Vehicle body structure

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle body structure including: an electrical storage device disposed in a recess formed in a rear portion of a vehicle relative to a seat of the vehicle; and a guide member extending from an upper surface of the electrical storage device toward a front portion and a lower portion of the vehicle, wherein a carpet covering a floor of the vehicle extends above the guide member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicle body structure.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japan Patent Application No. 2021-051934, filed on March 25, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] For example, vehicles that use an electric motor as a driving source, such as hybrid vehicles, are equipped with an energy storage device that supplies power to the electric motor. The energy storage device is located behind the vehicle, for example, in the rear seats (hereinafter referred to as seats), and a battery is housed inside the casing.

[0004] Here, for example, a luggage compartment tray is provided behind the seat, and a luggage compartment panel is provided above the luggage compartment tray. The luggage compartment tray is formed to be recessed downward relative to the luggage compartment panel. A storage space is formed between the luggage compartment tray and the luggage compartment panel, and a battery storage device is stored in the storage space.

[0005] Furthermore, a gap is formed between the front end of the luggage compartment panel and the floor panel, and this gap is separated by a partition member. Therefore, the partition member can be used to prevent items, such as those on the side of the vehicle compartment, from falling into the storage space through the gap (for example, see International Publication No. 2016 / 125388). Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, in the configuration of International Publication No. 2016 / 125388, a separate partition member is required to separate the space between the front end of the luggage compartment panel and the bottom panel. This hinders the reduction of the number of components.

[0007] Furthermore, from this perspective, there is room for improvement as additional space is needed to accommodate the partition members in order to separate the front end of the luggage compartment panel from the bottom panel.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vehicle body structure that can separate a storage space for storing an energy storage device from the vehicle interior without increasing the number of components or ensuring additional space.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the vehicle body structure of the present invention adopts the following configuration.

[0010] (1) The vehicle body structure of the present invention includes: an energy storage device (e.g., the energy storage device 20 of the embodiment) disposed in a recess (e.g., the luggage compartment tray 18 of the embodiment) formed at the rear of the vehicle relative to the seat (e.g., the seat 15 of the embodiment) of the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle 10 of the embodiment); and a guide member (e.g., the guide member 64 of the embodiment) extending from the upper surface of the energy storage device (e.g., the upper guide portion 87 of the embodiment) toward the front and below of the vehicle, wherein a carpet (e.g., the carpet 17 of the embodiment) covering the floor (e.g., the floor plate 14 of the embodiment) of the vehicle extends above the guide member.

[0011] According to the above scheme (1), the guide member extends forward and downward from the upper surface of the energy storage device. The guide member is located behind the seat. The carpet extends from the front of the guide member to above the guide member from the side of the vehicle compartment. The carpet is laid to cover the floor of the vehicle.

[0012] Therefore, in a state where the seat back is tilted forward and the seat is sunken, the gap between the seat and the battery storage device can be closed. This eliminates the need for additional parts and extra space, allowing a recessed storage space for the battery storage device to be created within the vehicle cabin using a carpet. Consequently, it avoids the need for conventional partitions and prevents objects from falling into the recess.

[0013] Furthermore, it can, for example, prevent air flowing from the energy storage device from entering the passenger compartment. It can also prevent heat generated by the energy storage device from being transferred to the passenger compartment.

[0014] (2) In the above-mentioned (1) solution, the vehicle body structure may include: an air intake (e.g., the air intake 41 of the embodiment) that takes in air to cool the energy storage element (e.g., the battery cell 47 of the embodiment); and an exhaust (e.g., the third exhaust 44 of the embodiment) that exhausts the air that has exchanged heat with the energy storage element. The exhaust is provided in the vehicle at a position behind the guide member and opens toward the front of the vehicle.

[0015] According to the above scheme (2), the exhaust vent faces forward and is positioned behind the guide member. The carpet extends from the passenger compartment side to the top of the guide member. Therefore, the carpet is placed in front of the exhaust vent. This prevents the hot exhaust air from flowing directly into the passenger compartment, thus suppressing the deterioration of passenger air conditioning comfort.

