The end-of-shaft position on the rotor enables a smaller actuator, which can be easily integrated into the vehicle’s drive. This high degree of mechatronic integration minimizes the space required in the vehicle, leading to a more compact packaging. Furthermore, this new position facilitates the integration of further functions in the module, such as the brush system for EESM as well as the inductive Rotor Position Sensor, which eliminates the need for separate control units, sensors and harnesses, thus saving additional costs for component integration and electrical connections.
Thanks to implemented sensing redundancy, robust cyber security measures and advanced internal diagnostics, the functional reliability and safety of the module, which is driven by a 12 V DC motor, are guaranteed. The Vitesco Rotor Lock Actuator can be easily integrated into the drivetrain and communication networks, ensuring effortless installation. Thanks to the inductive Vitesco Rotor Position Sensor functionality, the vehicle owner benefits from an increased range due to the optimal control of the motor commutation. The module also enhances parking safety by reducing vehicle movements when the rotor lock is engaged. The smart interface design between locking element and rotor prevents accidental engagement of the lock while driving. The lock is activated and deactivated in less than 250 milliseconds.