Battery mounting structure for vehicle

Abstract

The battery mounting structure for a vehicle includes: a battery housing that houses the battery cells; a device housing that houses the device electrically connected to the battery cells and is disposed above the battery housing; and a sealing component disposed between the battery housing and the device housing to ensure water tightness in the internal space of the battery housing and the internal space of the device housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery mounting structure for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] The structure of an energy storage module arranged in an overlapping manner inside a vehicle is shown in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-173918.

[0003] In terms of interior space layout, there are cases where devices electrically connected to the battery cells are placed above them. Furthermore, if the battery cells and devices are housed in separate containers, busbars or wiring harnesses connecting the battery cells and devices need to be inserted between the containers. On the other hand, to prevent the battery cells and devices from getting damp, it is preferable to ensure watertightness in these containers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above facts, this disclosure provides a battery mounting structure for a vehicle that connects battery cells and devices housed in different containers and ensures the watertightness of these containers.

[0005] The first embodiment of the battery mounting structure for a vehicle includes: a battery housing that houses a battery cell; a device housing that houses a device electrically connected to the battery cell and is disposed above the battery housing; and a sealing member disposed between the battery housing and the device housing to ensure water tightness in the internal space of the battery housing and the internal space of the device housing.

[0006] In the first embodiment of the battery mounting structure for a vehicle, the battery cells and the device are electrically connected. Furthermore, a sealing member is provided between the battery casing housing the battery cells and the device casing housing the device. Therefore, the watertightness of both the battery casing and the device casing can be ensured.

[0007] In the second embodiment of the battery mounting structure for a vehicle, in the first embodiment of the battery mounting structure for a vehicle, the device housing has a fixing part that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the device housing and is fixed to the upper surface of the battery housing. An opening is formed on the fixing part and the upper surface of the battery housing, and the opening communicates the internal space of the battery housing and the internal space of the device housing. The sealing member is arranged to surround the fixing part.

[0008] In the second embodiment of the battery mounting structure for a vehicle, openings are formed in the fixing portion protruding from the lower surface of the device housing and on the upper surface of the battery housing. Therefore, in the vertically arranged device housing and battery housing, compared to a structure where openings are formed on the sides of the device housing and battery housing, it is easier to establish communication between the internal space of the device housing and the internal space of the battery housing. This also facilitates the installation of sealing components.

[0009] In the third type of battery mounting structure for a vehicle, in the second type of battery mounting structure for a vehicle, the aforementioned fixing portion and opening portion are formed on the rear side of the aforementioned battery cell and the aforementioned device in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0010] In a third-party battery mounting structure for vehicles, an opening extending vertically is formed on the rear side of the battery cell and equipment in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. This ensures sufficient space for the passage of busbars or wiring harnesses that connect the battery cell and equipment.

[0011] In the fourth type of battery mounting structure for a vehicle, in the second or third type of battery mounting structure for a vehicle, the aforementioned sealing component is a liquid gasket.

[0012] In the fourth type of battery mounting structure for vehicles, the sealing component is a liquid gasket, so compared with solid sealing components, water tightness can be easily ensured regardless of the shape of the fixing part.

[0013] According to this disclosure, it is possible to connect battery cells and devices housed in different containers, and to ensure the watertightness of these containers. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The features, advantages, technical significance, and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and:

[0015] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of a battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2A This is a side cross-section showing an example of a battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2B This is a side cross-section showing a modified example of a battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0018] Figure 3 This is a partially enlarged side cross-section showing an example of the protrusions of the device base and the resin components of an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, a battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in the various drawings refer to the same components. However, unless otherwise specified in the description, each component is not limited to one, and multiple components may exist.

[0020] Furthermore, descriptions of repeated structures and symbols in the accompanying drawings are sometimes omitted. Moreover, this disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments; it can be implemented by making appropriate changes within the scope of this disclosure, such as omitting constituent elements, replacing them with different configurations, combining an embodiment, and various modifications.

