vehicle

Abstract

The vehicle provides a solution that suppresses both cable damage due to contact and interference with surrounding components, and cable degradation due to heat. [Solution] The vehicle is equipped with an engine 12A in which an electrically heated catalyst 81, which generates heat when an electric current is passed through a catalyst support substrate, and a turbine 50 of a turbocharger 15 are installed in the exhaust passage. The vehicle has a converter 13, a power cable 72 that supplies electricity from the converter 13 to the catalyst support, and a second cooling pipe 21B, which is a refrigerant pipe that cools the turbocharger 15, arranged in the engine compartment 11. The power cable 72 connecting the converter 13 and the electrically heated catalyst 81 is fixed along the second cooling pipe 21B in the middle of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure of an exhaust gas purification device that purifies exhaust gas from an engine. In this exhaust gas purification device, two electrode terminals are provided on a catalyst carrier, and the catalyst carrier generates heat when energized via these electrode terminals. A power supply is connected to the electrode terminals via a cable.

[0003] The exhaust gas purification device of Patent Document 1 includes a relay terminal and a relay cable that relay the connection between the cable and the electrode terminal of the catalyst carrier. This exhaust gas purification device is provided with the relay terminal and the relay cable to extend the heat transfer path from the electrode terminal of the catalyst carrier to the cable. In this manner, this exhaust gas purification device suppresses thermal degradation of the cable due to overheating.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Each exhaust system component constituting the exhaust passage is heated by the heat of the exhaust gas flowing therethrough to reach a high temperature. The cable may also suffer thermal degradation due to heat from the exhaust system components.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A vehicle designed to solve the above problems is equipped with a turbocharged engine in which a catalytic converter, a catalyst supported on a substrate that generates heat when an electric current is passed through the substrate, and a turbocharger turbine are installed in the exhaust passage. In this vehicle, a power supply, a cable that supplies electricity from the power supply to the substrate, and refrigerant piping that cools the turbocharger are arranged in the engine compartment. In this vehicle, the cable connecting the power supply and the catalytic converter is routed and fixed along the piping. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the vehicle described above, it is possible to suppress both cable damage due to contact and interference with surrounding parts, and cable degradation due to heat. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic top view showing the configuration of a vehicle equipped with an engine that includes an electrically heated catalyst and a turbocharger. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view of the engine compartment of the vehicle shown in Figure 1, viewed from the right side of the engine. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the turbocharger in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the electroheating catalyst in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fixed portion along the 5-5 section line in Figure 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, vehicle 10, which is one embodiment of the vehicle, will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. <Vehicle 10 configuration> As shown in Figure 1, an engine compartment 11 is provided at the front of the vehicle 10, as indicated by the dashed line. A hybrid mechanism 12 is mounted inside the engine compartment 11. The hybrid mechanism 12 comprises an engine 12A and a motor generator 12B. The motor generator 12B is an electric motor that can be used as both a generator and a rotating machine.

[0010] A converter 13 is located above the engine 12A. The converter 13 is connected to the battery 14 via a battery cable 71. The converter 13 and the battery 14 exchange electricity through the battery cable 71. The battery 14 is, for example, a lithium-ion battery. The battery 14 is located in the same position as the rear wheels of the vehicle 10 in the front-rear direction.

[0011] Converter 13 is a converter that converts the voltage and current of the electricity supplied from the battery 14. Converter 13 is, for example, an on-board charger. Converter 13 is a power source that supplies electricity to electrical equipment installed in the vehicle 10. Converter 13 converts the voltage of the DC current supplied from the battery 14 and supplies it to the electrical equipment. Converter 13 converts the DC current supplied from the battery 14 into AC current and supplies it to the motor generator 12B. Converter 13 converts the AC current generated by the motor generator 12B into DC current and charges the battery 14.

