Vehicle underbody structure

Abstract

A vehicle lower structure capable of protecting a power cable in which a large current flows and a fuel pipe that supplies fuel from a fuel tank to an internal combustion engine from heat damage caused by heat of an exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe in the vehicle lower structure extends rearward through the vehicle-width-direction outer side of a first side surface of both side surfaces in the vehicle-width direction of a battery pack. A first power cable, a second power cable, and the fuel pipe in the vehicle lower structure extend rearward through the vehicle-width-direction outer side of a second side surface of both side surfaces in the vehicle-width direction of the battery pack opposite the first side surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle substructure. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a vehicle lower structure for a hybrid vehicle, wherein an exhaust pipe extends from the front side of the vehicle to the rear side of the vehicle, passing over the fuel tank and battery on the outside of the vehicle width direction.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-187232

[0004] Hybrid vehicles are equipped with power cables that connect onboard devices to each other with high voltage inputs. Sometimes, large currents flow through these power cables. Hybrid vehicles use an internal combustion engine as a power source. The internal combustion engine exhausts hot exhaust gas. Therefore, the exhaust pipe, where exhaust gas flows, becomes hot. It is necessary to protect the power cables carrying large currents from heat damage caused by the heat from the exhaust pipe. Furthermore, it is also necessary to protect the fuel lines supplying fuel from the fuel tank to the internal combustion engine from heat damage caused by the heat from the exhaust pipe. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The vehicle substructure for solving the aforementioned problems is suitable for hybrid vehicles, which include: a floor panel forming the floor of the vehicle compartment; an internal combustion engine and a motor, which are power sources; an exhaust pipe that directs exhaust from the internal combustion engine to the rear of the vehicle; a battery pack containing battery cells that store electricity supplied to the motor; a high-voltage system component located further rearward than the battery pack and supplied with high voltage; a power cable electrically connected to the high-voltage system component; and a fuel line supplying fuel from a fuel tank to the internal combustion engine. The battery pack, the exhaust pipe, the power cable, and the fuel line are disposed below the floor panel. The vehicle substructure is characterized in that the exhaust pipe extends rearward through the outer side of a first side of the battery pack in the vehicle width direction, and the power cable and the fuel line extend rearward through the outer side of a second side of the battery pack in the vehicle width direction opposite to the first side.

[0006] The vehicle substructure for addressing the aforementioned issues is suitable for hybrid vehicles, which include: a floor panel forming the floor of the vehicle compartment; an internal combustion engine and a motor, which are power sources; an exhaust pipe that directs exhaust from the internal combustion engine to the rear of the vehicle; a battery pack containing battery cells that store electricity supplied to the motor; a high-voltage system component located further rearward than the battery pack and supplied with high voltage; a power cable electrically connected to the high-voltage system component; a fuel line supplying fuel from a fuel tank to the internal combustion engine; and a cooling water line through which cooling water flows. In this vehicle substructure, the battery pack, the exhaust pipe, the power cable, the fuel line, and the cooling water line are disposed below the floor panel. The vehicle's lower structure is characterized in that the exhaust pipe, the power cable, the fuel piping, and the cooling water piping extend toward the rear of the vehicle from the outer side of the same side in the vehicle width direction of the battery pack, and the cooling water piping is arranged between the intervals in the vehicle width direction between the exhaust pipe and the power cable and between the exhaust pipe and the fuel piping.

[0007] Invention Effects

[0008] The vehicle's lower structure is designed to protect electrical cables carrying high currents and fuel lines supplying fuel from the fuel tank to the internal combustion engine from heat damage caused by the exhaust pipe. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the electric vehicle of the first embodiment as viewed from the side.

[0010] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the lower structure of the electric vehicle.

[0011] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The sectional view shown is cut along line 3-3.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the lower structure of the electric vehicle according to the second embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The sectional view shown is cut along line 5-5.