[0016] (3) In the above-mentioned (2) solution, the vehicle body structure may have a charging plug located on one side of the upper surface of the energy storage device (e.g., cover 61 in the embodiment), and a support member (e.g., support member 37 in the embodiment) is arranged in front of the charging plug in the vehicle. The support member is arranged on the side of the guide member in the vehicle width direction and supports the luggage compartment panel (e.g., luggage compartment panel 16 in the embodiment) arranged above the energy storage device.

[0017] According to the above scheme (3), the support member supporting the luggage compartment panel is set on the side of the guide member in the vehicle width direction. By connecting the support member to the side of the guide member in the vehicle width direction, it is more difficult for high-temperature exhaust air to flow into the passenger compartment, which can further improve the air conditioning comfort of passengers.

[0018] Furthermore, the support member is positioned in front of the charging plug. Therefore, it is not necessary to extend the guide member across the entire width of the battery storage device to cover the charging plug. As a result, the charging plug can be easily reached, for example, during maintenance and repairs.

[0019] (4) In the above-mentioned (2) or (3) solution, the vehicle body structure may include: a receiving part (e.g., the receiving part 32 in the embodiment) that receives the energy storage element and has an opening on its upper surface (e.g., the upper surface 32a in the embodiment); a cover part (e.g., the cover part 36 in the embodiment) that covers the upper surface, wherein the cover part has an exhaust channel connection part that is connected to an exhaust channel, the exhaust channel connection part being formed on the front side of the cover part, the guide member being fixed to the upper surface of the cover part and overlapping with the exhaust channel connection part in both the top view and the front view of the vehicle.

[0020] According to the above-described (4) scheme, the guide member is fixed to the upper surface of the cover, and the guide member overlaps with the exhaust channel connection portion under both top-view and front-view observations of the vehicle. Therefore, the exhaust channel connection portion can be covered by the guide member under both top-view and front-view observations of the vehicle. Thus, for example, in a state where the seat back is tilted forward and the seat is sunken, the exhaust channel connection portion can be hidden from view by the passenger.

[0021] In addition, the guide components are also covered by carpet extending from the side of the cabin, thus improving the aesthetics (appearance) of the cabin.

[0022] According to the solution of the present invention, a storage space for storing the energy storage device can be separated from the vehicle compartment without increasing the number of components or ensuring additional space. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front left side.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device according to one embodiment, viewed from the upper right side.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an energy storage device according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 It means Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the energy storage device.

[0027] Figure 5 It means Figure 3 Front view of the energy storage device.

[0028] Figure 6 It is Figure 5 The enlarged front view of VI.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the luggage compartment panel of a vehicle equipped with an energy storage device according to one embodiment being lifted up.

[0030] Figure 8 It means from Figure 7 A 3D view showing the state after the guide components have been disassembled.

[0031] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the state of the guide member provided by the energy storage device in one embodiment, extending the carpet to the ground.

[0032] Figure 10 It means from Figure 9 A three-dimensional diagram showing the disassembled state of the luggage compartment panel and supporting components in the vehicle.

[0033] Figure 11 It is from Figure 2 A sectional view taken along line XI-XI with the luggage compartment panel removed. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings, and a vehicle 10 having one embodiment of the body structure will be described. It should be noted that in the drawings, arrow FR indicates the front of the vehicle 10, arrow UP indicates the top of the vehicle 10, and arrow LH indicates the left side of the vehicle 10. The front-rear direction of the vehicle 10 is sometimes simply referred to as the front-rear direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example of applying the present invention to a two-row seat vehicle will be described, but as another example, the present invention may also be applied to a three-row seat vehicle.

[0035] <Vehicles>

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 10 is an electric motor vehicle, such as a hybrid vehicle, that is driven by an electric motor. Vehicle 10 includes, for example, left and right side frames 12 and 13, a floor 14, second-row rear seats 15, a trunk board 16, a trunk tray (recess) 18, and an electrical storage device 20. Hereinafter, the second-row rear seats 15 will sometimes be referred to simply as "seat 15".

