Motor Support Structure

Abstract

To provide a structure which effectively protects a power supply part, an important component, when a load is input from the outside (front) of an electric vehicle.SOLUTION: A motor support structure 10 includes: a motor frame 16; a power supply part 14 supported by an upper part of the motor frame 16; and a motor unit 12 supported by a lower part of the motor frame 16. The motor frame 16 has a frame body 32 and a protruding frame 34. The frame body 32 has: frame ends 36 located at both sides; and a frame center part 38. In a vehicle front-back direction, a width of the frame center part 38 is smaller than a width of the frame end 36. A front end of the protruding frame 34 is located at the front relative to the power supply part 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor support structure. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, efforts to provide access to sustainable transport systems that take into consideration vulnerable transport participants such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and children have been gaining momentum. To achieve this, research and development is being conducted to further improve road safety and convenience through development of crash safety performance.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a motor unit support structure provided in an electric vehicle. This motor unit support structure includes a motor unit, a power supply unit, and a subframe (motor frame in the present invention). The motor unit is supported on the lower part of the subframe. The power supply unit includes an inverter, a junction box, and a converter. The power supply unit is supported on the upper part of the subframe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7180215 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in terms of effectively protecting the power supply unit, which is a critical component, when a load is input from the outside (front) of the electric vehicle. Such improvements will contribute to the development of sustainable transportation systems.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a motor support structure provided on a vehicle, comprising a motor frame, a power supply unit supported on the upper part of the motor frame, and a motor unit supported on the lower part of the motor frame, wherein the motor frame has a frame main body extending in the vehicle width direction, and a protruding frame protruding at least forward from the frame main body in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, the frame main body having frame end portions located on both sides of the frame main body in the vehicle width direction, and a frame central portion located between the frame end portions on both sides in the vehicle width direction, wherein the width of the frame central portion in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction is smaller than the width of the frame end portions, and the front end of the protruding frame is located forward of the power supply unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the motor frame has a protruding frame that protrudes forward from the frame main body. Therefore, when a load is applied to the motor support structure from the front, the load is applied preferentially to the protruding frame rather than to the power supply unit. This effectively protects the power supply unit, which is a critical component. Furthermore, because the width of the center portion of the frame main body is smaller than the width of both ends, the cross section of the portion bearing the necessary load can be made smaller, reducing the weight of the frame main body and minimizing the amount of material used. This allows for an optimal balance between the rigidity required of the frame main body and the miniaturization of the frame main body. These improvements contribute to the development of sustainable transportation systems. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motor support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the motor support structure. [Figure 3] Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIA-IIIA in Fig. 2. Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIB-IIIB in Fig. 2. Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIC-IIIC in Fig. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the motor support structure 10 according to this embodiment is a structure provided on a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle. In the following description, "forward" means forward in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the vehicle. "rearward" means rearward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. "upward" means upward in the vertical direction (Z direction). "downward" means downward in the vertical direction. The vehicle width direction (Y direction) is the left-right direction of the vehicle 100. Within the vehicle width direction, the Y1 direction is the rightward direction, and the Y2 direction is the leftward direction.

[0011] The motor support structure 10 is disposed in a storage compartment 102 located in the front 100Fr of the vehicle 100. The storage compartment 102 is a motor room. The motor support structure 10 is supported by side frames 104 (104L, 104R) disposed on both the left and right sides of the vehicle 100. The left and right side frames 104 are part of the body frame and are frames that extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle 100 on both the left and right sides of the vehicle 100.

[0012] The motor support structure 10 includes a motor unit 12, a power supply unit 14, a motor frame 16, and a pair of mounting brackets 18 (18L, 18R).

[0013] The motor unit 12 is a drive source for propelling the vehicle 100. The motor unit 12 is supported by the lower part of the motor frame 16. Specifically, both sides of the motor unit 12 in the vehicle width direction (Y direction) are fixed to the lower part of the motor frame 16 via left and right support brackets 20.

[0014] The motor unit 12 has an electric motor 22 and a reducer 24. The electric motor 22 rotates a rotor using power supplied from a battery (not shown) via a power supply unit 14. The reducer 24 reduces the speed of the rotation of the electric motor 22 and outputs the reduced speed to a drive shaft (not shown).

[0015] The power supply unit 14 is an electrical device for supplying power to the electric motor 22. The power supply unit 14 is supported by the upper part of the motor frame 16. That is, the lower part of the power supply unit 14 is fixed to the upper part (top surface) of the motor frame 16.

