Electric vehicle

Abstract

To enlarge length of a vehicle width direction of a battery for driving while securing absorption of impact energy at side collision in an electric vehicle.SOLUTION: An electric vehicle 100 comprises an engine 31, a battery 40 for driving which is disposed under a floor of a body 10 and an exhaust pipe 35 which is connected to the engine 31 and extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction at rightward vehicle width direction outside of the battery 40 for driving, and further includes a left impact absorption material 61L which is disposed on leftward vehicle width direction outside of the battery 40 for driving.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the structure of an electric vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine and a drive battery. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine, a drive battery pack arranged under the floor of the vehicle body, and an exhaust pipe for the internal combustion engine, with the exhaust pipe arranged outside the drive battery pack in the vehicle width direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 065798 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, electric vehicles, including hybrid vehicles, have been required to have larger traction batteries in order to extend their electric driving distance. One possible solution to this is to increase the length of the traction battery in the vehicle's width direction. However, increasing the length of the traction battery in the vehicle's width direction narrows the gap between the side edge of the vehicle and the side of the traction battery, which can result in insufficient space to absorb impact energy in the event of a side collision.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to increase the length of a drive battery in an electric vehicle in the vehicle width direction while ensuring absorption of impact energy during a side collision. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The electric vehicle disclosed herein is an electric vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine, a drive battery arranged under the floor of the body, and piping connected to the internal combustion engine and extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle on one side of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction, and is characterized by having a other-side impact absorbing member arranged on the other side of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction.

[0007] In the event of a side collision on the other side of the vehicle, the impact energy is absorbed by the other-side impact absorbing member, eliminating the need to provide space on the side of the body to absorb impact energy, allowing the length of the traction battery in the vehicle width direction to be increased.

[0008] The electric vehicle of the present disclosure may further include a one-side impact absorbing member arranged on one of the driving batteries on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and the one-side impact absorbing member may have a shorter length in the vehicle width direction than the other-side impact absorbing member.

[0009] This makes it possible to absorb impact energy when one side on which the pipe is arranged is hit by a side collision.

[0010] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, the piping may extend in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle on one vehicle side of the body, and the drive battery may be positioned closer to the other side of the body so that the length between the other vehicle width direction outer end of the drive battery and the other vehicle width direction outer end of the body is shorter than the length between one vehicle width direction outer end of the drive battery and one vehicle width direction outer end of the body.

[0011] This allows the drive battery to expand to the vicinity of the other side edge of the vehicle.

[0012] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, the body has a one-side rocker arranged on one vehicle side of the body and extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and a other-side rocker arranged on the other vehicle side of the body and extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, the other-side impact absorbing member connects the lower part of the other-side rocker to the other outer end of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction, and the other outer end of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction may extend in the vehicle width direction to the vicinity of the other-side rocker.

[0013] This allows the high-strength drive battery to absorb the impact load from the other rocker in the event of a side collision, crushing the other impact-absorbing member and absorbing the impact energy. This eliminates the need to provide space on the side of the body to absorb impact energy, and allows the other outer end of the drive battery to expand in the vehicle width direction to the vicinity of the other rocker.

[0014] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, the body comprises a floor panel stretched between the one-side rocker and the other-side rocker, a cross member connected to the upper surface of the floor panel and connecting the one-side rocker and the other-side rocker in the vehicle width direction, and at least one pedestal connected to the underside of one of the vehicle sides of the floor panel, wherein the at least one pedestal is positioned in close proximity to the piping on the inner side in the vehicle width direction and is connected to the cross member via the floor panel, and one outer end of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction may extend in the vehicle width direction to the vicinity of the piping and be connected to the at least one pedestal.

[0015] This allows the cross member to absorb impact energy in the event of a side collision on one side of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, because the base can be positioned on one side of the vehicle so as to be close to the piping, one of the outer ends of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction can be extended in the vehicle width direction to the vicinity of the piping.

[0016] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, the at least one base may be disposed in proximity to the pipe so that a portion of the base overlaps with the pipe in the vehicle width direction when viewed from below the vehicle.

[0017] This allows one of the outer ends of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction to be expanded further in the vehicle width direction.

[0018] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, the at least one pedestal may extend in the vehicle width direction toward the one-side rocker and be connected to the one-side rocker, and the at least one pedestal may include at least one weak portion.

[0019] This allows the weak part to absorb the impact energy in the event of a side collision on one side, making it possible to increase the amount of impact energy absorbed and suppress the entry of the pole (colliding object).

[0020] The electric vehicle of the present disclosure may further include a connection member that connects the at least one base and the one-side rocker in the vehicle width direction, and the connection member may include at least one weak portion.

