Electric vehicles

Abstract

To provide an electric vehicle that can protect the lubrication piping located on the rear of the drive unit in the event of a frontal collision. [Solution] The rear bracket 12 has a recess 13 that forms a gap extending in the vehicle width direction between itself and the rear surface of the drive unit 30, and a lubrication pipe 31 extending in the vehicle width direction through the recess 13 is provided on the rear surface of the drive unit 30. The lubrication pipe 31 is inclined to become lower from the left end 31A to the right end 31B. The upper surface of the rear bracket 12 is inclined to become lower from one end to the other in the vehicle width direction, and the size of the rear bracket 12 in the vehicle vertical direction increases from one end to the other in the vehicle width direction. The size of the rear bracket 12 in the vehicle longitudinal direction increases from one end to the other in the vehicle width direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a power transmission device having a motor, a gear connected downstream of the motor, and a shaft penetrating through the motor and the inner peripheral surface of the gear. This power transmission device includes a lubricating pipe in the case of the power transmission device for supplying lubricating oil scraped up by the gear to a lip seal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of the device described in Patent Document 1, the case of the power transmission device may be complicated because it incorporates a lubricating pipe. On the other hand, if the lubricating pipe is installed outside the case of the power transmission device, the case structure can be simplified, but there is a risk that the lubricating pipe may collide with other members during a vehicle frontal collision and the lubricating pipe may be damaged.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicle capable of protecting a lubricating pipe disposed behind a driving device during a vehicle frontal collision.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an electric vehicle comprising: a drive unit arranged in an engine room formed in the front of the vehicle and generating motor torque for driving; and a bracket fixed to the rear surface of the drive unit and supporting the drive unit on the vehicle body, wherein the bracket has a recess that forms a gap extending in the vehicle width direction between itself and the rear surface of the drive unit, and a lubrication pipe extending in the vehicle width direction through the recess is provided on the rear surface of the drive unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an electric vehicle that can protect the lubrication piping located on the rear surface of the drive unit in the event of a frontal collision. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view of the drive system of an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a rear view of the drive unit of an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a right side view of the drive unit of an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a front view of the drive unit of an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle shown in Figure 3, taken along the VV direction. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a rear view of the lubrication piping of the drive system of an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a right side view of the lubrication piping of the drive unit of an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] An electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a drive unit arranged in an engine room formed at the front of the vehicle and generating motor torque for driving, and a bracket fixed to the rear surface of the drive unit and supporting the drive unit on the vehicle body, wherein the bracket has a recess that forms a gap extending in the vehicle width direction between itself and the rear surface of the drive unit, and a lubrication pipe extending in the vehicle width direction through the recess is provided on the rear surface of the drive unit. As a result, the electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention can protect the lubrication pipe located on the rear surface of the drive unit in the event of a frontal collision. [Examples]

[0010] Hereinafter, an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 7 show an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] In Figures 1 to 7, the vertical, horizontal, and vertical directions are based on the drive unit as it is positioned on the vehicle. The horizontal direction of the vehicle is defined as the horizontal direction, the horizontal direction (vehicle width direction) as the horizontal direction, and the vertical direction (vehicle height direction) as the vertical direction.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, a drive unit 30 that generates motor torque for driving is provided in the engine compartment 3 at the front of the vehicle 1. The drive unit 30 is positioned transversely in the engine compartment 3 such that its internal motor output shaft 51 (see Figure 5) extends in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle 1 in this embodiment constitutes an electric vehicle.

[0013] Drive wheels (not shown) are located to the left and right of the drive unit 30, and the rotation output from the drive unit 30 is transmitted to the drive wheels. The vehicle 1 comprises a body 2, which has a subframe 2A and a body member 2B. The subframe 2A and body member 2B constitute the bottom of the body 2 and support the drive unit 30. The subframe 2A supports the rear of the drive unit 30 and lower arms (not shown), etc. The body member 2B supports the ends of the drive unit 30 in the vehicle width direction, etc.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 5, the drive device 30 includes a motor 50, a speed reduction mechanism 53, a differential device 54, and a split case 40 as a housing for housing these components.

