vehicle

Abstract

The cables that transmit power from the battery pack to the motor should be properly protected. [Solution] The bracket 30 that suspends the battery pack 2 from the lower part of the vehicle body 3 is positioned on the extension of the trajectory of the torsion beam 11, which is displaced in accordance with the operation of the left and right suspensions 10. The minimum distance between the lower part of the vehicle body 3 and the torsion beam 11 when the torsion beam 11 contacts the bracket 30 is greater than the thickness of the cable 24 routed between the lower part of the vehicle body 3 and the torsion beam 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle equipped with an electric motor for driving wheels and a battery pack for supplying operating power to the electric motor.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to enable more people to access affordable, reliable, sustainable, and advanced energy, research and development on secondary batteries that contribute to energy efficiency have been carried out.

[0003] In the routing structure of the high-voltage cable described in Patent Document 1, a high-voltage cable for transmitting high-voltage power from the battery to the motor-inverter is routed under the floor panel. A protrusion having an inclined bottom surface is provided on the lower surface of the floor panel, and the high-voltage cable is routed along the side of the protrusion and protected from contact with road surface irregularities. Further, the high-voltage cable is covered with a cover that crosses the bottom surface of the protrusion. When the suspension member moves backward and rides on the protrusion and then deviates laterally from the protrusion during a collision, the high-voltage cable is pushed laterally together with the cover.

[0004] In the vehicle front structure described in Patent Document 2, a high-voltage harness for supplying power from the battery to the power unit is fixed to the vehicle body by brackets. When a compressor, which is a high-voltage component arranged in front of the brackets, moves backward due to a frontal collision of the vehicle, the compressor contacts the guide member of the brackets and is moved in the vehicle width direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

[0006] One of the objectives of the present invention is to properly protect the cable that transmits power from the battery pack to the electric motor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention is The left and right suspensions connect the left and right wheels to the vehicle body, A torsion beam connecting the pair of suspensions, The electric motors that drive the left and right wheels, A battery pack is positioned on the opposite side of the torsion beam from the electric motor, A bracket for suspending the battery pack from the lower part of the vehicle body, A cable for transmitting power from the battery pack to the electric motor, Equipped with, The cable is routed between the lower part of the vehicle body and the torsion beam. The bracket is positioned on the extension of the trajectory of the torsion beam, which is displaced in accordance with the operation of the pair of suspensions. The minimum distance between the lower part of the vehicle body and the torsion beam when the torsion beam contacts the bracket is greater than the thickness of the cable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the cable that transmits power from the battery pack to the electric motor can be properly protected. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a bottom view of an example vehicle for illustrating embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a bottom view showing an enlarged view of section A in Figure 1. [Figure 3]This is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of section A in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view showing the torsion beam in a displaced state in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the bracket. [Figure 6] Figure 3 is a rear view showing the structure around the bracket. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the function of the bracket shown in Figure 3. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the function of the bracket shown in Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] An example of a vehicle for illustrating embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the attached drawings. The drawings should be viewed in the direction of the reference numerals. Furthermore, in this specification and elsewhere, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, the front, rear, left, right, and up directions are described according to the direction as seen from the driver of the vehicle, and in the drawings, the front of the vehicle is indicated as Fr, the rear as Rr, the left as L, the right as R, the top as U, and the bottom as D.

[0011] The vehicle 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is an electric vehicle such as a battery electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle (including a plug-in hybrid vehicle), or a fuel cell vehicle. Figure 1 shows the right side of the vehicle 1 from the center to the rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, but the left side is also symmetrically configured. The vehicle 1 comprises an electric motor M that drives the left and right rear wheels WH, a battery pack 2 that stores and discharges power supplied to the electric motor M, etc., and a vehicle body 3 on which the electric motor M and battery pack 2 are installed.

