Vehicle rear structure

Abstract

The rear structure of the vehicle includes: a panel member that extends along the vehicle's longitudinal direction and the vehicle's width direction, and is connected to a pair of side beams that extend along the vehicle's longitudinal direction on both outer sides in the vehicle's width direction, and covers the lower side of the battery housing; and a breathing membrane that is disposed at the rear end of the lower housing constituting the lower part of the battery housing in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and is positioned above the panel member, and is configured to allow communication between the inside of the battery housing and the outside of the vehicle to adjust the pressure inside the battery housing, and has an extension that protrudes from the rear end of the panel member toward the rear of the vehicle, and extends in a direction that overlaps with the breathing membrane in a top-down view of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the rear structure of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-171053 discloses technology related to vehicles equipped with energy storage devices. In this prior art, a breathing membrane is provided on the upper shell of the battery casing that constitutes the battery module, which can adjust the pressure inside the battery module.

[0003] Thus, in the aforementioned prior art, since a breathing membrane is provided on the upper housing, it is possible to prevent damage to the breathing membrane caused by flying stones or the like when the vehicle is in motion. On the other hand, a gap needs to be provided on the upper side of the upper housing (hereinafter referred to as the "upper cover"), which may result in a corresponding narrowing of the space inside the vehicle compartment located on the upper side of the battery housing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides a rear structure for a vehicle that ensures space within the passenger compartment and inhibits damage to the respiratory membrane.

[0005] The rear structure of the vehicle involved in the first embodiment includes: a panel member that extends along the vehicle's longitudinal direction and the vehicle's width direction and is connected to a pair of side beams that extend along the vehicle's longitudinal direction on both outer sides of the battery housing in the vehicle's width direction, and the panel member covers the lower side of the battery housing in the vehicle; and a breathing membrane that is disposed at the rear end of the lower housing constituting the lower part of the battery housing in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and at a position above the panel member in the vehicle, and is configured to allow communication between the inside of the battery housing and the outside of the vehicle to adjust the pressure inside the battery housing, and the rear structure of the vehicle is provided with an extension that protrudes from the rear end of the panel member toward the rear of the vehicle and extends in a direction that overlaps with the breathing membrane in a top-down view of the vehicle.

[0006] The rear structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment includes a panel component and a breathing membrane. The panel component extends along the vehicle's longitudinal direction and width direction, and is connected to a pair of side beams that extend along the vehicle's longitudinal direction on both outer sides in the vehicle's width direction, covering the lower side of the battery housing. In this way, the battery housing is covered by the panel component on the lower side of the vehicle, thereby protecting the battery housing from the impact of foreign objects on the road surface during vehicle travel.

[0007] On the other hand, in this embodiment, a breathing membrane, which allows communication between the inside of the battery casing and the outside of the vehicle and enables adjustment of the pressure inside the battery casing, is located at the rear end of the lower casing, which constitutes the lower part of the battery casing, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Therefore, in this embodiment, compared to the case where the breathing membrane is located on the upper cover side, space inside the passenger compartment is ensured.

[0008] Furthermore, the breathable membrane is positioned above the panel component on the vehicle side. Here, in this configuration, an extension protrudes from the rear end of the panel component toward the rear of the vehicle, extending in a direction overlapping the breathable membrane in a top-view perspective. As described above, the breathable membrane is located on the lower housing side, thus exposing itself to the outside of the vehicle. Therefore, the extension protruding from the rear end of the panel component toward the rear of the vehicle, extending in a direction overlapping the breathable membrane in a top-view perspective, effectively suppresses damage to the breathable membrane caused by flying stones or similar objects.

[0009] Furthermore, the "extension extending in the direction of overlapping with the above-mentioned breathing membrane in the vehicle's top-down view" mentioned here indicates the direction of extension of the extension by referring to its relationship with the breathing membrane. The extension and the breathing membrane do not necessarily need to overlap in the vehicle's top-down view.

[0010] Regarding the rear structure of the vehicle involved in the second method, multiple breathing membranes are provided based on the rear structure of the vehicle involved in the first method.

[0011] In the rear structure of the vehicle involved in the second method, multiple breathing membranes are provided so that even if one of the breathing membranes is damaged, the pressure inside the battery casing can be adjusted through the other breathing membranes.

