High-voltage protection component mounting device for a vehicle

Abstract

This invention provides a high-voltage protection component mounting device for a simple vehicle that cannot be disassembled using ordinary tools. The high-voltage protection component mounting device includes: a bolt (90) for fastening an access cover (88) to the side of a housing body (18b); and a latch (96) installed in a locking hole (98) of the access cover (88) in a manner that prevents disassembly using tools other than a special tool (ST). At least a portion of the latch (96) is located within the range that interferes with a rotary operating tool (TC) attempting to engage with the bolt (90). Therefore, the rotary operating tool (TC) attempting to engage with the bolt (90) interferes with the latch (96) installed in the access cover (88) in a manner that prevents rotation about an axis (C1) of at least a specified value, thus preventing engagement and thus preventing the bolt (90) from being disassembled. Therefore, the access cover (88) cannot be disassembled using ordinary rotary operating tools.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle high voltage protection component mounting device that covers the high voltage component in a manner that does not expose the high voltage component in order to protect it from the influence of the high voltage component, and that is installed in a manner that cannot be removed by using ordinary tools. Background Technology

[0002] For example, in vehicles that use an electric motor as a drive source, such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), high-voltage components such as busbars for supplying power from an inverter to the electric motor are used. These high-voltage components are housed within a housing that houses the power control unit (PCU) or the electric motor. This housing has an access panel for personnel to access it. Furthermore, an access cover, serving as a high-voltage protection component, is installed over this access panel, covering the high-voltage components in a manner that prevents them from being exposed to the high-voltage components. For example, the housing of the power control unit described in Patent Document 1 is such a component.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the housing of the inverter is fixed to the housing of the variable speed drive axle housing the motor, and the inspection hole formed on the side of the housing is covered by an inspection cover, which is fixed by ordinary bolts.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-93014

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, if the maintenance plug protrudes from the back of the maintenance cover and the front end of the maintenance plug is inserted into the plug receiving part on the housing side, the power control unit (PCU) is allowed to be energized. However, if the maintenance cover is removed and the front end of the maintenance plug is pulled out from the plug receiving part, the power supply from the power control unit is prohibited, thereby protecting the operator from the effects of high voltage.

[0006] The back of this inspection cover features a service plug and multiple plate-like ribs. These ribs contact the upper and lower inner walls of the inspection hole to position the inspection cover during installation. Consequently, the service plug is guided by the ribs, allowing it to be easily inserted into the plug receiver.

[0007] However, the access cover is secured to the side of the housing with ordinary bolts, allowing it to be removed using common tools. Therefore, by having the access cover removed by someone other than the responsible personnel, such as the dealer, it is possible to alter the installation configuration of high-voltage components. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention was made against the background of the above situation, and its purpose is to provide a simple high-voltage protection component installation device for vehicles that cannot be disassembled using ordinary tools.

[0009] The subject of the first invention is a high-voltage protection component mounting device for a vehicle, (a) the vehicle having: an access hole formed in a housing for housing a high-voltage power control device or motor; and a high-voltage protection component configured to cover the access hole, wherein the high-voltage protection component mounting device for the vehicle includes: (b) a bolt for fastening the high-voltage protection component to the housing; and (c) a locking device installed in a locking hole of the high-voltage protection component in a manner that prevents disassembly by tools other than special tools; and (d) the locking device being located within a range that interferes with a rotating operating tool attempting to engage with the bolt.

[0010] According to the first invention, the rotating tool attempting to engage with the bolt interferes with the locking device mounted on the high-voltage protection component in a manner that prevents rotation about an axis by at least a specified amount, thus preventing the rotating tool from disassembling the bolt. Therefore, the high-voltage protection component cannot be disassembled using a conventional rotating tool. Furthermore, protection against the high-voltage component can be achieved using a simple structure that mounts the locking device to the high-voltage protection component.

