Electric vehicle

Abstract

To provide an electric vehicle capable of achieving a design in which a dimension in a vehicle height direction and a dimension in a vehicle length direction are reduced.SOLUTION: An electric vehicle 30 includes: a first mechano-electric integral unit 37 comprising a first motor 35 and a first electric power control device 34; a second mechano-electric integral unit 41 comprising a second motor 39 and a second electric power control device 38. In the electric vehicle 30, a battery 33 is disposed between the first mechano-electric integral unit 37 and the second mechano-electric integral unit 41. In the first mechano-electric integral unit 37, the first electric power control device 34 is disposed on a side surface of the first motor 35. The second mechano-electric integral unit 41 is arranged so that the second electric power control device 38 overlaps with the second motor 39 in a vertical direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electric vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electromechanical integrated unit in which a power control unit is attached to the top surface of a transaxle case. The transaxle case houses a motor. The power control unit houses a power control device that controls the motor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-152851 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An electromechanical integrated unit with a power control unit attached to its upper surface in the vehicle height direction is larger in the vehicle height direction than a unit without a power control unit attached to its upper surface. Therefore, depending on the vehicle exterior design, it may not be possible to install such an integrated electromechanical unit on the vehicle.

[0005] In particular, in an electric vehicle equipped with a first electromechanical integrated unit that drives the front wheels and a second electromechanical integrated unit that drives the rear wheels, it is necessary to secure space at the front and rear of the vehicle for installing the electromechanical integrated units.In an electric vehicle equipped with multiple electromechanical integrated units, there are restrictions on the design of the vehicle's exterior, leaving room for ingenuity in the arrangement of the equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electric vehicle that solves the above problems is an electric vehicle in which drive wheels are driven by power stored in a battery. The electric vehicle includes a first motor and a second motor as motors that are power sources for driving the drive wheels. The electric vehicle includes a battery that stores power to be supplied to the first motor and the second motor. The electric vehicle includes, as power control devices that supply power to the motors, a first power control device that supplies power to the first motor and a second power control device that supplies power to the second motor. The electric vehicle includes a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit consisting of the first motor and the first power control device, and a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit consisting of the second motor and the second power control device. The battery is disposed under the floor and between the front wheels and the rear wheels. The battery is disposed between the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit and the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit has the first power control device disposed on a side of the first motor. The second mechanically and electrically integrated unit is disposed so that the second power control device overlaps the second motor in the vertical direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The above-described electric vehicle can be designed with reduced dimensions in the vehicle height direction and the vehicle length direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electrical system and a drive system in an electric vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a motor, a planetary gear reduction mechanism, and a differential device in the electromechanical integrated unit of the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in the electric vehicle of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle taken along line 4-4 in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in an electric vehicle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle taken along line 6-6 in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in an electric vehicle according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle taken along line 8-8 in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in an electric vehicle according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle taken along line 10-10 in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in an electric vehicle according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle taken along line 12-12 in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in an electric vehicle according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle taken along line 14-14 in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in an electric vehicle according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle taken along line 16-16 in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in an electric vehicle according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle taken along line 18-18 in FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in an electric vehicle according to the ninth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle taken along line 20-20 in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in an electric vehicle according to the tenth embodiment. [Figure 22]FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle taken along line 22-22 in FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in an electric vehicle according to the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle taken along line 24-24 in FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in an electric vehicle according to the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle taken along line 26-26 in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of an electric vehicle will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In the following description, the terms "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower" refer to the front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower directions as seen by a passenger facing forward of the vehicle. The left-right direction coincides with the vehicle width direction.

[0010] <Regarding the Electrical System and Drive System of the Electric Vehicle 30> As shown in FIG. 1, the electric vehicle 30 includes front wheels 31, rear wheels 32, a battery 33, a first power control device 34, a first motor 35, a first drive shaft 36, a second power control device 38, a second motor 39, and a second drive shaft 40.

[0011] The electric vehicle 30 includes a first motor 35 and a second motor 39 as motors that are power sources for driving the drive wheels. The battery 33 stores electric power to be supplied to the first motor 35 and the second motor 39. That is, the electric vehicle 30 drives the drive wheels using the electric power stored in the battery 33.

[0012] The first motor 35 drives the front wheels 31 via a first drive shaft 36. That is, the front wheels 31 are drive wheels. The second motor 39 drives the rear wheels 32 via a second drive shaft 40. That is, the rear wheels 32 are drive wheels.

[0013] The first power control device 34 is a power control device that supplies power to the first motor 35. The first motor 35 and the first power control device 34 constitute a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37. The second power control device 38 is a power control device that supplies power to the second motor 39. The second motor 39 and the second power control device 38 constitute a second mechanically and electrically integrated unit 41.

[0014] The first power control device 34 includes an inverter that converts DC power from the battery 33 into AC power and supplies it to the first motor 35. The second power control device 38 includes an inverter that converts DC power from the battery 33 into AC power and supplies it to the second motor 39.

[0015] <Configuration of the electromechanical integrated unit 300> Next, the configurations of the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 and the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 of the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a mechanical and electrical integrated unit 300 representing a configuration common to the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 and the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41. As shown in FIG. 2, the mechanical and electrical integrated unit 300 houses a motor 350, a planetary gear reduction mechanism 360, and a differential gear 370. That is, the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 and the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 house the planetary gear reduction mechanism 360 and the differential gear 370, respectively. The motor 350 in the mechanical and electrical integrated unit 300 is the first motor 35 in the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37. The motor 350 in the mechanical and electrical integrated unit 300 is the second motor 39 in the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41. In the electromechanical integrated unit 300, a motor 350, a planetary gear reduction mechanism 360, and a differential device 370 are arranged so as to overlap each other in a side view of the vehicle. That is, in the first electromechanical integrated unit 37, a first motor 35, a planetary gear reduction mechanism 360, and a differential device 370 are arranged so as to overlap each other in a side view of the vehicle. In the second electromechanical integrated unit 41, a second motor 39, a planetary gear reduction mechanism 360, and a differential device 370 are arranged so as to overlap each other in a side view of the vehicle.

[0016] Planetary gear reduction mechanism 360 reduces and outputs the rotation transmitted from motor 350. Differential device 370 transmits the rotation transmitted from planetary gear reduction mechanism 360 to drive wheels via left and right drive shafts 380.

[0017] The electromechanical integrated unit 300 includes a planetary gear reduction mechanism 360 on the right side of the vehicle relative to the motor 350. The electromechanical integrated unit 300 includes a differential 370 on the right side of the vehicle relative to the planetary gear reduction mechanism 360. The electromechanical integrated unit 300 may also include the planetary gear reduction mechanism 360 on the left side of the vehicle relative to the motor 350. In this case, the electromechanical integrated unit 300 includes the differential 370 on the left side of the vehicle relative to the planetary gear reduction mechanism 360.

