Electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides an electric vehicle. An electric vehicle is provided with a drive device and a vehicle-mounted member that is not directly connected to the drive device. A drive device is provided with: an electric motor; a first housing that accommodates the electric motor; a power conversion device electrically connected to the electric motor; and a second housing which is positioned above or below the first housing, is fixed to the first housing, and accommodates the power conversion device. A housing space passing through the drive device in the front-rear direction of the vehicle is provided between the first housing and the second housing. A part of the vehicle-mounted component is located in the containing space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to electric vehicles. In particular, it relates to electric vehicles equipped with a drive device. Background Art

[0002] In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-112116, a drive device is disclosed that houses both a rotary electric machine and an inverter device located above the rotary electric machine in the same housing.

[0003] In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-112116, if the housing that houses both the rotary electric machine and the inverter device increases in size, it may be difficult to layout in-vehicle components that are not directly connected to the drive device. In the present disclosure, a technology is provided that improves the degree of freedom in layout of in-vehicle components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An electric vehicle according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a drive device configured to drive drive wheels of the electric vehicle; and an in-vehicle component not directly connected to the drive device. The drive device includes: an electric motor; a first housing that houses the electric motor; a power conversion device electrically connected to the electric motor; and a second housing located above or below the first housing, fixed to the first housing, and housing the power conversion device. A housing space that penetrates the drive device in the vehicle front-rear direction is provided between the first housing and the second housing, and a part of the in-vehicle component is located in the housing space.

[0005] In the above electric vehicle, a part of the in-vehicle component not directly connected to the drive device is located in the housing space provided between the first housing and the second housing. Therefore, the degree of freedom in layout of in-vehicle components mounted on the electric vehicle including the drive device can be improved.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present technology, the first housing may also include: a housing body that extends in a cylindrical shape from a first end face to a second end face; a first cover mounted on the first end face of the housing body; and a second cover mounted on the second end face of the housing body. In this case, the second housing may also be fixed to the first cover and the second cover.

[0007] With such a structure, a housing space with a relatively wide width can be provided between the housing body extending in a cylindrical shape and the second housing. Thereby, a part or all of various in-vehicle components can be arranged in the housing space.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present technology, the first cover may also have a first support column extending toward the second housing, and the second cover may also have a second support column extending toward the second housing. In this case, the second housing may also be fixed to the first support column and the second support column. However, in other embodiments, the second housing may also have a first support column extending toward the first cover and a second support column extending toward the second cover.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present technology, the second housing may also be located above the first housing. However, in other embodiments, the second housing may also be located below the first housing.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present technology, the drive device may further include a transmission mechanism mechanically connected to the electric motor and a third housing that houses the transmission mechanism. In this case, the third housing may be adjacent to the first housing above or below the second housing. Moreover, a part of the accommodation space may be located between the second housing and the third housing.

[0011] With this structure, it is possible to provide an accommodation space with a relatively wide width not only between the first housing and the second housing but also throughout the second housing and the third housing. Thus, a part or all of various in-vehicle components can be arranged in the accommodation space.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present technology, the third housing may be located in front of the vehicle with respect to the first housing. In this case, the first housing and the third housing may be arranged along a direction in which they are displaced downward as they face the front of the vehicle. However, in other embodiments, the first housing and the third housing may be arranged along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present technology, the in-vehicle component may include a steering shaft that passes through the accommodation space in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0014] With this structure, the degree of freedom in the layout of the steering shaft can be increased.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present technology, an electric vehicle may further include: a steering wheel that is located behind the vehicle with respect to the drive device, is connected to the rear end of the steering shaft, and is operated by a driver; and a steering gear that is located in front of the vehicle with respect to the drive device, is connected to the front end of the steering shaft, and changes the steering angle of the drive wheels according to the rotation of the steering wheel.

