JP2017193270A - High voltage protection structure - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a high-voltage protection structure which can further improve safety to a high voltage.SOLUTION: In a state that a cover 6 of a high-voltage apparatus 2 is attached to a case 5, the cover 6 and the case 5 are electrically connected to each other (connected so as to be conductive), and the cover 6 and a conductive member 11 are electrically connected to each other. The case 5 is connected to a body earth 7. The conductive member 11 is electrically connected to a signal terminal 22 arranged at an ECU 3. A positive power supply 27 is electrically connected to the signal terminal 22 via a pull-up resistance 26. Therefore, such an abnormality as a connection failure between the case 5 and the body earth 7 does not occur, and in a state that the cover 6 is attached to the case 5, a low-level signal is inputted to the signal terminal 22. On the other hand, in a state that abnormality occurs or the cover 6 is removed from the case 5, a high-level signal is inputted to the signal terminal 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a structure for protecting a person from high voltages.

  As a device for purifying exhaust gas discharged from an engine, a device using a plasma reactor has been proposed. In the plasma reactor, each of the plurality of discharge electrodes extends in a direction along the flow of the exhaust gas, and is arranged in parallel with a space between each other. A high voltage is applied between the discharge electrodes. By applying a high voltage, discharge occurs between the discharge electrodes, plasma is generated by the discharge, and exhaust gas flowing between the discharge electrodes is purified.

  When mounting high-voltage equipment such as an exhaust gas purification apparatus using this plasma reactor in a vehicle, it is important to ensure safety against high voltage.

  For example, if a service operation such as maintenance is performed in a state where the high-voltage device is operating, there is a possibility that the service person may receive an electric shock. Therefore, when a high voltage device is mounted on a vehicle, the case of the high voltage device is connected to the body ground. In addition, measures may be taken to cover the high-voltage device with a cover so that a serviceman or user cannot directly touch the high-voltage device.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-130850

  An object of the present invention is to provide a high voltage protection structure capable of further improving safety against high voltage.

  In order to achieve the above object, a high voltage protection structure according to the present invention is a structure applied to a vehicle equipped with a high voltage device using a high voltage and a control device for controlling operation / stop of the high voltage device. The high-voltage device is attached to the case so as to close the case that forms the exterior, the opening provided in the case, and the cover that is electrically connected to the case in the attached state, and the cover is attached to the case A conductive member that is electrically connected to the cover in a state where the cover is removed and electrically separated from the cover when the cover is removed from the case. The signal terminal thus connected is electrically connected to the conductive member, and a positive power source is electrically connected to the signal terminal via a pull-up resistor.

  According to this configuration, in a state where the cover of the high-voltage device is attached to the case, the cover and the case are electrically connected (connected in a conductive manner), and the cover and the conductive member are electrically connected. . The case is connected to the body ground. The conductive member is electrically connected to a signal terminal provided in the control device. A positive power supply is electrically connected to the signal terminal via a pull-up resistor.

  As a result, the connection between the case and the body ground and the connection between the signal terminal and the conductive member are both normal, and the cover is attached to the case so that the cover and the case are connected, and the conductive member and In a state where the cover is connected, the signal terminal is connected to the body ground via the conductive member, the cover, and the case, and the potential of the signal terminal is the same as that of the vehicle body. On the other hand, if there is an abnormality such as poor connection between the case and body ground, poor connection between the signal terminal and conductive member, or the cover is removed from the case, the signal terminal is disconnected from the body ground. Thus, the signal terminal has the same potential as the output terminal of the positive power supply.

  In other words, when there is no abnormality such as poor connection between the case and the body ground (the case is floating from the body ground, so-called ground floating), and the cover is attached to the case, the signal terminal has a low level. Signal is input. On the other hand, when an abnormality has occurred or when the cover is removed from the case, a high level signal is input to the signal terminal.

  Therefore, the control device can detect an abnormality such as ground floating based on the level of the signal input to the signal terminal, and also when the cover is removed from the case. Can be detected. Therefore, the operation of the high-voltage device can be stopped in response to the occurrence of an abnormality such as a floating ground and in response to the cover being removed from the case. Therefore, the safety against high voltage can be further improved.

  The inner surface of the cover may be provided with an insulating coating except for a portion where the conductive member abuts in a state where the cover is attached to the case.

  As a result, when the cover is attached with a deviation from the correct position with respect to the case, the portion of the inner surface of the cover on which the insulating coating is applied contacts the conductive member, and the cover and the conductive member are electrically connected. Not connected. As a result, a high level signal is input to the signal terminal of the control device, and accordingly, the operation of the high voltage device can be stopped. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the safety against high voltage when the cover is not correctly attached to the case.

  Further, when the fitting member is provided on the cover and the cover is attached to the case, the fitting member and the conductive member are fitted together, whereby the cover and the conductive member are electrically connected. A configuration may be employed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the further improvement of the safety | security with respect to a high voltage can be aimed at in the vehicle by which the high voltage apparatus was mounted.