[0014] Symbol Explanation

[0015] 10A - Cabin, 13A - Motor, 14 - Battery Pack, 14C - Battery Cell, 14F - First Side, 14S - Second Side, 15A - Rear-Wheel Drive Motor, 16 - Fuel Tank, 18 - Exhaust Pipe, 19 - Fuel Pipeline, 20 - Cooling Water Pipeline, 40 - Internal Combustion Engine, 42 - Shock Absorbing Components, 51, 52 - Power Cables, 96 - On-Board Charger, 101 - Floor Panel. Detailed Implementation

[0016] (First Embodiment)

[0017] The following is for reference. Figures 1-3 The vehicle lower structure according to the first embodiment will be described. In the following description, "front," "rear," "right," "left," "up," and "down" refer to "front," "rear," "right," "left," "up," and "down" as observed by an occupant facing forward of the vehicle. The left-right direction is consistent with the vehicle width direction. The front-rear direction is consistent with the vehicle length direction.

[0018] <Layout of Electric Vehicle 10>

[0019] Figure 1 The internal structure of the electric vehicle 10 is schematically shown from the side view of the vehicle, viewed from the left.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the electric vehicle 10 has four wheels: left and right front wheels 22 and left and right rear wheels 26. The interior of the electric vehicle 10 is divided into two areas: a passenger compartment 10A and a front cabin 10B. The passenger compartment 10A is equipped with two rows of seats: front seats 17F and rear seats 17S. The front seats 17F include the driver's seat. The front cabin 10B is located further forward than the passenger compartment 10A.

[0021] A charging cover 97 is provided on the left side of the electric vehicle 10, further rearward than the rear seats 17S. The charging cover 97 may also be located on the right side of the electric vehicle 10, for example, or further forward than the rear seats 17S. Inside the charging cover 97 are a first charging port 94 and a second charging port 95. The first charging port 94 is for normal charging using AC power such as 100V or 200V. The second charging port 95 is for fast charging using DC high-voltage power such as 50kW.

[0022] The front bulkhead 100 separates the passenger compartment 10A and the front cabin 10B. The floor panel 101 forms the floor of the passenger compartment 10A of the electric vehicle 10. A battery pack 14 is disposed below the floor panel 101.

[0023] The battery pack 14 houses multiple battery cells 14C internally. Figures 1-5In the diagram, multiple battery cells 14C arranged within the battery pack 14 are shown enclosed by a single-dotted line. The multiple battery cells 14C store the power supplied to the first electromechanical unit 13 and the second electromechanical unit 15, which will be described later.

[0024] The electric vehicle 10 includes a fuel tank 16. The fuel tank 16 is located further rearward than the battery pack 14 and below the floor panel 101. The fuel tank 16 stores fuel that is supplied to the internal combustion engine 40, which serves as the power source for the electric vehicle 10.

[0025] An internal combustion engine 40 and a first mechatronic unit 13 are installed in the front compartment 10B. The internal combustion engine 40 and the first mechatronic unit 13 are configured to drive the left and right front wheels 22.

[0026] The electric vehicle 10 includes a second mechatronic unit 15. The second mechatronic unit 15 is located further rearward than the fuel tank 16 and below the floor panel 101. The second mechatronic unit 15 is configured to drive the left and right rear wheels 26. An on-board charger 96 is housed within the second mechatronic unit 15. The on-board charger 96 will be described later.

[0027] Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates the configuration of equipment located in the front compartment 10B and the configuration of equipment located below the floor panel 101, as viewed from above in the top view of the electric vehicle 10.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, a radiator 41 is installed in the front compartment 10B. The radiator 41 is a heat exchanger that cools the cooling water by exchanging heat with the outside air. The radiator 41 is located in the interior of the front compartment 10B further forward than the internal combustion engine 40, so as to be easily exposed to the driving wind.

[0029] The first mechatronic unit 13 is configured as a module that houses a motor 13A that generates driving force, gears constituting a reduction mechanism and a differential mechanism, and an inverter 13B within a single housing. The motor 13A functions as both an electric motor and a generator. The inverter 13B is electrically connected to the battery cell 14C via a power cable. The inverter 13B is also electrically connected to the motor 13A via a power cable. The inverter 13B and motor 13A can be electrically connected via a busbar. The inverter 13B converts the DC power supplied from the battery cell 14C via the power cable into AC power and then supplies it to the motor 13A. The inverter 13B also converts the AC power supplied from the motor 13A via the power cable into DC power and then supplies it to the battery cell 14C.

