Hybrid vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a hybrid vehicle which can realize light weight without carrying a starting motor. A hybrid vehicle (100) is provided with: a transaxle (15) provided with a motor generator (19) and a transmission mechanism (20); and a propeller shaft (16) which is formed of a carbon fiber composite material and which transmits the rotation output by the engine (14) to the transaxle (15). In a hybrid vehicle (100), an engine (14) is disposed in front of a driver's seat (12) and a passenger seat, and a transaxle (15) is disposed in rear of the driver's seat (12) and the passenger seat. In a hybrid vehicle, a propeller shaft (16) passes between a driver's seat (12) and a passenger seat and connects an engine (14) and a transaxle (15). A hybrid vehicle (100) starts an engine (14) by rotating a propeller shaft (16) by a motor generator (19).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to hybrid vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a hybrid vehicle. This hybrid vehicle transmits driving force from an engine located at the front of the vehicle to the rear wheels via a driveshaft. The hybrid vehicle includes an electric motor coaxially mounted with the driveshaft. The hybrid vehicle can also drive its wheels using the driving force of the electric motor.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-99838

[0004] In hybrid vehicles, if a starter motor is installed for starting, the vehicle weight increases. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The hybrid vehicle, designed to address the aforementioned issues, includes an electric generator that assists the engine's rotational output. The hybrid vehicle features a transmission axle that includes the electric generator and a transmission mechanism. Made of carbon fiber composite material, the hybrid vehicle has a driveshaft that transmits the rotational output from the engine to the transmission axle. In this hybrid vehicle, the engine is positioned in front of the driver's and passenger's seats. The transmission axle is positioned behind the driver's and passenger's seats. The driveshaft passes between the driver's and passenger's seats and connects the engine to the transmission axle. The hybrid vehicle uses the electric generator to rotate the driveshaft, thereby starting the engine.

[0006] The aforementioned hybrid vehicles can achieve lightweighting without a starter motor. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the drive shaft and surrounding equipment when viewed from above in an embodiment of a hybrid vehicle.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the drive shaft and surrounding equipment when viewed from the side in an embodiment of a hybrid vehicle.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the variable speed drive axle of a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0010] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0011] 10: Front wheel; 11: Rear wheel; 12: Driver's seat; 13: Passenger's seat; 14: Engine; 15: Transmission drive axle; 16: Drive shaft; 17: Torque tube; 18: Wheel drive shaft; 19: Electric generator; 20: Transmission mechanism; 21: Transmission mechanism; 22: Differential gear; 23: Stator; 24: Rotor; 25: First clutch; 26: Second clutch; 27: Central tunnel; 28: Drive shaft; 100: Hybrid vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0012] The following is for reference Figures 1-3 One embodiment of a hybrid vehicle will be described.

[0013] In addition, Figures 1-3 In the diagram, arrows indicate direction. Figures 1-3 In the diagram, Fr indicates the forward direction of the hybrid vehicle 100; Figures 1-3 In the diagram, Rr indicates the rearward direction of the hybrid vehicle 100; Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 In the diagram, Rh indicates the right side as viewed from the front of the hybrid vehicle 100; Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 In the middle, Lh indicates the left side as viewed from the front of the hybrid vehicle 100.

[0014] <Configuration of engine 14, transmission drive axle 15 and drive shaft 16>

[0015] Figure 1 This shows the configuration of the driveshaft 16 and its surrounding equipment when viewed from above in a hybrid vehicle 100. Additionally, Figure 2 Indicates from Figure 1 The configuration of the drive shaft 16 and its surrounding equipment when observing the hybrid vehicle 100 in the direction of Lh.

[0016] The hybrid vehicle 100 is equipped with engine 14. (For example...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the engine 14 is positioned in front of the driver's seat 12 and the front passenger seat 13.

[0017] The hybrid vehicle 100 is equipped with a variable-speed drive axle 15. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the transmission drive axle 15 is located behind the driver's seat 12 and the passenger seat 13.

[0018] The hybrid vehicle 100 has a driveshaft 16. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the driveshaft 16 passes between the driver's seat 12 and the passenger seat 13 to connect the engine 14 to the transmission drive axle 15. The driveshaft 16 transmits the rotation output from the engine 14 to the transmission drive axle 15. The driveshaft 16 is made of carbon fiber composite material.

[0019] The hybrid vehicle 100 includes a torque tube 17. The torque tube 17 is a housing surrounding the drive shaft 16. (The text abruptly ends here.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the torque tube 17 is connected to the engine 14 and the transmission drive axle 15. The torque tube 17 and the drive shaft 16 are also made of carbon fiber composite material.

[0020] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the hybrid vehicle 100, a central passage 27 is provided between the driver's seat 12 and the passenger seat 13, and in the hybrid vehicle 100, a torque tube 17 is disposed in the central passage 27.

