Vehicle rear structure

Abstract

A vehicle rear structure (14) for protecting a connector from smoke emitted from a smoke exhaust valve has: a battery housing (28) housing a plurality of battery cells (22); a retaining member (50) disposed on the rear side of the battery housing (28) in the vehicle longitudinal direction; a smoke exhaust valve (52) disposed on the retaining member (50); a first connector (62) made of metal held on the retaining member (50) and connected to a first wiring (72); and a second connector (64) made of resin held on the retaining member (50), connected to the second wiring (74), and located on the opposite side of the smoke exhaust valve (52) with the first connector (62) in between.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a battery pack comprising: a housing; a battery cell disposed inside the housing; a venting member disposed on the side wall of the housing via a sealing portion and adjusting the pressure inside the housing; and a pressure relief valve disposed on the upper wall of the housing, which releases the pressure to the outside of the housing when the pressure inside the housing rises sharply, wherein the housing has a wall surrounding the sealing portion on the side wall.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-47012

[0004] The vehicle's battery is equipped with a smoke exhaust path to vent smoke outside the vehicle in the event of a collision or other accident. Furthermore, a smoke exhaust valve is installed on the rear side of the battery casing within this smoke exhaust path. Additionally, multiple connectors for connecting various wiring are located on the rear side of the battery casing. It is required that these connectors be protected in relation to the smoke exhaust valve. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to protect the connector from the smoke emitted from the exhaust valve.

[0006] The first type of vehicle rear structure includes: a battery housing that houses a plurality of battery cells; a retaining member disposed on the rear side of the battery housing in the vehicle longitudinal direction; a smoke exhaust valve disposed on the retaining member; a first metal connector held on the retaining member and connected to a first wiring; and a second resin connector held on the retaining member, connected to a second wiring, and located on the opposite side of the smoke exhaust valve, spaced apart from the first connector.

[0007] In the rear structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment, a smoke exhaust valve is provided in the retaining component. The retaining component holds a first connector and a second connector, which are respectively capable of connecting a first wiring and a second wiring.

[0008] The first connector is made of metal, which has higher heat resistance compared to the resin-made second connector. Furthermore, the metal first connector is located on the exhaust valve side, unlike the resin-made second connector. Therefore, it can protect the second connector from the smoke emitted from the exhaust valve.

[0009] In the second embodiment, in the rear structure of the vehicle of the first embodiment, the external dimensions of the second connector are smaller than those of the first connector.

[0010] In the second type of vehicle rear structure, since the second connector is smaller in size than the first connector, it can further protect the resin-made second connector from the smoke emitted from the exhaust valve.

[0011] In the third method, in the rear structure of the vehicle of the first or second method, the direction of extension of the first wiring relative to the first connector is inclined relative to the axis of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] In a third-party vehicle rear structure, the first wiring harness is connected to the first connector at an angle relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, thus enabling the connection of the first wiring harness to the first connector within a shorter space in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0013] In the fourth approach, in the third-party vehicle rear structure, the direction in which the first wiring extends and protrudes relative to the first connector is a direction that moves away from the exhaust valve as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0014] In the fourth type of vehicle rear structure, the first wiring is protected from the smoke because it extends and protrudes away from the smoke discharged from the exhaust valve.

[0015] In the fifth embodiment, in the rear structure of the vehicle in any of the first to fourth embodiments, the extension direction of the second wiring relative to the second connector is inclined relative to the axis of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] In the fifth type of vehicle rear structure, the second wiring harness is connected to the second connector at an angle relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, so that the second wiring harness and the second connector can be connected in a shorter space in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0017] In the sixth embodiment, in the rear structure of the vehicle in the fifth embodiment, the direction in which the second wiring extends relative to the second connector is such that it moves away from the exhaust valve toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0018] In the sixth type of vehicle rear structure, since the second wiring extends and protrudes away from the smoke discharged from the smoke valve, it can be protected from the smoke.

