Support structure for drive unit

Abstract

To provide a support structure for a drive device that allows for a larger bending radius of the wire harness, prevents excessive load on the wire harness, and improves the flexibility of the wire harness layout. [Solution] In the support structure for the drive unit 5, the wire harness 31 has a front harness portion 31A that extends from in front of the drive unit 5 toward the drive unit 5, and a curved portion 31B that curves toward the drive unit 5 toward the drive unit 5 toward the drive unit 5 toward the rear end portion 31a of the front harness portion 31A and extends in the vehicle width direction, with a connector 32 provided at the rear end being connected to the connector 30. The length L1 of the mount bracket 17 in the vehicle width direction is formed to be longer than the length L2 of the mount bracket 18 in the vehicle width direction, and the curved portion 31B is positioned above the mount bracket 17.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support structure for a drive device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle body structure in which a drive device that transmits rotational power output from a motor to a rear wheel is arranged at the rear part of a vehicle is known (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this vehicle body structure, a battery is arranged in front of the drive device, and the battery and the drive device are connected by a high-voltage cable.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, in the conventional vehicle body structure, for example, when it is necessary to arrange the high-voltage cable by curving it due to the positional relationship between the drive device and the high-voltage cable, in order to suppress an excessive load being applied to the curved portion of the high-voltage cable, there is a risk that the degree of freedom in the layout of the high-voltage cable is restricted.

[0006] The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a support structure for a drive device that can increase the bending radius of a wire harness and route the wire harness, prevent an excessive load from being applied to the wire harness, and improve the degree of freedom in the layout of the wire harness.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention relates to a drive unit support structure comprising: a left side member and a right side member spaced apart in the vehicle width direction and extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a rotating electric machine; a power control device for controlling the power supplied to the rotating electric machine; a drive unit disposed between the left side member and the right side member in the vehicle width direction; a left mount bracket connecting the drive unit and the left side member; a right mount bracket connecting the drive unit and the right side member; and a wire harness connected to the connection portion of the drive unit, wherein the wire harness has a front harness portion extending from in front of the drive unit toward the drive unit, and a curved portion extending in the vehicle width direction from the rear end of the front harness portion toward the drive unit, with the rear end connected to the connection portion, wherein the length in the vehicle width direction of either the left mount bracket or the right mount bracket is formed to be longer than the length in the vehicle width direction of either the left mount bracket or the right mount bracket, and the curved portion is disposed above either the left mount bracket or the right mount bracket. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] As described above, according to the present invention, the bending radius of the wire harness can be increased, preventing excessive load from being applied to the wire harness while improving the flexibility of the wire harness layout. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the support structure of a drive device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a bottom view of the rear of a vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the support structure of a drive device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a left side view of the drive device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the support structure of a drive device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a top view of the drive device and the mounting bracket. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a diagram showing the support structure of a drive device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view of the left mounting device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the VV direction arrow in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] A drive unit support structure according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a left side member and a right side member spaced apart in the vehicle width direction and extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a rotating electric machine, a power control device for controlling the power supplied to the rotating electric machine, a drive unit positioned between the left side member and the right side member in the vehicle width direction, a left mount bracket connecting the drive unit and the left side member, a right mount bracket connecting the drive unit and the right side member, and a wire harness connected to the connection part of the drive unit. The wire harness has a front harness portion extending from in front of the drive unit toward the drive unit, and a curved portion extending in the vehicle width direction from the rear end of the front harness portion toward the drive unit, with the rear end connected to the connection part. The length of either the left mount bracket or the right mount bracket in the vehicle width direction is formed to be longer than the length of either the left mount bracket or the right mount bracket in the vehicle width direction, and the curved portion is positioned above either the left mount bracket or the right mount bracket.