[0012] Regarding the rear structure of the vehicle involved in the third method, based on the rear structure of the vehicle involved in the first or second method, the aforementioned breathing membrane is made of a material that is both waterproof and breathable.

[0013] In the rear structure of the vehicle involved in the third method, the breathing membrane is made of a material that is both waterproof and breathable, so that even if the breathing membrane is exposed to the outside of the vehicle, it can prevent moisture from entering the battery casing.

[0014] Regarding the vehicle rear structure involved in the fourth method, based on the vehicle rear structure involved in any of the first to third methods, a smoke exhaust valve capable of venting smoke from the battery housing is disposed on the rear side of the battery housing, and the breathing membrane is disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction, which is closer to the smoke exhaust valve.

[0015] In the rear structure of the vehicle according to the fourth method, a smoke exhaust valve capable of discharging smoke generated inside the battery casing is disposed on the rear side of the battery casing. A breathing membrane is disposed on the outer side in the width direction and the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is more than the smoke exhaust valve, thereby suppressing the inflow of gas discharged from the smoke exhaust valve into the breathing membrane side.

[0016] Regarding the vehicle rear structure involved in the fifth method, in addition to the vehicle rear structure involved in any one of the methods 1 to 4, a connector block is further provided. The connector block is provided on the flange portion provided on the rear end side of the lower housing in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the breathing membrane is installed on the connector block.

[0017] In the rear structure of the vehicle involved in Method 5, the breathing membrane is held in place by the connector block. That is, the breathing membrane can be installed on the vehicle side using the connector block. When an external force is applied to the vehicle, a portion of the energy of that force is absorbed by the connector block, thus preventing damage to the breathing membrane.

[0018] As explained above, the rear structure of the vehicle disclosed herein ensures space within the passenger compartment and inhibits damage to the respiratory membrane. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view showing the rear structure of the vehicle involved in this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing the battery pack disposed in the rear structure of the vehicle involved in this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 3 It cuts along the front-to-back direction of the vehicle. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the rear structure of the vehicle shown.

[0022] Figure 4 It is cut along the width of the vehicle. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the rear structure of the vehicle shown.

[0023] Figure 5 It is cut along line AA Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the rear structure of the vehicle shown.

[0024] Figure 6 It is Figure 4 The enlarged section view is shown in the image.

[0025] Figure 7 This is an enlarged perspective view showing the main parts of the rear structure of the vehicle involved in this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8 It is cut along the BB line. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the rear structure of the vehicle shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Hereinafter, the rear structure of the vehicle according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described using the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, identical or equivalent parts in the drawings will be labeled with the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. In addition, when there are multiple identical or equivalent parts in the drawings, only a few will be labeled for ease of observation. Also, in each drawing, the arrow FR appropriately indicated represents the front side in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and the arrow UP represents the upper side in the vehicle's vertical direction. The arrow RH represents the right side in the vehicle's width direction, and in this embodiment, it represents the outer side in the vehicle's width direction. Hereinafter, when only the directions of longitudinal, vertical, and left / right are used in the description, unless otherwise specified, these refer to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the left / right direction (vehicle width direction).

[0028] <Structure of the rear structure of the vehicle>

[0029] First, the configuration of the rear structure of the vehicle involved in this embodiment will be explained.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a partial schematic top view of a vehicle 10 equipped with the rear structure 14 of this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of the battery pack (battery casing) 18 mounted on the vehicle 10.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery pack 18 mounted on vehicle 10 is also... Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle has multiple (four in this embodiment) battery modules 20 arranged along the width direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, gaps GP5 are formed between adjacent battery modules 20 along the width direction of the vehicle. In this embodiment, there are four battery modules 20, therefore, there are three gaps GP5 formed between these battery modules 20.

[0032] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, each battery module 20 has multiple battery cells 22, which are arranged in the battery module 20 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. That is, the battery pack 18 is a structure in which multiple battery modules 20 having multiple battery cells 22 arranged along the front-rear direction of the vehicle are arranged along the width direction of the vehicle.

[0033] Figure 3 It cuts along the front-to-back direction of the vehicle. Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the rear structure 14 of the vehicle shown is shown. Figure 4 It is cut along the width of the vehicle. Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the rear structure 14 of the vehicle shown. Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the battery pack 18 has a lower housing 24 and an upper cover 26. Additionally, Figure 1 , Figure 2 The illustration of the upper cover 26 is omitted.

