Vehicle structure

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle structure. It effectively utilizes reinforcing members disposed between multiple battery modules. The vehicle structure (12) includes: multiple battery modules (20) having multiple battery cells (22) arranged in a first direction and disposed with gaps in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; a flow path member forming part of an exhaust flow path through which smoke generated from the battery cells (22) flows; a reinforcing member (40) extending along the first direction through the gaps in the battery modules (20) and communicating with the exhaust flow path at one and the other ends; and a joining member (42) having a first joining surface that engages with the first flow path member at one and the other ends of the reinforcing member (40) and a second joining surface that engages with the reinforcing member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicle structure. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a battery pack comprising a battery module containing multiple battery cells, a cooler for cooling the battery cells, and an exhaust path through which gas discharged from the battery cells flows.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7259673

[0004] In vehicles that have battery modules consisting of multiple battery cells arranged together, reinforcing members are sometimes placed between the battery modules. It is desirable to use these reinforcing members effectively. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to effectively utilize reinforcing components configured among multiple battery modules.

[0006] The vehicle structure of the first type has:

[0007] Multiple battery modules are provided, each having multiple battery cells arranged in a first direction and arranged with gaps in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0008] The flow path component forms part of the exhaust flow path through which the smoke generated from the aforementioned battery cells flows;

[0009] The reinforcing component extends along the first direction within the gap of the battery module and communicates with the exhaust path at one and the other ends; and

[0010] The joining component has a first joining surface that engages with the flow path component at one end and the other end of the reinforcing component, and a second joining surface that engages with the reinforcing component.

[0011] In the vehicle structure of the first embodiment, battery cells are arranged in a first direction within a battery module, and the battery module is arranged in a second direction. This allows for the efficient arrangement of multiple battery cells in both the first and second directions.

[0012] Smoke generated from the battery cells flows into an exhaust flow path comprised of flow path components. The smoke within the exhaust flow path is then discharged through an exhaust valve. Furthermore, in this vehicle structure, reinforcing members extend along a first direction between the gaps between multiple battery modules. Moreover, one end and the other end of the reinforcing member are engaged with the flow path components via connecting members. The interior of the reinforcing member at one and the other ends communicates with the exhaust flow path. Therefore, smoke flowing into the exhaust flow path also flows inside the reinforcing member. Since the interior of the reinforcing member also functions as an exhaust flow path, the reinforcing member can be used effectively.

[0013] The first mating surface of the joining component engages with the flow path component, and the second mating surface engages with the reinforcing component. Since the joining component is engaged in a state of surface contact with both the flow path component and the reinforcing component, the flow path component and the reinforcing component can be securely joined together by the joining component.

[0014] In the second embodiment, in the vehicle structure of the first embodiment, the first mating surfaces are arranged in pairs on both sides of the reinforcing member in the second direction and are mated with the flow path member.

[0015] In the second type of vehicle structure, since the joining component and the flow path component can be joined on both sides of the reinforcing component in the second direction through the first joining surface, the joining component and the flow path component can be joined more securely than a structure with a single-sided joining.

[0016] In the third embodiment, in the vehicle structure of the second embodiment, the aforementioned jointing member has an opening between the paired first jointing surfaces that connects the interior of the aforementioned reinforcing member and the aforementioned exhaust flow path.

[0017] In a third-party vehicle structure, smoke can flow from the interior of the reinforcing member to the smoke exhaust path through an opening. The interior of the reinforcing member also functions as a smoke exhaust path. Since the opening is located between a pair of first mating surfaces, with the first mating surfaces on either side of the opening, the state in which the interior of the reinforcing member and the smoke exhaust path are connected through the opening can be stably maintained.

[0018] In the fourth embodiment, in any of the vehicle structures of the first to third embodiments, the second mating surfaces are provided in pairs on both sides of the second direction of the reinforcing member and are mated with the reinforcing member.

[0019] In the fourth type of vehicle structure, since the joining member and the reinforcing member can be joined by the second joining surface on both sides of the reinforcing member in the second direction, the joining member and the reinforcing member can be joined more securely than a structure with a single-sided joining.