[0015] The case 40 has a first case 41 that constitutes the left end portion of the drive device 30, a second case 42 fastened to the right end portion of the first case 41, a third case 43 fastened to the right end portion of the second case 42, a fourth case 44 connected to the right end portion of the third case 43, and a cover member 45 fastened to the right end portion of the fourth case 44.

[0016] The first case 41 has a partition member 41A at its right end portion. The partition member 41A extends in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction so as to partition the internal space of the first case 41 and the internal space on the second case 42 side. The partition member 41A rotatably supports the left end portion of the motor output shaft 51 of the motor 50 and the right end portion of the differential device 54, and passes through the reduction shaft 53A of the speed reduction mechanism 53.

[0017] The motor 50 is disposed in the third case 43. At the center of the motor 50, a hollow motor output shaft 51 for outputting motor torque is provided. The motor output shaft 51 extends in the vehicle width direction from the inside of the second case 42 to the inside of the fourth case 44.

[0018] The second case 42 is provided with a bearing 57 that rotatably supports a portion of the motor output shaft 51 to the left of the motor 50. The fourth case 44 is provided with a bearing 58 that rotatably supports a portion of the motor output shaft 51 to the right of the motor 50.

[0019] The first case 41 and the second case 42 are provided with a speed reduction mechanism 53 for reducing the rotation transmitted from the motor 50, and a differential device 54 for differentially and rotatably transmitting the rotation reduced by the speed reduction mechanism 53 to the left and right drive shafts 55, 56.

[0020] The differential device 54 is located to the left of the left end of the motor output shaft 51. The differential device 54 is equipped with a ring gear 54A that receives rotation from the reduction mechanism 53. The left drive shaft 55 is connected to the left end of the differential device 54. The right drive shaft 56 is connected to the right end of the differential device 54. This drive shaft 56 is coaxially located inside the hollow motor output shaft 51.

[0021] The reduction mechanism 53 includes a reduction shaft 53A, a large-diameter first reduction gear 53B and a small-diameter second reduction gear 53C, both mounted on the reduction shaft 53A. The reduction shaft 53A is positioned in front of the differential device 54 and parallel to the motor output shaft 51. The first reduction gear 53B meshes with a gear 51A on the motor output shaft 51, and the second reduction gear 53C meshes with the ring gear 54A of the differential device 54.

[0022] The case 40 is formed with a roughly circular cross-sectional shape and has a cylindrical portion 40A extending in the vehicle width direction and a bulging portion 40B that bulges forward from the left end of the cylindrical portion 40A. The cylindrical portion 40A is the part that houses the motor 50, the motor output shaft 51 and the differential device 54. The bulging portion 40B is the part that houses the reduction mechanism 53. In a left side view, the case 40 has an oval shape formed by the combination of the cylindrical portion 40A and the bulging portion 40B, and in a plan view, it has an L-shape formed by the intersection of the cylindrical portion 40A and the bulging portion 40B.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, a left front bracket 10 is fixed to the left end of the drive unit 30 to support the drive unit 30 on the vehicle body 2, and a mount insulator 14 is connected to the front end 10E of the left front bracket 10. The mount insulator 14 is fixed to the vehicle body member 2B.

[0024] An elastic member 14A, such as a mounting rubber, is provided inside the mount insulator 14, and the left front bracket 10 and the mount insulator 14 are elastically connected via the elastic member 14A. Therefore, the left end of the drive unit 30 is elastically supported by the vehicle body member 2B via the left front bracket 10 and the mount insulator 14.

[0025] The left front bracket 10 has three fastening parts 10A, 10B, and 10C that are fastened to the left end of the first case 41. Fastening part 10A is located in front of the center position of the drive unit 30 (the axial center position of the motor output shaft 51) at the left end of the first case 41, and is positioned at the front end of the cylindrical part 40A. Fastening part 10B is located in front of and above fastening part 10A. Fastening part 10C is located in front of and below fastening part 10A.

