Electric vehicles

Abstract

To provide an electric vehicle which can protect a power cable connected to a drive unit.SOLUTION: A vehicle V includes: a drive unit 10 including rotary electric machines 11, 12, a housing 14 which houses the rotary electric machines 11, 12, and a power control unit 16 which controls the rotary electric machines 11, 12; a battery BAT which may store electric power to be supplied to the rotary electric machines 11, 12; and a power cable 20 connecting the power control unit 16 with the battery BAT. A plate member 30 is provided between a shafter lever 151 of the drive unit 10 and the power cable 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, efforts to realize a low-carbon or carbon-free society have become more active, and research and development into electric vehicles is being conducted to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency.

[0003] An electric vehicle is equipped with a drive unit. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a drive unit mounted in a motor room (engine room). The drive unit in Patent Document 1 includes an electric motor and a transmission housed in a transmission case, and a power control unit (hereinafter also referred to as PCU) that is provided above the transmission case and controls the electric motor. The PCU is connected via a power cable to a battery mounted in the rear of the electric vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-185887 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, the power cable is routed between the drive unit and the dash panel. Therefore, in the event of a collision of the electric vehicle, the power cable may be pinched between the drive unit and the dash panel. The drive unit may be equipped with sharp parts, and in the event of a collision of the electric vehicle, there is a risk that the power cable may be pinched between these parts and the dash panel and broken.

[0006] The present invention provides an electric vehicle that can protect a power cable connected to a drive unit, thereby contributing to energy efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a drive unit including a rotating electric machine, a housing that accommodates the rotating electric machine, and a power control device that controls the rotating electric machine; a battery capable of storing power to be supplied to the rotating electric machine; an electric vehicle including a power cable connecting the power control device and the battery, the drive unit further includes a first member that is provided outside the housing and is different from the rotating electric machine, the housing, and the power control device; A protection member is provided between the first member and the power cable. 、 the drive unit is disposed at a front portion of the electric vehicle; the portion of the power cable and the first member are disposed in front of or behind the housing in the vehicle front-rear direction, The drive unit is a transmission accommodated in the housing; a shifter lever provided outside the housing for switching the shift range of the transmission, the first member is the shifter lever, The protective member is disposed between the shift lever and the power cable when the transmission is in a shift range that moves the electric vehicle forward. . The present invention also provides a drive unit including a rotating electric machine, a housing that accommodates the rotating electric machine, and a power control device that controls the rotating electric machine; a battery capable of storing power to be supplied to the rotating electric machine; a power cable connecting the power control device and the battery; An electric vehicle including an air conditioning device having an air conditioning pipe that is a rigid member and capable of blowing air into a vehicle compartment, the drive unit further includes a first member that is provided outside the housing and is different from the rotating electric machine, the housing, and the power control device; a protection member is provided between the first member and the power cable; the power cable is fixed to the protection member; the protection member is fixed to a second member different from the drive unit, The second member is the air conditioning pipe. The present invention also provides a drive unit including a rotating electric machine, a housing that accommodates the rotating electric machine, and a power control device that controls the rotating electric machine; a battery capable of storing power to be supplied to the rotating electric machine; an electric vehicle including a power cable connecting the power control device and the battery, the drive unit further includes a first member that is provided outside the housing and is different from the rotating electric machine, the housing, and the power control device; a protection member is provided between the first member and the power cable; the power cable is fixed to the protection member; the protection member is fixed to a second member different from the drive unit, The fixing point between the protection member and the second member is located above the fixing point between the power cable and the protection member. The present invention also provides a drive unit including a rotating electric machine, a housing that accommodates the rotating electric machine, and a power control device that controls the rotating electric machine; a battery capable of storing power to be supplied to the rotating electric machine; an electric vehicle including a power cable connecting the power control device and the battery, the drive unit further includes a first member that is provided outside the housing and is different from the rotating electric machine, the housing, and the power control device; a protection member is provided between the first member and the power cable; the protective member is a metal plate member extending in the vertical direction, the power cable is fixed to a lower end of the metal plate member, The upper end of the sheet metal member is fixed to a second member different from the drive unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the power cable connected to the drive unit can be protected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view showing the overall structure of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a drive unit 10 to which an engine ENG is connected. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the drive unit 10 to which the power cable 20 is connected. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view of the space formed between the drive unit 10 and the dash panel 2. [Figure 5] 4 (the power cable 20 is shown by a broken line). [Figure 6] 1(a) is a perspective view of a holder 23 that holds a power cable 20, and FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 1(a). [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a rear view of the sheet metal member 30 and the shifter device 15 (the power cable 20 is not shown). [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a connection portion 153 between a shifter lever 151 and a shifter actuator 155. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of an electric vehicle of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, a hybrid vehicle is shown as an example of the electric vehicle. Note that the symbols Fr, Rr, L, R, U, and D in the drawings indicate the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom directions as seen by the driver of the electric vehicle, respectively. The left-right direction is also referred to as the vehicle width direction.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, a vehicle V of this embodiment has a vehicle body 1 that is divided by a dash panel 2 into a passenger compartment 100 and an engine compartment 200 in front of it. The passenger compartment 100 is provided with a steering device 3, left and right front seats 4, and a rear seat 5. In the vehicle V of this embodiment, the driver's seat is the left front seat 4, i.e., the steering device 3 is provided in front of the left front seat 4. A battery BAT is provided behind the rear seat 5, below the floor panel 6, and near the rear wheel W2.

