vehicle

Abstract

To reduce a situation where an electric unit and a vehicle body frame contact with each other to cause electric leak during a collision of a vehicle.SOLUTION: A vehicle includes: an electric unit 5 connected to a battery and a motor; and an airbag 42 which is provided between the electric unit and a vehicle body frame and deployed during a collision of the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a vehicle has been proposed in which an airbag that deploys during a vehicle collision is provided on the lower surface of a battery pack (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this vehicle, it is possible to protect the battery pack by deploying the airbag during a vehicle collision.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in recent years, electric vehicles driven by motors and hybrid vehicles driven by motors and engines have become widespread. Such vehicles include an electric unit including a battery for supplying power to the motor and an inverter that converts direct current from the battery into alternating current and supplies it to the motor.

[0005] And when the electric unit contacts the vehicle body frame during a vehicle collision, there is a risk that the electric unit is exposed and leaks electricity.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to improve safety.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an electric unit connected to a battery and a motor, An inflator that generates gas when a vehicle collides, provided between the electric unit and the vehicle body frame, The aforementioned When a vehicle collides The gas generated from the inflator The deploying airbags, A cutting mechanism that, in the event of a collision between the vehicle and the electrical unit, cuts the power line connecting the battery and the electrical unit. Equipped with The cutting mechanism cuts the power line using the gas pressure of the gas generated from the inflator. . This makes it possible to reduce the risk of electrical leakage caused by contact between the electrical unit and the vehicle frame during a collision. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, safety can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the vehicle's configuration. [Figure 2] This is a side view showing the arrangement of the electrical unit and the airbag unit. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the electrical unit and airbag unit. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the configuration of the electrical unit and the airbag unit. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the electrical unit and airbag unit during a collision. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the electrical unit and airbag unit after a collision. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the configuration of the airbag unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the deployment of the airbag during a front-right collision. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] <1. First Embodiment> [1.1 Vehicle Configuration] Figure 1 shows an overview of the configuration of vehicle 1. In the following explanation, the direction of travel of vehicle 1 will be referred to as the forward direction, the direction of reverse of vehicle 1 as the rear direction, the right side relative to the direction of travel of vehicle 1 as the right direction, the left side relative to the direction of travel of vehicle 1 as the left direction, the vertically upward direction as the upward direction, and the vertically downward direction as the downward direction.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 is a hybrid vehicle including an engine 2 and a motor 3 as power sources. The vehicle 1 includes an engine 2, a motor 3, a transmission 4, an electric unit 5, a battery 6, an airbag ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 7, a collision sensor 8, and an airbag unit 9 (see FIG. 2). In FIG. 1, the airbag unit 9 is omitted.

[0012] The engine 2 is, for example, a horizontally opposed engine in which a pair of cylinder groups are horizontally arranged in the left - right direction with the crankshaft interposed therebetween. The engine 2 reciprocates the piston by the combustion pressure obtained by burning a mixture of gasoline and air in the cylinder. Then, the engine 2 obtains power by rotating a crankshaft connected to the piston via a connecting rod. Note that the engine 2 may be an in - line engine, a V - type engine, etc. Also, the engine 2 may be a diesel engine.

[0013] The engine 2 is fixed in an engine room 12 surrounded by a bonnet 10 and a vehicle body frame 11 in front of the vehicle 1. A transmission 4 is connected to the rear side of the engine 2. The transmission 4 includes a motor 3, a transmission, a forward - reverse switching device, etc., and is arranged from the rear side of the engine room 12 to under the passenger compartment.

[0014] The transmission is connected to the crankshaft of the engine 2, and runs the vehicle 1 by shifting the power from the crankshaft and transmitting it to the drive wheels. Also, the forward - reverse switching device switches the forward or reverse movement of the vehicle 1.

