Power engine room structure for a vehicle

Abstract

Engine compartment structure for a vehicle, comprising an engine located in the engine compartment, an electrically heated catalyst (EHC) that generates heat when energized and carries a catalyst carrier supporting a catalyst, wherein the electrically heated catalyst and the exhaust pipe define a flow passage for the exhaust gas in the engine compartment, and a second EHC cable comprising the EHC and a power supply device that provides electrical current to the EHC. At least part of the second EHC cable is located on the upper surface of an upper end face of a cylinder head of the engine.

Description

BACKGROUND 1. Area

[0001] The following description refers to a power engine room structure for a vehicle. 2. Description of the related prior art

[0002] Japanese patent application no. 9-32533 discloses an exhaust pipe for a power engine that includes an electrically heated catalyst. The electrically heated catalyst comprises a catalyst support and two terminals. A catalyst is held by the catalyst support. Two terminals are attached to the catalyst support. The two terminals are connected to a battery via cables. When energized, the catalyst support generates heat through the cables and the two terminals. The portion of the cable located near the terminal is made of a material with a higher heat capacity than other parts of the cable, so that the temperature near the terminal does not become high.

[0003] In a process such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 9-32533, when the catalyst carrier is energized, the entire cable between the section connected to the battery and the section connected to the terminal tends to overheat. Furthermore, depending on the arrangement in the engine compartment, the heat may not be adequately dissipated from the entire cable. Consequently, the entire cable can overheat. Japanese Patent Application No. 9-32533 proposes a solution to limit the temperature increase in the portion of the cable near the terminal, but not in other parts of the cable. SUMMARY

[0004] This summary serves to present a selection of concepts in simplified form, which are explained in more detail below. This summary is neither intended to identify essential features or characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to serve as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to an engine compartment structure for a vehicle. In general terms, the engine compartment structure for a vehicle comprises an engine located in the engine compartment of the vehicle. An exhaust pipe extends from the engine, through which the exhaust gas flows from the engine. An electrically heated catalyst, which generates heat when energized, comprises a catalyst support that carries a catalyst, and the electrically heated catalyst and the exhaust pipe define a flow path for the exhaust gas in the engine compartment.A cable connects the electrically heated catalyst and a power supply device that supplies electrical current to the electrically heated catalyst, wherein at least part of the cable is located on the top of an upper end face of a head cover that covers a cylinder head of the engine.

[0006] Further features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a left-hand view of a power engine room, which schematically illustrates the arrangement of the elements. Fig. Figure 2 is a rear view of the engine room, schematically showing the arrangement of the elements. Fig. Figure 3 is a top view of the engine room, which schematically illustrates the arrangement of the elements.

[0007] In the drawings and the detailed description, the same reference symbols refer to the same elements. The drawings may not be to scale, and the relative size, proportions, and representation of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and ease of understanding. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] This description provides a comprehensive understanding of the described methods, devices, and / or systems. Modifications and equivalents of the described methods, devices, and / or systems are obvious to a person skilled in the art. The sequence of steps is exemplary and may be modified by a person skilled in the art, except for those steps that must necessarily be performed in a specific order. Descriptions of functions and designs known to a person skilled in the art may be omitted.

[0009] Exemplary embodiments can take various forms and are not limited to the examples described. However, the examples described are thorough and complete and convey the entire scope of the disclosure to a person skilled in the art.

[0010] In this description, “at least one of A and B” should be understood as “only A, only B or both A and B”.

[0011] As an example of an embodiment of an engine compartment structure, an engine compartment structure used in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is now described. In the present embodiment, the frame of reference for the terms top, bottom, left, right, front, and rear is based on a state in which the driver of the vehicle is seated facing forward. The drawings schematically show the engine compartment structure for the vehicle in simplified form. Furthermore, the elements shown are not necessarily drawn to scale and may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0012] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a vehicle 100 comprises an engine compartment 110. The engine compartment 110 is defined by a space in the front part of the vehicle 100. The engine compartment 110 is defined by a space formed by an instrument panel and fender panels (not shown). The instrument panel separates a passenger compartment of the vehicle 100 from the engine compartment 110. The fender panels form the left and right outer walls in the front part of the vehicle 100.

[0013] The vehicle 100 includes a hood 120. The hood 120 covers the engine compartment 110 from above. The hood 120 is, for example, a rectangular plate. The hood 120 is configured to open and close the upper opening of the engine compartment 110. In the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows the hood 120 hatched. Power machine

[0014] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 100 comprises a power unit 20. The power unit 20 is located in the power unit compartment 110. The power unit 20 comprises an oil pan 22, a cylinder block 24, a cylinder head 26, a head cover 28, and a crankshaft 20A. The oil pan 22, the cylinder block 24, the cylinder head 26, and the head cover 28 are arranged one above the other from bottom to top. The crankshaft 20A is located between the oil pan 22 and the cylinder block 24. The power unit 20 is slightly inclined, so that the rear section of the power unit 20 is lower than the front section of the power unit 20.

