vehicle

Abstract

Vehicle (100, 200) comprising: a battery (106); a charging unit (116) having a charging cable (118) and a charging gun (120) at one end of the charging cable (118) and configured to supply power to the battery from an external power supply;and a cable groove (110a, 214a) provided in a vehicle body (100a, 200a) and capable of receiving the charging cable (118), wherein, when the charging cable (118) is received in the cable groove (110a, 214a), the charging gun (120) is arranged on an outside of a transmission path via which an impact load is transmitted to the battery (106) in the event of a collision with an external object, wherein the cable groove (110a, 214a) is provided in a receiving section of the vehicle body (100a, 200a), the receiving section being designed for receiving luggage, wherein the cable groove (110a, 214a) extends in an inner wall surface of the receiving section and also extends along an opening (112, 212) of the receiving section, which is opened and closed by an opening / closing flap that can open and close the receiving section.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority over Japanese patent application No. 2016-057224, filed on March 22, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0002] The invention relates to a vehicle in which a charging unit with a charging cable and a charging gun is installed.

[0003] Traditionally, plug-in hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles are widespread, each having an electric motor and a battery built in, which can be powered by the electric motor. When charging the battery built into each of these vehicles, for example, according to the disclosure in JP 2016-004771 A (patent citation 1), current is supplied to the battery from an external power supply by using a charging unit in which a charging gun is coupled to a charging cable.

[0004] If this charging unit is installed in the vehicle, one might consider bundling the charging cable. However, if the cable is tightly bundled, a curved section of it is more prone to wear and tear. Conversely, if it is bundled in a looser way, the cable becomes bulky. This leads to the problem that the luggage compartment is occupied and thus reduced by the charging cable. Depending on the charging gun's position, a collision with an external object could also cause the charging gun, which is normally very robust, to collide with the battery due to the impact, potentially damaging it.

[0005] In light of this, it is desirable to provide a vehicle that can improve the durability of a charging cable, suppress its deterioration in quality, and protect a battery from a charging gun, while ensuring a large storage space.

[0006] One aspect of the invention provides a vehicle comprising a battery, a charging unit, and a cable groove. The charging unit has a charging cable and a charging gun located at one end of the cable and is configured to supply power to the battery from an external power supply. The cable groove is provided in a vehicle body and can accommodate the charging cable. When the charging cable is inserted into the cable groove, the charging gun is positioned on the outside of a transmission path through which a shock load is transmitted to the battery in the event of a collision with an external object.

[0007] The cable groove can be provided in a receiving section of the vehicle body, and the receiving section can be intended for luggage storage.

[0008] The cable groove can be provided in an inner surface on the receiving section side of an opening / closing flap that can open and close the receiving section.

[0009] The cable groove can extend in an inner wall surface of the receiving section and can also extend along an opening of the receiving section that is opened and closed by the opening / closing flap that can open and close the receiving section.

[0010] Furthermore, the vehicle may have: a pistol groove provided in the opening / closing flap that can accommodate the loading pistol; and a support cover configured to at least partially cover the loading pistol accommodated in the pistol groove and to hold the loading pistol in place on the opening / closing flap.

[0011] Another aspect of the invention provides a vehicle comprising a receiving section, a battery, a power receiver, and a charging unit receiving section. The receiving section is located in a vehicle body and has an opening. The battery is located beneath the receiving section. The power receiver is connected to a charging unit, which has a charging cable and a charging gun at one end of the cable, and is configured to charge the battery using power from an external power supply. The charging unit receiving section accommodates the charging unit. The charging unit receiving section extends along the opening of the receiving section.

[0012] Another aspect of the invention provides a vehicle comprising a receiving section, a battery, a power receiver, and a charging unit receiving section. The receiving section is located in a vehicle body and has an opening. The battery is located beneath the receiving section. The power receiver is connected to a charging unit, which has a charging cable and a charging gun at one end of the cable, and is configured to charge the battery using power from an external power supply. The charging unit receiving section accommodates the charging unit. The charging unit receiving section is located in an inner surface on one side of the receiving section of an opening / closing flap that can open and close the opening.

