VEHICLE

Abstract

Vehicle (1; 1B) with: an energy storage device (3; 3B); an internal combustion engine (10); an exhaust pipe (30) connected to the internal combustion engine (10); and a vehicle-internal device (20) provided outside the energy storage device (3; 3B), wherein the energy storage device (3; 3B) includes the following a receiving housing (40) with a front surface (50), a rear surface (51), a first side surface (53, 54) and a second side surface (52) opposite the first side surface (53, 54), an energy storage module (41) which is housed in the receiving housing (40), wherein the exhaust pipe (30) is arranged next to the first side surface (53, 54), characterized by a high-voltage line (45A, 45B) which is connected to the energy storage module (41) and is pulled out of the receiving housing (40) at the front surface (50), an electronic device (42) housed in the receiving housing (40), and a signal line (44) which is connected to the electronic device (42) and the vehicle-internal device (20), wherein the signal line (44) is a signal line through which a signal to be received or transmitted by the electronic device (42) or the vehicle-internal device (20) travels, wherein the signal line (44) is pulled out of the receiving housing (40) on the second side surface (52), the high-voltage line (45A, 45B) runs from the front surface (50) of the receiving housing (40) towards the front or top of the vehicle (1; 1B), and the signal line (44) is provided such that it runs from the second side surface (52) towards the rear or top of the vehicle (1; 1B). 2. Vehicle (1; 1B) according to claim 1, further comprising a floor plate (6) that separates the vehicle interior from the external environment, wherein the vehicle-internal device (20) is provided inside the vehicle, and the base plate (6) is provided with a through hole (65) through which the signal line (44) enters the vehicle interior.

Description

[0001] This application is based on Japanese patent application JP 2019 - 178 216 A, filed with the Japan Patent Office on September 30, 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND area

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle, in particular to a vehicle having an energy storage device. State of the art.

[0003] Conventionally, various types of vehicles with energy storage devices have been proposed. For example, a vehicle described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. JP 2018-140678 A includes a vehicle body, an energy storage device, and a drive device.

[0004] The vehicle body includes a floor panel forming a floor surface of the vehicle, and the energy storage device is disposed on a lower surface of the floor panel.

[0005] The drive device includes an internal combustion engine and a rotating electric machine arranged in an engine compartment formed at the front of the vehicle.

[0006] An exhaust pipe is connected to the internal combustion engine and shaped to extend from the internal combustion engine to the rear of the vehicle. The exhaust pipe is positioned to extend through the area surrounding a side surface of the energy storage device. BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The energy storage device comprises a housing, an energy storage module arranged in the housing, and a control unit. A high-voltage line is connected to the energy storage module and extends outward from the housing. The high-voltage line is connected to a PCU, which is electrically connected to the motor generator. A signal line connects the control unit to an in-vehicle device located outside the energy storage device.

[0008] Because hot exhaust gas from the combustion engine flows into the exhaust pipe, the temperature of the exhaust pipe becomes high. Furthermore, the potential applied to the high-voltage line is higher than the voltage applied to the signal line, so vibrations or noise can be emitted from the high-voltage line.

[0009] Therefore, the signal line is likely to be affected by heat from the exhaust pipe, noise emitted by the high-voltage line, and the like.

[0010] The document US 2014 / 0231 158 A1 discloses a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The document DE 11 2013 006 699 T5 discloses another vehicle with an energy storage device.

[0011] Based on the document US 2014 / 0 231 158 A1, it is the object of the invention to provide a vehicle in which, even if an electromagnetic wave resulting from noise is emitted into the environment by a high-voltage line, the electromagnetic wave is prevented from reaching a signal line.

[0012] A vehicle according to the present disclosure includes: an energy storage device; an internal combustion engine; an exhaust pipe connected to the internal combustion engine; and an in-vehicle device provided outside the energy storage device.The energy storage device comprises: a receiving case having a front surface, a rear surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface opposite the first side surface; an energy storage module housed in the receiving case; a high-voltage line connected to the energy storage module and extending outward from the receiving case at the front surface; an electronic device housed in the receiving case; and a signal line connected to the electronic device and the in-vehicle device, wherein the signal line is a signal line through which a signal to be received or transmitted from the electronic device or the in-vehicle device travels. The exhaust pipe is arranged adjacent to the first side surface, and the signal line is extending outward from the receiving case at the second side surface.The high-voltage line extends from the front surface of the receptacle case toward a front or top of the vehicle, and the signal line is provided to extend from the second side surface toward a rear or top of the vehicle.