[0018] <Configuration of motor 350> The motor 350 includes a stator 351, a rotor 352, and an output shaft 353. The stator 351 is fixed to the case of the electromechanical integrated unit 300. The rotor 352 is rotatable relative to the stator 351. The output shaft 353 is fixed to the rotor 352.

[0019] <Configuration of planetary gear reduction mechanism 360> The planetary gear reduction mechanism 360 includes a sun gear 361, a pinion gear 362, a ring gear 363, and a carrier 364. The sun gear 361 is fixed to an output shaft 353 of the motor 350 that protrudes to the right side of the vehicle. The sun gear 361 has an annular shape with external teeth. The sun gear 361 rotates integrally with the output shaft 353 around the rotation axis L.

[0020] The ring gear 363 is fixed to the case of the electromechanical integrated unit 300. The ring gear 363 has an annular shape with internal teeth. The ring gear 363 is located on the right side of the vehicle relative to the sun gear 361.

[0021] The pinion gear 362 includes a pinion shaft 365, a large-diameter pinion gear 366, and a small-diameter pinion gear 367. That is, the pinion gear 362 is a so-called stepped pinion. The large-diameter pinion gear 366 is an external gear fixed to the pinion shaft 365. The large-diameter pinion gear 366 meshes with the sun gear 361. The small-diameter pinion gear 367 is an external gear fixed to a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the pinion shaft 365 that is on the right side of the vehicle relative to the large-diameter pinion gear 366. The outer diameter of the small-diameter pinion gear 367 is smaller than the outer diameter of the large-diameter pinion gear 366. The small-diameter pinion gear 367 meshes with the ring gear 363. The planetary gear reduction mechanism 360 includes three pinion gears 362. In FIG. 2, only one pinion gear 362 is shown as a representative.

[0022] A pinion shaft 365 of the pinion gear 362 is rotatably supported by a carrier 364. Specifically, a support shaft 368 of the carrier 364 is inserted through the center of the pinion shaft 365. The pinion shaft 365 is supported by the support shaft 368. The carrier 364 has a disk shape. The pinion gear 362 is rotatable relative to the carrier 364. That is, the pinion gear 362 is rotatable on its own axis.

[0023] The electromechanical integrated unit 300 rotatably supports the carrier 364. That is, the carrier 364 is rotatable relative to the case of the electromechanical integrated unit 300. The pinion gear 362 is revolvable around the sun gear 361. The carrier 364 is rotatable coaxially with the sun gear 361 in accordance with the revolution of the pinion gear 362. That is, the carrier 364 rotates around the rotation axis L.

[0024] <Configuration of differential device 370> The differential device 370 includes a differential case 371, a differential pinion shaft 372, two differential pinion gears 373, and two differential side gears 374. The differential case 371 is integral with the carrier 364. The differential pinion shaft 372 is provided inside the differential case 371. The differential pinion shaft 372 is perpendicular to the rotation axis L. The differential pinion gear 373, which is inserted through the differential pinion shaft 372, is in mesh with the differential side gear 374. The right differential side gear 374 is connected to the right drive shaft 380. The left differential side gear 374 is connected to the left drive shaft 380.

[0025] When the carrier 364 rotates about the rotation axis L, the differential case 371 rotates about the rotation axis L. As the differential case 371 rotates about the rotation axis L, the left and right drive shafts 380 rotate about the rotation axis L via the differential pinion shaft 372, the differential pinion gear 373, and the differential side gear 374. Furthermore, with the above-mentioned gears, the differential device 370 allows a difference in rotation speed to occur between the left and right drive shafts 380. The drive shaft 380 on the left side of the vehicle is inserted inside the output shaft 353. The drive shaft 380 is rotatable relative to the output shaft 353.

[0026] <Regarding the internal structure of the electric vehicle 30 according to the first embodiment> FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in a top view of the electric vehicle 30 of the first embodiment, looking down from above.

[0027] In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed in front of the battery 33. In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed behind the battery 33. That is, the electric vehicle 30 is equipped with two mechanical and electrical integrated units 300. In the electric vehicle 30, the battery 33 is disposed between the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 and the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41.

[0028] The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 drives the front wheels 31 via a first drive shaft 36. The second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 drives the rear wheels 32 via a second drive shaft 40. The first electric power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed on the side of the first motor 35 and in front of the first motor 35. The second electric power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed above the second motor 39. The second motor 39, which is disposed further rearward of the battery 33 in the vehicle, is larger than the first motor 35, which is disposed further forward of the battery 33 in the vehicle.

[0029] <Regarding a cross-sectional side view of the electric vehicle 30 according to the first embodiment> Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle 30 in Fig. 3 taken along line 4-4 in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 4, the electric vehicle 30 is provided with a first row of seats 42 and a second row of seats 43 on a floor 44. The second row of seats 43 are disposed behind the first row of seats 42 in the vehicle. The battery 33 is disposed below the floor 44 and between the front wheels 31 and the rear wheels 32.

[0030] In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed forward of the battery 33. A first power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed on the side of the first motor 35 and in front of the first motor 35 in the vehicle.

[0031] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed rearward of the battery 33. A second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed above the second motor 39. The second motor 39, which is disposed rearward of the battery 33, is larger than the first motor 35, which is disposed forward of the battery 33.

[0032] <Operation of the First Embodiment> The electric vehicle 30 can be made shorter in the vehicle length direction compared to when the power control devices are disposed in front of or behind the motors 350 in both of the two electromechanical integrated units 300. Furthermore, the electric vehicle 30 can be made shorter in the vehicle height direction compared to when the power control devices are disposed so that the power control devices of both of the two electromechanical integrated units 300 overlap the motors 350 in the vertical direction.

[0033] <Effects of the first embodiment> (1-1) The electric vehicle 30 can be designed with reduced dimensions in the vehicle height direction and the vehicle length direction.

[0034] (1-2) In the electric vehicle 30, the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed further forward of the battery 33. The first electric power control device 34 is disposed on the side of the first motor 35 of the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37. As a result, the height of the electric vehicle 30 in front of the battery 33 can be lower than when the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed further forward of the battery 33. In the electric vehicle 30, the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed further rearward of the battery 33. The second electric power control device 38 is disposed in the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 so as to overlap the second motor 39 in the vertical direction. The dimension of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction behind the battery 33 can be shorter than when the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed further rearward of the battery 33. As a result, the electric vehicle 30 can be designed in such a way that the dimension in the vehicle height direction in front of the battery 33 is shorter, and the dimension in the vehicle length direction behind the battery 33 is shorter.

[0035] (1-3) In the electromechanical integrated unit 300 disposed in the electric vehicle 30, one drive shaft 380 is inserted inside the output shaft 353. In the electric vehicle 30, the motor 350, the planetary gear reduction mechanism 360, and the differential device 370 are disposed so as to overlap each other in a side view of the vehicle. Therefore, the electromechanical integrated unit 300 disposed in the electric vehicle 30 is smaller in size in the vehicle length direction and vehicle height direction than an electromechanical integrated unit in which the motor output shaft and the wheel drive shaft do not overlap in a side view of the vehicle. Therefore, the dimensions of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction and vehicle height can be shortened. This allows the electric vehicle 30 to be designed with short dimensions in the vehicle length direction and vehicle height direction.

