Electric vehicles

Abstract

The objective is to provide an electric vehicle capable of suppressing the accelerated deterioration of ferrite cores attached to high-voltage cables. [Solution] The electric vehicle of the present invention comprises an inverter, a high-voltage cable connected to the inverter, and a ferrite core provided on the high-voltage cable, wherein the high-voltage cable is positioned so that condensation water generated from vehicle components is supplied to the ferrite core.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a high-voltage cable connected to an inverter of an electric vehicle, common-mode noise generated by switching of a power semiconductor of the inverter may spread throughout the vehicle via the motor and the housing of the inverter and enter the inverter through the high-voltage cable. In order to suppress the entry of this common-mode noise into the inverter, a ferrite core is attached to the high-voltage cable (Patent Document 1).

[0003] The ferrite core attached to the high-voltage cable of an electric vehicle generates heat due to the following factors. One factor is that the current flowing through the high-voltage cable generates heat due to the resistance of the cable, and this heat is conducted to the ferrite core. Another factor is that the ferrite core absorbs common-mode noise and converts its energy into heat. Note that the ferrite core can maintain its temperature within the operating temperature range even when it generates heat.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Even if the ferrite core attached to the high-voltage cable of an electric vehicle is within the operating temperature range, its deterioration may be accelerated when used continuously at a high temperature compared to when used continuously at a low temperature.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of these problems, and aims to provide an electric vehicle that can suppress the acceleration of deterioration of ferrite cores attached to high-voltage cables. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The electric vehicle of the present invention comprises an inverter, a high-voltage cable connected to the inverter, and a ferrite core provided on the high-voltage cable, wherein the high-voltage cable is positioned so that condensation water generated from vehicle components is supplied to the ferrite core. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the electric vehicle of the present invention, cooling the ferrite core with condensed water suppresses the acceleration of deterioration of the ferrite core attached to the high-voltage cable, thereby improving reliability. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic diagram of the mounting structure for a high-voltage cable attached to an electric vehicle in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows the details of the mounting structure for a high-voltage cable in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the details of the mounting structure for a high-voltage cable in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows the details of the mounting structure for a high-voltage cable in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows the details of the mounting structure for a high-voltage cable in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) First, the general outline of the mounting structure for the high-voltage cable of an electric vehicle in Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the general outline of the mounting structure for the high-voltage cable attached to an electric vehicle in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0012] The electric vehicle of Embodiment 1 comprises a junction box 1, a high-voltage cable 2, an eAxle 3, a connector 4, a ferrite core 5, an accumulator 6, and a frame 7. The junction box 1 receives high-voltage power supplied from a battery (not shown) and distributes the power to a plurality of high-voltage cables. The high-voltage cable 2 transmits the high-voltage power output from the junction box 1 to the eAxle 3. The eAxle 3 receives the power supplied from the high-voltage cable 2 and converts the power into driving force. The connector 4 connects the high-voltage cable 2 and the eAxle 3. The ferrite core 5 is mounted on the high-voltage cable 2 immediately adjacent to the connector 4. The accumulator 6 is a component of a vehicle air conditioning system (in-vehicle air conditioning system) (not shown) and is fixed directly above the ferrite core 5. The frame 7 is positioned above the eAxle 3 and secures the junction box 1 and the accumulator 6.

[0013] eAxle3 incorporates an inverter and motor (not shown), which convert the DC power supplied from the high-voltage cable 2 into AC power using the inverter, and the motor converts the AC power into driving force. The high-voltage cable 2 is connected to the inverter in eAxle3.

[0014] The ferrite core 5 suppresses common-mode noise that spreads from the inverter of eAxle 3 throughout the vehicle and returns to the inverter through the high-voltage cable 2. The ferrite core 5 is located vertically below the accumulator 6.

