Hybrid vehicle

Abstract

To provide a hybrid vehicle capable of achieving both weight distribution to which traction is easily applied and efficient warm-up of equipment mounted on the vehicle.SOLUTION: A hybrid vehicle includes a transaxle 15, a cooling circuit 41, and a plurality of exhaust pipes 29. The cooling circuit 41 includes a cooling water pipe 38 and adjusts the temperature of the transaxle 15. In a hybrid vehicle, a plurality of exhaust pipes 29 are connected to an engine in front of a driver's seat and a front passenger seat, and extend to the rear of a transaxle 15. In a hybrid vehicle, a transaxle 15 is arranged behind a driver's seat and a front passenger seat and between a plurality of exhaust pipes 29 in a vehicle width direction. In a hybrid vehicle, a cooling circuit 41 is arranged behind a driver's seat and a front passenger seat, and a cooling water pipe 38 is arranged to pass above a plurality of exhaust pipes 29.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a hybrid vehicle, which is a three-seater sports car. [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] Sports car-type vehicles require high acceleration performance, and it is also desirable for the onboard devices to be efficiently warmed up after starting to drive. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A hybrid vehicle that solves the above problem has a motor generator that assists the rotation output by the engine. The hybrid vehicle includes a transaxle that includes the motor generator, a transmission mechanism that changes the speed of the rotation output by the engine, and a differential gear that distributes the rotation changed by the transmission mechanism to left and right rear wheels. The hybrid vehicle includes a cooling circuit that has a cooling water pipe through which cooling water flows and that adjusts the temperature of the transaxle. The hybrid vehicle includes multiple exhaust pipes that discharge exhaust gas from the engine to the outside. In the hybrid vehicle, the engine is located in front of the driver's seat and passenger seat. In the hybrid vehicle, the multiple exhaust pipes are connected to the engine in front of the driver's seat and passenger seat and extend to the rear of the transaxle. In the hybrid vehicle, the transaxle is located behind the driver's seat and passenger seat and between the multiple exhaust pipes in the vehicle width direction. In the hybrid vehicle, the cooling circuit is located behind the driver's seat and passenger seat. In a hybrid vehicle, the cooling water pipe is arranged to pass over the plurality of exhaust pipes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The hybrid vehicle described above achieves both a weight distribution that favors traction and efficient warm-up of the devices mounted on the vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [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 of FIG. 1 is viewed from the side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a transaxle provided in the hybrid vehicle of FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a cooling circuit provided in the hybrid vehicle of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of a hybrid vehicle will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, directions are indicated by arrows. In FIGS. 1 to 4, Fr indicates the forward direction of hybrid vehicle 100. In FIGS. 1 to 4, Rr indicates the rearward direction of hybrid vehicle 100. In FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, Rh indicates the right side as seen by a passenger facing forward of hybrid vehicle 100. In FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, Lh indicates the left side as seen by a passenger facing forward of hybrid vehicle 100.

[0009] <Layout of equipment around the 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The hybrid vehicle 100 includes an exhaust pipe 29. The exhaust pipe 29 discharges exhaust gas from the engine 14 to the outside of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 1, the hybrid vehicle 100 has one exhaust pipe 29 on each of the Rh side and Lh side in Fig. 1. In addition, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the multiple exhaust pipes 29 are connected to the engine 14 in front of the driver's seat 12 and the passenger seat 13, and extend to the rear of the transaxle 15.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, transaxle 15 is disposed between multiple exhaust pipes 29 in the vehicle width direction. In Fig. 2, the dashed dotted line shown on transaxle 15 indicates the center of transaxle 15 in the height direction. As shown in Fig. 2, exhaust pipe 29 is disposed to pass below the center of transaxle 15 in the height direction.

[0015] <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 21, a transmission mechanism 22, and a differential gear 24.

[0016] 1 and 2, the propeller shaft 16 connects the engine 14 and the transaxle 15. In the transaxle 15, the transmission mechanism 22 is connected to the engine 14 through the propeller shaft 16.

[0017] The transmission mechanism 22 changes the speed of the rotation output by the engine 14 and transmitted to the transmission mechanism 22 through the propeller shaft 16. For example, the transmission mechanism 22 is provided with a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms that constitute a plurality of gear stages with different gear ratios. The transmission mechanism 22 changes the speed of the rotation from the propeller shaft 16 and outputs it. In this case, the transmission mechanism 22 can change the gear ratio by switching between gear stages.