[0026] A right front bracket 11, which supports the drive unit 30 on the vehicle body 2, is fixed to the right end of the drive unit 30, and a mount insulator 15 is connected to the front end 11E of the right front bracket 11. The mount insulator 15 is fixed to the vehicle body member 2B.

[0027] An elastic member 15A, such as a mounting rubber, is provided inside the mount insulator 15, and the right front bracket 11 and the mount insulator 15 are elastically connected via the elastic member 15A. Therefore, the right end of the drive unit 30 is elastically supported by the vehicle body member 2B via the right front bracket 11 and the mount insulator 15.

[0028] The right front bracket 11 has four fastening parts 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D that are fastened to the right end of the fourth case 44. Fastening part 11A is fastened to the right end of the fourth case 44 at a position behind and above the center of the drive unit 30. Fastening part 11B is fastened to the right end of the fourth case 44 at a position in front and below the center of the drive unit 30.

[0029] An upper support portion 44A is formed on the upper front of the fourth case 44, to which the upper part of the right front bracket 11 and the upper part of the high-voltage component 16 are fixed. The upper support portion 44A extends from the front outer periphery of the fourth case 44 toward the front and above the vehicle. The front end surface of the upper support portion 44A forms a flat surface that extends in the vertical direction.

[0030] A lower support portion 44B is formed at the lower front of the fourth case 44, to which the lower part of the right front bracket 11 and the lower part of the high-voltage component 16 are fixed. The lower support portion 44B extends from the front outer periphery of the fourth case 44 toward the front and downward of the vehicle. The front end surface of the lower support portion 44B forms a flat surface that extends in the vertical direction.

[0031] The fastening portion 11C is fastened to the right end of the upper support portion 44A of the fourth case 44 at a position forward and above the center of the drive unit 30. The fastening portion 11D is fastened to the right end of the lower support portion 44B of the fourth case 44 at a position forward and below the center of the drive unit 30.

[0032] A rear bracket 12 is fixed to the center of the rear of the drive unit 30 in the vehicle width direction, supporting the drive unit 30 to the vehicle body 2. The rear bracket 12 has a main body portion 12E that is fastened to the drive unit 30, and two vehicle body side connecting portions 12F that extend rearward from the main body portion 12E. A dash panel 2C is provided behind the rear bracket 12, and the dash panel 2C separates the engine room 3 from the passenger compartment behind it (not shown).

[0033] The main body 12E is formed in a roughly box shape with the longer side in the vehicle width direction when viewed from above and from the rear. A mount insulator 20 is connected to the rear end of the vehicle body side connecting part 12F. The mount insulator 20 is fixed to the subframe 2A.

[0034] An elastic member 20A, such as a mounting rubber, is provided inside the mount insulator 20, and the rear bracket 12 and the mount insulator 20 are elastically connected via the elastic member 20A. Therefore, the rear surface of the drive unit 30 is elastically supported by the subframe 2A via the rear bracket 12 and the mount insulator 20.

[0035] The main body 12E has four fastening parts 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D that are fastened to the case 40. Fastening part 12A is located in the upper left corner of the main body 12E and is fastened to the rear surface of the partition member 41A of the first case 41. Fastening part 12B is located in the upper right corner of the main body 12E and is fastened to the rear surface of the third case 43.

[0036] The fastening portion 12C is located at the lower left corner of the main body portion 12E and is fastened to the rear surface of the partition member 41A of the first case 41. The fastening portion 12D is located at the lower right corner of the main body portion 12E and is fastened to the rear surface of the third case 43.