[0019] In the seventh embodiment, in the rear structure of the vehicle in any one of the first to sixth embodiments, the battery housing includes a lower housing with an open upper surface and an upper cover that covers the upper surface of the lower housing.

[0020] In the seventh type of vehicle rear structure, since the upper cover covers the upper surface of the lower housing, it can form an internally enclosed battery housing, thereby preventing fluid from accidentally flowing into or out of the battery housing.

[0021] In the eighth embodiment, in any of the first to seventh embodiments of the vehicle rear structure, the aforementioned retaining member is disposed on the upper side compared to the lower surface of the aforementioned battery housing.

[0022] In the eighth type of vehicle rear structure, compared with the structure in which the retaining component is located below the lower surface of the battery casing, the contact between the connector and foreign objects from the road surface can be reduced.

[0023] According to this disclosure, the connector can be protected from the smoke emitted from the exhaust valve. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the rear structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the battery pack and exhaust structure of the rear structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the smoke exhaust structure of the rear structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the rear structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment, in the direction of the vehicle's front and rear.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view showing the rear structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment, in the direction of vehicle width.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the rear structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment, enlarged from the front-to-back direction.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the rear structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment, enlarged in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the rear structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the rear structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment, in the direction of vehicle width.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a top view showing the rear structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0035] 10…Vehicle, 14…Rear structure of vehicle, 28…Battery housing, 30…Lower protrusion (an example of a flow path component), 32…Exhaust flow path, 40…Reinforcing component (an example of a flow path component), 42…Connecting component, 42D…First separation part (an example of a flow path component), 42E…Second separation part (an example of a flow path component), 50…Connector block (an example of a retaining component), 52…Exhaust valve, 56…Membrane component, 60…Connector, 62…First connector, 64…Second connector, 72…First wiring, 74…Second wiring, 80…Protective block (an example of a protective component), 86…Circulation piping (an example of a layout component), 88…Wiring piping (an example of a layout component). Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, the rear structure of the vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the following description mainly focuses on the scope necessary for explaining the technology of the present disclosure; omitted parts can be referred to in the prior art. Identical or corresponding components in the figures are given the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, in cases where multiple identical or corresponding components are included, reference numerals are sometimes given only a few for ease of observation. Arrows FR, UP, and LH in the figures represent the forward direction, upward direction, and left direction of the vehicle 10, respectively. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the directions front-back, up-down, and left-right refer to front-back in the front-back direction, up-down in the up-down direction, and left-right in the width direction (left-right direction), respectively.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic top view showing a portion of a vehicle 10 equipped with the rear structure 14 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view showing the battery pack 18 and the exhaust structure 16 of the rear structure 14 of the vehicle according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the smoke exhaust flow path 32 of the smoke exhaust structure 16 that constitutes the rear structure 14 of the vehicle.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 10 is equipped with a battery pack 18. Also as... Figure 2 As shown, the battery pack 18 has a plurality of battery modules 20 (four in this embodiment). The plurality of battery modules 20 are arranged in a manner that extends along the width of the vehicle. Gaps GP5 are formed between the battery modules 20. In this embodiment, since there are four battery modules 20, the number of gaps GP5 formed between these battery modules 20 is three.

[0039] Each battery module 20 has a plurality of battery cells 22. In the battery module 20, the plurality of battery cells 22 are arranged in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. That is, the battery pack 18 is composed of multiple battery modules 20 having a plurality of battery cells 22 arranged in the vehicle's width direction. The vehicle's longitudinal direction is an example of a first direction in the disclosed technology, and the vehicle's width direction is also an example of a second direction in the disclosed technology.

[0040] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the battery pack 18 has a lower housing 24 and an upper cover 26. The lower housing 24 is a box-shaped component capable of housing the battery module 20, and has 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 that are erected from the front and rear sides of the lower plate 24L, respectively. The side plates 24S are plate-shaped portions that are erected from both sides of the lower plate 24L in the vehicle width direction. The upper surface of the lower housing 24 is open.

