Electric Vehicles

Abstract

The present invention provides an electric vehicle, comprising a power storage device, a front cabin, a power supply port, and an external power supply device. The power storage device is configured to supply power to a motor for driving. The front cabin is provided on the front side of the electric vehicle relative to the vehicle cabin of the electric vehicle. The power supply port is configured to be provided in the front cabin and connected to a power supply cable. The external power supply device is configured to supply power from the power storage device to the outside of the electric vehicle from the power supply port.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application with application date of July 25, 2019, application number 201910675604.9, and invention name “electric vehicle”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an electric vehicle including a power storage device, an external power supply device, and a front cabin. Background Art

[0003] As such an electric vehicle, a structure is proposed in which a socket part capable of externally supplying power using the power of a vehicle-mounted battery is provided inside the vehicle interior (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-56646). A cable connected to the socket part can pass between the door glass and the frame of the side door and extend outside the vehicle interior. Summary of the invention

[0004] In this way, when a socket (power supply port) is provided in the vehicle interior, since the power supply cable is led out from the open door or window, special waterproofing measures and anti-theft measures are required, which leads to increased weight and cost.

[0005] The present invention provides an electric vehicle which does not require special waterproofing measures or anti-theft measures when a power supply cable is connected to a power supply port and extends to the outside.

[0006] An electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention has the following structure.

[0007] The electric vehicle includes a power storage device, a front cabin, a power supply port, and an external power supply device. The power storage device is configured to supply power to a motor for driving. The front cabin is provided at a front side of the electric vehicle relative to a vehicle cabin of the electric vehicle. The power supply port is configured to be provided in the front cabin and connected to a power supply cable. The external power supply device is configured to supply power from the power storage device to the outside of the electric vehicle from the power supply port.

[0008] According to an electric vehicle involved in one embodiment of the present invention, a power supply port of an external power supply device that supplies power of a power storage device to the outside is provided in a front cabin located on the front side of the electric vehicle relative to the vehicle cabin. In an electric vehicle in which the power supply port is provided in the vehicle cabin, a power supply cable is extended from the power supply port to the outside of the vehicle when the door or window is opened, so waterproof measures and anti-theft measures are required. However, in an electric vehicle involved in one embodiment of the present invention, the power supply port is provided in a front cabin independent of the vehicle cabin, so waterproof measures and anti-theft measures are not required.

[0009] In an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, it may also be provided with an impact absorbing member, which is disposed in the front compartment and is configured to absorb impact from the front of the electric vehicle by deformation. The power supply port may also be disposed on the rear side of the electric vehicle relative to the impact absorbing member. According to the electric vehicle according to this embodiment, the high voltage unit (external power supply device) can be appropriately protected from a collision from the front of the vehicle.

[0010] In addition, in an electric vehicle involved in one embodiment of the present invention, it may also be provided with a power control unit connected to the above-mentioned power storage device and the above-mentioned motor. The above-mentioned power control unit may also be configured to drive the above-mentioned motor by the power from the above-mentioned power storage device. The above-mentioned power control unit may also be arranged on the front side of the above-mentioned electric vehicle. The above-mentioned external power supply device may also be connected to the power line connecting the above-mentioned power control unit and the above-mentioned power storage device. According to the electric vehicle involved in this embodiment, the wiring from the power line to the power supply port can be shortened, and weight reduction and cost reduction can be achieved.

[0011] Furthermore, an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may also include a hood for opening and closing the front compartment. The power supply port may also be provided at a position at a predetermined distance from the hood below the vehicle. According to the electric vehicle according to this embodiment, even when a pedestrian's head contacts the hood, the deformation amount of the hood can be sufficiently ensured, thereby protecting the pedestrian.

[0012] In an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, the power supply port may be arranged such that the insertion port of the power supply cable faces obliquely upward and forward. According to the electric vehicle according to this embodiment, the user can have better access to the power supply port.

[0013] In addition, in an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, a fuel cell stack may be further provided in the front compartment. The power supply port may also be provided at a rear side of the electric vehicle relative to the front of the fuel cell stack. According to the electric vehicle according to this embodiment, the high voltage part can be appropriately protected from a collision from the front of the vehicle.