[0012] The vehicle body 3 includes a center floor panel 4C, a rear floor panel 4R, a cross member 5, and side sills 6. The center floor panel 4C forms the floor at the center of the vehicle 1 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the rear floor panel 4R forms the floor at the rear of the vehicle 1. The cross member 5 extends in the vehicle width direction along the joint between the center floor panel 4C and the rear floor panel 4R, and is joined to the lower surfaces of the center floor panel 4C and the rear floor panel 4R by an appropriate method such as welding. The side sills 6 extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle along the sides on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the center floor panel 4C, and are joined to the sides of the center floor panel 4C. The center floor panel 4C, the rear floor panel 4R, the cross member 5, and the side sills 6 constitute a part of the lower portion of the vehicle body 3.

[0013] The electric motor M is installed below the rear floor panel 4R. The power output from the electric motor M is transmitted to the left and right rear wheels WH via a drive shaft DS. The vehicle 1 further includes left and right suspensions 10 that connect the left and right rear wheels WH to the vehicle body 3, and a torsion beam 11 that connects the left and right suspensions. Only the right suspension 10 that connects the right rear wheel WH to the vehicle body 3 is shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, but the left suspension is configured in the same manner.

[0014] The suspension 10 is an independent suspension type that allows independent vertical movement of the left and right rear wheels WH. The suspension 10 includes a swing arm 12, and the swing arm 12 is rotatably connected to the rear end of the side sill 6 in front of the axle of the rear wheel WH in the vehicle. In addition to the swing arm 12, the suspension 10 also includes a coil spring, a shock absorber, and the like.

[0015] The torsion beam 11 is disposed in front of the electric motor M in the vehicle, and extends in the vehicle width direction below the cross member 5. Both ends in the extending direction of the torsion beam 11 are respectively joined to the swing arms 12 of the left and right suspensions 10, and connect the left and right suspensions 10.

[0016] The torsion beam 11 allows for twisting (torsion), and the left and right suspensions 10 connected by the torsion beam 11 can operate independently of each other based on the twisting of the torsion beam 11. The torsion beam 11 is displaced in conjunction with the left and right suspensions 10. As shown in Figure 3, the shape of the torsion beam 11 is a U-shape that opens downward in a cross section perpendicular to the direction of extension, but it is not particularly limited as long as it allows for twisting.

[0017] The battery pack 2 is installed below the center floor panel 4C and is positioned on the opposite side of the torsion beam 11 from the electric motor M. By positioning the relatively heavy battery pack 2 in the center of the vehicle 1 in the longitudinal direction, the front-to-rear weight balance of the vehicle 1 is equalized, improving the handling stability of the vehicle 1. The battery pack 2 comprises a battery and a case 20 that houses the battery.

[0018] A battery contains multiple battery cells. These battery cells are, for example, lithium-ion batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries using a liquid electrolyte, or all-solid-state batteries using a solid electrolyte. Batteries are typically modularized, with multiple battery cells connected in series and / or parallel.

[0019] The case 20 includes a case body 21 formed in the shape of a tray capable of housing a battery, and a case cover 22 that covers the case body 21 from above. The case body 21 is made of a metal plate material such as aluminum alloy or steel. Multiple flanges 23 are provided on the side walls of the case body 21, and these flanges 23 are fixed to the lower part of the vehicle body 3. The flanges 23 provided at the rear of the case body 21 are suspended from the cross member 5 via brackets 30.

[0020] The cable 24 that transmits power from the battery pack 2 to the electric motor M is routed between the cross member 5 and the torsion beam 11. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the cable 24 is routed outside the bracket 30 in the vehicle width direction.

[0021] The bracket 30 is positioned on the extension of the trajectory of the torsion beam 11, which is displaced in accordance with the movement of the left and right suspensions 10. As shown in Figure 4, when a bump occurs that causes the shock absorbers of the suspension 10 to compress excessively, the torsion beam 11 comes into contact with the bracket 30. At this time, the bracket 30 functions as a stopper to restrain the torsion beam 11.

[0022] The minimum distance Gmin between the cross member 5 and the torsion beam 11 when the torsion beam 11 contacts the bracket 30 is greater than the thickness of the cable 24. This prevents the cable 24 from being pinched between the cross member 5 and the torsion beam 11, thereby protecting the cable 24.