[0030] The first mechatronics unit 13 may, for example, house a DC-DC converter that boosts the DC power supplied from the battery cell 14C. In this case, the inverter 13B converts the DC power boosted by the DC-DC converter into AC power and supplies it to the motor 13A and the rear-wheel drive motor 15A (described later). The first mechatronics unit 13 may, for example, house other motors besides the motor 13A that function as electric motors and generators. The first mechatronics unit 13 may, for example, house an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the inverter 13B. The ECU has a processor that executes control programs or a memory that stores control programs and data. The ECU performs various control-related processes by having the processor execute the programs stored in the memory.

[0031] The second mechatronic unit 15 is configured as a module that houses a rear-wheel drive motor 15A that generates driving force, gears constituting a reduction mechanism and a differential mechanism, and an on-board charger 96 within a housing.

[0032] The inverter 13B, housed in the first mechatronic unit 13, is electrically connected to the rear-wheel drive motor 15A, housed in the second mechatronic unit 15, via a power cable 51. The rear-wheel drive motor 15A is located further rearward than the battery pack 14. The rear-wheel drive motor 15A is a high-voltage system component that receives a high voltage input. The rear-wheel drive motor 15A functions as both a motor and a generator. The inverter 13B converts the DC power supplied from the battery cell 14C into AC power and supplies it to the rear-wheel drive motor 15A via the power cable 51. The inverter 13B also converts the AC power supplied from the rear-wheel drive motor 15A into DC power via the power cable 51 and supplies it to the battery cell 14C.

[0033] The on-board charger 96 is electrically connected to the battery cell 14C via a power cable 52. The on-board charger 96 is also electrically connected to the first charging port 94 via a power cable. The on-board charger 96 charges the battery cell 14C by converting AC power input from the AC power source connected to the first charging port 94 into DC power and outputting it. The on-board charger 96 is located further rearward than the battery pack 14. The on-board charger 96 is a high-voltage system component that receives a high voltage input.

[0034] Battery cell 14C is electrically connected to the second charging port 95 without going through the on-board charger 96. Battery cell 14C and the second charging port 95 are electrically connected, for example, via a power cable.

[0035] <Vehicle Substructure>

[0036] like Figure 2As shown, the electric vehicle 10 has an exhaust pipe 18, a fuel pipe 19, a cooling water pipe 20, a power cable 51, and a power cable 52 as the vehicle's lower structure below the floor panel 101.

[0037] The exhaust pipe 18 is a hollow tube. The exhaust pipe 18 extends in the front-to-back direction. The rear end of the exhaust pipe 18 connects to the muffler 43. The front end of the exhaust pipe 18 extends through the front bulkhead 100 into the front compartment 10B and connects to the internal combustion engine 40. That is, the exhaust pipe 18 connects the internal combustion engine 40 and the muffler 43. The exhaust pipe 18 guides the exhaust from the internal combustion engine 40 to the muffler 43. The muffler 43 reduces exhaust noise.

[0038] The exhaust pipe 18 extends in a straight line rearward from the internal combustion engine 40. The exhaust pipe 18 bends to the right at a position further forward than the battery pack 14. The exhaust pipe 18 extends rearward along the right side of the electric vehicle 10 along the battery pack 14. The exhaust pipe 18 extends rearward past the right side of the fuel tank 16. The exhaust pipe 18 bends to the left at a position further rearward than the fuel tank 16 and further forward than the two rear wheels 26, then bends rearward. The exhaust pipe 18 extends rearward below the second mechatronic unit 15. The exhaust pipe 18 connects to the muffler 43 at a position further rearward than the second mechatronic unit 15.

[0039] Fuel pipe 19 is a hollow pipe. Fuel pipe 19 extends in the front-to-back direction. The rear end of fuel pipe 19 connects to fuel tank 16. The front end of fuel pipe 19 extends into the front compartment 10B and connects to internal combustion engine 40. That is, fuel pipe 19 connects internal combustion engine 40 and fuel tank 16. Fuel pipe 19 supplies fuel from fuel tank 16 to internal combustion engine 40.