[0015] The oil pan 22 is box-shaped overall. The oil pan 22 has an open top. The oil pan 22 contains lubricating oil.

[0016] The cylinder block 24 has the overall shape of a rectangular cuboid. In side view, the cylinder block 24 widens towards the bottom. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the cylinder block comprises 24 cylinders 24A. The cylinders 24A are chambers for burning fuel. For example, there are four cylinders 24A. The multiple cylinders 24A are arranged transversely. As shown in Figure 2. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the crankshaft 20A extends in the direction in which the cylinders 24A are arranged side by side. The crankshaft 20A is rotated by the combustion of fuel in the cylinders 24A.

[0017] The cylinder head 26 has the overall shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The cylinder head 26 includes intake ports 26A and exhaust ports 26B. Each intake port 26A directs intake air to a corresponding cylinder 24A. Each exhaust port 26B directs exhaust gases from a corresponding cylinder 24A. Thus, each cylinder 24A has an intake port 26A. Furthermore, each cylinder 24A has an exhaust port 26B.

[0018] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the cylinder head cover 28 covers the top of the cylinder head 26. The cylinder head cover 28 is box-shaped overall. The cylinder head cover 28 has an open lower end. A spark plug (not shown) is attached to the cylinder head cover 28 for each cylinder 24A. The spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture in the corresponding cylinder 24A. An injector (not shown) is attached to the cylinder head cover 28 for each cylinder 24A. The injector supplies the corresponding cylinder 24A with fuel. The injector can be attached to the cylinder head 26 instead of the cylinder head cover 28. The cylinder head cover 28 includes an upper end face 28A, which forms the uppermost end of the cylinder head cover 28 and the engine 20. More precisely, since the engine 20 is inclined, the foremost part of the upper end face 28A of the cylinder head cover 28 is the uppermost end of the cylinder head cover 28 and the uppermost end of the engine 20.Thus, the top end of the power machine 20 is the top end of the head cover 28 and not the top end of a component attached to the power machine 20. Intake manifold

[0019] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 100 includes an intake pipe 30. The intake pipe 30 is located at the front of the engine 20. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 100 includes an intake pipe 30. The intake pipe 30 is located at the front of the engine 20. Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the intake pipe 30 comprises an intake manifold 34 and an upstream pipe 32. The intake manifold 34 is attached to a front face of the cylinder head 26. Intake air is drawn from the intake pipe 32 into the intake manifold 34. The intake manifold 34 distributes the intake air drawn from the upstream pipe 32 to the individual intake ports 26A. The intake air distributed to the individual intake ports 26A is drawn into the corresponding cylinder 24A. Thus, the intake pipe 30 directs intake air to each cylinder 24A. Exhaust pipe and electrically heated catalytic converter

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 100 comprises an exhaust pipe 40 and an electrically heated catalytic converter (EHC) 50. The exhaust pipe 40 is located at the rear of the engine 20. The entire exhaust pipe 40 extends from the engine 20 rearward and downward. The exhaust pipe 40 includes an exhaust distributor 42 and a downstream pipe 44.

[0021] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the exhaust manifold 42 is attached to the rear of the cylinder head 26. The exhaust gas from each cylinder 24A and each exhaust port 26B is combined in the exhaust manifold 42. The downstream pipe 44 is connected to the exhaust manifold 42 by the EHC 50, which is described below. The downstream pipe 44 is cylindrical in its entirety. The downstream pipe 44 extends rearward from the section connected to the EHC 50. A lower section of the downstream pipe 44 extends out of the engine compartment 110.

[0022] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the EHC 50 is located in engine compartment 110. In engine compartment 110, the EHC 50 and the exhaust pipe 40 define a flow passage for exhaust gas. Thus, the exhaust gas from the engine 20 flows through the exhaust pipe 40 and the EHC 50. The EHC 50 is connected to a section of the exhaust manifold 42 on the opposite side of the cylinder head 26. The EHC 50 is cylindrical overall. The EHC 50 extends rearward from the section connected to the exhaust manifold 42. The rear end of the EHC 50 is connected to the downstream pipe 44. The EHC 50 is located near the transverse axis of the engine 20.