[0014] In addition, in an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, it may also include: a fuel cell stack disposed in the front compartment; and a mounting portion mounted on the outer edge of the fuel cell stack and configured to fix the fuel cell stack to the body of the electric vehicle. The power supply port may also be provided on the rear side of the electric vehicle relative to the mounting portion. The mounting portion generally has high rigidity, and thus can appropriately protect the high voltage portion from a collision from the front of the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements, and in which:

[0016] Figure 1 It is a schematic side view of an electric vehicle 10 as one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an electrical system of the electric vehicle 10 .

[0018] Figure 3 It is a schematic plan view of the front portion of electric vehicle 10 .

[0019] Figure 4 It is a schematic side view of the front portion of electric vehicle 10 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Next, the form for carrying out the present invention will be described using examples.

[0021] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an electric vehicle 10 as one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the electrical system of the electric vehicle 10. In addition, Figure 3 is a schematic top view of the front portion of the electric vehicle 10. Figure 4 It is a schematic side view of the front portion of electric vehicle 10 .

[0022] The electric vehicle 10 of the embodiment is configured as a fuel cell vehicle. Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the electric motor 22 , a power control unit (hereinafter referred to as PCU) 23 , a battery 28 as a power storage device, a fuel cell stack 32 , a hydrogen tank 34 , and an external power supply device 50 are provided.

[0023] The electric motor 22 is configured as a synchronous generator motor and includes a mover in which a permanent magnet is embedded and a stator in which a three-phase coil is wound. Figure 1 As shown, the electric motor 22 is disposed on the rear side of the electric vehicle 10 and drives the rear wheels of the electric vehicle 10 .

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, PCU 23 is composed of an inverter 24 and a boost converter 26. The inverter 24 is connected to the motor 22 and to the high-voltage side power line 42. The inverter 24 is configured as a known inverter circuit having 6 transistors and 6 diodes. The boost converter 26 is connected to the high-voltage side power line 42 and the low-voltage side power line 44. The boost converter 26 is configured as a known buck-boost converter circuit having 2 transistors, 2 diodes and a reactor. Figure 1As shown, the PCU 23 is arranged on the front side of the electric vehicle 10 (in the embodiment, in the front cabin FR provided on the front side of the electric vehicle 10 relative to the cabin CA where passengers sit). The high-voltage side power line 42 is wired in such a manner as to connect the motor 22 arranged on the rear side of the electric vehicle 10 and the PCU 23 (inverter 24) arranged on the front side of the electric vehicle 10.

[0025] The storage battery 28 is configured as, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery or a nickel-hydrogen secondary battery. Figure 1 As shown, the battery 28 is arranged on the rear side of the electric vehicle 10 (the back side of the rear seat of the vehicle cabin CA in the embodiment). The battery 28 is connected to the low-voltage side power line 44. The low-voltage side power line 44 is wired in a manner that connects the battery 28 arranged on the rear side of the electric vehicle 10 and the PCU 23 (boost converter 26) arranged on the front side of the electric vehicle 10. In addition, a system main relay 45 is installed on the low-voltage side power line 44.

[0026] The fuel cell stack 32 is configured as a solid polymer fuel cell stack, receives the supply of hydrogen gas and air filled in the hydrogen tank 34, and generates electricity through the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen gas and oxygen in the air. The output terminal of the fuel cell stack 32 is connected to the high voltage side power line 42 via the FC boost converter 36. The FC boost converter 36 is configured as a well-known boost converter circuit having two transistors, two diodes and a reactor. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the fuel cell stack 32 is arranged in the front compartment FR and is fixed to the frame 13 of the vehicle body 11 by means of mounting portions 14 mounted at the four corners of the outer edge of the stack box of the fuel cell stack 32. In addition, a collision box 15 is arranged on the front side of the electric vehicle 10 of the fuel cell stack 32 for protecting the fuel cell stack 32 by absorbing the impact energy by plastically bending and deforming in an accordion shape when the front of the electric vehicle 10 collides. The FC boost converter 36 is arranged above the fuel cell stack 32.

