Vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle. The objective is to improve the safety of high-voltage components such as electric suspension devices mounted in a vehicle. The vehicle (1) includes: a high-voltage component such as an electric actuator (12); an electric suspension control ECU (20); a battery (16); a signal line (14) that transmits the detection signal of a sensor located on the electric actuator (12) to the electric suspension control ECU (20); a high-voltage line (13) that supplies high voltage (VH) from the battery (16) to the electric actuator (12); and a fixing member (FW) that fixes the signal line (14) and the high-voltage line (13) to the vehicle body (BD), such that the length of the signal line (14) from the fixing member (FW) to the electric actuator (12) is shorter than the length of the high-voltage line (13) from the fixing member (FW) to the electric actuator (12), and the electric suspension control ECU (20) suppresses the supply of high voltage (VH) to the electric actuator (12) in the event of an abnormality in the signal line (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, there were known technologies related to electric suspension devices mounted on vehicles and driven by motors.

[0003] For example, the electric suspension device described in Patent Document 1 is based on regulations that makes the output voltage (drive voltage of the motor) of a transformer such as a DC / DC converter that transforms the power supplied to the motor of the electric actuator as high as possible within a range below a specified voltage (e.g., 48V).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-131395

[0005] However, in the electric suspension device described in Patent Document 1, when a three-phase AC brushless motor is used, the three-phase AC section is classified as high voltage (30V or higher). Furthermore, to ensure safety during a vehicle collision due to the high voltage, the safety of the AC section needs to be ensured, but this is not described in Patent Document 1. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to improve the safety of high-voltage components such as electric suspension systems mounted on vehicles.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a vehicle comprising: a high-voltage component; a control device; a power supply device; a signal line that transmits detection signals from sensors disposed on the high-voltage component to the control device; a high-voltage line that supplies high voltage from the power supply device to the high-voltage component; and a fixing member that fixes the signal line and the high-voltage line to the vehicle body such that the length of the signal line from the fixing member to the high-voltage component is shorter than the length of the high-voltage line from the fixing member to the high-voltage component, wherein the control device, in the event of an abnormality in the signal line, suppresses the supply of high voltage to the high-voltage component.

[0008] In the aforementioned vehicle, in other embodiments of the present invention, a low-voltage line is further provided for supplying low voltage from the power supply device to the high-voltage component. The fixing member fixes the low-voltage line to the vehicle body such that the length of the low-voltage line from the fixing member to the high-voltage component is shorter than the length of the high-voltage line from the fixing member to the high-voltage component. In the event of an abnormality in the low-voltage line, the control device suppresses the supply of high voltage to the high-voltage component.

[0009] In the aforementioned vehicle, and in other aspects of the invention, the high-voltage component includes an electric actuator driven by a motor in an electric suspension device.

[0010] In the aforementioned vehicle, and in other aspects of the invention, the sensor includes at least one of a rotation angle sensor for detecting the rotation angle of the motor, a stroke sensor for detecting the stroke of the electric actuator, and an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration applied to the electric actuator.

[0011] In the aforementioned vehicle, in other embodiments of the invention, the signal line is positioned forward of the vehicle body compared to the high-voltage line.

[0012] In the aforementioned vehicle, in other embodiments of the invention, the high-voltage line is positioned inside the vehicle body, closer to the signal line.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to the present invention, the safety of high-voltage components such as electric suspension devices mounted on vehicles can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an electric suspension system.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an electric suspension system.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an inverter.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a plan view showing an example of the wiring configuration for high-voltage lines, signal lines, and low-voltage lines.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing controlled by the ECU.

[0020] Label Explanation

[0021] 1…Vehicle, 10…Electric suspension system, 12…Electric actuator (high voltage component), 12A…First electric actuator, 12B…Second electric actuator, 12C…Third electric actuator, 12D…Fourth electric actuator, 13…High voltage line, 131…First high voltage line, 132…Second high voltage line, 133…Third high voltage line, 14…Signal line, 141…First signal line, 142…Second signal line, 143…Third signal line, 144…Fourth signal line, 15…Low voltage line, 16…Battery (power supply), 20…Electric suspension control ECU (control unit), 21A…Memory, 21B…Processor, 211 …Abnormal detection unit, 212…Suppression indicator unit, 22…Inverter, 22U1, 22U2, 22V1, 22V2, 22W1, 22W2…MOSFET, 30…Connector, 32…Inner tube, 34…Nut, 40…Outer tube, 42…Lead screw shaft, 44…Bearing, 46…Motor, 50u, 50v, 50w…Motor coil, 64u, 64v, 64w…Power line, BD…Body body, S1…Acceleration sensor (sensor), S2…Stroke sensor (sensor), S3…Rotation angle sensor (sensor), S4…Voltage sensor, ST…Stroke, TR…Wheel, V…Voltage, α…Acceleration, θ…Rotation angle. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] [1. Structure of the electric suspension system]

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the electric suspension device 10. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the electric suspension device 10.