[0021] This allows the weak part to absorb the impact energy when one side is hit, thereby increasing the amount of impact energy absorbed and suppressing the entry of the pole.

[0022] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, one of the outer surfaces of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction may be a standing wall facing the piping, and a lower end of the standing wall may be located below the vehicle with respect to a center of the piping.

[0023] This allows the piping to be sandwiched between the standing wall and one side rocker, and by crushing the piping in the event of a side collision from one side, the amount of impact energy absorbed can be increased, thereby suppressing the entry of the pole.

[0024] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, the piping may extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on one vehicle side of the body, the other-side impact absorbing member may be disposed between the other outer end of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction and the other outer end of the body in the vehicle width direction, and the one-side impact absorbing member may be disposed between one outer end of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction and the piping.

[0025] This allows the length between the other outer end of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction and the other outer end of the body in the vehicle width direction, and the length between one outer end of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction and the piping to be shortened, thereby increasing the length of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction.

[0026] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, the body comprises: a one-side rocker disposed on one vehicle side of the body and extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction; a second-side rocker disposed on the other vehicle side of the body and extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction; a floor panel stretched between the one-side rocker and the second-side rocker; a cross member connected to an upper surface of the floor panel and connecting the one-side rocker and the second-side rocker in the vehicle width direction; and at least one pedestal connected to a lower surface of one vehicle side of the floor panel and connected to the cross member via the floor panel, , the one-side impact absorbing member may be disposed inward of the piping in the vehicle width direction and in close proximity to the piping, and connected to the cross member via the floor panel, the one-side impact absorbing member connects a lower portion of the at least one pedestal and one of the vehicle width direction outer ends of the drive battery, and one of the vehicle width direction outer ends of the drive battery may extend in the vehicle width direction to near the piping and be connected to the at least one pedestal, and the other-side impact absorbing member may connect a lower portion of the other-side rocker and the other vehicle width direction outer end of the drive battery, and the other vehicle width direction outer end of the drive battery may extend in the vehicle width direction to near the other-side rocker.

[0027] This allows the high-strength drive battery to absorb the impact load input from the other-side rocker in the event of a side collision, crushing the other-side impact absorbing member and absorbing the impact energy during the side collision. This reduces the amount of space required to absorb impact energy on the side of the body, allowing the other vehicle widthwise outer end of the drive battery to expand close to the other-side rocker. Furthermore, in the event of a side collision on one side of the electric vehicle, the impact energy can be absorbed by the deformation of the cross member and the one-side impact absorbing member, reducing the amount of pole penetration during a side collision. Furthermore, because the base can be positioned on one side of the vehicle close to the piping, one vehicle widthwise outer end of the drive battery can expand close to the piping.

[0028] The electric vehicle of the present disclosure may include a wall member connected to the at least one base and extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle, and the one-side impact absorbing member may connect between the wall member and one of the outer ends of the driving battery in the vehicle width direction.

[0029] As a result, in the event of a side collision on one side, the pipe is sandwiched between the wall member and the rocker on one side and crushed, thereby absorbing impact energy. This increases the amount of impact energy absorbed and makes it possible to suppress the entry of the pole during a side collision.

[0030] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, a lower end of the wall member may be located lower on the vehicle than a center of the piping.

[0031] This ensures that the pipe is pinched and crushed between the wall member and the rocker on one side in the event of a side collision on one side, thereby reliably increasing the amount of impact energy absorbed and reducing the amount of penetration of the pole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] The present disclosure enables the length of a drive battery in an electric vehicle in the vehicle width direction to be increased while ensuring absorption of impact energy during a side collision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the electric vehicle according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the left side of the electric vehicle according to the embodiment, taken along the line AA in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the right side of the electric vehicle according to the embodiment, taken along the line BB in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the right side of the electric vehicle according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the right side of an electric vehicle according to another embodiment, taken along the CC cross section shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the right side of the electric vehicle according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the right side of an electric vehicle according to another embodiment, taken along the line DD in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the right side of an electric vehicle according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of an electric vehicle according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the right side of an electric vehicle according to another embodiment, taken along the E-E cross section shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the right side of the electric vehicle according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] 12 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the right side of an electric vehicle according to another embodiment, taken along the FF cross section shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the right side of the electric vehicle according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the right side of an electric vehicle according to another embodiment, taken along the line GG shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] An electric vehicle 100 according to an embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the electric vehicle 100 is a hybrid vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine 31, a drive motor 32, and a drive battery 40. The electric vehicle 100 can run in a hybrid mode using the outputs of the engine 31 and the drive motor 32, and in an electric mode using power supplied from the drive battery 40 to drive the drive motor 32. Note that FR, UP, and RH shown in each drawing refer to the front, top, and right sides of the electric vehicles 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160, respectively. The opposite directions of FR, UP, and RH refer to the rear, bottom, and left sides. Hereinafter, when the terms "front-rear," "left-right," and "up-down" are used in the description, they will refer to the front-rear direction of the electric vehicles 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction, respectively, unless otherwise specified. In this specification, the one side will be described as the right side, and the other side as the left side.