[0037] <Side frame>

[0038] The left side frame 12 extends along its lower portion in a forward-rear direction on the left outer side of the passenger compartment 22. The left side frame 12 is, for example, a hollow member with a rectangular closed cross section. The left side frame 12 forms part of the exhaust passage described later.

[0039] The right-side frame 13 extends along its lower portion in a forward-rear direction on the right outer side of the passenger compartment 22. The right-side frame 13, like the left-side frame 12, is a hollow component with a rectangular closed cross-section. The right-side frame 13 forms part of the exhaust passage described later.

[0040] A floor plate 14 is supported between the left side frame 12 and the right side frame 13. The floor plate 14 forms the floor surface of the passenger compartment 22. The floor plate 14 is supported by a carpet 17 laid from above (see reference). Figure 9 The upper surface is covered by carpet 17.

[0041] <Seating>

[0042] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, a seat 15 is mounted on a base plate 14. The seat 15 includes a seat cushion (support surface) 22, a seat back (backrest) 23, and a headrest 24. The seat cushion 22 is a component that forms the support surface for the passenger to sit on. The seat back 23 is a component that allows the back of a passenger sitting on the seat cushion 22 to rest against. The headrest 24 is a component located at the upper end of the seat back 23 to support the passenger's head.

[0043] The seat 15 can be configured to tilt the seat back (backrest) forward and sink into a recessed state. In the recessed state, the back 23a of the seat back 23 is aligned with the luggage compartment panel 16.

[0044] <Luggage compartment panel, luggage compartment tray>

[0045] The luggage compartment panel 16 forms the floor surface of the luggage compartment 25. A luggage compartment tray 18 is provided below the luggage compartment panel 16. The luggage compartment tray 18 is formed behind the seat 15. The luggage compartment tray 18 is formed in a concave shape, extending downwards from the luggage compartment panel 16. A storage space 29 is formed between the luggage compartment panel 16 and the luggage compartment tray 18 for accommodating (configuring) a battery storage device 20. Through the storage space 29 between the luggage compartment panel 16 and the luggage compartment tray 18 (refer to...) Figure 11 The energy storage device 20 is housed in the luggage compartment tray 18.

[0046] <Electronic Storage Devices>

[0047] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the energy storage device 20 includes a housing 32, a battery module 33, a blower fan 34, a control unit 35, a cover 36, and a support member 37 (see reference). Figure 9 A charging plug (not shown). Furthermore, the energy storage device 20 includes an intake section 41, a first exhaust section (exhaust channel connection section) 42, a second exhaust section 43, and a third exhaust section (exhaust section) 44. It should be noted that the first exhaust section 42 and the second exhaust section 43 are located on the cover section 36.

[0048] The receiving section 32 has an opening on its upper surface 32a to receive the battery module 33, the blower fan 34, and the control unit 35, etc. The battery module 33 contains, for example, multiple batteries 46 arranged in a row. The batteries 46 are formed, for example, by overlapping multiple battery cells (energy storage elements) 47.

[0049] The blower fan 34 is housed at the rear of the housing 32 relative to the battery module 33. An air intake 41 is connected to the blower fan 34.

[0050] The control unit 35 includes, for example, a high-voltage terminal block 51 and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 52. The high-voltage terminal block 51 is, for example, an auxiliary device that supplies power from the battery module 33 to the drive motor (not shown). The ECU 52 is, for example, a battery management unit that controls the discharge and charging between the battery module 33 and the drive motor.

[0051] The high-voltage terminal block 51 and ECU 52 are housed in the front side of the housing 32 relative to the battery module 33.

[0052] A cover 36 is disposed on the upper surface 32a of the receiving portion 32. By providing the cover 36 on the upper surface 32a of the receiving portion 32, the upper surface of the receiving portion 32 is covered by the cover 36. The cover 36 and the receiving portion 32 are sealed by the first sealing member 55. The cover 36 will be described in detail later.