[0015] The motor 3 is, for example, a three - phase AC motor and is connected to the battery 6 via the electric unit 5. The motor 3 generates a driving force by the electric power supplied from the battery 6 via the electric unit 5, and runs the vehicle 1 by transmitting the driving force to the drive wheels.

[0016] Further, the motor 3 generates electricity (electric power) by performing regenerative operation. The electricity generated by the regenerative operation of the motor 3 is supplied to the battery 6 via the electric unit 5.

[0017] The electric unit 5 is a so-called high-voltage component. The electric unit 5 converts the direct current supplied from the battery 6 into a three-phase alternating current and supplies it to the motor 3. Also, when the motor 3 performs regenerative operation, the electric unit 5 converts the alternating current supplied from the motor 3 into a direct current and supplies it to the battery 6. The configuration of the electric unit 5 will be described in detail later.

[0018] The battery 6 is disposed, for example, below the rear seat or the trunk room. The battery 6 is a so-called high-voltage battery and can store electricity for supplying to the motor 3.

[0019] The airbag ECU 7 is a control device that controls the deployment of the airbag 42 (see FIG. 4). The airbag ECU 7 is connected to the collision sensor 8.

[0020] The collision sensor 8 is, for example, an acceleration sensor and is mounted on the front part of the vehicle 1. Note that the collision sensor 8 may be, for example, an external camera, a radar, etc., as long as it can detect the collision of the vehicle 1.

[0021] The airbag ECU 7 detects the collision of the vehicle 1 based on the detection result of the collision sensor 8, that is, the acceleration generated in the vehicle 1. Note that the airbag ECU 7 may detect the collision direction of the vehicle 1 based on the detection result of the collision sensor 8, that is, the acceleration generated in the vehicle 1.

[0022] [1.2 Arrangement of Electric Unit 5 and Airbag Unit 9] Figure 2 is a side view showing the arrangement of the electrical unit 5 and the airbag unit 9. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of the electrical unit 5 and the airbag unit 9, with the hood 10 and the vehicle frame 11 omitted. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, an intake manifold 13 that distributes intake air to each cylinder is mounted on the top surface of the engine 2.

[0023] The electrical unit 5 is fixed via a mount 14 to the top surface of the engine 2, behind the intake manifold 13. This is to be close to the motor 3 and to make efficient use of space within the engine compartment 12.

[0024] Therefore, the electrical unit 5 will be positioned at the rear and upper side within the engine compartment 12, and will be located near the vehicle body frame 11, such as the toe board, which forms the engine compartment 12.

[0025] If such a vehicle 1 is hit from the front, the engine 2 and transmission 4 may move backward due to the impact force they receive. At this time, since the electrical unit 5 is fixed to the engine 2, the electrical unit 5 will move backward along with the movement of the engine 2.

[0026] If the airbag unit 9 of this embodiment is not provided, the electrical unit 5 will collide with the vehicle frame 11. When the electrical unit 5 collides with the vehicle frame 11, the case 44 of the electrical unit 5 (see Figure 4) may be damaged, potentially exposing the electronic components inside the electrical unit 5. Furthermore, the electronic components inside the electrical unit 5 may come into contact with the vehicle frame 11, potentially causing a short circuit through the vehicle frame 11.

[0027] Therefore, for example, a protector made of high-strength metal could be installed between the electrical unit 5 and the vehicle frame 11, so that when the electrical unit 5 moves backward, the protector prevents contact between the electrical unit 5 and the vehicle frame 11. However, installing a protector made of high-strength metal would increase both the mass and the cost.

[0028] Therefore, the vehicle 1 of this embodiment is equipped with an airbag unit 9. The airbag unit 9 is fixed behind the electrical unit 5. That is, the airbag unit 9 is provided between the electrical unit 5 and the vehicle body frame 11.

[0029] [1.3 Configuration of Electrical Unit 5 and Airbag Unit 9] Figure 4 shows the configuration of the electrical unit 5 and the airbag unit 9. As shown in Figure 4, the electrical unit 5 includes an inverter 21, a capacitor 22, and a relay 23.