[0035] 1, the electric vehicle 100 includes a body 10, an engine 31, a drive motor 32, a drive battery 40, an exhaust pipe 35, and a left impact absorbing member 61L. The left impact absorbing member 61L is the other side impact absorbing member.

[0036] The body 10 includes left and right rockers 11L and 11R, a floor panel 12, left and right reinforcing members 13L and 13R, a central reinforcing member 13C, and first, second, third, and fourth cross members 14, 15, 16, and 17. The left rocker 11L is the other-side rocker, and the right rocker 11R is the one-side rocker. The body 10 also includes left and right front side members 23L and 23R located in the front, left and right crash boxes 24L and 24R, left and right upper members 25L and 25R, and a bumper reinforcement 26. The body 10 also includes a rear floor panel 18 located in the rear, left and right rear side members 19L and 19R, and first and second rear cross members 21 and 22.

[0037] The left and right rockers 11L, 11R are frame members disposed on the left and right vehicle sides of the body 10 and extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the left and right rockers 11L, 11R are substantially rectangular closed cross-section members formed by combining an outer member 11A with a substantially channel-shaped cross-section and an inner member 11B. As shown in FIG. 2, the left rocker 11L has a plurality of brackets 11C attached to the inner member 11B. The plurality of brackets 11C are positioned so that bolts 64L, which will be described later, can be inserted therethrough. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the right rocker 11R has a reinforcing plate 11D attached thereto, extending in the vertical direction.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the floor panel 12 is a plate member stretched across the left and right rockers 11L, 11R. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second cross member 15 is connected to the upper surface of the floor panel 12 and connects the left rocker 11L and the right rocker 11R in the vehicle width direction. The second cross member 15 may be, for example, a hat-shaped cross-section member that is open downward. Like the second cross member 15, the first cross member 14 and the third and fourth cross members 16, 17 are connected to the upper surface of the floor panel 12 and connect the left rocker 11L and the right rocker 11R in the vehicle width direction.

[0039] The left and right reinforcing members 13L, 13R diagonally connect the front portions of the left and right rockers 11L, 11R to the rear portions of the left and right front side members 23L, 23R. The central reinforcing member 13C connects the vehicle width direction inner ends of the left and right reinforcing members 13L, 13R in the vehicle width direction. The front end of the center portion of the floor panel 12 extends forward to the central reinforcing member 13C. In addition, the front ends of the left and right side portions of the floor panel 12 extend forward of the vehicle beyond the left and right reinforcing members 13L, 13R. The left and right reinforcing members 13L, 13R and the central reinforcing member 13C are connected to the upper surface of the floor panel 12.

[0040] The left and right crash boxes 24L, 24R are connected to the front ends of the left and right front side members 23L, 23R. A bumper reinforcement 26 connects the left and right crash boxes 24L, 24R in the vehicle width direction.

[0041] The left and right rear side members 19L, 19R are reinforcing members that are attached to the underside of the rear floor panel 18 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The first and second rear cross members 21, 22 are connected to the underside of the rear floor panel 18 and connect the left and right rear side members 19L, 19R in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0042] The area in front of the vehicle of the central reinforcing member 13C is a front compartment 30. An engine 31 and a drive motor 32 are mounted inside the front compartment 30. An exhaust pipe 35 is connected to an exhaust manifold 31A of the engine 31. The exhaust pipe 35 is a pipe that discharges exhaust gas from the engine 31 to the outside.

[0043] The exhaust pipe 35 is composed of a front exhaust pipe 33, a rear exhaust pipe 37, a first large diameter portion 34, and a second large diameter portion 36. An exhaust silencer 38 is connected to the rear end of the rear exhaust pipe 37. The front exhaust pipe 33 extends rearward from the exhaust manifold 31A, curves toward the right side of the vehicle, extends toward the right side of the vehicle, and then extends rearward along the right rocker 11R to connect to the second large diameter portion 36. The first large diameter portion 34 is located midway along the front exhaust pipe 33. The second large diameter portion 36 is located in the center of the vehicle in the fore-and-aft direction and extends along the right rocker 11R in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. The rear exhaust pipe 37 curves in an S-shape from the second large diameter portion 36 toward the center in the vehicle width direction and is then connected to the exhaust silencer 38. The exhaust silencer 38 is located on the underside of the rear floor panel 18 in the center of the vehicle width direction.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, the driving battery 40 is positioned to the left of the body 10 so that its length WL is shorter than its length WR. Here, the length WL is the distance between the left outer end 40L of the driving battery 40 (see Figure 2) and the left outer end of the body 10 in the vehicle width direction. The length WR is the distance between the right outer end 40R of the driving battery 40 (see Figure 3) and the right outer end of the body 10 in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the driving battery 40 is positioned below the floor panel 12 of the body 10.

