JP7386698B2 - vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle that travels by transmitting rotational power generated by electric power to drive wheels.

Conventionally, in vehicles called one-box cars, for example, by adopting a so-called cab-over structure in which the front seats (driver's seat and passenger's seat) are placed above the engine, the vehicle can be accommodated within the limited external dimensions. Efforts have been made to maximize interior space. In the one-box car, the floor panel forming the floor surface of the vehicle compartment is raised below the front seat in order to maximize the interior space.

Recently, the number of electric vehicles has been increasing due to environmental measures such as reducing carbon dioxide emissions. However, electric vehicles do not have an engine, but instead have a driving motor and a driving battery, and also have electronic equipment such as a power control unit (also referred to as PCU) for controlling these. Further, the above-mentioned batteries are designed to have a large capacity so that they can be charged and discharged with power that can withstand practical use. For this reason, electric vehicles sometimes require a larger storage space than engine vehicles.

JP2019-73222A

If you try to convert a one-box car into an electric vehicle, in addition to the drive motor and drive battery as mentioned above, you will also need a PCU, DC/DC converter, and on-board charger (also called an on-board charger or OBC). ) and other electronic equipment must be installed. However, it has been difficult to efficiently install these motors, drive batteries, electronic devices, etc. in a one-box car that is based on an engine and has ample interior space.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle that can efficiently mount a driving battery, electronic devices, and the like.

(1) A vehicle of the present invention provided to solve the above-mentioned problems is a vehicle that travels by transmitting rotational power generated by electric power to drive wheels, and a drive device that transmits rotational power to the drive wheels. a battery that supplies power to the drive device and stores electricity; and at least one electronic device; the vehicle includes a floor panel that forms a floor surface of a vehicle compartment; A space is formed below the floor panel and projects upwardly from the side member, and a part or all of the electronic device is located inside the space. It is characterized by being located at.

In the vehicle of the present invention, a space is formed in the floor panel at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and projects upwardly from the side members, so that electronic devices can be gathered and efficiently housed in the space. be able to. Further, with this, the vehicle of the present invention can secure a large space for accommodating the driving battery, and can increase the capacity of the driving battery.

In addition, since the vehicle of the present invention allows electronic devices to be housed in a single space, it is possible to shorten the length of wiring. This reduces the weight of wiring, which is expected to contribute to lighter vehicles and improved energy efficiency (electricity costs).

Furthermore, in the vehicle of the present invention, some or all of the electronic devices are arranged inside the space, so the vehicle accommodates the electronic devices required for electrification while maximizing the interior space due to the cab-over structure. You can secure space to do so. In addition, since the vehicle of the present invention has electronic equipment arranged in an area surrounded by a three-dimensionally formed space, when an impact is received from the front or from the left or right, the electronic equipment can be moved by the space. A protective effect can be expected.

(2) It is preferable that the vehicle of the present invention provided to solve the above-mentioned problem has a plurality of the electronic devices, and the plurality of electronic devices are stacked in the vertical direction.

As in the vehicle of the present invention, by stacking a plurality of electronic devices vertically and housing them in a space, the space can be used even more efficiently and the interior space of the vehicle cabin can be maximized. You can take advantage of it. Furthermore, wiring for each electronic device can be easily routed, and the length of the wiring can be minimized, so wiring costs can also be reduced. Thereby, the distance between the motor generator (also referred to as MG) and the driving battery can be particularly reduced. In addition, by shortening the wiring such as high-voltage cables required for electrification, the weight of the wiring can be reduced, leading to lighter vehicles and reducing power loss.

(3) In the vehicle of the present invention provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, the drive device is disposed below the floor panel on the front side of the space, and the electronic device is arranged in the drive device. It is preferable that it be located above the.