[0027] The external power supply device 50 includes a power supply port 52 to which a power supply cable 152 of the external power supply device 150 is connected, and a power supply box including a power supply relay 54 and a fuse (not shown). The power supply port 52 is connected to the low-voltage side power line 44 via a power supply line 46. Figure 4 As shown, the power supply port 52 is away from the engine hood 12 at a predetermined distance L below the electric vehicle 10, and is arranged at a position closer to the rear side of the electric vehicle 10 than the front surface of the main body (stack box) of the fuel cell stack 32, the collision box 15 as an impact absorbing component, and the mounting portion 14 of the fuel cell stack 32 on the front side of the electric vehicle 10. In addition, the power supply port 52 is formed so that the insertion port of the power supply cable 152 faces diagonally upward and forward. The power supply relay 54 is installed on the power supply line 46. As shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the power supply box is arranged above the fuel cell stack 32. In the present embodiment, the power supply box is integrated with the FC boost converter 36 by a single box body.

[0028] For the electric vehicle 10 of the embodiment thus constructed, if the power supply switch (not shown) provided in the vehicle cabin is operated, the system main relay 45 and the power supply relay 54 are turned on. Thus, the user opens the engine hood 12, and places the power supply cable 152 of the external power supply 150 in the front cabin FR and connects it to the power supply port 52. The external power supply 150 converts the DC power from the battery 28 and the DC power generated by the fuel cell stack 32 into AC power and outputs it to the electrical equipment connected to the external power supply 150. The power supply port 52 is configured so that the insertion port of the power supply cable 152 faces obliquely upward and forward, so that the power supply cable 152 can be easily plugged in and out by the user.

[0029] Here, consider an electric vehicle of a comparative example in which the power supply port is disposed in the vehicle cabin CA. In the electric vehicle of this comparative example, in order to configure the power supply cable 152 and connect it to the power supply port, the windows and doors of the electric vehicle need to be opened, and there is a concern that rainwater may seep into the vehicle cabin CA or items placed in the vehicle cabin CA may be stolen. Therefore, in the electric vehicle of the comparative example, waterproof measures and anti-theft measures are required. In contrast, in the electric vehicle 10 of the present embodiment, the power supply port 52 is disposed in the front cabin FR that is independent of the vehicle cabin CA, and therefore the above-mentioned waterproof measures and anti-theft measures are not required. In addition, by arranging the power supply port 52 in the front cabin FR, there is no need to provide a dedicated power supply cover on the vehicle body 11, thereby suppressing cost increases.

[0030] In addition, the power supply port 52 is arranged at a position closer to the rear side of the electric vehicle 10 than the collision box 15 provided on the front side of the fuel cell stack 32, so that the high voltage part (external power supply device 50) can be protected from a frontal collision of the electric vehicle 10. In addition, the power supply port 52 is arranged at a position closer to the rear side of the electric vehicle 10 than the mounting portion 14 on the front side of the electric vehicle 10 installed in the mounting portion 14 of the fuel cell stack 32, so that the high voltage part can be protected from an oblique collision of the electric vehicle 10. Furthermore, the power supply port 52 is arranged at a position closer to the rear side of the electric vehicle 10 than the front of the fuel cell stack 32, so that the high voltage part can be protected from a drill-in collision of the electric vehicle 10. In this way, the protection of the high voltage part can be achieved with respect to various types of collisions.

[0031] Furthermore, the power supply port 52 is arranged to be spaced a predetermined distance L below the hood 12 of the electric vehicle 10 . Therefore, even if, for example, a pedestrian's head contacts the hood 12 and the hood 12 deforms, the pedestrian's head is prevented from contacting the hard power supply port 52 , thereby protecting the pedestrian.

[0032] In the electric vehicle 10 of the present embodiment described above, the power supply port 52 of the external power supply device 50 for supplying the power of the battery 28 to the outside is provided in the front cabin FR provided on the front side of the electric vehicle 10 relative to the vehicle cabin CA. For an electric vehicle having the power supply port provided in the vehicle cabin CA, the power supply cable 152 is extended from the power supply port to the outside of the vehicle with the doors and windows opened, so waterproof measures and anti-theft measures are required, but in the electric vehicle 10 of the present embodiment, the power supply port 52 is provided in the front cabin FR independent of the vehicle cabin CA, so waterproof measures and anti-theft measures are not required.

[0033] In the electric vehicle 10 of the present embodiment, the power supply port 52 is disposed on the rear side of the vehicle relative to the crash box 15. This allows the high voltage portion to be appropriately protected from a frontal collision (frontal collision).

