Vehicle undercarriage

Abstract

In a vehicle where a storage compartment is provided on the side of the battery case, the present invention provides a vehicle understructure that can protect the contents during a side collision. [Solution] The vehicle understructure includes a pair of rocker sections 40 that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction, a battery case 32 that is positioned between the pair of rocker sections 40 and houses battery cells, a battery case 32 that covers the battery case 32 and the pair of rocker sections 40 from the lower side of the vehicle, and a housing section 60 that is located between the battery case 32 and the rocker sections 40, inside the vehicle width direction from the housing section 100, and above the under panel 50, and a high-voltage cable 62 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is housed in the housing section 60.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle underbody structure.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle in which a battery is mounted under the vehicle. In this vehicle, a raised portion that protrudes upward is provided at the center in the vehicle width direction of the battery case cover, and battery accessories and the like are accommodated in this raised portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, from the viewpoint of expanding the accommodation space under the vehicle, securing an accommodation space for a harness or the like on the side of the battery case has been considered. In this case, it is desirable to protect the accommodated objects from the rocker portion that moves inward in the vehicle width direction during a side collision.

[0005] In consideration of the above facts, an object of the present invention is to obtain a vehicle underbody structure that can protect the accommodated objects during a side collision in a vehicle in which an accommodation portion is provided on the side of the battery case.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The vehicle understructure according to the first embodiment includes a pair of rocker sections extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle, a battery case having a coupling section connected to the rocker sections and positioned between the pair of rocker sections, which houses battery cells, an under panel covering the battery case and the pair of rocker sections from the lower side of the vehicle, and a housing section located between the battery case and the rocker sections, which is inward in the width direction of the vehicle from the coupling section and above the under panel, wherein the housing section houses an object extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0007] In the vehicle understructure according to the first embodiment, the storage section is provided between the battery case and the rocker section. This allows for an expansion of the storage space under the vehicle.

[0008] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the storage section is located inward in the vehicle width direction from the joint between the rocker section and the battery case. When an impacting object collides with the side of the vehicle (in other words, the outer part in the vehicle width direction) (hereinafter referred to as "side impact"), a collision load is applied to the rocker section. The rocker section, upon receiving the load, is pressed inward in the vehicle width direction, but its movement inward in the vehicle width direction is suppressed at the joint. In this way, since the movement of the rocker section inward in the vehicle width direction is suppressed at the joint, which is located outward in the vehicle width direction from the storage section, deformation of the storage section can be suppressed. Therefore, the contents stored in the storage section can be protected.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the under panel covers the battery case and rocker section from the underside of the vehicle, and the storage section is provided between the battery case and the rocker section. Thus, in the above configuration, the outer end of the under panel in the vehicle width direction is located further outward than the storage section in the vehicle width direction. As a result, in the event of a side collision, the collision load is applied to the under panel before the storage section. In this way, a portion of the collision load is applied to the under panel. Therefore, the collision load during a side collision is distributed between the rocker section and the under panel, making the storage section less susceptible to deformation. Consequently, the contents stored in the storage section can be protected.

[0010] In the second embodiment of the vehicle understructure, the under panel is coupled to the rocker section in the first embodiment.

[0011] In the vehicle understructure according to the second embodiment, the under panel is connected to the lower part of the rocker section. As a result, in the event of a side collision, the inward movement of the rocker section in the vehicle width direction is also suppressed by the under panel. Therefore, interference between the rocker section and the housing section becomes less likely. Thus, deformation of the housing section is further suppressed, and the contents housed in the housing section can be protected more effectively.

[0012] The vehicle understructure according to the third embodiment, in the second embodiment, has a rocker portion which has a hollow closed section portion whose cross-section is a closed section when cut by a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a plate-shaped flange portion provided below the closed section portion, and the under panel is connected to the flange portion.

[0013] In the third embodiment of the vehicle understructure, the rocker section has a hollow closed section and a flange section provided below the closed section. During a side collision, the closed section of the rocker section is displaced by collapsing to absorb the impact. Therefore, if an impact is applied to the flange section after the closed section has absorbed the impact, the displacement of the flange section will be relatively small. In the above configuration, the under panel is connected to the flange section, which has relatively small displacement during a side collision. As a result, the inward movement of the rocker section in the vehicle width direction is further suppressed during a side collision. Therefore, interference between the rocker section and the housing section becomes less likely. Therefore, deformation of the housing section is further suppressed, and the contents housed in the housing section can be protected more effectively.

[0014] In the fourth embodiment, the vehicle understructure, in the third embodiment, has a flange portion having a vertical wall portion extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle and a horizontal wall portion extending from the vertical wall portion in the vehicle width direction, and the under panel is connected to the horizontal wall portion.

[0015] The side wall extends in the vehicle width direction. That is, the side wall has a long length in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the side wall has a large section modulus and is relatively rigid with respect to loads in the vehicle width direction. In the vehicle understructure according to claim 4, the rigid side wall is connected to the under panel. This improves the rigidity of the connection between the under panel and the rocker section. Therefore, the inward movement of the rocker section in the vehicle width direction is further suppressed. As a result, interference between the rocker section and the housing section becomes less likely. As a result, deformation of the housing section is further suppressed, and the contents housed in the housing section can be protected more effectively.