By arranging the drive device below the floor panel on the front side of the space as in the vehicle of the present invention, it becomes easier to lower and flatten the floor of the vehicle interior. In addition, by arranging the electronic equipment above the drive unit, if the vehicle receives an impact from the front side, the drive unit will slip under the electronic equipment. interference can be suppressed. Further, by locating the electronic device above the drive device, it is possible to prevent the electronic device from being submerged in water when the vehicle is submerged in water.

(4) In the vehicle of the present invention provided to solve the above-mentioned problem, it is preferable that the battery is disposed below a floor panel on the rear side of the space.

By arranging the battery below the floor panel on the rear side of the space as in the vehicle of the present invention, it becomes easier to lower and flatten the floor of the vehicle interior. Further, wiring between the electronic device and the battery can be easily routed, and the length of the wiring can be minimized, so wiring costs can also be reduced. In addition, by shortening the wiring such as high-voltage cables required for electrification, the weight of the wiring can be reduced, leading to lighter vehicles and reducing power loss.

(5) The vehicle of the present invention provided to solve the above problems is characterized in that the electronic device includes a power control unit, a DC/DC converter, and an on-vehicle charger.

According to this configuration, it becomes possible to arrange electronic devices such as a PCU, a DC/DC converter, and an on-vehicle charger in a concentrated manner in a space, making it easy to route wiring. As a result, the length of the wiring can be minimized, and the wiring cost can also be reduced. In addition, by shortening relatively heavy wiring such as high-voltage cables required for electrification, the weight of the wiring can be reduced, leading to lighter vehicles and reducing power loss.

(6) In the vehicle of the present invention provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, the drive device includes a motor that outputs rotational power, and a transaxle that transmits the rotational power output from the motor to the drive wheels. It is characterized by having the following.

According to this configuration, the drive mechanism can be concentrated below the floor panel on the front side of the vehicle, making it easier to lower the floor of the vehicle interior or make it flat. Furthermore, wiring between the electronic device and the drive motor that outputs rotational power becomes easier, and the length of the wiring can be minimized, so wiring costs can also be reduced. In addition, by shortening relatively heavy wiring such as high-voltage cables required for electrification, the weight of the wiring can be reduced, leading to lighter vehicles and reducing power loss. Additionally, when the vehicle receives an impact from the front side, the drive motor and transaxle slip under the electronic equipment, which prevents interference between the electronic equipment and the drive motor and transaxle. .

According to the present invention, since electronic devices can be collectively housed in one place, a large storage space for a driving battery can be secured. Furthermore, by consolidating electronic devices in one place, wiring can be shortened.

1 is a left side view schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a right side view schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the main parts of the vehicle as viewed from the first stage of electronic equipment. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the main parts of the vehicle as seen from the second stage of electronic equipment. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of the main parts of the vehicle as seen from the third stage of electronic equipment.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the scale is different from the actual scale for ease of explanation.

FIG. 1 schematically depicts a left side view of the vehicle 1 viewed from the left, and FIG. 2 is a right side view of the vehicle 1 viewed from the right. 3 to 5 schematically depict plan views of the vehicle 1, and hierarchically represent the accommodation state of electronic devices 56, which will be described later. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a vehicle 1 travels by transmitting rotational power generated by electric power to drive wheels. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 1 is equipped with a motor 2 as a drive source for driving, and travels by transmitting rotational power generated by supplying electric power to the motor 2 to drive wheels. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 illustrated in this embodiment is a one-box type vehicle that employs a cab-over structure.