[0041] The upper cover 26 is a cover-like component that closes the upper surface of the lower housing 24. The periphery of the lower housing 24 joins the periphery of the upper cover 26, and the lower housing 24 and the upper cover 26 together form the battery housing 28. The internal space of the battery housing 28 houses multiple battery modules 20, which are composed of multiple battery cells 22, side by side in the vehicle width direction.

[0042] A reinforcing plate 46 is disposed on the lower side of the battery pack 18. In this embodiment, the reinforcing plate 46 covers the lower surface of the battery pack 18, protecting the battery module 20 from foreign objects on the road surface.

[0043] Also Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the lower plate 24L of the lower housing 24 is adhered to the lower surface of each battery cell 22 by adhesive. Multiple (the same number as the battery modules 20) downward protrusions 30 are formed on the lower plate 24L. The downward protrusions 30 protrude downwards from the center of each battery module 20 in the vehicle width direction. In the downward protrusions 30, the lower housing 24 is partially separated from the lower surface of the battery cell 22, forming a gap GP1. The downward protrusions 30 are formed to extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction, i.e., the arrangement direction of the battery cells 22, in each battery module 20. The length of the downward protrusions 30 in the vehicle longitudinal direction is equal to the length of the battery module 20 in the vehicle longitudinal direction, extending continuously from near the front plate 24F to near the rear plate 24R in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0044] Since the lower protrusion 30 separates from the lower surface of the battery cell 22 in this way, and forms part of the smoke exhaust flow path 32 through the gap GP1, the smoke can be discharged from the lower surface of the battery cell 22 at a position in the vehicle width direction when, for some reason, gas containing smoke (hereinafter, this gas will only be referred to as "smoke") is generated in the battery cell 22. Therefore, the smoke generated in the battery cell 22 flows into the gap GP1 formed by the lower protrusion 30. The lower housing 24 is an example of a flow path component constituting the smoke exhaust flow path 32.

[0045] like Figure 7 As shown, a cooler 38 is provided in the lower housing 24. The cooler 38 is located on the lower surface of the lower housing 24, forming a coolant flow path extending in the vehicle-to-rear direction in the vehicle width direction of the lower protrusion 30. The heat transferred from the cooler 38 to the coolant flowing through the coolant flow path can cool the battery cell 22.

[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 7 As shown, reinforcing components 40 are respectively arranged in the gaps GP5 between the battery modules 20. For example... Figure 7 As shown, when viewed in cross-section along the vehicle width direction, the reinforcing member 40 has a roughly cap-shaped cross-section with the lower side open.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the reinforcing member 40 has a length extending to the vicinity of the front plate 24F and the rear plate 24R of the lower housing 24. The front end 40A of the reinforcing member 40 (see reference) Figure 1 The front panel 24F and rear panel 24R of the lower housing 24 are respectively joined by the joining component 42. Thus, the reinforcing component 40 strengthens the battery pack 18.

[0048] like Figure 6 As shown, a first separation portion 42D is formed in the joining member 42. The first separation portion 42D is formed obliquely when viewed in cross-section along the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and a gap GP2 is created between the first separation portion 42D and the lower housing 24. This gap GP2 is continuous in the vehicle width direction and forms part of the exhaust flow path 32. The joining member 42 is an example of a flow path component constituting the exhaust flow path 32.

[0049] like Figure 7 As shown, a cell base 44 is formed on the lower plate 24L of the lower housing 24 at a position corresponding to the reinforcing member 40. The cell base 44 is a portion formed by the lower plate 24L of the lower housing 24 protruding downward at the position corresponding to the reinforcing member 40. The cell base 44 engages with the reinforcing member 40, closing the open portion on the lower side of the reinforcing member 40.