[0012] The dash panel 2 is provided with a substantially hemispherical protrusion 2a that protrudes (forward) into the engine compartment 200. The protrusion 2a is provided on the left side of the center in the vehicle width direction, and a part of the steering device 3 is disposed inside the protrusion 2a.

[0013] In the engine room 200, there are arranged an air conditioner 7, an engine ENG (see FIG. 2) which is a drive source, and a drive unit 10 which is connected to the engine ENG.

[0014] Although not shown, the air conditioner 7 includes an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning) unit, a cooling circuit for cooling, and a heating circuit for heating. The HVAC unit includes a flow path provided in the dash panel 2 through which air for conditioning flows, a heater core, and an evaporator, with the heater core and evaporator disposed within the flow path of the HVAC unit. The cooling circuit is a circuit through which a refrigerant flows that cools the air flowing within the flow path of the HVAC unit, and the evaporator of the HVAC unit is part of the cooling circuit. The refrigerant cooled by the evaporator within the cooling circuit cools the air flowing within the flow path of the HVAC unit, and the cooled air flows into the passenger compartment 100. The heating circuit is a circuit through which the coolant heated by cooling the engine ENG flows to the heater core of the HVAC unit, and the heater core is part of the heating circuit. The coolant that has received heat from the engine ENG in the heating circuit flows into the heater core and heats the air flowing in the flow path of the HVAC unit, and the warm air flows into the vehicle interior 100.

[0015] The heater pipes 7a and 7b shown in Figures 4 and 5 constitute part of the heating circuit described above. Coolant flowing into the heater core flows through the heater pipe 7a, and coolant flowing out of the heater core flows through the heater pipe 7b. The heater pipes 7a and 7b are rigid members (e.g., metal pipes) and are connected to the heater core via flexible tubes (not shown). The heater pipes 7a and 7b are located above the shifter device 15, which will be described later.

[0016] The drive unit 10 is disposed to the left of the center in the vehicle width direction and in front of the protrusion 2a. The engine ENG is disposed to the right of the drive unit 10.

[0017] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the drive unit 10 includes two rotating electric machines 11 and 12, a power transmission unit 13, a housing 14 that accommodates the rotating electric machines 11 and 12 and the power transmission unit 13, a shifter device 15 provided outside the housing 14, and a power control unit (PCU) 16 mounted on the top surface of the housing 14.

[0018] The rotating electric machines 11 and 12 are three-phase AC motor generators that generate power and drive the motors. The rotating electric machines 11 and 12 have their respective rotation axes extending parallel to each other in the left-right direction. The rotating electric machines 11 and 12 are also arranged with their respective rotation axes offset in the up-down direction and the front-to-back direction. The rotating electric machines 11 and 12 may also have their respective rotation axes aligned on the same line.