[0013] A preferred embodiment of the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, other specific numerical values, etc., described in such an embodiment serve only to illustrate the invention and to facilitate understanding, and do not limit the invention unless specifically stated otherwise. It should be noted that elements with essentially the same function or configuration are not described again in this description and the drawings, and these elements are designated by the same reference numeral. Furthermore, elements not directly related to the invention are not shown. The drawings show:

[0014] Fig. 1. A side view of a vehicle;

[0015] Fig. 2 a perspective view of the rear of the vehicle (a vehicle body);

[0016] Fig. 3 an explanatory view that explains a projection of a cable groove;

[0017] Fig. 4 an explanatory view that explains a first modified example; and

[0018] Fig. 5 an explanatory view that explains a second modified example.

[0019] Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle 100 Here, a plug-in hybrid vehicle, which has a combustion engine, is used. 102 and an electric motor 104 as drive sources, as an example for the vehicle 100 for description. According to Fig. 1 are the internal combustion engine 102 , the electric motor 104 and a battery 106 in the vehicle 100 built-in. The internal combustion engine 102 is in a front view in forward-backward direction (right-left direction in Fig. 1) a vehicle body 100a arranged, and the electric motor 104is located at the rear of the combustion engine 102 arranged. The battery 106 is located on the rear side of the vehicle body 100a arranged.

[0020] The vehicle drives according to a driving condition with a requested torque. 100 primarily using the internal combustion engine 102 compared to the electric motor 104 , primarily uses the electric motor 104 compared to the internal combustion engine 102 or drives using both the electric motor 104 as well as the internal combustion engine 102 .

[0021] In addition, a power control unit (PCU) is included. 108 in the vehicle 100 built-in. The PCU 108 for example, under the floor of a vehicle cabin 100b arranged and lies between the electric motor 104 and the battery 106 in the forward-backward direction of the vehicle body 100aThe PCU 108 It features an amplifier, an inverter, etc. The amplifier amplifies the direct current power from the battery. 106 The inverter converts the direct current power into alternating current power and supplies the alternating current power to the electric motor. 104 to.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the rear of the vehicle. 100 (the vehicle body) 100a ). According to Fig. 2 is the vehicle 100 a so-called tailgate vehicle and has a luggage compartment 110 on one side of the back of a rear seat 100c in the vehicle cabin 100b equipped. In one embodiment, the luggage compartment can be equipped. 110 to serve as a "recording section". An opening 112 , which the luggage compartment 110 When opened, it is from the top to the back of the luggage compartment. 110 A swiveling tailgate is planned. 114rotates in directions indicated by both arrows in Fig. 2 are indicated by a hinge mechanism not shown and can thus open 112 open / close. In one embodiment, the tailgate can be opened / closed. 114 They serve as an "opening / closing flap" and as a "rear flap".

[0023] The battery 106 is under the luggage compartment 110 and in the area around the back seat 100c housed within 106 for example from a household mains power supply via a charging unit 116 Power is supplied. In one embodiment, the household mains power supply can serve as an "external power supply".

[0024] The charging unit 116 a charging cable 118 , one at one end of the charging cable 118 intended loading pistol 120 and one at the other end of the charging cable 118 intended plug 122up. Inside the vehicle 100 is a power receiver 124 on an outside of the luggage compartment 110 provided, and the loading pistol 120 can be used with the power receiver 124 be coupled.

[0025] The power receiver 124 is connected to the battery 106 connected via a connecting cable not shown. Is the charging gun 120 with the power receiver 124 coupled and is the plug 122 When connected to a mains power outlet or similar, the battery can 106 They can be charged with electricity from the mains power supply.

[0026] Is the charging unit 116 with these components in the vehicle 100 built-in, one considers the charging cable 118 For example, to arrange them in a bundle. When the charging cable is bundled together. 118 in the luggage compartment 110 But is the luggage compartment 110 from the charging cable 118occupied and thus reduced in size.