[0045] 2 and 3, the drive battery 40 is composed of cells 41 and a casing 40C that houses the cells 41. The casing 40C is composed of a lower casing 42 and an upper casing 43. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower casing 42 and the upper casing 43 each have a lower-left flange 42L and an upper-left flange 43L that extend outward in the vehicle width direction from their left sides. The lower-left flange 42L and the upper-left flange 43L are fastened together with bolts 46 and nuts 47. The left ends of the lower-left flange 42L and the left ends of the upper-left flange 43L form the left outer edge 40L of the drive battery 40 in the vehicle width direction. The left outer edge 40L of the drive battery 40 extends outward in the vehicle width direction to the vicinity of the left rocker 11L. As shown in FIG. 2, the left end face 11LE of the left rocker 11L forms the left outer edge of the body 10 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the length WL is the length between the left ends of the lower left flange 42L and the upper left flange 43L and the left end face 11LE of the left rocker 11L.

[0046] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3, the lower casing 42 and the upper casing 43 each have a lower right flange 42R and an upper right flange 43R that extend outward in the vehicle width direction from their right sides. The lower right flange 42R and the upper right flange 43R are fastened together with bolts 46 and nuts 47. The right ends of the lower right flange 42R and the right ends of the upper right flange 43R form the right outer edge 40R of the drive battery 40 in the vehicle width direction. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 3, the right end face 11RE of the right rocker 11R forms the right outer edge of the body 10 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the length WR is the distance between the right ends of the lower right flange 42R and the upper right flange 43R and the left end face 11LE of the left rocker 11L. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the drive battery 40 is positioned toward the left of the body 10 so that the length WL is shorter than the length WR.

[0047] A left leg 44L protruding downward is provided on the underside of the left lower flange 42L of the lower casing 42. Multiple left legs 44L are provided in the vehicle longitudinal direction. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a left impact absorbing member 61L is located below the left rocker 11L, connecting the lower part of the left rocker 11L to the left outer end 40L of the drive battery 40 in the vehicle width direction. When viewed from the drive battery 40, the left impact absorbing member 61L is located on the left outer side of the drive battery 40 in the vehicle width direction. The left impact absorbing member 61L has a flat, rectangular closed cross section and is a longitudinal member extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The length of the left impact absorbing member 61L in the vehicle width direction is DL. The left impact absorbing member 61L is partitioned into multiple compartments in the vehicle width direction, and in the event of a collision, each compartment collapses in the vehicle width direction to absorb impact energy.

[0048] The left impact absorbing member 61L is attached to the bottom of the left rocker 11L using a bolt 64L, sleeve 62L, and nut 63L. The casing 40C of the driving battery 40 is placed on the top of the left impact absorbing member 61L so that the left leg 44L, which is attached to the underside of the left lower flange 42L, contacts the top surface of the end of the left impact absorbing member 61L closest to the center of the vehicle's width. The end of the left impact absorbing member 61L closest to the center of the vehicle's width is connected and fixed to the left leg 44L using a bolt 67L, sleeve 65L, and nut 66L. The left end of the driving battery 40 is supported by the left rocker 11L via the left impact absorbing member 61L.

[0049] An arm portion 48 protruding rightward from the right side surface of the casing 40C is provided on the right side surface of the casing 40C below the right lower flange 42R. A plurality of arm portions 48 are provided in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, a plurality of pedestals 71, 72, and 73 are attached to the underside of the right vehicle side of floor panel 12. The plurality of pedestals 71, 72, and 73 are channel-shaped cross-section members that are open at the top and protrude downward from the underside of floor panel 12. The plurality of pedestals 71, 72, and 73 are attached so as to be aligned in a row in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the central pedestal 72 is disposed adjacent to the inside of the second large diameter portion 36 of the exhaust pipe 35 in the vehicle width direction. The pedestal 72 is disposed adjacent to the second large diameter portion 36 so that a portion of the pedestal 72 overlaps with the second large diameter portion 36 in the vehicle width direction when viewed from below the vehicle.