[0015] The accumulator 6 separates the refrigerant in the air conditioning system into liquid and gaseous states. Furthermore, the accumulator 6 is not the only component that can be placed directly above the ferrite core 5; any vehicle component that generates condensation on its surface, such as an evaporator in a vehicle's air conditioning system, would suffice.

[0016] Next, the method for fixing the ferrite core 5 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing details of the mounting structure of the high-voltage cable 2 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the high-voltage cable 2 includes a connector stopper 8, a cable stopper 9, and a pedestal 10. The connector stopper 8 is disposed at the connection portion between the high-voltage cable 2 and the connector 4. The cable stopper 9 is disposed on the side of the junction box 1 closer to the high-voltage cable 2 than the ferrite core 5, in the immediate vicinity of the ferrite core 5. The pedestal 10 is disposed adjacent to the ferrite core 5 and the connector stopper 8.

[0018] The connector stopper 8 prevents the ferrite core 5 from shifting toward the connector side and coming off the tube of the high-voltage cable 2. The cable stopper 9 prevents the ferrite core 5 from shifting toward the junction box 1 side of the high-voltage cable 2. By fixing the position of the cable stopper 9, the pedestal 10 can keep the portion of the high-voltage cable 2 where the ferrite core 5 is attached horizontal, preventing the position of the ferrite core 5 from shifting.

[0019] As described above, the ferrite core 5 is disposed directly below the accumulator 6. Therefore, when dew condensation occurs on the surface of the accumulator 6 when the occupant uses the air conditioner, the dew condensation drips onto the ferrite core 5, cooling the ferrite core 5.

[0020] (Embodiment 2) Next, the mounting structure of the high-voltage cable attached to the electric vehicle in Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing details of the mounting structure of the high-voltage cable in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Note that the electric vehicle of Embodiment 2 is different from the electric vehicle of Embodiment 1 in that the accumulator 6 is disposed directly above the high-voltage cable 2.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the accumulator 6 is arranged directly above the junction box 1 side from the ferrite core 5 of the high-voltage cable 2. Therefore, by cooling the high-voltage cable 2 with condensed water, the influence of heat on the ferrite core 5 attached to the high-voltage cable 2 can be suppressed.

[0022] (Embodiment 3) Next, the structure for guiding condensed water to the ferrite core 5 in Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of the mounting structure of the high-voltage cable in Embodiment 3. Note that the electric vehicle of Embodiment 3 is different from the electric vehicle of Embodiment 1 in that it further includes a drain hose 14.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4, the air conditioner unit 11 includes an evaporator 12 and a drain pan 13. The drain pan 13 is arranged directly below the evaporator 12. The drain hose 14 is connected to the drain pan 13. The outlet of the drain hose 14 is arranged directly above the ferrite core 5.

[0024] The air conditioner unit 11 integrally and efficiently manages the functions of cooling, heating, ventilation, and air purification of the air inside the vehicle. The evaporator 12 absorbs heat from the surrounding air when the refrigerant evaporates and cools the air inside the vehicle. Condensed water is generated on the surface of the evaporator 12 during the process of cooling the air. The drain pan 13 collects the condensed water generated by the evaporator 12. The drain hose 14 guides the condensed water collected by the drain pan 13 to the ferrite core 5.

[0025] By guiding the condensed water to the ferrite core 5 with the drain hose 14, the dripping position of the condensed water can be changed. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the position design of the ferrite core 5 is improved.

[0026] (Embodiment 4) Next, the waterproofing method for the connector 4 in Embodiment 4 of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the details of the mounting structure for the high-voltage cable in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The electric vehicle of Embodiment 4 differs from the electric vehicle of Embodiment 1 in that a waterproof sheet is wrapped around the ferrite core 5.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5, first, the connector tape 15 is wrapped in a half-wrap (overlapping by half in the width direction) to cover a portion of the connector stopper 8 located at the connection point between the high-voltage cable 2 and the connector 4, and a portion of the tube of the high-voltage cable 2. Next, the waterproof sheet 16 is wrapped around the ferrite core 5. Then, the connector-side ferrite core tape 17 is applied to cover a portion of the waterproof sheet 16 and a portion of the connector tape 15. Finally, the junction box-side ferrite core tape 18 is applied to cover a portion of the waterproof sheet 16 and a portion of the high-voltage cable 2.