[0050] The front end 40A and rear end 40B of the reinforced component 40 are open (see reference). Figure 1 ),and Figure 6 The gap GP2 shown is connected. That is, a portion of the closed cross-sectional shape (a shape closed in the cross-section in the vehicle width direction) formed by the reinforcing member 40 and the cell base 44 is connected to the smoke exhaust flow path 32 formed by the gap GP2. Thus, the closed cross-sectional shape formed by the reinforcing member 40 and the cell base 44 also constitutes part of the smoke exhaust flow path 32. That is, the reinforcing member 40 and the cell base 44 are examples of flow path components. In this embodiment, a portion of the lower housing 24 also serves as the cell base 44. In other words, the lower housing 24, which also serves as the cell base 44, is a structure that extends across multiple reinforcing members 40. In other words, the cell base 44 is integrally provided with multiple reinforcing members 40 through the lower housing 24, thus forming part of the smoke exhaust flow path 32.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, a connector block 50 is disposed on the rear side of the lower housing 24. The connector block 50 is an example of a retaining component.

[0052] Also Figure 10 As shown, the front edge (the edge on the front side of the vehicle) of the connector block 50 is straight in the vehicle width direction. In contrast, the rear edge (the edge on the rear side of the vehicle) of the connector block 50 curves so that it protrudes from the center of the vehicle width direction toward the rear of the vehicle. Therefore, the central portion 50C of the connector block 50 in the vehicle width direction is longer in the vehicle front-rear direction than the two ends 50E in the vehicle width direction.

[0053] Also Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, a smoke exhaust valve 52 is installed on the connector block 50. A cover plate 54 is installed on the connector block 50, which forms part of the smoke exhaust flow path 32 between the battery pack 18 and the smoke exhaust valve 52.

[0054] An upward protrusion 58 is formed on the cover plate 54. The upward protrusion 58 is located on the front side of the vehicle, and its central portion in the vehicle width direction is curved into an upward convex shape. By forming the upward protrusion 58, a gap GP4 is formed between the cover plate 54 and the lower housing 24. This gap GP4 allows smoke to move in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, forming part of the smoke exhaust flow path 32. The cover plate 54 is an example of a flow path component constituting the smoke exhaust flow path 32.

[0055] The joint member 42 located on the rear side of the vehicle is provided with a second separation portion 42E. The second separation portion 42E is formed in the vehicle width direction at a position corresponding to the upper protrusion 58. A gap GP3 is formed between the second separation portion 42E and the rear plate 24R of the lower housing 24. 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 gaps GP2 and GP3 between the joint member 42 and 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.

[0056] If the internal pressure of the exhaust valve 52 is higher than the external air pressure of the exhaust flow path 32 by a specified value, the valve will open. That is, if smoke flows into the exhaust flow path 32 and the internal pressure increases by a specified value, the exhaust valve 52 will open to discharge the gas inside the exhaust flow path 32 to the outside.

[0057] Furthermore, a membrane component 56 is mounted on the connector block 50. The membrane component 56 allows gas to pass through but prevents liquid (including vapor) from passing through. In addition, even when gas passes through, resistance is applied to the movement of the gas, preventing the gas from moving all at once in a short period of time.

[0058] The membrane component 56 is installed at a position that, although offset from the exhaust flow path 32, allows for fluid movement relative to the exhaust flow path 32. In this embodiment, the membrane component 56 is located outside the exhaust valve 52 in the vehicle width direction. The connector block 50 holds the membrane component 56 in this manner, which is an example of a holding component.

[0059] Also Figure 9 As shown, a first connector 62 and a second connector 64 are disposed on the lower surface 50L of the connector block 50. Hereinafter, without distinguishing between the first connector 62 and the second connector 64, they will be collectively referred to as connector 60. Connector 60 is disposed in the central portion 50C of the connector block 50, that is, the portion that is longer than the two ends 50E in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The first connector 62 is made of metal, and the second connector 64 is made of resin.