[0023] Preferably, the cable 24 is fixed to the cross member 5, and the fixing portion 25 of the cross member 5 is the portion that provides a minimum gap Gmin between the cross member 5 and the torsion beam 11. This prevents contact between the cable 24 and the torsion beam 11 even if the cable 24 becomes loose, and more reliably protects the cable 24.

[0024] Figures 5 and 6 show a bracket 30, which has a pair of contact plates 31 that can contact the torsion beam 11. The pair of contact plates 31 face each other in the extending direction of the torsion beam 11 and extend in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction. The bracket 30 is formed in an open cross-sectional shape in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the pair of contact plates 31, with the space between the pair of contact plates 31 open toward the torsion beam 11.

[0025] Furthermore, one end of the bracket 30 in the extending direction of the pair of contact plates 31 is provided with a fixing portion 32 that is fixed to the cross member 5, and the other end of the bracket 30 is provided with a fixing portion 33 that is fixed to the flange 23 of the battery pack 2. The fixing portions 32 and 33 are fastened to the cross member 5 and the flange 23 of the battery pack 2, for example, using bolts.

[0026] The pair of contact plates 31 deform upon contact with the torsion beam 11, thereby increasing the gap on the open side in the open cross-sectional shape. Since the pair of contact plates 31 extend in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical, the edges on the open side of each of the pair of contact plates 31 are displaced upward as they deform. In the example shown in Figures 5 and 6, the bracket 30 is constructed by combining a first member 34 and a second member 35, each having a contact plate 31, but the bracket 30 may be constructed from a single member.

[0027] The cable 24 is supported by one of the pair of contact plates 31 of the bracket 30. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the open edge of the contact plate 31 is displaced upward as it deforms, causing the cable 24 supported by this contact plate 31 to move upward so as to approach the cross member 5. This makes it possible to more reliably avoid contact between the cable 24 and the torsion beam 11.

[0028] Preferably, the cross member 5 has a recess 36 capable of accommodating the cable 24 which is moved by the deformation of the contact plate 31. This prevents the cable 24 from being pinched between the cross member 5 and the contact plate 31 of the bracket 30, thereby protecting the cable 24.

[0029] Preferably, the cable 24 is fixed to the contact plate 31 via a stay 37 and spaced apart from the bracket 30. This avoids contact between the cable 24 and the deformed contact plate 31, thereby more reliably protecting the cable 24.

[0030] Although it has been explained that the torsion beam 11 comes into contact with the bracket 30 due to a bump, contact between the torsion beam 11 and the bracket 30 can also occur, for example, due to a rear-end collision of the vehicle 1. That is, a rear-end collision of the vehicle 1 may cause the electric motor M to be pushed forward and come into contact with the torsion beam 11, and the torsion beam 11 may be displaced by this contact with the electric motor M. Even in such a case, the bracket 30 can restrain the torsion beam 11 and protect the cable 24.

[0031] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and modifications, improvements, etc., can be made as appropriate. This specification includes at least the following matters. Note that the components etc. in parentheses indicate those corresponding to the above embodiments, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0032] (1) Left and right suspensions (suspensions 10) that connect the left and right wheels (left and right rear wheels WH) to the vehicle body (vehicle body 3), A torsion beam (torsion beam 11) connects the left and right suspensions, The electric motor (motor M) drives the left and right wheels, A battery pack (battery pack 2) is located on the opposite side of the torsion beam from the electric motor, A bracket (bracket 30) for suspending the battery pack from the lower part of the vehicle body (cross member 5), A cable (cable 24) that transmits power from the battery pack to the electric motor, Equipped with, The cable is routed between the lower part of the vehicle body and the torsion beam. The bracket is positioned on the extension of the trajectory of the torsion beam, which is displaced in accordance with the movement of the left and right suspensions. The minimum distance between the lower part of the vehicle body and the torsion beam when the torsion beam contacts the bracket is greater than the thickness of the cable. vehicle.