[0027] Depending on the arrangement of the loading pistol 120 Furthermore, in the event of a collision of the vehicle 100 with an external object in an accident or similar, causing the loading pistol to 120 Possibly due to impact damage to the battery. 106 collides. Especially in cases where the loading pistol 120 is located at position A, where the loading pistol 120 for example, in the width direction of the vehicle body 100a opposite the battery 106 lies, and the vehicle body 100a In a side collision (an impact from the side), the loading pistol collides. 120 with the battery 106 .

[0028] In cases where the loading pistol 120 is located at position B, which is on the back of the battery 106 lies, and the vehicle body 100ainvolved in a rear-end collision, the loading gun collides 120 with the battery 106 Is the charging unit in particular? 116 in such a state, in which the charging cable 118 bundled, on the back of the battery 106 They house a frame and similar components of the vehicle body. 100a Plastically deformed. This reduces the space intended for shock absorption in a rear-end collision.

[0029] Consequently, in the vehicle body 100a the luggage compartment 110 with a charging unit intake section Sa (a cable groove) 110a , supports 110c , protrusions 110e and side surfaces 110f ) provided with the charging unit 116 absorbs the cable groove 110a is in an interior panel 110b of the luggage compartment 110 provided. In one embodiment, the interior lining can be 110bto serve as an "interior wall surface". Is the tailgate 114 Closed, the cable groove lies 110a on an inside side of the luggage compartment 110 For example, the cable groove extends 110a along the opening 112 and also extends from the rear to part of a side surface of the vehicle body. 100a in the opening 112 .

[0030] The luggage compartment 110 is supported 110c provided. The support 110c is above each end of the cable groove 110a is provided. Is the charging cable included? 118 in the cable groove 110a The charging pistol was recorded 120 and the plug 122 through the supports 110c Each one is locked.

[0031] The supports 110c are each in a higher position than a ground surface 110d of the luggage compartment 110 intended. Consequently, the loading pistol 120and the plug 122 , each of which is supported by the columns 110c are locked, each in a higher position than the battery 106 arranged under the luggage compartment 110 is housed there. That is to say, the loading pistol 120 is arranged such that position A, where the loading gun is located 120 opposite the battery 106 in the width direction of the vehicle body 100a is located, and position B is avoided, which is on the back of the battery 106 lies (a vertical position of the battery) 106 does not cover a vertical position of the loading pistol 120 ).

[0032] In other words, is the charging cable 118 in the cable groove 110a recorded, the loading pistol 120 located on the outside of a transmission path, through which a shock load is transferred to the battery in the event of a vehicle collision 100is transferred to the external object. This includes side and rear collisions of the vehicle body. 100a This can prevent a situation in which the loading pistol 120 with the battery 106 collides. This can damage the battery. 106 in front of the loading gun 120 be protected.

[0033] For example, is the charging cable 118 If bundled too tightly, a curved section of it may wear out. Is the charging cable 118 in the cable groove 110a recorded, this is a form of charging cable. 118 when inserted into a form of the cable groove 110a limited. Is the cable groove 110a By designing the cable in advance so that the curvature of the bent section is at least equal to a specified value, such wear and tear on the charging cable is avoided. 118 This makes it possible to extend the lifespan of the charging cable. 118to improve it and suppress its deterioration in quality. Therefore, the required quality for the charging cable can be achieved. 118 to be guaranteed in the long term.

[0034] Compared to a case where the charging cable 118 Simply bundled, the luggage compartment 110 not from the charging cable 118 Occupied. This ensures ample luggage space. Furthermore, the charging cable 118 no space on the back of the battery 106 If occupied, a sufficient space can be ensured to absorb the rear collision impact.

[0035] The cable groove 110a is with the advantages 110e equipped to hold the charging cable 118 to record.

[0036] Fig. Figure 3 is an explanatory view showing the protrusions 110e the cable groove 110a explained. Part of the cable groove is shown in the drawing. 110aTaken for illustrative purposes. According to Fig. 3 are two side faces 110f the cable groove 110a each with the projections 110e provided with surfaces that project in a direction converging. A space between the opposing side faces. 110f (the protrusions 110e ) is in a position where the protrusions 110e are designed to be narrower than at a position where the projections 110e are not provided for. The space between the projections 110e is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the charging cable 118 .

