Hybrid vehicle that has a battery and a fuel tank

Abstract

Hybrid vehicle which has a battery (100) and a fuel tank (200), wherein the battery (100) is mounted in a space defined under a body floor (2) on which a double seat (1) is arranged, and the fuel tank (200) is arranged above an upper end section of a rear wheel suspension (3) and on a rear side of a body crossmember (4), wherein the position of the fuel tank (200) is higher than the position of the battery (100), and wherein the rear wheel suspension (3) is provided with a pair of stoppers (3b) which project from the upper part of the rear wheel suspension (3) to allow the mounting of upper arms (3a) therein and to prevent the forward movement of the fuel tank (200).

Description

Background of the invention; Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a hybrid vehicle comprising a battery and a fuel tank. In particular, the present invention relates to a hybrid vehicle comprising a battery and a fuel tank, which is capable of improving marketability with regard to the trunk space and the weight distribution within the trunk. Description of the related technology

[0002] In general, a hybrid vehicle, such as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), is a vehicle that has a gasoline engine and an electric motor, with the gasoline engine and the electric motor operating selectively. The electric motor is used for charging when the gasoline engine is operating under inefficient driving conditions, thereby improving the efficiency of the entire system.

[0003] In states where power from the combustion engine is not required, the hybrid vehicle operates solely on electric motor, thereby improving noise levels and fuel efficiency. Furthermore, the amount of harmful exhaust emissions is also reduced.

[0004] In recent years, the need for a hybrid vehicle capable of reducing the amount of harmful exhaust emissions has increased in response to stricter emissions regulations and the requirements for increased fuel efficiency.

[0005] However, in the hybrid vehicle, a high-voltage battery (e.g., a battery or accumulator with a higher voltage level than the normal vehicle electrical system voltage to power the electric motor as an electric traction drive) is installed in the trunk. As a result, the trunk volume is reduced, which decreases the vehicle's marketability (e.g., its sales potential) and makes it difficult to distribute weight within the trunk.

[0006] The above information disclosed in this background section is intended only to improve the understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be regarded as an admission or any indication that this information belongs to the prior art as already known to the person skilled in the art.

[0007] Furthermore, US patent 2006 / 0289224A1 discloses a hybrid vehicle comprising a battery and a fuel tank, wherein the battery is mounted in a space defined beneath a body floor on which a double seat is arranged, and the fuel tank is located above an upper end section of a rear suspension and on the rear side of a body crossmember. Another such hybrid vehicle is known from EP 2447099A1 or DE 102012013790A1. Explanation of the invention

[0008] Numerous aspects of the present invention are aimed at creating a hybrid vehicle comprising a battery and a fuel tank, wherein the battery is mounted under a double seat (e.g. a rear bench seat) and the fuel tank is arranged at the upper end section of a rear wheel suspension in order to be attached to and supported by it, thereby improving the marketability with regard to a trunk and the weight distribution in the trunk.

[0009] The present invention provides a hybrid vehicle according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] Numerous aspects of the present invention are aimed at providing a hybrid vehicle (e.g., a hybrid motor vehicle) comprising a battery and a fuel tank, wherein the battery is mounted in a section defined below a body floor on which a double seat is arranged, and the fuel tank is arranged above the upper end section of a rear suspension and on (e.g., against) a rearward side of a body crossmember (e.g., along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle behind the body crossmember). The position of the fuel tank is higher than the position of the battery. The rear suspension is provided with a pair of stops projecting from the upper part of the rear suspension to allow the mounting of upper arms in it and to prevent forward movement of the fuel tank.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the fuel tank can be arranged in a receiving area (e.g., (fuel tank) seat area, (fuel tank) insertion area) which is defined at the upper end section of the rear wheel suspension and at the rear of the body crossmember, wherein the fuel tank can be supported by the body of the vehicle by means of a fuel tank strap (e.g., fuel tank mounting strip), and wherein the receiving area can be recessed upwards (e.g., designed to be recessed upwards), wherein the upper (e.g., topmost) surface of the receiving area defines the floor surface of a trunk.

[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, the fuel tank can be attached to and fixed on the body crossmember (e.g., firmly connected to it).

[0013] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the fuel tank can be provided with an insulating element (e.g., a damping element) which is arranged in a region where the fuel tank is attached to the body crossmember and is in frictional contact with the rear suspension, in order to absorb vibrations. For example, a first insulating element can be arranged in the region where the fuel tank is attached to the body crossmember and / or a second insulating element can be arranged in the region where the fuel tank is in frictional contact with the rear suspension.

[0014] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the fuel tank can be attached to a fuel tank mounting bracket which is arranged on the rear wheel suspension, and can be installed and fixed in the bodywork by means of the arrangement of the rear wheel suspension.

[0015] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicle-..." or any similar term used herein includes motor vehicles in general, such as passenger cars, including so-called sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, numerous commercial vehicles, watercraft, including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft, and the like, and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other vehicles powered by alternative fuels (e.g., fuels produced from resources other than petroleum). A hybrid vehicle, as referred to herein, is a vehicle that has two or more energy sources, e.g., vehicles that run on both gasoline and electricity.