[0020] According to this disclosure, reinforcing components configured among multiple battery modules can be used effectively. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a top view showing the vehicle structure of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the battery pack and exhaust structure of the vehicle structure according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the smoke exhaust structure of the vehicle structure according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle structure of the first embodiment, which is represented by a cross-section in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0025] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle structure of the first embodiment, which is represented by a cross-section in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0026] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view that enlarges the vehicle structure of the first embodiment by using a cross-section in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view that enlarges the vehicle structure of the first embodiment by using a cross-section in the vehicle width direction.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a partial enlargement of the vehicle structure of the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing a partial enlargement of the vehicle structure of the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle structure of the first embodiment, which is represented by a cross-section in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0032] 10…Vehicle; 12…Vehicle structure; 20…Battery module; 22…Battery cell; 24…Lower housing (an example of a first flow path component); 32…Exhaust flow path; 34…First exhaust flow path; 36…Second exhaust flow path; 40…Reinforcing component; 42…Jointing component; 42A…First joint surface; 42B…First joint surface; 42C…Second joint surface; 42D…First separation part; 42E…Second separation part; 42M…Opening; 44…Cell base; 52…Exhaust valve; 54…Cover plate. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Hereinafter, the vehicle structure of the first embodiment of this 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 this disclosure; parts omitted from the description are known technologies. Identical or equivalent components in the drawings are labeled with the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Also, when there are multiple identical or equivalent components in the drawings, sometimes only a few are labeled with reference numerals for ease of observation. Arrows FR, UP, and LH in the drawings represent the front, top, and left sides of the vehicle 10, respectively. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the directions front-back, up-down, and left-right refer to the front-back direction, up-down direction, and left-right direction, respectively.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a simplified top view showing the vehicle 10 portion having the vehicle structure 12 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a simplified perspective view showing the battery pack 18 and the exhaust structure 16 of the vehicle structure 12 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional diagram representing the first smoke exhaust path 34 and the second smoke exhaust path 36 that constitute the smoke exhaust structure 16.

[0035] 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 the width direction of the vehicle. A gap GP5 is formed between the battery modules 20. In this embodiment, the number of battery modules 20 is four, therefore the number of gaps GP5 formed between these battery modules 20 is three.

[0036] Each battery module 20 has a plurality of battery cells 22. The plurality of battery cells 22 are arranged in the battery module 20 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. That is, the battery pack 18 is a structure in which multiple battery modules 20 having a plurality of battery cells 22 arranged in the vehicle's longitudinal direction are 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 an example of a second direction in the same disclosed technology.

[0037] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the battery pack 18 has a lower housing 24 and an upper housing 26. The lower housing 24 is a box-shaped component that houses 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.

[0038] The upper housing 26 is a cover-like component that closes the upper surface of the lower housing 24. The periphery of the lower housing 24 and the periphery of the upper housing 26 are joined together, and the lower housing 24 and the upper housing 26 constitute the battery housing 28. In the space inside the battery housing 28, a plurality of battery modules 20, each consisting of a plurality of battery cells 22, are arranged and housed in the vehicle width direction.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Also Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the lower plate 24L of the lower housing 24 is bonded to the lower surface of each battery cell 22 by adhesive. Multiple (the same number as the battery module 20) downward protrusions 30 are formed on the lower plate 24L. The downward protrusions 30 protrude downwards from the center position in the vehicle width direction of each battery module 20. 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 in the battery module 20 extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, i.e., in the arrangement direction of the battery cells 22. The length of the downward protrusions 30 in the vehicle longitudinal direction is the same as 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 along the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0041] Separated from the lower surface of the battery cell 22 by the lower protrusion 30, the gap GP1 forms part of the first exhaust smoke flow path 34. When smoke-containing gas (hereinafter referred to as "smoke") is generated in the battery cell 22 for some reason, the smoke is discharged from the center of the lower surface of the battery cell 22 in the vehicle width direction. 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 first flow path component constituting the first exhaust smoke flow path 34.

[0042] like Figure 7As shown, a cooler 38 is provided in the lower housing 24. The cooler 38 forms a refrigerant flow path extending in the vehicle width direction along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at the lower surface of the lower housing 24. The heat transfer from the cooler 38 to the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant flow path can cool the battery cell 22.

[0043] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and 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, viewed in cross-section along the vehicle width direction, the reinforcing member 40 has an upper plate 40T, side plates 40S, and a flange plate 40F. The upper plate 40T is a plate-shaped portion forming the upper part of the reinforcing member 40. The side plates 40S are a pair of plate-shaped portions extending downward from both sides of the upper plate 40T along the vehicle width direction and separated in that direction. The flange plate 40F is a flange extending outward from each side plate 40S in the vehicle width direction. Thus, the reinforcing member 40 has a generally cap-shaped cross-section that is open at the bottom.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the reinforcing member 40 has a length that reaches the vicinity of the front panel 24F and the rear panel 24R of the lower housing 24. Therefore, the reinforcing member 40 extends into the range of the battery module 20 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The front end 40A and the rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 are open in the long-side direction. 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 member 42. Thus, the reinforcing member 40 reinforces the battery pack 18.