[0023] The EHC 50 will now be described. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the EHC 50 comprises a housing 52, a catalyst support 54, and two electrodes 56. The housing 52 is cylindrical. The housing 52 forms the outer shell of the EHC 50. The catalyst support 54 is located inside the housing 52. The catalyst support 54 is made of an electrically resistant material that generates heat when energized. Silicon carbide, for example, can be used as such a material. The catalyst support 54 has a cylindrical profile. A honeycomb structure extends within the catalyst support 54. The catalyst support 54 carries, for example, a catalyst such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. The two electrodes 56 are connected to the outer surface of the catalyst support 54 and protrude from the housing 52. The two electrodes 56 are supplied with electrical current by a power supply unit 70, which is described below.The catalyst support 54 generates heat when energized by the electrodes 56. When the catalyst support 54 generates heat, the catalyst is heated. Subsequently, the catalyst becomes active. Exhaust gas recirculation pipe

[0024] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 100 includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) pipe 35. The EGR pipe 35 comprises an upstream section 35A, an intermediate section 35B, and a downstream section 35C. The upstream section 35A is a cylindrical pipe. The intermediate section 35B is a passage defined by the cylinder head 26. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the intermediate section 35B is located at the left end of the cylinder head 26. The intermediate section 35B extends through the cylinder head 26 in a front-to-back direction. The downstream section 35C is a cylindrical tube. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the upstream section 35A comprises a first end that connects to a downstream section of the EHC 50. The upstream section 35A extends to the left from the first end and is then bent forward. The upstream section 35A comprises a second end that connects to an opening in the rear of the cylinder head 26, which is part of the intermediate section 35B. The upstream section 35A extends from the EHC 50 and is connected to the intermediate section 35B. The downstream section 35C comprises a first end that connects to an opening in the front of the cylinder head 26, which is part of the intermediate section 35B. The downstream section 35C extends forward from the first end and is then bent to the right. The downstream section 35C comprises a second end that connects to the intake manifold 34.The downstream section 35C is connected to the intake manifold 30, and the downstream section 35C and the EHC 50 are located on opposite sides of the cylinder head 26. The EGR pipe 35 returns the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust pipe 40 and the EHC 50 to the intake manifold 30. A valve is arranged in the EGR pipe 35 to control the amount of exhaust gas recirculated to the intake manifold 30 (not shown). drive device

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle 100 comprises a drive unit 60. The drive unit 60 is located in the engine compartment 110. The drive unit 60 comprises an engine housing 62, a first engine-generator (hereinafter referred to as the first MG) 64 and a second engine-generator (hereinafter referred to as the second MG) 66.

[0026] The motor housing 62 is located on the left side of the power unit 20. The motor housing 62 is positioned next to the power unit 20 without any other elements interposed. The motor housing 62 has the overall shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. An upper end face 62A of the motor housing 62 is the uppermost end of the motor housing 62. This upper end face 62A of the motor housing 62 is located in a higher position than the upper end face 28A of the head cover 28, which is the uppermost end of the power unit 20. As shown, for example, in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, a rear end face of the engine housing 62 is located further back than the rear end of the power unit 20.

[0027] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the motor housing 62 accommodates the first MG 64 and the second MG 66. The motor housing 62 accommodates a power transmission mechanism (not shown) that transmits power from the first MG 64 and the second MG 66. The first MG 64 is a three-phase motor. The first MG 64 has the functions of an electric motor and a generator. Similarly, the second MG 66 is a three-phase motor and has the functions of an electric motor and a generator. The first MG 64 and the second MG 66 are the power sources of the vehicle 100. The first MG 64 and the second MG 66 send and receive electrical current to and from an onboard battery 74, which is described below. The first MG 64 and the second MG 66 use the electrical current stored in the on-board battery 74 to exert torque on the drive wheels of the vehicle 100.The first MG 64 and the second MG 66 are propulsion engines used when the vehicle is traveling at 100 km / h. Performance-related devices

[0028] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the vehicle 100 comprises a connecting device 76, the on-board battery 74, the power supply unit 70 and an engine power unit 72.

[0029] The connecting device 76 is, for example, attached to a body of the vehicle 100. The position of the connecting device 76 is not dependent on the one shown in Fig. The position shown in Figure 3 is limited. The connecting device 76 can be connected to an external power source 200. The external power source 200 is an AC power source located outside the vehicle 100.

[0030] The on-board battery 74 is, for example, located under the floor of the passenger compartment of vehicle 100. The location of the on-board battery 74 is not determined by the Fig. The position shown is limited. The on-board battery 74 is a DC power source in vehicle 100. The on-board battery 74 is a high-voltage battery. The on-board battery 74 has a nominal voltage of, for example, approximately 200 to 250 V.

[0031] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the power supply unit 70 is arranged in the engine compartment 110. The power supply unit 70 is located on the upper end face 62A of the motor housing 62. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the power supply unit 70 is arranged in the front-to-back direction in the area of ​​the head cover 28 of the power unit 20. The power supply unit 70 comprises a body and connectors (not shown). The body has the overall shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The body is attached to the upper end face 62A of the motor housing 62 by a bracket or the like. The functionality of the body is described below. The connectors are located on the top of the body. The connectors are connection openings for cables. The power supply unit 70 can be referred to as an on-board charger (OBC).