[0025] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electric suspension device 10 will be described.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 1 has a body BD, four wheels TR, and an electric suspension system 10. The electric suspension system 10 includes an electric actuator 12 and an electric suspension control ECU 20.

[0027] The electric actuator 12 comprises a first electric actuator 12A, a second electric actuator 12B, a third electric actuator 12C, and a fourth electric actuator 12D. The first electric actuator 12A is positioned between the vehicle body BD and the right front wheel. The second electric actuator 12B is positioned between the vehicle body BD and the left front wheel. The third electric actuator 12C is positioned between the vehicle body BD and the right rear wheel. The fourth electric actuator 12D is positioned between the vehicle body BD and the left rear wheel.

[0028] The electric suspension control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 20 controls the first electric actuator 12A to the fourth electric actuator 12D respectively. The electric suspension control ECU 20 is connected to the first electric actuator 12A to the fourth electric actuator 12D through the high voltage line 13, the signal line 14, and the low voltage line 15 respectively.

[0029] High voltage line 13 supplies power to the first electric actuator 12A to the fourth electric actuator 12D respectively from... Figure 2 The battery 16 shown has a high voltage VH power. The high voltage VH power is used for... Figure 2 The motor 46 shown is driven by a high voltage VH, for example, AC 48V.

[0030] Signal line 14 will Figure 2 The detection signals from sensors S1 to S4 are transmitted to the electric suspension control ECU20.

[0031] Reference Figure 2 The sensors S1 to S4 are described.

[0032] Low voltage line 15 supplies power to the first electric actuator 12A through the fourth electric actuator 12D respectively from... Figure 2 The battery 16 shown has a low voltage VL power. The low voltage power is used for... Figure 2 The operation of sensors S1 to S4 is shown. The low voltage VL is, for example, DC 5V.

[0033] Battery 16 corresponds to an example of a "power supply device".

[0034] In the following description, for convenience, the electric suspension control ECU20 will sometimes be referred to as control ECU20.

[0035] The first electric actuator 12A to the fourth electric actuator 12D have approximately the same structure. Therefore, in the following, without distinguishing between the first electric actuator 12A to the fourth electric actuator 12D, the first electric actuator 12A to the fourth electric actuator 12D will sometimes be referred to simply as electric actuator 12.

[0036] Next, refer to Figure 2 The structure of the electric actuator 12 will be described.

[0037] The electric actuator 12 corresponds to an example of a "high-voltage component".

[0038] like Figure 2As shown, the electric actuator 12 includes a connecting part 30, an inner tube 32, and a nut 34 as components on the wheel TR side. Additionally, the electric actuator 12 includes an outer tube 40, a lead screw shaft 42, a bearing 44, and a motor 46 as components on the vehicle body BD side. The outer tube 40, bearing 44, and motor 46 are fixed to a chassis 48 located at the lower part of the vehicle body BD.

[0039] Reference Figure 3 The structure of motor 46 will be described.

[0040] The lead screw shaft 42 is supported by a bearing 44 and a nut 34. The inner surface of the nut 34 is screwed into a threaded groove formed on the outer surface of the lead screw shaft 42 via the bearing.

[0041] Motor 46 rotates lead screw 42, thereby moving nut 34 vertically. Moving nut 34 downwards causes inner tube 32 to move downwards. Moving nut 34 upwards causes inner tube 32 to move upwards.

[0042] In this way, the position of the inner tube 32 relative to the outer tube 40 fixed to the chassis 48 of the vehicle body BD in the vertical direction can be adjusted.

[0043] The connecting part 30 is connected to the wheel TR via a steering knuckle (not shown) fixed to the suspension device. When vibration is input to the connecting part 30 from the wheel TR side, and an upward acceleration α is applied to the connecting part 30, the inner tube 32 and nut 34 rise together with the outer tube 40. In this case, the motor 46 rotates the lead screw shaft 42, causing the inner tube 32 to move upward in the direction that absorbs the upward acceleration α, thereby attenuating the vibration from the wheel TR to the vehicle body BD.