[0016] If based on this structure, the steering gear that changes the steering angle of the drive wheels can be arranged in front of the drive device having a relatively large mass. Thereby, compared with the structure in which the drive device is arranged in front of the steering gear, the steering controllability of the electric vehicle can be improved.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present technology, the in-vehicle component may also include a heat medium pipe that passes through the accommodation space in the vehicle front-rear direction and is connected to an air-conditioning device that air-conditions the vehicle interior.

[0018] If based on this structure, the degree of freedom in the layout of the air-conditioning device and the heat medium pipe can be improved.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present technology, the electric vehicle may further include: a battery that is located behind the drive device relative to the vehicle and supplies power to the motor of the drive device; and a charging inlet that is located in front of the drive device relative to the vehicle and is detachably connected to an external power source. In this case, the in-vehicle component may also include a power cable that passes through the accommodation space in the vehicle front-rear direction and electrically connects between the battery and the charging inlet.

[0020] If based on this structure, the degree of freedom in the layout of the charging inlet and the power cable can be improved.

[0021] The details and further improvements of the technology disclosed in this specification will be described by the following "Detailed Embodiments". BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Hereinafter, the features, advantages, and technical and industrial importance of the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, and the same reference numerals denote the same elements, wherein,

[0023] Figure 1 A block diagram showing the electric vehicle 10 of the embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 Showing along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line II-II.

[0025] Figure 3 Showing along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line III-III. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Embodiment

[0027] Figure 1 A block diagram showing the electric vehicle 10 of the embodiment as viewed from above. In this specification, sometimes the front of the electric vehicle 10 (i.e., Figure 1above the plane of the paper) is simply referred to as "front", and the opposite side is simply referred to as "rear". Also, sometimes the left side of the electric vehicle 10 (i.e., Figure 1 the left side of the plane of the paper) is simply referred to as "left", and the opposite side is simply referred to as "right". Additionally, sometimes the upper side of the electric vehicle 10 (i.e., Figure 1 the frontward direction of the plane of the paper) is simply referred to as "up", and the opposite side is simply referred to as "down".

[0028] The electric vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 2, an instrument panel 3, a pair of left and right front wheels 4R, 4L, a pair of left and right rear wheels 5R, 5L, a front axle 14, a rear axle 15, a drive device 20, a battery unit 40, a steering control unit 50, and an air conditioning unit 60. The electric vehicle 10 travels by driving a pair of left and right front wheels 4R, 4L using the drive device 20. In addition, the "electric vehicle" in this specification includes, for example, a rechargeable electric vehicle charged by an external power source, a fuel cell vehicle using a fuel cell as a power source, and a hybrid vehicle having an engine. Hereinafter, the description of "a pair of left and right" may sometimes be simply described as "a pair".

[0029] The drive device 20 includes a motor unit 30, an inverter unit 70, and a transmission mechanism unit 80. The drive device 20 drives a pair of front wheels 4R, 4L via the front axle 14. That is, in this embodiment, a pair of front wheels 4R, 4L are the drive wheels of the electric vehicle 10. In a modified example, a pair of rear wheels 5R, 5L may also be the drive wheels of the electric vehicle 10, and a pair of front wheels 4R, 4L and a pair of rear wheels 5R, 5L may also be the drive wheels of the electric vehicle 10.

[0030] The battery unit 40 includes a battery pack 42 (battery), a power cable 44, and a charging inlet 46. The battery unit 40 supplies the charging power of the external power source 7 to the battery pack 42. The battery pack 42 is disposed below the floor panel (not shown) of the electric vehicle 10. The battery pack 42 incorporates, for example, lithium-ion battery cells. In a modified example, the battery pack 42 may also incorporate other secondary battery cells (nickel-metal hydride battery cells, all-solid battery cells). The charging inlet 46 is exposed at the front end of the electric vehicle 10. The charging inlet 46 is electrically connected to the external power source 7 via an external cable 8. The external cable 8 is detachably connected to the charging inlet 46. That is, the charging inlet 46 is detachably connected to the external power source 7. The power cable 44 extends in the vehicle front-rear direction and electrically connects the charging inlet 46 and the battery pack 42. That is, the power cable 44 is connected to the drive device 20 at least via the battery pack 42, the vehicle body 2, etc., and is not directly connected to the drive device 20.