[0036] (1-4) In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first power control device 34, the first motor 35, and the battery 33 are arranged in this order from the front of the vehicle. Therefore, in the electrically powered vehicle 30, the battery 33 can be arranged up to the vicinity of the first motor 35. This allows the electrically powered vehicle 30 to have more batteries 33 arranged between the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 and the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41.

[0037] (1-5) In the electric vehicle 30, the second power control device 38, which needs to be protected from external impacts, is disposed higher on the vehicle than the second motor 39. That is, the second mechanically and electrically integrated unit 41 has the second power control device 38 disposed at a position away from the road surface. This allows the electric vehicle 30 to protect the second power control device 38 from impacts caused by objects falling on the road, etc.

[0038] (1-6) The electric vehicle 30 includes a first motor 35 and a second motor 39. The second motor 39, which is disposed rearward of the battery 33, is larger than the first motor 35, which is disposed forward of the battery 33. The second mechanically and electrically integrated unit 41 has a second power control device 38 disposed so as to overlap the second motor 39 in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the second motor 39 is large, the dimension of the second mechanically and electrically integrated unit 41 in the vehicle length direction can be kept short. As a result, even if the electric vehicle 30 is equipped with a large second motor 39 disposed rearward of the battery 33, a design can be realized in which the dimension in the vehicle height direction at the rear of the vehicle is short.

[0039] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The second embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0040] <Regarding the internal structure of the electric vehicle 30 according to the second embodiment> 5 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in a top view of an electric vehicle 30 according to the second embodiment, viewed from above. The electric vehicle 30 has front wheels 31 and rear wheels 32.

[0041] In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed in front of the battery 33. In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed behind the battery 33. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 drives the front wheels 31 via a first drive shaft 36. The second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 drives the rear wheels 32 via a second drive shaft 40.

[0042] The first power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed on the side of the first motor 35 and in front of the first motor 35. The second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed below the second motor 39 in the vehicle.

[0043] <Regarding a cross-sectional side view of the electric vehicle 30 according to the second embodiment> Fig. 6 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle 30 in Fig. 5 taken along line 6-6 in Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 6, the electric vehicle 30 is provided with a first row of seats 42 and a second row of seats 43 on a floor 44. The second row of seats 43 are disposed behind the first row of seats 42 in the vehicle. The battery 33 is disposed below the floor 44 and between the front wheels 31 and the rear wheels 32.

[0044] In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed forward of the battery 33. A first power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed on the side of the first motor 35 and in front of the first motor 35 in the vehicle.

[0045] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed rearward of the battery 33. A second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed below the second motor 39 on the vehicle.

[0046] <Operation of the Second Embodiment> In the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37, the first power control device 34 is disposed on the side of the first motor 35. The height of the electric vehicle 30 in front of the battery 33 can be made lower compared to when the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed further forward of the battery 33. In the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41, the second power control device 38 is disposed so as to overlap the second motor 39 in the vertical direction. The dimension of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction in the rear of the battery 33 can be made shorter compared to when the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed further rear of the battery 33.

[0047] <Effects of the second embodiment> (2-1) The electric vehicle 30 can be designed so that the dimension in the vehicle height direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, and the dimension in the vehicle length direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33.

[0048] (2-2) In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first power control device 34 is disposed in front of the first motor 35. In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first power control device 34, the first motor 35, and the battery 33 are disposed in this order from the front of the vehicle: first power control device 34, first motor 35, battery 33. Therefore, in the electrically powered vehicle 30, the battery 33 can be disposed up to the vicinity of the first motor 35. This allows the electrically powered vehicle 30 to have more batteries 33 disposed between the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 and the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41.

[0049] (2-3) In the electric vehicle 30, the second power control device 38 is disposed below the second motor 39. In this case, the mounting position of the second power control device 38 in the electric vehicle 30 when the second mechanically and electrically integrated unit 41 is mounted on the electric vehicle 30 is lower than when the second power control device 38 is disposed above the second motor 39. By mounting the heavy second power control device 38 at a lower position, the center of gravity of the electric vehicle 30 is lowered. This improves the operability of the electric vehicle 30. The electric vehicle 30 can be designed so that the dimension in the vehicle length direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, while still improving operability.

[0050] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. The third embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0051] <Regarding the internal structure of the electric vehicle 30 according to the third embodiment> 7 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in a top view of an electric vehicle 30 according to the third embodiment, viewed from above. The electric vehicle 30 has front wheels 31 and rear wheels 32.

[0052] In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed in front of the battery 33. In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed behind the battery 33. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 drives the front wheels 31 via a first drive shaft 36. The second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 drives the rear wheels 32 via a second drive shaft 40.

[0053] The first electric power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed behind the first motor 35 on the vehicle. The second electric power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed above the second motor 39 on the vehicle.

[0054] <Regarding a cross-sectional side view of the electric vehicle 30 according to the third embodiment> Fig. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle 30 in Fig. 7 taken along line 8-8 in Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 8, the electric vehicle 30 is provided with a first row of seats 42 and a second row of seats 43 on a floor 44. The second row of seats 43 are disposed behind the first row of seats 42 in the vehicle. The battery 33 is disposed below the floor 44 and between the front wheels 31 and the rear wheels 32.

[0055] In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed in front of the battery 33. A first power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed on the side of the first motor 35 and behind the first motor 35 in the vehicle.

[0056] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed rearward of the battery 33. A second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed above the second motor 39 on the vehicle.

[0057] <Operation of the Third Embodiment> In the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37, the first power control device 34 is disposed on the side of the first motor 35. The height of the electric vehicle 30 in front of the battery 33 can be made lower compared to when the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed further forward of the battery 33. In the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41, the second power control device 38 is disposed so as to overlap the second motor 39 in the vertical direction. The dimension of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction in the rear of the battery 33 can be made shorter compared to when the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed further rear of the battery 33.

[0058] <Effects of the third embodiment> (3-1) The electric vehicle 30 can be designed so that the dimension in the vehicle height direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, and the dimension in the vehicle length direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33.

[0059] (3-2) In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first power control device 34 is disposed rearward of the first motor 35. In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first power control device 34, the first motor 35, and the battery 33 are disposed in this order from the front of the vehicle: first motor 35, first power control device 34, battery 33. This allows the electrically powered vehicle 30 to have a shorter dimension in the vehicle length direction forward of the first motor 35. The electrically powered vehicle 30 can be designed such that the dimension in the vehicle height direction forward of the battery 33 and the dimension in the vehicle length direction forward of the first motor 35 are both short.

[0060] (3-3) In the electric vehicle 30, the second power control device 38 is disposed below the second motor 39. In the electric vehicle 30, the second power control device 38, which needs to be protected from external impacts, is disposed on the upper surface of the second motor 39. That is, the second mechanically and electrically integrated unit 41 has the second power control device 38 disposed in a position away from the road surface. This enables the electric vehicle 30 to protect the second power control device 38 from impacts caused by objects falling on the road, etc.