[0051] The second cross member 15 is connected to the upper surface of the floor panel 12. Therefore, the pedestal 72 is connected to the second cross member 15 via the floor panel 12. Similarly, the front pedestal 71 is located close to the inside of the front exhaust pipe 33 of the exhaust pipe 35 in the vehicle width direction. The pedestal 71 is connected to the first cross member 14 and the second cross member 15 via the floor panel 12. The rear pedestal 73 is located close to the inside of the rear exhaust pipe 37 in the vehicle width direction. The pedestal 73 is connected to the third cross member 16 via the floor panel 12.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3 , the base 72 and the arm portion 48 attached to the right end surface of the lower casing 42 are connected by a bracket 49. The upper end of the bracket 49 is fastened to the base 72 by a bolt 75 and a nut 76. The lower end of the bracket 49 is fastened to the right end surface of the arm portion 48 by a bolt 51 and a nut 52. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 1 , the front base 71 is connected to the front arm portion 48 by a bracket 49, and the rear base 73 is connected to the rear arm portion 48 by a bracket 49. In this manner, the multiple arm portions 48 attached to the lower casing 42 are connected to the bases 71, 72, and 73 by the bracket 49. The bases 71, 72, and 73 are connected to the first, second, and third cross members 14, 15, and 16 via the floor panel 12, and the right ends of the first, second, and third cross members 14, 15, and 16 are connected to the right rocker 11R. Therefore, the right end of the drive battery 40 is supported by the right rocker 11R via the bracket 49, pedestals 71, 72, 73, floor panel 12, and first, second, and third cross members 14, 15, and 16. Furthermore, because the pedestals 71, 72, and 73 are located close to the inside of the exhaust pipe 35 in the vehicle width direction, the right outer end 40R of the drive battery 40 in the vehicle width direction extends outward in the vehicle width direction to near the exhaust pipe 35.

[0053] 2 and 3, a shear panel 45 is attached to the lower part of the casing 40C. The shear panel 45 is a plate member that absorbs impact forces from below. The left end of the shear panel 45 is attached to the center of the left impact absorbing member 61L in the vehicle width direction by a bolt 67L. The right end of the shear panel 45 is fastened to the lower surface of the arm portion 48 by a bolt 53 and a nut 54.

[0054] In the electric vehicle 100 configured as described above, the left impact absorbing member 61L is positioned outboard in the vehicle width direction, to the left of the drive battery 40. The left impact absorbing member 61L connects the lower part of the left rocker 11L to the left vehicle width outer edge 40L of the drive battery 40. This allows the high-strength casing 40C of the drive battery 40 to absorb the impact load from the left rocker 11L in the event of a left-side collision of the electric vehicle 100, crushing the left impact absorbing member 61L. This allows the impact energy during a side collision to be absorbed. This eliminates the need to provide space on the left side of the body 10 to absorb impact energy. As a result, the left vehicle width outer edge 40L of the drive battery 40 can be extended outboard in the vehicle width direction to the vicinity of the left rocker 11L, thereby increasing the length of the drive battery 40 in the vehicle width direction.

[0055] 1, in the electric vehicle 100, the driving battery 40 is positioned to the left of the body 10 so that the length WL is shorter than the length WR. This allows the exhaust pipe 35 to be positioned outside the vehicle width direction to the right of the driving battery 40. It also allows the length of the driving battery 40 in the vehicle width direction to be increased.

[0056] Additionally, in the electric vehicle 100, the right end of the drive battery 40 is supported by the right rocker 11R via the bracket 49, pedestals 71, 72, 73, floor panel 12, and first, second, and third cross members 14, 15, and 16. As a result, in the event of a right-side side collision of the electric vehicle 100, the impact energy input from the right rocker 11R can be absorbed by the deformation of the first, second, and third cross members 14, 15, and 16. Additionally, because the pedestals 71, 72, and 73 are located on the right side of the vehicle in close proximity to the exhaust pipe 35, the right outer end 40R of the drive battery 40 in the vehicle width direction can be expanded to the vicinity of the exhaust pipe 35.

[0057] Furthermore, in the electric vehicle 100, a portion of the base 72 is positioned adjacent to the second large diameter portion 36 so as to overlap with the second large diameter portion 36 in the vehicle width direction. This allows the right outer end 40R of the driving battery 40 in the vehicle width direction to be further expanded in the vehicle width direction, up to the vicinity of the exhaust pipe 35.

[0058] Next, an electric vehicle 110 according to another embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The same components as those in the electric vehicle 100 previously described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, instead of the pedestals 71, 72, 73 of the electric vehicle 100, the electric vehicle 110 is provided with pedestals 81, 82, 83 that extend in the vehicle width direction toward the right rocker 11R and are connected to the right rocker 11R.