[0011] The main idea of ​​the second invention is that, based on the first invention, the locking device comprises: a bottomed cylindrical body having an engaging blade protruding outward from the body, and multiple insert pieces each having an inwardly protruding portion and protruding in the axial direction from the opening edge of the central hole in the bottom wall of the body; an operating member having a disc-shaped portion embedded in the opening of the body, and a shaft portion protruding from the center of the disc-shaped portion through the opening in the bottom wall and protruding beyond the inwardly protruding portion of the insert piece; an annular groove formed between a first conical portion and a second conical portion formed sequentially from the front end of the shaft portion, for the inwardly protruding portion of the insert piece to be embedded; an operating member side cam protrusion formed on the bottom wall side of the disc-shaped portion; and a body side cam protrusion formed on the disc-shaped portion side of the bottom wall. Thus, when the operating component is inserted into the locking hole formed in the high voltage protection component, the disc-shaped part of the operating component is pressed into the locking position within the main body, and the multiple insert pieces are expanded by the second cone within the locking hole, thereby being fixed to the locking hole. However, if a special tool is used to rotate the operating component around the axis, causing the cam protrusion on the side of the operating component to slide into contact with the cam protrusion on the side of the main body, and the operating component to return from the locking position, the inward protrusion of the insert pieces returns to the annular groove, causing the multiple insert pieces to shrink in diameter, thereby releasing the fixation relative to the locking hole.

[0012] The main point of the third invention is that, based on the second invention, the locking hole is formed in a position where, when the locking device is fixed in the locking hole, the main body or the engaging blade of the locking device interferes with the rotary operating tool attempting to engage with the bolt. Therefore, it is impossible to disassemble the high-voltage protection component using a general rotary operating tool.

[0013] The main point of the fourth invention is that, based on the second invention, the high-voltage protection component includes an engaging tab that interferes with the engaging blade protruding from the main body of the locking device. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to rotate the locking device fixed to the locking hole around the axis of the main body, the engaging tab of the high-voltage protection component interferes with the engaging blade protruding from the main body of the locking device, thus preventing the locking device from rotating around its axis.

[0014] The fifth invention, based on the fourth invention, involves forming a gap between the inclined plate portion of the locking piece on which the high-voltage protection component is formed and the outer casing. This eliminates the need to form through holes in the outer casing for the insertion of multiple insert pieces and shaft portions of the locking device, thus removing any limitations on the installation location. Furthermore, compared to the case where through holes are formed in the outer casing, the size of the outer casing can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the main parts of the mechatronic unit of an electric vehicle to which the high-voltage protection component mounting device of the present invention is applied, showing the state after the access cover has been removed.

[0016] Figure 2 It is to Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an example of the electrical components related to the drive control of an electric vehicle.

[0017] Figure 3 For installation at Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram illustrating the inspection cover of the electromechanical integrated unit.

[0018] Figure 4 Yes Figure 3 The diagrams illustrate the construction of the latch, (a) showing the unlocked state and (b) showing the locked state.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing a special tool integrated with the inspection plug.

[0020] Figure 6 The figure illustrates the function of the high voltage protection component mounting device of the present invention in preventing disassembly by a general tool. (a) shows the case where the general tool is a socket wrench, and (b) shows the case where the general tool is a wrench. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0021] 18…outer casing; 54…power control unit (power control device); 86…access hole; 88…access cover (high voltage protection component); 88a, 88b…clamping plates; 90…bolts (high voltage protection component mounting device); 96…latch (locking device, high voltage protection component mounting device); 98…locking hole; 100…inclined plate; 101…center hole; 102…bottom wall; 104…main body; 106…disc-shaped part; 108…shaft part; 11 0…operating component; 112…engaging blade; 114…insertion piece; 116…first cone; 118…second cone; 120…inward protrusion; 122…first annular groove; 126…operating component side cam protrusion; 130…main body side cam protrusion; C1…shaft; MG1…first motor; MG2…second motor; S…clearance; ST…special tool (latch release key); TC…rotary operating tool. Detailed Implementation

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

[0023] [Example]

[0024] Figure 1 This illustrates an example of a drive unit 10 for an electric vehicle. The drive unit 10's housing 18 includes: a housing body 18b with openings in the left and right directions and above; a cover 18c closing the left opening of the housing body 18b; a protective plate 18d closing the top opening of the housing body 18b; and a cylindrical casing housing a differential mechanism (not shown). The aforementioned casing (not shown) is connected to the right opening of the housing body 18b, and an engine (not shown) is connected to this casing. These power distribution mechanisms, casing, and engine... Figure 1 It is hidden within the outer shell 18 and is not shown. Figure 1 The first axis CL1 is aligned with the rotation axes of the sun gear of the power distribution mechanism, the crankshaft of the engine, and the first electric motor MG1.