[0013] According to the vehicle, since the exhaust pipe is provided on the first side surface side and the signal line is provided on the second side surface side, the heat emitted from the exhaust pipe can be prevented from reaching the signal line. Furthermore, even when an electromagnetic wave resulting from noise is emitted from the high-voltage line into the surrounding area, the electromagnetic wave can be prevented from reaching the signal line.

[0014] According to the vehicle, even if an electromagnetic wave resulting from noise is emitted from the high-voltage line to the surrounding environment, the electromagnetic wave is prevented from reaching the signal line.

[0015] The vehicle also includes a floor panel that separates the vehicle interior from the outside environment. The in-vehicle device is located inside the vehicle, and the floor panel is provided with a through-hole through which the signal line is routed into the vehicle interior.

[0016] According to the vehicle, at a portion of the signal line located inside the vehicle, the heat emitted from the exhaust pipe and an electromagnetic wave from the high-voltage line are prevented from reaching the signal line.

[0017] The above objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure and others thereof will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 1 on which an energy storage device is mounted, according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a bottom view showing a floor surface of the vehicle 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view schematically showing the configurations of an energy storage device 3 and its surroundings. Fig. 4 is a front view of the energy storage device 3 as seen from the front end face 50 side. Fig. 5 is a side view showing configurations of an energy storage device 3A mounted in a vehicle 1A and its surroundings. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the configurations of the energy storage device 3A and its surroundings. Fig. 7 is a plan view schematically showing the energy storage device 3A and its internal configuration. Fig. Fig. 8 is a side view schematically showing a vehicle 1B according to a second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a plan view schematically showing the vehicle 1B. Fig. 10 is a side view showing a modification. EXPLANATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Based on the Fig. 1 to 10, vehicles according to the first and second embodiments are described. In the configurations shown in the Fig. 1 to 10, the same or substantially the same configurations are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly. It should be noted that in Fig. 2 etc. “U” indicates an upward direction, “D” a downward direction, “L” a left direction and “R” a right direction. (First embodiment)

[0019] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 1 on which an energy storage device according to the first embodiment is mounted. The vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 2, an energy storage device 3, a drive device 4, a fuel tank 5, and an ECU 20. The vehicle body 2 includes a floor panel 6 that forms a floor surface of the vehicle 1. An engine compartment 8 and a passenger compartment 9 are formed in the vehicle body 2. The engine compartment 8 is formed at the front of the passenger compartment 9.

[0020] For example, the passenger compartment 9 is a space in which a passenger is located. Fig. In the example shown in Figure 1, the ECU 20 is housed in the passenger compartment 9.

[0021] The drive device 4 includes an internal combustion engine 10, rotating electrical machines or motor generators MG1, MG2, and a PCU 11. The PCU 11 includes, for example, two inverters and a converter. One converter is electrically connected to the motor generator MG1, and the other inverter is electrically connected to the motor generator MG2. The converter is electrically connected to the energy storage device 3. The motor generator MG2 primarily functions as a motor for rotating drive wheels, and the motor generator MG1 primarily functions as a power generator. The internal combustion engine 10 is powered by fuel from the fuel tank 5 and generates driving power to rotate the drive wheels. The ECU 20 controls the operation of the PCU 11 and the internal combustion engine 10.

[0022] The energy storage device 3 and the fuel tank 5 are located on a lower surface of the base plate 6. The fuel tank 5 is arranged at the rear of the energy storage device 3.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a bottom view showing the bottom surface of the vehicle 1, and Fig. 3 is a plan view schematically showing the configurations of the energy storage device 3 and its surroundings.

[0024] The energy storage device 3 comprises a receiving housing 40, an energy storage module 41, a battery control unit or battery ECU 42 and a distribution or connection box 43.

[0025] The receiving housing 40 comprises a front end surface 50, a rear end surface 51, a side surface 52, a side surface 53 and an inclined side surface 54. In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 3, the side surface 52 is located on the left side. The side surface 53 and the inclined side surface 54 are located opposite the side surface 52, i.e., they are on the right side. The side surface 53 and the inclined side surface 54 form a "first side surface," and the side surface 52 corresponds to a "second side surface."

[0026] It should be noted that the inclined side surface 54 is connected to an end portion of the side surface 53 and is beveled such that its course approaches the front of the side surface 52.

[0027] The energy storage module 41 includes a plurality of energy storage units 48A1, 48A2, 48B1, 48B2. The energy storage units 48A1, 48A2, 48B1, 48B2 are provided with spaces between them in the width direction of the vehicle 1. The energy storage units 48A1, 48A2, 48B1, 48B2 are electrically connected to each other in series.