[0060] Also Figure 10 As shown, the second connector 64 is smaller in size than the first connector 62. This "size" refers to the length of the smoke flow from the exhaust valve 52 towards the second connector 64 in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction. In this embodiment, since the exhaust valve 52 and the second connector 64 are arranged in the vehicle width direction, the "size" is in a direction orthogonal to the vehicle width direction. Figure 1 The middle part represents the vehicle's front-to-back direction. That is, the length of the first connector 62 in the vehicle's front-to-back direction is longer than the length of the second connector 64 in the vehicle's front-to-back direction.

[0061] The second connector 64 is located on the opposite side of the exhaust valve 52, which is separated from the first connector 62. That is, the first connector 62, which is made of metal, is larger in size (length in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle) than the second connector 64 and is located between the exhaust valve 52 and the resin-made second connector 64.

[0062] Furthermore, a third connector 66 is disposed on the lower surface 50L of the connector block 50. The third connector 66 is disposed closer to one of the two ends 50E than the second connector 64.

[0063] A first connector 62 is connected to a first wiring 72, for example. A second connector 64 is connected to a second wiring 74. A third connector 66 is connected to a third wiring 76. As an example, the first wiring 72 and the third wiring 76 are wirings that carry a higher voltage current than the second wiring 74.

[0064] With the first connector 62 connected to the first wiring 72 and the second connector 64 connected to the second wiring 74, the first wiring 72 and the second wiring 74 are inclined at angles θ1 and θ2 respectively from their respective protruding directions relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis J1. Even when the distance between the first connector 62 and the second connector 64 and various components disposed on their rear side of the vehicle is narrow, by inclining the first wiring 72 relative to the first connector 62 and the second wiring 74 relative to the protruding direction of the second connector 64, a structure that facilitates the insertion and removal of the first wiring 72 and the second wiring 74 can be achieved.

[0065] In particular, in this embodiment, the direction of the extension protrusion is away from the exhaust valve 52 as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle. Compared to the case where the direction of the extension protrusion is close to the exhaust valve 52, this structure makes it less likely for the gas discharged from the exhaust valve 52 to come into contact with the first wiring 72 and the second wiring 74.

[0066] exist Figure 10 In the example shown, the tilt angle θ1 of the first wiring 72 relative to axis J1 is equal to the tilt angle θ2 of the second wiring 74 relative to axis J1. These tilt angles θ1 and θ2 can also be different. In addition, the tilt angles θ2 of multiple second wirings 74 can also be different from each other.

[0067] With the third connector 66 connected to the third wiring 76, the extension direction of the third wiring 76 from the third connector 66 is in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, even when the distance between the third connector 66 and various components located on its rear side of the vehicle is narrow, by making the extension direction of the third wiring 76 face the vehicle width direction, a structure that facilitates insertion and removal of the third wiring 76 can be achieved.

[0068] In the connector block 50, a protective block 80 is formed at a position relative to the exhaust valve 52 and the diaphragm component 56 on the rear side of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the protective block 80 is a cylindrical component that is erected from the connector block 50 and is flat in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Specifically, when viewed from above, the protective block 80 is longer in the vehicle's width direction than in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0069] A first insertion hole 80A and a second insertion hole 80B, which penetrate the connector block 50 in the thickness direction (vertical direction), are formed on the inner side of the protective block 80. In this embodiment, there are two first insertion holes 80A, and there is one second insertion hole 80B with a diameter larger than that of the first insertion holes 80A. The two first insertion holes 80A are separated in the vehicle width direction, and the second insertion hole 80B is also separated from the first insertion hole 80A in the vehicle width direction.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown, a circulation pipe 86 for circulating coolant to the vehicle's mounting equipment is inserted into the first insertion hole 80A. A wiring pipe 88 housing multiple wires that transmit electrical signals to the mounting equipment is inserted into the second insertion hole 80B. The circulation pipe 86 and the wiring pipe 88 are examples of mounting components installed in the vehicle. That is, multiple mounting components that are separated from each other in the vehicle width direction are inserted into the protective block 80.