[0025] The main body 18b has an internal partition (not shown) dividing it into two spaces: a lower vertical space (A) and an upper vertical space (B). The lower space A houses: a first electric motor MG1 connected to the engine via a power distribution mechanism; a second electric motor MG2 rotating about a third axis CL3 parallel to the first axis CL1; a countershaft 30 having a driven gear 28 meshing with the gear ring 26a of the power distribution mechanism and the output gear 36 of the second electric motor MG2, and rotating about a second axis CL2 parallel to the first axis CL1; and a differential gear mechanism 40 having a gear ring 34a meshing with the countershaft drive gear 32 of the countershaft 30, and rotating about a fourth axis CL4 parallel to the first axis CL1. The differential gear mechanism 40 transmits power to a pair of drive wheels (e.g., front or rear wheels) via a pair of drive shafts (not shown).

[0026] The upper space B houses the inverter 62 and other components. High-voltage power is supplied from the inverter 62 to the first motor MG1 and the second motor MG2 via the busbar 68, terminal block 82, and MG busbar 84. On the side of the main body 18b, a long, narrow access hole 86 is formed to allow external maintenance of the busbar 68, the elongated terminal block 82, and the MG busbar 84. The access hole 86 exposes high-voltage components such as the terminal block 82, the busbar 68 connected to the terminal block 82, and the MG busbar 84.

[0027] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of the electrical configuration related to the control of the first electric motor MG1 and the second electric motor MG2. Regarding the control of the first electric motor MG1 and the second electric motor MG2, the electric vehicle also includes a high-voltage battery 50, an auxiliary battery 52, and a power control unit 54.

[0028] The high-voltage battery 50 is, for example, a rechargeable secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. The high-voltage battery 50 is connected to a power control unit 54. Power stored in the high-voltage battery 50 is supplied to the second motor MG2, for example, via the power control unit 54. Additionally, the power control unit 54 supplies power to the high-voltage battery 50 based on the generation control of the first motor MG1 and the regeneration control of the second motor MG2. A connector (not shown) is provided on the high-voltage battery 50 for connection to the maintenance plug SP (described later). Disconnecting the maintenance plug SP disconnects the power control unit 54 from the high voltage.

[0029] The power control unit 54 includes a DC-DC converter 56, a motor control device 58, a boost converter 60, and an inverter 62. The power control unit 54 is a power control device that controls the power supplied and received between the high-voltage battery 50 and the motor MG. That is, the power control unit 54 is a power control device that controls the first motor MG1 and the second motor MG2.

[0030] The DC-DC converter 56 is connected between the high-voltage battery 50 and the inverter 62. The DC-DC converter 56 functions as a charging device that steps down the voltage of the high-voltage battery 50 (e.g., tens of volts) to the same voltage (e.g., 12V) as the auxiliary battery 52 to charge it. The auxiliary battery 52 supplies power to operate the auxiliary motors, motor control device 58, and electronic control device 70 described later in the electric vehicle.

[0031] The boost converter 60 includes reactors, switching elements, etc. (not shown). The boost converter 60 is a circuit that has the functions of boosting the voltage of the high-voltage battery 50 to a higher voltage (several hundred V) and supplying it to the inverter 62, and stepping down the voltage converted to DC by the inverter 62 and supplying it to the high-voltage battery 50. The inverter 62, the first motor MG1, and the second motor MG2 are components that operate under high voltage.

[0032] The inverter 62 includes an MG1 power module 64, an MG2 power module 66, etc. The MG1 power module 64 and the MG2 power module 66 each include multiple transistors that are switched on and off to convert direct current into alternating current. The electric vehicle has a busbar 68 and an MG busbar 84 connected to the inverter 62 at one end as power lines. The busbar 68 is connected to the MG busbar 84 connected to the first motor MG1 and the second motor MG2 via a terminal block 82.

[0033] Inverter 62 converts the DC current from boost converter 60 into AC current for driving the first motor MG1 and the second motor MG2. Inverter 62 converts the AC current generated by the first motor MG1 (powered by the engine) and the AC current generated by the second motor MG2 (powered by regenerative braking) into DC current. Inverter 62 supplies the AC current generated by the first motor MG1 as the driving power for the second motor MG2, depending on the driving conditions. The first motor MG1 and the second motor MG2 are AC synchronous motors.