[0060] 4 and 5, the bases 81, 82, and 83 have a groove-shaped cross section that is open at the top, and a bracket 49 is connected to a portion toward the center in the vehicle width direction, and the right end portion extends to and is connected to the right rocker 11R. A reinforcing plate 88 that extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the left and right flanges is provided inside the base 82. A notch 88A is provided in the reinforcing plate 88. Similarly, reinforcing plates 87 and 89 are provided inside the bases 81 and 83, and the reinforcing plates 87 and 89 also have notches (not shown). The notched portions of the reinforcing plates 87, 88, and 89 form weak portions of the bases 81, 82, and 83, respectively.

[0061] When the right side of the electric vehicle 110 configured in this manner is hit by a side collision, the impact energy input from the right rocker 11R can be absorbed not only by the deformation of the first, second, and third cross members 14, 15, and 16, but also by the crushing of the weak portions of the pedestals 81, 82, and 83. This increases the amount of impact energy absorbed, thereby reducing the amount of pole penetration during a side collision.

[0062] Next, an electric vehicle 120 according to another embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. The same components as those in the electric vehicle 100 previously described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the electric vehicle 120 is provided with connection members 77, 78, 79 that connect the right ends of the bases 71, 72, 73 of the electric vehicle 100 to the right rocker 11R.

[0064] 6 and 7, connecting members 77, 78, 79 are longitudinal members with a groove-shaped cross section that are open at the top and extend in the vehicle width direction. Connecting members 77, 78, 79 are connected to the underside of floor panel 12. A cutout 78A is provided in the underside of connecting member 78. Similarly, cutouts (not shown) are provided in the undersides of connecting members 77, 79. The portions of connecting members 77, 78, 79 where the cutouts are provided constitute weak portions of connecting members 77, 78, 79.

[0065] In electric vehicle 120, similar to electric vehicle 110, in the event of a right-side collision, impact energy can be absorbed by the crushing of weak portions of connecting members 77, 78, and 79. Therefore, the amount of impact energy absorbed in the event of a side collision can be increased, and the amount of penetration of the pole can be reduced.

[0066] Next, an electric vehicle 130 according to another embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The same components as those in the electric vehicle 100 previously described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] As shown in Figure 8, in the electric vehicle 130, the right end face of the casing 40C of the driving battery 40 forms a standing wall 91 that faces the second large diameter section 36 of the exhaust pipe 35. Here, the right end face of the casing 40C forms the outer surface of the driving battery 40 on the right side in the vehicle width direction. The lower end of the standing wall 91 extends below the center 36C of the second large diameter section 36.

[0068] As a result, in the event of a right-side side collision, the standing wall 91 can crush the second large diameter portion 36 of the exhaust pipe 35, thereby absorbing the impact energy. Therefore, the amount of impact energy absorbed in the event of a side collision can be increased, and the amount of penetration of the pole (colliding object) can be reduced.

[0069] Next, an electric vehicle 140 according to another embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The same components as those in the electric vehicle 100 previously described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0070] 9 and 10, electric vehicle 140 includes right leg 44R, right impact absorbing member 61R, bolts 64R and 67R, nuts 63R and 66R, and sleeves 62R and 65R instead of arm portion 48 and bracket 49 of electric vehicle 100. Right impact absorbing member 61R constitutes one-side impact absorbing member.

[0071] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, a right leg 44R protruding downward is provided on the underside of the right lower flange 42R of the lower casing 42. Multiple right legs 44R are provided in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. A right impact absorbing member 61R is also located on the right side of the driving battery 40, outside in the vehicle width direction. Similar to the left impact absorbing member 61L, the right impact absorbing member 61R is a longitudinal member with a flat, rectangular closed cross section that extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Similar to the left impact absorbing member 61L, the right impact absorbing member 61R is divided into multiple compartments in the vehicle width direction, and in the event of a collision, each compartment collapses in the vehicle width direction to absorb impact energy. The right impact absorbing member 61R has a length DR that is shorter than the length DL of the left impact absorbing member 61L.