[0053] As described above, the energy storage device 20 is a power circuit control device that houses the battery module 33 and the control unit 35 together inside the housing 32.

[0054] The cover portion 36 includes a cover 61, a channel cover 62, a plug cover 63, and a guide member (metal plate cover) 64. The cover 61, for example, is formed of a metal plate and is disposed on the first upper surface 32b of the upper surface 32a of the receiving portion 32. The cover 61 has a recess 66, a plug opening 67, and an air intake 68. The recess 66 is formed at the front end. The channel cover 62 is mounted on the recess 66.

[0055] The channel cover 62 is formed of resin and is disposed on the second upper surface 32c of the upper surface 32a of the receiving portion 32. By disposing the cover 61 and the channel cover 62 on the upper surface 32a of the receiving portion 32, the upper surface 32a of the receiving portion 32 is covered by the cover 61 and the channel cover 62.

[0056] A DC power cable 71 is wound in the space between the upper surface 32a of the housing 32 and the channel cover 62. The DC power cable 71 is connected to the high-voltage terminal block 51.

[0057] The manhole cover 62 has a first exhaust portion 42 and a second exhaust portion 43. The first exhaust portion 42 is formed at the front end of the manhole cover 62 (i.e., the vehicle front side of the cover portion 36). The first exhaust portion 42 is connected to the first exhaust passage (exhaust passage) 73 (see reference). Figure 8 , Figure 11 The first exhaust passage 73 is connected to the first exhaust section 42. The first exhaust passage 73 is connected to the first exhaust section 42, thereby communicating with the first exhaust section 42.

[0058] The second exhaust section 43 is formed in the vehicle side portion of the channel cover 62, opposite to the plug cover 63. The second exhaust section 43 is connected to the second exhaust channel 74 (see reference). Figure 8 , Figure 9 The first exhaust passage connection portion is connected to the second exhaust section 43. The second exhaust passage 74 is connected to the second exhaust section 43, thereby connecting the second exhaust passage 74 to the second exhaust section 4.

[0059] The plug opening 67 is located on the side of the recess 66 in the vehicle width direction. That is, the plug opening 67 is located on the side of the channel cover 62 in the vehicle width direction, in a position that avoids the channel cover 62. A removable plug cover 63 is installed on the plug opening 67. Therefore, the plug cover 63 can be removed from the plug opening 67 while the channel cover 62 is installed on the cover 61. By removing the plug cover 63 from the plug opening 67, the charging plug (not shown) can be removed.

[0060] The charging plug is disposed, for example, inside the housing 32 near the battery module 33. Furthermore, the charging plug is disposed, for example, below the plug opening 67 and on the side of the cover (upper surface of the energy storage device 20) 61. By removing the charging plug, the power circuit can be disconnected for safe operation, for example, when performing maintenance or repair on parts of the energy storage device 20 where a large current flows.

[0061] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, a third vent 44 is formed by the receiving portion 32, the cover 61, and the channel cover 62. Specifically, the third vent 44 is formed by a first seal 55, the cover 61, the channel cover 62, and a second seal 76 at the overlapping position of the upper surface 32a of the receiving portion 32. The first seal 55 is provided on the upper surface 32a of the receiving portion 32. The first seal 55 seals the gap between the upper surface 32a of the receiving portion 32 and the channel cover 62. The second seal 76 is provided on the channel cover 62. The second seal 76 seals the gap between the channel cover 62 and the cover 61.

[0062] The storage space 29 of the third exhaust section 44 towards the luggage compartment 18 (see reference) Figure 11 The third exhaust section 44 is provided, for example, on the guide member 64 and the support member 37 (see reference). Figure 9 It is located behind the main structure and opens towards the front.

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the energy storage device 20 is supported on the left rear frame 83 and the right rear frame 84 via the left support bracket 81 and the right support bracket 82. Figure 10 (Showing both sides). In this state, the energy storage device 20 is disposed in the storage space 29 of the luggage compartment tray 18 (see reference). Figure 11 ).