The vehicle 1 includes a pair of side members 12R and 12L at the bottom of the vehicle body 11. The side members 12R and 12L are configured symmetrically, and extend in the front-rear direction at intervals in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The side members 12R and 12L are arranged substantially parallel to each other on both sides in the longitudinal direction, but are bent at the intermediate portion and get closer to each other toward the front side of the vehicle.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the region formed between the side members 12R and 12L can be roughly classified into three regions: a rear region 16, an intermediate region 17, and a front region 18. The rear side region 16 is a region formed on the rear side of the vehicle 1 in a portion where the side members 12R and 12L are arranged substantially parallel to each other with a predetermined interval therebetween. The rear region 16 is a substantially rectangular region. Further, the intermediate region 17 is a region formed between the side members 12R and 12L at an intermediate portion thereof. The intermediate region 17 is formed at a portion where the side members 12R, 12L are inclined so that the distance becomes narrower toward the front than in the rear region 16. Therefore, unlike the rear region 16, the intermediate region 17 is a substantially trapezoidal region. The front region 18 is a region formed on the front side of the vehicle 1 with respect to the intermediate region 17 at a portion where the side members 12R and 12L are arranged substantially in parallel. The front side area 18 has a substantially rectangular shape like the rear side area 16, but since the interval between the side members 12R and 12L is narrower than that in the rear side area 16, the front side area 18 has a substantially rectangular shape than the rear side area 16. It is said to be a small area. Moreover, cross members 19a and 19b are provided in the intermediate region 17 at a predetermined interval in the vehicle width direction, and are spanned in a direction intersecting with the side members 12R and 12L. A support frame 19c to which an electronic device 56, which will be described later, is fixed is spanned between the cross members 19a and 19b.

A floor panel 13 is provided on the side members 12R, 12L. The floor panel 13 is arranged so as to straddle the side members 12R and 12L. The floor panel 13 is fixed to the upper surface of the side member 12 by, for example, being joined by welding. A vehicle compartment 14 is provided above the floor panel 13. At the front end of the vehicle interior 14, a front seat 15 consisting of a driver's seat and a passenger's seat arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction is arranged. The floor panel 13 is formed to extend at least from the foot of the front seat 15 to the rear end of the vehicle compartment 14. Further, the floor panel 13 has a space 13a formed below the front seat 15 and projecting upward. That is, the space portion 13a is formed to protrude upward from the side members 12R, 12L. In this embodiment, the space portion 13a is formed near the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the vehicle 1 includes a drive device 20 that transmits rotational power generated by electric power to front wheels 31L and 31R, which are drive wheels. The drive device 20 includes a motor 2 for outputting rotational power, and a transaxle 32 for transmitting the rotational power output from the motor 2 to front wheels 31L and 31R.

The motor 2 is located on the front side with respect to the space 13a and is disposed below the floor panel 13. As shown in FIG. 1, the motor 2 is disposed and fixed in a vertical position, with the output shaft 23 extending forward from the motor body 24 in the front-rear direction. Further, the motor 2 is arranged in a front region 18 formed between the side members 12R and 12L.

The transaxle 32 is arranged in front of the motor 2 in the front region 18 . The transaxle 32 includes a differential gear that distributes the power of the motor 2 to left and right front wheels 31L and 31R, and has the same configuration as a conventionally known one. The differential gear includes two side gears that mesh with two pinion gears that are rotatably provided within the differential case, and a ring-shaped ring gear that is fixed to the differential case. One end portions of the left and right drive shafts 37L, 37R are inserted into the differential case, and the one end portions are each connected to a side gear. Further, a ring-shaped ring gear surrounding the outer periphery of the differential case is fixed to the differential case.

The differential gear is coupled to the motor 2 so as to be capable of transmitting power. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, a bevel gear 38 is fixed to the output shaft 23 of the motor 2. The bevel gear 38 meshes with diagonal teeth formed on the ring gear. As a result, the differential case rotates together with the ring gear due to the power of the output shaft 23 of the motor 2. Then, the rotation of the differential case is converted to the rotation of each side gear via the pinion gear, and the left and right drive shafts 37L, 37R rotate together with each side gear, and the rotation of the drive shafts 37L, 37R is transmitted to the front wheels 31L, 31R, respectively. be done. In this way, the transaxle 32 can transmit the power of the motor 2 to the drive wheels using the above-mentioned differential gear, drive shafts 37L, 37R, and the like.