[0012] Engine 12A is equipped with an electrically heated catalyst 81 and a turbocharger 15 on its right side. As shown in Figure 1, in the vehicle 10, the direction to the right when facing forward is defined as the right, and the direction to the left when facing forward is defined as the left. The electrically heated catalyst 81 is a catalytic converter that purifies the exhaust gas of engine 12A. The turbocharger 15 is a supercharger equipped with a compressor 30 and a turbine 50, which will be described later.

[0013] <Exhaust passage configuration> The exhaust from engine 12A flows through the exhaust system components that constitute the exhaust passage and is discharged from vehicle 10. The exhaust system components include an exhaust manifold 55, a turbine 50 of turbocharger 15, an electrically heated catalyst 81, an exhaust pipe 56, a muffler 57, a tailpipe 58, and a connector section 59. The exhaust system components are connected in the following order from the upstream side closest to engine 12A: exhaust manifold 55, turbine 50, electrically heated catalyst 81, connector section 59, exhaust pipe 56, muffler 57, and tailpipe 58. The exhaust from engine 12A is discharged outside vehicle 10 from the downstream end of the tailpipe 58.

[0014] Figure 2 is a side view of the inside of the engine compartment 11, seen from the right side of the engine 12A. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electric heated catalyst 81 and the exhaust pipe 56 are connected via a connector 59. The connector 59 is an exhaust pipe with a bellows section. When the relative position of the exhaust system components changes due to vibration or twisting of the vehicle body in the vehicle 10, the connector 59 buffers the change in the relative position by deforming the bellows section of the connector 59. For example, when the distance between the electric heated catalyst 81 and the exhaust pipe 56 increases, the bellows section of the connector 59 deforms so that it extends.

[0015] The turbocharger 15 and the electrically heated catalyst 81 are located on the right side of the engine 12A. More specifically, the turbocharger 15 is located on the right side of the engine 12A, at the front of the engine 12A. The electrically heated catalyst 81 is located on the right side of the engine 12A, at the rear of the engine 12A.

[0016] As described above, an electrically heated catalyst 81 and a turbine 50 are installed in the exhaust passage of engine 12A. The electrically heated catalyst 81 and turbocharger 15 are located on the side of engine 12A.

[0017] The turbocharger 15 and the electrically heated catalyst 81 are connected at a fastening portion 91. At the fastening portion 91, the downstream end of the turbocharger 15 and the upstream end of the electrically heated catalyst 81 are fixed using a fastening component 92. The fastening component 92 is, for example, a bolt and a nut. At the fastening portion 91, the turbocharger 15 and the electrically heated catalyst 81 are directly fixed by the fastening component 92 without interposing a structure that buffers relative displacement such as a connector portion 59. Fixing without interposing a structure that buffers relative displacement is referred to as "rigid fixing".

[0018] <Configuration of Turbocharger 15> As shown in FIG. 2, the turbocharger 15 includes a turbine 50, a compressor 30, and a bearing portion 40. The turbine 50 and the compressor 30 are connected via the bearing portion 40. The turbocharger 15 is mounted on the vehicle 10 in an orientation where the turbine 50 is positioned rearward of the compressor 30 when mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0019] A first intake passage 35A and a second intake passage 35B are connected to the compressor 30. Intake air in the vehicle 10 flows into the compressor 30 from the first intake passage 35A. After passing through the compressor 30, the intake air flows into the second intake passage 35B. The intake air is cooled by an intercooler installed in the middle of the second intake passage 35B and introduced into the engine 12A.