[0018] The manner in which the transmission mechanism 22 changes the speed of the rotation from the propeller shaft 16 is not limited to the above manner. For example, the transmission mechanism 22 may include two conical pulleys and a belt connected to both pulleys. In this case, the transmission mechanism 22 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 22 can change the gear ratio by changing the winding radius of the belt around each pulley.

[0019] 3, the speed change mechanism 22 is connected to a transmission mechanism 23. The transmission mechanism 23 transmits the rotation transmitted from the speed change mechanism 22 to a differential gear 24. The transmission mechanism 23 transmits rotation from the speed change mechanism 22 in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 3. For example, the transmission mechanism 23 has multiple gears arranged along the dotted arrow so that rotation is transmitted in the direction of the dotted arrow in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the transmission mechanism 23 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.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the differential gear 24 is connected to the drive shaft 20. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the drive shaft 20 is connected to the left and right rear wheels 11. The differential gear 24 transmits the rotation transmitted from the transmission mechanism 23 to the left and right rear wheels 11 via the drive shaft 20. At this time, the differential gear 24 distributes the rotation transmitted to the left and right rear wheels 11 in accordance with the movement of the hybrid vehicle 100.

[0021] In this way, the rotation output by the engine 14 is transmitted to the rear wheels 11 via the speed change mechanism 22, the transmission mechanism 23, the differential gear 24, and the drive shaft 20. In motor generator 21 shown in Fig. 3, the portion indicated by the dotted line indicates the internal structure of motor generator 21. As shown in Fig. 3, motor generator 21 includes rotor 26 having a magnet, and stator 25 disposed so as to surround rotor 26. Rotor 26 is connected to propeller shaft 16.

[0022] Motor generator 21 assists in the rotation output by engine 14. Motor generator 21 rotates rotor 26 around propeller shaft 16 as an axis by supplying electricity to stator 25. Then, as rotor 26 rotates around propeller shaft 16 as an axis, the rotation transmitted from engine 14 to transmission mechanism 22 through propeller shaft 16 is amplified.

[0023] The motor generator 21 can also generate electricity using the rotation output by the engine 14. That is, in the motor generator 21, the rotor 26 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 21 is connected to propeller shaft 16 at a position forward of transmission mechanism 22 in the vehicle. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, motor generator 21 is disposed between engine 14 and transmission mechanism 22 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In other words, motor generator 21 is connected to propeller shaft 16 between engine 14 and transmission mechanism 22 in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0025] 3, a first clutch 27 is provided in a portion of the propeller shaft 16 between the engine 14 and the motor generator 21. The first clutch 27 can disconnect the portion of the propeller shaft 16 between the engine 14 and the motor generator 21. When the motor generator 21 rotates the rotor 26 while the first clutch 27 disconnects the engine 14 from the motor generator 21, the rear wheels 11 can be driven by the driving force of the motor generator 21 without relying on the action of the engine 14.

[0026] 3, a second clutch 28 is provided in a portion of the propeller shaft 16 between the motor generator 21 and the transmission mechanism 22. The second clutch 28 can disconnect the portion of the propeller shaft 16 between the motor generator 21 and the transmission mechanism 22.

[0027] <Device placement above the transaxle 15> 1 and 2, the hybrid vehicle 100 includes a main battery 18. The main battery 18 stores electricity. For example, the main battery 18 stores electricity generated by a motor generator 21. The main battery 18 also supplies the stored electricity to the motor generator 21. The motor generator 21 supplies the electricity supplied from the main battery 18 to a stator 25, thereby rotating a rotor 26.

[0028] Hybrid vehicle 100 includes a power control unit 19. As shown in Fig. 2, power control unit 19 is disposed above transaxle 15 and below main battery 18. In Fig. 1, main battery 18, which is disposed above power control unit 19, is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0029] Power control unit 19 has a function of converting power. Main battery 18 stores DC electricity. Power control unit 19 converts the DC power stored in main battery 18 into AC power and supplies it to motor generator 21. Power control unit 19 may also convert AC power generated by motor generator 21 into DC power and supply it to main battery 18.