[0034] The electric vehicle also includes an electronic control unit 70, a communication line 71, etc. The electronic control unit 70 transmits and receives signals with the DC-DC converter 56, the motor control unit 58, etc., via the communication line 71. The electronic control unit 70 performs various controls of the electric vehicle, for example, based on signals from sensors (not shown). The motor control unit 58 controls the boost converter 60 and the inverter 62 based on instructions from the electronic control unit 70, and controls the first motor MG1 and the second motor MG2.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, a long plate-shaped high-voltage protection component (hereinafter referred to as a maintenance cover) 88 covering the access hole 86 is mounted on the side of the main body 18b by two bolts 90. The maintenance cover 88 functions as a high-voltage protection component. The maintenance cover 88 has a long strip-shaped protrusion 91 that is bent outward from the central portion corresponding to the access hole 86, a long strip-shaped reinforcing portion 92 that is bent outward from the end edge in the width direction, and bolt holes 94 that are provided through at both ends in the length direction.

[0036] Furthermore, an inclined plate portion 100 is provided at one end of the inspection cover 88, and the inclined plate portion 100 has a locking hole 98 for mounting a locking device (hereinafter referred to as a latch) 96 (see reference). Figure 6 The inclined plate portion 100 is inclined in such a way that a gap S is formed as the shaft portion 108 of the latch 96 separates from the side of the housing body 18b. The bolt 90 and the latch 96 are high-voltage protection component mounting devices for mounting the maintenance cover 88, which is a high-voltage protection component.

[0037] Figure 4 (a) is a cross-sectional view illustrating the unlocked state in which the latch 96 can be inserted into or removed from the locking hole 98. Figure 4 (b) is a cross-sectional view illustrating the locked state of the latch 96 fixed to the locking hole 98. A central engagement hole 106a and an engagement protrusion 106b are formed on the surface of the disc-shaped portion 106 of the latch 96. The latch 96 can be removed from the locking hole 98 using the central engagement hole 106a and the engagement protrusion 106b, and using a special tool (latch release key) ST.

[0038] Figure 5The tool ST is an integrated tool for the maintenance plug SP. In addition to the maintenance plug SP, the tool ST includes a engagement protrusion 72 and engagement hole 74 that engage with the central engagement hole 106a and engagement protrusion 106b of the latch 96, and an operating lever 76. During maintenance work involving the removal of the maintenance cover 88 and contact with high-voltage components within the maintenance hole 86, the maintenance plug SP is disconnected from the connector of the high-voltage battery 50, disconnecting high-voltage components such as the busbar 68, terminal block 82, and MG busbar 84 from the high voltage. Next, if the engagement protrusion 72 and engagement hole 74 of the tool ST integrated with the maintenance plug SP are fitted into the central engagement hole 106a and engagement protrusion 106b of the latch 96, and the operating lever 76 is used to rotate around the central engagement hole 106a, the operating member 110 of the latch 96 rotates relative to the main body 104. Thus, from... Figure 4 The state shown in (b) becomes Figure 4 As shown in (a), the latch 96 can be disassembled.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown in (a) and (b), the latch 96 comprises: a bottomed cylindrical body 104 having a bottom wall 102 with a central hole 101; and an operating member 110 integrally having a disc-shaped portion 106 with an opening at the upper end of the body 104 and a shaft portion 108 protruding through the central hole 101 of the bottom wall 102. The operating member 110 is fitted into the body 104 in a manner that allows it to rotate about its axis C1. The body 104 integrally provides: a pair of engaging blades 112 protruding symmetrically outward from their base ends; and multiple elongated inserts 114, each having an inwardly protruding portion 120 at its front end and protruding from the opening edge of the central hole 101 formed in the bottom wall 102 of the body 104 toward the axis C1. The body 104 and the operating member 110 are respectively molded from synthetic resin. The multiple elongated inserts 114 surround the shaft portion 108, forming a cylindrical shape overall.

[0040] In the shaft portion 108 of the operating member 110, a first tapered portion 116 and a second tapered portion 118 are sequentially formed from the front end of the shaft portion 108. A first annular groove 122 is formed between the first tapered portion 116 and the second tapered portion 118 for the inwardly protruding portion 120 of the insert piece 114 to be inserted. In addition, a second annular groove 124, which is shallower than the first annular groove 122, is formed on the shaft portion 108 adjacent to the disc-shaped portion 106 side of the second tapered portion 118.