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the motor power unit 72 is located in the engine compartment 110. In the same manner as the power supply unit 70, the motor power unit 72 is arranged on the top of the upper end face 62A of the motor housing 62. The motor power unit 72 is located at the rear of the power supply unit 70. The motor power unit 72 comprises a body and connectors. The body has the overall shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. The body is attached to the upper end face 62A of the motor housing 62 by a bracket or the like. The functionality of the body is described below. The connectors are located on the top of the body. The connectors are terminal openings for cables. The motor power unit 72 can be referred to as a power control unit (PCU). Fig. The motor power unit 72 is not shown in Figure 2. Power path in relation to the engine

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the vehicle 100 comprises a first motor cable 91, a second motor cable 92, a third motor cable 93 and a fourth motor cable 94.

[0034] The first motor cable 91 and the second motor cable 92 form a first current path extending from the onboard battery 74 to the first MG 64. More precisely, the first motor cable 91 electrically connects the onboard battery 74 and the motor power unit 72. The second motor cable 92 electrically connects the motor power unit 72 and the first MG 64. The motor power unit 72 converts the electrical current stored in the onboard battery 74 and supplies the converted electrical current to the first MG 64. The motor power unit 72 also converts the electrical current generated by the first MG 64 and supplies the converted electrical current to the onboard battery 74. The conversion of the electrical current includes conversion between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) and conversion between different DC voltage levels.

[0035] The third motor cable 93 and the fourth motor cable 94 form a second current path extending from the onboard battery 74 to the second MG 66. More precisely, the third motor cable 93 electrically connects the onboard battery 74 and the engine power unit 72. The fourth motor cable 94 electrically connects the engine power unit 72 and the second MG 66. In the same way as the first MG 64, the engine power unit 72, together with the onboard battery 74, performs a conversion between direct current and alternating current, as well as a conversion between different direct current voltage levels. External charging and power path in relation to EHC

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the vehicle 100 comprises a first charging cable 83, a second charging cable 84, a first EHC cable 81 and a second EHC cable 82.

[0037] The first charging cable 83 and the second charging cable 84 form a third current path that extends from the connecting device 76 to the onboard battery 74. More precisely, the first charging cable 83 electrically connects the connecting device 76 and the power supply unit 70. The second charging cable electrically connects the power supply unit 70 and the onboard battery 74. In the third current path, the power supply unit 70 converts the alternating current voltage from the external power source 200 into direct current voltage and applies the direct current voltage to the onboard battery 74. The onboard battery 74 receives the energy supplied by the power supply unit 70 and is thus charged. Therefore, the onboard battery 74 can be charged with electrical current from the external power source 200.

[0038] The first EHC cable 81 and the second EHC cable 82 form a fourth power path extending from the onboard battery 74 to the EHC 50. More precisely, the first EHC cable 81 electrically connects the onboard battery 74 and the power supply unit 70. The second EHC cable 82 electrically connects the power supply unit 70 and the EHC 50. In this fourth power path, the power supply unit 70 converts the output voltage from the onboard battery 74 and supplies the converted voltage to the EHC 50. More precisely, the power supply unit 70 converts the voltage level of the DC voltage from the onboard battery 74 and supplies the converted voltage to the EHC 50.In addition to converting the DC voltage into different levels, the power supply unit 70 can convert the DC voltage from the onboard battery 74 into an AC voltage and supply the converted voltage to the EHC 50. This conversion between different DC voltage levels and the conversion between DC and AC are included in the voltage conversion. Cable arrangement

[0039] Now the arrangement of the second EHC cable 82 is described. As described above and in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the upper end face 62A of the engine housing 62 is located at a higher position than the upper end face 28A of the cylinder head cover 28, which forms the top end of the engine 20. Therefore, the power supply unit 70, which is coupled to the upper end face 62A of the engine housing 62, is located at a higher position than the top end of the engine 20. The exhaust manifold 42 and the EHC 50, which are coupled to the engine 20, extend diagonally downwards from the cylinder head 26. Thus, the EHC 50 is located at a lower position than the top end of the engine 20. In this positional relationship between the EHC 50 and the power supply unit 70, the second EHC cable 82, which connects the electrodes 56 of the EHC 50 and the power supply unit 70, extends upwards from the EHC 50.Furthermore, a portion of the second EHC cable 82, located near the power supply device 70, is positioned higher than the top end of the power machine 20. Additionally, the distal end of the second EHC cable 82 is connected to the power supply device 70 at a location higher than the top end of the power machine 20. Thus, the second EHC cable 82 includes a specification section 82A, which is located higher than the top end of the power machine 20. If a portion of the second EHC cable 82, other than specification section 82A, is designated as residual section 82B, then specification section 82A and residual section 82B are arranged as follows. The EHC 50 is located at the rear of the power machine 20. Thus, residual section 82B is located at the rear of the power machine 20. As shown in... Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the remaining section 82B extends from the EHC 50 to the left to a point in the transverse direction near the left end of the head cover 28. Furthermore, the remaining section 82B extends, as shown in Fig. 2 shown, from the EHC 50 upwards to a position that is vertically higher than the upper end face 28A of the head cover 28. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the specification section 82A of the second EHC cable 82 extends forward immediately above the upper end face 28A of the head cover 28 and is connected to the power supply device 70.

