vehicle

Abstract

This design effectively suppresses vibrations of the upper case while minimizing interference between the frame members and the upper case during a vehicle collision. [Solution] The vehicle comprises a battery case containing an upper case and a lower case, a frame member facing the upper case, and a damper member. The upper case includes a (second) case-side portion. The case-side portion protrudes toward the frame member compared to a case-side reference portion, which is a portion of the upper case that is continuous with the case-side portion and faces the frame member. The frame member includes a (second) frame-side portion that faces the case-side portion. The frame-side portion protrudes toward the upper case compared to a frame-side reference portion, which is a portion of the frame member that is continuous with the frame-side portion and faces the upper case. The damper member is in contact with both the case-side portion and the frame-side portion, and is sandwiched between the case-side portion and the frame-side portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle equipped with a battery pack.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle equipped with a battery pack. In this vehicle, a cable is arranged inside the upper case of the battery pack. Also, an elastic member is arranged so as to be interposed between the upper case and the floor panel of the vehicle for vibration prevention of the upper case.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the vehicle described in Patent Document 1, a cable (wire harness) is arranged inside a battery case having an upper case. Therefore, in this vehicle, it is necessary to separately establish the wiring structure of the wire harness and the vibration prevention structure of the upper case. As a result, the space secured for making these structures compatible has become large.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a vehicle that can achieve both a wiring structure of a wire harness and a vibration prevention structure of an upper case while achieving space saving.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle according to this disclosure comprises a battery case, a frame member, and a wire harness. The battery case includes an upper case and a lower case and houses a battery. The frame member faces the upper case. The upper case includes a first case-side portion. The frame member includes a first frame-side portion that faces the first case-side portion. The wire harness is arranged to pass through the gap between the first case-side portion and the first frame-side portion and includes a covering portion formed by an elastic member that covers the outer circumference of the wire harness. The covering portion is in contact with the first case-side portion and the first frame-side portion and is sandwiched between the first case-side portion and the first frame-side portion.

[0007] The vehicle may further include a damper member. The upper case may include a second case-side portion that protrudes toward the frame member. The frame member may include a second frame-side portion that faces the second case-side portion and protrudes toward the upper case. The damper member may be in contact with the second case-side portion and the second frame-side portion, and may be sandwiched between the second case-side portion and the second frame-side portion.

[0008] The battery case may include a plurality of support parts positioned between the upper case and the lower case and supporting the upper case. The plurality of support parts may include a first support part that supports a first case-side portion, and a second support part that, unlike the first support part, supports a second case-side portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the vehicle disclosed herein, it becomes possible to achieve both a wire harness routing structure and an upper case vibration damping structure while saving space. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]This diagram illustrates the basic structure for mounting the battery pack shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows a cross-section of line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This figure shows a cross-section of line BB in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This figure shows other application examples of the cable routing structure and vibration isolation structure according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating a second vibration isolation structure according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in conjunction with the attached drawings. In each drawing, elements common to all figures are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0012] 1. Basic structure related to battery pack installation Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment. In Figure 1, the direction labeled "Fr" corresponds to the front direction of the vehicle 1, and the direction labeled "UPR" corresponds to the upward direction of the vehicle 1.

[0013] The vehicle 1 shown in Figure 1 is, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Alternatively, vehicle 1 may be, for example, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell vehicle (FCEV). Vehicle 1 has a ladder frame structure. However, vehicle 1 may be a vehicle without a ladder frame structure, i.e., a vehicle with a monocoque structure.

[0014] Vehicle 1 is equipped with a battery pack 10. The battery pack 10 stores the power supplied to the electric motor that drives vehicle 1. The battery pack 10 is mounted under the floor of vehicle 1.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the basic structure related to the mounting of the battery pack 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 corresponds to a view of the configuration around the battery pack 10 as seen from the upper side of the vehicle 1. Note that the direction of "RH" shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to the right direction of the vehicle 1.

[0016] The battery pack 10 includes a battery 12 and a battery case 14 that houses the battery 12. The battery 12 is, for example, a lithium-ion secondary battery. The configuration of the battery 12 is not particularly limited. As an example, the battery 12 has a plurality of laminated bodies (battery laminates) 12a of a plurality of battery cells. Inside the battery case 14, a plurality of (for example, six) battery laminates 12a are arranged side by side in the vehicle front-rear direction in a direction extending along the vehicle left-right direction. The battery case 14 includes an upper case 16 and a lower case 18 (see FIG. 3).