[0044] The electric actuator 12 is equipped with an acceleration sensor S1, a stroke sensor S2, a rotation angle sensor S3, and a voltage sensor S4.

[0045] An acceleration sensor S1 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 32, for example, to detect the acceleration α applied from the wheel TR side to the connecting part 30.

[0046] The stroke sensor S2 is positioned on the inner tube 32 opposite to the lead screw shaft 42, and detects the stroke ST, which represents the downward movement of the nut 34. The stroke sensor S2 is composed of a distance sensor, etc.

[0047] The rotation angle sensor S3 consists of a so-called angle reducer, Hall element, etc., and detects the rotation angle θ of the motor 46.

[0048] Voltage sensor S4 detects the voltage V applied to motor 46. When motor 46 is driven by power from battery 16, voltage V represents the high voltage VH supplied from battery 16 via high voltage line 13.

[0049] The acceleration α, stroke ST, rotation angle θ, and voltage V are controlled by the ECU20 output.

[0050] Accelerometer S1, travel sensor S2, rotation angle sensor S3, and voltage sensor S4 each correspond to an example of a "sensor".

[0051] [2. Structure of the Electric Suspension Control ECU]

[0052] The control ECU 20 controls the motor 46 via the inverter 22 based on the detection results of the acceleration sensor S1, stroke sensor S2, rotation angle sensor S3 and voltage sensor S4.

[0053] Regarding the structure of inverter 22, refer to... Figure 3 Please provide an explanation.

[0054] The control ECU 20 has a memory 21A and a processor 21B.

[0055] Memory 21A is a storage device that non-volatilely stores the programs and data executed by processor 21B. Memory 21A is composed of semiconductor storage elements such as magnetic storage devices, flash memory (ROM), or other types of non-volatile storage devices. Furthermore, memory 21A may also include RAM (Random Access Memory) that constitutes the working area of ​​processor 21B. Memory 21A stores data processed by control ECU 20 and control programs executed by processor 21B.

[0056] The electric suspension control ECU20 corresponds to an example of a "control device".

[0057] The processor 21B can consist of a single processor or multiple processors functioning as the processor 21B. The processor 21B executes control programs to control the various parts of the electric suspension device 10.

[0058] The control ECU 20 includes an anomaly determination unit 211 and a suppression indication unit 212. Specifically, the processor 21B of the control ECU 20 functions as the anomaly determination unit 211 and the suppression indication unit 212 by executing a control program.

[0059] The anomaly determination unit 211 determines whether an anomaly has occurred in the signal line 14. For example, if the S / N ratio is below a specified S / N ratio, the anomaly determination unit 211 determines that an anomaly has occurred in the signal line 14. Additionally, for example, if the signal line 14 is disconnected, the anomaly determination unit 211 determines that an anomaly has occurred in the signal line 14.

[0060] For reference Figure 4 As explained, signal line 14 includes first signal line 141 to fourth signal line 144. The anomaly determination unit 211 determines whether an anomaly has occurred in one of the first signal line 141 to fourth signal line 144.

[0061] The anomaly determination unit 211 determines whether an anomaly has occurred in the low-voltage line 15. For example, if the low-voltage line 15 is broken, the anomaly determination unit 211 determines that an anomaly has occurred in the low-voltage line 15.

[0062] Based on the determination result of the abnormality determination unit 211, the suppression indication unit 212 suppresses the supply of high voltage VH power to the motors 46 of each of the first electric actuators 12A to the fourth electric actuators 12D.

[0063] Specifically, if the anomaly determination unit 211 determines that at least one of the signal line 14 and the low voltage line 15 is abnormal, the suppression indication unit 212 performs the following process. That is, the suppression indication unit 212 stops supplying high voltage VH power to the motor 46, for example, by keeping the inverter 22 disconnected relative to the drive circuit 24.

[0064] Reference Figure 3 The drive circuit 24 and the inverter 22 will be described.

[0065] [3. Inverter Structure]

[0066] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the control ECU 20 controls the inverter 22 via the drive circuit 24. The control ECU 20 controls the rotation direction and speed of the motor 46 via the inverter 22. Additionally, the control ECU 20 can, for example, stop the supply of high voltage VH power to the motor 46 by keeping the inverter 22 disconnected. Alternatively, the supply of high voltage VH power to the motor 46 can be stopped by installing a relay on the power lines of the inverter 22 and the boost circuit 26, and then disconnecting the relay.

[0067] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of the structure of inverter 22.