[0040] Fuel line 19 extends in a straight line rearward from internal combustion engine 40. Fuel line 19 bends to the left at a position further forward than battery pack 14. Fuel line 19 extends rearward along the left side of electric vehicle 10 along battery pack 14. After bending to the right at a position further rearward than battery pack 14, fuel line 19 connects to the left end of fuel tank 16.

[0041] Cooling water pipe 20 is a hollow pipe. Cooling water pipe 20 extends in the front-to-back direction. The rear end of cooling water pipe 20 connects to the front end of the second mechatronic unit 15. The rear end of cooling water pipe 20 connects to the radiator 41. Coolant cooled by the radiator 41 flows within cooling water pipe 20 and into the water jackets of the rear-wheel drive motor 15A and the on-board charger 96, both located within the second mechatronic unit 15. Cooling water flowing into the water jacket of the rear-wheel drive motor 15A recovers heat from the motor. Cooling water flowing into the water jacket of the on-board charger 96 recovers heat from the charger. Cooling water that has recovered heat within the second mechatronic unit 15 flows through a separate cooling water pipe (different from cooling water pipe 20) and into the radiator 41. Thus, the rear-wheel drive motor 15A and the on-board charger 96 are cooled by the circulation of coolant between the radiator 41 and the second electromechanical unit 15.

[0042] Cooling water pipe 20 extends in a straight line from radiator 41 rearward. After bending to the right slightly forward of battery pack 14, cooling water pipe 20 bends rearward. Cooling water pipe 20 extends rearward along the right side of electric vehicle 10 along battery pack 14. After bending to the left slightly rearward of battery pack 14, cooling water pipe 20 bends rearward. Cooling water pipe 20 connects to the front end of the second mechatronic unit 15.

[0043] Power cable 51 extends rearward from inverter 13B. Power cable 51 bends to the left at a position further forward than battery pack 14. Power cable 52 extends forward from the front end of battery pack 14 and then bends to the left at a position further rearward than the first mechatronic unit 13. Power cables 51 and 52 extend rearward along the left side of battery pack 14 in electric vehicle 10. Power cables 51 and 52 extend rearward past the left side of fuel tank 16. Power cables 51 and 52 bend to the right at a position further rearward than fuel tank 16 and further forward than the two rear wheels 26, and then bend rearward. Power cable 51 is inserted into the front end of the second mechatronic unit 15 and then connected to the front end of the rear wheel drive motor 15A. After the power cable 52 is inserted into the second electromechanical unit 15 from the front end, it is connected to the front end of the vehicle charger 96.

[0044] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The sectional view shown is cut along line 3-3. (See attached image.) Figure 3 As shown, the right side of the two sides of the battery pack 14 in the vehicle width direction is designated as the first side 14F. The left side of the two sides of the battery pack 14 in the vehicle width direction is designated as the second side 14S.

[0045] The exhaust pipe 18 and the cooling water pipe 20 extend rearward beyond the vehicle width direction of the first side 14F. The fuel pipe 19, the power cable 51, and the power cable 52 extend rearward beyond the vehicle width direction of the second side 14S. That is, the fuel pipe 19, the power cable 51, and the power cable 52 extend rearward beyond the vehicle width direction of the second side 14S, which is opposite to the first side 14F, of the two sides of the battery pack 14.

[0046] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, an impact-absorbing component 42 is provided on the second side 14S of the battery pack 14, which absorbs impact by deforming along the vehicle width direction. No impact-absorbing component 42 is provided on the first side 14F of the battery pack 14.

[0047] <Function of the first embodiment>

[0048] A large current flows in the power cable 51 that connects the inverter 13B and the rear-wheel drive motor 15A. A large current also flows in the power cable 52 that connects the battery cell 14C and the on-board charger 96. In the vehicle width direction, a battery pack 14 is positioned between the exhaust pipe 18 and the power cables 51 and 52. This allows for a certain degree of separation between the exhaust pipe 18 and the power cables 51 and 52, where a large current flows. As a result, heat from the exhaust pipe 18 is less likely to be transferred to the power cables 51 and 52.