[0034] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the lower housing 24 is a component with a box-shaped housing 23 capable of accommodating the battery module 20, comprising a lower plate 24L, a front plate 24F, a rear plate 24R, and a pair of left and right side plates 24S. The lower plate 24L is a plate-shaped portion that supports the battery module 20 from below. The front plate 24F and the rear plate 24R are plate-shaped portions erected from the front and rear ends of the lower plate 24L, respectively, and the side plates 24S are plate-shaped portions erected from both sides of the lower plate 24L in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the upper surface of the lower housing 24 is open, and a flange 25 protrudes from the periphery of the lower housing 24 toward the outer side of the housing 23.

[0035] Additionally, a shear panel 46 is provided on the lower side of the battery pack 18, extending along the vehicle's longitudinal direction and width direction. The shear panel 46 is formed of metal plates such as aluminum alloy or steel, and is connected to a pair of side beams 15 (see reference) that extend along the vehicle's longitudinal direction on both outer sides of the battery pack 18 in the vehicle's width direction and become part of the vehicle's frame. Figure 1 The battery pack 18 is connected. Thus, the lower surface of the battery pack 18 is covered by the reinforcing plate 46, and the battery module 20 is protected by the reinforcing plate 46 from the influence of foreign objects on the road surface.

[0036] On the other hand, the upper cover 26 is a cover-like component that blocks the upper surface of the lower housing 24, and is formed by including the receiving portion 23 that is formed together with the lower housing 24. The upper cover 26 has the same structure as the lower housing 24, and is composed of an upper plate 26U, a front plate 26F, a rear plate 26R, and a pair of left and right side plates 26S. In addition, the upper plate 26U is a plate-like part that covers the battery module 20 from the top.

[0037] Furthermore, the lower surface of the upper cover 26 is open, and a flange 27 protrudes from the periphery of the upper cover 26 toward the outer side of the receiving portion 23. This flange 27 can engage with the flange 25 formed on the lower housing 24 in a mating state, and the lower housing 24 and the upper cover 26 constitute the battery pack 18.

[0038] Here, at the rear end of the lower housing 24, the rear plate 24R is positioned forward of the rear plate 26R of the upper cover 26, and the area of ​​the flange portion 25 is larger than the area of ​​the flange portion 27 of the upper cover 26. Furthermore, a gap 29 communicating with the receiving portion 23 is provided between the rear end of the upper plate 26U of the upper cover 26 and the flange portion 25 of the lower housing 24.

[0039] Figure 5 It is along Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view when line AA is cut. Additionally, Figure 1 In the diagram, the device housing 31 is shown as an imaginary line, but... Figure 5 In the accompanying diagram, solid lines are used for illustration to facilitate easy observation.

[0040] like Figure 5 As shown, a device housing 31 is disposed above the rear end of the top cover 26. Inside the device housing 31 are disposed a junction box 33 (control device) and an ECU (control device) 35, which houses relays, auxiliary equipment, etc. The relays and auxiliary equipment are connected to the battery module 20 via wiring harnesses and other wiring conduits (layout components) 88, as described later, and are electrically connected to the battery module 20.

[0041] Furthermore, an opening (not shown) is formed at the rear end of the upper cover 26. Through this opening, [the following is possible:] Figure 5 The internal space 37 of the device housing 31 shown communicates with the gap 29 of the battery pack 18 and the receiving part 23.

[0042] in addition, Figure 6 It is Figure 4 The enlarged partial cross-sectional view is shown in the image. Figure 4 , Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of (the same number as the battery modules 20) downward protrusions 30 are formed on the lower plate 24L of the lower housing 24. The downward protrusions 30 protrude downward at the center position of each battery module 20 in the vehicle width direction. In other words, in the downward protrusions 30, the lower housing 24 is separated from the lower surface of the battery cell 22, forming a gap GP1.

[0043] Furthermore, the lower protrusion 30 is formed in each of the battery modules 20 to extend in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, i.e., the direction in which the battery cells 22 are arranged. The length of the lower protrusion 30 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the battery module 20 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Figure 3 The area near the front panel 24F shown extends continuously in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle until the area near the rear panel 24R.