[0068] A boost circuit 26 is provided between the battery 16 and the inverter 22. The boost circuit 26 boosts the voltage supplied from the battery 16 to supply a high voltage VH power to the inverter 22. The voltage supplied from the battery 16 is, for example, 48V.

[0069] like Figure 3As shown, the inverter 22 includes MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors) 22U1, MOSFET 22U2, MOSFET 22V1, MOSFET 22V2, MOSFET 22W1, and MOSFET 22W2. These six MOSFETs are turned on and off based on instructions from the control ECU 20.

[0070] Motor 46, for example, is a 3-phase AC brushless motor, such as... Figure 3 As shown, it has three motor coils: 50u, 50v, and 50w.

[0071] Motor 46 uses power supplied from battery 16 via inverter 22 to power... Figure 2 The lead screw shaft 42 shown is used for rotational drive.

[0072] When the drive circuit 24 receives an instruction from the suppression indicator 212 to stop supplying a high voltage VH to the motor 46, it for example, fixes the three MOSFETs on the positive side, namely MOSFET 22U1, MOSFET 22V1, and MOSFET 22W1, to be disconnected. By fixing MOSFETs 22U1, MOSFET 22V1, and MOSFET 22W1 to be disconnected, the power lines 64u, 64v, and 64w become open circuits relative to the boost circuit 26. As a result, the application of a high voltage VH to the motor coils 50u, 50v, and 50w of the motor 46 is stopped.

[0073] [4. Wiring Structure]

[0074] Next, refer to Figure 4 Describe the wiring structure.

[0075] Figure 4 This is a plan view showing an example of the wiring structure for high-voltage line 13, signal line 14, and low-voltage line 15. Figure 4 The front left side of the vehicle body BD is described in the document. As an example of the first electric actuator 12A to the fourth electric actuator 12D, the second electric actuator 12B will be explained.

[0076] Direction D1 indicates the front-to-back direction of the vehicle body BD. The positive direction of direction D1 indicates the front of the vehicle body BD. Direction D2 indicates the left-to-right direction of the vehicle body BD. The positive direction of direction D2 indicates the left side of the vehicle body BD.

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown, signal line 14 is composed of a first signal line 141, a second signal line 142, a third signal line 143, and a fourth signal line 144.

[0078] The first signal line 141 transmits a signal representing the acceleration α detected by the acceleration sensor S1 to the control ECU 20. The second signal line 142 transmits a signal representing the stroke ST detected by the stroke sensor S2 to the control ECU 20. The third signal line 143 transmits a signal representing the rotation angle θ of the motor 46 detected by the rotation angle sensor S3 to the control ECU 20. The fourth signal line 144 transmits a signal representing the voltage V applied to the motor 46 detected by the voltage sensor S4 to the control ECU 20.

[0079] like Figure 4 As shown, the first signal line 141 to the fourth signal line 144 extend from the second electric actuator 12B to the right of the vehicle body BD (the negative direction of direction D2), and extend from near the center line of the vehicle body BD to the rear of the vehicle body BD (the negative direction of direction D1).

[0080] Low voltage line 15 is configured along signal line 14.

[0081] In the area where signal line 14 extends to the right of vehicle body BD (the negative direction of direction D2), a first signal line 141, a second signal line 142, a third signal line 143, a fourth signal line 144, and a low voltage line 15 are arranged sequentially toward the rear of vehicle body BD (the negative direction of direction D1).

[0082] In addition, in the area where signal line 14 extends to the rear of vehicle body BD (the negative direction of direction D1), a first signal line 141, a second signal line 142, a third signal line 143, a fourth signal line 144 and a low voltage line 15 are arranged in sequence toward the right of vehicle body BD (the negative direction of direction D2).

[0083] High-voltage line 13 includes a first high-voltage line 131, a second high-voltage line 132, and a third high-voltage line 133. The first high-voltage line 131 and... Figure 3 The power line 64u is connected as shown. The second high-voltage line 132 is connected to... Figure 3 The power line shown is connected to 64V. The third high-voltage line 133 is connected to... Figure 3 The power line shown is connected to 64W.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown, the first high voltage line 131 to the third high voltage line 133 extend from the second electric actuator 12B to the right of the vehicle body BD (the negative direction of direction D2), and extend from near the center line of the vehicle body BD to the rear of the vehicle body BD (the negative direction of direction D1).

[0085] In the region where the high voltage line 13 extends to the right of the vehicle body BD (in the negative direction of direction D2), the first high voltage line 131, the second high voltage line 132, and the third high voltage line 133 are arranged sequentially toward the rear of the vehicle body BD (in the negative direction of direction D1).