[0061] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The fourth embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0062] <Regarding the internal structure of the electric vehicle 30 according to the fourth embodiment> 9 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in a top view of an electric vehicle 30 according to a fourth embodiment, viewed from above. The electric vehicle 30 has front wheels 31 and rear wheels 32.

[0063] In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed in front of the battery 33. In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed behind the battery 33. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 drives the front wheels 31 via a first drive shaft 36. The second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 drives the rear wheels 32 via a second drive shaft 40.

[0064] The first electric power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed behind the first motor 35 on the vehicle. The second electric power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed below the second motor 39 on the vehicle.

[0065] <Regarding a cross-sectional side view of the electric vehicle 30 according to the fourth embodiment> Fig. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle 30 in Fig. 9 taken along line 10-10 in Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 10, the electric vehicle 30 is provided with a first row of seats 42 and a second row of seats 43 on a floor 44. The second row of seats 43 are disposed behind the first row of seats 42 in the vehicle. The battery 33 is disposed below the floor 44 and between the front wheels 31 and the rear wheels 32.

[0066] In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed in front of the battery 33. A first power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed on the side of the first motor 35 and behind the first motor 35 in the vehicle.

[0067] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed rearward of the battery 33. A second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed below the second motor 39 on the vehicle.

[0068] <Operation of the Fourth Embodiment> In the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37, the first power control device 34 is disposed on the side of the first motor 35. The height of the electric vehicle 30 in front of the battery 33 can be made lower compared to when the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed further forward of the battery 33. In the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41, the second power control device 38 is disposed so as to overlap the second motor 39 in the vertical direction. The dimension of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction in the rear of the battery 33 can be made shorter compared to when the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed further rear of the battery 33.

[0069] <Effects of the Fourth Embodiment> (4-1) The electric vehicle 30 can be designed so that the dimension in the vehicle height direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, and the dimension in the vehicle length direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33.

[0070] (4-2) In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first power control device 34 is disposed rearward of the first motor 35. In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first power control device 34, the first motor 35, and the battery 33 are disposed in this order from the front of the vehicle: first motor 35, first power control device 34, battery 33. This allows the electrically powered vehicle 30 to have a shorter dimension in the vehicle length direction forward of the first motor 35. This allows the electrically powered vehicle 30 to be designed in such a way that the dimension in the vehicle height direction forward of the battery 33 and the dimension in the vehicle length direction forward of the first motor 35 are both shorter.

[0071] (4-3) In the electric vehicle 30, the second electric power control device 38 is disposed below the second motor 39. In this case, the mounting position of the second electric power control device 38 in the electric vehicle 30 when the second mechanically and electrically integrated unit 41 is mounted on the electric vehicle 30 is lower than when the second electric power control device 38 is disposed above the second motor 39. By mounting the heavy second electric power control device 38 at a lower position, the center of gravity of the electric vehicle 30 is lowered. This improves the operability of the electric vehicle 30. This allows the electric vehicle 30 to be designed in such a way that the dimension in the vehicle length direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, while improving the operability.

[0072] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. The fifth embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0073] <Regarding the internal structure of the electric vehicle 30 according to the fifth embodiment> 11 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in a top view of an electric vehicle 30 according to the fifth embodiment, viewed from above. The electric vehicle 30 has front wheels 31 and rear wheels 32.

[0074] In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed in front of the battery 33. In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed behind the battery 33. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 drives the front wheels 31 via a first drive shaft 36. The second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 drives the rear wheels 32 via a second drive shaft 40.

[0075] In the electric vehicle 30, the first motor 35 constituting the first mechanically and electrically integrated unit 37 and the first power control device 34 overlap each other in a side view of the vehicle. In the electric vehicle 30, the second power control device 38 is disposed above the second motor 39.

[0076] <Regarding a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle 30 according to the fifth embodiment as seen from the side> Fig. 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle 30 in Fig. 11 taken along line 12-12 in Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 12, the electric vehicle 30 is provided with first-row seats 42 and second-row seats 43 on a floor 44. The second-row seats 43 are disposed behind the first-row seats 42 in the vehicle. The battery 33 is disposed below the floor 44 and between the front wheels 31 and the rear wheels 32.

[0077] In the electrically powered vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed in front of the battery 33. The first motor 35 and the first power control device 34 overlap each other in a side view of the vehicle.

[0078] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed rearward of the battery 33. A second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed above the second motor 39 on the vehicle.

[0079] <Operation of the Fifth Embodiment> In the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37, the first power control device 34 is disposed on the side of the first motor 35. The height of the electric vehicle 30 in front of the battery 33 can be made lower compared to when the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed further forward of the battery 33. In the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41, the second power control device 38 is disposed so as to overlap the second motor 39 in the vertical direction. The dimension of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction in the rear of the battery 33 can be made shorter compared to when the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed further rear of the battery 33.

[0080] <Effects of the Fifth Embodiment> (5-1) The electric vehicle 30 can be designed so that the dimension in the vehicle height direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, and the dimension in the vehicle length direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33.

[0081] (5-2) In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first motor 35 and the first power control device 34 overlap in a side view of the vehicle. Therefore, the dimension of the first electromechanical integrated unit 37 in the vehicle length direction is shorter than when the first power control device 34 is disposed in front of or behind the first motor 35. This makes it possible to realize a design in which the dimension of the electrically powered vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, and the dimension of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle height direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33.

[0082] (5-3) In the electric vehicle 30, the second power control device 38 is disposed above the second motor 39. In the electric vehicle 30, the second power control device 38, which needs to be protected from external impacts, is disposed on the upper surface of the second motor 39. That is, the second mechanically and electrically integrated unit 41 has the second power control device 38 disposed in a position away from the road surface. This enables the electric vehicle 30 to protect the second power control device 38 from impacts caused by objects falling on the road, etc.

[0083] <Modification of the fifth embodiment> The fifth embodiment can be modified as follows: The fifth embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0084] In the fifth embodiment, the first power control device 34 is disposed on the right side of the vehicle relative to the first motor 35. If the first motor 35 and the first power control device 34 overlap in a side view of the vehicle, the first power control device 34 may be disposed on the left side of the vehicle relative to the first motor 35.

[0085] (Sixth embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. The sixth embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0086] <Regarding the internal structure of the electric vehicle 30 according to the sixth embodiment> 13 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in a top view of an electric vehicle 30 according to the sixth embodiment, viewed from above. The electric vehicle 30 has front wheels 31 and rear wheels 32.

[0087] In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed in front of the battery 33. In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed behind the battery 33. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 drives the front wheels 31 via a first drive shaft 36. The second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 drives the rear wheels 32 via a second drive shaft 40.