It is a figure showing the high voltage protection structure concerning one embodiment of the present invention diagrammatically. It is an illustration top view of a high voltage apparatus, (a) shows the state where the cover was normally attached to the case, and (b) shows the state where the cover was attached to the case abnormally (shifted from the normal position). .

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<High voltage protection structure>
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a high voltage protection structure 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The high voltage protection structure 1 is applied to a vehicle 4 equipped with a high voltage device 2 that uses a high voltage and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 3 that controls the high voltage device 2.

  The high voltage device 2 is, for example, a plasma reactor. The plasma reactor is interposed in the middle of an exhaust pipe such as an exhaust pipe in order to remove PM contained in exhaust gas discharged from an engine (not shown) of the vehicle 4. The plasma reactor is provided with a plurality of discharge electrodes. The discharge electrodes each extend in a direction along the flow of the exhaust gas, and are alternately arranged in parallel with a space therebetween. A high voltage in the form of a pulse wave is applied between the discharge electrodes. Thereby, discharge is generated between the discharge electrodes, and plasma is generated by the discharge. Due to the generation of plasma, PM contained in the exhaust gas flowing between the electrode panels is oxidized (burned) and removed.

  The high-voltage device 2 includes a case 5 that forms an exterior, and a cover 6 that is attached to the case 5. The case 5 and the cover 6 are made of a conductive material.

  The case 5 is electrically connected to a body ground (the body of the vehicle 4) 7. An opening 8 for service work (for maintenance work) is formed on the upper surface of the case 5.

  The cover 6 is attached to the case 5 so as to close the opening 8. Specifically, by bringing the peripheral edge of the cover 6 into contact with the peripheral edge of the opening 8 on the upper surface of the case 5 and fastening the peripheral edge of the cover 6 to the case 5 with a plurality of metal bolts 9, A cover 6 is attached to the case 5. As a result, the cover 6 is electrically connected to the body ground 7 via the bolt 9 and the case 5 while being attached to the case 5.

  A conductive member 11 is provided in the case 5. The conductive member 11 is made of, for example, a metal coil spring, and is supported by the case 5 via the support portion 12 so that the expansion and contraction direction is along the vertical direction (the direction in which the opening 8 communicates with the inside and outside of the case 5). ing. The support part 12 is made of an insulating material. With the cover 6 removed from the case 5, the upper end portion of the conductive member 11 protrudes outside the case 5 through the opening 8. Thereby, in a state where the cover 6 is attached to the case 5, the inner surface of the cover 6 contacts the conductive member 11, and the conductive member 11 is compressed between the cover 6 and the support portion 12. Further, the conductive member 11 is electrically connected to a signal terminal 14 provided on the case 5 via an internal connection line 13.

  The ECU 3 is, for example, one of a plurality of ECUs mounted on the vehicle 4. The plurality of ECUs are connected so as to be capable of bidirectional communication using a CAN (Controller Area Network) communication protocol. The ECU 3 includes a microcomputer (microcontroller) 21 having a configuration including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

  The ECU 3 is provided with a signal terminal 22 and a ground terminal 23 as connection terminals for connection to the outside.

  The signal terminal 22 is connected to the microcomputer 21 via the internal signal line 24 in the ECU 3. One end of an external signal line 25 is connected to the signal terminal 22 from the outside of the ECU 3. The other end of the external signal line 25 is electrically connected to the signal terminal 14 of the high voltage device 2. The signal terminal 22 is electrically connected to an output terminal of a positive power source 27 (for example, an in-vehicle 12V battery) via a pull-up resistor 26.

  The ground terminal 23 is connected to the ground line 28 inside the ECU 3. The ground terminal 23 is electrically connected to the body ground 7 outside the ECU 3.

<Insulating coating>
FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the high-voltage device 2.

  As shown schematically in FIG. 2 with partial hatching, the inner surface of the cover 6 has an insulating coating except for a region 31 where the conductive member 11 contacts with the cover 6 attached to the case 5. It has been subjected. As a result, when the cover 6 is normally attached to the case 5, as shown in FIG. 2A, the region 31 on the inner surface of the cover 6 where the insulating coating is not applied contacts the conductive member 11. The cover 6 and the conductive member 11 are electrically connected.

<Effect>
As described above, when the cover 6 of the high-voltage device 2 is normally attached to the case 5, the cover 6 and the case 5 are electrically connected (connected so as to be conductive), and the cover 6 and the conductive member 11 are connected. Are electrically connected. Case 5 is connected to body ground 7. The conductive member 11 is electrically connected to a signal terminal 22 provided in the ECU 3 through an internal connection line 13, a signal terminal 14, and an external signal line 25. A positive power source 27 is electrically connected to the signal terminal 22 via a pull-up resistor 26.

