Vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle includes a battery, a battery case fastened to a pair of vehicle body frames arranged in a left-right direction with a space therebetween and accommodating the battery, and an electrical component mounted on a front side of the battery case. The battery case includes a rear frame arranged on a rear side of the battery case and spanning to upper surfaces of the pair of vehicle body frames, and a cross beam arranged in front of the rear frame in the left-right direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] In vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles, a battery pack for supplying power to an electric motor that serves as a drive source is provided in the lower part of the luggage compartment behind the rear seats (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technology Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-27008 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve In such a battery pack, electrical components can be mounted on the upper part of the battery casing. When electrical components are mounted on the upper part of the battery casing, they need to be protected even in the event of a rear-end collision.

[0005] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to protect electrical components mounted on the upper part of the battery casing.

[0006] Technical solutions to solve technical problems According to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle includes a battery; a battery housing fastened to and housing the battery to a pair of vehicle body frames spaced apart in a left-right direction; electrical components mounted on the front side of the battery housing, wherein the battery housing includes a rear frame disposed at the rear of the battery housing and extending across the upper surfaces of the pair of vehicle body frames, and a crossbeam disposed in the left-right direction in front of the rear frame.

[0007] Invention Effects According to the present invention, electrical components mounted on the upper part of the battery casing can be protected. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the structural outline of the vehicle.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of battery pack installation.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure of the battery pack.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a top view of the lower shell.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the battery and high-voltage unit housed in the lower casing.

[0013] Figure 6 This is the bottom view of the lower shell.

[0014] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the battery casing.

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 Sectional view of VIII-VIII.

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 3 IX-IX cross-sectional view.

[0017] Figure 10 yes Figure 3 XX cross-sectional view in the diagram.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the vehicle body structure.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the vehicle body with the battery pack installed.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the vehicle body with the battery pack, whose cover has been removed.

[0021] Figure 14 This diagram shows the inverter's protection mechanism in the event of a rear-end collision.

[0022] Figure 15 This diagram shows the inverter's protection mechanism in the event of a rear-end collision.

[0023] Figure 16 This diagram shows the inverter's protection mechanism in the event of a rear-end collision.

[0024] Figure 17 This diagram shows the inverter's protection mechanism in the event of a rear-end collision.

[0025] Figure 18 This diagram shows the inverter's protection mechanism in the event of a rear-end collision.

[0026] Figure 19 This diagram shows the inverter's protection mechanism in the event of a rear-end collision. Detailed Implementation

[0027] <1. Overview of Vehicle Structure> Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a structural outline of vehicle 1. (As shown...) Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 1 is an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle powered by an electric generator 2 (labeled "M / G" in the figure). Vehicle 1 includes the electric generator 2, battery pack 3, inverter 4, and power cable 5. Battery pack 3 includes battery 11 and high-voltage unit 12.

[0028] The electric generator 2 is the power source that drives the vehicle 1, such as a three-phase AC motor. The electric generator 2 generates driving force by using electricity supplied from the battery 11 via the high-voltage unit 12, the inverter 4, and the power supply cable 5, and drives the vehicle 1 by transmitting this driving force to the drive wheels. In addition, when the vehicle 1 is a hybrid vehicle, it also includes an engine as a power source.

[0029] The electric generator 2 is capable of generating electricity through regenerative operation. The electricity generated by the regenerative operation of the electric generator 2 is supplied to the battery 11 via the inverter 4, the power supply cable 5, and the high-voltage unit 12.

[0030] Inverter 4 converts the DC current supplied by battery 11 into three-phase AC current and supplies it to generator 2 via power cable 5. In addition, when generator 2 is in regenerative operation, inverter 4 converts the AC current supplied by generator 2 into DC current and supplies it to battery 11 via power cable 5.

[0031] Battery 11 is a so-called high-voltage secondary battery that stores the electricity to be supplied to the electric generator 2. Battery 11 can be charged through the regenerative operation of the electric generator 2. In addition, battery 11 can also be charged through a power supply from an external device not shown.

[0032] The high-voltage unit 12 comprises a junction box and a monitoring unit. The junction box contains electronic components such as relays, fuses, and connectors. The monitoring unit contains electronic components such as sensors for monitoring the status of the battery 11.

[0033] In vehicle 1, the BCU (Battery Control Unit), which serves as a computer for controlling the operation of battery 11, is located separately from battery pack 3, but the BCU may be included in high-voltage unit 12.

[0034] High-voltage unit 12 is connected to battery 11 via a cable (not shown). Therefore, a high voltage from battery 11 is applied to high-voltage unit 12.