[0044] Thus, the gap GP1, separated from the lower surface of the battery cell 22 by the lower protrusion 30, extends along the vehicle's longitudinal direction, thereby forming part of the smoke exhaust path 32. In the event that smoke-containing gas (hereinafter referred to simply as "smoke") is generated in the battery cell 22 for some reason, smoke will be discharged from the center of the lower surface of the battery cell 22 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the smoke generated by the battery cell 22 flows into the gap GP1 formed by the lower protrusion 30. The smoke exhaust path 32, as described later, is continuously provided from the gap GP1 to GP4, efficiently guiding the generated smoke to the smoke exhaust valve 52.

[0045] Additionally, coolers 38 are provided on both sides of the lower plate 24L of the lower housing 24 in the vehicle width direction, along the vehicle front-rear direction. The coolers 38 form a refrigerant flow path extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the heat of the coolers 38 is transferred to the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant flow path, thereby cooling the battery cells 22 and suppressing overheating of the battery cells 22.

[0046] On the other hand, such as Figure 1 As shown, reinforcing members 40 are respectively disposed on the lower plate 24L of the lower housing 24 and in the gap GP5 between the battery modules 20. A battery base 44 is formed at the location where the reinforcing member 40 is disposed, and the battery base 44 is formed in a downward convex shape in the lower plate 24L of the lower housing 24 at the location where the reinforcing member 40 is disposed.

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing member 40 when cut along the vehicle width direction is a generally cap-shaped cross-section with an open lower side, and the flange plate 40F of the reinforcing member 40 engages with the battery base 44. Thus, the open lower portion of the reinforcing member 40 is closed, forming a closed cross-section 41 in the reinforcing member 40. Furthermore, the height dimension H of the reinforcing member 40 is larger than its width dimension W.

[0048] Here, the width dimension W of the reinforcing member 40 is predetermined so that it can be formed within the gap GP5 provided between adjacent battery modules 20 along the vehicle width direction. Compared with the case where the height dimension H of the reinforcing member 40 is set to be the same as the width dimension W, by setting the height dimension H to be larger than the width dimension W, the moment of inertia of the cross section of the reinforcing member 40 can be increased, thereby suppressing deformation.

[0049] In addition, such as Figure 1As shown, the reinforcing member 40 has a length that extends to the vicinity of the front panel 24F and the rear panel 24R of the lower housing 24. The front end 40A and the rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 are engaged with the front panel 24F and the rear panel 24R of the lower housing 24, respectively, via the engaging member 42. Thus, the reinforcing member 40 reinforces the battery pack 18.

[0050] Figure 7 A perspective view of the rear plate 24R side of the lower housing 24 is shown. Figure 7 As shown, the engaging member 42 has a first partition 42D separated from the rear plate 24R of the lower housing 24 between the engaging surface 42A, which contacts the surface of the lower plate 24L of the lower housing 24, and the engaging surface 42B, which contacts the surface of the rear plate 24R of the lower housing 24. The first partition 42D is formed obliquely when viewed in a cross-section in the vehicle longitudinal direction, creating a gap GP2 between the first partition 42D and the rear plate 24R of the lower housing 24. This gap GP2 is continuous in the vehicle width direction and communicates with the gap GP1 between the lower surface of the battery cell 22 and the lower protrusion 30. That is, this gap GP2 forms part of the exhaust flow path 32.

[0051] Here, Figure 1 The front end 40A and rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 shown are open and connected to... Figure 7 The gap GP2 shown is connected. That is, the closed section 41 formed by the reinforcing member 40 and the battery base 44 is connected to... Figure 7 The gap GP2 shown is connected and forms part of the smoke exhaust path 32.

[0052] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, a connector block 50 is provided on the flange portion 25 at the rear end of the lower housing 24. On the lower surface of the connector block 50, including the central portion in the vehicle width direction, a first metal connector 62, a second resin connector 64, and a third metal connector 66 are provided, for example. A first wiring 72 is connected to the first connector 62, and a second wiring 74 is connected to the second connector 64. Furthermore, a third wiring 76 is connected to the third connector 66. As an example, the first wiring 72 and the third wiring 76 are wirings that supply a current with a higher voltage than that of the second wiring 74.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the front edge (the edge on the front side of the vehicle) of the connector block 50 is straight along the vehicle width direction. In contrast, the rear edge (the edge on the rear side of the vehicle) of the connector block 50 is curved so that the center in the vehicle width direction protrudes towards the rear of the vehicle. In other words, the central portion 50C of the connector block 50 in the vehicle width direction is longer than the two ends 50E in the vehicle width direction.