[0071] The protective block 80 is cylindrical and stands upright from the connector block 50, making it less susceptible to damage from external forces acting in the vehicle's longitudinal or width directions. This protects the components inserted into the inner side of the protective block 80 (such as the aforementioned circulating piping 86 and wiring) from external forces.

[0072] Next, the function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0073] In the vehicle 10 that uses the rear structure 14 of this embodiment, a battery module 20 is formed by multiple battery cells 22. That is, multiple battery cells 22 can be integrally formed by the battery module 20.

[0074] In the battery module 20, battery cells 22 are arranged in a first direction (vehicle longitudinal direction), and the battery module 20 is also arranged in a second direction (vehicle width direction). This allows for the efficient arrangement of multiple battery cells 22 in both the first and second directions. In particular, since the battery cells 22 in the battery module 20 are arranged in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the number of battery cells 22 in each row can be increased compared to a configuration where the battery cells 22 are arranged in the vehicle width direction.

[0075] Normally, no smoke is generated in the battery cell 22. However, if smoke is generated due to certain circumstances, it can be discharged from the center of the lower surface of the battery cell 22 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the smoke flows to the smoke exhaust valve 52 via the smoke exhaust path 32. If the internal pressure of the smoke exhaust path 32 is higher than the external pressure by a certain amount, the smoke is discharged from the smoke exhaust valve 52.

[0076] Furthermore, the exhaust structure 16 in this embodiment includes a membrane component 56. The membrane component 56 allows gas to move relative to the exhaust flow path 32 and prevents liquid movement. For example, when the vehicle 10 moves to a location with 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. In this case, the pressure difference can be mitigated by the air passing through the membrane component 56.

[0077] The membrane component 56 is positioned offset from the flue gas flow path 32. The heat and pressure of the flue gas flowing through the flue gas flow path 32 are less likely to affect the membrane component 56. Therefore, the membrane component 56 is protected from the heat and pressure of the flue gas flowing through the flue gas flow path 32.

[0078] Specifically, the membrane component 56 is positioned further outward in the vehicle width direction than the smoke exhaust valve 52. While the membrane component 56 could also be positioned further inward in the vehicle width direction than the smoke exhaust valve 52, in this case, the configuration of the membrane component 56 might be limited by its relationship with other components. By positioning the membrane component 56 further outward in the vehicle width direction compared to the smoke exhaust valve 52, the limitations imposed by other components can be reduced, and with a simpler structure, the heat and pressure of the smoke flowing through the smoke exhaust path 32 do not act on the structure of the membrane component 56.

[0079] Furthermore, since the smoke exhaust valve 52 is located in the center of the vehicle width direction relative to the membrane component 56, compared with the structure where the smoke exhaust valve 52 is located at the end of the vehicle width direction, the structure allows smoke to easily reach the smoke exhaust valve 52 from either the left or right side of the vehicle width direction.

[0080] The membrane component 56 is held in the connector block 50. That is, the membrane component 56 can be installed in the vehicle 10 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 membrane component 56.

[0081] Furthermore, the smoke exhaust valve 52 is also held in the connector block 50. That is, the smoke exhaust valve 52 can be installed in the vehicle 10 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 preventing damage to the smoke exhaust valve 52.

[0082] Since the membrane component 56 and the exhaust valve 52 are held in the connector block 50, the relative positions of the membrane component 56 and the exhaust valve 52 can be stably maintained.