[0086] Furthermore, in the region where the high-voltage line 13 extends to the right of the vehicle body BD (the negative direction of direction D2), the first signal line 141 to the fourth signal line 144 and the low-voltage line 15 are positioned forward of the vehicle body BD (in the positive direction of direction D1) than the first high-voltage line 131 to the third high-voltage line 133. In other words, the signal line 14 and the low-voltage line 15 are positioned forward of the vehicle body BD than the high-voltage line 13.

[0087] In addition, in the area where the high voltage line 13 extends toward the rear of the vehicle body BD (the negative direction of direction D1), the first high voltage line 131, the second high voltage line 132 and the third high voltage line 133 are arranged in sequence toward the left of the vehicle body BD (the positive direction of direction D2).

[0088] Furthermore, in the region extending rearward (in the negative direction of direction D1) of the vehicle body BD, the first high-voltage line 131, the second high-voltage line 132, and the third high-voltage line 133 are positioned to the right of the vehicle body BD (in the negative direction of direction D2) compared to the first signal line 141 to the fourth signal line 144 and the low-voltage line 15. In other words, the high-voltage line 13 is positioned inside the vehicle body BD compared to the signal line 14 and the low-voltage line 15.

[0089] A fixing component FW is provided in the area where the high-voltage line 13, signal line 14, and low-voltage line 15 extend to the right of the vehicle body BD (the negative direction of direction D2). The fixing component FW secures the high-voltage line 13, signal line 14, and low-voltage line 15 to the vehicle body BD.

[0090] Between the fixed component FW and the second electric actuator 12B, bends LC are formed on the first high-voltage line 131 to the third high-voltage line 133, respectively. In the bends LC, the first high-voltage line 131 to the third high-voltage line 133 are respectively arranged in a bent manner.

[0091] In other words, the high voltage line 13, signal line 14, and low voltage line 15 are arranged in the vehicle body BD such that the lengths of the signal line 14 and low voltage line 15 from the fixed component FW to the second electric actuator 12B are shorter than the lengths of the high voltage line 13 from the fixed component FW to the second electric actuator 12B.

[0092] For reference Figure 4As explained, the high-voltage line 13, signal line 14, and low-voltage line 15 are arranged in the vehicle body BD such that the lengths of each of the signal line 14 and the low-voltage line 15 from the fixed component FW to the second electric actuator 12B are shorter than the length of the high-voltage line 13 from the fixed component FW to the second electric actuator 12B. Therefore, the signal line 14 and the low-voltage line 15 are more prone to breakage than the high-voltage line 13. Therefore, if the fault determination unit 211 detects a breakage in at least one of the signal line 14 and the low-voltage line 15, the suppression indication unit 212 can stop supplying high-voltage VH power to the motors 46 of each of the first electric actuators 12A to the fourth electric actuators 12D.

[0093] Additionally, as referenced Figure 4 As explained, signal line 14 and low-voltage line 15 are positioned forward of the vehicle body BD compared to high-voltage line 13. Therefore, in the event of a collision between the front of the vehicle body BD and another vehicle, signal line 14 and low-voltage line 15 will break before high-voltage line 13. Thus, when the anomaly detection unit 211 detects a break in at least one of signal line 14 and low-voltage line 15, the suppression indication unit 212 can stop supplying high-voltage VH power to the motors 46 of each of the first electric actuators 12A to the fourth electric actuator 12D. This improves the safety of the electric suspension system 10.

[0094] Additionally, as referenced Figure 4 As explained, signal line 14 and low-voltage line 15 are positioned further outward from the vehicle body BD than high-voltage line 13. Therefore, in the event of a collision between the left side of the vehicle body BD and another vehicle, signal line 14 and low-voltage line 15 will break before high-voltage line 13. Thus, when the anomaly detection unit 211 detects a break in at least one of signal line 14 and low-voltage line 15, the suppression indication unit 212 can stop supplying high-voltage VH power to the motors 46 of each of the first electric actuators 12A to the fourth electric actuator 12D. Therefore, the safety of the electric suspension device 10 can be improved.

[0095] [5. Control ECU processing]

[0096] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing by the electric suspension control ECU20.

[0097] First, in step S101, the anomaly determination unit 211 determines whether an anomaly has occurred in the signal line 14. For example, the anomaly determination unit 211 determines whether the signal line 14 is broken.