  As a result, the connection between the case 5 and the body ground 7 and the connection between the signal terminal 22 and the conductive member 11 are both normal, and the cover 6 is normally attached to the case 5. 5, and the conductive member 11 and the cover 6 are connected, the signal terminal 22 is connected to the external signal line 25, the signal terminal 14, the internal connection line 13, the conductive member 11, the cover 6, and the case 5. And the potential of the signal terminal 22 is the same as that of the body ground 7 (the body of the vehicle 4). On the other hand, in a state where an abnormality such as a connection failure between the case 5 and the body ground 7 or a connection failure between the signal terminal 22 and the conductive member 11 occurs or when the cover 6 is removed from the case 5, the signal terminal 22 is disconnected from the body ground 7, and the potential of the signal terminal 22 becomes the same as that of the output terminal of the positive power supply 27.

  That is, when there is no abnormality such as poor connection between the case 5 and the body ground 7 (the case 5 is floating from the body ground 7, so-called ground floating) and the cover 6 is attached to the case 5. The low level signal is input to the signal terminal 22. On the other hand, when an abnormality has occurred or when the cover 6 has been removed from the case 5, a high level signal is input to the signal terminal 22.

  Therefore, the ECU 3 can detect an abnormality such as a ground floating based on the level of the signal input from the signal line, and can detect it when the cover 6 is removed from the case 5. Can be detected. Therefore, the operation of the high-voltage device 2 can be stopped in response to the occurrence of an abnormality such as floating of the ground or in response to the removal of the cover 6 from the case 5. Therefore, the safety against high voltage can be further improved.

  In addition, an insulating coating is applied to the inner surface of the cover 6 except for a region 31 where the conductive member 11 abuts when the cover 6 is attached to the case 5. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the cover 6 is attached to the case 5 so as to be displaced from the correct position, the region where the insulating coating is applied on the inner surface of the cover 6 is a conductive member. 11, the cover 6 and the conductive member 11 are not electrically connected. As a result, a high level signal is input to the signal terminal 22 of the ECU 3, and accordingly, the operation of the high voltage device 2 can be stopped. Therefore, the safety against high voltage when the cover 6 cannot be correctly attached to the case 5 can be further improved.

<Modification>
As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can also be implemented with another form.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the conductive member 11 is made of a metal coil spring. However, the material of the electroconductive member 11 should just be a material which has electroconductivity, and is not restricted to a metal. The conductive member 11 is not limited to a coil spring, and may be a leaf spring or a member other than a spring.

  As a member other than the spring, a male terminal electrically connected to the female terminal by fitting with the female terminal, a female terminal electrically connected to the male terminal by fitting with the male terminal Etc. can be illustrated. When a male terminal is adopted as the conductive member 11, the female terminal is arranged on the cover 6 so that the conductive member 11 is fitted to the female terminal with the cover 6 properly attached to the case 5. It should be installed. Similarly, when a female terminal is employed for the conductive member 11, the male terminal covers the male member so that the conductive member 11 is fitted with the male terminal with the cover 6 properly attached to the case 5. 6 may be provided.

  In the above-described embodiment, the inner surface of the cover 6 is provided with the insulating coating except for the region 31 where the conductive member 11 contacts with the cover 6 attached to the case 5. The region to which the insulating coating is applied may be the entire region except the region 31 on the inner surface of the cover 6, for example, the region further excluding at least a part of the region in contact with the case 5 on the inner surface of the cover 6. It may be. In the latter case, the electrical connection between the case 5 and the cover 6 can be achieved by the contact between the case 5 and the cover 6 without using the bolt 9 in a state where the cover 6 is attached to the case 5.

  Although a plasma reactor has been described as an example of the high voltage device 2, the high voltage device 2 may be any on-vehicle device that uses a high voltage. As an in-vehicle device using a high voltage, an inverter or a DC-DC converter mounted on a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle can be exemplified in addition to a plasma reactor.

  In addition, various design changes can be made to the above-described configuration within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

1 High Voltage Protection Structure 2 High Voltage Equipment 3 ECU (Control Device)
4 Vehicle 5 Case 6 Cover 7 Body Earth 8 Opening 11 Conductive Member 22 Signal Terminal 26 Pull-Up Resistor 27 Positive Power Supply

Claims (1)

A structure applied to a vehicle equipped with a high voltage device using a high voltage and a control device for controlling operation / stop of the high voltage device,
The high-voltage device includes an outer case, a cover attached to the case so as to close an opening provided in the case, and the cover electrically connected to the case in the attached state, the cover A conductive member electrically connected to the cover in a state attached to the case, and electrically separated from the cover in a state where the cover is removed from the case,
The case is connected to the body ground,
A signal terminal provided in the control device is electrically connected to the conductive member,
A high voltage protection structure, wherein a positive power source is electrically connected to the signal terminal via a pull-up resistor.

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