[0045] In addition, Figures 8-10 The diagram shows the portion where the rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 joins the rear plate 24R, but the portion where the front end 40A of the reinforcing member 40 joins the front plate 24F also has the same structure. Also as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the joining member 42 extends continuously along the width direction of the plurality of reinforcing members 40. That is, on the front side of the vehicle, the front end 40A side of the plurality of reinforcing members 40 is joined to the lower housing 24 by one joining member 42. The same applies on the rear side of the vehicle, where the rear end 40B side of the plurality of reinforcing members 40 is joined to the lower housing 24 by one joining member 42.

[0046] The mating component 42 has first mating surfaces 42A and 42B and a second mating surface 42C. The first mating surfaces 42A and 42B are the portions that contact the surfaces of the lower housing 24. Specifically, the first mating surface 42A is the portion that contacts the front plate 24F or rear plate 24R surface of the lower housing 24, and the first mating surface 42B is the portion that contacts the lower plate 24L surface. The second mating surface 42C is the portion that contacts the side plate 40S surface of the reinforcing component 40.

[0047] The joining member 42 has a first separating portion 42D between the first joining surface 42A and the first joining surface 42B. The first separating portion 42D is formed obliquely in cross-sectional view in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and a gap GP2 is formed between the first separating portion 42D and the lower housing 24. This gap GP2 is continuous in the vehicle width direction and communicates with the first exhaust flow path 34 formed by the lower protrusions 30. That is, the gap GP2 forms a part of the first exhaust flow path 34. The joining member 42 is an example of a first flow path member constituting the first exhaust flow path 34.

[0048] like Figure 9 As shown, the joining member 42 has an opening 42M corresponding to the front end 40A and rear end 40B of each reinforcing member 40. The opening 42M connects the interior of the reinforcing member 40 with the smoke exhaust path 32 formed by the first separating part 42D.

[0049] The joining member 42 is continuous along the vehicle width direction and has a first joining surface 42A, 42B and a second joining surface 42C located on both sides of the reinforcing member 40 in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the first joining surfaces 42A, 42B and the second joining surfaces 42C are arranged in pairs on both sides of each component of the reinforcing member 40 in the vehicle width direction.

[0050] 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 forms a downwardly convex portion of the lower plate 24L of the lower housing 24 at the position corresponding to the reinforcing member 40. The cell base 44 engages with the flange plate 40F of the reinforcing member 40, closing the open portion on the lower side of the reinforcing member 40. In contrast, the front end 40A and rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 are open (see reference). Figure 1 The reinforcing member 40 and the battery cell base 44 form a closed cross-sectional shape (a shape with a closed cross-section in the vehicle width direction) that communicates with the first exhaust smoke path 34 formed by the gap GP2. Thus, the closed cross-sectional shape formed by the reinforcing member 40 and the battery cell base 44 forms a part of the second exhaust smoke path 36. That is, the reinforcing member 40 and the battery cell base 44 are examples of second flow path components. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a portion of the lower housing 24 also serves as the battery cell base 44.

[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] A smoke exhaust valve 52 is installed on the connector block 50. A cover plate 54 is installed on the connector block 50 from the battery pack 18 to the smoke exhaust valve 52, forming a first smoke exhaust flow path 34 between the connector block 50 and the connector block 50.

[0053] An upward protrusion 58 is formed on the cover plate 54. The upward protrusion 58 is formed by bending the central portion in the width direction of the vehicle at the front side of the vehicle into an upward convex shape. The formation of the upward protrusion 58 creates a gap GP4 between the cover plate 54 and the lower housing 24. This gap GP4 allows smoke to move in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, forming part of the first exhaust smoke flow path 34. The cover plate 54 is an example of a first flow path component constituting the first exhaust smoke flow path 34.

[0054] The joint member 42 located on the rear side of the vehicle among the two joint members 42 is provided with a second separating portion 42E. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the second separation portion 42E is formed at a position corresponding to the upper protrusion 58 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the second separation portion 42E separates from the rear plate 24R of the lower housing 24 and is continuous with the first separation portion 42D. A gap GP3 is formed between the second separation portion 42E and the rear surface 24R of the lower housing 24. Therefore, the first exhaust flow path 34 within the battery pack 18 is formed to extend from the gap GP1 between the lower surface of the battery cell 22 and the lower protrusion 30, through the gap GP2 between the first separation portion 42D and the rear plate 24R of the lower housing 24, the gap GP3 between the second separation portion 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 to the exhaust valve 52. Moreover, at the gap GP3 on the front and rear sides of the vehicle, this first exhaust flow path 34 communicates with the second exhaust flow path 36 formed by the reinforcing member 40 and the cell base 44. Also as... Figure 3 As shown, a portion of the first exhaust smoke path 34 is bypassed through the second exhaust smoke path 36, and the exhaust smoke path 32 is composed of the first exhaust smoke path 34 and the second exhaust smoke path 36.