[0017] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle 1 includes a ladder frame 2. The ladder frame 2 includes a pair of left and right side members 2a corresponding to the main frame, as well as cross members 2b and 2c corresponding to the sub frame. Each of the side members 2a is formed to extend along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. Each of the front cross member 2b and the rear cross member 2c is formed to extend in the vehicle left-right direction and is connected to the pair of side members 2a.

[0018] Furthermore, the vehicle 1 includes one or more frame members 3. As an example, there are three frame members 3. Each of the frame members 3 is formed to extend along the vehicle left-right direction at a position between the front cross member 2b and the rear cross member 2c and is connected to the pair of side members 2a. Note that the frame member 3 may correspond to a cross member included in the ladder frame 2, or may be additionally provided for mounting the battery pack 10.

[0019] The body of vehicle 1 (not shown) is disposed above the ladder frame 2. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the battery case 14 is disposed below the ladder frame 2 at positions in the vehicle longitudinal direction where the cross members 2b and 2c are present. For this reason, the upper case 16 has portions facing the ladder frame 2 and the frame member 3.

[0020] The battery case 14 is attached to the vehicle 1 using the ladder frame 2. More specifically, the method of attaching the battery case 14 using the ladder frame 2 is not particularly limited. That is, for example, the battery case 14 is fastened at an arbitrary position to the ladder frame 2 or an arbitrary support member (not shown) fixed to the ladder frame 2 using a fastener (for example, a combination of a bolt and a nut).

[0021] 2. Structure related to wiring of wire harness and vibration prevention of upper case The vehicle 1 includes various wire harnesses. Among the wire harnesses, there are those arranged to pass around the battery pack 10, such as the wire harness 20 shown in FIG. 2. As an example, one end of the wire harness 20 is connected to a device such as a junction box or an electronic control unit (ECU) housed inside the battery pack 10.

[0022] In the vehicle 1, it is required that the arrangement and fixation of the wire harness 20 are achieved within a limited space. Further, when the battery pack 10 is mounted under the floor of the vehicle 1, due to the vibration of the upper case 16, there is a possibility of generating noise due to contact between the upper case 16 and the components inside or around the battery pack 10, or damage to the components. Such vibration prevention measures are also required to be achieved within a limited space.

[0023] In view of the above problems, the vehicle 1 of the present embodiment includes the following wire harness routing structure and upper case vibration prevention structure. FIG. 3 is a view showing a cross section taken along line B - B in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a view showing a cross section taken along line A - A in FIG. 2.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the upper case 16 includes a first portion (first case-side portion) 16a. The frame member 3 includes a first portion (first frame-side portion) 3a facing the first portion 16a. As an example, the combination of the first portions 16a and 3a is provided in two locations on one frame member 3 as shown in Figure 3, but it may be provided in one location or three or more locations.

[0025] The wire harness 20 is positioned to pass through the gap between the first part 16a and the first part 3a. In the example shown in Figure 3, a pair of wire harnesses 20a are positioned to pass through the gap between one of the first parts 16a and the first part 3a, and one wire harness 20b is positioned to pass through the gap between the other first part 16a and the first part 3a.

[0026] Each pair of wire harnesses 20a has a covering portion 22. The covering portion 22 is formed of an elastic material (e.g., rubber) that covers the outer circumference of each wire harness 20a. The covering portion 22 is in contact with and sandwiched between the first portion 16a and the first portion 3a, respectively. In other words, the covering portion 22 is supported while being compressed by being sandwiched between the first portion 16a and the first portion 3a. The same applies to the other covering portion 24.

[0027] More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the first portion 16a of the upper case 16 is formed to be recessed inward compared to the surrounding portion, and the first portion 3a of the frame member 3 is formed to be recessed inward compared to the surrounding portion. Having such a cross-sectional shape allows the wire harness 20 to be guided into the gap between the first portion 16a and the first portion 3a and positioned well. Furthermore, it is possible to route the wire harness 20 while suppressing the height of the frame member 3 and the battery pack 10 in the vehicle's vertical direction. In addition to the example with such a recessed shape, the first portion 16a may protrude towards the frame member 3 compared to the surrounding portion, or it may not have either a recessed or convex shape. The same applies to the first portion 3a on the frame member 3 side.