[0031] The steering control unit 50 changes the traveling direction of the electric vehicle 10 according to the driver's operation. The steering control unit 50 includes a steering wheel 52, a steering shaft 54, a steering gearbox 56, and a steering rod 58. The steering wheel 52 is a handle connected to the rear end of the steering shaft 54 and operated by the driver. The steering shaft 54 extends in the vehicle's front-rear direction and mechanically connects the steering wheel 52 to the steering gearbox 56. That is, the steering shaft 54 is connected to the drive device 20 at least via the steering rod 58 and the front axle 14, and is not directly connected to the drive device 20. The steering gearbox 56 includes a plurality of steering gears. The steering rod 58 includes a plurality of rods and ball joints. When the steering wheel 52 is operated, the steering gears of the steering gearbox 56 rotate via the steering shaft 54. As a result, the steering rod 58 is displaced, causing the steering angles of the pair of front wheels 4R and 4L to change. Thereby, the traveling direction of the electric vehicle 10 changes.

[0032] As Figure 1 shown, the steering gearbox 56 is located in front of the drive device 20. The drive device 20 has a relatively large mass. In the electric vehicle 10 of the present embodiment, the drive device 20 is located closer to the center of the electric vehicle 10 than the steering gearbox 56 in the vehicle's front-rear direction. Therefore, compared with the structure where the drive device 20 is located in front of the steering gearbox 56, the inertial mass generated when the steering control unit 50 changes the traveling direction of the electric vehicle 10 can be reduced. Thereby, the steering controllability of the electric vehicle 10 is improved.

[0033] The air conditioning unit 60 includes an air conditioning device 62, a heat medium pipe 64, a heat exchanger 66, and a fan 68. The air conditioning device 62 is disposed in the front compartment F1 of the electric vehicle 10. The air conditioning device 62 is an air compressor. The heat medium pipe 64 extends in the vehicle's front-rear direction and connects the air conditioning device 62 and the heat exchanger 66. The heat medium pipe 64 forms a path for the heat medium (such as antifreeze or water) compressed or expanded by the air conditioning device 62 to circulate between the air conditioning device 62 and the heat exchanger 66. That is, the heat medium pipe 64 is connected to the drive device 20 at least via the heat exchanger 66 and the instrument panel 3, and is not directly connected to the drive device 20. The fan 68 supplies the air-conditioned air to the passenger compartment via the heat exchanger 66 and the instrument panel 3. In this way, the air conditioning device 62 conditions the air in the passenger compartment of the electric vehicle 10.

[0034] Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 to describe the detailed structure of the drive device 20. Figure 2 It shows a cross-sectional view of the drive device 20 along Figure 1 line II-II. That is, Figure 2 it shows the structure when observing the drive device 20 from the rear. Figure 3 It shows a cross-sectional view of the drive device 20 along Figure 2 line III-III. That is,Figure 3 This shows the structure when observing the drive device 20 from the left side.

[0035] The motor unit 30 includes an electric motor 31 and a first housing 34. The electric motor 31 includes a cylindrical rotor 32R extending in the left - right direction, a stator 32S facing the outer peripheral surface of the rotor 32R from the radial outside, and a motor shaft 35 passing through the rotor 32R and extending in the left - right direction. The rotor 32R includes permanent magnets. The electric motor 31 is a radial - type motor. In a modified example, the electric motor 31 may also be an axial - type motor.

[0036] The first housing 34 includes a housing body 34H, a first cover 36R, and a second cover 36L. The housing body 34H faces the outer peripheral surface of the stator 32S of the electric motor 31 from the radial outside. A first end face 34R located at the right end of the housing body 34H and a second end face 34L located at the left end define an opening. The housing body 34H extends in a cylindrical shape in the left - right direction from the first end face 34R to the second end face 34L.