[0037] When picking up the charging cable 118 in the cable groove 110a will the charging cable 118 deeper than these protrusions 110e to one side of the cable groove 110a pressed in. As a result, the charging cable 118 , which is in the cable groove 110a is recorded through the protrusions 110eIt is captured and therefore cannot be easily removed from the cable groove. 110a remove.

[0038] Fig. Figure 4 is an explanatory view that explains a first modified example. According to Fig. In the first modified example, the cable groove extends to 4. 110a longer than in the previously described embodiment. In particular, the cable groove extends 110a in the interior trim 110b of the luggage compartment 110 along the opening 112 of the luggage compartment 110 and extends almost around the entire circumference of the opening 112 .

[0039] As previously described, the length of the cable groove is subject to 110a no restrictions. For example, the cable groove can 110a in the interior trim 110b of the luggage compartment 110 extend and can wrap around the circumference of the opening once or several times 112 extend. Additionally, the cable groove can110a in a different section than the interior trim 110b be provided for. The cable groove 110a can be in a sheet metal section of the vehicle body 100a be provided for, which is on an outside of the opening 112 of the luggage compartment 110 lies.

[0040] In this case, both ends of the charging cable 118 on the inside of the luggage compartment 110 through the opening 112 introduced, and the loading pistol 120 and the plug 122 are on the inside of the luggage compartment 110 arranged. This prevents the loading gun from being 120 and the plug 122 come into contact with rain, etc. As previously described, a mechanism that protects the charging unit may be affected. 116 can be provided by making only a minor design change.

[0041] Fig. Figure 5 is an explanatory view that clarifies a second, modified example. According to Fig. 5 is a vehicle 200 The second modified example is a so-called sedan and has a trunk. 210 in the rear of a vehicle body 200a equipped. In one embodiment, the trunk 210 to serve as a "recording section". An opening 212 the trunk 210 is through a trunk lid 214 opened / closed. In one embodiment, the trunk lid can be opened / closed. 214 to serve as an "opening / closing flap".

[0042] A charging unit intake section Sb (a cable groove) 214a , protrusions 214c , large grooves 214d ) is in an interior surface 214b on one side of the trunk lid 214 The cable groove is provided, similar to the embodiment described above. 214a with the protrusions 214cprovided. When the charging cable is pressed in 118 into the cable groove 214a Will this be in the cable groove? 214a recorded charging cables 118 through the protrusions 214c It is captured and therefore cannot be easily removed from the cable groove. 214a remove.

[0043] The cable groove 214a extends in the width direction of the vehicle body 200a On one of its central sides are two large grooves. 214d provided in which the loading pistol 120 or the plug 122 are included. In one embodiment, the large groove 214d to serve as a "pistol groove". The large groove 214d is at each end of the cable groove 214a continuously planned. The charging cable 118 , the loading pistol 120 and the plug 122 can be in the cable groove 214a and the large grooves 214d be recorded continuously.

[0044] One end of a support cover 226 is on the inner surface 214b of the trunk lid 214 attached. The support cover 226 is in directions indicated by both arrows in Fig. The 5 points indicated are rotatable by a hinge mechanism not shown. The other end of the support cover is located... 226 on the inner surface 214b of the trunk lid 214 (If it is closed, then there is a removable section) 226a , which is in the support cover 226 is planned for a removable section 214e attached, which is located on the inner surface 214b of the trunk lid 214 is provided for. Each of the removable sections 214e , 226a It consists of a wing nut, a strap with a Velcro fastener attached, a magnet, or similar.

[0045] The support cover covers the support lid. 226 at least partially the loading pistol 120and the plug 122 , which are in the large grooves 214d are recorded, and holds the loading gun 120 and the plug 122 on the trunk lid 214 fixed. The loading pistol 120 and the plug 122 are heavier than the charging cable 118 and therefore fall out of the large grooves more easily 214d out. Thus, the loading pistol will not fall out. 120 and the plug 122 prevented by placing it between the support cover 226 and the trunk lid 214 are inserted.