[0030] The power control unit 19 has a function of boosting the voltage of electricity. The power control unit 19 boosts the voltage of the electricity stored in the main battery 18 and supplies it to the motor generator 21.

[0031] 1, the transaxle 15, the exhaust pipe 29, and the portion of the transmission oil cooler 30 that is located below the power control unit 19 are indicated by dotted lines. The transmission oil cooler 30 will be described later.

[0032] <Aspects of the Exhaust Pipe 29 and the Cooling Circuit 41> FIG. 4 shows the transaxle 15, the exhaust pipe 29, and the cooling circuit 41 that the hybrid vehicle 100 is equipped with.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 2, power control unit 19 is disposed above transaxle 15, exhaust pipe 29, and transmission oil cooler 30. In Fig. 4, power control unit 19 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. In Fig. 4, the transaxle 15, exhaust pipe 29, transmission oil cooler 30, muffler 32, and the portions of cooling water piping 38 that are disposed below power control unit 19 are indicated by solid lines.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 4, each of the exhaust pipes 29 on the Lh side and the Rh side includes a muffler 32 and a valve . The muffler 32 suppresses the noise generated when exhaust gas from the engine 14 is discharged to the outside of the vehicle.

[0035] The valve 34 is opened and closed by, for example, a switch operated by the driver. When the valve 34 is closed, it does not allow exhaust gas to pass through. On the other hand, when the valve 34 is opened by a switch operated by the driver, it allows exhaust gas to pass through.

[0036] The hybrid vehicle 100 includes a cooling circuit 41. As shown in Fig. 4, the cooling circuit 41 is disposed around the transaxle 15. In other words, the cooling circuit 41 is disposed behind the driver's seat 12 and the passenger's seat 13.

[0037] The cooling circuit 41 includes a cooling water pipe 38 , an oil cooler, an oil pipe, a radiator 33 , a reserve tank 35 , and a water pump 37 . Cooling water flows through the cooling water pipe 38. In Fig. 4, the direction in which the cooling water flows through the cooling water pipe 38 is indicated by an arrow.

[0038] The cooling circuit 41 includes oil pipes, namely, a transmission oil pipe 39 and a differential gear oil pipe 40. Oil flows through the oil pipes. In Figure 4, the arrows indicate the direction in which the oil flows through the oil pipes.

[0039] The water pump 37 circulates the cooling water in the cooling water pipes 38. As shown in Fig. 4, the cooling water pipes 38 connect the water pump 37 and the power control unit 19. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4, the cooling water leaving the water pump 37 flows through the power control unit 19.

[0040] 4, the cooling water pipe 38 connects the power control unit 19 and the transmission mechanism oil cooler 30. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the cooling water that flows through the power control unit 19 then flows through the transmission mechanism oil cooler 30.

[0041] Oil flows through the interior of the transmission mechanism 22 of the transaxle 15. The transmission mechanism 22 and the transmission mechanism oil cooler 30 are connected via transmission mechanism oil piping 39. Oil passing through the interior of the transmission mechanism 22 flows through the interior of the transmission mechanism oil piping 39. The transmission mechanism oil cooler 30 exchanges heat between the oil passing through the interior of the transmission mechanism 22 and the cooling water.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 4, oil passing through transmission mechanism oil piping 39 circulates between transmission mechanism 22 and transmission mechanism oil cooler 30. Cooling circuit 41 adjusts the temperature of transmission mechanism 22 through oil that has exchanged heat with cooling water in transmission mechanism oil cooler 30.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 4, a thermostat valve 36 is installed in the transmission mechanism oil piping 39. The thermostat valve 36 shuts off the transmission mechanism oil piping 39 while the temperature of the oil flowing through the transmission mechanism oil piping 39 is low. The thermostat valve 36 then releases the shutoff of the transmission mechanism oil piping 39 when the temperature of the oil flowing through the transmission mechanism oil piping 39 becomes high.

[0044] 1 and 4, the transmission oil cooler 30 is disposed on the Rh side of the transaxle 15. In Fig. 2, the transmission oil cooler 30 disposed on the Rh side of the transaxle 15 is indicated by a dotted line. As shown in Fig. 2, the transmission oil cooler 30 is disposed above the exhaust pipe 29 and below the main battery 18.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 4, the cooling water pipe 38 connects the transmission oil cooler 30 and the differential gear oil cooler 31. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4, the cooling water that flows through the transmission oil cooler 30 then flows through the differential gear oil cooler 31.