[0030] The inverter 21 is equipped with six switching elements 31 to 36. The switching elements 31 to 36 are, for example, IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors), and diodes are connected in antiparallel.

[0031] Switching elements 31 and 32 are connected in series to form, for example, a U-phase leg. Switching elements 33 and 34 are connected in series to form, for example, a V-phase leg. Switching elements 35 and 36 are connected in series to form, for example, a W-phase leg.

[0032] Switching elements 31, 33, and 35 are connected in parallel to one end of the DC power line L1. Switching elements 32, 34, and 36 are connected in parallel to one end of the DC power line L2. DC power lines L1 and L2 are conductors for connecting the inverter 21 and the battery 6, with the other end connected to the battery 6. A portion of DC power line L2 is routed into the case 44 of the airbag unit 9.

[0033] One end of the U-phase power line L3 is connected to the connection point between switching element 31 and switching element 32. One end of the V-phase power line L4 is connected to the connection point between switching element 33 and switching element 34. One end of the W-phase power line L5 is connected to the connection point between switching element 35 and switching element 36. The U-phase power line L3, V-phase power line L4, and W-phase power line L5 are conductors for connecting the motor 3 and the inverter 21, with the other end connected to the motor 3.

[0034] The switching elements 31 to 36 operate based on the control of a control device (not shown). Specifically, the switching elements 31 to 36 operate when a control signal from the control device is input to their gates, and output alternating current of a predetermined frequency and voltage to the U-phase power line L3, the V-phase power line L4, and the W-phase power line L5, respectively.

[0035] Capacitor 22 is located between DC power lines L1 and L2 and is connected in parallel with the inverter 21 to the battery 6. Capacitor 22 smooths the DC current flowing through the inverter 21.

[0036] The relay 23 comprises a coil section 23a and a junction section 23b. The coil section 23a is connected to the airbag ECU 7. When the airbag ECU 7 detects a collision with the vehicle 1, it supplies current to the coil section 23a.

[0037] The joint 23b is connected between the DC power line L1 and the inflator 41 of the airbag unit 9. When no current is flowing through the coil section 23a, the joint 23b is kept in a disconnected state, electrically disconnecting the DC power line L1 and the inflator 41 of the airbag unit 9. When current flows through the coil section 23a, the joint 23b switches to a connected state, electrically connecting the DC power line L1 and the inflator 41 of the airbag unit 9.

[0038] The airbag unit 9 comprises an inflator 41, an airbag 42, a cutting mechanism 43, and a case 44. The inflator 41, airbag 42, and cutting mechanism 43 are housed within the case 44.

[0039] The inflator 41 contains a gas generating agent inside. The ignition device of the inflator 41 is connected between the junction 23b of the relay 23 and the DC power line L2. When vehicle 1 collides and the junction 23b becomes connected, the ignition device of the inflator 41 is activated by the electricity stored in the capacitor 22. When the ignition device is activated, the gas generating agent is burned to generate expansion gas. Furthermore, the ignition device of the inflator 41 may be configured to operate using electricity stored in the battery 6 if there is no electricity stored in the capacitor 22 at the time of the collision of the vehicle 1.

[0040] The airbag 42 is formed in a bag shape from, for example, nylon, which is an insulator. The airbag 42 is housed in a folded state inside the case 44. When the inflator 41 is activated and inflation gas is generated, the airbag 42 is deployed (inflated) as the inflation gas flows into the interior. At this time, the airbag 42 is designed to deploy towards the rear of the case 44.

[0041] The cutting mechanism 43 is formed in a shape with a pointed tip, such as a stake, and its tip is positioned opposite the DC power line L2. The cutting mechanism 43 is also positioned so as to be movable toward the tip by the gas pressure generated when the inflator 41 is activated and expansion gas is produced. Therefore, the cutting mechanism 43 moves towards the tip due to the gas pressure generated when the inflator 41 is activated and expansion gas is produced, and physically cuts the DC power line L2. Furthermore, the cutting mechanism 43 can be any mechanism as long as it can cut the DC power line L2 when the airbag 42 is deployed.