[0020] That is, the first intake passage 35A is connected to the upstream side of the compressor 30. The second intake passage 35B is connected to the downstream side of the compressor 30. As described above, an exhaust manifold 55 is connected to the upstream side of the turbine 50. The electrically heated catalyst 81 is connected to the downstream side of the turbine 50.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the turbocharger 15. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane extending in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction in the posture where the turbocharger 15 is mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the turbine 50 has a turbine impeller 52 housed inside a turbine housing 51. The compressor 30 has a compressor impeller 32 housed inside a compressor housing 31. The bearing section 40 has a turbine shaft 42 inserted inside a bearing housing 41. The turbine shaft 42 is supported by the bearing housing 41 via bearings 43. The turbine impeller 52 is fixed to the turbine 50 side end of the turbine shaft 42. The compressor impeller 32 is fixed to the compressor 30 side end of the turbine shaft 42. When the turbine impeller 52 rotates, the turbine shaft 42 and the compressor impeller 32 rotate together with the rotation of the turbine impeller 52.

[0023] The exhaust gas flowing from engine 12A into exhaust manifold 55 passes through the inside of turbine 50 and flows into electric heated catalyst 81. In this process, the energy of the exhaust gas flowing into turbine 50 causes turbine impeller 52 to rotate. Then, the compressor impeller 32 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of turbine impeller 52. The compressor impeller 32 uses its rotational energy to compress the intake air flowing into compressor 30 from the first intake passage 35A and sends it to the second intake passage 35B.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, four pipes are connected to the bearing housing 41 through which cooling water and lubricating oil, which are refrigerants used to cool the turbocharger 15, flow. As shown in Figure 2, the piping through which the coolant flows is the first cooling pipe 21A and the second cooling pipe 21B. The first cooling pipe 21A and the second cooling pipe 21B are made of metal. The coolant is pumped out by a water pump (not shown) and flows through the above-mentioned cooling pipes and the inside of the turbocharger 15 in the direction indicated by the solid arrows in Figure 2. The first cooling pipe 21A is the pipe that supplies coolant to the turbocharger 15. The second cooling pipe 21B is the pipe that recirculates the coolant from the turbocharger 15 to the radiator.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, the cooling water supplied to the turbocharger 15 through the first cooling pipe 21A flows through the water jacket 45 provided in the bearing housing 41. In this process, the cooling water cools the bearing housing 41, thereby cooling the turbocharger 15.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the piping through which the lubricating oil flows is the first lubrication pipe 22A and the second lubrication pipe 22B. The lubricating oil is pumped out by an oil pump (not shown) and flows through the above-mentioned lubrication pipes and the inside of the turbocharger 15 in the direction indicated by the dashed arrows in Figure 2. The first lubrication pipe 22A is the pipe that supplies lubricating oil to the turbocharger 15. The second lubrication pipe 22B is the pipe that recirculates the lubricating oil from the turbocharger 15 to the oil cooler.

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the lubricating oil supplied to the turbocharger 15 through the first lubrication pipe 22A flows through the first oil passage 46A, the second oil passage 46B, and the third oil passage 46C provided in the bearing housing 41. As the lubricating oil passes through the bearing housing 41 in the order of the first oil passage 46A, the second oil passage 46B, and the third oil passage 46C, it cools the bearing housing 41. In addition, the lubricating oil that flows from the first oil passage 46A to the second oil passage 46B lubricates the bearing 43 and the turbine shaft 42. In this way, the lubricating oil cools and lubricates the turbocharger 15.

[0028] <Connection of power cable 72 to electric heating catalyst 81> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electric heating catalyst 81 is connected to the converter 13 via a power cable 72. The end of the power cable 72 on the converter 13 side is connected to the power terminal of the converter 13. The power cable 72 is branched into two cables, a first cable 72A and a second cable 72B, on the electric heating catalyst 81 side. The power cable 72 supplies electricity from the converter 13 to the electric heating catalyst 81.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the electric heating catalyst 81 is provided with a first terminal section 85A and a second terminal section 85B. The tips of the first terminal section 85A and the second terminal section 85B are provided with a first terminal 86A and a second terminal 86B. The first cable 72A is connected to the first terminal 86A. The second cable 72B is connected to the second terminal 86B.