[0035] Figure 2 This diagram shows an example of battery pack 3 being mounted. (As shown...) Figure 2 As shown, vehicle 1 has a luggage compartment 7 located behind the rear seats 6. The luggage compartment 7 can be opened and closed via the rear door 8.

[0036] Below the luggage compartment 7, a battery pack 3 is installed. Above the battery pack 3, a luggage compartment floor 9 is provided, on which luggage can be placed.

[0037] <2. Battery Pack Configuration> Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the structure of battery pack 3. Figure 4 This is a top view of the lower housing 14. Figure 5 This is a diagram of the battery 11 and the high-voltage unit 12 housed in the lower housing 14. Figure 6 This is a bottom view of the lower housing 14. Figure 7 This is an exploded view of the battery cover 15. Figure 8 yes Figure 3 Sectional view of VIII-VIII. Figure 9 yes Figure 3 IX-IX cross-sectional view. Figure 10 yes Figure 3 XX cross-sectional view.

[0038] In the following text, the forward direction of vehicle 1 is described as the forward direction, the reverse direction of vehicle 1 is described as the backward direction, the direction to the right relative to the forward direction of vehicle 1 is described as the right direction, the direction to the left relative to the forward direction of vehicle 1 is described as the left direction, the vertical upward direction is described as the upward direction, and the vertical downward direction is described as the downward direction. Furthermore, the left and right directions can be represented as the width direction of vehicle 1 or simply as the width direction.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the battery pack 3 includes a battery housing 13. The battery 11 and the high-voltage unit 12 are housed in the battery housing 13. The battery housing 13 consists of a lower housing 14 that is concave in the form of an opening at the top, and a battery housing cover 15 that closes the opening of the lower housing 14.

[0040] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the lower housing 14 includes a front frame 21, a rear frame 22, a left frame 23, a right frame 24, a battery housing tray 25, a central frame 26, a support bar 27, a left front bracket 28, a right front bracket 29, a left side bracket 30, a right side bracket 31, a central frame bottom beam 32, a left side frame bottom beam 33, a right side frame bottom beam 34, a crash box 35, a front frame bottom 36, and a rear frame bottom 37.

[0041] The front frame 21 extends in the left-right direction. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the front frame 21 is formed with a downward opening, and its cross-section is approximately inverted U-shaped, orthogonal to the length direction. In other words, the cross-section of the front frame 21 is hat-shaped.

[0042] A method for securing the battery pack 3 to the vehicle body 100 is formed in the front frame 21 (see reference). Figure 11 The fastening holes are 38a, 38b, 38c and 38d.

[0043] The front bracket 20 is fastened to the front wall surface of the front frame 21. For example... Figure 8As shown, the front bracket 20 is mounted to extend downwards and forwards from the front wall of the front frame 21. Two through holes are formed on the front side of the front bracket 20. When the battery pack 3 is installed into the vehicle body 100 (see reference...), Figure 10 When the front bracket 20 is in use, fasteners (such as bolts and nuts) are fastened to the front crossbeam 103 through through holes.

[0044] The rear frame 22 is positioned behind the front frame 21 and is spaced apart from the front frame 21 in the front-rear direction and arranged in parallel. Furthermore, "parallel" includes not only complete parallelism but also near-parallelism, as will be stated below.

[0045] Similar to the front frame 21, the rear frame 22 extends in the left-right direction, forming an approximately inverted U-shape (hat shape) with a cross-section orthogonal to the length direction.

[0046] In the rear frame 22, fastening holes 38e, 38f, 38g and 38h are formed for securing the battery pack 3 to the vehicle body.

[0047] The left frame 23 extends in the front-to-back direction. (Example) Figure 9 As shown, the left frame 23 is formed with a downward opening, and its cross-section is approximately inverted U-shaped and orthogonal to the length direction. In other words, the cross-section of the left frame 23 is hat-shaped.

[0048] A fastening hole 39a is formed on the rear side of the center in the front-rear direction of the left frame 23. A fastening hole 39a is formed at a position opposite to the fastening hole 45a of the left bracket 45 described later, and the fastening hole 39a and the fastening hole 45a are fastened by the fastening part 47a.

[0049] The right frame 24 is located to the right of the left frame 23 and is spaced apart from the left frame 23 in the left-right direction and is arranged in parallel. Like the left frame 23, the right frame 24 extends in the front-back direction and forms an approximately inverted U-shaped (hat-shaped) cross-section.

[0050] A fastening hole 39b is formed on the rear side of the center in the front-rear direction of the right frame 24. The fastening hole 39b is formed at a position opposite to the fastening hole 46a of the right bracket 46 described later, and the fastening hole 39b and the fastening hole 46a are fastened by the fastening part 48a.