In the vehicle 1, an electric air compressor 33 is arranged near the motor 2 and the transaxle 32 described above. Further, a vacuum pump 51 is provided above the motor 2 to generate negative pressure for the brake and amplify the force with which the driver applies the brake. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a PCU 34 (also referred to as a Power Control Unit 34) and a vehicle charger 36 (onboard A charger 36 or an OBC 36), a DC/DC converter 55, etc. (hereinafter also collectively referred to as an electronic device 56) are arranged.

The electric air compressor 33 is for air-conditioning the vehicle interior, and is arranged at a position adjacent to the motor 2 in the vehicle width direction. The PCU 34 is for controlling voltage and the like for driving the motor 2. Further, the DC/DC converter converts the voltage of a battery 35, which will be described later, to a voltage for charging an auxiliary equipment battery (not shown). Here, the battery for auxiliary equipment is used, for example, for headlamps, electrical equipment used at low voltage, and the like. The on-vehicle charger 36 converts AC and DC, and boosts the voltage to charge the drive battery. Further, a high voltage cable 39 is connected between the PCU 34, the motor 2, the DC/DC converter 55, the on-vehicle charger 36, the battery 35, and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, in the present embodiment, the electronic device 56 includes the on-vehicle charger 36 at the first stage, the DC/DC converter 55 at the second stage, and the PCU 34 at the third stage at the top. , a part or all of them are arranged inside the space 13a in a stacked state. The stacking order of these electronic devices 56 can be arbitrary depending on the shape, wiring arrangement, etc. Moreover, the electronic device 56 is supported by a support frame 19c spanned between cross members 19a and 19b. Further, the electronic device 56 is arranged above the motor 2 and the transaxle 32. Thereby, when the vehicle 1 receives an impact from the front side, interference between the drive device 20 and the electronic device 56 due to the drive device 20 slipping under the electronic device 56 can be suppressed. Further, by arranging the electronic device 56 above the transaxle 32, it is possible to prevent the electronic device 56 from being submerged in water when the vehicle 1 is submerged in water. Note that it is desirable to arrange the electronic device 56 above the side members 12L and 12R as a countermeasure against flooding.

The battery 35 is arranged between the side members 12L and 12R in the rear region 16 on the rear side with respect to the space 13a where the electronic device 56 is arranged. The battery 35 has a large number of battery cells 35a arranged in a single stage vertically and arranged in a horizontal direction (in the present embodiment, the vehicle width direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction). The battery 35 is arranged in a substantially rectangular rear region 16 that extends linearly on the rear side of the vehicle and is formed between the side members 12L and 12R that are arranged substantially in parallel. Therefore, the battery 35 also has a height (thickness) that can accommodate the battery cells 35a, and has a substantially rectangular external shape in plan view. Therefore, the battery 35 mounted on the vehicle 1 has battery cells 35a arranged with almost no dead space inside, and has a high capacity despite being thin.

As described above, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the drive device 20 including large members such as the motor 2 and the transaxle 32 is arranged in front of the battery 35. Therefore, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, it is easier to secure the cabin floor than when the drive device 20 is disposed on the rear side. Furthermore, by arranging the electronic devices 56 inside the space 13a formed in the intermediate region 17 of the vehicle 1, the electronic devices 56 can be housed in one place without being dispersed. Therefore, compared to the case where the electronic device 56 is provided in the rear area 16 of the vehicle 1, a larger storage space for the battery 35 can be secured, and the trunk of the vehicle 1 can be made wider. Thereby, the capacity of the battery 35 can be increased, and the travel time of the vehicle 1 can be extended. Furthermore, by consolidating the electronic devices 56 in the space 13a, the length of the high voltage cable 39 connecting between the PCU 34, the DC/DC converter 55, and the on-vehicle charger 36 can be minimized. Further, since the electronic device 56, the motor 2, and the battery 35 can be placed close to each other, the high voltage cable 39 can be kept to a minimum length. This facilitates wiring work, reduces cost, reduces weight, and suppresses power loss. Further, since the electronic device 56 is surrounded by the space 13a formed three-dimensionally, the electronic device 56 is protected by the space 13a when the vehicle 1 receives an impact from the front or rear. Furthermore, since the space portion 13a has the side members 12L and 12R formed on both sides, even if the vehicle 1 receives an impact from the side, the electronic device 56 is protected by the side members 12L and 12R. Ru.