[0030] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the electric heating catalyst 81. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken in planes along the longitudinal and vertical directions when the electric heating catalyst 81 is mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the electrically heated catalyst 81 comprises a case 82. Inside the case 82, the electrically heated catalyst 81 houses a mat member 83, a catalyst carrier 84, a first electrode 87A, and a second electrode 87B. The catalyst carrier 84 is cylindrical in shape. The catalyst carrier 84 has a mesh structure in which the inside is divided into multiple passages that extend along the direction of exhaust gas flow. A catalyst is supported on the catalyst carrier 84. The supported catalyst is, for example, a three-way catalyst. The catalyst carrier 84 is a substrate on which the catalyst is supported. The catalyst carrier 84 is made of a material that generates heat when electricity is passed through it, such as silicon carbide.

[0032] A mat member 83 is positioned on the outside of the catalyst carrier 84. The mat member 83 supports the catalyst carrier 84 within the case 82 by filling the gap between the catalyst carrier 84 and the case 82. A first electrode 87A and a second electrode 87B are installed between the mat member 83 and the catalyst carrier 84. The first electrode 87A is electrically connected to the first terminal 86A via a lead wire provided at the first terminal 86A, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 4. The second electrode 87B is electrically connected to the second terminal 86B via a lead wire provided at the second terminal 86B. The first electrode 87A and the second electrode 87B are thin metal plates with a comb-like shape. The catalyst carrier 84 is connected to the first electrode 87A and the second electrode 87B by being installed on the outer surface of the catalyst carrier 84 along the cylindrical surface.

[0033] The catalyst carrier 84 is connected to the converter 13 through a circuit formed by a power cable 72, a first cable 72A, a first terminal 86A, and a first electrode 87A, and a power cable 72, a second cable 72B, a second terminal 86B, and a second electrode 87B. Electricity from the converter 13 is supplied to the catalyst carrier 84 through the above circuit.

[0034] <Securing power cable 72> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the power cable 72 is routed along the second cooling pipe 21B and fixed in place. The point where the power cable 72 is fixed to the second cooling pipe 21B is referred to as the fixing section 75. As shown in Figure 2, the fixing section 75 is located above the electric heating catalyst 81 and the turbocharger 15.

[0035] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fixing portion 75, taken from below, along the 5-5 cross-sectional line shown by the dashed line in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 5, a metal bracket 73 is attached to the outside of the second cooling pipe 21B in the fixing portion 75. The bracket 73 is fixed to the second cooling pipe 21B by, for example, tightening one end with a bolt and nut to clamp the second cooling pipe 21B.

[0036] The power cable 72 is secured to the bracket 73 by a fastener 74. The fastener 74 is made of resin. The power cable 72 is also secured to the second cooling pipe 21B by the fastener 74 at a point on the converter 13 side of the power cable 72, rather than at the point where the power cable 72 branches into two.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the power cable 72 has a sheath 72C, a shield wire 72S, and a core wire 72W. The sheath 72C is an insulator and covers the core wire 72W and the shield wire 72S. The material of the sheath 72C is, for example, silicone. The material of the sheath 72C is, for example, rubber. The sheath 72C protects the core wire 72W and the shield wire 72S from damage.

[0038] The power cable 72 has a structure in which a shield wire 72S covers the outside of the core wire 72W through which electricity from the converter 13 flows. The shield wire 72S shields against electromagnetic waves generated by the electricity flowing through the core wire 72W.

[0039] When using shielded wire 72S to shield electromagnetic waves generated by core wire 72W, it is desirable to set up a ground to allow current generated in shielded wire 72S to escape. As shown in Figure 2, the shield wire 72S branches off from the power cable 72 on the side of the electric heating catalyst 81 in the power cable 72, rather than from the fixed part 75. The end of the branched shield wire 72S is connected to the second cooling pipe 21B. In other words, the shield wire 72S uses the metal second cooling pipe 21B as ground. The shield wire 72S is connected to the second cooling pipe 21B and is grounded.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the converter 13, power cable 72, and second cooling pipe 21B are all located within the engine compartment 11.