[0016] The vehicle understructure according to the fifth embodiment, in any of the first to fourth embodiments, comprises a rocker portion having a rocker inner and a rocker outer provided on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the rocker inner, the lower end of the rocker outer being positioned lower on the vehicle side than the lower end of the rocker inner, the housing portion being provided on the vehicle side of the rocker inner and on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the rocker outer, and the end of the under panel being coupled to the lower part of the rocker outer.

[0017] In the vehicle understructure according to the fifth embodiment, the storage compartment is provided on the lower side of the vehicle of the rocker inner. Furthermore, in the above configuration, the storage compartment is provided on the inside of the rocker outer in the vehicle width direction. Thus, the storage compartment is covered on the upper side of the vehicle by the rocker inner and on the outside in the vehicle width direction by the rocker outer. Therefore, deformation of the storage compartment can be suppressed more effectively. Thus, the contents stored in the storage compartment can be protected more effectively.

[0018] In the sixth embodiment of the vehicle understructure, in the fifth embodiment, the bending rigidity of the rocker inner is higher than that of the rocker outer.

[0019] In the vehicle understructure according to the sixth embodiment, the bending rigidity of the rocker inner is higher than that of the rocker outer. As a result, in the event of a side collision, the rocker outer, which has lower bending rigidity, deforms and absorbs the impact before the rocker inner. Therefore, the load transmitted to the housing located below the rocker inner is reduced, and the deformation of the housing can be suppressed more effectively. Thus, the contents housed in the housing can be protected more effectively.

[0020] In the seventh embodiment, the vehicle understructure, in the fifth or sixth embodiment, has the coupling portion of the battery case located inward in the vehicle width direction from the rocker outer.

[0021] In the vehicle understructure according to the seventh embodiment, the joint between the battery case and the rocker section is located further inward in the vehicle width direction than the rocker outer. This prevents the rocker section from moving inward in the vehicle width direction at the joint after the rocker outer absorbs the impact during a side collision. Therefore, the load applied to the joint can be suppressed, and the movement of the rocker section is more effectively suppressed. Consequently, the rocker section and the housing section become less likely to interfere with each other. Therefore, deformation of the housing section is more suppressed, and the contents housed in the housing section can be protected.

[0022] The vehicle understructure according to the eighth embodiment has a coupling member that connects the battery case and the rocker inner, the coupling member being inserted through a through hole formed in the under panel from the lower side of the vehicle, and the diameter of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the coupling member.

[0023] In the vehicle underbody structure according to the eighth aspect, the battery pack and the rocker inner are coupled by a coupling member that passes through the through-hole of the under panel. Thereby, at the time of a side impact, the load input to the under panel is input to the battery pack via the coupling member. Therefore, deformation of the under panel at the time of a side impact can be suppressed, and accordingly, deformation of the accommodating portion can be suppressed. Therefore, the accommodated object accommodated in the accommodating portion can be protected.

[0024] Further, in the vehicle underbody structure according to the eighth aspect, the diameter of the through-hole is larger than the diameter of the coupling member. That is, a gap is formed between the edge of the through-hole and the coupling member. Thereby, the coupling operation of the battery pack and the rocker inner can be performed through the gap between the battery pack and the rocker inner. Therefore, the coupling operation of the battery pack and the rocker inner can be performed in a state where the battery pack and the under panel are fixed. Thus, the assembly work of the vehicle underbody structure can be facilitated.

[0025] The vehicle underbody structure according to the ninth aspect is the eighth aspect, and includes a rocker mold that covers the under panel from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and the coupling member also serves as an attachment member for attaching the rocker mold to the under panel.

[0026] In the vehicle underbody structure according to the ninth aspect, a rocker mold that covers the under panel from the outside in the vehicle width direction is provided. Thereby, the accommodating portion is covered by the under panel on the lower side and by the rocker mold on the outside in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, for example, the accommodated object accommodated in the accommodating portion can be protected from water droplets on the road surface and the like.

[0027] The vehicle underbody structure according to the tenth aspect is any one of the first aspect to the ninth aspect, and the accommodated object has a cable.

[0028] The outer portion of the battery case in the vehicle width direction is susceptible to impact during a side collision. On the other hand, as described above, the vehicle understructure according to claim 10 can suppress damage to its contents during a side collision. As a result, even if high-voltage cables are temporarily housed in the outer portion of the battery case in the vehicle width direction, damage to the cables can be suppressed, thereby improving safety.

[0029] In the 11th embodiment of the vehicle understructure, in any of the first to tenth embodiments, the housing portion is provided inward in the vehicle width direction and downward on the vehicle side compared to the connecting portion.

[0030] In the vehicle understructure according to the 11th embodiment, the storage section is provided inward in the vehicle width direction and on the lower side of the vehicle compared to the coupling section. This allows the battery case to be coupled to the rocker section with the contents already stored in the storage section and the under panel attached to the battery case. Therefore, the assembly work of the vehicle understructure can be simplified.

[0031] The vehicle understructure according to the 12th embodiment, in any of the first to 11th embodiments, has a battery case having a storage space forming portion that forms a battery storage space in which the battery cells are housed, and a protruding portion that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the storage space forming portion, and the coupling portion is provided on the protruding portion.