[0054] In addition, such as Figure 1 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 As shown, a smoke exhaust valve 52 is provided on the outer side of the connector block 50 in the vehicle width direction. A cover plate 54 is installed on the connector block 50, which forms part of the smoke exhaust flow path 32 between the cover plate 54 and the connector block 50 from the battery pack 18 to the smoke exhaust valve 52.

[0055] An upward protrusion 58 is formed on the cover plate 54. This upward protrusion 58 is a curved shape in which the central portion of the side on the front side of the vehicle protrudes upward in the width direction of the vehicle. By forming the upward protrusion 58 on the cover plate 54, a gap GP4 is formed between the cover plate 54 and the connector block 50. This gap GP4 allows smoke to move in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, forming part of the smoke exhaust path 32.

[0056] Furthermore, a second partition 42E is provided on the joining member 42 that engages with the rear plate 24R of the lower housing 24. The second partition 42E is formed at a position corresponding to the upper protrusion 58 in the vehicle width direction. In addition, the second partition 42E is separated from the rear plate 24R of the lower housing 24 and is continuous with the first partition 42D. Moreover, a gap GP3 is formed between the second partition 42E and the rear plate 24R of the lower housing 24.

[0057] Therefore, the exhaust flow path 32 in the battery pack 18 is formed from the gap GP1 between the lower surface of the battery cell 22 and the lower protrusion 30, through the gap GP2 between the second partition 42E and the rear plate 24R of the lower housing 24, the gap GP3 between the second partition 42E and the rear plate 24R of the lower housing 24, and the gap GP4 between the cover plate 54 and the lower housing 24, and continues to the exhaust valve 52.

[0058] If the internal pressure of the exhaust flow path 32 rises above a specified value compared to the external air pressure, the exhaust valve 52 opens. That is, if smoke flows into the exhaust flow path 32 and causes the internal pressure to rise above a specified value, the exhaust valve 52 opens, allowing the gas inside the exhaust flow path 32 to be discharged to the outside.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 7 As shown, a breathing membrane 56 is installed on the connector block 50. Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 The diagram shows a simplified cross-sectional view of the BB line when it is cut. Figure 8 As shown, the breathing membrane 56 can communicate with the gap 29 between the upper plate 26U of the upper cover 26 and the flange 25 of the lower housing 24. In addition, the gap 29 communicates with the housing portion 23 that houses the battery module 20.

[0060] In other words, the breathing membrane 56 is configured to allow communication between the inside of the battery pack 18 and the outside of the vehicle, and to adjust the pressure inside the battery pack 18. Specifically, if the internal pressure of the battery pack 18 increases, air can be discharged from the inside of the battery pack 18 to the outside through the breathing membrane 56; if the internal pressure of the battery pack 18 decreases, air can flow from the outside of the battery pack 18 into the inside through the breathing membrane 56.

[0061] Here, as described above, a reinforcing plate 46 extending along the vehicle's longitudinal direction and the vehicle's width direction is provided on the lower side of the battery pack 18. In this embodiment, an extension 46A protrudes from the rear end of the reinforcing plate 46 toward the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, in a top-down view of the vehicle, the extension 46A extends in a direction that overlaps with the breathing membrane 56.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the breathable membrane 56 allows gas to pass through but prevents liquid (including vapor) from passing through, and the material used is, for example, Gore-Tex (registered trademark). Moreover, the breathable membrane 56 is formed to resist the movement of gas even when gas passes through, so that the gas does not move all at once in a short period of time.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the breathing membrane 56 is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, multiple (two) breather membranes 56 are arranged along the width direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the breather membranes 56 are located on the outer side of the exhaust valve 52 in the width direction and on the upper side in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0064] On the other hand, a mounting block 80 is erected on the connector block 50, on the side further rear of the vehicle than the exhaust valve 52 and the breather membrane 56. The mounting block 80 is formed by protruding upward from the upper surface 50A of the connector block 50, beyond the exhaust valve 52 and the breather membrane 56. Furthermore, when viewed from above the vehicle, the mounting block 80 is longer in the vehicle width direction than in the vehicle front-rear direction, and is located on the outer edge of the connector block 50.