[0011] As a result, the support structure for the drive device according to one embodiment of the present invention allows for a larger bending radius of the wire harness when routing the wire harness, preventing excessive load on the wire harness while improving the flexibility of the wire harness layout. [Examples]

[0012] The following describes a support structure for a drive device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 5 show the support structure of a drive device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] First, the configuration will be described. In FIGS. 1 to 5, the vertical, front-rear, and left-right directions are based on the drive device in the state of being arranged in the vehicle. The front-rear direction of the vehicle is the front-rear direction, the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) of the vehicle is the left-right direction, and the vertical direction (height direction) of the vehicle is the vertical direction.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 includes a left side member 2L, a right side member 2R, a cross member 3, and a sub side member 4.

[0015] The left side member 2L and the right side member 2R are arranged apart in the vehicle width direction and extend in the front-rear direction. The vehicle width direction is the left-right direction.

[0016] The cross member 3 extends in the vehicle width direction, and its left and right ends are connected to the left side member 2L and the right side member 2R. The front end of the sub side member 4 is connected to the cross member 3, and the rear end is connected to a cross member on the rear side (not shown).

[0017] A drive device 5 is arranged in the space surrounded by the left side member 2L, the sub side member 4, and the cross member 3.

[0018] Specifically, the drive device 5 is arranged between the left side member 2L and the sub side member 4 in the vehicle width direction and behind the cross member 3 in the front-rear direction. That is, the cross member 3 is arranged in front of the drive device 5.

[0019] The drive device 5 includes a motor generator (not shown) as a rotating electric machine, an inverter 6 (see FIG. 2) as a power control device provided above the motor generator for controlling the power supplied to the motor generator, a speed reducer (not shown) for reducing the driving force (rotational speed) of the motor generator, and a differential device (not shown) for transmitting the power of the speed reducer to the left and right rear wheels (not shown) via the left drive shaft 7L and the right drive shaft 7R.

[0020] The motor generator, the inverter 6, the reduction gear, and the differential device are housed in the drive case 8. The drive case 8 of the present embodiment constitutes the case.

[0021] The motor generator has a function as an electric motor driven by electric power supplied from a high-voltage battery (not shown) via the inverter 6, and a function as a generator that generates electricity by a reverse driving force input from the differential device.

[0022] The inverter 6 converts the DC power supplied from the high-voltage battery into three-phase AC power and supplies it to the motor generator, or converts the three-phase AC power generated by the motor generator into DC power to charge the high-voltage battery. The high-voltage battery is constituted by a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion battery, for example.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the inverter 6 is disposed at the uppermost position of the drive case 8 so as to be located above the motor generator, the reduction gear, and the differential device, and extends from the upper front end portion 8a to the upper rear end portion 8b in the upper space of the drive case 8.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the drive device 5 is disposed below the floor panel 9 and is located at the rear portion of the vehicle 1. In the front portion of the vehicle 1, a drive source (not shown), left and right drive shafts to which the power of the drive source is transmitted, and left and right front wheels are disposed.

[0025] In the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment, when only the front drive source is driven, the vehicle travels in a two-wheel drive mode, and when both the drive source and the drive device 5 are driven, the vehicle travels in a four-wheel drive mode. The front drive source is not particularly limited.

[0026] The drive device 5 is elastically supported by the front mount device 10 on the cross member 3. The front mount device 10 has a mount bracket 11.

[0027] The mount bracket 11 has a member mounting portion 11A that extends in the vehicle width direction and is fastened (connected) to the lower surface 3a of the cross member 3 by bolts 13A, an annular portion 11B that houses a cylindrical mount bush (not shown) connected to the front wall 8A of the drive case 8, and a connecting portion 11C that connects the annular portion 11B and the member mounting portion 11A.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the drive unit 5 is fitted with a left mount device 14 and a right mount device 15, and the drive unit 5 is elastically supported by the left side member 2L and the sub-side member 4 by the left mount device 14 and the right mount device 15.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the left mounting device 14 has a cylindrical mounting bush 16 and a mounting bracket 17. In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 17 constitutes the left mounting bracket.