[0028] Furthermore, the battery case 14 includes a support member 26 (support portion) that supports the first portion 16a of the upper case 16. The support member 26 is positioned between the first portion 16a and the lower case 18. A support member 26 is positioned for each first portion 16a. More specifically, in the example of the battery case 14, the lower case 18 includes a battery cross member 18a formed to extend parallel to the battery stack 12a between adjacent battery stacks 12a. The support member 26 is positioned between this battery cross member 18a and the first portion 16a. More specifically, one end of the support member 26 in the vehicle vertical direction rests on the upper surface of the lower case 18 (battery cross member 18a). The other end of the support member 26 supports the surface of the first portion 16a opposite to the outer surface facing the frame member 3.

[0029] Furthermore, as already explained, vehicle 1 is equipped with three frame members 3 as an example. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, the wire harness routing structure and the vibration damping structure of the upper case utilizing the first parts 16a and 3a are applied to each of the three frame members 3.

[0030] As described above, according to this embodiment, the wire harness 20, covered by a covering portion 22 or 24 formed of an elastic member, is positioned so as to be sandwiched between the first portion 16a of the upper case 16 and the first portion 3a of the frame member 3. This makes it possible to suitably achieve both a wire harness routing structure and a vibration damping structure for the upper case while saving space.

[0031] Furthermore, the first portion 16a of the upper case 16 is supported by a support member 26 interposed between the first portion 16a and the lower case 18. With this support structure, the first portion 16a can be pressed against the covering portion 22 or 24 with high rigidity. This contributes to improving the vibration damping effect of the upper case 16.

[0032] Figures 5(A) and 5(B) show other application examples of the cable routing structure and vibration isolation structure according to the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 5(A) shows an example in which a single wire harness 28 passes around the battery pack 10. In this example, the wire harness 28 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at the center in the lateral direction of the vehicle. In this example, in each of the three frame members 3, the wire harness 28, covered by a covering portion 30 formed of an elastic member, is positioned between a first portion 16a of the upper case 16 and a first portion 3a of the frame member 3.

[0034] Figure 5(B) shows an example with two wire harnesses 32 and 34 passing around the battery pack 10. Wire harness 32 is positioned to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle along the gap between one side member 2a of the ladder frame 2 and the upper case 16. Similarly, wire harness 34 is positioned to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle along the gap between the other side member 2a and the upper case 16.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 5(B), each of the pair of side members 2a corresponds to another example of the “frame member” according to this disclosure. Therefore, in this example, the upper case 16 has a first portion 16a at a position facing the side member 2a, and the side member 2a has a first portion 2a1 facing the first portion 16a. The wire harness 34, covered by a covering portion 36 formed of an elastic member, is arranged to be sandwiched between the first portion 16a and the first portion 2a1. The covering portion 36 may be provided to cover, for example, the entirety of the first portions 16a and 2a1 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, or multiple covering portions may be provided at predetermined intervals. The same applies to the configuration of the wire harness 34.

[0036] 3. Example with a second vibration isolation structure In order to further enhance the vibration damping effect of the upper case, the vehicle 1 may also be equipped with the following "second vibration damping structure" in addition to the wire harness routing structure and upper case vibration damping structure of this embodiment described above (referred to here as the "first vibration damping structure").

[0037] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a second vibration isolation structure according to an embodiment. The example shown in Figure 6 shows a cross-section at the same position as in Figure 3. In this example, the vehicle 1 is equipped with a wiring structure and a first vibration isolation structure for the wire harness 20a, and also with a second vibration isolation structure comprising second parts 16b and 3b and a damper member 38.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, the second portion (second case-side portion) 16b of the upper case 16 protrudes toward the frame member 3 (more specifically, toward the second portion 3b) compared to the surrounding portion. Also, the second portion (second frame-side portion) 3b of the frame member 3 faces the second portion 16b and protrudes toward the upper case 16 (more specifically, toward the second portion 16b) compared to the surrounding portion. The damper member 38 is made of, for example, rubber. The damper member 38 is in contact with and sandwiched between the second portion 16b and the second portion 3b. More specifically, the damper member 38 is supported while being compressed by being sandwiched between the second portion 16b and the second portion 3b.