[0041] An operating component-side cam protrusion 126 and an operating component-side stop 128 are provided protruding from the back of the disc-shaped portion 106 of the operating component 110. Additionally, a body-side cam protrusion 130 and a body-side stop 132 are provided protruding from the bottom wall 102 of the main body 104 toward the disc-shaped portion 106. The operating component-side stop 128 and the body-side stop 132 abut against each other when the disc-shaped portion 106 of the operating component 110 is pressed into the main body 104, causing the disc-shaped portion 106 to be in a locked position with a predetermined value, for example, 0.1 mm, entering from the upper opening of the main body 104. In this state, the multiple insert tabs 114 are enlarged by the second tapered portion 118 within the locking hole 98, and the latch 96 is fixed in the locking hole 98. Figure 4 (b) represents the state.

[0042] The operating component side cam protrusion 126 and the main body side cam protrusion 130 respectively have an inclined cam surface 126a and an inclined cam surface 130a. If... Figure 5 When the special tool ST is rotated around the axis C1, the inclined cam surface 126a of the cam protrusion 126 on the operating component side slides into contact with the inclined cam surface 130a of the cam protrusion 130 on the main body side. The disc-shaped part 106 of the operating component 110 protrudes from the upper opening of the main body 104. At the same time, the multiple inserts 114 are reduced in diameter in the locking hole 98, and the latch 96 can disengage from the locking hole 98. Figure 4 (a) represents the state.

[0043] Thus, when inserted into the locking hole 98 of the inclined plate portion 100 formed in the inspection cover 88, the operating member 110 is pressed into the locking position within the main body 104, and the disc-shaped portion 106 of the operating member 110 is embedded within the main body 104. At the same time, the second cone portion 118 expands the diameter of the multiple insert pieces 114 within the locking hole 98, thereby fixing them to the locking hole 98. However, if a special tool ST is used to rotate the operating member 110 around the axis C1 of the main body 104, the cam protrusion 126 on the operating member side slides into contact with the cam protrusion 130 on the main body side, causing the operating member 110 to return from the pressed position. In this way, the inward protrusion of the insert piece 114 returns to the first annular groove 122, causing the multiple insert pieces 114 to shrink in diameter as a whole, thereby releasing the fixation relative to the locking hole 98.

[0044] Figure 6This indicates that the latch 96 is fixed in the locking hole 98 formed in the inclined plate portion 100 of the access cover 88. At the end edge of the inclined plate portion 100 of the access cover 88, a pair of engaging tabs 88a and 88b are bent to engage with the engaging tab 112 of the latch 96 fixed in the locking hole 98 to prevent rotation of the latch 96. Furthermore, the locking hole 98 is formed at a position where the engaging tab 112 or the body 104 of the latch 96 interferes with the general rotating operating tool TC of the bolt 90, preventing the operation of the general rotating operating tool TC. The bolt 90 is used to mount the access cover 88.

[0045] exist Figure 6 In (a), a cylindrical socket wrench is described as a general rotary operating tool TC, which positions the locking hole 98 by interfering with the locking blade 112 of the latch 96 or the main body 104 of the socket wrench, which engages with the head of the bolt 90, in a manner indicated by dashed lines in the spatial region SP1. Figure 6 In (b), a wrench is described as a general rotating tool, and the locking hole 98 is positioned such that the engaging blade 112 of the latch 96 enters the rotational space area of ​​the head of the bolt 90, or the rotating operation space area of ​​the wrench engaging with the head of the bolt 90. The same applies when a double-ended box wrench is used instead of a wrench.

[0046] As described above, the high-voltage protection component mounting device for the vehicle in this embodiment includes: a bolt 90 for fastening the access cover 88 to the side of the housing body 18b; and a latch 96 installed in the locking hole 98 of the access cover 88 in a manner that prevents disassembly by tools other than a special tool ST. At least a portion of the latch 96 is located within the range that interferes with a rotary operating tool TC attempting to engage with the bolt 90. Thus, the rotary operating tool TC attempting to engage with the bolt 90 interferes with the latch 96 installed on the access cover 88 in a manner that allows for at least a limited rotation around the axis C1, preventing engagement and hindering the rotary operating tool TC from disassembling the bolt 90. Therefore, the access cover 88 cannot be disassembled using a general rotary operating tool TC. Furthermore, protection against high-voltage components can be achieved using a simple structure such as installing the latch 96 on the access cover 88.