[0046] Oil flows through the inside of the differential gear 24 in the transaxle 15. The differential gear 24 and the differential gear oil cooler 31 are connected via a differential gear oil pipe 40. The oil passing through the inside of the differential gear 24 flows through the differential gear oil pipe 40. The differential gear oil cooler 31 exchanges heat between the oil passing through the inside of the differential gear 24 and the cooling water.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, oil passing through the differential gear oil piping 40 circulates between the differential gear 24 and the differential gear oil cooler 31. The cooling circuit 41 adjusts the temperature of the differential gear 24 through the oil that has been heat exchanged with cooling water by the differential gear oil cooler 31.

[0048] In this way, the cooling circuit 41 adjusts the temperature of the transaxle 15 through the oil that has been heat exchanged with the cooling water by the transmission oil cooler 30 and the differential gear oil cooler 31 .

[0049] As shown in Fig. 4, the cooling water pipe 38 connects the differential gear oil cooler 31 and the Lh-side radiator 33. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4, the cooling water that flows through the differential gear oil cooler 31 then flows through the Lh-side radiator 33. The radiator 33 cools the cooling water.

[0050] As shown in Fig. 4, the coolant pipe 38 connects the Lh-side radiator 33 and the Rh-side radiator 33. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4, the coolant that flows through the Lh-side radiator 33 then flows through the Rh-side radiator 33. In this way, the coolant flowing through the cooling circuit 41 is cooled by passing through the Lh-side radiator 33 and the Rh-side radiator 33.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 4, the coolant pipe 38 connects the Rh-side radiator 33 and the reserve tank 35. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4, the coolant that flows through the Rh-side radiator 33 then flows into the reserve tank 35. The reserve tank 35 temporarily stores the coolant.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 4, the cooling water pipe 38 connects the reserve tank 35 and the water pump 37. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4, the cooling water that flows through the reserve tank 35 then flows through the water pump 37. In this way, the cooling water in the cooling water pipe 38 circulates around the cooling circuit 41.

[0053] 4, the cooling water piping 38 passes above the exhaust pipes 29 in a portion connecting the Lh-side radiator 33 with the Rh-side radiator 33 and in a portion connecting the reserve tank 35 with the water pump 37. In this way, the cooling water piping 38 provided in the cooling circuit 41 is arranged to pass above the multiple exhaust pipes 29.

[0054] <Operation of this embodiment> In a rear-wheel drive vehicle, traction is easier if a heavy object is provided at the rear of the vehicle. In the hybrid vehicle 100, the transaxle 15 is a heavy object. In the above-described hybrid vehicle 100, the transaxle 15 is located behind the driver's seat 12 and the passenger seat 13. In this way, the above-described hybrid vehicle 100 makes it easier to apply traction by increasing the weight at the rear of the vehicle.

[0055] In the hybrid vehicle 100, the cooling water pipe 38 in the cooling circuit 41 is arranged to pass above the exhaust pipe 29, and is therefore able to receive heat from the exhaust pipe 29. Therefore, the hybrid vehicle 100 can quickly warm up the cooling water flowing through the cooling circuit 41 after starting operation, and can efficiently warm up the devices that exchange heat with the cooling circuit 41.

[0056] <Effects of this embodiment> (1) The hybrid vehicle 100 described above achieves both a weight distribution that favors traction and efficient warm-up of the devices mounted on the vehicle.

[0057] (2) In the hybrid vehicle 100 described above, the main battery 18 that stores electricity and supplies the stored electricity to the motor generator 21 is disposed above the transaxle 15.

[0058] The power storage capacity of the main battery 18 decreases as the temperature rises. Therefore, in the hybrid vehicle 100, it is desirable to arrange the main battery 18 in a position where it is less likely to receive heat from the exhaust pipe 29. In the hybrid vehicle 100 described above, the main battery 18 is arranged above the transaxle 15, thereby increasing the distance between the main battery 18 and the exhaust pipe 29. This allows the hybrid vehicle 100 to reduce the amount of heat received by the main battery 18 from the exhaust pipe 29.