[0030] The mount bush 16 comprises an inner cylinder 16A whose central axis extends in the vehicle width direction, an outer cylinder 16B provided radially outward from the inner cylinder 16A and whose central axis also extends in the vehicle width direction, and a mount rubber 16C provided radially between the inner cylinder 16A and the outer cylinder 16B and connecting the inner cylinder 16A and the outer cylinder 16B, and is formed in a cylindrical shape overall.

[0031] The inner cylinder 16A is fastened (connected) to the left side wall 8B of the drive case 8 by bolts 13B, and the mount bush 16 is positioned so that its central axis extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the mount bracket 17 has a member mounting portion 17A that is fastened (connected) to the lower surface of the left side member 2L by a bolt 13C (see Figure 1), an annular portion 17B that houses the mount bush 16, and a connecting portion 17C that connects the annular portion 17B and the member mounting portion 17A. In this embodiment, the annular portion 17B constitutes the housing portion.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the connecting portion 17C has a first connecting portion 17D extending diagonally downward to the right from the member mounting portion 17A, and a second connecting portion 17E extending in the vehicle width direction toward the drive unit 5 from the first connecting portion 17D and connecting to the annular portion 17B.

[0034] In other words, the mounting bracket 17 has a step 17n consisting of a member mounting portion 17A, a first connecting portion 17D, and a second connecting portion 17E.

[0035] The front wall 17F is connected to the front end of the member mounting portion 17A, the connecting portion 17C, and the annular portion 17B, and the rear wall 17G is connected to the rear end of the member mounting portion 17A, the connecting portion 17C, and the annular portion 17B.

[0036] As a result, the mounting bracket 17 has increased rigidity against deformation in the longitudinal and vertical directions due to the front wall 17F and the rear wall 17G.

[0037] The second connecting section 17E is provided with a bulge 17a, which bulges upward from the second connecting section 17E. Furthermore, the bulge 17a bulges forward from the first connecting section 17D.

[0038] In other words, the bulge 17a bulges out from the connection between the first connecting portion 17D and the second connecting portion 17E. The connection between the first connecting portion 17D and the second connecting portion 17E is made more rigid by the highly rigid bulge 17a.

[0039] The mounting bracket 17 is provided with a fastening bracket 21. The fastening bracket 21 has a first fastening bracket portion 21A and a second fastening bracket portion 21B.

[0040] The first fastening bracket portion 21A has a mounting portion 21a fastened to the left side member 2L, and extends downward from the mounting portion 21a.

[0041] The second fastening bracket portion 21B extends in the vehicle width direction from the lower end of the first fastening bracket portion 21A and is fastened to the bulging portion 17a by a bolt 13D and a nut 13E. In other words, the second fastening bracket portion 21B is fastened to the second connecting portion 17E via the bulging portion 17a.

[0042] The mounting bracket 17 is fastened to the fastening bracket 21 and the left side member 2L in a staggered manner in the vertical direction. In other words, the mounting bracket 17 has two fastening points: a fastening point (member mounting portion 17A) fastened to the left side member 2L and a fastening point (bulging portion 17a) fastened to the fastening bracket 21, and is supported by the left side member 2L by the member mounting portion 17A and the fastening bracket 21.

[0043] This allows the mounting bracket 17 to be fastened to the left side member 2L by the fastening bracket 21, shifting it vertically and in the vehicle width direction. This increases the support rigidity of the mounting bracket 17 with respect to the left side member 2L, thereby increasing the support rigidity of the drive unit 5 by the mounting bracket 17.

[0044] In other words, the connecting portion 17C extends downward from the member mounting portion 17A and in the vehicle width direction, and connects to the annular portion 17B, so it has a shape that extends long in the vehicle width direction. However, by fastening the mount bracket 17 to the left side member 2L while shifting it vertically and in the vehicle width direction using the fastening bracket 21, the support rigidity of the mount bracket 17 with respect to the left side member 2L can be increased.

