Hybrid vehicle

Abstract

To provide a hybrid vehicle capable of restraining an impact load from being applied to a fuel tank in a rear-end collision, while improving acceleration performance.SOLUTION: The hybrid vehicle 100 includes an engine 14, a transaxle 15, a propeller shaft 16, a main battery 19, and a fuel tank 18. In the hybrid vehicle 100, the engine 14 is disposed in front of the driver's seat 12 and the front passenger seat, and the transaxle 15 is disposed behind the driver's seat 12 and the front passenger seat. In the hybrid vehicle 100, the propeller shaft 16 extends between the driver's seat 12 and the front passenger seat to connect the engine 14 and the transaxle 15. In the hybrid vehicle 100, the fuel tank 18 is arranged behind the driver seat 12 and the passenger seat and above the transaxle 15, and the main battery 19 is arranged behind the fuel tank 18 and above the transaxle 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to hybrid vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a hybrid vehicle, which is equipped with a fuel tank behind the driver's seat and passenger seat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-155829 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a demand for sports car-type hybrid vehicles. Sports car-type vehicles require high acceleration performance. In addition, it is desirable to minimize the impact load on the fuel tank when a hybrid vehicle is involved in a rear-end collision.

[0005] In order to improve acceleration performance of a hybrid vehicle and to suppress the impact load from being applied to the fuel tank in the event of a rear-end collision, there is room for improvement in the layout of the devices provided in the hybrid vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A hybrid vehicle that solves the above problems has a motor generator that assists the rotation output by the engine. The hybrid vehicle includes a transaxle that includes the motor generator and a transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation output by the engine to rear wheels. The hybrid vehicle includes a propeller shaft that transmits the rotation output by the engine to the transaxle. The hybrid vehicle includes a main battery that stores electricity and supplies the stored electricity to the motor generator. The hybrid vehicle includes a fuel tank that stores fuel for the engine. In the transaxle, the transmission mechanism is connected to the engine through the propeller shaft. In the transaxle, the motor generator is connected to the propeller shaft between the engine and the transmission mechanism in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. In this hybrid vehicle, the engine is located in front of the driver's seat and passenger seat. In this hybrid vehicle, the transaxle is located behind the driver's seat and passenger seat. In this hybrid vehicle, the propeller shaft passes between the driver's seat and the passenger seat and connects the engine and the transaxle. In this hybrid vehicle, the fuel tank is located behind the driver's seat and the passenger seat and above the transaxle. In this hybrid vehicle, the main battery is located behind the fuel tank and above the transaxle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The hybrid vehicle described above can improve acceleration performance while suppressing impact loads from being applied to the fuel tank in the event of a rear-end collision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of a propeller shaft and its peripheral devices when the hybrid vehicle according to the embodiment is viewed from above. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the propeller shaft and its peripheral devices when the hybrid vehicle according to the embodiment is viewed from the side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a transaxle provided in the hybrid vehicle of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An embodiment of a hybrid vehicle will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, directions are indicated by arrows. In FIGS. 1 to 3, Fr indicates the forward direction of hybrid vehicle 100. In FIGS. 1 to 3, Rr indicates the rearward direction of hybrid vehicle 100. In FIGS. 1 and 3, Rh indicates the right side when viewed from a passenger facing forward of hybrid vehicle 100. In FIGS. 1 and 3, Lh indicates the left side when viewed from a passenger facing forward of hybrid vehicle 100.

[0010] <Arrangement of the engine 14, transaxle 15, and propeller shaft 16> Fig. 1 shows the arrangement of the propeller shaft 16 and its peripheral devices when hybrid vehicle 100 is viewed from above. Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of the propeller shaft 16 and its peripheral devices when hybrid vehicle 100 is viewed from the Lh direction in Fig. 1.

[0011] The hybrid vehicle 100 includes an engine 14. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the engine 14 is disposed in front of the driver's seat 12 and the passenger's seat 13. The hybrid vehicle 100 includes a transaxle 15. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the transaxle 15 is disposed behind the driver's seat 12 and the passenger's seat 13.

[0012] The hybrid vehicle 100 includes a propeller shaft 16. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the propeller shaft 16 passes between the driver's seat 12 and the passenger's seat 13 and connects the engine 14 and the transaxle 15. The propeller shaft 16 transmits the rotation output by the engine 14 to the transaxle 15.

[0013] Hybrid vehicle 100 includes torque tube 17. Torque tube 17 houses propeller shaft 16. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , torque tube 17 passes between driver's seat 12 and passenger seat 13 and is connected to engine 14 and transaxle 15.