[0034] Furthermore, in the electric vehicle 10 of the present embodiment, the external power supply device 50 is connected to the low-voltage side power line 44 connecting the PCU 23 (boost converter 26) and the battery 28, and the PCU 23 is provided on the front side of the electric vehicle 10. Thus, the wiring from the low-voltage side power line 44 to the power supply port 52 can be shortened, and weight reduction and cost reduction can be achieved.

[0035] In addition, in the electric vehicle 10 of the present embodiment, the power supply port 52 is provided at a position spaced apart from the hood 12 for opening and closing the front cabin FR by a predetermined distance L below the electric vehicle 10. Thus, even if the head of a pedestrian comes into contact with the hood 12 and deforms the hood 12, the head is prevented from coming into contact with the hard power supply port 52, thereby protecting the pedestrian.

[0036] In the electric vehicle 10 of the present embodiment, the power supply port 52 is arranged so that the insertion port of the power supply cable 152 faces diagonally upward and forward. Thus, the user can easily plug and unplug the power supply cable 152.

[0037] In the electric vehicle 10 of this embodiment, the power supply port 52 is arranged on the rear side of the electric vehicle 10 relative to the front surface of the fuel cell stack 32 arranged in the front cabin. This protects the high voltage part from a frontal collision (underrun).

[0038] In the electric vehicle 10 of the present embodiment, the power supply port 52 is arranged on the rear side of the electric vehicle 10 relative to the mounting portion 14 on the vehicle front side of the mounting portion 14 of the fuel cell stack 32. The mounting portion 14 generally has high rigidity, and thus can appropriately protect the high voltage portion from a frontal collision (oblique collision).

[0039] In the embodiment, the power supply port 52 is configured such that the insertion port faces obliquely upward and forward, but the power supply port 52 may also be configured such that the insertion port faces directly upward, obliquely upward to the left, or obliquely upward to the right, depending on its configuration position.

[0040] In the embodiment, it is a fuel cell vehicle that uses the electricity generated by the fuel cell stack 32 to drive the motor 22. However, it may also be an electric vehicle that does not have a fuel cell stack, or a hybrid vehicle that has an engine in addition to the motor 22. In this case, the power supply port 52 of the external power supply device 50 is arranged at an appropriate position in the front cabin to match the form of the electric vehicle 10. In addition, considering the ease of access to the power supply port, it is desirable that the power supply port is arranged on the rear side of the electric vehicle 10 than the crash box, etc. in order to protect the high voltage part, and is arranged on the front side of the electric vehicle 10 as much as possible.

[0041] Although the embodiments for implementing the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0042] The present invention can be utilized in the electric vehicle manufacturing industry.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle, characterized in that: have: A power storage device configured to supply electric power to the electric motor for traveling; A front cabin provided on the front side of the electric vehicle relative to the vehicle cabin of the electric vehicle; a power supply port provided in the front compartment covered by an engine hood for opening and closing the front compartment and configured to connect a power supply cable; and an external power supply device configured to supply the power of the power storage device to the outside of the electric vehicle from the power supply port, A fuel cell stack is arranged in the front cabin, and the fuel cell stack is fixed to the frame of the vehicle body through mounting parts installed at four corners of the outer edge of the stack box. An impact absorbing component that absorbs impact from the front of the electric vehicle by deformation is arranged on the front side of the electric vehicle of the fuel cell stack. The power supply box of the external power supply device is integrated with the boost converter for the fuel cell through a single box body and arranged above the fuel cell stack. The power supply port is arranged above the fuel cell stack and away from the engine hood to the bottom of the electric vehicle by a predetermined distance, and is arranged at a position closer to the rear side of the electric vehicle than the front surface of the stack box of the fuel cell stack, the impact absorbing component, and the mounting portion of the fuel cell stack on the front side of the electric vehicle. The power supply port is formed so that the insertion port of the power supply cable faces directly upward and is connected to the power supply cable that enters the front cabin from the outside of the electric vehicle when the engine hood is opened. The external power supply device is configured to supply the power generated by the fuel cell stack to the outside of the electric vehicle from the power supply port.

2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: A power supply control unit connected to the power storage device and the electric motor is also provided. The power supply control unit is configured to drive the electric motor using the electric power from the power storage device. The power control unit is disposed on the front side of the electric vehicle. The external power supply device is connected to a power line connecting the power supply control unit and the power storage device.

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