[0088] In the electric vehicle 30, the first motor 35 constituting the first mechanically and electrically integrated unit 37 and the first power control device 34 overlap each other in a side view of the vehicle. In the electric vehicle 30, the second power control device 38 is disposed below the second motor 39.

[0089] <Regarding a cross-sectional side view of the electric vehicle 30 according to the sixth embodiment> Fig. 14 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle 30 in Fig. 13 taken along line 14-14 in Fig. 13. As shown in Fig. 14, the electric vehicle 30 is provided with a first row of seats 42 and a second row of seats 43 on a floor 44. The second row of seats 43 are disposed behind the first row of seats 42 in the vehicle. The battery 33 is disposed below the floor 44 and between the front wheels 31 and the rear wheels 32.

[0090] In the electrically powered vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed in front of the battery 33. The first motor 35 and the first power control device 34 overlap each other in a side view of the vehicle.

[0091] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed rearward of the battery 33. A second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed below the second motor 39 on the vehicle.

[0092] <Operation of the Sixth Embodiment> In the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37, the first power control device 34 is disposed on the side of the first motor 35. The height of the electric vehicle 30 in front of the battery 33 can be made lower compared to when the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed further forward of the battery 33. In the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41, the second power control device 38 is disposed so as to overlap the second motor 39 in the vertical direction. The dimension of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction in the rear of the battery 33 can be made shorter compared to when the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed further rear of the battery 33.

[0093] <Effects of the Sixth Embodiment> (6-1) The electric vehicle 30 can be designed so that the dimension in the vehicle height direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, and the dimension in the vehicle length direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33.

[0094] (6-2) In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first motor 35 and the first power control device 34 overlap in a side view of the vehicle. Therefore, the dimension of the first electromechanical integrated unit 37 in the vehicle length direction is shorter than when the first power control device 34 is disposed in front of or behind the first motor 35. This makes it possible to realize a design in which the dimension of the electrically powered vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, and the dimension of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle height direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33.

[0095] (6-3) In the electric vehicle 30, the second electric power control device 38 is disposed below the second motor 39. In this case, the mounting position of the second electric power control device 38 in the electric vehicle 30 when the second mechanically and electrically integrated unit 41 is mounted on the electric vehicle 30 is lower than when the second electric power control device 38 is disposed above the second motor 39. By mounting the heavy second electric power control device 38 in a lower position, the center of gravity of the electric vehicle 30 is lowered. This improves the operability of the electric vehicle 30. This allows the electric vehicle 30 to be designed in such a way that the dimension in the vehicle length direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, while improving the operability.

[0096] <Modification of the Sixth Embodiment> The sixth embodiment can be modified as follows: The first embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0097] In the sixth embodiment, the first power control device 34 is disposed on the right side of the vehicle relative to the first motor 35. If the first motor 35 and the first power control device 34 overlap in a side view of the vehicle, the first power control device 34 may be disposed on the left side of the vehicle relative to the first motor 35.

[0098] (Seventh embodiment) Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. The seventh embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0099] <Regarding the internal structure of the electric vehicle 30 according to the seventh embodiment> 15 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in a top view of an electric vehicle 30 according to the seventh embodiment, viewed from above. The electric vehicle 30 has front wheels 31 and rear wheels 32.

[0100] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed in front of the battery 33. In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed in rear of the battery 33. The second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 drives the front wheels 31 via a second drive shaft 40. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 drives the rear wheels 32 via a first drive shaft 36.

[0101] The second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed above the second motor 39 in the vehicle. The first power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed on the side of the first motor 35 and in front of the first motor 35 in the vehicle. The first motor 35, which is disposed further rearward than the battery 33 in the vehicle, is larger than the second motor 39, which is disposed further forward than the battery 33 in the vehicle.

[0102] <Regarding a cross-sectional side view of the electric vehicle 30 according to the seventh embodiment> Fig. 16 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle 30 in Fig. 15 taken along line 16-16 in Fig. 15. As shown in Fig. 16, the electric vehicle 30 is provided with first-row seats 42 and second-row seats 43 on a floor 44. The second-row seats 43 are disposed behind the first-row seats 42 in the vehicle. The battery 33 is disposed below the floor 44 and between the front wheels 31 and the rear wheels 32.

[0103] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed further forward of the battery 33. A second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed above the second motor 39 on the vehicle. In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed further rearward of the battery 33. A first power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed on the side of the first motor 35 and further forward of the first motor 35 on the vehicle. The first motor 35, which is disposed further rearward of the battery 33 on the vehicle, is a larger motor than the second motor 39, which is disposed further forward of the battery 33 on the vehicle.

[0104] <Operation of Seventh Embodiment> In the electric vehicle 30, the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed further forward of the battery 33. The second electric power control device 38 is disposed in the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 so as to overlap the second motor 39 in the vertical direction. The dimension of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction forward of the battery 33 can be made shorter than when the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed further forward of the battery 33. In the electric vehicle 30, the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed further rearward of the battery 33. In the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37, the first electric power control device 34 is disposed on a side of the first motor 35. The height of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle rear of the battery 33 can be made lower than when the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed further rearward of the battery 33.

[0105] <Effects of the Seventh Embodiment> (7-1) The electric vehicle 30 can be designed so that the dimension in the vehicle length direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, and the dimension in the vehicle height direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33.

[0106] (7-2) In the electric vehicle 30, the second power control device 38, which needs to be protected from external impacts, is disposed on the upper surface of the second motor 39. That is, the second mechanically and electrically integrated unit 41 has the second power control device 38 disposed in a position away from the road surface. This enables the electric vehicle 30 to protect the second power control device 38 from impacts caused by objects falling on the road, etc.

[0107] (7-3) In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first power control device 34 is disposed further forward than the first motor 35. In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first power control device 34, the first motor 35, and the battery 33 are disposed in the following order from the front of the vehicle: battery 33, first power control device 34, first motor 35. As a result, the dimension of the electrically powered vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction behind the first motor 35 can be reduced. This makes it possible to realize a design in which the dimension in the vehicle height direction behind the battery 33 and the dimension in the vehicle length direction behind the first motor 35 are shorter.

[0108] (7-4) The electric vehicle 30 includes a first motor 35 and a second motor 39. The first motor 35, which is disposed rearward of the battery 33, is larger than the second motor 39, which is disposed forward of the battery 33. The first mechanically and electrically integrated unit 37 has the first power control device 34 disposed on the side of the first motor 35. Therefore, even if the first motor 35 is large, the dimension of the first mechanically and electrically integrated unit 37 in the vehicle height direction can be kept short. As a result, even if the electric vehicle 30 is equipped with a large first motor 35 disposed rearward of the battery 33, a design can be realized in which the dimension in the vehicle height direction at the rear of the vehicle is short.

[0109] (Eighth embodiment) Next, an eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. The eighth embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0110] <Regarding the internal structure of the electric vehicle 30 according to the eighth embodiment> 17 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in a top view of an electric vehicle 30 according to the eighth embodiment, looking down from above. The electric vehicle 30 has front wheels 31 and rear wheels 32.