[0045] As a result, vibrations of the drive unit 5 in the vertical, horizontal, and longitudinal directions can be effectively suppressed by the mounting bracket 17.

[0046] Furthermore, since the second fastening bracket portion 21B is fastened to the bulging portion 17a, the connecting portion 17C can be reinforced by the highly rigid bulging portion 17a, thereby increasing the rigidity of the connecting portion 17C. In addition, by fastening the second fastening bracket portion 21B to the highly rigid bulging portion 17a, the mounting strength of the fastening bracket 21 can be increased.

[0047] As a result, the rigidity of the mount bracket 17 can be further increased, thereby increasing the support rigidity of the mount bracket 17 with respect to the left side member 2L, and further increasing the support rigidity of the drive unit 5 by the mount bracket 17.

[0048] As shown in Figure 4, the mounting portion 21a extends from the lower end 2b to the upper end 2c of the side surface 2a in the vehicle width direction of the left side member 2L, and is fastened to the left side member 2L over a long vertical range by welding.

[0049] This increases the mounting strength of the fastening bracket 21 to the left side member 2L, and further increases the support rigidity of the mount bracket 17 to the left side member 2L. As a result, the support rigidity of the drive unit 5 by the mount bracket 17 can be further increased.

[0050] The mounting portion 21a may be fastened to the left side member 2L by bolts instead of welding.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the right mounting device 15 has a mounting bracket 18. The mounting bracket 18 has a member mounting portion 18A that is fastened to the lower surface of the sub-side member 4 by bolts 13G (see Figure 1), and an annular portion 18B that houses a cylindrical mounting bush (not shown) equipped with mounting rubber, with the member mounting portion 18A located above the annular portion 18B.

[0052] In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 18 constitutes the right mounting bracket. The mounting bush of the right mounting device 15 is connected to the right side wall 8C of the drive case 8 by bolts 13F.

[0053] The front mounting device 10, the left mounting device 14, and the right mounting device 15 have their annular sections 11B, 17B, and 18B positioned at the lowest level.

[0054] In other words, the drive unit 5 is elastically supported by the left side member 2L, the sub-side member 4, and the cross member 3, by being suspended from the left side member 2L, the sub-side member 4, and the cross member 3 by the front mounting device 10, the left mounting device 14, and the right mounting device 15.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, the drive unit 5 is positioned in a forward-tilting position such that the upper front end 8a of the drive case 8 is located below the lower surface 3a of the cross member 3, and the upper rear end 8b is located above the lower surface 3a of the cross member 3.

[0056] In other words, the drive unit 5 is positioned in a forward-tilted state such that the upper front end 8a of the drive case 8 is located lower than the upper rear end 8b.

[0057] A bulge 9A is formed in the floor panel 9, and the bulge 9A bulges upward from the horizontal portion 9a of the floor panel 9.

[0058] The bulging portion 9A has an inclined portion 9b and a rear wall portion 9c. The inclined portion 9b faces the upper surface 8c of the drive case 8 in the vertical direction and is inclined upward from the front end to the rear end. In other words, a gap is formed between the inclined portion 9b and the upper surface 8c of the drive case 8.

[0059] Since the drive unit 5 is positioned in a forward-tilting position, it extends into the passenger compartment from the horizontal portion 9a of the floor panel 9. This prevents the vertical dimensions of the vehicle 1 from increasing, thereby enabling a more compact vehicle 1.

[0060] As shown in Figure 3, the length L1 of the mount bracket 17 in the vehicle width direction is longer than the length L2 of the mount bracket 18 in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the length L1 of the mount bracket 17, including the member mounting portion 17A, the connecting portion 17C, and the annular portion 17B, in the vehicle width direction is longer than the length L2 of the mount bracket 18, including the member mounting portion 18A and the annular portion 18B.

[0061] The upper part of the left rear wall 8D of the drive unit 5 is positioned further forward than the upper part of the right rear wall 8E, and the wire harness 31 is connected to the left rear wall 8D.