[0019] The power transmission unit 13 transmits the driving force of the engine ENG and the rotating electric machines 11, 12 to the front wheels W1. The power transmission unit 13 includes a transmission 131 and a differential mechanism 132.

[0020] The transmission 131 has a plurality of gears (not shown) that are connected to an input shaft from the engine ENG and the rotary shafts of the rotating electric machines 11 and 12. In this embodiment, the transmission 131 is disposed in the housing 14 between the rotating electric machines 11 and 12 and the engine ENG in the vehicle width direction. The shift range of the transmission 131 is changed over by the shifter device 15.

[0021] The differential mechanism 132 transmits the driving force obtained from the rotating electric machines 11 and 12 and the engine ENG to the axle of the front wheel W1.

[0022] In this embodiment, the transmission 131 is an automatic transmission (AT) that performs automatic gear shifting under the control of an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) (not shown) mounted on the vehicle V. The shift range of the transmission 131 can be switched to a P (parking) range, an R (reverse) range, an N (neutral) range, and a D (drive) range by operation of the driver of the vehicle V. The P range is selected when parking the vehicle V. The R range is selected when moving the vehicle V backward. The N range is selected when the driving force of the rotating electric machines 11, 12 and the engine ENG is not transmitted to the wheels. The D range is selected when moving the vehicle V forward. Note that the transmission 131 is not limited to an automatic transmission and may be, for example, a manual transmission (MT) or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

[0023] The shifter device 15 switches the shift range of the transmission 131. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the shifter device 15 is provided outside the housing 14, specifically, between the rear of the housing 14 and the dash panel 2. As shown in Figures 5, 7 and 8, the shifter device 15 includes a shifter lever 151 and a direct-acting shifter actuator 155 connected to the shifter lever 151.

[0024] The shifter lever 151 is made of a sheet metal member. The shifter lever 151 is connected to the transmission 131, and more specifically, one end (lower end) 152 is fixed to a shaft (not shown) that switches the shift range of the transmission 131 so as not to rotate relative to it. The shaft extends in the front-to-rear direction. When the shaft rotates around the rotation axis X1, the meshing of the gears of the transmission 131 changes, and the shift range is switched.

[0025] A connecting portion 153 that connects to the shifter actuator 155 is provided at the other end (upper end) of the shifter lever 151. The connecting portion 153 has a bent portion 153a formed by bending the other end of the shifter lever 151 so as to sandwich an end 156 of the shifter actuator 155, and a pin 153b that is inserted into insertion holes provided in the bent portion 153a and the end 156 of the shifter actuator 155. The shifter actuator 155 is connected to the connecting portion 153 by inserting the pin 153b into the insertion holes of the bent portion 153a and the end 156. In this manner, the shifter lever 151 and the shifter actuator 155 are connected.

[0026] The connecting portion 153 has a protruding edge 154 that protrudes rearward along the lower edge. Providing the protruding edge 154 increases the rigidity of the connecting portion 153. The protruding edge 154 also prevents an object from colliding with the pin 153b and causing the shifter actuator 155 and the shifter lever 151 to separate.

[0027] The shifter actuator 155 moves the connecting part 153 left and right, causing the shifter lever 151 to rotate around the rotation axis X1. When the shifter lever 151 is in the position shown in Figure 7, the shift range of the transmission 131 is the D range. In Figure 7, when the shifter actuator 155 moves the connecting part 153 leftward and the shifter lever 151 rotates counterclockwise from the D range position, the shift range changes in the order N range, R range, and P range.

[0028] The PCU 16 includes an inverter and a DC-DC (Direct Current) converter (not shown), and controls the rotating electric machines 11 and 12. As shown in Fig. 1 , the PCU 16 is connected to a battery BAT via a power cable 20. The power stored in the battery BAT flows as a direct current through the power cable 20 and is boosted by a DC-DC converter of the PCU 16. The voltage boosted by the DC-DC converter is converted to an alternating current by an inverter, and a three-phase current is supplied to the rotating electric machines 11 and 12. Furthermore, the power generated by the rotating electric machines 11 and 12 can be stored in the battery BAT via the PCU 16 and the power cable 20.