[0033] According to the vehicle described in (1) above, the bracket functions as a stopper to restrain the torsion beam, preventing the cable from being pinched between the lower part of the vehicle body and the torsion beam, thereby protecting the cable.

[0034] (2) The vehicle in (1) above, The cable is fixed to the portion (fixing portion 25) in the lower part of the vehicle body that provides the minimum distance between it and the torsion beam. vehicle.

[0035] According to the vehicle described in (2) above, even if the cable becomes loose, contact between the cable and the torsion beam can be avoided, thus providing more reliable protection for the cable.

[0036] (3) The vehicle in (1) above, The bracket is deformable in conjunction with contact with the torsion beam. The cable is moved by the deformation of the bracket. vehicle.

[0037] According to the vehicle described in (3) above, the cable can be moved in response to contact between the bracket and the torsion beam, thereby more reliably avoiding contact between the cable and the torsion beam.

[0038] (4) The vehicle described in (3) above, The lower part of the vehicle body has a recess (recess 36) capable of accommodating the cable which is moved by the deformation of the bracket. vehicle.

[0039] According to the vehicle described in (4) above, it is possible to prevent the cable from getting pinched between the lower part of the vehicle body and the bracket, thereby protecting the cable.

[0040] (5) The vehicle described in (3) or (4) above, The aforementioned bracket is The torsion beam has a pair of contact plates (contact plates 31) that face each other in the extending direction and extend in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction, In a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction of the pair of contact plates, the space between the pair of contact plates is formed in an open cross-sectional shape that is open toward the torsion beam. The pair of contact plates contact the torsion beam and deform to increase the gap on the open side in the open cross-sectional shape. The cable is supported by one of the pair of contact plates. vehicle.

[0041] According to the vehicle described in (5) above, the cable can be moved in accordance with the contact between the bracket and the torsion beam.

[0042] (6) The vehicle in (5) above, The cable is fixed to one of the pair of contact plates via a stay (stay 37) and is spaced apart from the bracket. vehicle.

[0043] According to the vehicle described in (6) above, contact between the cable and the deformed contact plate can be avoided, and the cable can be protected more reliably. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1 vehicle 2 Battery Packs 3. Vehicle Body 5 Cross Member 9 brackets 10 Suspension 11 Torsion beam 24 Cables 25 Fixed part 30 brackets 31 Contact plate 36 recesses 37 Stay M electric motor WH rear wheel

Claims

1. The left and right suspensions connect the left and right wheels to the vehicle body, A torsion beam connecting the left and right suspensions, The electric motors that drive the left and right wheels, A battery pack is positioned on the opposite side of the torsion beam from the electric motor, A bracket for suspending the battery pack from the lower part of the vehicle body, A cable for transmitting power from the battery pack to the electric motor, Equipped with, The cable is routed between the lower part of the vehicle body and the torsion beam. The bracket is positioned on the extension of the trajectory of the torsion beam, which is displaced in accordance with the movement of the left and right suspensions. The minimum distance between the lower part of the vehicle body and the torsion beam when the torsion beam contacts the bracket is greater than the thickness of the cable. vehicle.

2. A vehicle according to claim 1, The cable is fixed to the portion of the lower part of the vehicle body that provides the minimum distance between it and the torsion beam. vehicle.

3. A vehicle according to claim 1, The bracket is deformable in conjunction with contact with the torsion beam. The cable is moved by the deformation of the bracket. vehicle.

4. The vehicle according to claim 3, The lower part of the vehicle body has a recess capable of accommodating the cable which is moved by the deformation of the bracket. vehicle.

5. A vehicle according to claim 3 or 4, The aforementioned bracket is The torsion beam has a pair of contact plates that face each other in the direction of extension and extend in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction, In a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction of the pair of contact plates, the space between the pair of contact plates is formed in an open cross-sectional shape that is open toward the torsion beam. The pair of contact plates contact the torsion beam and deform to increase the gap on the open side in the open cross-sectional shape. The cable is supported by one of the pair of contact plates. vehicle.

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, The cable is fixed to one of the pair of contact plates via a stay and is spaced apart from the bracket. vehicle.

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