[0028] By protecting the connection between the ferrite core 5 and the high-voltage cable 2 and the connector 4 with tape and sheets, it is possible to prevent condensation water dripping onto the ferrite core 5 from flowing down the high-voltage cable 2 into the connector 4.

[0029] (summary) In summary, the electric vehicle of the present invention comprises an inverter, a high-voltage cable 2 connected to the inverter, and a ferrite core 5 provided on the high-voltage cable 2. The high-voltage cable 2 is positioned so that condensation water generated from vehicle components is supplied to the ferrite core 5. Therefore, by cooling the ferrite core 5 with condensation water, the acceleration of deterioration of the ferrite core 5 attached to the high-voltage cable 2 can be suppressed, and reliability can be improved.

[0030] Furthermore, in electric vehicles where the high-voltage cable 2 or ferrite core 5 is installed directly below the accumulator 6, condensation generated in the accumulator 6 can drip onto the ferrite core 5, thereby cooling it. In particular, when the outside temperature of the vehicle is high, there is a concern that the temperature of the ferrite core 5 will become even higher. In such cases, the driver often operates the air conditioner while the vehicle is running, causing the air conditioner's accumulator 6 to operate and making it easier for condensation to be generated. Therefore, by installing the high-voltage cable 2 and ferrite core 5 so that the ferrite core 5 is located directly below the air conditioner's accumulator 6, the effect of cooling the ferrite core 5 in conjunction with the vehicle's temperature can be obtained. Thus, cooling of the ferrite core 5 becomes possible in the limited space of a vehicle without introducing any special equipment.

[0031] Furthermore, in the case of an electric vehicle equipped with a drain hose 14, the drain hose 14 guides the condensed water to the ferrite core 5. Therefore, the dripping position of the condensed water can be changed. Consequently, the degree of freedom in the positional design of the high-voltage cable 2 and the ferrite core 5 is improved.

[0032] Furthermore, in the case of electric vehicles in which a waterproof sheet is wrapped around the ferrite core 5, the connection between the high-voltage cable 2 and the inverter and the ferrite core 5 are covered together by a waterproof shield. Therefore, by protecting the connection between the high-voltage cable 2 and the connector 4 with a protective member, it is possible to prevent condensation water dripping onto the ferrite core 5 from flowing down the high-voltage cable 2 into the connector 4. [Industrial applicability]

[0033] The electric vehicle of the present invention can be suitably used as a passenger car, commercial vehicle, and public transport vehicle, among others. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0034] 1 Junction Box 2 High-voltage cable 3 eAxle 4 connectors 5 ferrite core 6. Accumulator 7 frames 8. Connector stopper 9 Cable stopper 10 bases 11. Air conditioning unit 12 Evaporator 13 Drain pan 14 Drain hose 15 Connector Tape 16 Waterproof sheet 17. Ferrite core tape on the connector side 18. Ferrite core tape on the junction box side

Claims

1. Inverter and A high-voltage cable connected to the inverter, A ferrite core is provided on the aforementioned high-voltage cable, Equipped with, The aforementioned high-voltage cable is It is positioned so that condensation water generated from the vehicle components is supplied to the ferrite core. Electric vehicle.

2. The aforementioned vehicle component is an accumulator for a vehicle air conditioning system, The ferrite core is mounted directly below the accumulator. The electric vehicle according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned vehicle component includes a drain hose, The drain hose guides the condensed water to the ferrite core. The electric vehicle according to claim 1.

4. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the connection between the high-voltage cable and the inverter and the ferrite core are integrally covered with a waterproof shield.

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