[0046] The support cover 226 It can be designed so that it includes the entire charging cable 118 covers. However, the support cover covers 226 the loading pistol 120 and the plug 122 , which can easily fall out while he is using the charging cable 118 partially covers it. This results in an enlargement of the support cover. 226suppressed. This reduces its cost and weight.

[0047] The support cover 226 is with opposing grooves 226b provided in positions that are suitable for the charging cable 118 , the loading pistol 120 and the plug 122 opposite each other, if the support cover 226 is closed. Even if it protrudes from the cable groove. 214a or the large grooves 214d is the charging cable 118 , the loading pistol 120 or the plug 122 into the opposite groove 226b fitted, thus suppressing its displacement. This makes it possible to extend the lifespan of the charging cable. 118 to improve it and suppress its decline in quality.

[0048] The preferred embodiment of the invention has been described so far with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the invention is naturally not limited to the embodiment described above. It goes without saying that various modifications and corrections, which fall within the scope of the claims, are also included in the technical scope of the invention.

[0049] For example, in the embodiment described above and in the modified examples, a case was described in which the loading pistol 120 at the end of the charging cable 118 is intended. Alternatively, the loading pistol can be used. 120 at each end of the charging cable 118 be planned.

[0050] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above and in the modified examples, a case was described in which the loading unit receiving sections Sa, Sb are located in the receiving sections (the luggage compartment). 110and the trunk 210 ) are provided, each of which accommodates the luggage. Alternatively, each of the loading unit receiving sections Sa, Sb can be located at a different position in the vehicle body. 100a be planned.

[0051] Furthermore, in the previously described embodiment and the modified examples, a case was described in which the charging cable 118 falling out of the cable groove 110a through the protrusions 110e is prevented from being in the cable groove 110a are planned. Nevertheless, the lead 110e No essential configuration. As long as the charging cable is connected. 118 falling out of the cable groove 110a To prevent this, for example, the strap to which the Velcro fastener is attached, or similar, may be provided. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0052] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0053] JP 2016-057224

[0001] JP 2016-004771 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Vehicle which features: a battery; a charging unit that has a charging cable and a charging gun at one end of the charging cable and is configured to supply power to the battery from an external power supply; and a cable groove provided in a vehicle body that can accommodate the charging cable, wherein When the charging cable is inserted into the cable groove, the charging gun is located on the outside of a transmission path, through which a shock load is transmitted to the battery in the event of a collision with an external object. [2] Vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the cable groove is provided in a receiving section of the vehicle body, the receiving section being provided for receiving luggage. [3] Vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the cable groove is provided in an inner surface on the receiving section side of an opening / closing flap that can open and close the receiving section. [4] Vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the cable groove extends in an inner wall surface of the receiving section and also extends along an opening of the receiving section which is opened and closed by an opening / closing flap that can open and close the receiving section. [5] Vehicle according to claim 3, further comprising: a pistol groove provided in the opening / closing flap to accommodate the loading pistol; and a support cover configured to at least partially cover the loading pistol received in the pistol groove and to hold the loading pistol in place at the opening / closing flap. [6] Vehicle which features: a recording section that is provided in a vehicle body and has an opening: a battery that is provided under the recording section; a power receiver coupled to a charging unit and configured to charge the battery using power from an external power supply, the charging unit having a charging cable and a charging gun provided at one end of the charging cable; and a charging unit receiving section configured to receive the charging unit, wherein The charging unit receiving section extends along the opening of the receiving section. [7] Vehicle which features: a recording section that is provided in a vehicle body and has an opening: a battery that is provided under the recording section; a power receiver coupled to a charging unit and configured to charge the battery using power from an external power supply, the charging unit having a charging cable and a charging gun provided at one end of the charging cable; and a charging unit receiving section configured to receive the charging unit, wherein The charging unit receiving section is provided in an inner surface on a receiving section side of an opening / closing flap that can open and close the opening.

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