[0083] A protective block 80 is formed in the connector block 50. A circulation pipe 86 and a wiring pipe 88 are inserted into the protective block 80, protecting the circulation pipe 86 and wiring pipe 88 from external forces. Specifically, in this embodiment, the protective block 80 houses multiple wiring components (two circulation pipes 86 and one wiring pipe 88), thus protecting these components. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wiring components include circulation pipes 86. By protecting the circulation pipes 86, leakage of the liquid flowing in them can be prevented. In this embodiment, the liquid flowing in the circulation pipes 86 is coolant circulating to the mounting equipment. That is, since the circulation of coolant is ensured, the operation of the mounting equipment is not affected.

[0084] The protective block 80 is positioned at the rear of the vehicle compared to the membrane component 56 and the smoke exhaust valve 52. Therefore, even if an external force is applied from the rear of the vehicle, it can prevent that force from directly acting on the membrane component 56 and the smoke exhaust valve 52. Thus, the membrane component 56 and the smoke exhaust valve 52 can be further protected from the effects of external forces from the rear of the vehicle.

[0085] The circulation piping 86 and wiring piping 88 are configured to be separate in the vehicle width direction, and the protective block 80 has a flat shape in the vehicle width direction, that is, a shape that is longer in the vehicle width direction than in the vehicle front-rear direction when viewed from above. Therefore, the protective block 80 can protect the film component 56 from external forces on the rear side of the vehicle over a wider range in the vehicle width direction.

[0086] In the connector block 50, in addition to the aforementioned smoke exhaust valve 52 and diaphragm component 56, a first connector 62, a second connector 64, and a third connector 66 are also installed. That is, using the connector block 50, the smoke exhaust valve 52, diaphragm component 56, first connector 62, second connector 64, and third connector 66 can be integrally held together. By integrally holding the smoke exhaust valve 52, diaphragm component 56, first connector 62, second connector 64, and third connector 66, the operation time for installing these components in the vehicle 10 is reduced compared to installing these components independently in the vehicle.

[0087] The first connector 62 and the second connector 64 are configured to be inclined relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis J1. Furthermore, the connection direction of the first wiring harness 72 relative to the first connector 62, and the connection direction of the second wiring harness 74 relative to the second connector 64, are also inclined relative to axis J1. Therefore, even on the rear side of the vehicle where the space for plugging and unplugging the first wiring harness 72 and the second wiring harness 74 is relatively narrow, plugging and unplugging of the first wiring harness 72 and the second wiring harness 74 is still possible relative to the first connector 62 and the second connector 64.

[0088] The first wiring 72 and the second wiring 74, extending in the direction of their extension relative to the first connector 62, and extending in the direction of their extension relative to the second connector 64, are inclined toward the rear of the vehicle, away from the smoke exhaust valve 52. Because the first wiring 72 and the second wiring 74 extend away from the smoke exhaust valve 52, the smoke exhaust from the smoke exhaust valve 52 is less likely to come into contact with the first wiring 72 and the second wiring 74, thus protecting the first wiring 72 and the second wiring 74 from the smoke.

[0089] The extension direction of the third wiring 76 relative to the third connector 66 is in the vehicle width direction. Even in structures where the space for plugging and unplugging the third wiring 76 is narrow on the rear side of the third connector 66, plugging and unplugging of the third wiring 76 relative to the third connector 66 is still possible.

[0090] The connector block 50 has a shape in which the central portion 50C in the vehicle width direction is longer than the two ends 50E. Furthermore, the first connector 62 and the second connector 64 are held in the central portion 50C of the connector block 50. That is, compared to a structure that holds the first connector 62 and the second connector 64 at both ends in the vehicle width direction, a larger mounting area for the first connector 62 and the second connector 64 can be ensured.

[0091] The first connector 62 and the second connector 64 are held on the lower surface of the connector block 50. This ensures that the upper surface of the connector block 50 can be used as a mounting area for other components.

[0092] Because the first connector 62 is made of metal, it has higher heat resistance compared to connectors made of resin. Therefore, it is less affected by the heat from the smoke discharged from the exhaust valve 52.