[0021] Vehicle Structure

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the main parts of a vehicle V with a battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Arrows FR, UP, and RH in the figure represent the forward, upward, and rightward directions of the vehicle V, respectively.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, a battery housing 12 is provided at the center of the vehicle V in the longitudinal direction. The battery housing 12 is located at the lower part of the vehicle. In addition, the upper surface of the battery housing 12 forms the vehicle floor, therefore, the vehicle V in this embodiment does not have a floor panel.

[0024] On both sides of the battery housing 12 in the vehicle width direction, there are a pair of lower side beams 14 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction. The lower side beams 14 are frame components and are formed into a generally rectangular closed cross section. The battery housing 12 is mounted on the lower side beams 14 using fasteners (not shown).

[0025] The front end of the lower beam 14 is connected to the front module 20. On the other hand, the rear end of the lower beam 14 is connected to the rear module 30. The front module 20 and the rear module 30 are integrally formed, for example, by casting.

[0026] At the center of the lower side beam 14 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, a first crossbeam 22 and a second crossbeam 24, serving as crossbeam components, are provided. The first crossbeam 22 and the second crossbeam 24 extend above the battery casing 12 along the vehicle's width direction, respectively, and are mounted between the left and right pairs of lower side beams 14. Furthermore, a vehicle seat (not shown) for the front seats is installed on the first crossbeam 22 and the second crossbeam 24.

[0027] On the other hand, a third crossbeam 26, serving as a crossbeam component, is provided on the rear portion of the lower side beam 14 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The third crossbeam 26 also extends above the battery casing 12 along the vehicle's width direction, positioned between the left and right pairs of lower side beams 14. The detailed construction of the third crossbeam 26 will be described later.

[0028] Battery casing

[0029] like Figure 2A As shown, the battery casing 12 comprises an upper casing 12A and a lower casing 12B and is formed in a generally box-like shape. A battery 10 (energy storage cell) is housed inside the battery casing 12.

[0030] The upper housing 12A is disposed above the battery 10 and serves as a cover over the battery 10. As described above, its upper surface forms part of the vehicle floor. An opening K2 is formed at the rear end of the upper housing 12A in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The internal space of the battery housing 12 communicates with the internal space of the device housing 40 (described later) through this opening K2.

[0031] Alternatively, the battery housing 12 may consist solely of an upper cover that covers the top of the battery 10. In this case, a component supporting the battery 10 from below may be provided instead of the lower housing 12B.

[0032] Equipment housing

[0033] A device housing 40 is disposed above the battery housing 12. The device housing 40 includes a device base 42 and a cover 44. The device base 42 is a box-shaped housing that is open at the top.

[0034] The material of the equipment base 42 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of improving the heat dissipation performance of heat-generating devices such as the relay 110 described later, a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, is preferred. Furthermore, a die-cast component (casting) formed from cast aluminum or the like is even more preferred.

[0035] The cover 44 is a sealing component that blocks the opening at the upper end of the equipment base 42, and is fixed to the equipment base 42 using fastening components not shown.

[0036] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the device base 42 does not necessarily have to be a casting; it can also be formed from sheet metal (e.g., aluminum, stainless steel), resin, or the like. Even if the device base 42 is formed from sheet metal or resin, heat can still be dissipated from heat-generating devices such as the relay 110 to the device base 42.

[0037] Junction Box

[0038] A junction box 50 for housing heat-generating devices such as relays 110 is disposed inside the device housing 40. The junction box 50 is mounted on the device base 42 and is fixed to the device base 42 using fastening components not shown.

[0039] In addition, inside the equipment housing 40, besides the junction box 50, there are auxiliary equipment 100. Auxiliary equipment 100 includes, for example, a PDU (Power Distribution Unit) and an ECU (Electronic Controller Unit).

[0040] Relay 110 and auxiliary equipment 100 are connected to battery 10 via a busbar or wiring harness (not shown), thereby being electrically connected to battery 10. Relay 110 and other heat-generating devices are driven by power supplied from battery 10, and thus generate heat during operation.

[0041] The relay 110 and junction box 50 are partially disposed above the battery 10 and the upper housing 12A. As an example, "partially disposed" means that the battery 10, which extends in the longitudinal and width directions of the vehicle, is disposed in a portion of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the rear side).