[0059] (3) In the hybrid vehicle 100 described above, the exhaust pipes 29 are arranged to pass below the center of the transaxle 15 in the height direction. In hybrid vehicle 100, exhaust pipe 29 is positioned relative to transaxle 15 so as to maximize the distance between main battery 18 and exhaust pipe 29. This allows hybrid vehicle 100 to further reduce the amount of heat received by main battery 18 from exhaust pipe 29.

[0060] (4) The hybrid vehicle 100 described above includes a power control unit 19 that converts the electric power in the main battery 18, boosts the voltage, and supplies the power to the motor generator 21. The power control unit 19 is disposed above the transaxle 15 and below the main battery 18.

[0061] In the above-described hybrid vehicle 100, the power control unit 19 is disposed below the main battery 18, and therefore the distance between the main battery 18 and the exhaust pipe 29 is increased accordingly. This allows the hybrid vehicle 100 to further reduce the heat received by the main battery 18 from the exhaust pipe 29.

[0062] (5) Cooling circuit 41 includes transmission mechanism oil cooler 30, which is an oil cooler that exchanges heat between oil passing through the inside of transmission mechanism 22 and coolant. Cooling circuit 41 also includes transmission mechanism oil piping 39, which is an oil piping through which oil passes and which connects transmission mechanism oil cooler 30 and transmission mechanism 22. Transmission mechanism oil cooler 30 is disposed above multiple exhaust pipes 29 and below main battery 18.

[0063] In the above-described hybrid vehicle 100, a transmission oil cooler 30 is disposed between the main battery 18 and the exhaust pipe 29. Therefore, heat from the exhaust pipe 29 is absorbed by the oil flowing through the transmission oil cooler 30 located between the main battery 18 and the exhaust pipe 29. Therefore, in the above-described hybrid vehicle 100, the heat received by the main battery 18 from the exhaust pipe 29 can be further reduced.

[0064] <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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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 22, the transmission mechanism 23, the differential gear 24, the drive shaft 20, 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 20 is disposed behind the speed change mechanism 22, the hybrid vehicle 100 does not need to include the transmission mechanism 23.

[0067] The hybrid vehicle 100 described above includes the first clutch 27 and the second clutch 28. The hybrid vehicle 100 does not necessarily have to include either or both of the first clutch 27 and the second clutch 28.

[0068] The above-described hybrid vehicle 100 is provided with two exhaust pipes 29. The hybrid vehicle 100 may be provided with three or more exhaust pipes 29. In the hybrid vehicle 100 described above, the transmission oil cooler 30 is disposed on the Rh side of the transaxle 15. The transmission oil cooler 30 may also be disposed on the Lh side of the transaxle 15.

[0069] The cooling circuit 41 provided in the hybrid vehicle 100 is not limited to the above embodiment. The types and number of devices connected to the cooling circuit 41 are not limited to those in the above embodiment. For example, the cooling circuit 41 may include only one radiator 33.

[0070] Furthermore, the manner in which the cooling water pipes 38 and oil pipes connect the devices in the cooling circuit 41 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the cooling circuit 41, the cooling water pipes 38 may directly connect the water pump 37 and the transmission mechanism oil cooler 30.

[0071] In the hybrid vehicle 100 described above, the main battery 18 is disposed above the transaxle 15. The location of the main battery 18 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the main battery 18 may be disposed below the transaxle 15.

[0072] In the above-described hybrid vehicle 100, the exhaust pipe 29 is disposed below the center of the transaxle 15 in the height direction. The location of the exhaust pipe 29 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the exhaust pipe 29 may be disposed above the center of the transaxle 15 in the height direction.

[0073] The hybrid vehicle 100 described above includes a power control unit 19. The hybrid vehicle 100 does not necessarily have to include the power control unit 19. In the above-described hybrid vehicle 100, the power control unit 19 is disposed above the transaxle 15 and below the main battery 18. The location where the power control unit 19 is disposed is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the power control unit 19 may be disposed below the transaxle 15. Furthermore, for example, the power control unit 19 may be disposed above the main battery 18.

[0074] In the above-described hybrid vehicle 100, the transmission oil cooler 30 is disposed above the exhaust pipe 29 and below the main battery 18. The location of the transmission oil cooler 30 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the transmission oil cooler 30 may be disposed below the exhaust pipe 29. Furthermore, for example, the transmission oil cooler 30 may be disposed above the main battery 18.