[0028] Note that each of the energy storage units 48A1, 48A2, 48B1, 48B2 includes a plurality of energy storage cells. The energy storage cells are arranged in rows along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. Examples of each energy storage cell include a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, a capacitor, and the like.

[0029] The battery ECU 42 and the junction box 43 are located at the front of the energy storage module 41.

[0030] The junction box 43 is connected to high-voltage lines 45A, 45B and high-voltage lines 46A, 46B. The high-voltage lines 45A, 45B electrically connect the junction box 43 to the PCU 11. Furthermore, the high-voltage lines 46A, 46B electrically connect the junction box 43 to the energy storage module 41. A relay is provided in the junction box 43. The junction box 43 switches the electrical connections of the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B and the high-voltage lines 46A, 46B.

[0031] A signal line 44 with a signal cable or the like is connected to the battery ECU 42 and electrically connects it to the ECU 20.

[0032] The battery ECU 42 receives signals sent from a temperature sensor, a current sensor, and a voltage sensor, each provided in the energy storage module 41, and calculates, for example, the state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage module 41. The battery ECU 42 transmits information such as the calculated SOC to the ECU 20 via the signal line 44. In addition, the battery ECU 42 receives a signal from the ECU 20 via the signal line 44. Based on the signal received from the ECU 20, the battery ECU 42 controls the driving of the junction box 43 to switch the electrical connections of the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B and the high-voltage lines 46A, 46B.

[0033] The battery ECU 42 and the junction box 43 are located in the vehicle 1 at the front of the energy storage module 41. The battery ECU 42 is located on the side of the side surface 52 with respect to the junction box 43.

[0034] The vehicle 1 includes an exhaust pipe 30 and a cooling circuit 31. The exhaust pipe 30 is connected to the internal combustion engine 10. The exhaust pipe 30 is shaped to extend through the lower surface of the floor panel 6 and to the rear of the vehicle 1. The exhaust pipe 30 is provided to traverse a position adjacent to the inclined side surface 54 and the side surface 53 and is shaped to extend along the inclined side surface 54 and the side surface 53.

[0035] The cooling circuit 31 comprises a compressor 32, a condenser 33, a reservoir or equalization tank 34, expansion valves 36A, 36B, cooling lines 37A, 37B and a plurality of coolant lines 38A, 38B, 38C, 38E. The coolant C circulates in the cooling circuit 31. The coolant C flows in a flow direction D1.

[0036] The coolant line 38C and the coolant line 37A are connected to the relief valve 36A, and the coolant line 38C is connected to the expansion tank 34. The coolant line 38C and the coolant line 37B are connected to the relief valve 36B.

[0037] Cooling lines 37A, 37B for cooling the energy storage module 41 are arranged on the underside of the energy storage module 41. In the flow direction D1, the downstream ends of the cooling lines 37A, 37B are connected to the coolant line 38E, which is connected to the compressor 32 provided outside the energy storage unit 3.

[0038] The coolant pipe 38C and the coolant pipe 38E are pulled outwardly from the receiving housing 40 at the front end surface 50.

[0039] The signal line 44 is connected to the battery ECU 42. Furthermore, the signal line 44 is connected to the ECU 20 provided in the vehicle body 2.

[0040] The signal line 44 is connected to a side surface of the battery ECU 42 located on the side surface 52. Furthermore, the signal line 44 is pulled out of the receiving housing 40 through a through hole 61 located in the side surface 52 of the receiving housing 40.

[0041] One in Fig. The through hole 65 shown in Figure 2 is formed in the base plate 6. The through hole 65 is located in the vehicle 1 at the front of the rear end surface 51 of the receiving housing 40. The through hole 65 is formed adjacent to the side surface 52 of the housing 40.

[0042] The signal line 44, which extends outward from the receiving case 40 through the through-hole 65, is formed to extend toward the rear of the vehicle 1. The signal line 44 enters the vehicle interior through the through-hole 65 and is connected to the ECU 20. Therefore, the signal line 44 is formed to extend along the side surface 52 of the receiving case 40.

[0043] Fig. 4 is a front view of the energy storage device 3 as seen from the side of the front end surface 50. The receiving housing 40 includes a lower surface 56. The signal line 44 is located on top of the lower surface 56.