[0029] The power cable 20 extends from the battery BAT disposed at the rear of the vehicle body 1 through the center in the vehicle width direction in the space below the vehicle interior 100, and is introduced into the engine room 200 from a position below the engine room 200 and at the center in the vehicle width direction. Although not shown in the drawings, the power cable 20 is fixed to the vehicle body 1 in the space below the vehicle interior 100 (or below the engine room 200).

[0030] 3 and 4, the power cable 20 is routed adjacent to the housing 14 between the drive unit 10 and the dash panel 2. The power cable 20 extends from a position below the engine compartment 200 and in the center in the vehicle width direction in an upper left direction toward the PCU 16.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 3, the terminal 21 of the power cable 20 provided on the PCU 16 side is fitted into the connector terminal 16a provided on the PCU 16. This connects the power cable 20 to the PCU 16. Fig. 4 shows the state before the power cable 20 and the PCU 16 are connected.

[0032] In this embodiment, the connector terminal 16a of the PCU 16 is provided at the rear of the PCU 16. This allows the length of the power cable 20 to be shorter than when the connector terminal of the PCU 16 is provided at the front of the PCU 16. This contributes to reducing the weight and cost of the vehicle V.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a sheet metal member 30 for holding the power cable 20 is provided midway along the power cable 20 extending from the lower part of the engine compartment 200 to the PCU 16.

[0034] Power cable 20 is fixed to sheet metal member 30 between drive unit 10 and dash panel 2. Power cable 20 is fixed to vehicle body 1 in the space below passenger compartment 100 (or below engine compartment 200), and is fixed near drive unit 10 by sheet metal member 30, so that power cable 20 absorbs the phase difference between the vibrations of drive unit 10 and vehicle body 1. Furthermore, because power cable 20 has an excess length that absorbs the phase difference, this excess length can also prevent power cable 20 from being broken due to a tensile load acting on it in the event of a collision of vehicle V.

[0035] The sheet metal member 30 extends in the vertical direction, and the power cable 20 is fixed to a lower end portion 31 of the sheet metal member 30. More specifically, the lower end portion 31 of the sheet metal member 30 is bent so as to extend in a substantially horizontal direction, and supports the power cable 20 from below. The lower end portion 31 of the sheet metal member 30 and the power cable 20 are fixed by a holder 23.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6(a), the holder 23 has a ring portion 231 that holds the power cable 20 and an insertion portion 232 into which the lower end portion 31 of the sheet metal member 30 is inserted. The lower end portion 31 of the sheet metal member 30 is inserted through an insertion port 232a of the insertion portion 232. As shown in FIG. 6(b), a leaf spring 232b that is deformable in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction is provided in the insertion space within the insertion portion 232. The leaf spring 232b has an engagement protrusion 232c that protrudes into the insertion space and engages with an engagement hole 33 formed in the lower end portion 31 of the sheet metal member 30. In this manner, the holder 23 holding the power cable 20 is fixed to the sheet metal member 30. Note that the fixation of the power cable 20 to the sheet metal member 30 is not limited to the fixation by the holder 23 as described above. For example, a fixing band may be wrapped around the power cable 20 and clipped into the engagement hole 33 of the sheet metal member 30.

[0037] An upper end portion 32 of the sheet metal member 30 is fixed to a heater pipe 7a of the air conditioner 7 by brazing or the like. The upper end portion 32 of the sheet metal member 30 may also be fixed to a heater pipe 7b of the air conditioner 7.

[0038] Power cable 20 is routed between shifter lever 151 and protruding portion 2a of dash panel 2. When vehicle V is involved in a frontal collision, drive unit 10 moves rearward relative to dash panel 2, and power cable 20 may become pinched between shifter lever 151 and protruding portion 2a of dash panel 2. Because protruding edge 154 provided on shifter lever 151 has a sharp shape, there is a risk that power cable 20 may be damaged when it becomes pinched between shifter lever 151 and protruding portion 2a of dash panel 2.

[0039] In this embodiment, the sheet metal member 30 is provided between the shifter lever 151 and the power cable 20. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 7, the sheet metal member 30 is disposed at a position overlapping at least a part of the protruding edge portion 154 of the shifter lever 151 when viewed from behind.