[0040] The surrounding structure of specification section 82A of the second EHC cable 82 is now described. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a region between the upper end face 62A of the engine housing 62 and the hood 120 is designated as the first region 110A. A region between the upper end face 28A of the engine cover 28 and the hood 120 is designated as the second region 110B. In the vehicle 100, the arrangement in the engine compartment 110 is such that, in principle, no elements are arranged in the first region 110A and the second region 110B. The first region 110A contains essentially no elements other than the power supply device 70, the engine power device 72, and the cables connected to these devices. Similarly, the second region 110B contains no elements other than the cables. This arrangement results in the hood 120 being located above the specification section 82A of the second EHC cable 82, without any elements intervening. Wiring arrangement

[0041] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the motor power unit 72 is coupled to the upper end face 62A of the motor housing 62 in the same manner as the power supply unit 70. Therefore, the cables connected to the power supply unit 70 and the motor power unit 72 are bundled near the upper end face 62A of the motor housing 62. A group of cables located close to each other due to their connection points is bundled together by a binding element. For example, the second EHC cable 82, the second motor cable 92, and the fourth motor cable 94 are bundled together by a first binding element 98. Furthermore, the second charging cable 84, the first EHC cable 81, the first motor cable 91, and the third motor cable 93 are bundled together by a second binding element 99. The first binding element 98 and the second binding element 99 are, for example, attached to the motor housing 62.The first connecting element 98 and the second connecting element 99, which bundle the cables into each bundle, are shown schematically in . Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of the first connecting element 98 and the second connecting element 99, each being a metal fitting. Operation of the exemplary embodiment

[0042] As indicated by the arrow V in Fig.As shown in Figure 1, air flows over the upper region of the engine compartment 110 when the vehicle 100 is moving forward. As described above, the first region 110A, located above the upper end face 62A of the engine housing 62, and the second region 110B, located above the upper end face 28A of the head cover 28 in the engine 20, have essentially no elements that obstruct the airflow when the vehicle 100 is moving forward. Therefore, when the vehicle 100 is moving forward, the air flows smoothly into the first region 110A and the second region 110B. Consequently, the airflow improves heat dissipation by convection from the specification section 82A of the second EHC cable 82, which is located in the first region 110A and the second region 110B. Furthermore, the smooth airflow in the first area 110A and in the second area 110B allows air to reach the entire surroundings of the first area 110A and the second area 110B.Thus, most of the second EHC cable 82, not just the specified section 82A, is exposed to the airflow. This further improves heat dissipation from the second EHC cable 82. Heat dissipation is not limited to the second EHC cable 82. Heat is also dissipated from the first EHC cable 81, which is connected to the power supply unit 70 and the onboard battery 74. Therefore, if the air flows freely in the first area 110A and the second area 110B, the portion of the first EHC cable 81 located near the power supply unit 70 is also exposed to the airflow. This also improves heat dissipation from the first EHC cable 81. Advantages of the exemplary embodiment

[0043] (1) The power supply unit 70, which transmits the power supplied between the onboard battery 74 and the EHC 50, is located in the upper part of the engine room 110. This allows the second EHC cable 82 to be routed upwards from the EHC 50. Consequently, most of the second EHC cable 82 can be positioned in an area where it is easily exposed to the airflow. Similarly, the portion of the first EHC cable 81 located in the upper part of the engine room 110 is easily accessible to the airflow. With this arrangement, a large section of the cable 81 and the cable 82 that supply the EHC 50 with electrical current is cooled by the airflow. Thus, heat is effectively dissipated from the cable 81 and the cable 82.

[0044] (2) The motor housing 62, to which the power supply unit 70 is coupled, is located next to the power machine 20. When the power supply unit 70 is coupled to the motor housing 62, which is located next to the power machine 20, the distance between the power machine 20 and the EHC 50 and the power supply unit 70 is reduced. This allows the length of the second EHC cable 82, which connects the EHC 50 and the power supply unit 70, to be minimized. In this way, by coupling the power supply unit 70 to the upper end face 62A of the motor housing 62, the second EHC cable 82 can be routed upwards and its length reduced.