[0065] Furthermore, when viewed from the outside of the vehicle, the mounting block is approximately frustum-shaped, and its cross-sectional shape increases when cut horizontally towards the lower side of the vehicle. Inside the mounting block 80, a circular first insertion hole 80A and a second insertion hole 80B are formed, extending vertically through the connector block 50. In this embodiment, a circulation pipe 86, for example, for circulating coolant within the vehicle's mounting system, is inserted into the first insertion hole 80A. Furthermore, a wiring conduit 88 is inserted into the second insertion hole 80B, and this wiring conduit 88 houses multiple wires for transmitting electrical signals to the mounting system.

[0066] <The function and effect of the rear structure of a vehicle>

[0067] Next, the function and effects of the vehicle rear structure involved in this embodiment will be explained.

[0068] In application Figure 1 In the vehicle 10 of the rear structure 14 of this embodiment, a battery module 20 is formed by a plurality of battery cells 22. The battery cells 22 are arranged in the battery module 20 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and the battery module 20 is arranged in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0069] Therefore, multiple battery cells 22 can be efficiently configured in both the longitudinal and transverse directions of the vehicle. In particular, since the battery cells 22 of the battery module 20 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the number of battery cells 22 per row can be increased compared to a structure in which the battery cells 22 are arranged along the width of the vehicle.

[0070] exist Figure 5 The battery cell 22 shown does not produce smoke under normal conditions. However, if smoke is produced due to certain circumstances, it is discharged from the center of the lower surface of the battery cell 22 in the vehicle width direction. The smoke flows into the gap GP1 provided between the lower protrusion 30 of the lower housing 24 of the battery pack 18 and the lower surface of the battery cell 22. Furthermore, the smoke flows to the exhaust valve 52 via gaps GP2 and GP3 provided on the rear plate 24R side of the lower housing 24, and gap GP4 provided between the cover plate 54 and the connector block 50 at the rear end of the lower housing 24. Gap GP1 to gap GP4 each constitute part of the exhaust flow path 32. If the internal pressure of the exhaust flow path 32 becomes higher than the external pressure, the smoke is discharged from the exhaust valve 52.

[0071] Here, in this embodiment, the rear structure 14 of the vehicle includes a reinforcing plate 46 and a breathing membrane 56. The reinforcing plate 46 extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and in the vehicle's width direction, and is connected to a pair of side beams 15 (see reference) that extend in the vehicle's longitudinal direction on both outer sides of the battery pack 18 in the vehicle's width direction. Figure 1 The battery pack 18 is connected to the underside of the vehicle by a reinforcing plate 46. Thus, the underside of the vehicle is covered by the reinforcing plate 46, protecting the battery pack 18 from road debris and other objects while the vehicle is in motion.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the breathing membrane 56 allows gas to move relative to the exhaust flow path 32 while preventing liquid from moving relative to the exhaust flow path 32. For example, when the vehicle 10 moves to a location with a different external air pressure (e.g., a high-altitude area), the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the exhaust flow path 32 and the external air pressure increases. At this time, by allowing air to pass through the breathing membrane 56, this pressure difference can be mitigated.

[0073] In this embodiment, the breathing membrane 56 is disposed on the rear end side of the lower housing 24, which constitutes the lower part of the battery pack 18, in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Therefore, compared with the case where the breathing membrane 56 is disposed on the upper cover 26 side, the space inside the passenger compartment can be ensured.

[0074] Furthermore, the breathing membrane 56 is positioned above the vehicle on the side above the reinforcing plate 46, and is configured to allow communication between the inside of the battery pack 18 and the outside of the vehicle, enabling adjustment of the pressure inside the battery pack 18. In this embodiment, an extension 46A protrudes from the rear end of the reinforcing plate 46 toward the rear of the vehicle, and this extension 46A extends in a direction overlapping with the breathing membrane 56 in a top-down view of the vehicle.

[0075] In this embodiment, the breathing membrane 56 is disposed on the side of the lower housing 24, and thus is exposed to the outside of the vehicle. Therefore, an extension 46A protrudes from the rear end of the reinforcing plate 46 toward the rear of the vehicle. This extension 46A extends in a direction that overlaps with the breathing membrane 56 in the vehicle's top view, thereby suppressing damage caused by flying stones or the like relative to the breathing membrane 56.