[0021] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, the single-dotted line shown on the front wheel 10 indicates the rotation axis of the left and right front wheels 10, as shown below. Figure 1 As shown, the engine 14 is positioned further rearward than the axis of rotation of the front wheels 10. Additionally, as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the engine 14 is connected to the drive shaft 16 on its rear surface in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0022] <Structure of Transmission Drive Axle 15>

[0023] Figure 3 This shows the shape of the transmission drive axle 15 when viewed from above in a hybrid vehicle 100. (Example) Figure 3 As shown, the variable speed drive axle 15 includes an electric generator 19 and a transmission mechanism 20. Additionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, in the transmission drive axle 15, the electric generator 19 is positioned at the front of the vehicle, relative to the transmission mechanism 20.

[0024] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated electric generator 19, the dashed lines represent the internal structure of the electric generator 19. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the electric generator 19 has a drive shaft 28. (As indicated...) Figure 3 As shown, the drive shaft 28 is connected to the transmission shaft 16 at one end and to the speed change mechanism 20 at the other end.

[0025] The drive shaft 28 of the electric generator 19 rotates as the transmission shaft 16 is rotated by the engine 14. The drive shaft 28 then transmits the rotation of the transmission shaft 16 to the transmission mechanism 20. Thus, in the transmission drive axle 15, the transmission shaft 16, the electric generator 19, and the transmission mechanism 20 are connected in sequence. That is, the transmission drive axle 15 is configured such that the rotation transmitted from the transmission shaft 16 is transmitted in the order of the electric generator 19 and the transmission mechanism 20.

[0026] The transmission mechanism 20 changes the speed of the rotation of the engine 14 transmitted through the drive shaft 16 and drive shaft 28. For example, the transmission mechanism 20 has multiple planetary gear mechanisms that constitute multiple gears with different gear ratios. The transmission mechanism 20 changes the speed of the rotation from the drive shaft 16 and outputs the output. In this case, the transmission mechanism 20 can change the gear ratio by switching gears.

[0027] Furthermore, the method by which the transmission mechanism 20 changes the speed of rotation from the drive shaft 16 is not limited to the method described above. For example, the transmission mechanism 20 may also have two conical pulleys and a belt connected to the two pulleys. In this case, the transmission mechanism 20 changes the speed of rotation from the drive shaft 16 according to the difference in the circumference length of the two pulleys connected to the belt. In this case, the transmission mechanism 20 can change the gear ratio by changing the winding radius of the belt on each pulley.

[0028] like Figure 3 As shown, the transmission mechanism 20 is connected to the transmission mechanism 21. The transmission mechanism 21 transmits the rotation from the transmission mechanism 20 to the differential gear 22.

[0029] Transmission mechanism 21 Orientation Figure 3 The direction of the arrow in the diagram is transmitted from the rotation of the transmission mechanism 20. For example, the transmission mechanism 21 is directed towards... Figure 3 The direction of rotation transmitted by the dashed arrow is indicated by multiple gears arranged along the dashed arrow. Furthermore, the transmission mechanism 21, for example, transmits rotation in the direction of the dashed arrow. Figure 3 The direction of the arrow in the solid line is transmitted in a way that the shaft or multiple gears are set along the arrow in the solid line.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, the differential gear 22 is connected to the wheel drive shaft 18. Additionally, as... Figure 1 As shown, the wheel drive axle 18 is connected to the left and right rear wheels 11. The differential gear 22 transmits the rotation from the transmission mechanism 21 to the left and right rear wheels 11 via the wheel drive axle 18. At this time, the differential gear 22 cooperates with the operation of the hybrid vehicle 100 to distribute the rotation transmitted to the left and right rear wheels 11.

[0031] In this way, the rotation output by the engine 14 is transmitted to the rear wheel 11 via the drive shaft 16, the electric generator 19, the transmission mechanism 20, the transmission mechanism 21, the differential gear 22, and the wheel drive shaft 18.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the electric generator 19, in addition to the drive shaft 28, also includes a rotor 24 with magnets and a stator 23 arranged to surround the rotor 24. The rotor 24 is connected to the drive shaft 28.

[0033] The electric generator 19 assists the output based on the rotation of the engine 14. By supplying power to the stator 23, the electric generator 19 causes the rotor 24 to rotate about the drive shaft 28. Furthermore, by rotating the rotor 24 about the drive shaft 28, the rotation transmitted from the engine 14 to the transmission mechanism 20 via the transmission shaft 16 is amplified.

[0034] The electric generator 19 can also generate electricity using the rotation output from the engine 14. In the electric generator 19, as the drive shaft 16 rotates via the engine 14, the rotor 24, which is connected to the drive shaft 28, rotates, thereby generating electricity.