[0016] The numerous features and embodiments of the invention mentioned above are discussed below.

[0017] The devices of the present invention have other features and advantages which will become clear from the accompanying drawings included herein and the following detailed description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present invention, or which are explained in more detail therein. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a view which schematically represents the structure in which a battery and a fuel tank are arranged in a hybrid vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view showing the installation of the fuel tank in the hybrid vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a view showing the state in which a fuel tank belt is connected in the hybrid vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 is a view showing the attachment of the fuel tank in the hybrid vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 is a view which shows an insulating element in the hybrid vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6 is a view showing a stopper in the hybrid vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. Figure 7 is a view showing the attachment of a fuel tank in a hybrid vehicle according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] It should be understood that the attached drawings are not necessarily to scale and represent a somewhat simplified depiction of various properties in order to illustrate the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes as disclosed herein, are (at least) partially determined by the respective intended application and usage environment.

[0019] Throughout the numerous figures in the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent components of the present invention. Detailed description

[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the invention is described in connection with the exemplary embodiments, it is clear that the present description is not intended to limit the invention to these exemplary embodiments.

[0021] Furthermore, in the description of the present invention, a detailed description of related known technologies and the like will be omitted if it is deemed to obscure the present invention.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 is a view which schematically represents the structure in which a battery and a fuel tank are arranged in a hybrid vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective exploded view showing the arrangement of the fuel tank in the hybrid vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. Figure 3 is a view showing the state in which a fuel tank belt is connected in the hybrid vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] In the hybrid vehicle according to the present embodiment, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a battery 100 is arranged in a space defined under a body floor 2 on which a double seat 1 is arranged, and a fuel tank 200 is arranged above the upper end section of a rear wheel suspension 3 and on the rear of a body cross member 4.

[0024] In a conventional hybrid vehicle, the fuel tank 200 is located in the area where the battery 100 is located in the exemplary embodiment, and the battery 100 is located in an area defined as a trunk. As a result, the space in the trunk is reduced, thus decreasing its marketability with regard to trunk space and making it difficult to distribute weight in the trunk.

[0025] In the present embodiment, the battery 100 is arranged in the area (e.g., located in front of the body crossmember) which is defined under the body floor 2 above which the double seat 1 is arranged, and the fuel tank 200 is arranged at the upper end section of the rear wheel suspension 3 and at the rear of the body crossmember 4, i.e., between the rear wheel suspension 3 and a heat damage prevention exhaust muffler (e.g., a heat damage prevention rear silencer) 5, thereby improving the marketability with regard to the trunk and the weight distribution in the trunk.

[0026] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the fuel tank 200 is arranged in a receiving area (e.g. (fuel tank) seat area, (fuel tank) insertion area) A, which is defined at the upper end section of the rear wheel suspension 3 and at the rear of the body cross member 4, wherein the fuel tank 200 can be supported by the vehicle body by means of a fuel tank strap 6.

[0027] The fuel tank strap 6 surrounds the outer surface (e.g., part of the outer circumference) of the fuel tank 200 together with the rear wheel suspension 3 and is attached to the body to support the fuel tank 200. The fuel tank strap 6 has a steel plate of a predetermined thickness, which increases the stiffness of the fuel tank strap 6. Ribs may also be formed on the fuel tank strap 6 for this purpose.

[0028] The fuel tank strap 6 can extend longitudinally along the fuel tank 200 to support the fuel tank 200. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, alternatively a pair of fuel tank straps 6 can be arranged in the state in which they are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the fuel tank 200 in order to support the fuel tank 200.

[0029] Although not shown, the receiving area A is recessed upwards from a base surface 7 of the body (e.g., recessed), with the area of ​​the upper (e.g., topmost) section of the receiving area A defining the floor surface of the trunk, so that consequently a trunk loading surface (e.g., a trunk panel) which is arranged in the trunk is or can be extended.

[0030] The rear end section of the receiving area A, the upper part of which is recessed, can also be designed so that it is lower than the base of the bodywork (e.g., lower in height than this base), allowing spare tools and tires to be loaded into the trunk.

[0031] Fig. Figure 4 is a view showing the attachment of the fuel tank in the hybrid vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 is a view which represents an insulating element in the hybrid vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. Figure 6 is a view showing a stopper in the hybrid vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the fuel tank 200 is attached and fixed to the body crossmember 4 (e.g., firmly connected to it).

[0033] In detail, in the state in which the fuel tank 200 is arranged in the receiving area A, a forward-projecting (e.g., projecting towards the front of the vehicle) fastening part 210 of the fuel tank 200 is positioned on a fastening bracket which is formed on the body cross member 4, and the fuel tank 200 can then be fixed to the body cross member 4 using a fastening element.

[0034] The rear wheel suspension 3 and the fuel tank strap 6 are arranged on the fuel tank 200, which is located in the receiving area A, in order to be fixed, and then the rear wheel suspension 3, the fuel tank strap 6 and the fuel tank 200 are attached to the body, thereby fixing the fuel tank 200 stably and securely.