[0111] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed in front of the battery 33. In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed in rear of the battery 33. The second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 drives the front wheels 31 via a second drive shaft 40. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 drives the rear wheels 32 via a first drive shaft 36.

[0112] The second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed below the second motor 39 in the vehicle. The first power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed on the side of the first motor 35 and in front of the first motor 35 in the vehicle.

[0113] <Regarding a cross-sectional side view of the electric vehicle 30 according to the eighth embodiment> Figure 18 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle 30 in Figure 17 taken along line 18-18 in Figure 17. As shown in Figure 18, the electric vehicle 30 is provided with first-row seats 42 and second-row seats 43 on a floor 44. The second-row seats 43 are disposed behind the first-row seats 42 in the vehicle. The battery 33 is disposed below the floor 44 and between the front wheels 31 and the rear wheels 32.

[0114] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed in front of the battery 33. A second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed below the second motor 39 in the vehicle. In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed in the rear of the battery 33. A first power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed to the side of the first motor 35 and in front of the first motor 35 in the vehicle.

[0115] <Operation of Eighth Embodiment> The second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 has the second power control device 38 disposed so as to overlap the second motor 39 in the vertical direction. The dimension of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction forward of the battery 33 can be made shorter than when the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed further forward of the battery 33. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 has the first power control device 34 disposed on the side of the first motor 35. The height of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle rear of the battery 33 can be made shorter than when the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed further rear of the battery 33.

[0116] <Effects of the Eighth Embodiment> (8-1) The electric vehicle 30 can be designed so that the dimension in the vehicle length direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, and the dimension in the vehicle height direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33.

[0117] (8-2) In the electric vehicle 30, the second electric power control device 38 is disposed below the second motor 39. In this case, the mounting position of the second electric power control device 38 in the electric vehicle 30 when the second mechanically and electrically integrated unit 41 is mounted on the electric vehicle 30 is lower than when the second electric power control device 38 is disposed above the second motor 39. By mounting the heavy second electric power control device 38 at a lower position, the center of gravity of the electric vehicle 30 is lowered. This improves the operability of the electric vehicle 30. This allows the electric vehicle 30 to be designed in such a way that the dimension in the vehicle length direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, while improving the operability.

[0118] (8-3) In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first power control device 34 is disposed further forward than the first motor 35. In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first power control device 34, the first motor 35, and the battery 33 are disposed in the following order from the front of the vehicle: battery 33, first power control device 34, first motor 35. This allows the electrically powered vehicle 30 to have a shorter dimension in the vehicle length direction behind the first motor 35. This allows the electrically powered vehicle 30 to be designed in such a way that the dimension in the vehicle height direction behind the battery 33 and the dimension in the vehicle length direction behind the first motor 35 are shorter.

[0119] (Ninth embodiment) Next, a ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 19 and 20. The ninth embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0120] <Regarding the internal structure of the electric vehicle 30 according to the ninth embodiment> 19 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in a top view of an electric vehicle 30 according to the ninth embodiment, looking down from above. The electric vehicle 30 has front wheels 31 and rear wheels 32.

[0121] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed in front of the battery 33. In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed in rear of the battery 33. The second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 drives the front wheels 31 via a second drive shaft 40. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 drives the rear wheels 32 via a first drive shaft 36.

[0122] The second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed above the second motor 39. The first power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed on the side of the first motor 35 and behind the first motor 35 in the vehicle.

[0123] <Regarding a cross-sectional side view of the electric vehicle 30 according to the ninth embodiment> Figure 20 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle 30 in Figure 19 taken along line 20-20 in Figure 19. As shown in Figure 20, the electric vehicle 30 is provided with first-row seats 42 and second-row seats 43 on a floor 44. The second-row seats 43 are disposed behind the first-row seats 42 in the vehicle. The battery 33 is disposed below the floor 44 and between the front wheels 31 and the rear wheels 32.

[0124] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed in front of the battery 33. A second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed above the second motor 39 in the vehicle. In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed behind the battery 33 in the vehicle. A first power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed to the side of the first motor 35 and behind the first motor 35 in the vehicle.

[0125] <Operation of the ninth embodiment> The second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 has the second power control device 38 disposed so as to overlap the second motor 39 in the vertical direction. The dimension of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction forward of the battery 33 can be made shorter than when the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed further forward of the battery 33. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 has the first power control device 34 disposed on the side of the first motor 35. The height of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle rear of the battery 33 can be made shorter than when the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed further rear of the battery 33.

[0126] <Effects of the ninth embodiment> (9-1) The electric vehicle 30 can be designed so that the dimension in the vehicle length direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, and the dimension in the vehicle height direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33.

[0127] (9-2) In the electric vehicle 30, the second power control device 38, which needs to be protected from external impacts, is disposed on the upper surface of the second motor 39. That is, the second mechanically and electrically integrated unit 41 has the second power control device 38 disposed in a position away from the road surface. This enables the electric vehicle 30 to protect the second power control device 38 from impacts caused by objects falling on the road, etc.

[0128] (9-3) In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first power control device 34 is disposed behind the first motor 35. In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first power control device 34, the first motor 35, and the battery 33 are disposed in this order from the front of the vehicle: battery 33, first motor 35, first power control device 34. Therefore, in the electrically powered vehicle 30, the battery 33 can be disposed up to the vicinity of the first motor 35. This allows the electrically powered vehicle 30 to have more batteries 33 disposed between the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 and the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41.

[0129] (Tenth embodiment) Next, a tenth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 21 and 22. The tenth embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0130] <Regarding the internal structure of the electric vehicle 30 according to the tenth embodiment> 21 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in a top view of an electric vehicle 30 according to a tenth embodiment, looking down from above. The electric vehicle 30 has front wheels 31 and rear wheels 32.

[0131] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed in front of the battery 33. In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed in rear of the battery 33. The second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 drives the front wheels 31 via a second drive shaft 40. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 drives the rear wheels 32 via a first drive shaft 36.

[0132] The second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed below the second motor 39 in the vehicle. The first power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed on the side of the first motor 35 and behind the first motor 35 in the vehicle.

[0133] <Regarding a cross-sectional side view of the electric vehicle 30 according to the tenth embodiment> Figure 22 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle 30 in Figure 21 taken along line 22-22 in Figure 21. As shown in Figure 22, the electric vehicle 30 is provided with first-row seats 42 and second-row seats 43 on a floor 44. The second-row seats 43 are disposed behind the first-row seats 42 in the vehicle. The battery 33 is disposed below the floor 44 and between the front wheels 31 and the rear wheels 32.

[0134] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed in front of the battery 33. A second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed below the second motor 39 in the vehicle. In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed behind the battery 33 in the vehicle. A first power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed to the side of the first motor 35 and behind the first motor 35 in the vehicle.