[0032] In the vehicle understructure according to the twelfth embodiment, the connection portion with the rocker portion of the battery case is provided on a protruding portion that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the housing space forming portion. In this way, since the connection portion is provided on a portion that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction, it is easy to position the connection portion further outward in the vehicle width direction than the housing portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] As described above, the vehicle understructure according to the present invention has the excellent effect of protecting the contents in the event of a side collision in a vehicle in which a storage compartment is provided on the side of the battery case. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view showing a vehicle to which the vehicle understructure according to this embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] This is an exploded perspective view showing the battery pack and rocker section according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] The embodiments of the vehicle understructure according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In each figure, arrows FR indicate the front of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction, arrows UP indicate the upper part of the vehicle in the vertical direction, and arrows OUT indicate the outside in the vehicle width direction. In the following description, the longitudinal direction, width direction, and vertical direction refer to the longitudinal direction, width direction, and vertical direction of the vehicle, respectively. Also, arrows LH shown in each figure mean the left direction when the vehicle is facing forward.

[0036] [vehicle] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10 to which the vehicle understructure according to this embodiment is applied is, for example, a battery-powered electric vehicle (BEV) equipped with a battery pack 30. The vehicle 10 generates driving force by rotating a drive motor (not shown) with power supplied from the battery pack 30, and drives by transmitting the driving force generated by the drive motor to the front wheels 11. Note that the vehicle to which the vehicle understructure according to this embodiment can be applied is not limited to BEVs. For example, the vehicle understructure according to this embodiment may also be applied to a hybrid vehicle (HV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10 has a battery pack 30 mounted on the lower side of the floor panel 12 (see Figure 2) that constitutes the floor of the passenger compartment. In a plan view, the battery pack 30 is formed in a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape with the front-to-rear direction as its longitudinal direction, and its rear end is curved to protrude to the rear.

[0038] More specifically, a pair of left and right rocker sections 40 are arranged on the outer side of the floor panel 12 of the vehicle 10 in the vehicle width direction. The front ends of the pair of left and right rocker sections 40 are connected by a front cross member 13 with a rectangular closed cross section shape that extends in the vehicle width direction. The rear ends of the left and right rocker sections 40 are connected by a rear cross member 14 with a rectangular closed cross section shape that extends in the vehicle width direction. The battery pack 30 is positioned between the pair of left and right rocker sections 40, as well as between the front cross member 16 and the rear cross member 18.

[0039] [Vehicle understructure] Next, the vehicle understructure applied to the lower part of vehicle 10 will be described using Figures 2 and 3. The vehicle understructure according to this embodiment is symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane in the center of the vehicle width direction. In the following description, the left side of the vehicle understructure will be described mainly, and the description of the right side will be omitted as appropriate.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the vehicle understructure comprises a rocker section 40 provided on the outside in the vehicle width direction, a battery pack 30 provided on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the rocker section 40, an under panel 50 provided below the rocker section 40 and the battery pack 30, a housing section 60 provided on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the battery pack 30 and containing a housing space S4, and a rocker molding 70 provided on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the housing section 60.

[0041] The rocker sections 40 are provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction. That is, a pair of rocker sections 40 are provided, and the pair of rocker sections 40 are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. The rocker section 40 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 3, the rocker section 40 comprises a rocker inner 41 and a rocker outer 42 provided on the outside of the rocker inner 41 in the vehicle width direction. The rocker inner 41 and the rocker outer 42 are fixed together by rocker bolts 43 and rocker nuts 44. The bending rigidity of the rocker inner 41 is set higher than that of the rocker outer 42.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, a pair of rocker inners 41 are provided spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. Each rocker inner 41 extends linearly along the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The front ends of the pair of rocker inners 41 are connected by a front connecting portion 45 that extends linearly in the vehicle width direction. The rear ends of the pair of rocker inners 41 are connected by a rear connecting portion 46 that extends in the vehicle width direction and curves so that its central part in the vehicle width direction protrudes toward the rear of the vehicle. The pair of rocker inners 41, the front connecting portion 45, and the rear connecting portion 46 form a frame. The battery pack 30 is arranged inside the frame.

[0043] The rocker inner 41 has a uniform cross-section (hereinafter simply referred to as "cross-section") when cut by a plane perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The outer shape of the rocker inner 41's cross-section is substantially rectangular, with a recessed shape on the inside and bottom in the vehicle width direction. The rocker inner 41 has multiple spaces inside. In the following description, the space located at the bottom of the multiple spaces inside the rocker inner 41 will be referred to as the "lower space S1". The outer wall portion 41A that defines the outside of the lower space S1 in the vehicle width direction has a through hole (reference numeral omitted) that penetrates in the vehicle width direction, and a rocker bolt 43 is inserted through this through hole. The lower space S1 houses the tip of the rocker bolt 43 and a rocker nut 44 that screws onto the tip. Furthermore, a through-hole (reference numeral omitted) is formed in the lower wall portion 41B that defines the lower side of the lower space S1, and a connecting member, which will be described later, is inserted through this through-hole. The tip of the connecting member is housed in the lower space S1.