[0016] Although detailed description will be omitted, the power supply unit 14 has a converter 26, a junction box 28, and an inverter 30. The converter 26, junction box 28, and inverter 30 are housed in a case 15 and configured as a single unit. Here, the power supply unit 14 includes electrical safety protection components required for electrification. The converter 26 is a DC / DC converter that converts voltage. The junction box 28 provides wiring between the converter 26 and the inverter 30. The inverter 30 supplies AC power to the electric motor 22.

[0017] The motor frame 16 is supported on the left and right side frames 104 via a pair of mounting brackets 18. The motor frame 16 has a frame main body 32 and at least one protruding frame .

[0018] The frame main body 32 extends in the vehicle width direction. The thickness, which is the dimension of the frame main body 32 in the up-down direction, is smaller than the dimension of the frame main body 32 in the vehicle width direction and is also smaller than the dimension of the frame main body 32 in the vehicle front-rear direction. In other words, the frame main body 32 has a flat shape with a thickness that is relatively small compared to the dimensions in the left-right and front-rear directions. An upwardly bulging portion 32a is provided on the upper surface of the frame main body 32.

[0019] The frame main body 32 has a first frame member 321 and a second frame member 322. The first frame member 321 forms the lower part of the frame main body 32. The second frame member 322 forms the upper part of the frame main body 32. The first frame member 321 and the second frame member 322 are stacked in the vertical direction and connected to each other. A cavity is formed between the first frame member 321 and the second frame member 322. Therefore, the frame main body 32 has a hollow structure. However, the frame main body 32 may have a solid structure. The frame main body 32 is made of a metal material. The frame main body 32 is made of, for example, steel.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the frame main body 32 has a pair of frame end portions 36 (36L, 36R) and a frame central portion 38. The pair of frame end portions 36 are located on both sides of the frame main body 32 in the vehicle width direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the left support bracket 20 is fixed to the left frame end portion 36L with a bolt 46. The right support bracket 20 is fixed to the right frame end portion 36R with a bolt 46. The left and right support brackets 20 protrude downward from the left and right frame end portions 36, respectively.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 2, the frame central portion 38 is located between the pair of frame end portions 36 in the vehicle width direction. The frame central portion 38 is a portion of the frame main body 32 that connects one frame end portion 36L to the other frame end portion 36R. In the vehicle front-rear direction, the width W2 of the frame central portion 38 is smaller than the width W1 of the frame end portions 36. In the vehicle width direction, the length L2 of the frame main body 32 is longer than the length L1 of each of the frame end portions 36.

[0022] In this embodiment, the motor frame 16 has a plurality of (two in the illustrated example) protruding frames 34. The protruding frames 34 are fixed to the upper surface of the frame main body 32. The protruding frames 34 are spaced apart from one another in the vehicle width direction. The protruding frames 34 extend parallel to one another in the vehicle front-rear direction. The power supply unit 14 is fixed to the protruding frames 34. Only one protruding frame 34 may be provided, or three or more protruding frames 34 may be provided. At least one protruding frame 34 may be attached with a bracket for accessories or a member for fixing complicated harnesses. This facilitates maintenance of the accessories. Forming the two protruding frames 34 and the frame main body 32 into a U-shape provides strength and toughness against a frontal collision load. The protruding frames 34 may be connected by connecting parts (not shown). For example, two protruding frames 34 may be connected by two connecting parts to form an H-shaped frame.

[0023] Each protruding frame 34 protrudes from the frame main body 32 at least forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction (X1 direction). The front end 34Fr of the protruding frame 34 is located forward of the front end 14Fr of the power supply unit 14. That is, the protruding frame 34 protrudes forward further than the power supply unit 14. The front end 34Fr of the protruding frame 34 is located forward of the front end 36Fr of the frame end 36 of the frame main body 32. In the vehicle longitudinal direction, the length of the protruding frame 34 is longer than the length of the frame end 36. The length of the protruding frame 34 may be shorter than the length of the frame end 36.

[0024] As in this embodiment, each protruding frame 34 may protrude rearward (in the X2 direction) from the frame main body 32. Each protruding frame 34 does not have to protrude rearward from the frame main body 32. The rear end 34Rr of the protruding frame 34 may be located forward of the rear end 36Rr of the frame end 36. The rear end 34Rr of the protruding frame 34 may be located rearward of the rear end 36Rr of the frame end 36. The position of the rear end 34Rr of the protruding frame 34 may coincide with the position of the rear end 36Rr of the frame end 36 in the vehicle widthwise fore-and-aft direction.

[0025] The pair of mount brackets 18 connect the frame ends 36 of the frame main body 32 to the left and right side frames 104 of the vehicle 100. Each mount bracket 18 is made of a material that is weaker than the frame main body 32. The mount brackets 18 are made of a metal material. For example, the mount brackets 18 are made of an aluminum alloy.