[0062] The wire harness 31 has a front harness section 31A and a curved section 31B. The front harness section 31A extends from in front of the drive unit 5 toward the drive unit 5, and its front end is connected to the high-voltage battery.

[0063] The curved portion 31B extends in the vehicle width direction, curving from the rear end 31a of the front harness portion 31A toward the drive unit 5, and a connector 32 provided at the rear end is connected to a connector 30 provided on the left rear wall 8D. In this embodiment, the connector 32 constitutes the rear end of the curved portion 31B.

[0064] The curved portion 31B is positioned behind the connector 30. The curved portion 31B curves from the rear end 31a of the front harness portion 31A, extends in the vehicle width direction, and then curves forward toward the connector 30.

[0065] The connector 30 is electrically connected to the inverter 6, and the inverter 6 is electrically connected to the high-voltage battery via the wire harness 31. In this embodiment, the connector 30 constitutes the connection part.

[0066] As shown in Figure 3, the mounting bracket 17 is positioned such that its rear end 17b is located behind the connector 30.

[0067] The mounting bracket 17 is positioned near the connector 30. As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the curved portion 31B is positioned above the connecting portion 17C and is routed between the front end 17c and the rear end 17b of the mounting bracket 17 in the front-rear direction. The front end 17c of the mounting bracket 17 is the front wall 17F, and the rear end 17b is the rear wall 17G.

[0068] The mounting bracket 17 extends in the vehicle width direction along the curved portion 31B, and the curved portion 31B extends in the vehicle width direction above the connecting portion 17C, curving from the rear end portion 31a of the front harness portion 31A toward the drive unit 5.

[0069] Next, the effects of the support structure of the drive unit 5 in this embodiment will be explained. The support structure of the drive unit 5 in this embodiment includes a left side member 2L and a right side member 2R that are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction and extend in the front-rear direction, a motor generator, and an inverter 6 that controls the power supplied to the motor generator, and the drive unit 5 is positioned between the left side member 2L and the right side member 2R in the vehicle width direction.

[0070] Furthermore, the support structure of the drive unit 5 includes a mounting bracket 17 that connects the drive unit 5 to the left side member 2L, a mounting bracket 18 that connects the drive unit 5 to the right side member 2R, and a wire harness 31 that is connected to the connector 30 of the drive unit 5.

[0071] The wire harness 31 has a front harness portion 31A that extends from in front of the drive unit 5 toward the drive unit 5, and a curved portion 31B that curves toward the drive unit 5 toward the drive unit 5 toward the drive unit 5 toward the rear end portion 31a of the front harness portion 31A and extends in the vehicle width direction, with a connector 32 provided at the rear end being connected to the connector 30.

[0072] The wire harness 31 connecting the high-voltage battery and the drive unit 5 is preferably routed to the side of the drive unit 5 and close to the drive unit 5 in order to improve routing. However, if the connector 30 is located on the left rear wall 8D of the drive case 8, the wire harness 31 must be bent and routed near the connector 30.

[0073] If the gap in the vehicle width direction between the mounting bracket 17 and the drive unit 5 is small, the bending radius of the curved portion 31B of the wire harness 31 must be reduced, which can result in excessive load being placed on the curved portion 31B.

[0074] In the support structure of the drive unit 5 of this embodiment, the length L1 of the mount bracket 17 in the vehicle width direction is longer than the length L2 of the mount bracket 18 in the vehicle width direction, and the curved portion 31B is positioned above the mount bracket 17.

[0075] This allows for a wide space in the vehicle width direction above the connecting section 17C, and by positioning the curved section 31B of the wire harness 31 in this space, the bending radius of the curved section 31B can be increased, allowing the wire harness 31 to be routed. As a result, excessive load on the wire harness 31 can be prevented, while increasing the flexibility of the wire harness 31 layout.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the support structure of the drive unit 5 of this embodiment, the mount bracket 17 has a member mounting portion 17A connected to the left side member 2L, an annular portion 17B located below the member mounting portion 17A and housing a mount bush 16 connected to the left side wall 8B of the drive case 8 of the drive unit 5, and a connecting portion 17C extending downward from the member mounting portion 17A and inclined in the vehicle width direction, and connected to the annular portion 17B.