[0044] The rocker outer 42 is an elongated member extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and has a uniform cross-sectional shape. The rocker outer 42 has an inner panel 48 that abuts against the outer surface of the rocker inner 41 in the vehicle width direction, and an outer panel 49 provided on the outside of the inner panel 48 in the vehicle width direction. Parts of the inner panel 48 and parts of the outer panel 49 are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. The lower end of the rocker outer 42 is positioned below the lower end of the rocker inner 41.

[0045] An outer space S2 is provided between the inner panel 48 and the outer panel 49. The outer space S2 has a closed cross-section. The heads of the rocker bolts 43 are housed in the outer space S2. An energy absorber 80 is also housed in the outer space S2. The energy absorber 80 is located at the top of the outer space S2. The energy absorber 80 is located above the rocker bolts 43. The energy absorber 80 is a metal member with a space inside that absorbs impact by collapsing.

[0046] The inner panel 48 is a plate-shaped member. The inner panel 48 integrally includes a first vertical wall portion 48A extending in the vertical direction, a first horizontal wall portion 48B that bends from the lower end of the first vertical wall portion 48A and extends outward in the vehicle width direction, a second vertical wall portion 48C that bends from the outer end of the first horizontal wall portion 48B in the vehicle width direction and extends downward, and a second vertical wall portion 48D that bends from the lower end of the second vertical wall portion 48C and extends outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0047] The outer surface of the upper end of the first vertical wall portion 48A is in surface contact with the inner surface of the upper flange portion 49A of the outer panel 49, which will be described later. The outer surface of the upper end of the first vertical wall portion 48A is also joined to the inner surface of the upper flange portion 49A of the outer panel 49 by welding. A part of the inner surface of the first vertical wall portion 48A is in surface contact with the outer surface of the rocker inner 41. A through hole (reference numeral omitted) extending in the vehicle width direction is formed in the lower part of the first vertical wall portion 48A, and a rocker bolt 43 is inserted through this through hole. The first vertical wall portion 48A and the rocker inner 41 are joined by a rocker bolt 43 and a rocker nut 44. A part of the outer surface of the first vertical wall portion 48A is in surface contact with the inner surface of the energy absorber 80 in the vehicle width direction. A part of the outer surface of the first vertical wall portion 48A is joined to the inner surface of the energy absorber 80 in the vehicle width direction.

[0048] The outer surface of the second vertical wall portion 48C is in surface contact with the inner surface of the lower flange portion 49E of the outer panel 49, which will be described later. The outer surface of the second vertical wall portion 48C is also joined to the inner surface of the lower flange portion 49E of the outer panel 49 by welding. A high-pressure hose 81 connected to an air conditioner (not shown) is fixed to the inner surface of the second vertical wall portion 48C.

[0049] The lower surface of the second side wall portion 48D is in surface contact with the upper surface of the under panel 50. That is, the second side wall portion 48D is in contact with the under panel 50 from above and below. In addition, a through hole (not shown) is formed in the second side wall portion 48D that penetrates in the vertical direction, and a bolt 52 is inserted through this through hole. The second side wall portion 48D and the under panel 50 are connected by the bolt 52 and a nut 53 that is screwed onto the tip of the bolt 52.

[0050] The outer panel 49 is a plate-shaped member. The outer panel 49 integrally includes an upper flange portion 49A extending in the vertical direction, an upper inclined portion 49B that bends from the lower end of the upper flange portion 49A and extends outward and downward in the vehicle width direction, a vertical wall portion 49C that bends from the outer end of the upper inclined portion 49B in the vehicle width direction and extends downward towards the vehicle, a lower inclined portion 49D that bends from the lower end of the vertical wall portion 49C and extends inward and downward in the vehicle width direction, and a lower flange portion 49E that bends from the inner end of the lower inclined portion 49D in the vehicle width direction and extends downward.

[0051] The inner surface of the upper flange portion 49A is in surface contact with the outer surface of the upper end of the first vertical wall portion 48A of the inner panel 48. In addition, the inner surface of the upper flange portion 49A is joined to the outer surface of the upper end of the first vertical wall portion 48A of the inner panel 48 by welding.

[0052] The vertical wall portion 49C faces the first vertical wall portion 49A of the inner panel 48. A portion of the inner surface of the vertical wall portion 49C is in surface contact with the outer surface of the energy absorber 80 in the vehicle width direction. A portion of the inner surface of the vertical wall portion 48C is coupled with the outer surface of the energy absorber 80 in the vehicle width direction.

[0053] The inner surface of the lower flange portion 49E is in surface contact with the outer surface of the second vertical wall portion 48C of the inner panel 49. In addition, the inner surface of the lower flange portion 49E is joined to the outer surface of the second vertical wall portion 48C of the inner panel 48 by welding.