[0037] A high-voltage component 16 is fixed to the front of the drive unit 30, near the right end in the vehicle width direction. The high-voltage component 16 consists of an inverter that converts power from a battery (not shown) to a predetermined voltage and frequency and supplies it to the motor 50. The high-voltage component 16 is formed in a roughly square, box-like shape when viewed from the front. The high-voltage component 16 has four fastening parts 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D that are fastened to the case 40.

[0038] Fastening portion 16A is located in the upper left corner of the high-voltage component 16 and fastens to the upper front of the second case 42. Fastening portion 16C is located in the lower left corner of the high-voltage component 16 and fastens to the lower front of the second case 42.

[0039] The fastening portion 16B is located at the upper right corner of the high-voltage component 16 and is fastened to the front end of the upper support portion 44A on the front of the fourth case 44. The fastening portion 16D is located at the lower right corner of the high-voltage component 16 and is fastened to the front end of the lower support portion 44B on the front of the fourth case 44.

[0040] An electric water pump 17 is positioned in front of the left end of the drive unit 30, above the left front bracket 10. The water pump 17 pumps coolant cooled by a radiator (not shown) to the drive unit 30. The water pump 17 has a coolant inlet pipe 17A for taking in coolant, and a coolant outlet pipe 17B that extends perpendicular to the coolant inlet pipe 17A and discharges the coolant. A support portion 10F for supporting the water pump 17 from below is formed integrally with the left front bracket 10 on the upper part of the left front bracket 10.

[0041] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the rear bracket 12 has a recess 13 that forms a gap extending in the vehicle width direction between it and the rear surface of the drive unit 30. A lubrication pipe 31 is provided on the rear surface of the drive unit 30, extending in the vehicle width direction through the recess 13. The lubrication pipe 31 is inclined so as to become lower from one end (left end) to the other end (right end) in the vehicle width direction. Here, the rear bracket 12 corresponds to the bracket described in the claims of the present invention.

[0042] The upper surface of the rear bracket 12 is sloped downward from one end to the other in the vehicle width direction, and the size of the rear bracket 12 increases in the vehicle vertical direction from one end to the other in the vehicle width direction. The size of the rear bracket 12 increases in the vehicle longitudinal direction from one end to the other in the vehicle width direction.

[0043] The left end 31A of the lubrication pipe 31 is connected to the rear surface of the second case 42. The right end 31B of the lubrication pipe 31 is connected to the rear surface of the cover member 45. Between the second case 42 and the cover member 45, there are division points between the second case 42 and the third case 43, between the third case 43 and the fourth case 44, and between the fourth case 44 and the cover member 45. Therefore, the left end 31A and the right end 31B of the lubrication pipe 31 are connected to case 40, spanning at least two division points of the case members: the second case 42, the third case 43, the fourth case 44, and the cover member 45.

[0044] The rear bracket 12 is formed in a rectangular shape with its longer side in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the rear, and is fastened to the rear surface of the drive unit 30 at four locations: the upper and left end fastening portion of the rear bracket 12, the upper and right end fastening portion, the lower and left end fastening portion, and the lower and right end fastening portion.

[0045] As described above, in this embodiment, the rear bracket 12 has a recess 13 that forms a gap extending in the vehicle width direction between itself and the rear surface of the drive unit 30, and a lubrication pipe 31 is provided on the rear surface of the drive unit 30 that extends in the vehicle width direction through the recess 13.

[0046] This prevents the lubrication pipes 31 from interfering with vehicle body parts such as the dashboard panel, even if the drive unit 30 is pushed backward by the frontal impact load during a vehicle collision. As a result, the lubrication pipes 31 located on the rear of the drive unit can be protected during a vehicle collision.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lubrication pipe 31 is inclined so that it becomes lower from one end to the other in the vehicle width direction.

[0048] This allows oil to pass through the inclined lubrication pipe 31 from one end to the other by its own weight.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper surface of the rear bracket 12 is inclined to become lower from one end to the other in the vehicle width direction, and the size of the rear bracket 12 in the vehicle vertical direction increases from one end to the other in the vehicle width direction.