[0037] At the first end face 34R of the housing body 34H, the first cover 36R is mounted from the right side. The first cover 36R has a flat plate shape extending in a direction orthogonal to the motor shaft 35 of the electric motor 31 and covers the opening of the first end face 34R of the housing body 34H from the right side. The first cover 36R includes a first bearing 33R. The first bearing 33R holds the motor shaft 35 rotatably.

[0038] Similarly, at the second end face 34L of the housing body 34H, the second cover 36L is mounted from the left side. The second cover 36L has a flat plate shape extending in a direction orthogonal to the motor shaft 35 of the electric motor 31 and covers the opening of the second end face 34L of the housing body 34H from the left side. The second cover 36L includes a second bearing 33L. The second bearing 33L holds the motor shaft 35 rotatably.

[0039] The first cover 36R includes a first support column 38R extending upward from the upper end of the first cover 36R toward the inverter unit 70. Similarly, the second cover 36L includes a second support column 38L extending upward from the upper end of the second cover 36L toward the inverter unit 70.

[0040] The inverter unit 70 includes an inverter 72 and a second housing 74. The inverter 72 is a power conversion device that changes the direct current of the battery pack 42 into alternating current suitable for the electric motor 31. And, for example, the inverter 72 may also include a conversion function for boosting the direct current of the battery pack 42. The second housing 74 houses the inverter 72.

[0041] The first strut 38R and the second strut 38L of the motor unit 30 extend toward the second housing 74 of the inverter unit 70. The right end of the second housing 74 of the inverter unit 70 is fixed to the first strut 38R of the motor unit 30 via the screw B1. Similarly, the left end of the second housing 74 is fixed to the second strut 38L via the screw B1. Thus, the second housing 74 of the inverter unit 70 is held above the first housing 34 of the motor unit 30.

[0042] In addition, the first cover 36R of the motor unit 30 is fixed to the vehicle body 2 via the first bracket 6R and the screw B2. Similarly, the second cover 36L is fixed to the vehicle body 2 via the second bracket 6L and the screw B2. In this way, the drive device 20 is mounted on the vehicle body 2.

[0043] A transmission mechanism unit 80 is mounted on the first cover 36R. The transmission mechanism unit 80 includes a plurality of gears 82, 86 (see Figure 3 ) and a third housing 84 that houses them. The motor shaft 35 of the electric motor 31 passes through the first cover 36R and extends further to the right, and is held rotatably by the third bearing 83 of the third housing 84. The motor shaft 35 rotates the gear 82 inside the third housing 84. The third housing 84 has a side portion that extends in the front-rear direction to the right of the motor unit 30 and a front portion that is located in front of the motor unit 30. As Figure 3 shown, the gear 86 is housed in the front portion of the third housing 84. The gear 86 is fixed to the front axle 14. The gear 82 and the gear 86 are engaged via a plurality of gears (not shown). Therefore, when the gear 82 rotates by the motor shaft 35, the gear 86 rotates, so that a pair of front wheels 4R, 4L are driven via the front axle 14 (see Figure 1 ).

[0044] As described above, the second housing 74 of the inverter unit 70 is held above the first housing 34 of the motor unit 30 by the first support column 38R of the first cover 36R of the motor unit 30 and the second support column 38L of the second cover 36L. Each support column 38R, 38L extends upward from each cover 36R, 36L. Therefore, the lower surface of the second housing 74 is separated from the upper surface of the housing 34H of the first housing 34 over the entire range of the housing 34H. As a result, a receiving space SP1 having a width with the same length as the length from the first end surface 34R to the second end surface 34L of the housing 34H is provided between the second housing 74 and the housing 34H extending in a cylindrical shape. Thus, for example, part or all of various components such as the power cable 44, the steering shaft 54, and the heat medium pipe 64 can be arranged in the receiving space SP1. And by installing the second housing 74 on each of the covers 36R, 36L of the first housing 34, a receiving space SP1 can be provided between the second housing 74 and the first housing 34 with a simple structure as compared with a structure in which the second housing 74 is fixed by brackets different from the covers 36R, 36L, for example.