[0049] In the vehicle width direction, a battery pack 14 is disposed between the exhaust pipe 18 and the fuel pipe 19. This allows for a certain degree of separation between the exhaust pipe 18 and the fuel pipe 19. As a result, heat from the exhaust pipe 18 is less likely to be transferred to the fuel pipe 19.

[0050] <Effects of the first embodiment>

[0051] (1) According to the above-mentioned vehicle lower structure, the power cables 51 and 52 with large current flow and the fuel pipe 19 that supplies fuel from the fuel tank 16 to the internal combustion engine 40 can be protected from heat damage caused by the heat of the exhaust pipe 18.

[0052] (2) An exhaust pipe 18 and a cooling water pipe 20 are provided on the outer side of the first side 14F in the vehicle width direction of the battery pack 14. An impact absorbing component 42 is provided on the second side 14S, which is opposite to the first side 14F, to absorb impact by deforming in the vehicle width direction. No impact absorbing component is provided on the first side 14F.

[0053] The exhaust pipe 18, which allows exhaust flow, is a hollow pipe. The cooling water pipe 20, which allows cooling water flow, is also a hollow pipe. According to the aforementioned vehicle substructure, the exhaust pipe 18 and cooling water pipe 20 deform before an object collides with the first side 14F from the outside in the vehicle width direction. Thus, the exhaust pipe 18 and cooling water pipe 20 absorb the impact force on the battery pack 14. On the other hand, the impact-absorbing component 42 absorbs the impact force on the battery before an object collides with the second side 14S from the outside in the vehicle width direction. That is, according to the aforementioned vehicle substructure, even if an impact-absorbing component is not provided on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the first side 14F, the battery pack 14 can be protected from impacts from both sides in the vehicle width direction of the battery pack 14. According to the aforementioned vehicle substructure, by reducing the amount of impact-absorbing components, the weight of the vehicle can be reduced.

[0054] <Amendment to the First Embodiment>

[0055] The first embodiment described above can be implemented with the following modifications. The modifications to the first embodiment described above and below can be combined with each other within a technically compatible scope.

[0056] The exhaust pipe 18 and the cooling water pipe 20 can extend rearward beyond the vehicle width direction of the second side 14S, and the fuel pipe 19, power cable 51, and power cable 52 can extend rearward beyond the vehicle width direction of the first side 14F. In this case, the shock absorption member 42 is provided on the first side 14F instead of the second side 14S.

[0057] • The cooling water pipe 20 can extend rearward through the outer side of the second side 14S in the vehicle width direction, instead of through the outer side of the first side 14F in the vehicle width direction.

[0058] (Second Implementation)

[0059] The following is for reference. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The vehicle substructure according to the second embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Parts identical to those in the first embodiment will be simplified or omitted in the description.

[0060] Figure 4 The arrangement of the equipment located in the front compartment 10B and the arrangement of the equipment located below the floor panel 101 are schematically shown from above, as viewed from above, of the electric vehicle 10 of the second embodiment.

[0061] like Figure 4As shown, fuel line 19 extends rearward from internal combustion engine 40. Fuel line 19 bends to the right at a position further forward than battery pack 14. Fuel line 19 extends rearward along the right side of battery pack 14 in electric vehicle 10. After bending to the left at a position further rearward than battery pack 14, fuel line 19 connects to the right end of fuel tank 16.

[0062] Power cable 51 extends rearward from inverter 13B. Power cable 51 bends to the right at a position further forward than battery pack 14. Power cable 52 extends forward from the front end of battery pack 14 and then bends to the right at a position further rearward than the first mechatronic unit 13. Power cables 51 and 52 extend rearward along the right side of battery pack 14 in electric vehicle 10. Power cables 51 and 52 extend rearward past the right side of fuel tank 16. Power cables 51 and 52 bend to the left at a position further rearward than fuel tank 16 and further forward than the two rear wheels 26, and then bend rearward. Power cable 51 is inserted into the front end of the second mechatronic unit 15 and then connected to the front end of the rear wheel drive motor 15A. After the power cable 52 is inserted into the second electromechanical unit 15 from the front end, it is connected to the front end of the vehicle charger 96.