[0051] Furthermore, fasteners 47a and 48a can be, for example, bolts and nuts.

[0052] The upper end of the left frame 23 is joined to the left end of the front frame 21. The upper end of the right frame 24 is joined to the right end of the front frame 21.

[0053] The lower end of the left frame 23 is joined to the left end of the rear frame 22. The lower end of the right frame 24 is joined to the right end of the rear frame 22.

[0054] Therefore, the front frame 21, rear frame 22, left frame 23, and right frame 24 are formed as a whole into an approximately rectangular frame shape. Furthermore, the cross-sections of the front frame 21, rear frame 22, left frame 23, and right frame 24 are formed into a hat shape, thereby improving rigidity.

[0055] like Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 As shown, in the battery case tray 25, a bottom surface 25a and front sidewalls 25b, rear sidewalls 25c, left sidewalls 25d, and right sidewalls 25e surrounding the bottom surface 25a are continuously formed by bending a sheet metal. Furthermore, the battery case tray 25 is formed as a concave shape with an opening at the top, created by the bottom surface 25a, front sidewalls 25b, rear sidewalls 25c, left sidewalls 25d, and right sidewalls 25e.

[0056] The bottom part 25a is formed into an approximate rectangle by extending in the horizontal direction (front-back direction and left-right direction).

[0057] A front sidewall 25b is continuously formed at the upper end of the bottom portion 25a. The front sidewall 25b is formed in a manner that extends in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0058] A rear sidewall 25c is continuously formed at the lower end of the bottom portion 25a. The rear sidewall 25c is formed in a manner that extends in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0059] A left side wall 25d is continuously formed at the left end of the bottom surface 25a. The left side wall 25d is formed in a manner that extends in both the vertical and horizontal directions and the front-back direction.

[0060] A right side wall 25e is continuously formed at the right end of the bottom surface 25a. The right side wall 25e is formed in a manner that extends in both the vertical and horizontal directions and the front-back direction.

[0061] In addition, the battery housing tray 25 can be formed by welding or other means by combining the bottom part 25a, front side wall 25b, rear side wall 25c, left side wall 25d and right side wall 25e made of different plates.

[0062] Flanges 25f are continuously formed at the upper ends of the front sidewall 25b, rear sidewall 25c, left sidewall 25d, and right sidewall 25e, respectively, in an outwardly expanding manner. That is, flanges 25f are formed at the outer edge of the battery housing tray 25. Flanges 25f are formed in a manner that expands in the horizontal direction (front-back direction and left-right direction).

[0063] The front frame 21, rear frame 22, left frame 23 and right frame 24 are joined from above by flange 25f.

[0064] The central frame 26 is joined to the upper surface of the bottom part 25a of the battery housing tray 25 in the front-back direction at the center in the left-right direction. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the rear end of the central frame 26 abuts against the rear sidewall 25c, and the front end extends to the front side of the center of the bottom face 25a in the front-rear direction.

[0065] like Figure 9 As shown, the central frame 26 improves rigidity by forming an inverted U-shape (hat shape) cross section orthogonal to the length direction.

[0066] The support strip 27 is located at the center of the battery housing tray 25 in the left-right direction, and is joined to the upper surface of the bottom surface 25a in such a way that it overlaps with the front end of the central frame 26. The front end of the support strip 27 abuts against the front sidewall 25b and extends from back to front in an obliquely upward manner. The support strip 27 is formed into a cap shape by forming an inverted U-shape (cap shape) orthogonal to the length direction, thereby improving rigidity.

[0067] The left front bracket 28 engages with the upper surface of the bottom part 25a at its left front. In the left front bracket 28, the plate is bent so that the central portion is approximately horizontal at a position higher than the upper surface of the bottom part 25a. Figure 5 As shown, the high-voltage unit 12 is installed in the center of the left front bracket 28.

[0068] The right front bracket 29 engages with the upper surface of the bottom part 25a at its right front. In the right front bracket 29, the plate is bent so that the central portion is approximately horizontal at a position higher than the upper surface of the bottom part 25a. Figure 5 As shown, the high-voltage unit 12 is installed in the center of the right front bracket 29.

[0069] As described above, the high-voltage unit 12 is separately mounted to the left front bracket 28 and the right front bracket 29. However, the high-voltage unit 12 can be centrally mounted to only one of the left front bracket 28 and the right front bracket 29.

[0070] The left support 30 engages with the upper surface of the bottom face 25a at its left rear. The left support 30 is configured to extend in the front-rear direction and, by bending the sheet metal, to make its central portion approximately horizontal at a position higher than the upper surface of the bottom face 25a.