[0045] As Figure 3 shown, the receiving space SP1 penetrates the drive device 20 in the vehicle front-rear direction. The power cable 44 passes through the receiving space SP1 to electrically connect the charging inlet 46 and the battery pack 42. The steering shaft 54 passes through the receiving space SP1 to mechanically connect the steering wheel 52 and the gear of the steering gearbox 56. The heat medium pipe 64 passes through the receiving space SP1 to fluidly connect the air conditioner 62 and the heat exchanger 66. That is, a part of the power cable 44 is located in the receiving space SP1. Similarly, a part of the steering shaft 54 and a part of the heat medium pipe 64 are located in the receiving space SP1.

[0046] Effects of the present embodiment

[0047] In the electric vehicle 10 of the present embodiment, a part of the power cable 44, the steering shaft 54, and the heat medium pipe 64 that are not directly connected to the drive device 20 is located in the receiving space SP1 provided between the first housing 34 and the second housing 74. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the layout of the power cable 44, the steering shaft 54, and the heat medium pipe 64 can be improved. As a result, the degree of freedom in the layout of the drive device 20 mounted on the electric vehicle 10, the charging inlet 46 connected to the power cable 44, the steering gearbox 56 connected to the steering shaft 54, and the air conditioner 62 connected to the heat medium pipe 64 can be improved. As a result, the receiving space in the front compartment F1 can be utilized more effectively.

[0048] And, as Figure 3As shown, the front part of the third housing 84 of the transfer mechanism unit 80 is adjacent to the front of the first housing 34 of the motor unit 30. A receiving space SP1 is also provided between the front part of the third housing 84 and the second housing 74. The front part of the receiving space SP1 is located between the second housing 74 and the third housing 84. In other words, the receiving space SP1 also penetrates the drive device 20 in the vehicle front-rear direction through between the front part of the third housing 84 and the second housing 74. A relatively large receiving space SP1 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction can be provided not only between the first housing 34 and the second housing 74 but also throughout between the second housing 74 and the third housing 84. Thus, for example, a part of a component such as the steering shaft 54 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction can be arranged in the receiving space SP1.

[0049] Moreover, the front part of the third housing 84 is arranged below the first housing 34. That is, the front part of the third housing 84 and the first housing 34 are arranged along the direction D1 in which the displacement is downward as the vehicle front is approached. In other words, when viewed from the left, the straight line connecting the center of the housing 34H of the first housing 34 and the center of the third housing 84 is inclined so as to approach the vehicle body 2 more as it goes forward. Since the first housing 34 and the third housing 84 are arranged along the direction D1, the receiving space SP1 extends in the vehicle front-rear direction along the direction D1. Therefore, a part of the steering shaft 54 that is inclined upward more as the vehicle rear is approached toward the steering wheel 52 can be easily received.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the inverter 72 is an example of the "power conversion device". The power cable 44, the steering shaft 54, and the heat medium pipe 64 are examples of the "in-vehicle components".

[0051] As described above, specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail, but they are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes technologies obtained by various deformations and changes of the above-exemplified specific examples. Hereinafter, deformation examples of the above embodiment will be listed.

[0052] (Modification Example 1)

[0053] In the above embodiment, the second housing 74 of the inverter unit 70 is fixed to the respective covers 36R and 36L of the motor unit 30. In this modification example, the second housing 74 may also be fixed to, for example, a bracket provided on the upper surface of the first housing 34 of the motor unit 30.

[0054] Modification Example 2

[0055] Each of the covers 36R and 36L of the first housing 34 may not have struts. In this case, the second housing 74 of the inverter unit 70 may also have a pair of struts extending downward toward the first housing 34, and the pair of struts may be fixed to the covers 36R and 36L, respectively.