[0054] Thus, the rocker outer 42 is provided with an outer space S2 between the upper parts of the first vertical wall portion 48A, the first horizontal wall portion 48B, and the second vertical wall portion 48B of the inner panel 48, and the upper inclined portion 49B, the vertical wall portion 49C, and the lower inclined portion 49D of the outer panel 49, with the outer space S2 having a closed cross-section (a cross-section cut by a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction). That is, the upper parts of the first vertical wall portion 48A, the first horizontal wall portion 48B, and the second vertical wall portion 48B of the inner panel 48, and the upper inclined portion 49B, the vertical wall portion 49C, and the lower inclined portion 49D of the outer panel 49 constitute a hollow closed cross-section portion 42A. In addition, the lower part of the second vertical wall portion (vertical wall portion) 48C and the second horizontal wall portion (horizontal wall portion) 48D of the inner panel 48 constitute a plate-shaped flange portion 42B provided below the closed cross-section portion 42A.

[0055] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the battery pack 30 includes a plurality of battery cells 31, a battery case 32 that houses the battery cells 31 inside, and a junction box 33 provided on the upper surface of the battery case 32.

[0056] The battery cell 31 is a lithium-ion battery that can be used as an in-vehicle power source. Multiple battery cells 31 are arranged in a line at predetermined intervals along the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. Multiple battery cells 10 are combined to form a battery pack.

[0057] The battery case 32 is provided with a battery housing space S3 for housing battery cells 31 inside. The battery case 32 has an upper cover 35 that defines the upper side of the housing space S3 and a lower case 36 that defines the lower side of the housing space S3.

[0058] The upper cover 35 integrally comprises a lid portion (storage space defining portion) 35A that covers the battery cell 31 from above, an upper side wall portion (storage space defining portion) 35B that bends downward from the outer end of the lid portion 35A in the vehicle width direction, and a plate-shaped upper flange portion (projection portion) 35C that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end of the upper side wall portion 35B.

[0059] The lid portion 35A defines the upper side of the battery housing space S3. The upper side wall portion 35B defines the upper outer side of the battery housing space S3 in the vehicle width direction. The upper side wall portion 35B covers the battery cell 31 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The upper flange portion 35C protrudes outward from the upper side wall portion 35B in the vehicle width direction.

[0060] The lower case 36 integrally comprises a bottom wall portion (storage space defining portion) 36A that covers the battery cell 31 from below, a lower side wall portion (storage space defining portion) 36B that bends upward from the outer end of the bottom wall portion 36A in the vehicle width direction, and a plate-shaped lower flange portion (projection portion) 36C that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer end of the lower side wall portion 36B in the vehicle width direction.

[0061] The bottom wall portion 36A defines the lower side of the battery housing space S3. The lower side wall portion 36B defines the lower outer side of the battery housing space S3 in the vehicle width direction. The lower side wall portion 36B covers the battery cell 31 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The lower flange portion 36C protrudes outward from the lower side wall portion 36B in the vehicle width direction.

[0062] The lid portion 35A and the upper side wall portion 35B of the upper cover 35 are located inward in the vehicle width direction compared to the rocker inner 41. Similarly, the bottom wall portion 36A and the lower side wall portion 36B of the lower case 36 are located inward in the vehicle width direction compared to the rocker inner 41. Thus, in this embodiment, a part of the battery case 32 is located between the pair of rocker portions 40. Specifically, the housing space defining portion of the battery case 32 (lid portion 35A, upper side wall portion 35B, bottom wall portion 36A, and lower side wall portion 36B) is located between the pair of rocker portions 40. On the other hand, the upper flange portion 35C and the lower flange portion 36C of the battery case 32 are not located between the pair of rocker portions 40.

[0063] The upper flange portion 35C of the upper cover 35 and the lower flange portion 36C of the lower case 36 are located below the rocker inner 41. The lower surface of the upper flange portion 35C and the upper surface of the lower flange portion 36C are in surface contact. Through holes (not shown) that penetrate in the vertical direction are formed in both the upper flange portion 35C and the lower flange portion 36C. The through holes in the upper flange portion 35C and the lower flange portion 36C are arranged to overlap when viewed in the vertical direction, and a connecting member 90 is inserted through the two through holes. The upper flange portion 35C and the lower flange portion 36C are connected by the connecting member 90.

[0064] The connecting member 90 extends in the vertical direction and penetrates multiple members. Specifically, the connecting member 90 penetrates, in order from the bottom, the rocker molding 70, the under panel 50, the lower flange portion 36C, the upper flange portion 35C, and the lower wall portion 41B. In other words, the connecting member 90 connects the rocker molding 70, the under panel 50, the battery case 32, and the rocker portion 40. The tip of the connecting member 90 is located in the lower space S1.

[0065] As described above, the coupling member 90 connects the battery case 32 and the rocker section 40 (specifically, the rocker inner 41). The coupling portion 100 in the battery case 32 (the portion that connects to the rocker section 40) is provided on the upper flange section 35C and the lower flange section 36C. Specifically, the coupling portion 100 is the portion of the upper flange section 35C and the lower flange section 36C through which the coupling member 90 is inserted. The coupling portion 100 is provided on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the rocker outer 42.