[0055] If the internal pressure of the first exhaust smoke flow path 34 is higher than the external air pressure by a specified value, the exhaust valve 52 will open. That is, if smoke flows into the first exhaust smoke flow path 34 and the internal pressure is higher than the specified value, the exhaust valve 52 will open to discharge the gas inside the first exhaust smoke flow path 34 to the outside.

[0056] Furthermore, a membrane component 56 is installed 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, the membrane component 56 creates resistance on the movement of the gas, thereby preventing the gas from moving all at once in a short period of time.

[0057] Next, the function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0058] In the vehicle 10 that uses the vehicle structure 12 of this embodiment, a battery module 20 is composed of multiple battery cells 22. That is, multiple battery cells 22 can be integrally formed by the battery module 20.

[0059] The battery cells 22 are arranged in a first direction (vehicle longitudinal direction) within the battery module 20, and the battery module 20 is arranged in a second direction (vehicle width direction). This allows for 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 per row can be increased compared to a structure where the battery cells 22 are arranged in the vehicle width direction.

[0060] Normally, no smoke is generated in the battery cell 22. However, if smoke is generated 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 then flows through a first smoke exhaust path 34 formed by the gap GP1 between the lower protrusion 30 of the lower housing 24 and the lower surface of the battery cell 22. Furthermore, the smoke flows through the first smoke exhaust path 34 formed by gaps GP2, GP3, and GP4 to the smoke exhaust valve 52. If the internal pressure of the first smoke exhaust path 34 is higher than the external pressure, the smoke is discharged from the smoke exhaust valve 52.

[0061] 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 while preventing liquid movement. For example, when the vehicle 10 moves to a location with different external air pressure (such as a high-altitude area), the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the first exhaust flow path 34 and the external air pressure increases. In this case, the pressure difference can be mitigated by air passing through the membrane component 56.

[0062] In the smoke exhaust structure 16 of this embodiment, in addition to the first smoke exhaust path 34, there is also a second smoke exhaust path 36. The second smoke exhaust path 36 bypasses a portion of the first smoke exhaust path 34 between the battery cell 22 and the smoke exhaust valve 52. Compared to a structure without the second smoke exhaust path 36, the section with the second smoke exhaust path 36 provides a wider cross-sectional area to ensure smoke flow.

[0063] In the vehicle 10 of this embodiment, a reinforcing member 40 is disposed in the gap GP5 between the plurality of battery modules 20. The front end 40A and the rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 are respectively engaged with the lower housing 24 via a coupling member 42. Thus, the battery housing 28 can be reinforced using the reinforcing member 40.

[0064] The openings at the front end 40A and rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 communicate with the gap GP2 (part of the first exhaust flow path 34) formed between the lower housing 24 and the connecting member 42. Therefore, the smoke flowing into the first exhaust flow path 34 also flows inside the reinforcing member 40. The space surrounded by the reinforcing member 40 and the cell base 44 functions as part of the exhaust flow path 32. That is, the interior of the reinforcing member 40 can be effectively used as a second exhaust flow path 36.

[0065] The engaging member 42 extends along the vehicle width direction (second direction). Therefore, the front end 40A and rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 can be engaged with the lower housing 24 over a constant range throughout the vehicle width direction.

[0066] Furthermore, the engaging member 42 extends along the width direction of the vehicle, thereby engaging with the multiple reinforcing members 40 via the front end 40A and the rear end 40B respectively with the lower housing 24. Compared to a structure in which the engaging member 42 is used independently to engage the multiple reinforcing members 40 with the lower housing 24, the number of engaging members 42 can be reduced, thus suppressing the increase in the number of parts.

[0067] The lower housing 24 houses a battery module 20, which includes a plurality of battery cells 22. That is, the lower housing 24 can maintain the state in which a plurality of battery cells 22 are integrally housed. Since the lower housing 24 constitutes part of the first flow path component, compared to a structure in which the first flow path component is separately arranged relative to the lower housing 24, the increase in the number of components can be suppressed.

[0068] A first separating portion 42D is formed in the joining member 42. The first separating portion 42D forms a gap GP2 between itself and the lower housing 24, and this gap GP2 constitutes a part of the first smoke exhaust path 34. Since the first separating portion 42D of the joining member 42 can constitute a part of the first smoke exhaust path 34, the increase in the number of components can be suppressed compared to a structure in which the first smoke exhaust path 34 is provided separately from the joining member 42. Since the first separating portion 42D extends in the second direction, it is possible to achieve a structure in which the gap GP2 formed by the first separating portion 42D and the lower housing 24 also extends in the second direction.