[0072] The right impact absorbing member 61R connects the lower parts of the seats 71, 72, and 73 to the right, outer edge 40R of the drive battery 40 in the vehicle width direction. The right impact absorbing member 61R is attached to the lower part of the seats 71, 72, and 73 with a bolt 64R, a sleeve 62R, and a nut 63R. The casing 40C of the drive battery 40 is placed on the top of the right impact absorbing member 61R so that the right leg 44R, which is attached to the underside of the lower right flange 42R, contacts the top surface of the end of the right impact absorbing member 61R closest to the center of the vehicle width direction. The end of the right impact absorbing member 61R closest to the center of the vehicle width direction is connected and fixed to the right leg 44R with a bolt 67R, a sleeve 65R, and a nut 66R. The right end of the drive battery 40 is supported by the seats 71, 72, and 73 via the right impact absorbing member 61R, the bolt 64R, the sleeve 62R, and the nut 63R.

[0073] When the right side of the electric vehicle 140 configured in this manner is hit by a side collision, the impact energy input from the right rocker 11R can be absorbed by the deformation of the first, second, and third cross members 14, 15, and 16, and also by the crushing of the right impact absorbing member 61R. This increases the amount of impact energy absorbed, thereby reducing the amount of pole penetration during a side collision.

[0074] Next, an electric vehicle 150 according to another embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. The same parts as those in the electric vehicle 140 previously described with reference to Figures 9 and 10 will be assigned the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, electric vehicle 150 is configured by adding connecting members 77, 78, and 79 of electric vehicle 120 described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 to electric vehicle 140 described with reference to FIGS.

[0076] The electric vehicle 150 can absorb impact energy not only through deformation of the first, second, and third cross members 14, 15, and 16 and crushing of the right impact absorbing member 61R, but also through crushing of the weak parts of the connecting members 77, 78, and 79, so that the amount of penetration of the pole in the event of a side collision can be further reduced.

[0077] Next, an electric vehicle 160 according to another embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. The same components as those in electric vehicle 150 described with reference to Figures 11 and 12 are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, electric vehicle 160 has a wall member 92 provided on the lower surfaces of bases 71, 72, and 73, which extends in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle.

[0078] 13 and 14, the wall member 92 is a thick plate member extending in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. The upper end of the wall member 92 is connected to the pedestals 71, 72, and 73. The lower end of the wall member 92 extends below the vehicle beyond the center 36C of the second large diameter section 36 of the exhaust pipe 35. The right impact absorbing member 61R is connected to the underside of the wall member 92 with a bolt 64R. The right end of the driving battery 40 is supported by the right impact absorbing member 61R, the bolt 64R, the wall member 92, and the pedestals 71, 72, and 73.

[0079] In the event of a side collision, electric vehicle 160 can absorb the impact energy by crushing second large diameter portion 36 of exhaust pipe 35 with wall member 92. Therefore, the amount of impact energy absorbed in the event of a side collision can be greater than in the case of electric vehicle 150, and the amount of intrusion of the pole can be further reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 10 body, 11A outer member, 11B inner member, 11C bracket, 11D reinforcing plate, 11L, 11R rocker, 11LE left end face, 11RE right end face, 12 floor panel, 13C central reinforcing member, 13L, 13R reinforcing member, 14-17 cross member, 18 rear floor panel, 19L, 19R rear side member, 21, 22 rear cross member, 23L, 23R front side member, 24L, 24R crash box, 25L, 25R upper member, 26 bumper reinforcement, 30 front compartment, 31 engine, 31A exhaust manifold, 32 drive motor, 33 front exhaust pipe, 34 first large diameter portion, 35 exhaust pipe, 36 second large diameter portion, 36C center, 37 rear exhaust pipe, 38 Exhaust silencer, 40 drive battery, 40C casing, 40L, 40R outer end in the vehicle width direction, 41 cell, 42 lower casing, 42L lower left flange, 42R lower right flange, 43 upper casing, 43L upper left flange, 43R upper right flange, 44L left leg, 44R right leg, 45 share panel, 46, 51, 53, 64L, 64R, 67L, 67R, 75 bolt, 47, 52, 54, 63L, 63R, 66L, 66R, 76 nut, 48 arm, 49 bracket, 61L left impact absorbing member, 61R right impact absorbing member, 62L, 62R, 65L, 65R sleeve, 71, 72, 73, 81, 82, 83 base, 77, 78, 79 Connecting members, 78A Cutouts, 87, 88, 89 Reinforcing plates, 88A Cutouts, 91 Standing walls, 92 Wall members, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 Electric vehicles.