In the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the output shaft 23 of the motor 2 is arranged vertically in front or behind the transaxle 32 so as to extend in the front-rear direction. By employing such a configuration, the vehicle 1 has a lower cabin floor. That is, if the motor 2 is arranged vertically as described above, the output shaft 23 of the motor 2 will extend in the front-rear direction. Therefore, a bevel gear 38, which is an orthogonal shaft gear, is used to connect the output shaft 23 of the motor 2 and the ring gear of the transaxle 32. Therefore, by arranging the motor 2 vertically as described above, it does not require a large installation space unlike when the motor 2 is placed horizontally, and the floor of the vehicle interior 14 can be lowered accordingly.

Further, as described above, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the battery 35 is disposed in the rear region 16 between the pair of side members 12R and 12L and on the rear side of the vehicle 1. Since the distance between the side members 12R and 12L is larger in the rear region 16 than in the front region 18 and the intermediate region 17, even a large capacity battery 35 can be arranged without increasing the size in the vertical direction. Specifically, the battery 35 is configured such that a plurality of chargeable and dischargeable battery cells 35a are arranged in a single stage in the vertical direction and arranged in a plurality of rows in the horizontal direction. Further, in the rear region, since the pair of side members 12R and 12L are arranged substantially parallel to each other, a dead space is less likely to occur due to the arrangement of the battery 35. Therefore, in the vehicle 1 described above, the battery 35 having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view can be mounted, and a high-capacity battery 35 can be adopted without increasing the size of the battery 35 in the vertical direction. Therefore, according to the above-described configuration, it becomes easier to lower the vehicle interior floor. Moreover, if the battery 35 is thin and has a large surface area as described above, a high effect can be expected in improving the cooling efficiency of the battery cell 35a and the charging/discharging efficiency.

In addition, in this embodiment, an example was shown in which the battery 35 employs a single stage of chargeable and dischargeable battery cells 35a arranged in a vertical direction and a plurality of them arranged in a row in a horizontal direction. The present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the battery 35 may be one in which battery cells 35a are stacked in multiple stages in the vertical direction. Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the battery 35 had a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, but it may have another shape.

Further, in the vehicle 1 described above, the electric air compressor 33, the electronic device 56, and the drive device 20, which are electrically connected to the battery 35, are arranged in front of the battery 35. . Furthermore, an electronic device 56 is arranged between the drive device 20 and the battery 35. According to this arrangement, the high voltage cable 39 that connects the electronic device 56 and the battery 35 and the high voltage cable 39 that connects the motor 2 etc. forming the drive device 20 and the battery 35 are concentrated on the front side of the battery 35. be able to. As a result, effects such as, for example, simplifying the wiring of the high voltage cable 39 in the vehicle 1 and reducing the space required for wiring the high voltage cable 39 can be expected. Further, in the manufacturing process of the vehicle 1, the work of wiring the high voltage cable 39 can be simplified.

In this embodiment, the space portion 13a is provided in the intermediate region 17 of the vehicle 1, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the space 13a may be formed in the front region 18 or the rear region 16. Further, in this embodiment, the space portion 13a is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, but the space portion 13a may have a shape other than the rectangular shape. Further, the amount of upward protrusion of the space portion 13a can also be set arbitrarily.