[0044] The through-hole 61 is located vertically above the center of the side surface 52. Note that the through-hole 65 is formed in the base plate 6 and is therefore located above the through-hole 61. The signal line 44 is provided to extend over the through-hole 61 and the through-hole 65. The signal line 44 is also located vertically above the center of the side surface 52. The exhaust pipe 30 is located above the lower surface 56.

[0045] In the vehicle 1 configured as described above, the exhaust gas flows in the exhaust pipe 30 when the internal combustion engine 10 is driven. As the exhaust gas flows in the exhaust pipe 30, the temperature in the exhaust pipe 30 becomes high.

[0046] The exhaust pipe 30 is provided along the inclined side surface 54 and the side surface 53, each corresponding to a right side surface of the receiving housing 40. In contrast, the signal line 44 is arranged along the side surface 52 opposite the inclined side surface 54 and the side surface 53.

[0047] Therefore, even when the temperature of the exhaust pipe 30 becomes high, the heat dissipated from the exhaust pipe 30 can be prevented from reaching the signal line 44. In particular, since the signal line 44 is located at the upper side of the center of the side surface 52 in the height direction, the heat dissipated from the exhaust pipe 30 is prevented from reaching the signal line 44.

[0048] In Fig. 3, when the PCU 11 is driven, an inverter provided therein is driven. The inverter is provided with a plurality of switching elements such as IGBTs, which are driven when it is driven. When the switching elements are driven, vibrations or noise are generated. Since the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B are electrically connected to the switching elements, the noise generated in the switching elements also propagates to the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B.

[0049] When the noise propagates in the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B, the electromagnetic waves resulting from the noise are also emitted into the surroundings of the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B.

[0050] Here, the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B are pulled out of the receiving housing 40 at the front end surface 50, whereas the signal line 44 is provided on the side of the side surface 52.

[0051] Therefore, even if electromagnetic waves resulting from the noise are emitted from the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B to the environment outside the receiving case 40, electromagnetic waves can be prevented from reaching the signal line 44.

[0052] As described above, in the vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment, the signal line 44 can be prevented from being affected by the heat emitted from the exhaust pipe 30 and the electromagnetic waves emitted from the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B.

[0053] Furthermore, the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B are formed to extend from the front end surface 50 to the front side, and the signal line 44 is formed to extend from the through-hole 61 formed in the side surface 52 to the rear side. Therefore, electromagnetic waves are unlikely to reach the signal line 44 even if they are emitted from the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B into the surroundings.

[0054] As in Fig. 4 and the like, the signal line 44 is drawn into the vehicle interior through the through-hole 65 formed in the floor panel 6 and connected to the ECU 20 mounted in the vehicle. Therefore, the portion of the signal line 44 located inside the vehicle is prevented from being affected by the heat from the exhaust pipe 30 and the electromagnetic waves from the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B.

[0055] Here in Fig. 3, the noise transmitted to the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B can pass through the junction box 43 into the high-voltage lines 46A, 46B. When the noise travels through the high-voltage lines 46A, 46B, the electromagnetic waves resulting from the noise are emitted from the high-voltage lines 46A, 46B into the receiving housing 40.

[0056] In case in Fig. 3, the signal line 44 is directly drawn out of the receiving case 40 through the through-hole 61 on the side surface of the battery ECU 42 on the side surface 52 side. Therefore, only a very small portion of the signal line 44 is located in the case 40. Thus, even if electromagnetic waves are emitted from the high-voltage lines 46A, 46B in the drive device 4, they can be prevented from reaching the signal line 44 in the case 40. (Embodiment not part of the invention)

[0057] A vehicle 1A according to the embodiment not belonging to the invention is shown with reference to Fig. 5 etc. Fig. 5 is a side view showing the configurations of an energy storage device 3A mounted in the vehicle 1A and its surroundings, and Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the configurations of the energy storage device 3A and its surroundings.

[0058] In the vehicle 1A, the energy storage device 3A is arranged so as to be separated from the lower surface of the floor panel 6. Note that the energy storage device 3A is fixed to the floor panel 6 by a fixing member (not shown). Therefore, a gap is formed between the upper surface 57 of the energy storage device 3A and the lower surface of the floor panel 6.

[0059] In the Fig. In the example shown in Figure 5, high-voltage lines 45A, 45B extend outward from the rear end surface 51 of the power storage device 3. The high-voltage lines 45A, 45B are bent to extend toward the top and are arranged above the upper surface 57. The high-voltage lines 45A, 45B are shaped to extend toward the front of the vehicle 1A.