[0098] If the anomaly determination unit 211 determines that an anomaly has occurred in signal line 14 (step S101; Yes), the process proceeds to step S105. If the anomaly determination unit 211 determines that no anomaly has occurred in signal line 14 (step S101; No), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0099] Then, in step S103, the anomaly determination unit 211 determines whether an anomaly has occurred in the low-voltage line 15. For example, the anomaly determination unit 211 determines whether the low-voltage line 15 is broken.

[0100] If the anomaly determination unit 211 determines that no anomaly has occurred in the low voltage line 15 (step S103; No), the process returns to step S101. If the anomaly determination unit 211 determines that an anomaly has occurred in the low voltage line 15 (step S103; Yes), the process proceeds to step S105.

[0101] Then, in step S105, the suppression indicator 212 suppresses the supply of high voltage VH power to the motors 46 of each of the first electric actuators 12A to the fourth electric actuators 12D. For example, the suppression indicator 212 stops supplying high voltage VH power to the motors 46 of each of the first electric actuators 12A to the fourth electric actuators 12D. Then, the process ends.

[0102] For reference Figure 5 As explained, in the event of an abnormality in at least one of the signal line 14 and the low-voltage line 15, the supply of high-voltage VH power to the motors 46 of each of the first electric actuators 12A to the fourth electric actuator 12D is suppressed. Therefore, the safety of the electric suspension device 10 can be improved.

[0103] [6. Structure and Effects]

[0104] As explained above, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment includes: a high-voltage component such as an electric actuator 12; an electric suspension control ECU 20; a battery 16; a signal line 14 that transmits the detection signal from the sensor disposed on the electric actuator 12 to the electric suspension control ECU 20; a high-voltage line 13 that supplies high voltage VH from the battery 16 to the high-voltage component (electric actuator 12); and a fixing member FW that fixes the signal line 14 and the high-voltage line 13 to the vehicle body BD, such that the length of the signal line 14 from the fixing member FW to the high-voltage component (electric actuator 12) is shorter than the length of the high-voltage line 13 from the fixing member FW to the high-voltage component (electric actuator 12), and the electric suspension control ECU 20 suppresses the supply of high voltage VH to the high-voltage component (electric actuator 12) in the event of an abnormality in the signal line 14.

[0105] According to this structure, the length of signal line 14 from the fixed component FW to the high-voltage component (electric actuator 12) is shorter than the length of high-voltage line 13 from the fixed component FW to the high-voltage component (electric actuator 12). Therefore, signal line 14 is more prone to breakage than high-voltage line 13. In addition, in the event of an abnormality in signal line 14, the electric suspension control ECU 20 suppresses the supply of high voltage VH to the high-voltage component (electric actuator 12), thereby improving the safety of the high-voltage component (electric actuator 12).

[0106] In addition, a low-voltage line 15 is provided to supply low voltage VL from battery 16 to high-voltage component (electric actuator 12). The fixing component FW fixes the low-voltage line 15 to the vehicle body BD, so that the length of the low-voltage line 15 from the fixing component FW to the high-voltage component (electric actuator 12) is shorter than the length of the high-voltage line 13 from the fixing component FW to the high-voltage component (electric actuator 12). In the event of an abnormality in the low-voltage line 15, the electric suspension control ECU 20 suppresses the supply of high voltage VH to the high-voltage component (electric actuator 12).

[0107] According to this structure, the length of the low-voltage line 15 from the fixed component FW to the high-voltage component (electric actuator 12) is shorter than the length of the high-voltage line 13 from the fixed component FW to the high-voltage component (electric actuator 12). Therefore, the low-voltage line 15 is more prone to breakage than the high-voltage line 13. In addition, in the event of an abnormality in the low-voltage line 15, the electric suspension control ECU 20 suppresses the supply of high voltage VH to the high-voltage component (electric actuator 12), thereby improving the safety of the high-voltage component (electric actuator 12).

[0108] Additionally, the high-voltage component includes an electric actuator 12 driven by a motor 46 in the electric suspension device 10.

[0109] According to this structure, the safety of the electric actuator 12 can be improved by suppressing the supply of high voltage VH to the electric actuator 12.

[0110] In addition, the sensors include at least one of the following: a rotation angle sensor S3 for detecting the rotation angle θ of the motor 46, a stroke sensor S2 for detecting the stroke ST of the electric actuator 12, and an acceleration sensor S1 for detecting the acceleration α applied to the electric actuator 12.