[0042] An opening is formed at the bottom of the junction box 50, and a heat sink 52 is disposed in this opening. The relay 110 is disposed above the heat sink 52. That is, the heat sink 52, which serves as a heat conduction component, is disposed between the relay 110 and the equipment base 42. The heat generated when the relay 110 is driven is transferred to the equipment base 42 via the heat sink 52. In addition, an insulating sheet 54 is disposed below the heat sink 52.

[0043] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the heat sink 52 is not necessarily required and can be omitted appropriately. In this case, the opening at the bottom of the junction box 50 may not be formed, and the insulating sheet 54 can also be omitted. Even without the heat sink 52, heat is transferred from the relay 110 to the equipment base 42.

[0044] Auxiliary machine cover

[0045] Auxiliary equipment type 100 is configured in multiple stages. Specifically, auxiliary equipment type 100 is also configured above equipment housing 40, and is covered by auxiliary equipment cover 56. Auxiliary equipment cover 56 is located above equipment housing 40 and supports the seat cushion SC of the vehicle seat for the rear seat from the lower side of the vehicle. Alternatively, other components may be sandwiched between auxiliary equipment cover 56 and seat cushion SC.

[0046] Fixing part

[0047] A fixing part 42C is formed at the rear end of the equipment base 42 in the vehicle front-rear direction, protruding downward from the lower surface of the equipment base 42. The fixing part 42C is the part that fixes the rear end of the equipment base 42 to the upper housing 12A behind the junction box 50, and the bottom surface is fixed to the upper housing 12A by adhesive or the like.

[0048] An opening K1 is formed in the fixing part 42C. In other words, the fixing part 42C is formed at the edge of the opening K1 formed in the device base 42. The opening K1 is positioned above the opening K2 of the upper housing 12A. As a result, the internal space of the battery housing 12 is in communication with the internal space of the device housing 40.

[0049] Openings K1 and K2 are formed at a position relative to the rear of the vehicle, above the battery 10 and junction box 50. Furthermore, busbars or wiring harnesses that connect the battery 10 to the auxiliary equipment 100 and junction box 50 are inserted into these openings K1 and K2.

[0050] Sealed structure

[0051] A sealing member 46 is disposed between the device base 42 and the upper housing 12A. The sealing member 46 is, for example, a liquid gasket, formed to surround the fixing part 42C. That is, the sealing member 46 is formed to surround the opening K1. Thus, the sealing member 46 ensures water tightness between the internal space of the device housing 40 and the internal space of the battery housing 12.

[0052] Thermal insulation structure

[0053] like Figure 2A As shown, below the relay 110 and below the junction box 50, the equipment base 42 and the upper housing 12A are insulated by an air layer A1.

[0054] As described above, a fixing part 42C is formed on the equipment base 42, protruding downward from the bottom surface of the equipment base 42, and the fixing part 42C is fixed to the upper housing 12A. The thickness H2 of the air layer A1 is equal to the protrusion height of the fixing part 42C.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, the air layer A1 is connected to the recess 12H of the upper shell 12A. Therefore, in the portion where the recess 12H is formed, the thickness H3 of the connected air layer is greater than the thickness H2 of the other portions.

[0056] In addition, thermal insulation performance can also be ensured by filling the air layer A1 with various thermal insulation materials such as fibers and foamed resins.

[0057] Heat dissipation structure

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, a protrusion 42D protruding downward toward the air layer A1 is formed on the lower surface of the equipment platform 42. The portion of the equipment platform 42 with the protrusion 42D is thicker than the other portions. As a result, the heat capacity of the equipment platform 42 is increased compared to the case without the protrusion 42D.

[0059] Furthermore, compared to the case without protrusion 42D, the protrusion 42D increases the surface area of ​​the lower surface of the equipment base 42. This facilitates heat dissipation from the equipment base 42 to the air layer A1.

[0060] The protrusion height of the protrusion 42D is lower than the thickness H2 of the air layer A1 (the protrusion height of the fixing part 42C). As a result, interference between the protrusion 42D and the upper shell 12A can be avoided.