[0071] The right-side bracket 31 engages with the upper surface of the bottom face 25a at the right rear. The right-side bracket 31 is configured to extend in the front-rear direction and, by bending the plate, to make the central portion approximately horizontal at a position higher than the upper surface of the battery case tray 25.

[0072] Then, as Figure 9 As shown, the battery 11 is mounted across the center of the left bracket 30 and the right bracket 31.

[0073] Furthermore, the figure shows an example of battery 11 having two stacks consisting of multiple battery cells.

[0074] like Figure 6 As shown, the central frame bottom beam 32 extends along the front-back direction from the center of the battery housing tray 25 in the left-right direction and joins the lower surface of the bottom part 25a. The left frame bottom beam 33 and the right frame bottom beam 34 are respectively arranged parallel to the central frame bottom beam 32 in the left and right directions, extend along the front-back direction, and join the lower surface of the bottom part 25a.

[0075] like Figure 9 As shown, the central frame bottom beam 32, the left frame bottom beam 33, and the right frame bottom beam 34 are formed into a U-shape (inverted hat shape) through cross sections orthogonal to the length direction, which improves rigidity.

[0076] As described above, the upper rigidity of the lower shell 14 is enhanced by the front frame 21, rear frame 22, left frame 23, and right frame 24. Furthermore, the lower rigidity of the lower shell 14 is enhanced by the central frame 26, the strut 27, the central frame bottom beam 32, the left frame bottom beam 33, and the right frame bottom beam 34.

[0077] Furthermore, the lower housing 14 prevents the battery case tray 25 from collapsing due to external forces from the left and right directions via the front frame 21 and the rear frame 22. Additionally, the lower housing 14 prevents the battery case tray 25 from collapsing due to external forces from the front and rear directions via the left frame 23, right frame 24, central frame 26, support strip 27, central frame bottom beam 32, left frame bottom beam 33, and right frame bottom beam 34.

[0078] The crash box 35 is joined from below to the central rear end of the bottom face 25a so as to engage with the rear ends of the central frame bottom beam 32, the left frame bottom beam 33 and the right frame bottom beam 34.

[0079] like Figure 8 As shown, the crash box 35 is composed of two plates 35a and 35b and a partition member 35c. The front end of the plate 35a is joined to the vicinity of the center in the vertical direction of the rear sidewall 25c and extends from the front end to the rear end.

[0080] The front end of plate 35b joins the rear end of bottom face 25a and the central frame bottom beam 32, and extends from the front end to the rear end.

[0081] The separator 35c forms a structure with two separators that engage plate 35a and plate 35b spaced apart in the vertical direction.

[0082] In addition, the crash box 35 is formed by plates 35a and 35b into a closed cross section (approximately rectangular) orthogonal to the left and right directions, and its strength is enhanced by using partition members 35c inside.

[0083] like Figure 8 As shown, the bottom 36 of the front frame engages from below with the front flange 25f of the battery case tray 25. Therefore, in the battery case tray 25, the front flange 25f is held between the front frame 21 and the bottom 36 of the front frame, and the front rigidity of the lower housing 14 is further enhanced.

[0084] The bottom 37 of the rear frame joins from below to the rear flange 25f of the battery housing tray 25. Thus, in the battery housing tray 25, the rear flange 25f is clamped by the rear frame 22 and the bottom 37 of the rear frame, thereby further improving the rear rigidity of the lower housing 14.

[0085] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the battery cover 15 is composed of a main cover 41, a left front cover 42, a service plug cover 43, an inverter unit 44, a left bracket 45, and a right bracket 46.

[0086] The main cover 41 is composed of a lower cover 51, a central frame upper beam 52, a first cover plate crossbeam 53, and a second cover plate crossbeam 54.

[0087] The lower cover 51 is formed by cutting approximately rectangular slits on the left and right front sides of an approximately rectangular plate. The length of the lower cover 51 in the front-rear direction is approximately the same as the distance between the front frame 21 and the rear frame 22 of the lower housing 14, and the length of the lower cover 51 in the left-right direction is approximately the same as the distance between the left frame 23 and the right frame 24 of the lower housing 14.

[0088] A through hole 51a is formed below the second cover beam 54 in the lower cover 51. The through hole 51a is connected to a cooling pipe 16. The cooling pipe 16 is a pipe for delivering air from the vehicle interior to the battery case 13, and houses a cooling fan 17 inside.

[0089] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown, inside the battery pack 3, there is an internal cooling pipe 18 extending from the through hole 51a to the bottom of the battery 11.