[0014] <Transaxle 15 configuration> 3 shows the state of transaxle 15 when hybrid vehicle 100 is viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 3, transaxle 15 includes a motor generator 23 and a transmission mechanism 24.

[0015] 1 and 2, the propeller shaft 16 connects the engine 14 and the transaxle 15. In the transaxle 15, the transmission mechanism 24 is connected to the engine 14 through the propeller shaft 16.

[0016] The transmission mechanism 24 changes the speed of the rotation of the engine 14 transmitted through the propeller shaft 16. For example, the transmission mechanism 24 is provided with a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms that constitute a plurality of gear stages with different gear ratios. The transmission mechanism 24 changes the speed of the rotation from the propeller shaft 16 and outputs it. In this case, the transmission mechanism 24 can change the gear ratio by switching between gear stages.

[0017] The manner in which the transmission mechanism 24 changes the speed of the rotation from the propeller shaft 16 is not limited to the above manner. For example, the transmission mechanism 24 may include two conical pulleys and a belt connected to both pulleys. In this case, the transmission mechanism 24 changes the speed of the rotation from the propeller shaft 16 based on the difference in circumferential length of the two pulleys to which the belt is connected. In this case, the transmission mechanism 24 can change the gear ratio by changing the winding radius of the belt around each pulley.

[0018] 3, the speed change mechanism 24 is connected to a transmission mechanism 25. The transmission mechanism 25 transmits the rotation transmitted from the speed change mechanism 24 to a differential gear 26. The transmission mechanism 25 transmits the rotation from the speed change mechanism 24 in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 3. For example, the transmission mechanism 25 has multiple gears arranged along the dotted arrow so that the rotation is transmitted in the direction of the dotted arrow in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the transmission mechanism 25 has a shaft or multiple gears arranged along the solid arrow so that the rotation transmitted in the direction of the dotted arrow is transmitted in the direction of the solid arrow in Fig. 3.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 3, the differential gear 26 is connected to the drive shaft 22. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 1, the drive shaft 22 is connected to the left and right rear wheels 11. The differential gear 26 transmits the rotation transmitted from the transmission mechanism 25 to the left and right rear wheels 11 via the drive shaft 22. At this time, the differential gear 26 distributes the rotation transmitted to the left and right rear wheels 11 in accordance with the movement of the hybrid vehicle 100.

[0020] In this way, the rotation output by the engine 14 is transmitted to the rear wheels 11 via the speed change mechanism 24, the transmission mechanism 25, the differential gear 26, and the drive shaft 22. At this time, the speed change mechanism 24 changes the rotation output by the engine 14 and transmits it to the rear wheels 11.

[0021] In motor generator 23 shown in Fig. 3, the portion indicated by the dotted line indicates the internal structure of motor generator 23. As shown in Fig. 3, motor generator 23 includes rotor 28 having a magnet, and stator 27 that is installed so as to surround rotor 28. Rotor 28 is connected to propeller shaft 16.

[0022] The motor generator 23 assists in the rotation output by the engine 14. The motor generator 23 supplies electricity to the stator 27, thereby rotating the rotor 28 around the propeller shaft 16. As the rotor 28 rotates around the propeller shaft 16, the rotation transmitted from the engine 14 to the transmission mechanism 24 via the propeller shaft 16 is amplified.

[0023] The motor generator 23 can also generate electricity using the rotation output by the engine 14. That is, in the motor generator 23, the rotor 28 rotates as the propeller shaft 16 rotates due to the engine 14, thereby generating electricity.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 3, in transaxle 15, motor generator 23 is connected to propeller shaft 16 at a position forward of transmission mechanism 24. As shown in Fig. 2, motor generator 23 is disposed between engine 14 and transmission mechanism 24 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In other words, motor generator 23 is connected to propeller shaft 16 between engine 14 and transmission mechanism 24 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0025] 3, a first clutch 29 is provided in a portion of the propeller shaft 16 between the engine 14 and the motor generator 23. The first clutch 29 can disconnect the portion of the propeller shaft 16 between the engine 14 and the motor generator 23. When the motor generator 23 rotates the rotor 28 while the first clutch 29 disconnects the engine 14 from the motor generator 23, the rear wheels 11 can be driven by the driving force of the motor generator 23 without relying on the action of the engine 14.