[0042] Figure 5 shows the state of the electrical unit 5 and airbag unit 9 during a collision. Figure 6 shows the state of the electrical unit 5 and airbag unit 9 after a collision.

[0043] When vehicle 1 collides forward, the engine 2 moves backward, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. At this time, before the electrical unit 5 collides with the vehicle frame 11, the inflator 41 of the airbag unit 9 is activated by the electricity stored in the capacitor 22, and the airbag 42 deploys backward (see Figure 5).

[0044] As a result, even when engine 2 is reversing, the deployed airbag 42 will be positioned between the electrical unit 5 and the vehicle frame 11. Therefore, damage to the case of electrical unit 5 can be prevented, and direct contact between electrical unit 5 and the vehicle frame 11 can be avoided (reduced). This makes it possible for the airbag unit 9 to prevent (reduce) electrical leakage caused by contact between the electronic components of electrical unit 5 (e.g., switching elements 31-36) and the vehicle frame 11.

[0045] Furthermore, as the engine 2 moves backward, the airbag 42 deploys, and the pressure generated when the airbag 42 deploys, as well as the impact force when the airbag 42 collides with the vehicle frame 11, deforms the vehicle frame 11 (see Figure 6). This allows the vehicle frame 11 to deform when the engine 2 moves backward, creating space for the electrical unit 5 to be housed. This further prevents the electrical unit 5 from coming into direct contact with the vehicle frame 11, thereby further preventing electrical leakage.

[0046] Furthermore, the airbag 42 is made of an insulating material and remains in place between the electrical unit 5 and the vehicle frame 11 even after it deflates after deployment. This further prevents the electrical unit 5 from coming into direct contact with the vehicle frame 11, thereby further preventing electrical leakage.

[0047] <2. Second Embodiment> Figure 7 shows the configuration of the airbag unit 9 in the second embodiment. Figure 8 shows the deployment of the airbag 42 during a right front collision. In the second embodiment, the vehicle 1 is equipped with a plurality of airbag units 9.

[0048] The airbag units 9 are provided, for example, in the rear center, rear right, and rear left of the electrical unit 5. Each airbag unit 9 is configured in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0049] When the airbag ECU 7 detects the direction of impact from the results of the collision sensor 8, it deploys the airbag 42 based on the detected direction of impact.

[0050] For example, as shown in Figure 8, if vehicle 1 collides from the front right, the airbag ECU 7 activates the inflators 41 of the rear center and rear left airbag units 9. This causes the airbags 42 of the rear center and rear left airbag units 9 to deploy.

[0051] As a result, even if the engine 2 moves to the left rear when vehicle 1 collides from the right front, the two deployed airbags 42 can better prevent damage to the case of the electrical unit 5, thus preventing the electrical unit 5 from coming into direct contact with the vehicle frame 11.

[0052] Thus, in the second embodiment, by deploying the airbag 42 in the direction in which the engine 2 moves based on the collision direction of the vehicle 1, it is possible to further prevent electrical leakage.

[0053] <3. Variant> Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and can take on a variety of configurations. For example, in the embodiment described above, the electrical unit 5 is fixed to the engine 2. However, the electrical unit 5 does not have to be fixed to the engine 2. However, the airbag unit 9 is particularly useful when it is fixed to a part that may move during a collision of the vehicle 1, as in the embodiment described above.

[0054] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, one or three airbag units 9 (airbags 42) are provided, but the number of airbag units 9 (airbags 42) may be any number.