[0077] In this way, by tilting the mounting bracket 17, a wide space can be secured between the left side member 2L, the mounting bracket 17, the drive unit 5, and the floor panel 9, and the wire harness 31 (curved portion 31B) can be placed in that enclosed space.

[0078] In other words, the space enclosed by the left side member 2L, the mounting bracket 17, the drive unit 5, and the floor panel 9 can be made wider in the vertical direction. As a result, the wire harness 31 is less likely to interfere with the mounting bracket 17, and the freedom of layout for the wire harness 31 can be more effectively improved.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the support structure of the drive unit 5 in this embodiment, the member mounting portion 17A and the connecting portion 17C have a step 17n, so that the space enclosed by the left side member 2L, the mount bracket 17, the drive unit 5, and the floor panel 9 can be made wider, and the wire harness 31 (curved portion 31B) can be placed in that enclosed space.

[0080] Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the positioning of the wire harness 31 above the drive unit 5, thereby more effectively improving the freedom of layout for the wire harness 31. In other words, the space enclosed by the left side member 2L, the mounting bracket 17, the drive unit 5, and the floor panel 9 can be made wider in the vertical direction. As a result, the wire harness 31 is less likely to interfere with the mounting bracket 17, and the freedom of layout for the wire harness 31 can be more effectively improved.

[0081] In this embodiment, the left mounting device 14 and the right mounting device 15 may be swapped in the left-right direction, with the mounting device having the same shape as the left mounting device 14 being used as the right mounting device, and the mounting device having the same shape as the right mounting device 15 being used as the left mounting device. In this case, the fastening bracket 21 will be applied to the left mounting device having the same shape as the right mounting device 15.

[0082] While embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. All such modifications and equivalents are intended to be included in the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1 vehicle 2L Left Side Member 2R Right side member 5. Drive unit 6. Inverter (Power Control Device) 17. Mounting bracket (left mounting bracket) 17A Member mounting section 17B Ring section (housing section) 17C Liaison Department 17n step 18 Mounting Bracket (Right Mounting Bracket) 30 Connectors (connecting parts) 31 Wire Harness 31A Front harness section 31a Rear end (rear end of the front harness section) 31B Curved section 32 Connector (rear end of curved section) L1 Left mounting bracket length in the vehicle width direction L2 Right Mount Bracket Length in the Vehicle Width Direction

Claims

1. The left and right side members are spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle and extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, A drive unit comprising a rotating electric machine and a power control device for controlling the power supplied to the rotating electric machine, and positioned between the left side member and the right side member in the vehicle width direction, A left mounting bracket connecting the drive unit and the left side member, A right mounting bracket connecting the drive unit and the right side member, The drive unit comprises a wire harness connected to the connection part of the drive unit, The aforementioned wire harness is A support structure for a drive unit having a front harness portion extending from in front of the drive unit toward the drive unit, and a curved portion extending in the vehicle width direction from the rear end of the front harness portion toward the drive unit, with the rear end being connected to the connection portion, The length of either the left mounting bracket or the right mounting bracket in the vehicle width direction is formed to be longer than the length of the other of the left mounting bracket or the right mounting bracket in the vehicle width direction. The support structure for the drive unit is characterized in that the curved portion is positioned above either the left mount bracket or the right mount bracket.

2. Either the left mounting bracket or the right mounting bracket is, A member mounting portion connected to either the left side member or the right side member, A housing portion located below the member mounting portion, which houses a mount bush connected to the drive device, The drive support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a connecting portion that extends downward from the member mounting portion and inclined in the vehicle width direction, and is connected to the housing portion.

3. The support structure for the drive device according to claim 2, characterized in that the member mounting portion and the connecting portion have a step difference.

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