[0050] This allows the recess 13 through which the inclined lubrication pipe 31 passes to be formed near the vertical center of the front surface of the bracket, while the recess 13 is formed so that its vertical width increases from one end to the other in the vehicle width direction, thereby preventing the lubrication pipe 31 from interfering with the bracket. Furthermore, it prevents a reduction in the strength of the rear bracket 12 due to the formation of the recess 13.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the size of the rear bracket 12 increases in the vehicle's longitudinal direction from one end in the vehicle's width direction to the other end.

[0052] This allows the recess 13 through which the inclined lubrication pipe 31 passes to be formed such that its width in the front-rear direction increases from one end in the vehicle width direction to the other, preventing interference with the bracket if the lubrication pipe 31 shifts position in the front-rear direction. It also prevents a decrease in the strength of the rear bracket 12 due to the formation of the recess 13.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drive unit 30 includes a split case 40 consisting of a plurality of case members that are fastened to each other while being arranged adjacent to each other from one side to the other in the vehicle width direction, and one end and the other end of the lubrication pipe 31 are connected to the case 40, straddling the split positions of at least two case members.

[0054] As a result, it is difficult to form a lubricating oil flow path extending in the vehicle width direction inside the split case 40, and in a configuration in which the lubricating pipe 31 is located on the rear surface of the drive unit 30, the lubricating pipe 31 can be protected by the rear bracket 12.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear bracket 12 is formed in the shape of a rectangle with a longer side in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the rear, and is fastened to the rear surface of the drive unit 30 at four locations: the upper and left fastening portion of the rear bracket 12, the upper and right fastening portion of the rear bracket 12, the lower and left fastening portion of the rear bracket 12, and the lower and right fastening portion of the rear bracket 12.

[0056] This allows the recess 13 through which the inclined lubrication pipe 31 passes to be formed near the vertical center of the front surface of the rear bracket 12, while avoiding interference with the fastening portions at the four corners of the rear bracket 12. As a result, the fastening rigidity of the rear bracket 12 to the drive unit 30 can be ensured, and the rigidity of the rear bracket 12 can be ensured.

[0057] 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]

[0058] 1 vehicle 2 car bodies 3. Engine Room 12 Rear Bracket (Bracket) 13 recess 30 Drive unit 31 Lubrication piping 31A Left end (one end) 31B Right end (other end) 40 cases 41. Case 1 (Case Components) 42. Case 2 (Case Components) 43. Case 3 (Case Components) 44. Case 4 (Case Components) 45 Cover component (case component)

Claims

1. A drive unit is located in the engine compartment formed at the front of the vehicle and generates motor torque for driving, An electric vehicle comprising a bracket fixed to the rear surface of the drive unit and supporting the drive unit on the vehicle body, The bracket has a recess that forms a gap extending in the vehicle width direction between it and the rear surface of the drive unit. An electric vehicle characterized in that a lubrication pipe extending in the vehicle width direction through the recess is provided on the rear surface of the drive unit.

2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the lubrication piping is inclined to become lower from one end to the other in the vehicle width direction.

3. The upper surface of the bracket is inclined to become lower from one end to the other in the vehicle width direction. The electric vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the bracket's size in the vehicle's vertical direction increases from one end in the vehicle's width direction to the other end.

4. The electric vehicle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the bracket's size in the vehicle's longitudinal direction increases from one end in the vehicle's width direction to the other end.

5. The drive unit comprises a split case consisting of a plurality of case members fastened to each other in an adjacent arrangement from one side to the other in the vehicle width direction. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that one end and the other end of the lubrication pipe are connected to the case, straddling at least two division points of the case member.

6. The bracket is formed in a rectangular shape with its longer side in the vehicle width direction when viewed from the rear. The electric vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that the drive device is fastened to the rear surface of the bracket at four locations: the upper and left end fastening portion, the upper and right end fastening portion, the lower and left end fastening portion, and the lower and right end fastening portion.

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