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, an insulating element 300 can be arranged in the region where the fuel tank 200 is attached to the body crossmember 4 and is in frictional contact (e.g., frictional engagement) with the rear wheel suspension 3. For example, an insulating element 300 can be arranged in the region where the fuel tank 200 is attached to the body crossmember 4 and / or an insulating element 300 can be arranged in the region where the fuel tank 200 is in frictional contact with the rear wheel suspension 3.

[0036] The insulating element 300 can be made of an elastic material, such as rubber. In addition to the body crossmember 4 and the rear wheel suspension 3, the insulating element 300 can also be positioned in the region where the fuel tank 200 is in frictional contact with the fuel tank strap 6, in order to absorb vibrations and noise from the body crossmember 4, the rear wheel suspension 3, and the fuel tank strap 6 during vehicle operation, thereby improving the service life of the fuel tank 200.

[0037] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the rear wheel suspension 3 is provided with a stopper (e.g. stop piece, retaining piece) 3b, which is designed to allow an upper arm 3a of the rear wheel suspension 3 to be mounted in it.

[0038] In particular, a pair of stoppers 3b can project from the upper part of the rear wheel suspension 3, not only to allow the upper arms 3a to be mounted in it, but also to prevent forward movement of the fuel tank 200.

[0039] This means that the stoppers 3b project from the rear wheel suspension 3 to correspond with the front shape of the fuel tank 200. Once the fuel tank 200 is positioned in the receiving area A, and its position is fixed longitudinally by means of the rear wheel suspension 3 and the fuel tank strap 6, its lateral position towards the front of the vehicle can be securely fixed.

[0040] Fig. Figure 7 is a view showing the attachment of a fuel tank in a hybrid vehicle according to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the fuel tank 200 can be attached to a fuel tank mounting bracket 3c, which is arranged on the rear wheel suspension 3, and can be installed and fixed in the bodywork, i.e. the receiving area A, by arranging the rear wheel suspension 3.

[0042] In other words, before the fuel tank 200 is positioned in the receiving area A, the fuel tank mounting bracket 3c can be attached to the mounting part 210 by means of a fastening element in order to modularize the fuel tank 200 and the rear suspension 3 (e.g. to connect the fuel tank 200 and the rear suspension 3 into one module), and then the rear suspension 3 and the fuel tank strap 6 can be connected to the body, thereby fixing the fuel tank 200 in the receiving area A.

[0043] As can be seen from the preceding description, the present invention has the effect that the battery is arranged under the double seat and the fuel tank is arranged at the upper end section of the rear wheel suspension in order to be firmly connected to and thereby supported, thereby improving the marketability with regard to the trunk and the weight distribution in the trunk.

[0044] To facilitate explanation and precise definition in the attached claims, the terms “above…”, “below…”, “inner…”, “outer…”, “high”, “down”, “upwards”, “downwards”, “front…”, “behind…”, “front”, “rear”, “inwards”, “outwards”, “within”, “outside”, “inside”, “outside”, “inside”, “outside”, “forwards” and “backwards” are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to their positions as shown in the drawings.

[0045] The preceding descriptions of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention served the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to precisely the disclosed forms, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiments were selected and described to illustrate certain principles of the invention and its practical applicability, thereby enabling the person skilled in the art to produce and apply various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, as well as various alternatives and variations thereof. It is intended that the scope of the invention is defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

[1] Hybrid vehicle comprising a battery (100) and a fuel tank (200), wherein the battery (100) is mounted in a space defined under a body floor (2) on which a double seat (1) is arranged, and the fuel tank (200) is arranged above an upper end section of a rear wheel suspension (3) and on a rear side of a body crossmember (4), wherein the position of the fuel tank (200) is higher than the position of the battery (100), and wherein the rear wheel suspension (3) is provided with a pair of stoppers (3b) which project from the upper part of the rear wheel suspension (3) to allow the mounting of upper arms (3a) therein and to prevent the forward movement of the fuel tank (200). [2] Hybrid vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the fuel tank (200) is arranged in a receiving area (A) defined at the upper end section of the rear wheel suspension (3) and at a rear side of the body cross member (4), wherein the fuel tank (200) is supported by the body of the vehicle by means of a fuel tank strap (6), and the receiving area (A) is recessed upwards, wherein the upper surface of the receiving area (A) defines the floor surface of a trunk. [3] Hybrid vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fuel tank (200) is attached to and fixed on the body cross member (4). [4] Hybrid vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the fuel tank (200) is provided with an insulating element (300) which is arranged in a region where the fuel tank (200) is attached to the body cross member (4) and the fuel tank (200) is in frictional contact with the rear wheel suspension (3) to absorb a vibration. [5] Hybrid vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fuel tank (200) is attached to a fuel tank mounting bracket (3c) which is arranged on the rear wheel suspension (3) and is installed and fixed in a body of the vehicle by installing the rear wheel suspension (3).

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