[0040] With this configuration, even if the shifter lever 151 moves rearward during a frontal collision of the vehicle V, the shifter lever 151 will collide with the sheet metal member 30 from the front. In other words, the power cable 20 does not come into direct contact with the shifter lever 151, particularly the protruding edge 154. This prevents the power cable 20 from coming into direct contact with the protruding edge 154 and being damaged. This makes it possible to protect the power cable 20 during a frontal collision of the vehicle V, improving safety.

[0041] A frontal collision of the vehicle V is likely to occur when the vehicle V is traveling forward. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the sheet metal member 30 is preferably disposed between the power cable 20 and the shift lever 151 when the transmission 131 is in the D range. More specifically, the sheet metal member 30 is preferably disposed in a position that overlaps at least a portion of the protruding edge 154 of the shift lever 151 when the transmission 131 is in the D range, when viewed from behind. With this configuration, even if a frontal collision occurs while the vehicle V is traveling forward, damage to the power cable 20 can be suppressed.

[0042] As described above, the sheet metal member 30 holds the power cable 20 while protecting it from the shifter lever 151. Because the sheet metal member 30 has the function of holding the power cable 20 and the function of protecting the power cable 20, there is no need to provide a separate member for protecting the power cable 20 and a separate member for holding the power cable 20. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in the manufacturing cost and weight of the vehicle V. Furthermore, space around the drive unit 10 can be saved.

[0043] As described above, the upper end 32 of the sheet metal member 30 is fixed to the heater pipe 7a. When the vehicle V suffers a frontal collision, the drive unit 10 moves rearward relative to the heater pipe 7a, causing the shifter lever 151 to collide with the sheet metal member 30 from the front. At this time, the sheet metal member 30 bends rearward with the upper end 32 as a fulcrum, and the lower end 31 of the sheet metal member 30 is configured to be able to move upward. When the sheet metal member 30 bends, the power cable 20 fixed to the lower end 31 of the sheet metal member 30 moves upward. Therefore, when the vehicle V suffers a frontal collision, it is possible to prevent the power cable 20 from being pinched between the shifter lever 151, the dash panel 2, and the protrusion 2a and being damaged.

[0044] 5, the sheet metal member 30 is preferably inclined in a direction toward the shifter lever 151 (forward and upward in this embodiment), so that in the event of a frontal collision of the vehicle V, the sheet metal member 30 is more likely to bend with the upper end portion 32 as a fulcrum.

[0045] Furthermore, the lower end 31 of the sheet metal member 30 is preferably located at a position in the vertical direction where the upper portion (the upper half of the substantially hemispherical shape) of the protrusion 2a of the dash panel 2 is disposed. With this arrangement, when the lower end 31 of the sheet metal member 30 and the protrusion 2a come into contact with each other during a frontal collision of the vehicle V, the lower end 31 of the sheet metal member 30 moves upward along the curved surface of the upper portion of the protrusion 2a. Therefore, the power cable 20 fixed to the lower end 31 of the sheet metal member 30 also moves upward, which prevents the power cable 20 from being pinched between the shifter lever 151, the dash panel 2, and the protrusion 2a and being damaged.

[0046] Next, a description will be given of the work of assembling the power cable 20 between the drive unit 10 and the dash panel 2. Flexible tubes (not shown) that connect the heater pipes 7a, 7b to the heater core are installed after the power cable 20 is assembled.

[0047] The work of assembling the power cable 20 inside the engine compartment 200 is performed with the engine hood 8 open. Specifically, the worker works while visually checking the space between the drive unit 10 and the dash panel 2 from above.

[0048] First, the power cable 20 introduced into the engine compartment 200 is fixed to the sheet metal member 30. At this time, the sheet metal member 30 is also positioned between the shift lever 151 and the power cable 20.

[0049] By fixing the power cable 20 to the sheet metal member 30, the worker can hold the power cable 20 and the sheet metal member 30 together. Therefore, the work of assembling the power cable 20 and the sheet metal member 30 can be easily performed even in a narrow space such as between the drive unit 10 and the dash panel 2.