[0047] Furthermore, according to the high-voltage protection component mounting device for a vehicle in this embodiment, the latch 96 includes: a bottomed cylindrical body 104, having engagement blades 112 protruding outward from the body 104, and a plurality of insertion tabs 114 each having an inwardly protruding portion 120 and protruding from the opening edge of the central hole 101 of the bottom wall 102 of the body 104 toward the axis C1; and an operating member 110 having a disc-shaped portion 106 embedded in the opening of the body 104, and an operating member 110 having an operating portion 112 protruding from the disc-shaped portion 106. A shaft portion 108 protrudes from the inwardly protruding portion 120 of the insert piece 114 through an opening in the bottom wall 102; a first annular groove 122 is formed between a first conical portion 116 and a second conical portion 118 formed sequentially from the front end of the shaft portion 108, and is used for the inwardly protruding portion 120 of the insert piece 114 to be inserted; an operating member side cam protrusion 126 is formed on the bottom wall 102 side of the disc-shaped portion 106; and a body side cam protrusion 130 is formed on the disc-shaped portion 106 side of the bottom wall 102. Thus, when inserted into the locking hole 98 formed in the inspection cover 88, the operating member 110 is pressed into the locking position within the main body 104, the disc-shaped portion 106 of the operating member 110 is embedded within the main body 104, and at the same time, multiple insert pieces 114 are expanded within the locking hole 98 by the second cone portion 118, thereby being fixed to the locking hole 98. However, if a special tool ST is used to rotate the operating member 110 around the axis C1, causing the cam protrusion 126 on the operating member side to slide into contact with the cam protrusion 130 on the main body side, and the operating member 110 returns from the locking position, the inward protrusion 120 of the insert piece 114 returns to the first annular groove 122, causing the multiple insert pieces 114 to shrink in diameter, thereby releasing the fixation relative to the locking hole 98.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the high-voltage protection component mounting device for the vehicle in this embodiment, the locking hole 98 is formed in the access cover 88 at a position where, when a latch 96, serving as a locking fastener, is fixed in the locking hole 98, the main body 104 of the latch 96 or the engaging blade 112 protruding from the main body 104 interferes with a general rotary tool TC attempting to engage with the bolt 90. Therefore, the access cover 88 cannot be removed using a general rotary tool TC.

[0049] Furthermore, according to the high-voltage protection component mounting device for the vehicle in this embodiment, the access cover 88 has engagement pieces 88a and 88b that interfere with the engagement blade 112 protruding from the body 104 of the latch 96. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to rotate the latch 96 fixed in the locking hole 98 about the axis C1 of the body 104, the engagement pieces 88a and 88b provided on the access cover 88 interfere with the engagement blade 112 protruding from the body 104 of the latch 96, thus preventing the latch 96 from rotating about the axis C1 of its body 104.

[0050] Furthermore, in the high-voltage protection component mounting device for vehicles according to this embodiment, a gap S is formed between the inclined plate portion 100 of the engaging tabs 88a and 88b on which the inspection cover 88 is formed and the side surface of the housing body 18b. Therefore, it is unnecessary to form through holes in the housing body 18b for inserting the plurality of insert tabs 114 and the shaft portion 108 of the latch 96, and the installation location is not limited. In addition, compared to the case where such holes are formed through the housing 18, the size of the housing 18 can be reduced.

[0051] Furthermore, according to the high-voltage protection component mounting device for the vehicle in this embodiment, the special tool ST is detachably equipped with a service plug SP disposed between the power control unit 54 and the high-voltage battery 50. Thus, if the service plug SP is removed from the special tool ST before performing a maintenance operation by engaging the special tool ST with the disc-shaped portion 106 of the operating member 110 to perform a rotational operation, the power control unit 54 and the electric motor MG are disconnected from the high-voltage battery 50.

[0052] The embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is also applicable to other methods.

[0053] For example, in the above embodiment, a locking device used as the locking hole 98 fixed to the inspection cover 88 is... Figures 3-6 The latch 96 shown is an example, but other configurations are also possible. In short, any structure that allows it to be removed from the locking hole 98 only by using a special tool ST is acceptable.