[0090] The cooling fan 17 draws in air from the air inlet 16a and delivers that air through the cooling duct 16 to the internal cooling duct 18. Figure 10 As indicated by the white arrow, air supplied to the internal cooling pipe 18 is exhausted from below the battery 11 through the internal cooling pipe 18. Figure 10As indicated by the middle arrow, the exhaust air cools the battery 11 as it passes between the individual battery cells. The air heated by cooling the battery 11 is exhausted from the exhaust port 51c formed in the lower cover 51, and is also exhausted into the inverter housing 62 during the operation of the inverter fan 63, which will be described later.

[0091] A through hole 51b is formed between the first cover beam 53 and the second cover beam 54 of the lower cover 51. An exhaust duct 19 is connected to the through hole 51b. One end of the exhaust duct 19 is connected to the through hole 51b, and the other end opens to the outside of the vehicle. The exhaust duct 19 is configured to discharge exhaust gases to the outside of the vehicle when the battery 11 emits smoke.

[0092] The upper beam 52 of the central frame is located at the center of the lower cover 51 in the left-right direction and is joined to the upper surface of the lower cover 51 in the front-back direction.

[0093] The upper beam 52 of the central frame has approximately the same length as the lower cover 51 in the front-to-back direction.

[0094] like Figure 8 As shown, the upper beam 52 of the central frame spans the front frame 21 and the rear frame 22.

[0095] The first cover beam 53 is located near the center of the lower cover 51 in the front-rear direction and extends in the left-right direction to join the upper surface of the lower cover 51. The first cover beam 53 has approximately the same length as the lower cover 51 in the left-right direction.

[0096] The second cover beam 54 is arranged parallel to the first cover beam 53 in the front-rear direction and is joined to the upper surface of the lower cover 51. The second cover beam 54 is located on the rear side of the first cover beam 53.

[0097] Similar to the first cover beam 53, the second cover beam 54 has approximately the same length as the lower cover 51 in the left-right direction.

[0098] like Figure 9 As shown, the first cover plate beam 53 and the second cover plate beam 54 span the left frame 23 and the right frame 24.

[0099] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the first cover beam 53 and the second cover beam 54 are positioned directly above the battery 11.

[0100] The central frame upper beam 52, the first cover plate crossbeam 53, and the second cover plate crossbeam 54 form an approximately inverted U-shape (hat shape) through cross-sections orthogonal to the length direction, which improves rigidity.

[0101] The thickness of the first cover beam 53 and the second cover beam 54 in the vertical direction is greater than the thickness of the upper beam 52 of the central frame. Therefore, the first cover beam 53 and the second cover beam 54 are joined to the lower cover 51 in such a way that they pass over the upper beam 52 of the central frame.

[0102] The left front cover 4 is formed into an approximate rectangle by fitting the upper left cut of the lower cover 51 with the sheet metal.

[0103] In the left front cover 42, a through hole 42a is formed at a position opposite to the service plug of the high-voltage unit 12 disposed in the battery housing 13. The through hole 42a is installed to cover the service plug cover 43 from above.

[0104] The service plug cover 43 is made of sheet metal and is removable relative to the left front cover 42.

[0105] The inverter unit 44 is generally rectangular in shape, fitted into the upper right cutout of the lower cover 51. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the inverter unit 44 is composed of an inverter 61, an inverter housing 62, and an inverter fan 63.

[0106] Inverter 61 converts the DC voltage from battery 11 into AC voltage, producing, for example, 100V AC voltage. The AC voltage generated by inverter 61 can be used as a power source for operating various electrical appliances via sockets provided in vehicle 1.

[0107] The inverter 61 is housed in the inverter housing 62. The inverter housing 62 is hollow inside and has an approximately cuboid shape. The front side of the inverter housing 62 is configured to overlap the front frame 21. Therefore, the inverter housing 62 (inverter unit 44) is inclined forward and upward.

[0108] A through hole is formed on the lower surface of the inverter housing 62, thereby connecting the internal space of the inverter housing 62 with the internal space of the battery housing 13. The inverter fan 63 is disposed near the through hole of the inverter housing 62.

[0109] Inverter fan 63 draws in air trapped inside battery housing 13 and delivers it to inverter housing 62. In inverter unit 44, inverter 61 is cooled by the air supplied to inverter fan 63. The air heated by cooling inverter 61 is discharged from exhaust port 62a located in front of inverter housing 62.

[0110] The left front cover 42 and the inverter unit 44 are fastened to the lower cover 51 and the upper beam 52 of the central frame by fasteners (such as bolts and nuts). Therefore, the battery case cover 15 is approximately rectangular in shape.