[0066] The under panel 50 is a plate-shaped member that covers the battery case 32 and a pair of rocker sections 40 from the lower side of the vehicle. The outer end of the under panel 50 in the vehicle width direction is located below the outer panel 49 of the rocker outer 42. The upper surface of the outer end of the under panel 50 in the vehicle width direction is in surface contact with the lower surface of the second lateral wall section 48D of the inner panel 48. Through holes (not shown in reference numerals) that penetrate vertically are formed in the outer end of the under panel 50 in the vehicle width direction and in the second lateral wall section 48D, respectively. The through holes in the outer end of the under panel 50 in the vehicle width direction and the second lateral wall section 48D are arranged to overlap when viewed vertically, and bolts 52 are inserted through the two through holes from below. The under panel 50 and the rocker outer 42 (specifically, the inner panel 48) are connected by bolts 52 and nuts 53 that are screwed onto the ends of the bolts 52.

[0067] Furthermore, a portion of the under panel 50 (specifically, the portion between the lower side wall 36B of the battery case 32 and the inner panel 48) constitutes a portion of the housing section 60. A high-voltage cable housing case 63 is fixed to the upper surface of the portion constituting the housing section 60.

[0068] Furthermore, the lower surface of the under panel 50 is in surface contact with the upper surface of the rocker mall 70. Both the under panel 50 and the rocker mall 70 have working holes (not shown in numerals) that penetrate vertically. The working holes in the under panel 50 and the through holes in the rocker mall 70 are arranged to overlap when viewed vertically, and the connecting member 90 is inserted through the working holes and the through holes. The under panel 50 and the rocker mall 70 are connected by the connecting member 90. The connecting member 90 is a connecting member that connects the battery case 32 and the rocker section 40, and also serves as a mounting member for attaching the rocker mall 70 to the under panel 50.

[0069] The diameter of the work hole formed in the under panel 50 is larger than the outer diameter of the connecting member 90. More specifically, the diameter of the work hole is long enough to allow the connecting member 90 to be connected to the upper flange portion 35C of the upper cover 35 and the lower flange portion 36C of the lower case 36, which are located above the work hole, when the connecting member 90 is inserted through the work hole.

[0070] A storage space S4 is provided in the storage section 60. The storage space S4 is provided between the battery case 32 and the rocker section 40. More specifically, the storage space S4 is provided between the lower side wall 35B of the battery case 32 and the rocker outer 42 of the rocker section 40. More specifically, the storage space S4 is provided inward in the vehicle width direction from the coupling section 100. The storage space S4 is provided below the coupling section 100. The storage space S4 is provided above the under panel 50. The storage space S4 is also provided below the rocker inner 41. The storage space S4 is also provided inward in the vehicle width direction from the rocker outer 42.

[0071] The storage space S4 is the space enclosed by the lower flange portion 36B of the lower case 36, the lower side wall portion 36B of the lower case 36, and the under panel 50, and is located inside the joint portion 100 in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the upper side of the storage space S4 is defined by the lower flange portion 36B. The inner side of the storage space S4 in the vehicle width direction is defined by the lower side wall portion 36B. The lower side of the storage space S4 is defined by the under panel 50. The outer side of the storage space S4 in the vehicle width direction is covered by the rocker portion 40 (specifically, the rocker outer 42).

[0072] The housing section 60 defines the housing space S4. Therefore, the housing section 60 includes the lower flange section 36B, the lower side wall section 36B, and the under panel 50.

[0073] The storage space S4 houses two high-voltage cables (contained items) 62 that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The two high-voltage cables 62 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The two high-voltage cables 62 are housed in a high-voltage cable storage case 63 and are placed in the storage space S4.

[0074] The rocker molding 70 covers the under panel 50 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The rocker molding 70 also covers the rocker section 40 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The upper end of the rocker molding 70 is in surface contact with the outer surface of the upper flange portion 49A of the outer panel 49 of the rocker outer 42. The lower end of the rocker molding 70 is in surface contact with the lower surface of the under panel 50.

[0075] [Effects / Effects] In this embodiment, the housing section 60 is provided between the battery case 32 and the rocker section 40. That is, the housing section 60 is provided on the outside of the battery case 32 in the vehicle width direction. This eliminates the need to provide the housing section 60 on the upper part of the battery case 32. Therefore, compared to the case where the housing section 60 is provided on the upper part of the battery case 32, the length of the battery case 32 in the vehicle vertical direction can be shortened. Thus, the battery case 32 can be made smaller. Consequently, the vehicle's understructure can be made smaller.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the housing section 60 is located inward in the vehicle width direction from the joint 100 between the rocker section 40 and the battery case 32. When an impacting object collides with the side of the vehicle (in other words, the outer portion in the vehicle width direction) (hereinafter referred to as "side impact"), a collision load is applied to the rocker section 40. The rocker section 40, upon receiving the load, is pressed inward in the vehicle width direction, but its movement inward in the vehicle width direction is suppressed at the joint 100. In this way, since the joint 100, which is located outward in the vehicle width direction from the housing section 60, suppresses the movement of the rocker section 40 inward in the vehicle width direction, the pressure on the housing space S4 (more specifically, the housing section 60 in which the housing space S4 is provided) by the rocker section 40 can be suppressed. Therefore, deformation of the housing section 60 can be suppressed. Thus, the high-voltage cable 62 housed in the housing section 60 can be protected.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the under panel 50 covers the battery case 32 and the rocker section 40 from the underside of the vehicle, and the housing section 60 is provided between the battery case 32 and the rocker section 40. Thus, in this embodiment, the outer end of the under panel 50 in the vehicle width direction is located further outward than the housing section 60 in the vehicle width direction. As a result, in the event of a side collision, the collision load is input to the under panel 50 before the housing section 60. In this way, since a portion of the collision load is input to the under panel 50, the collision load input to the housing section 60 can be reduced, and thus deformation of the housing section 60 can be suppressed. Therefore, the high-voltage cable 62 housed in the housing section 60 can be protected.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the under panel 50 covers the battery case 32 and the pair of rocker sections 40 from the underside of the vehicle. As a result, the underside of the vehicle is covered by a single component (under panel 50). Therefore, the airflow along the underside of the vehicle is streamlined. Consequently, the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle can be improved.

