Vehicle lower structure

Abstract

The present application relates to a vehicle lower structure including: an electrical storage device having a case in which an electrical storage module is housed, mounted on a lower portion of a vehicle; a connector portion provided to the case; and a heater element that warms the connector portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the underbody structure of vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] It has long been known that vehicles are equipped with energy storage devices that can be charged by electricity from an external power source and heaters that receive electricity from an external power source to heat the energy storage devices (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-051590). In such vehicles, in low-temperature environments, the energy storage devices are preheated by using heaters to raise their temperature in advance.

[0003] However, if ice forms on the connector section and its surrounding outer wall in the energy storage device, and the ice breaks (cracks) before melting due to vehicle vibration or other reasons, the connector section and the wiring harness connected to the connector section may be damaged. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lower structure that can suppress damage to the connector part and the wiring harness connected to the connector part in a low-temperature environment where icing may occur in and around the connector part.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the vehicle lower structure according to the first aspect of the present invention includes: an energy storage device having a housing containing an energy storage module and mounted on the lower part of the vehicle; a connector portion disposed on the housing; and a heater element for heating the connector portion.

[0006] According to the invention of the first aspect, the energy storage device mounted on the lower part of a vehicle has a housing that houses the energy storage module. A connector portion is provided in the housing. Moreover, the connector portion is heated by a heating element. Therefore, in a low-temperature environment where the connector portion and its surroundings may freeze, even if the connector portion freezes, the ice can be melted without damaging it. Therefore, damage to the connector portion and the wiring harness connected to the connector portion can be suppressed.

[0007] Furthermore, the second type of vehicle lower structure involved in the present invention is completed based on the first type of vehicle lower structure, and a battery heater for heating the energy storage module is provided inside the housing, and the heater element is electrically connected to the battery heater.

[0008] According to the second aspect of the invention, a battery heater for heating the energy storage module is provided inside the housing, and a heater element is electrically connected to the battery heater. Therefore, the connector portion can be heated by the heater element at the same time as the battery heater heats the energy storage module. Thus, in low-temperature environments where the connector portion and its surroundings may freeze, the vehicle's low-temperature startability and safety can be improved.

[0009] Furthermore, the vehicle lower structure of the third embodiment of the present invention is completed based on the vehicle lower structure of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, wherein the connector portion has an aluminum connector block disposed inside the housing, and the heater element is disposed on the connector block.

[0010] According to a third-party invention, the connector section has an aluminum connector block disposed inside the housing, and a heating element is disposed on the connector block. Here, the connector block is made of aluminum, thus having high thermal conductivity. Therefore, in low-temperature environments where the connector section and its surroundings may freeze, the connector section is efficiently heated to the desired temperature.

[0011] Furthermore, the fourth type of vehicle lower structure according to the present invention is completed based on the first type of vehicle lower structure, wherein the connector portion has a connector body disposed outside the housing, and the heater element is disposed on the connector body.

[0012] According to the fourth embodiment of the invention, the connector portion has a connector body disposed outside the housing, and a heater element is disposed on the connector body. Therefore, in a low-temperature environment where the connector portion and its surroundings may freeze, at least the ice on the connector body and its surroundings can be melted without damaging it.

[0013] Furthermore, the fifth aspect of the vehicle lower structure according to the present invention includes: an energy storage device having a housing that houses the energy storage module and mounted on the lower part of the vehicle; a connector portion disposed at the front end of the housing; an exhaust pipe configured to be adjacent to the outer side of the housing in the vehicle width direction; and a barrier portion disposed between the connector portion and the exhaust pipe when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and formed to cover the size of the connector portion when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0014] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the energy storage device mounted on the lower part of a vehicle has a housing that houses the energy storage module. A connector portion is provided at the front end of the housing on the vehicle side, and an exhaust pipe is disposed adjacent to the outer side of the housing in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle, a barrier portion is disposed between the connector portion and the exhaust pipe, and the barrier portion is formed to cover the size of the connector portion when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0015] Therefore, in low-temperature environments where icing is possible in and around the connector section, this barrier section can suppress or prevent snow and ice kicked up by wheels from entering the connector section. In other words, it can suppress or prevent icing on the outer walls of the connector section and its surrounding area. Therefore, it can suppress damage to the connector section and the wiring harness connected to the connector section.