[0060] In contrast, the signal line 44 is designed such that it is drawn from the side surface 52 of the energy storage device 3A and then runs to the rear of the vehicle 1A.

[0061] Furthermore, the signal line 44 is formed to extend to the top side and is connected to the ECU 20 via the through hole 65 formed in the bottom plate 6.

[0062] Fig. Figure 7 is a plan view schematically showing the energy storage device 3A and its internal configuration. In the energy storage device 3A, the terminal box 43 is arranged at the rear of the energy storage module 41. The high-voltage line 46A is connected to the rear end of the energy storage unit 48B1, and the high-voltage line 46B is connected to the rear end of the energy storage unit 48A2.

[0063] The high-voltage lines 45A, 45B are connected to the terminal box 43 and pulled outward from the rear end face 51.

[0064] It should be noted that in the vehicle 1A, the exhaust pipe 30 is also arranged so that it runs along the inclined side surface 54 and the side surface 53 of the energy storage device 3.

[0065] In the thus configured vehicle 1A, the exhaust pipe 30 is disposed on the side of the inclined side surface 54 and the side surface 53, whereas the signal line 44 is disposed on the side of the side surface 52. Thus, the heat from the exhaust pipe 30 is prevented from reaching the signal line 44 even when the temperature of the exhaust pipe 30 becomes high.

[0066] Furthermore, since the signal line 44 is arranged on the side of the side surface 52 and the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B are arranged on the side of the upper surface 57, the noise emanating from the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B is prevented from reaching the signal line 44. (Second embodiment)

[0067] A vehicle 1B according to the second embodiment is shown in Fig. 8 etc. Fig. Fig. 8 is a side view schematically showing a vehicle 1B according to the second embodiment, and Fig. 9 is a plan view schematically showing the vehicle 1B.

[0068] The vehicle 1B includes an energy storage device 3B. In the energy storage device 3B, high-voltage lines 45A, 45B are formed so as to extend outward from the front end surface 50 of the energy storage device 3B and then extend to the top. Note that the signal line 44 and the exhaust pipe 30 are arranged in the same manner as in the first embodiment and the embodiment not belonging to the invention.

[0069] In the vehicle 1B configured in this way, since the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B are formed so as to extend outward from the end surface 50 and then directly to the top, the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B are separated from the signal line 44 in the height direction. Therefore, even if noise is emitted from the high-voltage lines 45A, 45B, the noise is prevented from reaching the signal line 44.

[0070] Fig. 10 is a side view showing a modification. In a Fig.In the vehicle 1C shown in Figure 10, a signal line 44 is formed so that it extends outward from the side surface 52 of the energy storage device 3C and then extends to the top. By arranging the signal line 44 in this manner, the length of the signal line 44 located under the floor panel 6 can be short. Accordingly, noise from high-voltage lines 45A, 45B can be prevented from penetrating the signal line 44.

[0071] Although the present disclosure has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and not by way of limitation, and the scope of the present disclosure is to be interpreted by the terms of the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Vehicle (1; 1B) with: an energy storage device (3; 3B); an internal combustion engine (10); an exhaust pipe (30) connected to the internal combustion engine (10); and an in-vehicle device (20) provided outside the energy storage device (3; 3B), wherein the energy storage device (3; 3B) comprises a receiving housing (40) having a front surface (50), a rear surface (51), a first side surface (53, 54) and a second side surface (52) opposite the first side surface (53, 54), an energy storage module (41) which is accommodated in the receiving housing (40), wherein the exhaust pipe (30) is arranged next to the first side surface (53, 54), characterized by a high-voltage line (45A, 45B) connected to the energy storage module (41) and extending outward from the receiving housing (40) on the front surface (50), an electronic device (42) housed in the receiving housing (40), and a signal line (44) connected to the electronic device (42) and the in-vehicle device (20), wherein the signal line (44) is a signal line through which a signal to be received or transmitted by the electronic device (42) or the in-vehicle device (20) travels, wherein the signal line (44) is pulled outwards from the receiving housing (40) on the second side surface (52), the high-voltage line (45A, 45B) runs from the front surface (50) of the receiving housing (40) towards the front or top of the vehicle (1; 1B), and the signal line (44) is provided such that it runs from the second side surface (52) towards the rear or top of the vehicle (1; 1B).

2. Vehicle (1; 1B) according to claim 1, further comprising a floor plate (6) separating the vehicle interior from the outside environment, wherein the in-vehicle device (20) is provided inside the vehicle, and the base plate (6) is provided with a through hole (65) through which the signal line (44) enters the vehicle interior.

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