[0079] In this embodiment, the under panel 50 is connected to the lower part of the rocker section 40. As a result, in the event of a side collision, the movement of the rocker section 40 inward in the vehicle width direction is also suppressed by the under panel 50. Therefore, interference between the rocker section 40 and the housing section 60 becomes less likely. Thus, deformation of the housing section 60 is further suppressed, and the high-voltage cable 62 housed in the housing section 60 can be protected more effectively.

[0080] In this embodiment, the rocker section 40 has a hollow closed section 42A (a portion where the inner panel 48 and the outer panel 49 form a closed section) and a flange section 42B (such as a second side wall section 48D) provided below the closed section 42A. During a side collision, the closed section 42A of the rocker section 40 is displaced by collapsing to absorb the impact. Thus, the closed section 42A is displaced relatively large. On the other hand, the flange section 42B is plate-shaped and therefore displaces relatively small. In this embodiment, the under panel 50 is connected to the flange section 42B, which displaces relatively small during a side collision. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress the inward movement of the rocker section 40 in the vehicle width direction during a side collision. Therefore, interference between the rocker section 40 and the housing section 60 can be more effectively suppressed, and deformation of the housing section 60 can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, the high-voltage cable 62 housed in the housing section 60 can be more effectively protected.

[0081] In this embodiment, the second lateral wall portion 48C, which extends in the vehicle width direction, is connected to the under panel 50. The second lateral wall portion 48C has relatively high rigidity against loads in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the rigidity of the connection portion 100 between the under panel 50 and the rocker portion 40, which is provided on the second lateral wall portion 48C, can be improved. Consequently, the inward movement of the rocker portion 40 in the vehicle width direction can be more effectively suppressed. Thus, interference between the rocker portion 40 and the housing portion 60 can be more effectively suppressed, and deformation of the housing portion 60 can be more effectively suppressed. Consequently, the high-voltage cable 62 housed in the housing portion 60 can be more effectively protected.

[0082] In this embodiment, the housing section 60 is provided on the lower side of the vehicle of the rocker inner 41. Also, in this embodiment, the housing section 60 is provided on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the rocker outer 42. Thus, the housing section 60 is covered on the upper side of the vehicle by the rocker inner 41 and on the outside in the vehicle width direction by the rocker outer 42. Therefore, deformation of the housing section 60 can be suppressed more effectively. Thus, the high-voltage cable 62 housed in the housing section 60 can be protected more effectively.

[0083] In this embodiment, the bending stiffness of the rocker inner 41 is set higher than that of the rocker outer 42. As a result, in the event of a side impact, the rocker outer 42, which has lower bending stiffness, deforms before the rocker inner 41 and absorbs the impact. Therefore, the load transmitted to the housing section 60 located below the rocker inner 41 is reduced, and the deformation of the housing section 60 can be suppressed more effectively. Thus, the high-voltage cable 62 housed in the housing section 60 can be protected more effectively.

[0084] In this embodiment, the joint 100 between the battery case 32 and the rocker section 40 is located further inward in the vehicle width direction than the rocker outer 42. This prevents the rocker section 40 from moving inward in the vehicle width direction at the joint 100 after the rocker outer 42 has absorbed the impact during a side collision. Therefore, the load applied to the joint 100 can be suppressed, which in turn can more effectively suppress the movement of the rocker section 40, thus preventing interference between the rocker section 40 and the housing section 60. Consequently, deformation of the housing section 60 can be suppressed, thus protecting the high-voltage cable 62 housed in the housing section 60.

[0085] In this embodiment, the battery case 32 and the rocker inner 41 are connected by a connecting member 90 that passes through a through-hole in the under panel 50. As a result, in the event of a side impact, the load applied to the under panel 50 is applied to the battery case 32 via the connecting member 90. Therefore, deformation of the under panel 50 can be suppressed in the event of a side impact, and consequently, deformation of the housing section 60 can be suppressed. Thus, the high-voltage cable 62 housed in the housing section 60 can be protected.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the diameter of the through-hole is larger than the diameter of the connecting member 90. That is, a gap is formed between the edge of the through-hole and the connecting member 90. This gap allows the battery case 32 and the rocker inner 41 to be connected via the rocker inner 41. Therefore, the battery case 32 and the rocker inner 41 can be connected while the battery case 32 and the under panel 50 are fixed together. Thus, the assembly work of the vehicle's understructure can be facilitated.