[0016] As described above, according to the present invention, in a low-temperature environment where the connector portion and its surroundings may freeze, damage to the connector portion and the wire harness connected to the connector portion can be suppressed. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Hereinafter, the features, advantages, technical and industrial importance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same constituent elements, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1A This is a schematic side view showing the icing state of the vehicle's lower structure according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 1B This is a schematic side view showing the state of ice melting at the lower structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2A This is a schematic side view showing the vehicle lower structure according to the second embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2B This is a schematic front view showing the vehicle lower structure according to the second embodiment;

[0022] Figure 3A This is a schematic side view showing the vehicle's lower structure according to the third embodiment;

[0023] Figure 3B This is a schematic front view showing the vehicle lower structure according to the third embodiment;

[0024] Figure 4A This is a schematic side view showing the vehicle lower structure according to the fourth embodiment;

[0025] Figure 4B This is a schematic front view showing the vehicle lower structure according to the fourth embodiment;

[0026] Figure 5A This is a schematic side view showing the initial state of icing at the lower structure of the vehicle in the first comparative example;

[0027] Figure 5B This is a schematic side view showing the icing condition of the lower structure of the vehicle in the first comparative example;

[0028] Figure 5C This is a schematic side view showing the state of icing damage at the lower structure of the vehicle in the first comparative example;

[0029] Figure 6A This is a schematic side view showing the lower structure of the vehicle according to the second comparative example;

[0030] Figure 6B This is a schematic front view showing the lower structure of the vehicle in the second comparative example. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, arrow UP, appropriately shown in each figure, represents the upward direction of the vehicle, arrow FR represents the forward direction of the vehicle, and arrow RH represents the rightward direction of the vehicle. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the directions of up / down, front / back, and left / right refer to the up / down, front / back, and left / right directions of the vehicle. Additionally, the left / right direction is synonymous with the vehicle width direction.

[0032] First Implementation Method

[0033] First, the first embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 1A , Figure 1B As shown, the vehicle lower structure 10 according to the first embodiment includes an energy storage device 20 mounted on the lower side of the floor 13 of the vehicle 12. The vehicle 12 is, for example, a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle). Therefore, as described later, an exhaust pipe 18 is disposed adjacent to the right side (outer side in the vehicle width direction) of the energy storage device 20 (see reference). Figure 2B ).

[0034] The energy storage device 20 has a metal housing 22 in the shape of a generally rectangular box. A generally rectangular flat plate 14 extending forward is integrally provided at the lower end of the front wall (outer wall of the front end) 22F of the housing 22. The protective plate 14 protects the connector 28 and the wiring harness 34, which will be described later, from interference by foreign objects or the like.

[0035] An energy storage module 24 is housed inside the housing 22. Furthermore, a battery heater 26 is located below the energy storage module 24 inside the housing 22 to heat the module. The battery heater 26 is shaped to be slightly larger than the energy storage module 24 when viewed from above, so that it can heat the entire energy storage module 24.

[0036] Additionally, a connector section 28 is provided on the left side of the front wall 22F of the housing 22 (on the side in the vehicle width direction, opposite to the exhaust pipe 18). The connector section 28 has a connector body 28A disposed on the outside of the housing 22 and a connector block 28B disposed on the inside of the housing 22. The connector block 28B is made of aluminum (aluminum alloy) formed by die casting.

[0037] A heater element 30 is provided on the rear wall of connector block 28B to heat connector section 28 and raise its temperature. This heater element 30 is electrically connected to battery heater 26 via wiring 32, and is configured to operate (be energized) in conjunction with the operation (energization) of battery heater 26. In addition, a wiring harness 34 is connected to connector body 28A from the front side.

[0038] In the vehicle lower structure 10 according to the first embodiment of the structure described above, its function will be explained next.

[0039] First of all, Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C The lower structure of the vehicle involved in the first comparative example will be described. In this first comparative example, the heater element 30 is not provided. In the lower structure of the vehicle, the exhaust pipe 18, which will become hot, is located on the front and right side of the energy storage device 20 (housing 22), and is therefore not completely covered by external parts, etc. Therefore, as Figure 5A As shown, snow and ice kicked up by the wheels (not shown) can easily enter the connector section 28 (connector body 28A) from the exhaust pipe 18 side.