[0039] More specifically, in the example shown in Figure 6, the battery case 14 includes a support member 40 (second support portion) that supports the second portion 16b of the upper case 16. The support member 40 is positioned between the second portion 16b and the lower case 18 (e.g., the battery cross member 18a). Thus, the second portion 16b is supported by a support member 40 (second support portion) that is different from the support member 26 (first support portion) that supports the first portion 16a. More specifically, similar to the support member 26, one end of the support member 40 in the vehicle's vertical direction rests on the upper surface of the lower case 18 (battery cross member 18a). The other end of the support member 40 supports the surface of the second portion 16b opposite to the outer surface facing the frame member 3. The support structure provided by the support member 40 allows the second portion 16b to be pressed against the damper member 38 with high rigidity. This also contributes to improving the vibration damping effect of the upper case 16.

[0040] According to the second vibration-damping structure described above, the damper member 38 is sandwiched between a second portion 16b and a second portion 3b that protrude toward each other. This makes it possible to suppress interference between the frame member 3 and the upper case 16 during a collision of the vehicle 1, while more effectively suppressing vibrations of the upper case 16.

[0041] The following can be added regarding the ability to suppress interference between the frame member 3 and the upper case 16 during a collision. Unlike the above configuration, if the second portion 3b is formed to be recessed on the side of the frame member 3, it becomes necessary to make the second portion 16b protrude significantly on the side of the frame member 3 in order to make the size of the gap between the second portion 16b where the damper member 38 is located and the second portion 3b appropriate. As a result, the second portion 16b becomes close to the portion of the frame member 3 located around the second portion 3b. Consequently, when an input is applied to the frame member 3 from, for example, the left or right direction of the vehicle during a collision, interference between the frame member 3 and the upper case 16 is more likely to occur. In contrast, the configuration shown in Figure 6 makes it easier to suppress such interference.

[0042] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 6, the first support member (support member 26), which is one of the multiple support members (support members 26 and 40), is used for the wire harness routing structure and the first vibration isolation structure. The second support member (support member 40), which is the other of the multiple support members, is used for the second vibration isolation structure. With such a structure, it is possible to achieve both space saving and suppression of interference between members (between the frame member 3 and the upper case 16).

[0043] In addition, in the example shown in Figure 6, the combination of the cable routing structure and the first vibration isolation structure, and the second vibration isolation structure are applied to the same frame member 3. Alternatively, the second vibration isolation structure may be applied to a frame member 3 different from the frame member 3 to which the combination of the cable routing structure and the first vibration isolation structure is applied.

[0044] Furthermore, the second vibration isolation structure described above may also be applied to other locations on the frame member 3 and the upper case 16 (for example, to multiple locations C represented by dashed lines in Figure 2). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] 1 Vehicle, 2 Ladder frame, 2a Pair of side members, 2a1, 3a First frame side portion, 2b, 2c Cross member, 3 Frame member, 3b Second frame side portion, 10 Battery pack, 12 Battery, 14 Battery case, 16 Upper case, 16a First case side portion, 16b Second case side portion, 18 Lower case, 18a Battery cross member, 20, 20a, 20b, 28, 32, 34 Wire harness, 22, 24, 30, 36 Covering portion, 26, 40 Support member, 38 Damper member

Claims

[Claim 1] Including the upper case and lower case, and the battery case that houses the battery, A frame member facing the upper case, damper member and A vehicle equipped with, The aforementioned upper case includes the case side portion, The case-side portion protrudes toward the frame member compared to the case-side reference portion, which is a portion of the upper case that is continuous with the case-side portion and faces the frame member. The frame member includes a frame-side portion facing the case-side portion, The frame-side portion protrudes toward the upper case compared to the frame-side reference portion, which is a portion of the frame member that is continuous with the frame-side portion and faces the upper case. The damper member is in contact with the case-side portion and the frame-side portion, respectively, and is sandwiched between the case-side portion and the frame-side portion. A vehicle characterized by the following features.

Images