[0063] The arrangement of the exhaust pipe 18 and the cooling water piping 20 is the same as in the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0064] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The sectional view shown is cut along line 5-5. (See attached image.) Figure 5 As shown, in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the right side of the two sides of the battery pack 14 in the vehicle width direction is designated as the first side 14F. The left side of the two sides of the battery pack 14 in the vehicle width direction is designated as the second side 14S.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, the exhaust pipe 18, fuel pipe 19, cooling water pipe 20, power cable 51, and power cable 52 extend rearward beyond the outer side of the first side 14F in the vehicle width direction. That is, the exhaust pipe 18, fuel pipe 19, cooling water pipe 20, power cable 51, and power cable 52 extend rearward beyond the outer side of the same side in the vehicle width direction of the two sides of the battery pack 14.

[0066] like Figure 5As shown, the cooling water pipe 20 is positioned further inside the vehicle width direction than the exhaust pipe 18. The cooling water pipe 20 is positioned further outside the vehicle width direction than the power cable 51. The cooling water pipe 20 is positioned further outside the vehicle width direction than the power cable 52. The cooling water pipe 20 is positioned further outside the vehicle width direction than the fuel pipe 19. That is, the cooling water pipe 20 is positioned between the exhaust pipe 18 and the power cable 51 in the vehicle width direction. The cooling water pipe 20 is positioned between the exhaust pipe 18 and the power cable 52 in the vehicle width direction. The cooling water pipe 20 is positioned between the exhaust pipe 18 and the fuel pipe 19 in the vehicle width direction.

[0067] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, an impact-absorbing component 42 is provided on the second side 14S of the battery pack 14, which absorbs impact by deforming along the vehicle width direction. No impact-absorbing component is provided on the first side 14F of the battery pack 14.

[0068] <Function of the Second Embodiment>

[0069] In the vehicle width direction, a cooling water pipe 20 is provided between the exhaust pipe 18 and the power cable 51. As a result, a portion of the heat from the exhaust pipe 18 is absorbed by the cooling water pipe 20 before reaching the power cable 51. Therefore, compared to the case where no cooling water pipe 20 is provided between the exhaust pipe 18 and the power cable 51, the heat reaching the power cable 51 from the exhaust pipe 18 is reduced. The heat reaching the power cable 52 from the exhaust pipe 18 is also reduced compared to the case where no cooling water pipe 20 is provided between the exhaust pipe 18 and the power cable 52.

[0070] In the vehicle width direction, a cooling water pipe 20 is provided between the exhaust pipe 18 and the fuel pipe 19. A portion of the heat from the exhaust pipe 18 is absorbed by the cooling water pipe 20 before reaching the fuel pipe 19. Therefore, compared to the case where no cooling water pipe 20 is provided between the exhaust pipe 18 and the fuel pipe 19, the heat reaching the fuel pipe 19 from the exhaust pipe 18 is reduced.

[0071] <Effects of the Second Embodiment>

[0072] In the second embodiment, the effects shown in (1) and (2) of the first embodiment are also achieved.

[0073] <Amendment to the Second Embodiment>

[0074] The second embodiment described above can be implemented with the following modifications.

[0075] • If a cooling water pipe 20 is provided between the exhaust pipe 18 and the power cables 51, 52 in the vehicle width direction, and also between the exhaust pipe 18 and the fuel pipe 19 in the vehicle width direction, then the exhaust pipe 18, fuel pipe 19, cooling water pipe 20, and power cables 51, 52 can extend rearward through the outer side of the second side 14S of the battery pack 14 in the vehicle width direction. If the exhaust pipe 18, fuel pipe 19, cooling water pipe 20, and power cables 51, 52 extend rearward through the outer side of the second side 14S in the vehicle width direction, then the impact absorption member 42 is provided on the first side 14F instead of the second side 14S.

[0076] <Other Change Examples>

[0077] Furthermore, the following elements can be modified together in the above embodiments. The following modification examples can be combined and implemented within a technically compatible framework.