[0040] In addition, Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C Although not shown in the diagram, a longitudinal wall portion 16A is present on the front and left side of the energy storage device 20 (housing 22). This longitudinal wall portion 16A is erected at the left end (one end in the vehicle width direction) of the bottom cover 16 (described later) and extends forward from the front wall 22F of the housing 22. Therefore, snow and ice kicked up by the wheels (not shown) become difficult to enter the connector portion 28 (connector body 28A) from the side opposite to the exhaust pipe 18.

[0041] If snow or ice enters the connector section 28 from the exhaust pipe 18 side, a protective plate 14 is provided on the lower side of the connector section 28, therefore... Figure 5B As shown, ice blocks B easily form on the connector section 28 and its surrounding front wall 22F due to the accumulation and freezing of snow or attached ice. In this case, as... Figure 5C As shown, if the ice block B breaks (cracks) without melting due to vibration of the vehicle 12, the connector part 28 and the wire harness 34 connected to the connector part 28 will be damaged along with the ice block B.

[0042] Therefore, in the vehicle lower structure 10 according to the first embodiment, a heater element 30 is provided on the connector block 28B of the connector section 28. That is, the connector section 28 is heated by the heater element 30 and its temperature rises. Therefore, in low-temperature environments where the connector section 28 and its surroundings may freeze, such as... Figure 1A As shown, even if the connector portion 28 and its surrounding front wall 22F are icy (even if ice blocks B are formed), as Figure 1B As shown, it is also possible to melt the ice (ice block B) without destroying it.

[0043] Therefore, in low-temperature environments where the connector section 28 and its surroundings may freeze, damage to the connector section 28 and the wire harness 34 connected to the connector section 28 can be suppressed or prevented. In particular, the connector block 28B is made of die-cast aluminum (aluminum alloy), which has high thermal conductivity and can efficiently heat the connector section 28 to raise its temperature.

[0044] Furthermore, the heater element 30 is electrically connected to the battery heater 26, which heats the energy storage module 24, via wiring 32. Therefore, the heater element 30 can operate in conjunction with the operation of the battery heater 26. That is, the heater element 30 can heat the connector portion 28 at the same time as the battery heater 26 heats the energy storage module 24. Therefore, in low-temperature environments where the connector portion 28 and its surroundings may freeze, the low-temperature startability and safety of the vehicle 12 can be improved.

[0045] Furthermore, the heater element 30 can be controlled solely by controlling the battery heater 26, thus reducing the increase in manufacturing costs compared to configuring a separate control unit for the heater element 30. Additionally, since the heater element 30 is located inside the housing 22, there is no need to separately seal the heater element 30, which also helps to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0046] Second Implementation Method

[0047] Next, the second embodiment will be described. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for parts equivalent to those in the first embodiment described above, and detailed descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0048] like Figure 2A , Figure 2B As shown, in the vehicle lower structure 10 according to this second embodiment, the only difference from the first embodiment is that the heater element 30 is not provided in the connector block 28B of the connector portion 28, but in the connector body 28A. That is, the connector body 28A is formed into a generally square cylindrical shape, and the heater element 30 is mounted in a ring on the outer periphery of the connector body 28A. Furthermore, two heater elements 30 are provided in the front and rear of the figure, but it may also be configured to provide only one, or it may be configured to provide three or more.

[0049] In addition, such as Figure 2B As shown, an exhaust pipe 18 is disposed adjacent to the right side (outer side in the vehicle width direction) of the housing 22, through which exhaust gases from the engine (not shown) housed in the engine compartment pass. That is, the exhaust pipe 18 is disposed approximately along the peripheral wall 22A of the housing 22 and extends rearward. Therefore, the connector portion 28 is disposed on the left side of the housing 22 (the side opposite to the exhaust pipe 18) so that the wiring harness 34 does not contact the exhaust pipe 18.