[0041] <Operation of this embodiment> The power cable 72 connecting the electrically heated catalyst 81 and the converter 13 is shaken by the vibrations of the vehicle 10. When the power cable 72 shakes, it is prone to contact with or interference with surrounding parts such as components of the engine 12A and components of the exhaust passage. If the power cable 72 comes into contact with or interferes with surrounding parts, the power cable 72 may be damaged. By fixing the power cable 72 to surrounding parts, such damage to the power cable 72 can be suppressed.

[0042] Exhaust system components such as the exhaust manifold 55, turbocharger 15, and electrically heated catalyst 81, which are part of the exhaust passage, become hot because high-temperature exhaust gases circulate through them. Therefore, if the power cable 72 is fixed to these exhaust system components, the power cable 72 is more susceptible to thermal degradation due to the heat from the exhaust system components.

[0043] Vehicle 10 secures the power cable 72 to the second cooling pipe 21B, which is a pipe through which coolant flows to cool the turbocharger 15. The temperature of the coolant that cools the turbocharger 15 is lower than the temperature of the exhaust. Therefore, the temperature of the second cooling pipe 21B is kept lower than the temperature of the exhaust system components mentioned above. Vehicle 10 secures the power cable 72 to the second cooling pipe 21B, which is at a lower temperature.

[0044] <Effects of this embodiment> (1) According to the vehicle 10, both damage to the power cable 72 due to contact and interference with surrounding parts, and deterioration of the power cable 72 due to heat can be suppressed.

[0045] (2) The upstream end of the electric heating catalyst 81 is rigidly fixed to the downstream end of the turbocharger 15. The exhaust pipes that make up the exhaust passage are often connected via bellows pipes or ball joints to provide a buffer section that absorbs bending caused by vibration. As shown in Figure 2, for example, a connector section 59 having a bellows section is connected between the electrically heated catalyst 81 and the exhaust pipe 56.

[0046] When the electric heating catalyst 81 and the turbocharger 15 are rigidly fixed, the relative position between the electric heating catalyst 81 and the turbocharger 15 is less likely to change compared to when the electric heating catalyst 81 and the turbocharger 15 are connected via a buffer.

[0047] In vehicle 10, the relative displacement between the first terminal 86A and the second terminal 86B, which are the connection points between the catalyst carrier 84 and the power cable 72, and the fixing point 75 of the power cable 72 in the second cooling pipe 21B is small. If the relative displacement between the parts to which the power cable 72 is fixed is large, the power cable 72 will vibrate greatly, making it more likely to come into contact with or interfere with surrounding parts. If the power cable 72 comes into contact with or interferes with surrounding parts, the power cable 72 may be damaged.

[0048] According to vehicle 10, damage to the power cable 72 can be suppressed. (3) The second cooling pipe 21B is made of metal. The power cable 72 has a shield wire 72S that shields against electromagnetic waves. The shield wire 72S is connected to the second cooling pipe 21B and is grounded.

[0049] Vehicle 10 uses the second cooling pipe 21B as the ground for the shield wire 72S of the power cable 72. According to vehicle 10, by utilizing the second cooling pipe 21B as the ground, noise caused by electromagnetic waves emitted by the power cable 72 can be reduced.

[0050] (4) In the vehicle 10, the converter 13 is located above the engine 12A. In the vehicle 10, the electric heated catalyst 81 and turbocharger 15 are located to the side of the engine 12A. In the vehicle 10, the power cable 72 is fixed to the second cooling pipe 21B at a position above the electric heated catalyst 81 and turbocharger 15.

[0051] In vehicle 10, both the converter 13 and the fixing part 75, which is the fixing position for the power cable 72 in the second cooling pipe 21B, are located above the electrically heated catalyst 81 and turbocharger 15, which are located to the side of the engine 12A.