[0135] <Operation of the Tenth Embodiment> The second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 has the second power control device 38 disposed so as to overlap the second motor 39 in the vertical direction. The dimension of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction forward of the battery 33 can be made shorter than when the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed further forward of the battery 33. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 has the first power control device 34 disposed on the side of the first motor 35. The height of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle rear of the battery 33 can be made shorter than when the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed further rear of the battery 33.

[0136] <Effects of the Tenth Embodiment> (10-1) The electric vehicle 30 can be designed so that the dimension in the vehicle length direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, and the dimension in the vehicle height direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33.

[0137] (10-2) In the electric vehicle 30, the second electric power control device 38 is disposed below the second motor 39. In this case, the mounting position of the second electric power control device 38 in the electric vehicle 30 when the second mechanically and electrically integrated unit 41 is mounted on the electric vehicle 30 is lower than when the second electric power control device 38 is disposed above the second motor 39. By mounting the heavy second electric power control device 38 at a lower position, the center of gravity of the electric vehicle 30 is lowered. This improves the operability of the electric vehicle 30. This allows the electric vehicle 30 to be designed in such a way that the dimension in the vehicle length direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, while improving the operability.

[0138] (10-3) In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first power control device 34 is disposed behind the first motor 35. In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first power control device 34, the first motor 35, and the battery 33 are disposed in this order from the front of the vehicle: battery 33, first motor 35, first power control device 34. Therefore, in the electrically powered vehicle 30, the battery 33 can be disposed up to the vicinity of the first motor 35. This allows the electrically powered vehicle 30 to have more batteries 33 disposed between the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 and the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41.

[0139] (Eleventh embodiment) Next, an eleventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24. The eleventh embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0140] <Regarding the internal structure of the electric vehicle 30 according to the eleventh embodiment> 23 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in a top view of an electric vehicle 30 according to the eleventh embodiment, looking down from above. The electric vehicle 30 has front wheels 31 and rear wheels 32.

[0141] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed in front of the battery 33. In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed in rear of the battery 33. The second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 drives the front wheels 31 via a second drive shaft 40. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 drives the rear wheels 32 via a first drive shaft 36.

[0142] The second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanically and electrically integrated unit 41 is disposed above the vehicle relative to the second motor 39. The first motor 35 and the first power control device 34 constituting the first mechanically and electrically integrated unit 37 overlap each other in a side view of the vehicle.

[0143] <Regarding a cross-sectional side view of the electric vehicle 30 according to the eleventh embodiment> Figure 24 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle 30 in Figure 23 taken along line 24-24 in Figure 23. As shown in Figure 24, the electric vehicle 30 is provided with first-row seats 42 and second-row seats 43 on a floor 44. The second-row seats 43 are disposed behind the first-row seats 42 in the vehicle. The battery 33 is disposed below the floor 44 and between the front wheels 31 and the rear wheels 32.

[0144] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed forward of the battery 33. A second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed above the second motor 39. In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed rearward of the battery 33. The first motor 35 and the first power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 overlap in a side view of the vehicle.

[0145] <Operation of the eleventh embodiment> The second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 has the second power control device 38 disposed so as to overlap the second motor 39 in the vertical direction. The dimension of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction forward of the battery 33 can be made shorter than when the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed further forward of the battery 33. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 has the first power control device 34 disposed on the side of the first motor 35. The height of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle rear of the battery 33 can be made shorter than when the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed further rear of the battery 33.

[0146] <Effects of the eleventh embodiment> (11-1) The electric vehicle 30 can be designed so that the dimension in the vehicle length direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, and the dimension in the vehicle height direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33.

[0147] (11-2) In the electric vehicle 30, the second power control device 38 is disposed above the second motor 39. In the electric vehicle 30, the second power control device 38, which needs to be protected from external impacts, is disposed on the upper surface of the second motor 39. That is, the second mechanically and electrically integrated unit 41 has the second power control device 38 disposed in a position away from the road surface. This enables the electric vehicle 30 to protect the second power control device 38 from impacts caused by objects falling on the road, etc.

[0148] (11-3) In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first motor 35 and the first power control device 34 overlap in a side view of the vehicle. Therefore, the dimension of the first electromechanical integrated unit 37 in the vehicle length direction is shorter than when the first power control device 34 is disposed in front of or behind the first motor 35. This makes it possible to realize a design in which the dimension of the electrically powered vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, and the dimension of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle height direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33.

[0149] <Modification of the eleventh embodiment> The eleventh embodiment can be modified as follows: The eleventh embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0150] In the eleventh embodiment, the first power control device 34 is disposed on the right side of the vehicle relative to the first motor 35. If the first motor 35 and the first power control device 34 overlap in a side view of the vehicle, the first power control device 34 may be disposed on the left side of the vehicle relative to the first motor 35.

[0151] (Twelfth embodiment) Next, a twelfth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 25 and 26. The twelfth embodiment will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0152] <Regarding the internal structure of the electric vehicle 30 according to the twelfth embodiment> 25 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of devices in a top view of an electric vehicle 30 according to the twelfth embodiment, looking down from above. The electric vehicle 30 has front wheels 31 and rear wheels 32.

[0153] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed in front of the battery 33. In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed in rear of the battery 33. The second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 drives the front wheels 31 via a second drive shaft 40. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 drives the rear wheels 32 via a first drive shaft 36.

[0154] The second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanically and electrically integrated unit 41 is disposed below the second motor 39. The first motor 35 and the first power control device 34 constituting the first mechanically and electrically integrated unit 37 overlap each other in a side view of the vehicle.

[0155] <Regarding a cross-sectional side view of the electric vehicle 30 according to the twelfth embodiment> Figure 26 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle 30 in Figure 25 taken along line 26-26 in Figure 25. As shown in Figure 26, the electric vehicle 30 is provided with first-row seats 42 and second-row seats 43 on a floor 44. The second-row seats 43 are disposed behind the first-row seats 42 in the vehicle. The battery 33 is disposed below the floor 44 and between the front wheels 31 and the rear wheels 32.

[0156] In the electric vehicle 30, a second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed in front of the battery 33. A second power control device 38 constituting the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed below the second motor 39 on the vehicle side. In the electric vehicle 30, a first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed behind the battery 33 on the vehicle side. The first motor 35 and the first power control device 34 constituting the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 overlap in a side view of the vehicle.

[0157] <Operation of the twelfth embodiment> The second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 has the second power control device 38 disposed so as to overlap the second motor 39 in the vertical direction. The dimension of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction forward of the battery 33 can be made shorter than when the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 is disposed further forward of the battery 33. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 has the first power control device 34 disposed on the side of the first motor 35. The height of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle rear of the battery 33 can be made shorter than when the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 is disposed further rear of the battery 33.

[0158] <Effects of the twelfth embodiment> (12-1) The electric vehicle 30 can be designed so that the dimension in the vehicle length direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, and the dimension in the vehicle height direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33.