[0061] Furthermore, the shape of the protrusion 42D is not particularly limited; for example, it can be formed as a rib along the width direction of the vehicle. Additionally, the protrusion 42D can also be formed as a rib along the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Moreover, the protrusion 42D can also be formed as a grid along both the width and front-rear directions of the vehicle. Furthermore, the protrusion 42D can also be formed as a circular or dotted shape.

[0062] The size, length, height, placement, and number of these protrusions 42D are arbitrary. For example, protrusions 42D formed as ribs along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle can be positioned above the recess 12H of the upper housing 12A. In this case, the protrusions 42D can penetrate the recess 12H, and therefore the height of the protrusions 42D can be greater than the thickness H2 of the air layer A1.

[0063] Furthermore, in this disclosure, it is not necessarily necessary to provide the protrusion 42D. For example, instead of the protrusion 42D, an upwardly recessed portion can be provided on the lower surface of the equipment base 42. Alternatively, the protrusion 42D or the recessed portion can be omitted, and the lower surface of the equipment base 42 can be formed flat.

[0064] Functions and effects

[0065] Function of sealing components

[0066] In the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to embodiments of this disclosure, the battery 10 and the devices (relay 110 and auxiliary device 100) are electrically connected to each other. Furthermore, a sealing member 46 is disposed between the battery housing 12 housing the battery 10 and the device housing 40 housing the devices. Therefore, the watertightness of the battery housing 12 and the device housing 40 can be ensured.

[0067] In addition, in the battery mounting structure of the vehicle, openings K1 and K2 are formed on the fixing part 42C protruding from the lower surface of the device housing 40 and the upper surface of the battery housing 12, respectively.

[0068] Therefore, in the vertically arranged device housing 40 and battery housing 12, for example, compared to a structure where openings are formed on the sides of the device housing 40 and the battery housing 12, it is easier to make the internal space of the device housing 40 communicate with the internal space of the battery housing 12. This also facilitates the configuration of the sealing member 46.

[0069] Furthermore, in this battery mounting structure for a vehicle, openings K1 and K2 are formed on the rear side of the battery 10 and the junction box 50 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, extending vertically. This provides sufficient space for the passage of busbars or wiring harnesses that connect the battery 10 to the junction box 50 (or devices within the junction box 50).

[0070] Furthermore, in this battery mounting structure for vehicles, since the sealing member 46 is a liquid gasket, water tightness can be easily ensured regardless of the shape of the fixing part 12C, compared to a solid sealing member.

[0071] Insulation and heat dissipation

[0072] In the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the embodiments of this disclosure, when Figure 2A When the relay 110 or other heat-generating devices are driven, the heat generated during the drive is dissipated to the device base 42. Furthermore, the device base 42 and the upper casing 12A of the battery 10 are insulated by air. Therefore, heat transfer from the device base 42 to the battery 10 via the upper casing 12A is suppressed, thereby preventing the battery 10 from being locally heated.

[0073] Furthermore, by insulating the device base 42 from the upper housing 12A, the heat generated during the operation of the battery 10 can be suppressed from being transferred to the device base 42 via the upper housing 12A. Therefore, for example, when heat-generating devices such as the relay 110 are not driven, the local cooling of the battery 10 can be prevented.

[0074] In this battery mounting structure for vehicles, heat transfer between heat-generating devices such as relays 110 and the battery 10 is suppressed by heat insulation, thereby suppressing the thermal effects from the devices in the battery 10.

[0075] Furthermore, in the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the embodiments of this disclosure, a heat sink 52, serving as a heat conduction component, is provided between the relay 110 and the device base 42. Therefore, compared to the case without the heat sink 52, heat dissipation is easier from the relay 110 to the device base 42, thus suppressing overheating of the relay 110.

[0076] Furthermore, in the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the embodiments of this disclosure, the device base 42 is a casting. Therefore, compared to the case where the device base 42 is formed from a metal sheet, resin, or the like, it has high thermal conductivity, facilitating heat dissipation from heat-generating devices such as the relay 110 to the device base 42. Thus, overheating of heat-generating devices such as the relay 110 can be suppressed.