[0078] • The impact absorption component can be installed on the first side 14F, in addition to the second side 14S.

[0079] • The type, quantity, and configuration of each high-voltage system component located further rearward than the battery pack 14 can be appropriately changed. For example, the electric vehicle 10 can be configured as a vehicle where the on-board charger 96 is located further forward than the battery pack 14 and the rear-wheel drive motor 15A is located further rearward than the battery pack 14.

[0080] • The electric vehicle 10 may be configured as a two-wheel drive vehicle in which the on-board charger 96 is located further rearward than the battery pack 14 and does not have a rear-wheel drive motor 15A.

[0081] The electric vehicle 10 can be configured, for example, as a vehicle in which the rear-wheel drive motor 15A is located further rearward than the battery pack 14 and does not have an on-board charger 96. In this case, the electric vehicle 10 can be configured as a hybrid vehicle rather than a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

[0082] • The electric vehicle 10 may, for example, house an inverter for controlling the rear-wheel drive motor 15A as a high-voltage system component within the second electromechanical unit 15. If the power cable connecting the battery cell 14C and the inverter housed within the second electromechanical unit 15 is arranged in the same manner as the power cable 52, the heat from the exhaust pipe 18 is not easily transferred to the power cable.

[0083] • Cooling water flowing in cooling water pipe 20 can flow from the second electromechanical unit 15 toward the radiator 41. In this case, the cooling water cooled by the radiator 41 flows in another cooling water pipe, different from the cooling water pipe 20, and flows into the water jacket of the rear wheel drive motor 15A and the on-board charger 96 provided in the second electromechanical unit 15.

Claims

1. A vehicle substructure suitable for a hybrid vehicle, the hybrid vehicle comprising: Floor panels, which form the floor of the vehicle compartment; Internal combustion engines and electric motors are power sources; An exhaust pipe that directs exhaust from the internal combustion engine to the rear of the vehicle; Battery pack It contains battery cells inside that store the electricity supplied to the motor; A high-voltage system component, located further rearward than the battery pack in the vehicle, is supplied with a high voltage; Power cables, which are electrically connected to the high-voltage system components; and Fuel piping that supplies fuel from the fuel tank to the internal combustion engine. The vehicle's lower structure is characterized by the following features: The battery pack, the exhaust pipe, the power cable, and the fuel piping are disposed below the floor panel. The exhaust pipe extends toward the rear of the vehicle from the outer side of the first side of the battery pack in the vehicle width direction. The power cable and the fuel piping extend toward the rear of the vehicle from the outer side of the second side, which is opposite to the first side, on both sides of the battery pack in the vehicle width direction.

2. A vehicle substructure suitable for a hybrid vehicle, the hybrid vehicle comprising: Floor panels, which form the floor of the vehicle compartment; Internal combustion engines and electric motors are power sources; An exhaust pipe that directs exhaust from the internal combustion engine to the rear of the vehicle; Battery pack It contains battery cells inside that store the electricity supplied to the motor; A high-voltage system component, located further rearward than the battery pack in the vehicle, is supplied with a high voltage; A power cable that is electrically connected to the high-voltage system components; Fuel piping that supplies fuel from a fuel tank to the internal combustion engine; and Cooling water piping, through which cooling water flows. The vehicle's lower structure is characterized by the following features: The battery pack, the exhaust pipe, the power cable, the fuel piping, and the cooling water piping are disposed below the floor panel. The exhaust pipe, the power cable, the fuel piping, and the cooling water piping extend toward the rear of the vehicle from the outer side of the same side in the vehicle width direction on both sides of the battery pack. The cooling water piping is provided between the exhaust pipe and the power cable in the vehicle width direction and between the exhaust pipe and the fuel piping in the vehicle width direction.

3. The vehicle substructure according to claim 2, characterized in that, An impact-absorbing component is provided on the outer side of the second side, which is opposite to the first side where the exhaust pipe, power cable and cooling water piping of the battery pack are disposed, in the vehicle width direction. The impact-absorbing component is not provided on the outer side of the first side in the vehicle width direction.

Images