[0111] Furthermore, the battery cover 15 is fastened to the front frame 21, rear frame 22, left frame 23 and right frame 24 of the lower housing 14 by fastening parts.

[0112] In the top view, the left bracket 45 and the right bracket 46 are formed into a roughly triangular shape from sheet metal. In the left bracket 45, fastening holes 45a, 45b, and 45c are formed at positions corresponding to the angles of the roughly triangular shape. In the right bracket 46, fastening holes 46a, 46b, and 46c are formed at positions corresponding to the angles of the roughly triangular shape.

[0113] In the main cover 41, fastening hole 41a is formed at a position opposite to fastening hole 45b, and fastening hole 41b is formed at a position opposite to fastening hole 46b.

[0114] In the left bracket 45, the fastening hole 45a and the fastening hole 39a of the left frame 23 are fastened by the fastening part 47a, and the fastening hole 45b and the fastening hole 41a of the main cover 41 are fastened by the fastening part 47b. Therefore, the left bracket 45 is fixed to the left frame 23 and the main cover 41.

[0115] In the right bracket 46, the fastening hole 46a and the fastening hole 39b of the right frame 24 are fastened by the fastening part 48a, and the fastening hole 46b and the fastening hole 41b of the main cover 41 are fastened by the fastening part 48b. Therefore, the right bracket 46 is fixed to the right frame 24 and the main cover 41.

[0116] In addition, the left support 45 and the right support 46 are not necessary structures and can be omitted.

[0117] <3. Vehicle Body Structure> Next, the structure of the vehicle body with battery pack 3 installed will be described. It is conceivable that battery pack 3 can be installed on various different vehicle bodies. Here, an example of a vehicle body with battery pack 3 installed will be described.

[0118] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the structure of the vehicle body 100. Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the vehicle body 100 with the battery pack 3 installed. Figure 13 The diagram shows a vehicle body 100 with a battery pack 3 installed, for which the battery cover 15, cooling pipe 16 and exhaust pipe 19 have been removed.

[0119] like Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the vehicle body 100 includes a left main frame 101 and a right main frame 102. The left main frame 101 and the right main frame 102 are spaced apart in the left-right direction and extend in the front-back direction.

[0120] The front crossbeam 103 and the rear crossbeam 104 span the left main frame 101 and the right main frame 102. The front crossbeam 103 and the rear crossbeam 104 are joined to the left main frame 101 and the right main frame 102 in a manner that is spaced apart in the front-rear direction and extends in the left-right direction.

[0121] The front crossbeam 103 is located near the junction between the rear seat 6 and the luggage compartment 7 in the longitudinal direction. The rear crossbeam 104 is located approximately in the center of the luggage compartment 7 in the longitudinal direction.

[0122] The front crossbeam 103 has a hollow, approximately quadrilateral closed cross-section formed by a cross section orthogonal to the length direction, thereby improving rigidity. The rear crossbeam 104 also has a hollow, approximately quadrilateral closed cross-section formed by a cross section orthogonal to the length direction, thereby improving rigidity.

[0123] Furthermore, the base plate 105 spans the left main frame 101 and the right main frame 102. The base plate 105 is formed into a concave shape with an opening at the top by bending the sheet material. A flange is formed at the outer edge of the base plate 105, which engages with the left main frame 101, the right main frame 102, and the front crossbeam 103. The rear crossbeam 104 engages with the lower surface of the base plate 105.

[0124] The left corner brace 106 is joined to the joint between the left main frame 101 and the front crossbeam 103 to strengthen the joint between the left main frame 101 and the front crossbeam 103. Similarly, the right corner brace 107 is joined to the joint between the right main frame 102 and the front crossbeam 103 to strengthen the joint between the right main frame 102 and the front crossbeam 103.

[0125] The suspension support member 108, which abuts against the suspension, engages with the front side of the rear crossbeam 104 in the longitudinal direction of the left main frame 101. The suspension support member 108 is configured to protrude to the left from the left main frame 101. Furthermore, the suspension support member 108 is configured to gradually tilt upward as it extends to the left.

[0126] In the longitudinal direction of the right main frame 102, a suspension support member 109 abuts against the suspension is joined at the front side of the rear crossbeam 104. The suspension support member 109 is configured to protrude to the right from the right main frame 102. Furthermore, the suspension support member 109 is configured to gradually tilt upward as it extends to the right.

[0127] The rear skirt 110 is attached to the rear end of the bottom plate 105. The rear skirt 110 is configured to extend upward from the bottom plate 105. A striker is installed in the center of the left-right direction of the rear skirt 110, which locks with the rear door 8 to close the luggage compartment 7.