[0077] Furthermore, in the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the embodiments of this disclosure, the device platform 42 and the upper housing 12A are insulated by an air layer A1. Air is a gas, and even if there are irregularities in the device platform 42 and the upper housing 12A (e.g., protrusions 42D on the device platform 42, see...), it will provide insulation. Figure 3 ), and will not interfere. Therefore, compared with the case of laying thermal insulation material, the shape of the equipment base 42 and the upper shell 12A is less restricted.

[0078] In addition, air has a lower thermal conductivity than resin and metal, making it difficult for heat dissipated from the equipment base 42 to be transferred to the upper housing 12A.

[0079] The function of the concave part

[0080] Furthermore, in the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 3 As shown, below the relay 110 and the junction box 50, the upper housing 12A has a downwardly recessed portion 12H. In this recess 12H, the distance between the device base 42 and the upper housing 12A is wider (air layer thickness H3) than other portions (air layer thickness H2). Therefore, the heat insulation effect is improved compared to a structure without the recess 12H.

[0081] The function of protrusion

[0082] Furthermore, in the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the embodiments of this disclosure, a protrusion 42D is formed on the lower surface of the device pedestal 42, protruding downward toward the air layer A1. This protrusion 42D increases the surface area of ​​the lower surface of the device pedestal 42, thus facilitating heat dissipation from the device pedestal 42 to the air layer A1. Therefore, compared to the case without the protrusion 42D, heat dissipation from heat-generating devices such as the relay 110 to the device pedestal 42 is easier.

[0083] On the other hand, air has a lower thermal conductivity than resin and metal, so heat dissipated from the device base 42 is difficult to transfer to the upper housing 12A through the air layer A1 between the device base 42 and the upper housing 12A. Therefore, heat transfer to the battery 10 can be suppressed.

[0084] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the shape of the protrusion 42D is not particularly limited. It is assumed that when the protrusion 42D is formed in a lattice shape, it is easier to increase the surface area of ​​the lower surface of the equipment base 42 compared to forming it in a linear rib or dot shape.

[0085] Alternatively, assuming the protrusion 42D is formed as a rib along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the protrusion 42D can be positioned above the recess 12H. In this case, the protrusion 42D can penetrate into the recess 12H. As a result, heat dissipation can be easily achieved from the equipment base 42 to the air layer A1 and the air in the recess 12H.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the device base 42 and the upper housing 12A are thermally insulated by an air layer A1 communicating with the recess 12H, but the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this. For example, such an air layer A1 may not be formed. That is, the device base 42 and the upper housing 12A may be configured in contact.

[0087] Other implementation methods

[0088] In the above embodiment, a fixing portion 42C protruding downward from the bottom surface of the equipment base 42 is formed on the equipment base 42, but the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this. For example, such as Figure 2B As shown, it can also be configured without the fixing part 42C.

[0089] In this case, a sealing member 46 is disposed between the battery housing 12 and the device housing 40, surrounding the openings K1 and K2. Furthermore, the sealing member 46 in this case can be a soft rubber gasket or the like.

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, openings K1 and K2 are formed on the rear side of the battery 10 and junction box 50 in the vehicle front-rear direction, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this.

[0091] For example, openings K1 and K2 may also be formed above the battery 10 and below the junction box 50. The positions of openings K1 and K2 are not particularly limited as long as it is possible to configure a busbar or wiring harness to connect the battery 10 to the junction box 5 (or the device inside the junction box 50).

Claims

1. A battery mounting structure for a vehicle, wherein, have: Battery casing, which houses the battery cells; A device housing that houses a device electrically connected to the battery cell and is positioned above the battery housing; and A sealing component is disposed between the battery housing and the device housing to ensure water tightness in the internal space of the battery housing and the internal space of the device housing.

2. The battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The device housing includes a fixing part that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the device housing and is fixed to the upper surface of the battery housing. An opening is formed on the upper surface of the fixing part and the battery housing, the opening connecting the internal space of the battery housing and the internal space of the device housing. The sealing component is configured to surround the fixing portion.

3. The battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The fixing part and the opening part are formed on the rear side of the battery cell and the device in the vehicle front-rear direction.

4. The battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein, The sealing component is a liquid sealing gasket.

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