Further, in this embodiment, a plurality of electronic devices 56 are arranged inside the space 13a, but one electronic device 56 may be arranged. Further, in this embodiment, the plurality of electronic devices 56 are stacked in the vertical direction, but depending on the shape of the space 13a and the shape of the electronic devices 56, they may be arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction, or in the vertical direction. It is sufficient to use an arrangement that reduces dead space, such as by using a combination of stacking and stacking in the lateral direction. Further, the electronic device 56 may be entirely housed in the space 13a, or may be partially housed in the space 13a. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the electronic device 56 is supported by the support frame 19c, but any suitable method can be used to support the electronic device 56.

Further, in this embodiment, the drive device 20 is arranged below the floor panel 13 on the front side of the space 13a, and the electronic device 56 is arranged above the drive device 20. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device 56 may be located at the same height as the drive device 20 or below the drive device 20.

Further, in this embodiment, the battery 35 is arranged below the floor panel 13 on the rear side of the space 13a, but the battery 35 can be provided at any position. In this case, it is desirable that the battery 35 utilizes dead space.

Further, in this embodiment, the electronic device 56 includes a power control unit, a DC/DC converter 55, and an on-vehicle charger 36, but other electronic devices such as a control device are provided. It may be.

Further, in the present embodiment, the drive device 20 includes a motor 2 that outputs rotational power, and a transaxle 32 that transmits the rotational power output from the motor 2 to the front wheels 31L and 31R, which are drive wheels. However, as the motor 2, an appropriate motor can be used depending on the output. Furthermore, the transaxle 32 can be configured using various differential mechanisms such as differential gears, various transmissions, and the like. Further, in the present embodiment, the motor 2 is placed vertically (in the vehicle traveling direction), but the motor 2 may be placed horizontally.

Further, in the present embodiment, the electric air compressor 33, the PCU 34, the DC/DC converter 55, the on-vehicle charger 36, etc. are illustrated as examples of electronic devices electrically connected to the battery 35, but instead of these, Alternatively, another electronic device may be employed in addition to these.

In addition, in the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment described above, the floor panel 13 forming the floor surface of the vehicle interior is located between the driver's seat and the vehicle interior 13 in a portion other than the space 13a provided below the driver's seat and the passenger seat. It is assumed that it extends flat to the rear end of the. Therefore, the vehicle 1 is designed to have excellent livability and convenience while making effective use of the space 13a.

In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the floor panel 13 is simply made flat and has a low floor, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be provided with various types of vehicle structures.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above, and those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments may be made based on the teaching and spirit of the invention without departing from the scope of the claims. It's easy to understand.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be suitably used in all vehicles that travel by transmitting rotational power generated by electric power to drive wheels.

1: Vehicle 2: Motor 11: Vehicle body 12: Side member 13: Floor panel 13a: Space 14: Vehicle interior 15: Front seat 16: Rear area 17: Intermediate area 18: Front area 19a: Cross member 19b: Cross member 19c: Support frame 20: Drive device 23: Output shaft 32: Transaxle 33: Electric air compressor (electronic equipment)
34: PCU (electronic equipment)
35: Battery 35a: Battery cell 36: In-vehicle charger (electronic device)
38: Bevel gear 39: High voltage cable (wiring)
55: DC/DC converter (electronic equipment)
56: Electronic equipment

Claims (2)

A vehicle that travels by transmitting rotational power generated by electric power to drive wheels,
a drive device that transmits rotational power to the drive wheels;
a battery that supplies power to the drive device and stores power;
at least one electronic device;
The vehicle is
A floor panel forming the floor surface of the vehicle compartment;
and side members formed on both sides of the vehicle compartment,
Below the floor panel is an area between cross members that are provided below the seats and span in a direction intersecting the side members at a predetermined interval in the vehicle width direction. A space that protrudes upward is formed,
A part or all of the electronic device is arranged inside the space,
The drive device is disposed below the floor panel on the front side of the space,
The electronic device is arranged above the drive device,
The vehicle is characterized in that the battery is disposed behind the cross member constituting the space and below the floor panel . The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes a plurality of electronic devices, and the plurality of electronic devices are stacked in a vertical direction.

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