[0026] The left mounting bracket 18L is fixed to the left frame end 36L of the frame main body 32 with a bolt 46. The left mounting bracket 18L is fixed to the left side frame 104L with a bolt 46. The right mounting bracket 18R is fixed to the right frame end 36R of the frame main body 32 with a bolt 46. The right mounting bracket 18R is fixed to the right side frame 104R with a bolt 46.

[0027] Each mount bracket 18 has a first end 181, a second end 182, and an intermediate portion 180. The first end 181 is the end of the mount bracket 18 that is connected to the frame main body 32. The second end 182 is the end of the mount bracket 18 that is provided on the opposite side of the mount bracket 18 from the first end 181 in the vehicle width direction and is connected to the side frame 104. The intermediate portion 180 is the portion of the mount bracket 18 that is provided between the first end 181 and the second end 182.

[0028] The lower surface 18b of the mount bracket 18 has an upwardly recessed recess 40. The recess 40 extends in the vehicle width direction. The upper surface 18a of the mount bracket 18 has an upwardly protruding protrusion 42. The protrusion 42 on the upper surface 18a of the mount bracket 18 is the reverse side of the recess 40 on the lower surface 18b.

[0029] 3A, a first rib 51 for reinforcement is provided at the first end 181 of the mount bracket 18. The first rib 51 is provided in the recess 40. The first rib 51 protrudes downward from the recess 40 and extends in the vehicle width direction. The first rib 51 improves the rigidity and strength of the first end 181.

[0030] 3B, a reinforcing second rib 52 is provided at the second end 182 of the mount bracket 18. The second rib 52 is provided in the recess 40. The second rib 52 protrudes downward from the recess 40 and extends in the vehicle width direction. The second rib 52 improves the rigidity and strength of the second end 182.

[0031] Unlike the first end portion 181 having the first rib 51 and the second end portion 182 having the second rib 52, the intermediate portion 180 of the mount bracket 18 is not provided with a reinforcing rib, as shown in Fig. 3C. Therefore, the intermediate portion 180 has lower rigidity and strength than the first end portion 181 and the second end portion 182.

[0032] This embodiment has the following advantages.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2 , the motor frame 16 of the motor support structure 10 has a protruding frame 34 that protrudes forward from the frame main body 32. Therefore, when an object 60 comes into contact with the vehicle 100 from the front and a load is input to the motor support structure 10, the load is input preferentially to the protruding frame 34 rather than to the power supply unit 14. The object 60 is a structure of the vehicle 100 or a structure that has been relatively displaced from the front of the vehicle 100 toward the vehicle 100. In this way, when the object 60 comes into contact with the motor support structure 10, the load is input to the protruding frame 34, thereby effectively protecting the power supply unit 14, which is a critical component. Furthermore, because the width W2 of the frame center portion 38 of the frame main body 32 is smaller than the width W1 of both end portions, the balance between the rigidity required of the frame main body 32 and the compactness of the frame main body 32 can be optimized.

[0034] The frame body 32 has a hollow structure. With this configuration, it is possible to optimize the balance between the rigidity and light weight required for the frame body 32.

[0035] The motor frame 16 has a plurality of protruding frames 34. With this configuration, the power supply unit 14 can be protected more effectively when an external load is input from the front.

[0036] The pair of mount brackets 18 are made of a material that is weaker than the frame body 32. With this configuration, when a load is applied to the motor support structure 10, the mount brackets 18 are caused to deform (break) preferentially over the frame body 32, thereby controlling the collision strength. This allows a good balance between absorbing the load and protecting the power supply unit 14.

[0037] Each of the pair of mount brackets 18 is provided with a load control portion that is more easily deformed or broken than other portions. Specifically, the mount brackets 18 have a first end 181 connected to the frame main body 32, a second end 182 provided on the opposite side of the first end 181 in the vehicle width direction from the first end 181, and an intermediate portion 180 provided between the first end 181 and the second end 182. As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C , a first reinforcing rib 51 is provided at the first end 181, a second reinforcing rib 52 is provided at the second end 182, and no reinforcing rib is provided at the intermediate portion 180. This intermediate portion 180 is the load control portion, and by not providing a rib at the intermediate portion 180 of the mount bracket 18, it is possible to effectively induce preferential breakage of the mount bracket 18 relative to the frame main body 32 when a load is applied.

[0038] Furthermore, by deforming or breaking the mount bracket 18 in response to the load during a frontal collision, the entire motor support structure 10 including the motor frame 16, power supply unit 14, and motor unit 12 is retracted or lowered, thereby making it possible to appropriately control the load while protecting important components such as the power supply unit 14.