[0064] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the energy storage device 20 drives the blower fan 34 to power the vehicle compartment 22 (see reference). Figure 1 Air is drawn into the intake section 41 as indicated by arrow A. The drawn-in air is guided towards the battery module 33, where it exchanges heat with the battery module 33 (i.e., the battery cell 47). After being cooled by heat exchange, the air is directed to the first exhaust section 42, the second exhaust section 43, and the third exhaust section 44 (see also...). Figure 6 ).

[0065] The air directed to the first exhaust section 42 is then directed to the first exhaust passage 73 as shown by arrow B (see reference). Figure 8Air directed to the first exhaust passage 73 is discharged into the cabin 22 via a portion of the aforementioned exhaust passage in the left frame 12, as indicated by arrow C.

[0066] Additionally, the air directed to the second exhaust section 43 is guided through the second exhaust section 43 to the second exhaust passage 74 (see arrow D). Figure 9 Air directed to the second exhaust passage 74 is discharged into the cabin 22 via a portion of the aforementioned exhaust passage in the right side frame 13, as indicated by arrow E.

[0067] On the other hand, the air guided to the third exhaust vent 44 flows through the third exhaust vent 44 to the storage space 29 of the luggage compartment 18 (see reference). Figure 11 Discharge as shown by arrow F.

[0068] like Figure 3 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the guide member 64 is formed by a metal plate covering the channel cover 62. By using the guide member 64 made of metal plate to cover the channel cover 62 made of resin, the channel cover 62 can be protected by the guide member 64.

[0069] The guide member 64 has an upper guide portion 87 and a front guide portion 88. The upper guide portion 87 is fixed to, for example, the upper surface of the cover 61 (the upper surface of the cover portion 36) in a generally horizontally arranged state that covers the upper surface 62a of the channel cover 62. The front guide portion 88 extends forward and downward from the front side of the upper guide portion 87 (i.e., the upper surface of the energy storage device 20) in a manner that covers the front surface 62b of the channel cover 62 (see also...). Figure 11 Thus, when viewed from above or from the front, the guide member 64 overlaps the first exhaust section 42, the first exhaust passage 73, and the second exhaust section 43 in an overlapping manner.

[0070] like Figures 9-11 As shown, a support member 37 is provided on the side of the guide member 64 in the vehicle width direction. The support member 37 is provided in such a way that it covers the DC power cable 71 from the front side, and is located in front of the plug cover 63 and the charging plug (not shown).

[0071] Support member 37 and guide member 64 support the luggage compartment panel 16 disposed above the energy storage device 20. Here, support member 37 and guide member 64 are disposed behind the base plate 14. (See also base plate 14) Figure 1 A carpet 17 is laid on the carpet. The carpet 17 extends rearward from the front guide portion 88 of the guide member 64 to the upper guide portion 87 at the portion 17a corresponding to the guide member 64 in the front-back direction.

[0072] It should be noted that the carpet 17 may also extend rearward to the upper surface 37b via the front surface portion 37a of the support member 37, in addition to the portion 17a corresponding to the guide member 64 in the front-back direction.

[0073] As described above, in the energy storage device 20 of the embodiment, such as Figure 7 , Figure 9 , Figure 11 As shown, the upper guide portion 87 of the guide member 64 is arranged to cover the upper surface 62a of the passage cover 62. Furthermore, the front guide portion 88 of the guide member 64 extends forward and downward from the front edge of the upper guide portion 87. Moreover, the guide member 64 is located behind the seat 15. The carpet 17 extends from the front of the guide member 64 to above the guide member 64 from the side of the vehicle compartment 22. The carpet 17 covers the floor panel 14 (see reference). Figure 1 It is laid in the manner of ).

[0074] Therefore, when, for example, the seat 15 is lowered and the front panel 16a of the luggage compartment panel 16 is lifted, the gap between the seat back 23 of the seat 15 and the guide member 64 of the power storage device 20 can be closed by using the carpet 17.

[0075] Alternatively, the carpet 17 can be extended rearward from the front surface portion 37a of the support member 37 to the upper surface portion 37b. In this case, with the front panel 16a of the luggage compartment panel 16 lifted, the carpet 17 can also be used to close the gap between the seat back 23 of the seat 15 and the support member 37 of the power storage device 20.