[0069] A second separating portion 42E is formed in the joining member 42. The second separating portion 42E is continuous with the first separating portion 42D, allowing the smoke from the first separating portion 42D (gap GP2) to move toward the smoke exhaust valve 52. Since the second separating portion 42E also constitutes part of the first smoke exhaust path 34, compared to a structure in which a component equivalent to the second separating portion 42E is provided separately from the joining member 42, the increase in the number of components can be suppressed.

[0070] The joining member 42 has a first joining surface 42A and a second joining surface 42C. The first joining surface 42A engages with the lower housing 24, which forms part of the first flow path member, and the second joining surface 42C engages with the reinforcing member 40, which forms part of the second flow path member. Thus, the joining member 42 is in surface contact with both the lower housing 24 and the reinforcing member 40, enabling a secure connection between the lower housing 24 and the reinforcing member 40.

[0071] The first mating surfaces 42A are provided in pairs on both sides of the reinforcing member 40 in the vehicle width direction (second direction). Since the first mating surfaces 42A on both sides of the reinforcing member 40 in the vehicle width direction are in contact with the mating member, the reinforcing member 40 and the lower housing 24 can be firmly mated compared to a structure with contact on one side.

[0072] An opening 42M is formed in the joining member 42, connecting the interior of the reinforcing member 40 with a portion of the first exhaust smoke path 34 (gap GP2). Smoke can flow through the opening 42M between the gap GP2 and the interior of the reinforcing member 40. The opening 42M is located between paired first joining surfaces 42A. In other words, the first joining surfaces 42A are located on either side of the opening 42M in the vehicle width direction (second direction) of the reinforcing member 40. Since the position of the opening 42M is not offset relative to the lower housing 24, the state in which the interior of the reinforcing member 40 and the gap GP2 are connected through the opening 42M can be stably maintained.

[0073] The second mating surfaces 42C are provided in pairs on both sides of the reinforcing member 40 in the vehicle width direction (second direction). Since the second mating surfaces 42C are in contact with the reinforcing member 40 on both sides in the vehicle width direction, the reinforcing member 40 can be securely joined to the lower housing 24 compared to a structure with contact on one side.

[0074] The following are notes regarding this disclosure.

[0075] (Note 1)

[0076] A vehicle structure, wherein:

[0077] Multiple battery modules are provided, each having multiple battery cells arranged in a first direction and arranged with gaps in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0078] The flow path component forms part of the exhaust flow path through which the smoke generated from the aforementioned battery cells flows;

[0079] The reinforcing component extends along the first direction within the gap of the battery module and communicates with the exhaust path at one and the other ends; and

[0080] The joining component has a first joining surface that engages with the first flow path component at one end and the other end of the reinforcing component, and a second joining surface that engages with the reinforcing component.

[0081] (Note 2)

[0082] In the vehicle structure described in Appendix 1,

[0083] The first mating surfaces are provided in pairs on both sides of the second direction of the reinforcing member and are mated with the flow path member.

[0084] (Note 3)

[0085] In the vehicle structure described in Appendix 2,

[0086] The aforementioned jointing components have an opening between the paired first jointing surfaces that allows the interior of the aforementioned reinforcing component to communicate with the aforementioned smoke exhaust path.

[0087] (Note 4)

[0088] In any of the vehicle structures described in notes 1 to 3,

[0089] The aforementioned second mating surfaces are provided in pairs on both sides of the aforementioned second direction of the aforementioned reinforcing member and are mated with the aforementioned reinforcing member.

Claims

1. A vehicle structure, wherein, have: Multiple battery modules are provided, each having multiple battery cells arranged in a first direction, and the multiple battery modules are arranged with gaps in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The flow path component forms part of the exhaust flow path through which smoke generated from the battery cells flows; A reinforcing component extends along the first direction through the gap in the battery module and communicates with the exhaust flow path at one and the other ends. as well as The joining component has a first joining surface that engages with the flow path component at one end and the other end of the reinforcing component, and a second joining surface that engages with the reinforcing component.

2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein, The first mating surfaces are arranged in pairs on both sides of the reinforcing member in the second direction and are mated with the flow path member.

3. The vehicle structure according to claim 2, wherein, The joining components have an opening between the paired first joining surfaces that connects the interior of the reinforcing component and the smoke exhaust path.

4. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein, The second mating surfaces are arranged in pairs on both sides of the reinforcing member in the second direction and are mated with the reinforcing member.

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