[0039] The following additional notes are further disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0040] (Appendix 1) The motor support structure (10) of the present disclosure is a motor support structure provided on a vehicle (100), and comprises a motor frame (16), a power supply unit (14) supported on the upper part of the motor frame, and a motor unit (12) supported on the lower part of the motor frame, wherein the motor frame has a frame main body (32) extending in the vehicle width direction, and a protruding frame (34) protruding at least forward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction from the frame main body, wherein the frame main body has frame end portions (36) located on both sides of the frame main body in the vehicle width direction, and a frame central portion (38) located between the frame end portions on both sides in the vehicle width direction, wherein the width (W2) of the frame central portion is smaller than the width (W1) of the frame end portions in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and the front end (34Fr) of the protruding frame is located forward of the power supply unit.

[0041] (Supplementary Note 2) In the motor support structure described in Supplementary Note 1, the frame main body may have a hollow structure.

[0042] (Supplementary Note 3) In the motor support structure described in Supplementary Note 1 or 2, the motor frame may have a plurality of the protruding frames.

[0043] (Appendix 4) In the motor support structure described in any one of Appendices 1 to 3, a pair of mounting brackets (18) are provided that connect the frame end portions on both sides of the frame main body to the left and right side frames (104) of the vehicle, and the pair of mounting brackets may be made of a material that is weaker than the frame main body.

[0044] (Supplementary Note 5) In the motor support structure described in Supplementary Note 4, each of the pair of mount brackets may have a load control portion that is more easily deformed or broken than other portions.

[0045] (Appendix 6) In the motor support structure described in Appendix 4, each of the pair of mounting brackets has a first end (181) connected to the frame body, a second end (182) provided on the opposite side of the first end in the vehicle width direction from the first end, and an intermediate portion (180) provided between the first end and the second end, and a first reinforcing rib (51) is provided at the first end, a second reinforcing rib (52) is provided at the second end, and no reinforcing rib may be provided at the intermediate portion.

[0046] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical expressions are used in the description of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 10...Motor support structure 12...Motor unit 14...power supply unit 16...motor frame 18...Mount bracket 32...Frame body 34...Protruding frame 36...Frame end 38...Center of frame

Claims

1. A motor support structure provided in a vehicle, A motor frame; a power supply supported on an upper portion of the motor frame; a motor unit supported on a lower portion of the motor frame, The motor frame has a frame main body extending in a vehicle width direction and a protruding frame protruding from the frame main body at least forward in a vehicle front-rear direction, the frame main body has frame end portions located on both sides of the frame main body in the vehicle width direction, and a frame central portion located between the frame end portions on both sides in the vehicle width direction, In the vehicle front-rear direction, the width of the frame center portion is smaller than the width of the frame end portion, a front end of the power supply unit is located forward of the frame body, a front end of the protruding frame is located forward of the power supply unit; a rear end of the power supply unit is located rearward of the frame main body in the vehicle front-rear direction, A motor support structure, wherein a rear end of the protruding frame is located rearward of the power supply unit.

2. A motor support structure provided in a vehicle, A motor frame; a power supply supported on an upper portion of the motor frame; a motor unit supported on a lower portion of the motor frame; a pair of mounting brackets; The motor frame has a frame main body extending in a vehicle width direction and a protruding frame protruding from the frame main body at least forward in a vehicle front-rear direction, the frame main body has frame end portions located on both sides of the frame main body in the vehicle width direction, and a frame central portion located between the frame end portions on both sides in the vehicle width direction, In the vehicle front-rear direction, the width of the frame center portion is smaller than the width of the frame end portion, a front end of the protruding frame is located forward of the power supply unit; The pair of mount brackets connect the frame end portions on both sides of the frame main body to the left and right side frames of the vehicle, A motor support structure, wherein the pair of mounting brackets are made of a material weaker than the frame body.

3. 3. The motor support structure according to claim 1, The motor support structure, wherein the frame body is a hollow structure.

4. 3. The motor support structure according to claim 1, The motor frame has a plurality of the protruding frames.

5. 3. The motor support structure according to claim 2, A motor support structure in which each of the pair of mounting brackets has a load control portion that is more likely to deform or break than other portions.

6. 3. The motor support structure according to claim 2, Each of the pair of mount brackets has a first end connected to the frame main body, a second end provided on the opposite side of the first end in the vehicle width direction from the first end, and an intermediate portion provided between the first end and the second end, The first end is provided with a first rib for reinforcement, A second rib for reinforcement is provided at the second end, A motor support structure in which no reinforcing rib is provided in the intermediate portion.

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