[0045] (3) As described above, the power supply unit 70 is coupled to the upper end face 62A of the motor housing 62. In an assembly plant of the vehicle 100, when connecting the second EHC cable 82 to the power supply unit 70, there is an advantage to coupling the power supply unit 70 to the upper end face 62A of the motor housing 62. To explain this advantage, the process of connecting the second EHC cable 82 to the power supply unit 70 will now be described. The fastening of cables other than the second EHC cable 82 and the coupling of the motor power supply unit 72 to the motor housing 62 are not described here.

[0046] First, an operator assembles a power transmission unit outside the engine compartment 110 and the vehicle 100. The power transmission unit integrates the drive device 60, the engine 20, the exhaust pipe 40, the EHC 50, the intake pipe 30, and the EGR pipe 35. After the power transmission unit is assembled, the operator connects the second EHC cable 82, which was previously prepared, to the power transmission unit. More precisely, the operator connects the first end of the second EHC cable 82 to the electrodes 56 of the EHC 50. The operator temporarily attaches the second end of the second EHC cable 82 to the cylinder head 28 of the engine 20. Then, the operator positions the power transmission unit, along with the second EHC cable 82, inside the engine compartment 110. The operator then connects the previously prepared power supply device 70 to the upper end face 62A of the motor housing 62.The operator then disconnects the second end of the second EHC cable 82, which was temporarily attached to the head cover 28 of the power unit 20, from the head cover 28. The operator then connects the second end of the second EHC cable 82 to the power supply unit 70. Through this series of operations, the operator connects the second EHC cable 82 to the power supply unit 70.

[0047] A comparative example is now described in which the power supply unit 70 is arranged separately from the power transmission unit and coupled to the lower portion of the power unit compartment 110. In this comparative example, when the power transmission unit is housed in the power unit compartment 110, the operator may not be able to visually locate the connectors of the power supply unit 70, depending on its position. Furthermore, if the power supply unit 70 is located in the lower portion of the power unit compartment 110, the operator must reach down to the floor of the power unit compartment 110 with one hand to connect the second end of the second EHC cable 82 to the power supply unit 70. In this case, the various components within the power unit compartment 110 may obstruct the operator's tasks.This reduces the efficiency when connecting the second EHC cable 82 to the power supply unit 70 in the comparative example.

[0048] In this respect, when the power supply unit 70 is coupled to the upper end face 62A of the motor housing 62, connecting the second EHC cable 82 exposes the power supply unit 70, making it visible to the operator. Therefore, the operator can visually locate the connector of the power supply unit 70 and connect the second EHC cable 82 to it. Furthermore, since the power supply unit 70 is located in the uppermost area of ​​the power unit compartment 110, the various components within the compartment do not obstruct the operator when connecting the second EHC cable 82 to the power supply unit 70. This improves the efficiency of connecting the second EHC cable 82 to the power supply unit 70.

[0049] (4) The power supply unit 70 and the motor power unit 72 are both coupled to the upper end face 62A of the motor housing 62. In this case, the cables attached to the power supply unit 70 and the cables attached to the motor power unit 72 are located close to each other. Therefore, the cables of different systems connected to the power supply unit 70 and the motor power unit 72 can be bundled together. The bundled cables of different systems allow the power unit room 110 to maintain an orderly structure.

[0050] (5) No components are arranged between the specification section 82A of the second EHC cable 82 and the cover 120. This allows air to flow freely, particularly between the specification section 82A and the cover 120. This further improves the heat dissipation of the specification section 82A and its surroundings.

[0051] (6) The power supply unit 70 has a function for performing a voltage conversion when charging the on-board battery 74 and a function for performing a voltage conversion when supplying power to the EHC 50. Thus, the vehicle has 100 fewer components than if the vehicle had 100 separate devices for the two functions.

[0052] (7) Exhaust gas flows through the EGR pipe 35. This increases the temperature of the EGR pipe 35. Here, the EHC 50 and the intake pipe 30, to which the EGR pipe 35 is connected, are located on opposite sides of the engine 20. Therefore, if the EGR pipe 35 is connected to the EHC 50 and the intake pipe 30 outside the engine 20, the EGR pipe 35 must extend around the engine 20. This lengthens the EGR pipe 35. The longer EGR pipe 35 increases the area in which the EGR pipe 35 is routed, thereby increasing the likelihood that the second EHC cable 82 will be positioned near the EGR pipe 35. In this case, the second EHC cable 82, which is positioned near the EGR pipe 35, may be affected by the heat of the EGR pipe 35.

[0053] In this respect, the EGR pipe 35 extends through the engine 20. Therefore, the EGR pipe 35 extends from the EHC 50 to the intake pipe 30 along the shortest possible path. This shortens the portion of the EGR pipe 35 that lies outside the engine 20. Consequently, the second EHC cable 82 can be positioned at a distance from the EGR pipe 35. Modifications

[0054] The embodiment described above can be modified as follows. The embodiment described above and the following modifications can be combined as long as the combined modifications remain technically compatible.