[0075] <Additional Notes> The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment and modified examples will be described. [Appendix 1] A hybrid vehicle in which a motor generator assists the rotational output of an engine, comprising: a transaxle including the motor generator; a transmission mechanism that changes the speed of the rotation output by the engine; and a differential gear that distributes the rotation changed by the transmission mechanism to left and right rear wheels; a cooling circuit that has cooling water piping through which cooling water flows and adjusts the temperature of the transaxle; and a plurality of exhaust pipes that discharge exhaust gas from the engine to the outside, wherein the engine is located in front of the driver's seat and passenger seat, and the plurality of exhaust pipes are connected to the engine in front of the driver's seat and passenger seat and extend to the rear of the transaxle, the transaxle is located behind the driver's seat and passenger seat and between the plurality of exhaust pipes in the vehicle width direction, the cooling circuit is located behind the driver's seat and passenger seat, and the cooling water piping is located above the plurality of exhaust pipes.

[0076] [Appendix 2] A hybrid vehicle as described in [Appendix 1], in which a main battery that stores electricity and supplies the stored electricity to the motor generator is located above the transaxle.

[0077] [Appendix 3] A hybrid vehicle as described in [Appendix 2], wherein the plurality of exhaust pipes are arranged to pass below the center of the transaxle in the height direction. [Appendix 4] A hybrid vehicle as described in [Appendix 2] or [Appendix 3], further comprising a power control unit that converts and boosts the power in the main battery and supplies it to the motor generator, the power control unit being located above the transaxle and below the main battery.

[0078] [Appendix 5] A hybrid vehicle described in any one of [Appendix 2] to [Appendix 4], wherein the cooling circuit includes an oil cooler that exchanges heat between oil passing through the inside of the transmission mechanism and the cooling water, and an oil pipe through which the oil passes and that connects the oil cooler and the transmission mechanism, and the oil cooler is positioned above the plurality of exhaust pipes and below the main battery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 11...Rear wheel 12...Driver's seat 13…Passenger seat 14...Engine 15...Transaxle 16...Propeller shaft 17...Torque tube 18...Main battery 19...Power control unit 20...Drive shaft 21...Motor generator 22...Transmission mechanism 23...Transmission mechanism 24...Differential gear 25...Stator 26...Rotor 27...First clutch 28...Second clutch 29...Exhaust pipe 30...Oil cooler for transmission mechanism 31...Differential gear oil cooler 32...Muffler 33...Radiator 34...Valve 35...Reserve tank 36...Thermostat valve 37...Water pump 38...Cooling water piping 39...Oil piping for transmission mechanism 40...Differential gear oil piping 41…Cooling circuit 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, a transmission mechanism that changes the speed of the rotation output by the engine, and a differential gear that distributes the rotation changed in speed by the transmission mechanism to left and right rear wheels; a cooling circuit having a cooling water pipe through which cooling water passes and for adjusting the temperature of the transaxle; a plurality of exhaust pipes for discharging exhaust gas from the engine to the outside, The engine is disposed in front of the driver's seat and the passenger seat, the plurality of exhaust pipes are connected to the engine in front of the driver's seat and the passenger seat, and extend to a rear of the transaxle; the transaxle is disposed behind the driver's seat and the passenger seat and between the plurality of exhaust pipes in the vehicle width direction, the cooling circuit is disposed behind the driver's seat and the passenger seat, The cooling water pipe is disposed above the plurality of exhaust pipes. Hybrid vehicle.

2. A main battery that stores electricity and supplies the stored electricity to the motor generator is disposed above the transaxle. The hybrid vehicle according to claim 1 .

3. The plurality of exhaust pipes are arranged to pass below the center of the transaxle in the height direction. The hybrid vehicle according to claim 2 .

4. a power control unit that converts and boosts the power in the main battery and supplies the power to the motor generator; The power control unit is disposed above the transaxle and below the main battery. The hybrid vehicle according to claim 2 .

5. The cooling circuit comprises: an oil cooler that exchanges heat between oil passing through the inside of the speed change mechanism and the cooling water; an oil pipe through which the oil passes and which connects the oil cooler and the transmission mechanism; The oil cooler is disposed above the plurality of exhaust pipes and below the main battery. The hybrid vehicle according to claim 2 .

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