Claims

1. an internal combustion engine; A drive battery located under the body floor, a pipe connected to the internal combustion engine and extending in a front-to-rear direction of the vehicle on one outer side of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction, a second-side impact absorbing member disposed on the outer side of the other driving battery in the vehicle width direction; An electric vehicle characterized by:

2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a one-side impact absorbing member disposed on one outer side of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction; the one-side impact absorbing member has a shorter length in the vehicle width direction than the other-side impact absorbing member; An electric vehicle characterized by:

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, the piping extends in the vehicle front-rear direction at one vehicle side of the body, the drive battery is positioned closer to the other side of the body so that the length between the other vehicle width direction outer edge of the drive battery and the other vehicle width direction outer edge of the body is shorter than the length between one vehicle width direction outer edge of the drive battery and one vehicle width direction outer edge of the body; An electric vehicle characterized by:

4. The electric vehicle according to claim 3, the body has a one-side rocker disposed on one vehicle side of the body and extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a second-side rocker disposed on the other vehicle side of the body and extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction, the other-side impact absorbing member connects a lower portion of the other-side rocker and the other outer end of the driving battery in the vehicle width direction; the other outer end of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction extends in the vehicle width direction to the vicinity of the other rocker; An electric vehicle characterized by:

5. The electric vehicle according to claim 4, The body includes a floor panel stretched between the one-side rocker and the other-side rocker, a cross member connected to an upper surface of the floor panel and connecting the one-side rocker and the other-side rocker in the vehicle width direction, and at least one base connected to a lower surface of one vehicle side portion of the floor panel, the at least one base is disposed in proximity to the piping on an inner side in the vehicle width direction, and is connected to the cross member via the floor panel; one outer end of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction extends in the vehicle width direction to a position adjacent to the piping and is connected to the at least one pedestal; An electric vehicle characterized by:

6. The electric vehicle according to claim 5, the at least one base is disposed in proximity to the pipe so that a portion of the base overlaps with the pipe in the vehicle width direction when viewed from below the vehicle; An electric vehicle characterized by:

7. The electric vehicle according to claim 5, the at least one base extends in the vehicle width direction toward the one-side rocker and is connected to the one-side rocker, the at least one base includes at least one weakened portion; An electric vehicle characterized by:

8. The electric vehicle according to claim 5, a connecting member that connects the at least one base and the one-side rocker in the vehicle width direction, the connecting member comprises at least one weakened portion; An electric vehicle characterized by:

9. The electric vehicle according to claim 3, one of the vehicle width direction outer surfaces of the drive battery is a standing wall facing the piping, a lower end of the vertical wall is located below the center of the piping on the vehicle; An electric vehicle characterized by:

10. The electric vehicle according to claim 2, the piping extends in the vehicle front-rear direction at one vehicle side of the body, the other-side impact absorbing member is disposed between the other outer end of the driving battery in the vehicle width direction and the other outer end of the body in the vehicle width direction; the one-side impact absorbing member is disposed between one of the outer ends of the driving battery in the vehicle width direction and the piping; An electric vehicle characterized by:

11. The electric vehicle according to claim 10, The body comprises: a one-side rocker disposed on one vehicle side of the body and extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction; an other-side rocker disposed on the other vehicle side of the body and extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction; a floor panel stretched between the one-side rocker and the other-side rocker; a cross member connected to an upper surface of the floor panel and connecting the one-side rocker and the other-side rocker in the vehicle width direction; and at least one base connected to a lower surface of one vehicle side of the floor panel and connected to the cross member via the floor panel, the at least one base is disposed in proximity to the piping on an inner side in the vehicle width direction, and is connected to the cross member via the floor panel; the one-side impact absorbing member connects a lower portion of the at least one pedestal and one of the outer ends of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction; one outer end of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction extends in the vehicle width direction to a position adjacent to the piping and is connected to the at least one pedestal; the other-side impact absorbing member connects a lower portion of the other-side rocker and the other outer end of the driving battery in the vehicle width direction; the other outer end of the drive battery in the vehicle width direction extends in the vehicle width direction to the vicinity of the other rocker; An electric vehicle characterized by:

12. The electric vehicle according to claim 11, the at least one base is disposed in proximity to the pipe so that a portion of the base overlaps with the pipe in the vehicle width direction when viewed from below the vehicle; An electric vehicle characterized by:

13. The electric vehicle according to claim 11 or 12, the at least one base extends in the vehicle width direction toward the one-side rocker and is connected to the one-side rocker, the at least one base includes at least one weakened portion; An electric vehicle characterized by:

14. The electric vehicle according to claim 11 or 12, a connecting member that connects the at least one base and the one-side rocker in the vehicle width direction; the connecting member comprises at least one weakened portion; An electric vehicle characterized by:

15. The electric vehicle according to claim 11 or 12, a wall member connected to the at least one base and extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; the one-side impact absorbing member connects the wall member and one of the outer ends of the driving battery in the vehicle width direction; An electric vehicle characterized by:

16. The electric vehicle according to claim 15, a lower end of the wall member is located below the center of the piping on the vehicle; An electric vehicle characterized by:

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