[0056] Modification Example 3

[0057] The inverter unit 70 may also be located below the motor unit 30.

[0058] Modification Example 4

[0059] The drive device 20 may not have the transmission mechanism unit 80. In this case, the transmission mechanism unit 80 may be arranged so as to be separated from the drive device 20. In other modification examples, the third housing 84 of the transmission mechanism unit 80 may be adjacent to the first housing 34 of the motor unit 30 from the rear, or may be adjacent from the left-right direction.

[0060] Modification Example 5

[0061] The front portions of the first housing 34 of the motor unit 30 and the third housing 84 of the transmission mechanism unit 80 may not be arranged along the direction D1. For example, the housings 34 and 84 may be arranged along the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0062] Modification Example 6

[0063] At least one of the power cable 44, the steering shaft 54, and the heat medium pipe 64 may not pass through the accommodation space SP1. Further, in other modification examples, for example, a refrigerant pipe that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction from a radiator located at the front portion of the electric vehicle 10 and supplies refrigerant to the battery pack 42 may pass through the accommodation space SP1. In this case, the refrigerant pipe is an example of one of the "vehicle-mounted components".

[0064] The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness either individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations recited in the claims at the time of application. Further, the technologies illustrated in this specification or the drawings are capable of achieving multiple purposes simultaneously, and achieving one of the purposes itself has technical usefulness.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle, characterized in that, Comprising: A drive device configured to drive a drive wheel of the electric vehicle; and A vehicle-mounted component not directly connected to the drive device, The drive device includes: An electric motor; A first housing that houses the electric motor; A power conversion device electrically connected to the electric motor; and A second housing located above or below the first housing, fixed relative to the first housing, and housing the power conversion device, A receiving space that penetrates the drive device in the vehicle front-rear direction is provided between the first housing and the second housing, A part of the vehicle-mounted component is located in the receiving space.

2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The first housing includes: A housing that extends in a cylindrical shape from a first end face to a second end face; A first cover mounted on the first end face of the housing; and A second cover mounted on the second end face of the housing, The second housing is fixed to the first cover and the second cover.

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 2, wherein The first cover has a first support pillar extending toward the second housing, The second cover has a second support pillar extending toward the second housing, The second housing is fixed to the first support pillar and the second support pillar.

4. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The second housing is located above the first housing.

5. The electric vehicle according to claim 4, wherein The drive device further includes a transmission mechanism mechanically connected to the electric motor and a third housing that houses the transmission mechanism, The third housing is adjacent to the first housing above or below the second housing, A part of the receiving space is located between the second housing and the third housing.

6. The electric vehicle according to claim 5, wherein The third housing is located in front of the vehicle relative to the first housing, The first housing and the third housing are arranged along a direction of downward displacement as going forward in the vehicle front direction.

7. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The vehicle-mounted component includes a steering shaft that passes through the receiving space in the vehicle front-rear direction.

8. The electric vehicle according to claim 7, wherein The electric vehicle further includes: A steering wheel configured to be located behind the vehicle relative to the drive device, connected to the rear end of the steering shaft, and operated by a driver; and A steering gear configured to be located in front of the vehicle relative to the drive device, connected to the front end of the steering shaft, and changing the steering angle of the drive wheel according to the rotation of the steering wheel.

9. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The vehicle-mounted component includes a heat medium pipe that passes through the receiving space in the vehicle front-rear direction and is connected to an air conditioning device configured to condition the vehicle interior.

10. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The electric vehicle further comprises: a battery configured to be located behind the vehicle with respect to the drive device and supply power to the electric motor of the drive device; and a charging inlet located in front of the vehicle with respect to the drive device and connected to an external power source in a detachable manner, wherein the in-vehicle component includes a power cable that passes through the accommodation space in the vehicle front-rear direction and electrically connects the battery and the charging inlet.

Images