[0111] According to this structure, signal line 14 transmits the detection signals of at least one of the rotation angle sensor S3, stroke sensor S2, and acceleration sensor S1 to the electric suspension control ECU 20. Therefore, in the event of an anomaly in signal line 14, the supply of high voltage VH to the electric actuator 12 can be suppressed, thereby improving the safety of the electric actuator 12.

[0112] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, signal line 14 is positioned in front of the vehicle body BD, closer to the high voltage line 13.

[0113] Therefore, for example, in the event of a collision between the front of the vehicle body BD and another vehicle, the signal line 14 will break before the high-voltage line 13. Thus, upon detecting a break in the signal line 14, the supply of high-voltage VH power to the electric actuator 12 can be stopped. Therefore, the safety of the electric suspension system 10 can be improved.

[0114] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the high voltage line 13 is positioned inside the vehicle body BD, closer to the signal line 14.

[0115] Therefore, for example, in the event of a collision between the left side of the vehicle body BD and another vehicle, the signal line 14 will break before the high-voltage line 13. Thus, upon detecting a break in the signal line 14, the supply of high-voltage VH power to the electric actuator 12 can be stopped. Therefore, the safety of the electric suspension system 10 can be improved.

[0116] [7. Other Implementation Methods]

[0117] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the structure of the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various ways without departing from its spirit.

[0118] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the "high-voltage component" is an electric actuator 12 has been described, but it is not limited to this. The "high-voltage component" can be, for example, any one of an in-wheel motor, an air conditioner, a driving motor, and an electric stabilizer.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the "power supply device" is battery 16 has been described, but it is not limited to this. The "power supply device" may also be a generator such as an AC generator.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the electric suspension device 10 was described with the first electric actuator 12A to the fourth electric actuator 12D, but it is not limited to this. For example, the electric suspension device 10 may have a third electric actuator 12C and a fourth electric actuator 12D but without the first electric actuator 12A and the second electric actuator 12B. Conversely, the electric suspension device 10 may have a first electric actuator 12A and a second electric actuator 12B but without the third electric actuator 12C and the fourth electric actuator 12D.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the suppression indicator 212 keeps the motor 46 open by fixing the inverter 22 in a disconnected state is described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the electric suspension device 10 may have a disconnection circuit that keeps the motor 46 open, and the suppression indicator 212 may disconnect the motor 46 via the disconnection circuit. Alternatively, a relay may be provided on the power lines of the inverter 22 and the boost circuit 26, and the suppression indicator 212 may stop the power supply to the motor 46 by disconnecting the relay.

[0122] Figure 2 At least some of the functional blocks shown can be implemented in hardware, or in a combination of hardware and software, and are not limited to a structure with independent hardware resources as shown in the figure.

[0123] The control program executed by the processor 21B of the electric suspension control ECU 20 of the electric suspension device 10 is stored in the memory 21A, but the control program can also be stored in an external HDD or the like.

[0124] Figure 5 The processing units in the flowchart shown are divided according to the main processing content for easy understanding of the processing of the electric suspension control ECU 20 of the electric suspension device 10. The implementation method will not be... Figure 5 The flowchart illustrates the segmentation method and naming restrictions for processing units. The processing of the electric suspension control ECU 20 can be divided into more processing units based on the processing content, or it can be divided into a single processing unit containing more processes. The processing order in the above flowchart is not limited to the example shown.

[0125] The control method of the electric suspension control ECU 20 can be implemented by having the processor 21B of the electric suspension control ECU 20 execute a control program corresponding to the control method of the electric suspension control ECU 20. The control program can be pre-recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium can be a magnetic, optical, or semiconductor memory device. Specifically, examples include removable or fixed recording media such as floppy disks, CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), Blu-ray discs, optical disks, flash memory, and card-type recording media. The recording medium can also be a non-volatile storage device such as RAM, ROM, or HDD, which is an internal storage device of the electric suspension device 10. The control program corresponding to the control method of the electric suspension control ECU 20 is stored in a server device or the like, and the control method of the electric suspension control ECU 20 can be implemented by downloading the control program from the server device to the electric suspension control ECU 20.

[0126] [8. Structure supported by the above embodiments]

[0127] The above implementation supports the following structures.

[0128] (Structure 1) A vehicle, wherein the vehicle has: a high-voltage component; a control device; a power supply device; and a signal line that transmits detection signals from sensors disposed on the high-voltage component to the control device;

[0129] A high-voltage line supplies high voltage from the power supply device to the high-voltage component; and a fixing component fixes the signal line and the high-voltage line to the vehicle body such that the length of the signal line from the fixing component to the high-voltage component is shorter than the length of the high-voltage line from the fixing component to the high-voltage component, and the control device suppresses the supply of high voltage to the high-voltage component in the event of an abnormality in the signal line.