[0076] That is, in this embodiment, the space inside the carriage can be ensured and damage to the breathing membrane 56 can be suppressed.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 , Figure 7 As shown, two breathing membranes 56 are provided. Therefore, even if one of the breathing membranes 56 is damaged, the pressure within the battery pack 18 can be adjusted through the other breathing membrane 56.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the breathable membrane 56 is made of a material that combines waterproofing and breathability, such as Gore-Tex (registered trademark). Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the breathable membrane 56 is exposed to the outside of the vehicle, it can prevent moisture from entering the battery pack 18.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the smoke exhaust valve 52, which can expel smoke from the battery pack 18, is located on the rear side of the battery pack 18 within the vehicle, and the breathing membrane 56 is positioned on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and above the vehicle vertical direction, beyond the smoke exhaust valve 52. Therefore, in this embodiment, the inflow of gas discharged from the smoke exhaust valve 52 into the breathing membrane 56 can be suppressed.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the breathing membrane 56 is held in the connector block 50. That is, the breathing membrane 56 can be installed on the vehicle 10 side using the connector block 50. When an external force is applied to the vehicle 10, a portion of the energy of the external force is absorbed by the connector block 50, thus preventing damage to the breathing membrane 56.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the smoke exhaust valve 52 is also held in the connector block 50. That is, the smoke exhaust valve 52 can be mounted on the vehicle 10 side using the connector block 50. A portion of the energy of the external force acting on the vehicle 10 is absorbed by the connector block 50, thus protecting the smoke exhaust valve 52. In addition, by holding the breather diaphragm 56 and the smoke exhaust valve 52 in the connector block 50, the relative position of the breather diaphragm 56 and the smoke exhaust valve 52 can be stably maintained.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a mounting block 80 is erected on the connector block 50, positioned towards the rear of the vehicle compared to the smoke exhaust valve 52 and the breather membrane 56. The mounting block 80 protrudes upwards from the upper surface 50A of the connector block 50, beyond the smoke exhaust valve 52 and the breather membrane 56. Moreover, when viewed from the outside of the vehicle, the mounting block 80 is approximately frustoconical in shape, and its cross-sectional shape increases when cut horizontally towards the upper surface 50A of the connector block 50. In other words, the cross-sectional area of ​​the mounting block 80 increases towards the upper surface 50A of the connector block 50, thus improving its rigidity.

[0083] Thus, in this embodiment, a mounting block 80 is erected protruding from the smoke exhaust valve 52 and the breather membrane 56 at a position further rearward than the vehicle. Therefore, in this embodiment, the mounting block 80 can protect the smoke exhaust valve 52 and the breather membrane 56 during a rear-end collision. Furthermore, the mounting block 80 has a first through hole 80A and a second through hole 80B, which can be inserted into the circulation conduit 86 and the wiring conduit 88 respectively, but it is not necessary to have the first through hole 80A and the second through hole 80B. It may only be used to protect the walls of the smoke exhaust valve 52 and the breather membrane 56.

[0084] The above describes one embodiment of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment. It is also possible to combine one embodiment with various modifications as appropriate, and it is self-evident that it can be implemented in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A rear structure of a vehicle, wherein, The rear structure of the vehicle includes: A panel component extends along the vehicle's longitudinal direction and the vehicle's width direction, and is connected to a pair of side beams that extend along the vehicle's longitudinal direction on both outer sides of the battery housing in the vehicle's width direction. The panel component covers the vehicle's lower side of the battery housing. as well as A breathing membrane is disposed on the rear end side of the lower housing, which constitutes the lower part of the battery housing, in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and is positioned above the panel member on the vehicle side. It is configured to allow communication between the inside of the battery housing and the outside of the vehicle to adjust the pressure inside the battery housing. The rear structure of the vehicle is provided with an extension that protrudes from the rear end of the panel component toward the rear of the vehicle and extends in a direction that overlaps with the breathing membrane in a top-down view of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, wherein, Multiple breathing membranes are provided.

3. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, wherein, The breathing membrane is made of a material that is both waterproof and breathable.

4. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, wherein, A smoke exhaust valve capable of venting smoke from the battery housing is located on the rear side of the vehicle where the battery housing is located, and a breathing membrane is located on the outer side of the vehicle in the width direction and on the upper side of the vehicle in the vertical direction, which is closer to the smoke exhaust valve.

5. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a connector block, which is disposed on a flange portion located at the rear end of the lower housing in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The breathing membrane is installed on the connector block.

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