[0026] 3, a second clutch 30 is provided in a portion of the propeller shaft 16 between the motor generator 23 and the transmission mechanism 24. The second clutch 30 can disconnect the portion of the propeller shaft 16 between the motor generator 23 and the transmission mechanism 24.

[0027] <Device placement above the transaxle 15> The hybrid vehicle 100 includes a fuel tank 18. The fuel tank 18 stores fuel for the engine 14. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the fuel tank 18 is located behind the driver's seat 12 and the passenger seat 13 and above the transaxle 15.

[0028] The hybrid vehicle 100 includes a main battery 19. The main battery 19 stores electricity. For example, the main battery 19 stores electricity generated by a motor generator 23. The main battery 19 also supplies the stored electricity to the motor generator 23. The motor generator 23 supplies the electricity from the main battery 19 to a stator 27, thereby rotating a rotor 28.

[0029] 2, main battery 19 is disposed behind fuel tank 18 and above transaxle 15. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, in hybrid vehicle 100, the rear end of transaxle 15 is located behind main battery 19.

[0030] The farther a weight is from the center of gravity of hybrid vehicle 100, the greater the yaw moment of inertia. As fuel is consumed, the weight of the rear portion of the vehicle where fuel tank 18 is mounted decreases. For example, if main battery 19 and fuel tank 18 are arranged above transaxle 15 in this order from the front of the vehicle, the amount of fuel in fuel tank 18, which is located far from the center of gravity, will change. Therefore, the yaw moment of inertia during turning changes significantly due to fuel consumption. A large change in yaw moment of inertia will significantly change the user's ability to operate the vehicle.

[0031] In contrast, in hybrid vehicle 100, main battery 19 and fuel tank 18 are arranged in this order from the front of the vehicle. In hybrid vehicle 100, fuel tank 18 is located closer to the center of gravity than in the above case. Also, in hybrid vehicle 100, main battery 19, which is a heavy object whose weight does not change with fuel consumption, is located farther from the center of gravity than in the above case.

[0032] Therefore, in hybrid vehicle 100, the change in yaw moment of inertia due to fuel consumption is smaller than in the above case. In this way, in hybrid vehicle 100, by devising the positions of main battery 19 and fuel tank 18, it is possible to suppress the change in operability due to fuel consumption.

[0033] Hybrid vehicle 100 includes a power control unit 20 and an auxiliary battery 21 below main battery 19. In Fig. 1, the devices disposed below main battery 19 are indicated by dotted lines. That is, in Fig. 1, power control unit 20 and auxiliary battery 21 disposed below main battery 19 are indicated by dotted lines. In Fig. 1, the portion of transaxle 15 disposed below main battery 19 is also indicated by dotted lines.

[0034] The auxiliary battery 21 stores electricity in the same manner as the main battery 19. For example, the auxiliary battery 21 stores electricity at a lower voltage than the main battery 19. The auxiliary battery 21 supplies the stored electricity to electrical devices other than the motor generator 23. For example, the auxiliary battery 21 supplies electricity to an electronic control device that controls the motor generator 23.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 1, power control unit 20 is disposed on the Rh side of auxiliary battery 21. In Fig. 2, power control unit 20 disposed on the Rh side of auxiliary battery 21 is indicated by a dotted line. Note that the positions of auxiliary battery 21 and power control unit 20 may be reversed.

[0036] The power control unit 20 has a function of converting power. The main battery 19 stores DC electricity. The power control unit 20 converts the DC power stored in the main battery 19 into AC power and supplies it to the motor generator 23. The power control unit 20 may also convert AC power generated by the motor generator 23 into DC power and supply it to the main battery 19.

[0037] The power control unit 20 has a function of boosting the voltage of electricity. The power control unit 20 boosts the voltage of the electricity stored in the main battery 19 and supplies it to the motor generator 23.

[0038] In this way, the power control unit 20 converts the electric power in the main battery 19, boosts the voltage, and supplies it to the motor generator 23. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the auxiliary battery 21 and the power control unit 20 are disposed above the transaxle 15 and below the main battery 19.

[0039] In Fig. 2, the dashed dotted line shown on the fuel tank 18 indicates the center in the height direction of the fuel tank 18. As shown in Fig. 2, the center in the height direction of the fuel tank 18 is located between the upper end and the lower end of the auxiliary battery 21. Also, as shown in Fig. 2, the center in the height direction of the fuel tank 18 is located between the upper end and the lower end of the power control unit 20. In other words, the auxiliary battery 21 and the power control unit 20 are disposed at the same height as the fuel tank 18.