[0055] The EGR pipe 35 is not limited to the exemplary structure of the embodiment above. The EGR pipe 35 can have any structure, as long as it is connected to the intake pipe 30 by an exhaust port defined by the exhaust pipe 40 and the EHC 50. For example, the intermediate section 35B of the EGR pipe 35 can extend in a front-to-back direction through the right end of the cylinder head 26. In this case, the arrangement of the upstream section 35A and the downstream section 35C should be modified according to the arrangement of the intermediate section 35B compared to the examples in the embodiment above. As described in the embodiment above, the entire EGR pipe 35 need not be a tubular pipe, as long as the entire EGR pipe 35 forms a single through passage.

[0056] The exhaust duct and the connection points of the EGR pipe 35 are not limited to the examples of the embodiment above. For example, the upstream section 35A of the EGR pipe 35 can be connected to the downstream pipe 44. The connection points of the intake pipe 30 of the EGR pipe 35 are also not limited to the examples of the embodiment above.

[0057] The EGR pipe 35 does not need to extend through the interior of the engine 20. In other words, the entire EGR pipe 35 can be located outside the engine 20. If the entire EGR pipe 35 is located outside the engine 20, the EGR pipe 35 is spaced away from the cables.

[0058] The EGR pipe 35 can be omitted. Depending on the design of the engine 20, exhaust gas recirculation may be unnecessary.

[0059] The vehicle 100 can include a charging voltage converter that converts the voltage between the external power source 200 and the on-board battery 74, in addition to the power supply unit 70, which converts the voltage between the on-board battery 74 and the EHC 50. In this case, the charging voltage converter can be located under the floor of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 100 instead of in the engine compartment 110, so that the number of components in the engine compartment 110 is not increased.

[0060] The charging function, which uses the external power source 200, can be omitted in the vehicle 100. In this case, any device related to the charging function can be omitted. In other words, the vehicle 100 is not limited to a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

[0061] An element can be arranged between specification section 82A of the second EHC cable 82 and the cover 120. There are few objects in the upper area of ​​the engine compartment 110 that obstruct the airflow. Therefore, air flows easily over the upper area of ​​the engine compartment 110. Thus, the heat dissipation of specification section 82A is improved even when an element is arranged between specification section 82A of the second EHC cable 82 and the cover 120.

[0062] The first area 110A and the second area 110B are not limited to the arrangement of elements shown in the exemplary embodiment above. Elements other than the power supply unit 70, the motor power unit 72, and the cables connected to these units can be arranged in the first area 110A and the second area 110B. In this case, as described in the modification above, air flows easily through the upper area of ​​the engine compartment 110. Therefore, if at least part of the EHC cable 82 is located above the upper end face 28A of the head cover 28, the heat dissipation of the second cable 82 can be improved.

[0063] Each cable is not limited to the routing shown in the exemplary embodiment above. Each cable can be routed to supply the required electrical current to the connected device. As long as at least a portion of the second EHC cable 82 is located above the upper end face 28A of the head cover 28, the second EHC cable 82 can be routed in any way. Here, the expression "arranged above the upper end face 28A of the head cover 28" is not limited to a condition in which the cable is located above the entire upper end face 28A of the head cover 28. In other words, as long as at least a portion of the second EHC cable 82 is located above the lowest section of the upper end face 28 of the head cover 28, the second EHC cable 82 can be routed in any way.

[0064] The motor power unit 72 is not limited to the arrangement shown in the exemplary embodiment above. For example, the motor power unit 72 need not be arranged above the upper end face 62A of the motor housing 62 in the engine compartment 110. Furthermore, the motor power unit 72 can be arranged outside the engine compartment 110, for example at the rear of the engine compartment 110 in the vehicle 100. As long as the motor power unit 72 is arranged near the motor housing 62, the cable connecting the motor power unit 72 and the drive motor can be shortened.

[0065] The power supply unit 70 is not limited to the arrangement shown in the exemplary embodiment above. For example, the power supply unit 70 need not be located at the upper end face 62A of the engine housing 62 in the engine compartment 110. Furthermore, the power supply unit 70 can be located outside the engine compartment 110, for example, at the rear of the engine compartment 110 in the vehicle 100. Even if the arrangement of the power supply unit 70 is changed compared to the example of the exemplary embodiment above, by adjusting the routing of the cable connecting the power supply unit 70 and the EHC 50, at least a portion of the cable connecting the power supply unit 70 and the EHC 50, located in the engine compartment 110, can be positioned above the upper end face 28A of the head cover 28.

[0066] The motor housing 62 is not limited to the exemplary structure of the embodiment above. The motor housing 62 can have any structure as long as it can accommodate one or more drive motors. For example, the shape of the motor housing can be changed compared to the example of the embodiment above. Even if the motor housing 62 is changed compared to the example of the embodiment above, the uppermost end of the motor housing 62 is fixed in accordance with the vertical direction of the vehicle 100.