[0128] The rear bumper 111 is joined to the rear ends of the left main frame 101 and the right main frame 102. The rear bumper 111 is configured to extend in the left-right direction, with its two ends joining the left main frame 101 and the right main frame 102, respectively. Most of the rear bumper 111 is spaced apart from the left main frame 101, the right main frame 102, the floor 105, and the rear skirt 110 on the rear side.

[0129] The rear bumper 111 has greater strength than other components that make up the vehicle body 100 and reduces damage to the vehicle body 100 in the event of a rear-end collision (including an offset collision).

[0130] In the vehicle body 100, the battery pack 3 is fastened to the left main frame 101, the right main frame 102 and the front crossbeam 103. In addition, when the battery pack 3 is fastened to the vehicle body 100, the left bracket 45 and the right bracket 46 are not installed (removed) in the battery pack 3.

[0131] In the front crossbeam 103 (left corner brace 106, right corner brace 107), fastening holes 112a and 112b are spaced apart on the left side along the left-right direction, and fastening holes 112c and 112d are spaced apart on the right side along the left-right direction.

[0132] In the left main frame 101, fastening holes 112e and 112f are spaced apart on the rear side along the front-rear direction. Similarly, in the right main frame 102, fastening holes 112g and 112h are spaced apart on the rear side along the front-rear direction.

[0133] These fastening holes 112a to 112h are respectively located at positions corresponding to the fastening holes 38a to 38h formed in the battery pack 3.

[0134] Then, fastening holes 112a and 38a are fastened by fastening part 113a. Similarly, fastening holes 112b to 112h and fastening holes 38b to 38h are fastened by fastening parts 113b to 113h respectively.

[0135] Fasteners 113e and 113g consist of threaded portions and nuts that extend upward from the upper surfaces of the left main frame 101 and the right main frame 102 and are fixed by welding. Fasteners 113a, 113b, 113c, 113d, 113f and 113h consist of, for example, bolts and nuts.

[0136] Furthermore, in the following text, fasteners 113a to 113h will be uniformly referred to as fastener 113.

[0137] <4. Inverter 61 Protection in the Event of a Rear Collision> Figures 14 to 19 This diagram shows the protection status of inverter 61 in the event of a rear-end collision. Figures 14 to 19The states of vehicle 1 at the time of the rear-end collision are shown in chronological order.

[0138] As described above, the battery pack 3 causes the front frame 21 and rear frame 22 to be transversely fastened to the left main frame 101 and right main frame 102. Therefore, as... Figure 14 The upper surfaces of the left main frame 101 and the right main frame 102 are shown with a single-dot dashed line. The front frame 21, the rear frame 22 and the battery cover 15 in the battery pack 3 are located above the upper surfaces of the left main frame 101 and the right main frame 102.

[0139] In addition, the inverter unit 44 (inverter 61) mounted on the battery cover 15 is also located above the upper surfaces of the left main frame 101 and the right main frame 102.

[0140] Here, when vehicle 1 collides rear-end with a vehicle or large vehicle 300, the collision object 300 may hit the top of the left main frame 101 and right main frame 102 of the vehicle body 100. At this time, the inverter 61 may be damaged by the collision object 300.

[0141] Here, in vehicle 1, the rear frame 22, the first cover beam 53, and the second cover beam 54 reduce damage to the inverter 61 caused by the collision of the collision object 300.

[0142] When vehicle 1 collides rearward with an object 300 that is higher than the upper surfaces of the left main frame 101 and the right main frame 102, such as Figure 15 As shown, the colliding object 300 collides with the rear frame 22, which is located at the rear of the battery pack 3 and is higher than the upper surfaces of the left main frame 101 and the right main frame 102.

[0143] Subsequently, as the colliding object 300 moves forward, such as Figure 16 As shown, the rear frame 22 is crushed by the impact object 300. At this time, the rear side of the battery pack 3 is squeezed downward by the impact object 300 along with the vehicle 1, and the rear side of the central frame upper beam 52 spanning the front frame 21 and the rear frame 22 is squeezed downward.

[0144] Subsequently, as the impactor 300 moves further forward, it abuts against the second cover beam 54 located in front of and above the rear frame 22. Then, as the impactor 300 moves further forward, as... Figure 17 As shown, the second cover beam 54 is crushed by the impact object 300. At this time, the second cover beam 54 is more severely crushed at its rear than at its front (exhibiting a reduced height), thus forming an overall downward tilt from front to back. Furthermore, the rear side of the battery pack 3 is further pressed downward by the impact object 300. Additionally, when the impact object 300 hits the vehicle 1, it tilts, causing its front side to face upwards at an angle.