[0040] <Operation of this embodiment> A rear-wheel drive vehicle can easily achieve traction if heavy objects are provided at the rear of the vehicle. In the hybrid vehicle 100, the transaxle 15, fuel tank 18, and main battery 19 are heavy objects. The hybrid vehicle 100 achieves improved acceleration performance by concentrating the heavy objects at the rear of the vehicle.

[0041] Furthermore, in the above-described hybrid vehicle 100, the fuel tank 18 is disposed in front of the main battery 19. Therefore, in the event of a rear-end collision of the hybrid vehicle 100, an impact load is applied to the main battery 19 before the fuel tank 18.

[0042] <Effects of this embodiment> (1) The hybrid vehicle 100 described above can improve acceleration performance while suppressing impact loads from being applied to the fuel tank 18 during a rear-end collision.

[0043] (2) Hybrid vehicle 100 includes auxiliary battery 21 that stores electricity and supplies the stored electricity to electrical devices other than motor generator 23. Hybrid vehicle 100 includes power control unit 20 that converts and boosts the power in main battery 19 and supplies it to motor generator 23. In hybrid vehicle 100, auxiliary battery 21 and power control unit 20 are disposed above transaxle 15 and below main battery 19.

[0044] In the hybrid vehicle 100, the auxiliary battery 21 and the power control unit 20 are disposed between the main battery 19, which is located behind the fuel tank 18, and the transaxle 15. Therefore, in the event of a rear-end collision of the hybrid vehicle 100, an impact load is applied to the main battery 19, the auxiliary battery 21, and the power control unit 20 before the fuel tank 18. This allows the hybrid vehicle 100 to further reduce the impact load from being applied to the fuel tank 18.

[0045] (3) In the hybrid vehicle 100, the auxiliary battery 21 and the power control unit 20 are disposed at the same height as the fuel tank 18. In the hybrid vehicle 100, the auxiliary battery 21 and the power control unit 20 are disposed behind the fuel tank 18 and at the same height as the fuel tank 18. That is, in the hybrid vehicle 100, the auxiliary battery 21 and the power control unit 20 are disposed directly behind the fuel tank 18. This ensures that, in the event of a rear-end collision of the hybrid vehicle 100, the auxiliary battery 21 and the power control unit 20 will receive an impact load before the fuel tank 18. That is, the hybrid vehicle 100 can further reduce the impact load from being applied to the fuel tank 18.

[0046] (4) In the hybrid vehicle 100, the rear end of the transaxle 15 is located rearward of the main battery 19. With the above configuration, in the event of a rear-end collision, the hybrid vehicle 100 receives an impact load on the transaxle 15, the propeller shaft 16, and the engine 14 before the main battery 19. This allows the hybrid vehicle 100 to prevent the impact load from being applied to the main battery 19.

[0047] (5) Hybrid vehicle 100 includes torque tube 17 that houses propeller shaft 16. In hybrid vehicle 100, torque tube 17 passes between driver's seat 12 and passenger seat 13 and is connected to engine 14 and transaxle 15.

[0048] With the above configuration, in the event of a rear-end collision, the torque tube 17 of the hybrid vehicle 100 receives an impact load before the main battery 19. This allows the hybrid vehicle 100 to further reduce the impact load from being applied to the main battery 19.

[0049] Furthermore, torque tube 17 and propeller shaft 16 are arranged to pass between driver's seat 12 and passenger seat 13. In other words, hybrid vehicle 100 described above can achieve a lower seating position than if torque tube 17 and propeller shaft 16 were arranged under the floor, thereby achieving proportions more reminiscent of a sports car.

[0050] <Example of change> This embodiment can be modified as follows: This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined and implemented within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 1, the hybrid vehicle 100 has the driver's seat 12 located on the Lh side of Fig. 1 and the passenger seat 13 located on the Rh side of Fig. 1. The positions of the driver's seat 12 and the passenger seat 13 may be reversed.

[0052] In the hybrid vehicle 100 described above, as shown in FIG. 3 , the rotation output by the engine 14 is transmitted in the following order: the speed change mechanism 24, the transmission mechanism 25, the differential gear 26, the drive shaft 22, and the rear wheels 11. In the hybrid vehicle 100, the manner in which the rotation output by the engine 14 is transmitted to the rear wheels 11 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, if the drive shaft 22 is disposed behind the speed change mechanism 24, the hybrid vehicle 100 does not need to include the transmission mechanism 25.