[0076] Therefore, without increasing the number of parts or ensuring additional space, the carpet 17 can be used to separate a storage space 29 from the cabin 22 for the luggage compartment tray 18 where the battery storage device 20 is located. Thus, objects can be prevented from falling into the luggage compartment tray 18 without the need for conventional partitions.

[0077] In addition, such as Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Figure 9 As shown, the third exhaust vent 44 opens forward. The third exhaust vent 44 is located behind the guide member 64 and the support member 37. Furthermore, the carpet 17 extends from the side of the vehicle compartment 22 toward the top of the guide member 64. Moreover, the carpet 17 can also extend from the side of the vehicle compartment 22 toward the top of the support member 37.

[0078] Therefore, a carpet 17 is provided in front of the third exhaust section 44. This prevents hot exhaust air from flowing directly into the passenger compartment 22, thus suppressing the deterioration of passenger air conditioning comfort. In addition, it can suppress the transfer of heat generated from the power storage device 20 to the passenger compartment 22.

[0079] In addition, such as Figure 9 , Figure 10 As shown, the support member 37 that supports the luggage compartment panel 16 is located on the side of the guide member 64 in the vehicle width direction. By connecting the support member 37 to the side of the guide member 64 in the vehicle width direction, it is more difficult for high-temperature exhaust air to flow into the passenger compartment 22, thereby further improving the air conditioning comfort of passengers.

[0080] Furthermore, the support member 37 is located in front of the plug cover 63. Therefore, it is not necessary to extend the guide member 64 over the entire width of the battery storage device 20 to cover the plug cover 63. As a result, for example, during maintenance or repair, the plug cover 63 can be removed to easily access the charging plug (not shown).

[0081] In addition, such as Figure 3 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the guide member 64 is fixed to the upper surface of the cover 36 (specifically, a portion of the channel cover 62 and cover 61). Furthermore, the guide member 64 overlaps the first exhaust portion 42 in an overlapping manner under both top-view and front-view vehicle views. Therefore, the first exhaust portion 42 can be covered by the guide member 64 under both top-view and front-view vehicle views.

[0082] Therefore, when, for example, the seat 15 is lowered and the front panel 16a of the luggage compartment panel 16 is lifted, the first exhaust section 42 can be hidden from view by passengers.

[0083] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, the portion 17a of the carpet 17 corresponding to the guide member 64 extends rearward from the front guide portion 88 of the guide member 64 to the upper guide portion 87. Thus, the guide member 64 can be covered by the portion 17a of the carpet 17, which can improve the aesthetics (appearance) of the vehicle compartment 22.

[0084] It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0085] Furthermore, the constituent elements in the foregoing embodiments can be appropriately replaced with well-known constituent elements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the foregoing variations can be appropriately combined.

Claims

1. A vehicle body structure, characterized in that, It possesses: An energy storage device is disposed in a recess formed at the rear of the vehicle relative to the vehicle's seats; A guide member that extends from the upper surface of the energy storage device toward the front and below of the vehicle; The intake section draws in air to cool the energy storage elements of the energy storage device; An exhaust section discharges air that has exchanged heat with the energy storage element; A housing section that houses the energy storage element and has an open upper surface; as well as A cover portion that covers the upper surface of the receiving portion. The carpet covering the vehicle floor extends over the guide member. The exhaust section is located in the vehicle at a position behind the guide member and opens towards the front of the vehicle. The cover has an exhaust channel connection portion that connects to the exhaust channel. The exhaust channel connection is formed on the front side of the hood. The guide member is fixed to the upper surface of the cover and overlaps with the exhaust channel connection portion when viewed from above or from the front of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle body structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle body structure has a charging plug located on one side of the upper surface of the energy storage device. A support member is provided in the vehicle at the position in front of the charging plug. The support member is located on the side of the guide member in the vehicle width direction and supports the luggage compartment panel disposed above the energy storage device.

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