[0067] The motor housing 62 is not limited to the exemplary arrangement of the embodiment above. For example, the motor housing 62 can be arranged in a state in which other elements are located between the motor housing 62 and the power unit 20.

[0068] The number of drive motors in the above embodiment is not a limitation. Vehicle 100 can contain any number of drive motors required to apply the desired torque to the drive wheels.

[0069] The drive motors and the motor housing 62 can be omitted in the vehicle 100. In this case, the motor power unit 72 and the cables connected to the motor power unit 72 can be omitted.

[0070] If, for example, the drive motors in vehicle 100 are omitted, the on-board battery 74 can serve as an auxiliary low-voltage battery. The nominal voltage for the low-voltage battery is, for example, 12 to 48 V.

[0071] Regarding the voltage conversion function of the power supply unit 70, the power supply unit 70 does not need to convert the DC voltage level from the on-board battery 74 and can simply convert the DC voltage to AC voltage supplied to the EHC 50. A voltage conversion suitable for the voltage output level of the on-board battery 74 is performed.

[0072] The power supply unit 70 does not need to have a voltage conversion function as long as it supplies the EHC 50 with electrical current. The power supply unit 70 could, for example, be a battery.

[0073] The power unit 20 is not limited to the arrangement shown in the above embodiment, as long as the power unit 20 is located in the power unit compartment 110. For example, the power unit 20 can be arranged such that cylinders 24A are positioned in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the power unit 20 can be inclined forward with respect to the vertical direction of the vehicle 100 or be positioned in the vertical direction of the vehicle 100.

[0074] The engine 20 is not limited to the exemplary structure of the embodiment described above. For example, the engine 20 can be a V-engine in which two cylinder banks are arranged in a V-shape. The structures of the intake manifold 30 and the exhaust manifold 40 can be modified according to the structure of the engine 20.

[0075] The examples above can be modified in form and detail without altering the fundamental concept and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples serve only for description and not for limitation. Descriptions of features in each example are to be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results can be obtained by performing sequences in a different order and / or by combining components differently in a described system, architecture, device, or circuit and / or by replacing or supplementing them with other components or their equivalents. The scope of the disclosure is not defined by the detailed description but by the claims and their equivalents. All variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are contained in the disclosure. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] 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

[0000] JP 9-32533 [0002, 0003]

Claims

[1] Engine room structure for a vehicle (100), wherein the engine room structure comprises the following: a power machine (20) located in a power engine room (110) of a vehicle (100); an exhaust pipe (40) extending from the engine (20), wherein exhaust gas from the engine (20) flows through the exhaust pipe; an electrically heated catalyst (50) which generates heat when energized, which has a catalyst support (54) which carries a catalyst, wherein the electrically heated catalyst (50) and the exhaust pipe (40) define a flow passage for the exhaust gas in the engine compartment (110); and a cable (82) connecting the electrically heated catalyst (50) and a power supply device (70) that supplies electrical current to the electrically heated catalyst (50), wherein at least part of the cable (82) is located at the top of an upper end surface (28A) of a head cover (28) that covers a cylinder head (26) of the power engine (20). [2] Power engine room structure according to claim 1, further comprising: a motor housing (62) located next to the power unit (20) and accommodating at least one drive motor (64, 66), wherein the power supply device (70) is located on the top side of an upper end of the motor housing (62) and is coupled to the motor housing (62). [3] Power engine room structure according to claim 2, further comprising: a motor power unit (72) that supplies electrical current to the drive motor (64, 66); and a motor cable (92, 94) that connects the motor power unit (72) and the drive motor (64, 66), wherein the motor power device (72) is located on a top surface of the uppermost end of the motor housing (62) and is coupled to the motor housing (62). [4] Power engine room structure according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cable (82) has a specification section (82A) which is located at a higher position than the uppermost end of the power machine (20), and a hood (120) without any other element placed between it and the specification section (82A) is located above it. [5] Power engine room structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vehicle (100) is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that has an on-board battery (74) which can be charged by an external power source (200), and the power supply unit (70) is configured to convert an AC voltage from the external power source (200) to a DC voltage and apply the DC voltage to the on-board battery (74), and is configured to convert an output voltage from the on-board battery (74) and supply the converted voltage to the electrically heated catalyst (50). [6] Power engine room structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: an EGR pipe (35) configured to return the exhaust gas to an intake pipe (30) that draws intake air from the engine (20); and the EGR pipe (35) extends from the exhaust gas flow passage and through the engine (20) and the EGR pipe (35) is connected to the intake pipe (30) on a side of the engine (20) that is opposite to the exhaust gas flow passage.

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