[0053] The hybrid vehicle 100 described above includes the first clutch 29 and the second clutch 30. The hybrid vehicle 100 does not necessarily have to include either or both of the first clutch 29 and the second clutch 30.

[0054] In the hybrid vehicle 100 described above, the auxiliary battery 21 and the power control unit 20 are disposed above the transaxle 15 and below the main battery 19. The auxiliary battery 21 and the power control unit 20 are disposed at the same height as the fuel tank 18. The locations of the auxiliary battery 21 and the power control unit 20 provided in the hybrid vehicle 100 are not limited to those in the above embodiment.

[0055] For example, in the hybrid vehicle 100, the auxiliary battery 21 may be disposed below the transaxle 15. For example, in the hybrid vehicle 100, the auxiliary battery 21 may be disposed above the main battery 19. For example, in the hybrid vehicle 100, the auxiliary battery 21 may be disposed in front of the driver's seat 12 and the passenger seat 13. For example, in the hybrid vehicle 100, the auxiliary battery 21 does not have to be disposed at the height where the fuel tank 18 is located.

[0056] For example, in hybrid vehicle 100, power control unit 20 may be disposed below transaxle 15. For example, in hybrid vehicle 100, power control unit 20 may be disposed above main battery 19. For example, in hybrid vehicle 100, power control unit 20 may be disposed in front of driver's seat 12 and passenger seat 13. For example, in hybrid vehicle 100, power control unit 20 does not have to be disposed at the height where fuel tank 18 is located.

[0057] Furthermore, the hybrid vehicle 100 described above does not necessarily have to include either or both of the auxiliary battery 21 and the power control unit 20. In the hybrid vehicle 100 described above, the rear end of the transaxle 15 is located rearward of the main battery 19. In the hybrid vehicle 100, the rear end of the transaxle 15 does not have to be located rearward of the main battery 19. For example, in the hybrid vehicle 100, the rear end of the transaxle 15 may be located forward of the rear end of the main battery 19.

[0058] The hybrid vehicle 100 described above includes a torque tube 17. The hybrid vehicle 100 does not necessarily have to include a torque tube 17. Furthermore, in the above-described hybrid vehicle 100, the torque tube 17 passes between the driver's seat 12 and the passenger's seat 13 and is connected to the engine 14 and the transaxle 15. The configuration of the torque tube 17 provided in the hybrid vehicle 100 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the torque tube 17 provided in the hybrid vehicle 100 houses the propeller shaft 16, but does not have to be connected to either or both of the engine 14 and the transaxle 15. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 11...Rear wheel 12...Driver's seat 13...Passenger seat 14...Engine 15...Transaxle 16...Propeller shaft 17...Torque tube 18...Fuel tank 19...Main battery 20...Power control unit 21...Auxiliary battery 22...Drive shaft 23...Motor generator 24...Transmission mechanism 25...Transmission mechanism 26...Differential gear 27...Stator 28...Rotor 29…First clutch 30...Second clutch 100...Hybrid vehicle

Claims

1. It is a hybrid vehicle in which the rotational output of the engine is assisted by a motor generator. a transaxle including the motor generator and a transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation output by the engine to rear wheels; a propeller shaft that transmits the rotation output by the engine to the transaxle; a main battery that stores electricity and supplies the stored electricity to the motor generator; a fuel tank for storing fuel for the engine, In the transaxle, the transmission mechanism is connected to the engine through the propeller shaft, the motor generator is connected to the propeller shaft between the engine and the transmission mechanism in the vehicle longitudinal direction, The engine is disposed in front of the driver's seat and the passenger seat, the transaxle is disposed behind the driver's seat and the passenger seat, the propeller shaft passes between the driver's seat and the passenger seat and connects the engine and the transaxle, the fuel tank is disposed behind the driver's seat and the passenger seat and above the transaxle, The main battery is located behind the fuel tank and above the transaxle. Hybrid vehicle.

2. an auxiliary battery that stores the electricity and supplies the stored electricity to an electric device other than the motor generator; a power control unit that converts and boosts the power in the main battery and supplies it to the motor generator; The auxiliary battery and the power control unit are disposed above the transaxle and below the main battery. The hybrid vehicle according to claim 1 .

3. The auxiliary battery and the power control unit are disposed at the same height as the fuel tank. The hybrid vehicle according to claim 2 .

4. The rear end of the transaxle is located rearward of the main battery. The hybrid vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a torque tube that stores the propeller shaft; The torque tube passes between the driver's seat and the passenger seat and is connected to the engine and the transaxle. The hybrid vehicle according to claim 4.

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