[0050] At this time, the fixing point (lower end 31) between the power cable 20 and the sheet metal member 30 is positioned so as not to overlap the heater pipe 7a when viewed from above, as shown in Fig. 4. This allows the sheet metal member 30 to be easily seen when the worker looks from above at the space between the drive unit 10 and the dash panel 2. Therefore, during assembly, the sheet metal member 30 can be positioned appropriately between the power cable 20 and the shifter lever 151.

[0051] After the power cable 20 is fixed to the sheet metal member 30, the sheet metal member 30 is fixed to the heater pipe 7a by brazing or the like. This completes the assembly of the power cable 20.

[0052] By fixing the sheet metal member 30 to the heater pipe 7a, which is different from the drive unit 10, the worker does not need to reach into the narrow space between the drive unit 10 and the dash panel 2, facilitating the assembly work of the power cable 20 and the sheet metal member 30. Furthermore, since the sheet metal member 30 is fixed to the heater pipe 7a, which is a rigid member, the assembly strength of the sheet metal member 30 is high.

[0053] Furthermore, the location where the sheet metal member 30 and the heater pipe 7a are fixed is located above the location where the power cable 20 and the sheet metal member 30 are fixed. This provides good visibility when fixing the sheet metal member 30 to the heater pipe 7a, facilitating the assembly work of the sheet metal member 30 and the power cable 20. Furthermore, because the sheet metal member 30 and the power cable 20 are provided below the heater pipe 7a, the sheet metal member 30 and the power cable 20 do not affect the work of connecting flexible tubes (not shown) to the heater pipes 7a, 7b and the heater core.

[0054] Furthermore, as described above, the heater pipe 7a is positioned so as not to overlap the fixed point between the power cable 20 and the sheet metal member 30 when viewed from above, so that it is easy to visually check whether the fixation between the power cable 20 and the sheet metal member 30 has come loose after assembly.

[0055] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the components of the above embodiment may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0056] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the sheet metal member 30 is provided between the shifter lever 151 and the power cable 20, but this is not limiting. For example, the sheet metal member 30 may be provided between the power cable 20 and a member other than the shifter lever 151 that may damage the power cable 20.

[0057] In the above-described embodiment, the power cable 20 is routed behind the drive unit 10, but this is not limiting. For example, the power cable 20 may be routed in front of the drive unit 10. In this case, the sheet metal member 30 is provided between the power cable 20 and a member that may damage the power cable 20.

[0058] In the above-described embodiment, the D range is included as a forward shift range, but for example, a forward shift range other than the D range (for example, an L (low) range that provides relatively large engine braking) may be included. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the sheet metal member 30 between the shifter lever 151 and the power cable 20 when the transmission 131 is in the D range and L range.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, the sheet metal member 30 is fixed to the heater pipe 7a of the air conditioner 7, but this is not limiting. For example, the sheet metal member 30 may be fixed to the housing 14 of the drive unit 10, or may be fixed to a member other than the drive unit 10 (for example, a vehicle body frame).

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, the sheet metal member 30 holds the power cable 20, but it may hold other cables in addition to the power cable 20. For example, if the vehicle V is a four-wheel drive vehicle, a rear drive unit equipped with a motor is provided at the rear of the vehicle body 1 (below the floor panel 6). The sheet metal member 30 may hold a power cable for the rear-wheel drive unit that connects the drive unit 10 and the rear drive unit. In this case, the power cable 20 and the power cable for the rear-wheel drive unit may be routed together.

[0061] In the above-described embodiment, the power cable 20 is fixed to the sheet metal member 30, and then the sheet metal member 30 is fixed to the heater pipe 7a, but this is not limiting, and the sheet metal member 30 may be fixed to the heater pipe 7a, and then the power cable 20 may be fixed to the sheet metal member 30. In this case, when routing the heater pipe 7a to which the sheet metal member 30 is fixed, the sheet metal member 30 may also be positioned between the shifter lever 151 and the power cable 20 at the same time.