[0145] Subsequently, as the impactor 300 moves further forward, it contacts the first cover beam 53 located in front of the second cover beam 54. Then, as the impactor 300 moves further forward, as... Figure 18 As shown, the first cover beam 53 is crushed by the impact object 300. At this time, because the rear side of the vehicle 1 is squeezed downward and the impact object 300 is tilted upward, the crushing amount of the first cover beam 53 is less than that of the second cover beam 54. In addition, like the second cover beam 54, the first cover beam 53 forms an overall downward tilt from front to back because its rear side is more severely crushed (the height is reduced) than its front side.

[0146] When the first cover beam 53 and the second cover beam 54 are gradually crushed as described above, Figure 19 As shown, vehicle 1 changes its posture and tilts (tilts to an angle close to the amount of deformation) along the upper surfaces of the rear frame 22, the first cover beam 53, and the second cover beam 54. Therefore, as the impact object 300 moves further forward, it passes over the inverter unit 44, thereby protecting the inverter unit 44 (inverter 61).

[0147] Therefore, in vehicle 1, the inverter 61, which is mounted on the upper part of the battery casing 13, can be protected in the event of a rear-end collision.

[0148] <5. Variations> Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are just one example of implementing the present invention, and the implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above examples; various modifications can be considered.

[0149] In the above embodiment, the crossbeams serving as the battery casing 13 may include two: a first cover plate crossbeam 53 and a second cover plate crossbeam 54. However, the battery casing 13 may also have one or more crossbeams.

[0150] Furthermore, as an electrical component installed on the upper part of the battery casing 13, an example could be the inverter 61, or it could be any electrical component other than the inverter 61.

[0151] <6. Summary> As described above, the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment includes a battery 11; a battery housing 13, which is fastened to a pair of vehicle body frames (left main frame 101 and right main frame 102) spaced apart in the left-right direction and houses the battery 11; and an electrical component (inverter 61) mounted on the front side of the battery housing 13. The battery housing 13 includes a rear frame 22 disposed at the rear side of the battery housing 13 and extending across the upper part of the vehicle body frame, and crossbeams (first cover plate crossbeam 53 and second cover plate crossbeam 54) disposed in front of the rear frame 22 in the left-right direction.

[0152] Therefore, when the impactor 300, which is higher than the left main frame 101 and the right main frame 102, collides rearward, the impactor 300 sequentially collides with and damages the rear frame 22, the second cover beam 54, and the first cover beam 53. Subsequently, as the impactor 300 moves further forward, the battery pack 3 tilts at an angle close to the deformation of the rear frame 22, the first cover beam 53, and the second cover beam 54, thereby reducing the collision between the impactor 300 and the inverter 61.

[0153] Therefore, vehicle 1 can protect the electrical components (inverter 61) mounted on the upper part of battery casing 13.

[0154] Multiple crossbeams (first cover plate crossbeam 53 and second cover plate crossbeam 54) are provided at intervals in the front-to-back direction.

[0155] That is, in vehicle 1, a first cover beam 53 and a second cover beam 54 are provided as cover beams.

[0156] Therefore, when the collision object 300 is rear-ended, the final tilt of the battery pack 3 can become gentler, and the possibility of the collision object 300 colliding with the inverter 61 can be further reduced.

[0157] The crossbeams (first cover plate crossbeam 53 and second cover plate crossbeam 54) are positioned above the rear frame 22.

[0158] Therefore, when the collision object 300 is rear-ended, the final tilt of the battery pack 3 becomes gentle and can prevent the collision object 300 from colliding with the inverter 61.

[0159] Electrical components are tilted upwards as they are further forward relative to the horizontal direction.

[0160] Therefore, when the collision object 300 is rear-ended, it can further prevent the collision object 300 from colliding with the inverter 61.

[0161] Symbol Explanation 1...vehicles 3... Battery pack 11… Battery 13… Battery casing 22-frame 17 Cooling Fan 53 First crossbeam 54 Second crossbeam 61. Inverter.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: Battery; A battery casing, which is fastened to a pair of vehicle body frames spaced apart in the left-right direction and houses the battery; as well as Electrical components, which are mounted on the front side of the battery casing; The battery casing includes: - A rear frame, disposed at the rear of the battery casing, extending across the upper surfaces of the pair of vehicle body frames; and - A crossbeam, which is positioned in front of the rear frame in a left-right direction.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein, The crossbeam is positioned above the rear frame.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The crossbeams are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The electrical components are positioned at an angle relative to the horizontal direction, with the components positioned further forward and upward.

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