[0130] According to the vehicle of structure 1, since the length of the signal line from the fixed component to the high-voltage component is shorter than the length of the high-voltage line from the fixed component to the high-voltage component, the signal line is more prone to breakage than the high-voltage line. Furthermore, the control device suppresses the supply of high voltage to the high-voltage component in the event of an abnormality in the signal line, thereby improving the safety of the high-voltage component.

[0131] (Structure 2) According to the vehicle of Structure 1, the vehicle further includes a low-voltage line that supplies low voltage from the power supply device to the high-voltage component, the fixing member fixing the low-voltage line to the vehicle body such that the length of the low-voltage line from the fixing member to the high-voltage component is shorter than the length of the high-voltage line from the fixing member to the high-voltage component, and the control device suppressing the supply of high voltage to the high-voltage component in the event of an abnormality in the low-voltage line.

[0132] According to the vehicle of structure 2, since the length of the low-voltage line from the fixed component to the high-voltage component is shorter than the length of the high-voltage line from the fixed component to the high-voltage component, the low-voltage line is more prone to breakage than the high-voltage line. Furthermore, in the event of an abnormality in the low-voltage line, the control device suppresses the supply of high voltage to the high-voltage component, thereby improving the safety of the high-voltage component.

[0133] (Structure 3) The vehicle according to Structure 1 or Structure 2, wherein the high-voltage component includes an electric actuator driven by a motor in the electric suspension device.

[0134] According to the vehicle of structure 3, the safety of the electric actuator can be improved by suppressing the supply of the high voltage to the electric actuator.

[0135] (Structure 4) The vehicle according to Structure 3, wherein the sensor includes at least one of a rotation angle sensor for detecting the rotation angle of the motor, a stroke sensor for detecting the stroke of the electric actuator, and an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration applied to the electric actuator.

[0136] According to the vehicle of structure 4, the signal line transmits the detection signals of at least one of the rotation angle sensor, stroke sensor, and acceleration sensor to the control device. Therefore, in the event of an anomaly in the signal line, the supply of the high voltage to the electric actuator is suppressed, thereby improving the safety of the electric actuator.

[0137] (Structure 5) The vehicle according to any one of Structures 1 to 4, wherein the signal line is positioned forward of the vehicle body than the high voltage line.

[0138] In the vehicle according to structure 5, for example, in the event of a collision between the left side of the vehicle body and another vehicle, the signal line will break before the high-voltage line. Therefore, if a break in the signal line is detected, the supply of high voltage to the high-voltage component can be suppressed, thereby improving the safety of the high-voltage component.

[0139] (Structure 6) The vehicle according to any one of Structures 1 to 5, wherein the high voltage line is disposed at a position inside the vehicle body than the signal line.

[0140] According to the vehicle of structure 6, for example, in the event of a collision between the left side of the vehicle body and another vehicle, the signal line will break before the high-voltage line. Therefore, if a break in the signal line is detected, the supply of high voltage to the high-voltage component can be suppressed, thereby improving the safety of the high-voltage component.

Claims

1. A vehicle, wherein, The vehicle has: High-voltage components; Control device; Power supply device; The signal line transmits the detection signal from the sensor configured on the high-voltage component to the control device; A high-voltage line that supplies high voltage from the power supply device to the high-voltage component; and A fixing component that secures the signal line and the high-voltage line to the vehicle body. The length of the signal line from the fixed component to the high-voltage component is shorter than the length of the high-voltage line from the fixed component to the high-voltage component. The vehicle also includes a low-voltage line that supplies low voltage from the power supply unit to the high-voltage components. The fixing component secures the low-voltage wire to the vehicle body. The length of the low-voltage line from the fixed component to the high-voltage component is shorter than the length of the high-voltage line from the fixed component to the high-voltage component. If an abnormality occurs in at least one of the signal line and the low voltage line, the control device suppresses the supply of high voltage to the high voltage component.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The high-voltage component includes an electric actuator driven by a motor in the electric suspension device.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The sensor includes at least one of the following: a rotation angle sensor for detecting the rotation angle of the motor, a stroke sensor for detecting the stroke of the electric actuator, and an acceleration sensor for detecting the acceleration applied to the electric actuator.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The signal line is positioned at the front of the vehicle body, closer to the high-voltage line.

5. The vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The high-voltage line is positioned inside the vehicle body, closer to the signal line.

Images