[0062] This specification describes at least the following: In parentheses, components corresponding to those in the above-described embodiments are shown as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0063] (1) A drive unit (drive unit 10) including rotating electric machines (rotating electric machines 11, 12), a housing (housing 14) that accommodates the rotating electric machines, and a power control device (power control device 16) that controls the rotating electric machines; a battery (battery BAT) capable of storing power to be supplied to the rotating electric machine; An electric vehicle (vehicle V) including a power cable (power cable 20) that connects the power control device and the battery, the drive unit further includes a first member (shifter lever 151) that is provided outside the housing and is different from the rotating electric machine, the housing, and the power control device; The electric vehicle has a protective member (sheet metal member 30) provided between the first member and the power cable.

[0064] According to (1), since the protective member is provided between the first member and the power cable, it is possible to prevent the power cable from coming into direct contact with the first member and being damaged in the event of a collision of the electric vehicle, thereby protecting the power cable and improving safety.

[0065] (2) The electric vehicle according to (1), The drive unit is disposed in the front part (engine compartment 200) of the electric vehicle, an electric vehicle, wherein the portion of the power cable and the first member are disposed in front of or behind the housing in the vehicle longitudinal direction;

[0066] When the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision, the power cable may come into contact with the first member and be damaged. According to (2), the protective member is disposed between the power cable and the first member disposed in front or behind the housing, thereby preventing the power cable from coming into direct contact with the first member and being damaged.

[0067] (3) The electric vehicle according to (2), The drive unit is a transmission (transmission 131) accommodated in the housing; a shifter lever (shifter lever 151) provided outside the housing for switching the shift range of the transmission; the first member is the shifter lever, The protective member is disposed between the shift lever and the power cable when the transmission is in a shift range that moves the electric vehicle forward.

[0068] According to (3), the protective member is positioned between the shift lever when the transmission is in a shift range that moves the electric vehicle forward and the power cable, so that when the electric vehicle moves forward and a frontal collision occurs, direct contact between the power cable and the shift lever can be prevented, thereby preventing damage to the power cable.

[0069] (4) An electric vehicle according to any one of (1) to (3), The power cable is fixed to the protective member.

[0070] According to (4), since the power cable is fixed to the protective member, the protective member has the function of not only protecting the power cable but also holding the power cable. Therefore, there is no need to provide a separate member for protecting the power cable and a separate member for holding the power cable, which can suppress increases in manufacturing costs and weight of the electric vehicle. Also, it is possible to save space on board the vehicle. Furthermore, since the power cable is fixed to the protective member, the power cable and the protective member can be held together, which makes it easier to assemble them into the electric vehicle.

[0071] (5) The electric vehicle according to (4), The protective member is fixed to a second member (heater pipe 7a) different from the drive unit.

[0072] According to (5), the protective member to which the power cable is fixed is fixed to a second member different from the drive unit, so that it is possible to avoid assembling the power cable and the protective member in a narrow space around the drive unit.

[0073] (6) The electric vehicle according to (5), The vehicle further includes an air conditioning device (air conditioning device 7) that has an air conditioning pipe (heater pipe 7a) that is a rigid member and is capable of blowing air into the vehicle compartment (vehicle compartment 100), The electric vehicle, wherein the second member is the air conditioning pipe.

[0074] According to (6), since the second member is an air conditioning pipe, the air conditioning pipe can be used to fix the protective member. In addition, since the air conditioning pipe is a rigid member, the protective member can be attached with high strength.

[0075] (7) An electric vehicle according to (5) or (6), an electrically powered vehicle, wherein a fixing point between the protection member and the second member is located above a fixing point between the power cable and the protection member;

[0076] According to (7), the fixing point between the protective member and the second member is located higher than the fixing point between the power cable and the protective member, so that visibility is good when fixing the protective member to the air conditioning pipe, and the assembling work of the protective member and the power cable is easy.

[0077] (8) An electric vehicle according to any one of (5) to (7), The second member does not overlap a fixed portion between the power cable and the protection member in a top view of the electric vehicle.

[0078] According to (8), the second member does not overlap the fixed portion between the power cable and the protective member in a top view, so the visibility of the protective member is good. Therefore, the protective member can be appropriately disposed between the first member and the power cable during assembly. Furthermore, after assembly, it is easy to check whether the power cable has come loose from the protective member.