[0054] In addition, in the above embodiments, the inspection cover 88 is formed as a plate that is long in the horizontal direction, but it can also be other shapes.

[0055] In the electric vehicle configuration, the positions of the first axis CL1, second axis CL2, third axis CL3, and fourth axis CL4, from rear to front in the forward / reverse direction, are respectively: first motor MG1, countershaft 30, differential gear 34, and second motor MG2. Furthermore, the first motor MG1, the second motor MG2, and the power control unit 54 can be housed in separate housings. Alternatively, the power control unit 54 may not be located in the vertical upper part of the housing 18. The first motor MG1, the second motor MG2, and the power control unit 54 are separated by partitions within the housing 18. Although housed separately, they can also be housed in the same space without partitions.

[0056] In addition, in the above embodiments, the electric vehicle can also be an electric vehicle equipped with a drive motor MG. The main difference between this electric vehicle and the electric vehicle of the above embodiments is that, for example, it does not have the components (engine, transmission unit including the first motor MG1) arranged around the first axis CL1. Furthermore, in this electric vehicle, the first motor MG1 is omitted, and the second motor MG2 functions as the electric motor MG of the electric vehicle. Alternatively, the electric vehicle can also be a series hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine, a drive motor MG that functions as a power source, and an electric motor MG connected to the engine in a manner capable of transmitting power and generating electricity using the engine's power. In such a series hybrid vehicle, the power transmission path between the engine and the drive wheels can be disconnected or connected by the operation of a clutch. Alternatively, the electric vehicle can also be a parallel hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine, a power transmission device that transmits power from the engine to the drive wheels, and an electric motor MG that transmits power to the drive wheels via the power transmission device.

[0057] Furthermore, the above is merely one implementation method, and the present invention can be implemented in various ways with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A high-voltage protection component mounting device (90, 96) for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising: an access hole (86) formed in a housing (18) housing a high-voltage power control device (54) or an electric motor (MG1, MG2); and a high-voltage protection component (88) configured to cover the access hole (86), characterized in that, The high-voltage protection component mounting device (90, 96) for the vehicle includes: Bolts (90) are used to fasten the high-voltage protection component (88) to the housing (18); and The locking device (96) is installed in the locking hole (98) of the high voltage protection component (88) in a manner that prevents it from being removed by any tool other than a special tool (ST). The locking device (96) is located within the range that interferes with the rotary operating tool (TC) attempting to engage with the bolt (90).

2. The high-voltage protection component mounting device (90, 96) for vehicles according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking device (96) includes: The bottom cylindrical body (104) has a locking blade (112) protruding outward from the body (104) and multiple insert pieces (114) each having an inwardly protruding portion (120) and protruding in the axial direction from the opening edge of the central hole (101) of the bottom wall (102) of the body (104). The operating component (110) has a disc-shaped portion (106) with an opening embedded in the body (104) and a shaft portion (108) that protrudes from the center of the disc-shaped portion (106) through an opening in the bottom wall (102) and is greater than the inwardly protruding portion (120) of the insert piece (114). An annular groove (122) is formed between a first tapered portion (116) and a second tapered portion (118) formed sequentially from the front end of the shaft portion (108), and is used for the inwardly protruding portion (120) of the insert piece (114) to be inserted; An operating component side cam protrusion (126) is formed on the bottom wall (102) side of the disc-shaped portion (106); and A main body side cam protrusion (130) is formed on the side of the disk-shaped portion (106) of the bottom wall (102).

3. The high-voltage protection component mounting device (90, 96) for vehicles according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking hole (98) is formed in a position where, when the locking device (96) is fixed in the locking hole (98), the body (104) or the engaging blade (112) of the locking device (96) interferes with the rotary operating tool (TC) that is attempting to engage with the bolt (90).

4. The high-voltage protection component mounting device (90, 96) for vehicles according to claim 2, characterized in that, The high voltage protection component (88) has engagement tabs (88a, 88b) that interfere with the engagement tabs (112) that protrude from the body (104) of the locking device (96).

5. The high-voltage protection component mounting device (90, 96) for vehicles according to claim 4, characterized in that, A gap (S) is formed between the inclined plate portion (100) of the engaging piece (88a, 88b) on which the high voltage protection component (88) is formed and the housing (18).

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