[0087] In this embodiment, the under panel 50 is provided with a rocker molding 70 that covers it from the outside in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the housing section 60 is covered on the lower side by the under panel 50 and on the outside in the vehicle width direction by the rocker molding 70. Therefore, the high-voltage cables 62 housed in the housing section 60 can be protected from, for example, water droplets on the road surface.

[0088] The outer side of the battery case 32 in the vehicle width direction is susceptible to impact during a side collision. On the other hand, as described above, in this embodiment, damage to the high-voltage cable 62 can be suppressed during a side collision. As a result, even when the high-voltage cable 62 is housed in the housing portion 60 on the outer side of the battery case 32 in the vehicle width direction, the high-voltage cable 62 can be protected and safety can be improved.

[0089] In this embodiment, the housing section 60 is located inward and downward from the connecting section 100 in the vehicle width direction. This allows the battery case 32 to be connected to the rocker section 40 with the high-voltage cable 62 already housed in the housing section 60 and the under panel 50 attached to the battery case 32. Therefore, the assembly work of the vehicle's understructure can be simplified.

[0090] Although the vehicle understructure according to the embodiment has been described above, the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from its spirit.

[0091] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which a high-voltage cable 62 is housed in the housing section 60, but the present invention is not limited to this. The member housed in the housing section 60 may be any member that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and may be, for example, a harness, an air suspension hose, a brake hose, etc. Furthermore, when the present invention is applied to a PHEV, it may be an exhaust pipe through which exhaust gas discharged from the engine flows.

[0092] Furthermore, the method of joining the components is not limited to the methods described above. For example, components that are joined with bolts and nuts may be joined by welding. Conversely, components that are joined by welding may be joined with bolts and nuts.

[0093] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a case in which the pair of rocker sections 40 are symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane in the center of the vehicle width direction, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pair of rocker sections 40 may be provided in a position and shape that is not symmetrical with respect to the same plane.

[0094] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes an example in which the high-voltage cable 62 is housed in the housing section 60 while housed in the high-voltage cable housing case 63, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the high-voltage cable 62 may be housed in the housing section 60 without being housed in a case or the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 31 battery cells 32 Battery Case 35A Lid (part that defines the storage space) 35B Upper side wall section (section defining the accommodation space) 35C Upper flange portion (protruding portion) 36A Bottom wall section (section defining the accommodation space) 36B Lower side wall section (section defining the accommodation space) 36C Lower flange section 40 Locker Department 41 Rocka Inna 42 Rockaouta 42A Closed section 42B Flange section 48C 2nd vertical wall part (vertical wall part) 48D 2nd side wall part (side wall part) 50 Under Panels 60 Storage Units 62 High-voltage cables (contained items) 70 Rockamall 90 Connecting member 100 Joint

Claims

1. A pair of rocker sections extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle, A battery case having a coupling portion that connects to the rocker portion, positioned between a pair of the rocker portions, and housing a battery cell, An under panel that covers the battery case and the pair of rocker sections from the lower side of the vehicle, It has a housing portion located between the battery case and the rocker portion, which is located inward in the vehicle width direction from the coupling portion and above the under panel, The aforementioned storage compartment is a vehicle understructure that houses items extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

2. The under panel is coupled to the rocker section, as described in claim 1.

3. The rocker portion has a hollow closed section portion, the cross-section of which is a closed section when cut by a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a plate-shaped flange portion provided below the closed section portion. The under panel is coupled to the flange portion, as described in claim 2.

4. The flange portion has a vertical wall portion extending in the vertical direction of the vehicle and a horizontal wall portion extending from the vertical wall portion in the vehicle width direction. The under panel is connected to the side wall portion, as described in claim 3, for the vehicle understructure.

5. The rocker section comprises a rocker inner and a rocker outer provided on the outside in the vehicle width direction of the rocker inner. The lower end of the rocker outer is positioned lower on the vehicle side than the lower end of the rocker inner. The aforementioned housing is provided on the lower side of the rocker inner and on the inside in the vehicle width direction of the rocker outer, The vehicle understructure according to claim 1, wherein the end of the under panel is connected to the lower part of the rocker outer.

6. The vehicle understructure according to claim 5, wherein the bending rigidity of the rocker inner is higher than that of the rocker outer.

7. The vehicle understructure according to claim 5, wherein the coupling portion of the battery case is provided further inward in the vehicle width direction than the rocker outer.

8. It has a connecting member that connects the battery case and the rocker inner, The connecting member is inserted through the through hole formed in the under panel from the lower side of the vehicle. The vehicle understructure according to claim 7, wherein the diameter of the through hole is larger than the diameter of the connecting member.

9. The aforementioned under panel is provided with a rocker molding that covers it from the outside in the vehicle width direction, The vehicle understructure according to claim 8, wherein the connecting member also serves as a mounting member for attaching the rocker molding to the under panel.

10. The vehicle understructure according to claim 1, wherein the housing has a cable.

11. The vehicle understructure according to claim 1, wherein the housing portion is provided inward in the vehicle width direction and downward on the vehicle side compared to the connecting portion.

12. The battery case has a storage space defining portion that defines a battery storage space in which the battery cells are housed, and a protruding portion that extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the storage space defining portion. The vehicle understructure according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is provided on the protruding portion.

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