[0055] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, an engine 2 without an intercooler was used as an example. However, the engine 2 may be equipped with an intercooler. In this case, the intercooler may be positioned, for example, above the electrical unit 5. In such a case, if a protector to protect the electrical unit 5 is provided instead of the airbag unit 9 in the embodiment, the airflow around the intercooler may be obstructed by the protector, potentially reducing the vehicle speed utilization rate. In contrast, in this embodiment, since an airbag unit 9 is provided, the airflow around the intercooler is not obstructed, and the vehicle speed utilization rate can be improved.

[0056] <4. Summary of Embodiments> As described above, the vehicle 1 of the embodiment includes a battery 6 and an electrical unit 5 connected to a motor 3, and an airbag 42 provided between the electrical unit 5 and the vehicle frame 11, which deploys when the vehicle 1 is involved in a collision. This makes it possible for vehicle 1 to reduce the risk of electrical leakage caused by contact between the electrical unit 5 and the vehicle frame 11 when vehicle 1 collides. Therefore, vehicle 1 can improve safety.

[0057] Furthermore, vehicle 1 is equipped with a cutting mechanism 43 that cuts the power line (DC power line L2) connecting the battery 6 and the electrical unit 5 when vehicle 1 is involved in a collision. This allows vehicle 1 to interrupt the current flowing to the battery 6 and inverter 21, ensuring that the motor 3 is reliably stopped in the event of a collision, and further reducing the risk of electrical leakage.

[0058] Furthermore, the electrical unit 5 includes an inverter 21 and a capacitor 22 connected in parallel with the inverter 21 to the battery 6, and the airbag 42 deploys using the electricity stored in the capacitor 22 when the vehicle 1 collides. This allows vehicle 1 to use the electricity stored in capacitor 22 to deploy the airbag 42 and to de-energize capacitor 22 in the event of a collision. Therefore, vehicle 1 can reduce leakage current caused by electricity stored in capacitor 22.

[0059] Furthermore, multiple airbags 42 are provided, and the vehicle 1 is equipped with a control unit (airbag ECU 7) that detects the collision direction of the vehicle 1 and deploys the airbags 42 based on the detected collision direction. This allows vehicle 1 to deploy the airbag 42 in the direction in which the electrical unit 5 may come into contact with the vehicle frame 11. Therefore, vehicle 1 can further reduce damage and leakage of electrical unit 5.

[0060] Furthermore, the electrical unit 5 is fixed in the engine compartment 12 at the front of the vehicle 1, above the engine 2, and the airbag 42 is located behind the electrical unit 5. As a result, even if the engine 2 moves backward during a head-on collision, the damage to the electrical unit 5 and electrical leakage can be reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1 vehicle 2 engines 3 motors 5 Electrical Unit 7. Airbag ECU 9. Airbag Unit 21 Inverter 22 Capacitors 23 Relay 41 Inflator 42 airbags 43 Cutting mechanism

Claims

1. An electrical unit connected to the battery and motor, An inflator that generates gas when a vehicle collides, An airbag is provided between the electrical unit and the vehicle frame, which deploys when the vehicle collides using gas generated from the inflator, A cutting mechanism that, in the event of a collision between the vehicle and the electrical unit, cuts the power line connecting the battery and the electrical unit. Equipped with, The cutting mechanism cuts the power line using the gas pressure generated from the inflator. vehicle.

2. The electrical unit comprises an inverter and a capacitor connected in parallel with the inverter to the battery. The airbag deploys when the vehicle collides using electricity stored in the capacitor. The vehicle according to claim 1.

3. Multiple airbags are provided. The system includes a control unit that detects the collision direction of the vehicle and deploys the airbags based on the detected collision direction. The vehicle according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The aforementioned electrical unit is fixed in the engine compartment on the front side of the vehicle, above the engine. The airbag is located behind the electrical unit. A vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The airbags are arranged in a row in the vehicle width direction behind the electrical unit. The vehicle according to claim 3.

6. An intercooler is positioned above the electrical unit. The vehicle according to claim 1.

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