[0079] (9) An electric vehicle according to any one of (1) to (3), The protective member is a sheet metal member (sheet metal member 30) extending in the vertical direction, The power cable is fixed to the lower end (lower end 31) of the sheet metal member, An upper end portion (upper end portion 32) of the sheet metal member is fixed to a second member (heater pipe 7a) different from the drive unit.

[0080] According to (9), the protective member is a sheet metal member extending in the vertical direction, and the upper end of the sheet metal member is fixed to a second member different from the drive unit. As a result, even if a first member of the drive unit comes into contact with the sheet metal member during a collision of the electric vehicle, the sheet metal member bends with the upper end as a fulcrum, and the lower end of the sheet metal member moves upward. This allows the power cable fixed to the lower end of the sheet metal member to move upward. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the power cable from being pinched between the first member and another member (e.g., a dash panel) during a collision of the electric vehicle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 7 Air conditioner 7a Heater pipe (second component, air conditioning pipe) 10 Drive unit 131 Transmission 14 Housing 151 Shifter lever (first component) 16 Power control device 20 Power cable 30 Sheet metal parts (protective parts) 31 Lower end 32 Upper end 100 cabin 200 Engine room (front) BAT Battery V vehicle (electric vehicle)

Claims

1. a drive unit including a rotating electric machine, a housing that accommodates the rotating electric machine, and a power control device that controls the rotating electric machine; a battery capable of storing power to be supplied to the rotating electric machine; an electric vehicle including a power cable connecting the power control device and the battery, the drive unit further includes a first member that is provided outside the housing and is different from the rotating electric machine, the housing, and the power control device; a protection member is provided between the first member and the power cable; the drive unit is disposed at a front portion of the electric vehicle; the portion of the power cable and the first member are disposed in front of or behind the housing in the vehicle front-rear direction, The drive unit is a transmission accommodated in the housing; a shifter lever provided outside the housing for switching the shift range of the transmission, the first member is the shifter lever, The protective member is disposed between the shift lever and the power cable when the transmission is in a shift range that moves the electric vehicle forward.

2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, The power cable is fixed to the protective member.

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 2, The protective member is fixed to a second member different from the drive unit.

4. A drive unit including a rotating electric machine, a housing for accommodating the rotating electric machine, and a power control device for controlling the rotating electric machine; a battery capable of storing power to be supplied to the rotating electric machine; a power cable connecting the power control device and the battery; An electric vehicle including an air conditioning device having an air conditioning pipe that is a rigid member and capable of blowing air into a vehicle compartment, the drive unit further includes a first member that is provided outside the housing and is different from the rotating electric machine, the housing, and the power control device; a protection member is provided between the first member and the power cable; the power cable is fixed to the protection member; the protection member is fixed to a second member different from the drive unit, The electric vehicle, wherein the second member is the air conditioning pipe.

5. A drive unit including a rotating electric machine, a housing for accommodating the rotating electric machine, and a power control device for controlling the rotating electric machine; a battery capable of storing power to be supplied to the rotating electric machine; an electric vehicle including a power cable connecting the power control device and the battery, the drive unit further includes a first member that is provided outside the housing and is different from the rotating electric machine, the housing, and the power control device; a protection member is provided between the first member and the power cable; the power cable is fixed to the protection member; the protection member is fixed to a second member different from the drive unit, an electrically powered vehicle, wherein a fixing point between the protection member and the second member is located above a fixing point between the power cable and the protection member;

6. An electric vehicle according to any one of claims 3 to 5, The second member does not overlap a fixed portion between the power cable and the protection member in a top view of the electric vehicle.

7. A drive unit including a rotating electric machine, a housing for accommodating the rotating electric machine, and a power control device for controlling the rotating electric machine; a battery capable of storing power to be supplied to the rotating electric machine; an electric vehicle including a power cable connecting the power control device and the battery, the drive unit further includes a first member that is provided outside the housing and is different from the rotating electric machine, the housing, and the power control device; a protection member is provided between the first member and the power cable; the protective member is a metal plate member extending in the vertical direction, the power cable is fixed to a lower end of the metal plate member, An electric vehicle, wherein an upper end of the sheet metal member is fixed to a second member different from the drive unit.

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