[0159] (12-2) In the electric vehicle 30, the second electric power control device 38 is disposed below the second motor 39. In this case, the mounting position of the second electric power control device 38 in the electric vehicle 30 when the second mechanically and electrically integrated unit 41 is mounted on the electric vehicle 30 is lower than when the second electric power control device 38 is disposed above the second motor 39. By mounting the heavy second electric power control device 38 at a lower position, the center of gravity of the electric vehicle 30 is lowered. This improves the operability of the electric vehicle 30. This allows the electric vehicle 30 to be designed in such a way that the dimension in the vehicle length direction at the front of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, while improving the operability.

[0160] (12-3) In the electrically powered vehicle 30, the first motor 35 and the first power control device 34 overlap in a side view of the vehicle. Therefore, the dimension of the first electromechanical integrated unit 37 in the vehicle length direction is shorter than when the first power control device 34 is disposed in front of or behind the first motor 35. This makes it possible to realize a design in which the dimension of the electrically powered vehicle 30 in the vehicle length direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33, and the dimension of the electric vehicle 30 in the vehicle height direction at the rear of the vehicle is shorter than the battery 33.

[0161] <Modification of the twelfth embodiment> The twelfth embodiment can be modified as follows: The twelfth embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of no technical contradiction.

[0162] In the twelfth embodiment, the first power control device 34 is disposed on the right side of the vehicle relative to the first motor 35. If the first motor 35 and the first power control device 34 overlap in a side view of the vehicle, the first power control device 34 may be disposed on the left side of the vehicle relative to the first motor 35.

[0163] <Other change examples> Other elements that can be modified in common to the above embodiments include the following: The following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

[0164] The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 may include a device other than an inverter as the first power control device 34. Similarly, the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 may include a device other than an inverter as the second power control device 38. For example, the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 may include, in addition to the inverter, a DC-DC converter that boosts the DC power supplied from the battery 33. In this case, the inverter provided as the first power control device 34 converts the DC power supplied from the DC-DC converter into AC power and supplies it to the first motor 35. The first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 may include, as a power control device, a first motor ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls the power supplied to the first motor 35. Similarly, the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 may include, as a power control device, a second motor ECU that controls the power supplied to the second motor 39. Additionally, either the first mechanical and electrical integrated unit 37 or the second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 41 may include a battery ECU that controls the power of the battery 33, or an integrated ECU that controls other ECUs by communicating with multiple ECUs. The ECU includes a CPU and a memory that stores control programs and data. The ECU performs various control-related processes by having the CPU execute programs stored in the memory.

[0165] The size of the motor 350 disposed rearward of the battery 33 on the vehicle may be equal to or smaller than the size of the motor 350 disposed forward of the battery 33 on the vehicle. The electromechanical integrated unit 300 mounted on the electric vehicle 30 does not need to have the drive shaft 380 passing through the output shaft 353 of the motor 350. In other words, the electromechanical integrated unit 300 mounted on the electric vehicle 30 does not need to have the motor 350, planetary gear reduction mechanism 360, and differential device 370 arranged to overlap each other in a side view of the vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 30...Electric vehicle 31...Front wheel 32...Rear wheel 33...Battery 34...First power control device 35...First motor 36...First drive shaft 37...First mechanical and electrical integrated unit 38...Second power control device 39...Second motor 40...Second drive shaft 41...Second mechanical and electrical integrated unit 44...Floor 300...Mechanical and electrical integrated unit 350...Motor 353...Output shaft 360...Planetary gear reduction mechanism 361...Sangia 362...Pinion gear 363…Ring gear 364...Career 370…Differential device 371...Differential case 372...Differential pinion shaft 373...Differential pinion gear 374...Differential side gear 380...Drive shaft L...Rotation axis

Claims

1. An electric vehicle whose drive wheels are driven by electricity stored in a battery. The vehicle includes a first motor and a second motor as power sources for driving the drive wheels, the battery stores power to be supplied to the first motor and the second motor; The power control device for supplying power to the motors includes a first power control device for supplying power to the first motor and a second power control device for supplying power to the second motor, the electric motor includes, as electromechanical integrated units, a first electromechanical integrated unit comprising the first motor and the first power control device, and a second electromechanical integrated unit comprising the second motor and the second power control device; the battery is disposed under the floor and between the front wheels and the rear wheels, and the battery is disposed between the first electromechanical integrated unit and the second electromechanical integrated unit; The first electromechanical integrated unit has the first power control device disposed on a side surface of the first motor, and the second electromechanical integrated unit has the second power control device disposed so as to overlap the second motor in the vertical direction. Electric vehicle.

2. the first mechanically and electrically integrated unit is disposed forward of the battery, The second mechanically and electrically integrated unit is disposed rearward of the battery. The electric vehicle according to claim 1 .

3. the first mechanically and electrically integrated unit is disposed rearward of the battery, The second mechanically and electrically integrated unit is disposed forward of the battery. The electric vehicle according to claim 1 .

4. In the first mechanically and electrically integrated unit, the first power control device is disposed in front of the first motor. The electric vehicle according to claim 2 or 3.

5. In the first mechanically and electrically integrated unit, the first power control device is disposed rearward of the first motor. The electric vehicle according to claim 2 or 3.

6. In the first mechanically and electrically integrated unit, the first motor and the first power control device overlap each other in a side view of the vehicle. The electric vehicle according to claim 2 or 3.

7. In the second mechanically and electrically integrated unit, the second power control device is disposed above the second motor in the vehicle height direction. The electric vehicle according to claim 2 or 3.

8. In the second mechanically and electrically integrated unit, the second power control device is disposed below the second motor in the vehicle height direction. The electric vehicle according to claim 2 or 3.

9. At least one of the electromechanical integrated units includes a planetary gear reduction mechanism that reduces the speed of rotation transmitted from the motor and outputs the reduced speed, and a differential device that transmits the rotation transmitted from the planetary gear reduction mechanism to the drive wheels via left and right drive shafts, The planetary gear reduction mechanism includes a sun gear provided on an output shaft of the motor, a plurality of pinion gears meshed with the sun gear and revolving around a rotation axis of the sun gear, a ring gear meshed with the pinion gears, and a carrier rotatably supporting the pinion gears and rotating coaxially with the sun gear in accordance with the revolution of the pinion gears, The differential device includes a differential case that is integral with the carrier, a differential pinion shaft that is provided in the differential case and perpendicular to the rotation axis, a plurality of differential pinion gears that are inserted through the differential pinion shaft, and a plurality of differential side gears that mesh with the differential pinion gears and are connected to the drive shaft, The rotation of the carrier causes the differential case to rotate, thereby rotating the drive shaft via the differential pinion shaft, the differential pinion gear, and the differential side gear. The motor, the carrier, the differential case, and the drive shaft rotate about the rotation axis, One of the drive shafts is inserted through the inside of the output shaft, When viewed from the side of the vehicle, the motor, the planetary gear reduction mechanism, and the differential device are arranged to overlap each other. The electric vehicle according to claim 1 .

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