[0052] According to the vehicle 10, it is easy to access the engine compartment 11 from above to disconnect the power cable 72 from the converter 13 or to connect the power cable 72 to the converter 13.

[0053] For example, when performing maintenance on vehicle 10, it is desirable to disconnect the power cable 72 that supplies electricity to the electric heating catalyst 81 from the converter 13 in order to prevent electric shock to the worker. In vehicle 10, the worker can reach in from above the engine compartment 11 and disconnect the power cable 72 from the power terminal of the converter 13. After the maintenance of vehicle 10 is completed, the worker can reach in from above the engine compartment 11 and reconnect the power cable 72 to the power terminal of the converter 13. Vehicle 10 makes it easier to perform the above-described maintenance work on vehicle 10.

[0054] <Example of changes> This embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0055] In vehicle 10, the power cable 72 is fixed to the second cooling pipe 21B which recirculates coolant to the radiator. The power cable 72 may also be fixed to the first cooling pipe 21A which supplies coolant to the turbocharger 15.

[0056] According to the modified example vehicle 10, the effects of (1) to (3) above can be obtained. In addition, in vehicles with a different arrangement of cooling pipes than vehicle 10, the effect of (4) above can be obtained when the power cable 72 is fixed to the first cooling pipe 21A at a position above the electrically heated catalyst 81 and turbocharger 15.

[0057] In vehicle 10, the power cable 72 is fixed to the second cooling pipe 21B that returns coolant to the radiator. The pipe to which the power cable 72 is fixed may be the first lubrication pipe 22A or the second lubrication pipe 22B through which lubricating oil flows.

[0058] In vehicle 10, the power cable 72 is not limited to being fixed in only one place. The power cable 72 may be fixed to the second cooling pipe 21B in two or more places. Alternatively, the power cable 72 may be fixed to any of the pipes among the first cooling pipe 21A, the second cooling pipe 21B, the first lubrication pipe 22A, and the second lubrication pipe 22B in two or more places. For example, the power cable 72 may be fixed to the second cooling pipe 21B and the first lubrication pipe 22A in one place each.

[0059] Vehicle 10 is a hybrid vehicle equipped with a hybrid mechanism 12. Vehicle 10 may also be a vehicle equipped with only an engine. In that case, the converter 13 may be a DC-DC converter that converts the voltage of the DC current of the battery 14.

[0060] In vehicle 10, the electric heating catalyst 81 and turbocharger 15 do not necessarily have to be located on the right side of the engine 12A. The electric heating catalyst 81 and turbocharger 15 may be located on the front, left, or rear side of the engine 12A. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 10...Vehicle, 11...Engine compartment, 12A...Engine, 13...Converter, 15...Turbocharger, 21A...First cooling pipe, 21B...Second cooling pipe, 50...Turbine, 72...Power cable, 72S...Shielded wire, 81...Electric heated catalyst, 84...Catalyst carrier, 91...Fastening part, 92...Fastening component

Claims

1. An engine with a turbocharger is equipped with a catalytic converter, in which a catalyst supporting a substrate is energized, causing the substrate to generate heat, and a turbocharger turbine are installed in the exhaust passage. Power supply and A cable that supplies electricity from the power source to the substrate, A vehicle in which refrigerant piping for cooling the turbocharger is located within the engine compartment, The cable connecting the power supply and the catalyst device is routed and fixed along the piping. vehicle.

2. The upstream end of the catalytic converter is rigidly fixed to the downstream end of the turbocharger. The vehicle according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned piping is made of metal, The cable has a shielding wire that shields against electromagnetic waves, and the shielding wire is connected to the piping and grounded. The vehicle according to claim 1.

4. The power supply is located on top of the engine. The catalytic converter and the turbocharger are located to the side of the engine. The cable is fixed to the piping at a position above the catalytic converter and the turbocharger. The vehicle according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned piping is through which cooling water for cooling the turbocharger flows. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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