[0035] The electric generator 19 can also start the engine 14. The drive shaft 16 is connected to the crankshaft of the engine 14. When the rotor 24 is rotated by the electric generator 19, causing the drive shaft 16 to rotate, the crankshaft of the engine 14 connected to the drive shaft 16 also rotates. In this way, the hybrid vehicle 100 starts the engine 14 by rotating the drive shaft 16 through the electric generator 19.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the transmission drive axle 15 has a first clutch 25 and a second clutch 26.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the first clutch 25 is located at the connection point between the drive shaft 16 and the transmission drive axle 15. Specifically, the first clutch 25 is located at the connection point between the drive shaft 16 and the electric generator 19. The first clutch 25 disconnects or connects the drive shaft 16 and the transmission drive axle 15.

[0038] If the rotor 24 rotates during the period when the first clutch 25 is released and the connection between the drive shaft 16 and the transmission drive axle 15 is disconnected, the rear wheel 11 can be driven by the driving force of the electric generator 19 without relying on the drive of the engine 14.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the second clutch 26 is located at the connection point between the electric generator 19 and the transmission mechanism 20. The second clutch 26 disconnects or connects the electric generator 19 and the transmission mechanism 20.

[0040] In the hybrid vehicle 100, the electric generator 19 is started when the second clutch 26 is released and the connection between the electric generator 19 and the transmission mechanism 20 is disconnected.

[0041] <The function of this implementation method>

[0042] The hybrid vehicle 100 described above does not use a starter motor, but rather an electric generator 19 to start the engine 14. To ensure a stable start for the engine 14, a certain starting speed is desired. When starting the engine 14 at the front of the vehicle by rotating the drive shaft 16 via the electric generator 19, a heavy drive shaft 16 results in a slower starting speed. In the hybrid vehicle 100, the drive shaft 16 is made of a lightweight carbon fiber composite material. Therefore, the hybrid vehicle 100 is configured to start the engine 14 without a starter motor.

[0043] <Effects of this implementation method>

[0044] (1) The hybrid vehicle 100 can achieve lightweighting by not carrying a starter motor.

[0045] (2) The hybrid vehicle 100 has a torque tube 17, which is a housing surrounding the drive shaft 16 and connected to the engine 14 and the transmission drive axle 15. In the hybrid vehicle 100, the torque tube 17 is located in the central tunnel 27 between the driver's seat 12 and the passenger seat 13.

[0046] In the hybrid vehicle 100, the driveshaft 16 is housed in the torque tube 17. By incorporating the torque tube 17, the hybrid vehicle 100 integrates the engine 14 and the transmission drive axle 15, which are subjected to the reaction force from the rotation of the output shaft during driving, thereby improving the rigidity of the powertrain.

[0047] Furthermore, in the hybrid vehicle 100, a torque tube 17 is installed in the central tunnel 27 between the driver's seat 12 and the passenger seat 13. Thus, compared to the case where the torque tube 17 is installed under the floor, the hybrid vehicle 100 can lower the vehicle height to accommodate the torque tube 17 and the drive shaft 16.

[0048] In this way, the hybrid vehicle 100 can maintain a low vehicle height ratio and improve the rigidity of the powertrain.

[0049] (3) In the hybrid vehicle 100, the torque tube 17 is formed of carbon fiber composite material.

[0050] In the hybrid vehicle 100, the torque tube 17, like the drive shaft 16, is made of carbon fiber composite material, a lightweight raw material. This allows the hybrid vehicle 100 to achieve further weight reduction.

[0051] (4) In the hybrid vehicle 100, the transmission drive axle 15 includes a clutch that disconnects or connects the electric generator 19 to the transmission mechanism 20. Furthermore, in the hybrid vehicle 100, the transmission drive axle 15 is configured to transmit rotation from the drive shaft 16 in the order of the electric generator 19 and the transmission mechanism 20. In the hybrid vehicle 100, when the clutch is released and the connection between the electric generator 19 and the transmission mechanism 20 is disconnected, the electric generator 19 performs the starting operation.

[0052] The electric generator 19 is connected to the drive shaft 16 and the transmission mechanism 20. During startup, if the transmission mechanism 20 is connected to the electric generator 19, the electric generator 19, in addition to the drive shaft 16, also needs to rotate the transmission mechanism 20. The second clutch 26, which is part of the clutch in the hybrid vehicle 100, disconnects the electric generator 19 from the transmission mechanism 20 during startup. This reduces the force required for the electric generator 19 to start the hybrid vehicle 100.

[0053] (5) In the hybrid vehicle 100, the engine 14 is located behind the vehicle's rotation axis than the front wheel 10, and the rear surface of the engine 14 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction is connected to the drive shaft 16.