[0050] Additionally, a bottom cover 16 covering the lower part of the vehicle 12 is disposed below the energy storage device 20 (housing 22). The bottom cover 16 is configured with a predetermined gap in the vertical direction relative to the entire lower surface of the lower wall 22D of the housing 22, including the protective plate 14. Furthermore, as... Figure 2B As shown, a longitudinal wall portion 16A is integrally provided on the left end (one end in the vehicle width direction) of the bottom cover 16 and on the front side of the front wall 22F of the housing 22.

[0051] The longitudinal wall portion 16A is shaped to cover the connector portion 28 (including the connector body 28A of the heater element 30) when viewed in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, snow and ice kicked up by the wheels (not shown) are suppressed or prevented from entering the connector body 28A of the connector portion 28 from the side opposite to the exhaust pipe 18 by this longitudinal wall portion 16A. Furthermore, in Figure 2A The illustration of the longitudinal wall portion 16A is omitted.

[0052] In the second embodiment of the vehicle lower structure 10 with the structure described above, its function will be explained below. Furthermore, explanations of functions common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0053] In the vehicle lower structure 10 according to this second embodiment, a heater element 30 is provided in the connector body 28A of the connector section 28. That is, the connector body 28A of the connector section 28 is heated by the heater element 30 and its temperature rises. Therefore, in a low-temperature environment where the connector section 28 and its surroundings may freeze, at least the ice (ice blocks) on the connector body 28A and its surroundings can be melted without damaging it.

[0054] Therefore, in low-temperature environments where the connector section 28 and its surroundings may freeze, damage to the connector section 28 and the wiring harness 34 connected to the connector section 28 can be suppressed or prevented. Furthermore, the longitudinal wall portion 16A of the base cover 16 can suppress or prevent snow and ice from entering the connector body 28A of the connector section 28 from the side opposite to the exhaust pipe 18. Therefore, the possibility of icing in the connector section 28 and its surroundings can be reduced. This is also true in the case of the first embodiment described above.

[0055] Alternatively, in this second embodiment, the heater element 30 may be configured to operate at a different time than the battery heater 26. That is, the heater element 30 may be configured to operate regardless of the operating time of the battery heater 26. However, in this case, it is preferable to provide a determination device or the like that determines whether ice (ice blocks) form on and around the connector portion 28 and whether the ice (ice blocks) melts and disappears.

[0056] Third Implementation Method

[0057] Next, the third embodiment will be described. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are equivalent to those in the first and second embodiments described above, and detailed descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0058] like Figure 3A , Figure 3B As shown, in the vehicle lower structure 10 according to the third embodiment, the only difference is that the heater element 30 is not provided. Instead, a generally rectangular flat barrier portion 15 is integrally erected with a predetermined thickness at the right end of the protective plate 14 (the other end in the vehicle width direction), which is different from the first and second embodiments described above.

[0059] like Figure 3B As shown, viewed from the front and rear direction, the barrier portion 15 is positioned between the connector portion 28 (connector body 28A) and the exhaust pipe 18, as... Figure 3A As shown, the size is configured to cover the connector portion 28 (connector body 28A) when viewed from the vehicle width direction. Additionally, in Figure 3A The illustration of the longitudinal wall portion 16A is omitted.

[0060] In the vehicle lower structure 10 according to the third embodiment with the structure described above, its function will be explained next. Furthermore, descriptions of functions common to the first and second embodiments described above will be omitted as appropriate.

[0061] First of all, Figure 6A , Figure 6B The lower structure of the vehicle involved in the second comparative example will be described. In this second comparative example, the barrier portion 15 is not provided. Therefore, as shown... Figure 6A , Figure 6B As shown, snow and ice enter from the exhaust pipe 18 side towards the connector section 28 (connector body 28A), and the connector section 28 and its surrounding front wall 22F freeze. In this case, if the ice (ice block) breaks without melting, the connector section 28, the wiring harness 34 connected to the connector section 28, and the ice block will all break together.

[0062] Therefore, in the vehicle lower structure 10 of the third embodiment, a barrier portion 15 is integrally erected at the right end (the other end in the vehicle width direction) of the protective plate 14. Therefore, as... Figure 3B As shown, the barrier portion 15 can suppress or prevent snow and ice from entering the connector portion 28 (connector body 28A) from the exhaust pipe 18 side. That is, it can suppress or prevent icing of the connector portion 28 and its surrounding front wall 22F.