[0093] The metal first connector 62 is located on the side of the smoke exhaust valve 52, compared to the resin second connector 64. This protects the resin second connector 64 from the heat of the smoke exhausting from the smoke exhaust valve 52.

[0094] Furthermore, the external dimensions of the second connector 64, as observed from above, are smaller than those of the first connector 62. That is, the relatively larger first connector 62 is located between the smoke exhaust valve 52 and the second connector 64. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the external dimensions of the first connector 62 and the second connector 64 are equal, but the external dimensions of the first connector 62 are smaller than those of the second connector 64, the second connector 64 can be further protected from the heat of the smoke from the smoke exhaust valve 52 by the first connector 62.

[0095] The following are notes relating to this disclosure.

[0096] (Note 1) A rear structure of a vehicle, comprising:

[0097] Battery casing, which houses multiple battery cells;

[0098] The retaining component is located on the rear side of the aforementioned battery housing in the vehicle longitudinal direction;

[0099] Smoke exhaust valve, provided on the aforementioned retaining component;

[0100] A first connector made of metal is held in the aforementioned retaining member and connected to a first wiring; and

[0101] A second connector made of resin is held in the aforementioned retaining member, connects to the second wiring, and is located on the opposite side of the aforementioned smoke exhaust valve, spaced apart from the aforementioned first connector.

[0102] (Note 2) Based on the rear structure of the vehicle described in Note 1,

[0103] The dimensions of the second connector are smaller than those of the first connector.

[0104] (Note 3) Based on the description of the vehicle's rear structure in Note 1 or Note 2,

[0105] The direction in which the first wiring extends relative to the first connector is inclined relative to the axis of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction.

[0106] (Note 4) Based on the rear structure of the vehicle described in Note 3,

[0107] The direction in which the first wiring extends relative to the first connector is such that it moves away from the exhaust valve as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0108] (Note 5) The rear structure of the vehicle as described in any of Notes 1 to 4,

[0109] The extension direction of the second wiring relative to the second connector is inclined relative to the axis of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction.

[0110] (Note 6) Based on the rear structure of the vehicle described in Note 5,

[0111] The direction in which the second wiring extends relative to the second connector is such that it moves away from the exhaust valve as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0112] (Note 7) The rear structure of the vehicle as described in any of Notes 1 to 3,

[0113] The aforementioned battery casing includes:

[0114] Lower shell, upper surface open; and

[0115] The top cover covers the upper surface of the lower housing.

[0116] (Note 8) The rear structure of the vehicle as described in any of Notes 1 to 7,

[0117] The aforementioned retaining component is disposed on the upper side compared to the lower surface of the aforementioned battery casing.

Claims

1. A rear structure of a vehicle, wherein, have: Battery casing, which houses multiple battery cells; The retaining component is located on the rear side of the aforementioned battery housing in the vehicle longitudinal direction; Smoke exhaust valve, provided on the aforementioned retaining component; A first connector made of metal is held in the aforementioned retaining member and connected to a first wiring; and A second connector made of resin is held in the aforementioned retaining member, connects to the second wiring, and is located on the opposite side of the aforementioned smoke exhaust valve, spaced apart from the aforementioned first connector.

2. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, wherein, The dimensions of the second connector are smaller than those of the first connector.

3. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, wherein, The direction in which the first wiring extends relative to the first connector is inclined relative to the axis of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction.

4. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 3, wherein, The direction in which the first wiring extends relative to the first connector is such that it moves away from the exhaust valve as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, wherein, The extension direction of the second wiring relative to the second connector is inclined relative to the axis of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction.

6. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 5, wherein, The direction in which the second wiring extends relative to the second connector is such that it moves away from the exhaust valve as it moves toward the rear of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned battery casing includes: Lower shell, upper surface open; and The top cover covers the upper surface of the lower housing.

8. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned retaining component is disposed on the upper side compared to the lower surface of the aforementioned battery casing.

Images