[0054] In the hybrid vehicle 100, the engine 14 is positioned closer to the transmission drive axle 15 than the rotation axis of the front wheels 10. Furthermore, in the hybrid vehicle 100, the engine 14 is connected to the drive shaft 16 on its rear surface, the surface closest to the drive axle 15. This allows the hybrid vehicle 100 to accommodate a shorter drive shaft 16. Consequently, the hybrid vehicle 100 can further reduce the weight of the drive shaft 16.

[0055] <Example of Change>

[0056] This embodiment can be implemented by modifications as follows. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0057] • The aforementioned hybrid vehicles 100, such as Figure 1 As shown, the driver's seat 12 is configured in Figure 1 On the Lh side, the front passenger seat 13 is positioned... Figure 1 On the Rh side. The configuration of the driver's seat 12 and the front passenger seat 13 can also be reversed.

[0058] In the hybrid vehicle 100 described above, the rotation output from the engine 14 is transmitted in the following order: drive shaft 16, electric generator 19, transmission mechanism 20, transmission mechanism 21, differential gear 22, wheel drive shaft 18, and rear wheel 11. However, the method by which the rotation output from the engine 14 is transmitted to the rear wheel 11 in the hybrid vehicle 100 is not limited to the embodiment described above.

[0059] For example, if the wheel drive axle 18 is located behind the transmission mechanism 20, the hybrid vehicle 100 may not have a transmission mechanism 21. Alternatively, for example, the transmission drive axle 15 may be configured such that the rotation transmitted from the drive shaft 16 is transmitted in the order of the transmission mechanism 20 and the electric generator 19.

[0060] The hybrid vehicle 100 described above includes a torque tube 17. The hybrid vehicle 100 may also be without the torque tube 17.

[0061] Furthermore, in the hybrid vehicle 100 described above, the torque tube 17 is disposed in the central tunnel 27 between the driver's seat 12 and the front passenger seat 13. The configuration of the torque tube 17 in the hybrid vehicle 100 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the hybrid vehicle 100 may also be configured without the central tunnel 27, with the torque tube 17 exposed and not housed within the central tunnel 27.

[0062] • In the hybrid vehicle 100 described above, the torque tube 17 is formed of carbon fiber composite material. The torque tube 17 may also not be formed of carbon fiber composite material.

[0063] The hybrid vehicle 100 described above includes a first clutch 25 and a second clutch 26. The hybrid vehicle 100 may also lack either the first clutch 25 or both of the second clutch 26.

[0064] In the hybrid vehicle 100 described above, the electric generator 19 is started when the second clutch 26 is released, disconnecting the connection between the electric generator 19 and the transmission mechanism 20. On the other hand, in the hybrid vehicle 100, the electric generator 19 can be started without releasing the second clutch 26.

[0065] In the hybrid vehicle 100 described above, the engine 14 is positioned rearward of the front wheel 10. However, the position of the engine 14 in the hybrid vehicle 100 is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, in the hybrid vehicle 100, the engine 14 may also be positioned forward of the front wheel 10.

[0066] In the hybrid vehicle 100 described above, the engine 14 is connected to the driveshaft 16 on its rear surface in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. However, the connection method between the engine 14 and the driveshaft 16 in the hybrid vehicle 100 is not limited to the embodiment described above. For example, in the hybrid vehicle 100, the engine 14 may also be connected to the driveshaft 16 on its front surface in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Furthermore, for example, in the hybrid vehicle 100, the engine 14 may also be connected to the driveshaft 16 on its rear surface in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Figure 1 The Lh or Rh side of the shaft is connected to the drive shaft 16.

Claims

1. A hybrid vehicle in which an output based on rotation of an engine is assisted by a motor generator, wherein the hybrid vehicle is provided with: a variable drive axle provided with the motor generator and a transmission mechanism; and a drive shaft formed of a carbon fiber composite material, which transmits the rotation of the engine output to the variable drive axle, the engine is disposed in front of driver's seat and a front passenger's seat, the variable drive axle is disposed in rear of the driver's seat and the front passenger's seat, the drive shaft passes between the driver's seat and the front passenger's seat and connects the engine and the variable drive axle, and the engine is started by rotating the drive shaft with the motor generator.

2. The hybrid vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a torque tube, which is a housing that surrounds the drive shaft and is linked to the engine and the variable drive axle, is provided, and the torque tube is disposed in a central passage between the driver's seat and the front passenger's seat.

3. The hybrid vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the torque tube is formed of the carbon fiber composite material.

4. The hybrid vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the variable drive axle is provided with a clutch that disconnects or connects the motor generator and the transmission mechanism, and is configured to transmit the rotation transmitted from the drive shaft in the order of the motor generator, the transmission mechanism, in a state in which the clutch is released to disconnect the connection of the motor generator and the transmission mechanism, the start is performed by the motor generator.

5. The hybrid vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the engine is disposed at a position that is behind the vehicle with respect to a rotation axis of front wheels, and a rear surface of the engine in a vehicle front-rear direction is connected to the drive shaft. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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