[0063] Therefore, in low-temperature environments where the connector section 28 and its surroundings may freeze, damage to the connector section 28 and the wire harness 34 connected to the connector section 28 can be suppressed or prevented. Furthermore, the barrier section 15 is erected on the protective plate 14 located at the front end of the housing 22. Therefore, the installation of this barrier section 15 can be easily achieved.

[0064] Fourth Implementation Method

[0065] Finally, the fourth embodiment will be described. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as in the first to third embodiments described above, and detailed descriptions are omitted where appropriate.

[0066] like Figure 4A , Figure 4B As shown, in the vehicle lower structure 10 of this fourth embodiment, only the barrier portion 15 is integrally erected at the right end of the bottom cover 16 (the other end in the vehicle width direction) instead of the right end of the protective plate 14 (the other end in the vehicle width direction), which is different from the third embodiment described above.

[0067] like Figure 4B As shown, viewed from the front and rear direction, the barrier portion 15 is positioned between the connector portion 28 (connector body 28A) and the exhaust pipe 18, as... Figure 4A As shown, the size is configured to cover the connector portion 28 (connector body 28A) when viewed from the vehicle width direction. Additionally, in Figure 4A The illustration of the longitudinal wall portion 16A is omitted.

[0068] In the fourth embodiment of the vehicle lower structure 10 with the structure described above, its function will be explained below. Furthermore, explanations of functions common to the first to third embodiments will be omitted as appropriate.

[0069] In the vehicle lower structure 10 of this fourth embodiment, a barrier portion 15 is integrally erected at the right end (the other end in the vehicle width direction) of the underbody 16. Therefore, as Figure 4B As shown, the barrier portion 15 can suppress or prevent snow and ice from entering the connector portion 28 (connector body 28A) from the exhaust pipe 18 side. That is, it can suppress or prevent icing of the connector portion 28 and its surrounding front wall 22F.

[0070] Therefore, in low-temperature environments where the connector section 28 and its surroundings may freeze, damage to the connector section 28 and the wiring harness 34 connected to the connector section 28 can be suppressed or prevented. Furthermore, the barrier section 15 is erected on the bottom cover 16 covering the lower part of the vehicle 12. Therefore, the installation of this barrier section 15 can be easily achieved.

[0071] The vehicle lower structure 10 according to this embodiment has been described above based on the accompanying drawings. However, the vehicle lower structure 10 according to this embodiment is not limited to the structure shown in the drawings, and appropriate design changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the connector portion 28 is not limited to the structure shown in the drawings, where only one is provided, but can also be configured to have multiple portions arranged in the vehicle width direction.

[0072] When multiple connector portions 28 are provided, the heater element 30 in the first embodiment and the second embodiment is provided for each connector portion 28. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the heater element 30 may be configured to operate at a timing different from that of the battery heater 26. Additionally, in the first embodiment, a third or fourth embodiment may be applied, and in the second embodiment, a third or fourth embodiment may also be applied.

Claims

1. A vehicle substructure, wherein, have: An energy storage device, having a housing that houses the energy storage module, is mounted on the lower part of the vehicle; Connector portion, disposed on the housing; and The heater element heats up the connector section.

2. The vehicle lower structure according to claim 1, wherein, A battery heater is installed inside the housing to heat up the energy storage module. The heater element is electrically connected to the battery heater.

3. The vehicle substructure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The connector portion has an aluminum connector block disposed inside the housing. The heater element is disposed on the connector block.

4. The vehicle lower structure according to claim 1, wherein, The connector portion has a connector body disposed outside the housing. The heater element is disposed on the connector body.

5. A vehicle substructure, wherein, have: An energy storage device, having a housing that houses the energy storage module, is mounted on the lower part of the vehicle; A connector portion is located at the vehicle front end of the housing; An exhaust pipe is configured to be adjacent to the outer side of the housing in the vehicle width direction; as well as The barrier portion is positioned between the connector portion and the exhaust pipe when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and is shaped to cover the size of the connector portion when viewed from the width direction of the vehicle.

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