Battery pack protection structure

Abstract

To provide a battery pack protection structure that can protect the battery pack from loads acting on it from the rear. [Solution] A first rib 47A is provided on the inner surface of the upper surface 45 of the cover 40, extending forward from the rear end of the upper surface 45 of the cover 40. A second rib 47B is provided on the inner surface of the rear surface 42 of the cover 40, continuous with the first rib 47A and extending downward from the first rib 47A at the rear end of the upper surface 45 of the cover 40. The first rib 47A has a protrusion 47C that projects downward to a position where the exhaust duct 20 and the rear surface 42 of the cover 40 face each other in the front-rear direction. The lower end of the protrusion 47C is located below the upper end of the exhaust duct 20 in the vehicle's vertical direction, and the shortest distance D1 between the protrusion 47C and the bracket 30 is shorter than the shortest distance D2 between the second rib 47B and the exhaust duct 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protection structure for a battery pack.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle in which a battery is mounted on a floor panel. The battery is arranged in a space surrounded by a closed-section member disposed on the floor panel, and the closed-section member communicates with the outside of the vehicle. An air discharge hole is formed at a predetermined position corresponding to the battery in the closed-section member, and a cooling structure for a vehicle battery is disclosed. In this cooling structure for a vehicle battery, the closed-section member includes a side sill portion, a plurality of front and rear cross member portions, and a floor tunnel portion, and these surround the battery. In addition, a seat fixing portion is provided in the cross member portion, and a seat is disposed above the battery.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the battery pack may be damaged by a load acting on the battery pack from the rear. That is, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the battery is mounted below the front seat, and a load may act on the battery pack from the rear due to the footrest or kicking by the occupant of the rear seat, and the battery pack may be damaged.

[0005] This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a battery pack protection structure that can protect the battery pack from loads acting on it from the rear. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a protective structure for a battery pack in a vehicle, comprising: a floor panel constituting the floor surface of the vehicle compartment; a battery pack positioned below the front seat on one side in the vehicle width direction of the upper surface of the floor panel; a bracket covering the battery pack and fixed to the floor panel; an exhaust port formed on one side in the vehicle width direction of the bracket on the floor panel and communicating with the outside of the vehicle compartment below the floor panel; a battery connection portion connected to the rear surface of the battery pack; an exhaust port connection portion connected to the exhaust port; and a hose portion connecting the battery connection portion and the exhaust port connection portion, wherein the exhaust port is formed near one side surface in the vehicle width direction of the bracket on the floor panel, and the hose portion extends from the battery connection portion to one side in the vehicle width direction along the rear surface of the bracket. The bracket and the exhaust duct are curved at one end in the width direction and extend forward of the vehicle before being connected to the exhaust port connection. The bracket and the exhaust duct are covered from above and the sides by a cover. The upper surface of the cover faces the bracket and the exhaust duct in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the rear surface of the cover faces the bracket and the exhaust duct in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A first rib is provided on the inner surface of the upper surface of the cover, extending forward from the rear end of the upper surface of the cover. A second rib is provided on the inner surface of the rear surface of the cover, continuous with the first rib and extending downward from the first rib at the rear end of the upper surface of the cover. The first rib has a protrusion that projects downward to a position where the exhaust duct and the rear surface of the cover face each other in the longitudinal direction. The lower end of the protrusion is located below the upper end of the exhaust duct in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the shortest distance between the protrusion and the bracket is shorter than the shortest distance between the second rib and the exhaust duct. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery pack protection structure that can protect the battery pack from loads acting on it from the rear. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a plan view of a vehicle equipped with a battery pack protection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a battery pack and cover equipped with a protective structure for a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a battery pack equipped with a protective structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a plan view of a battery pack and cover equipped with a battery pack protection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a rear view of a battery pack and cover equipped with a protective structure for a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the inner surface of a battery pack cover equipped with a protective structure for a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the VII-VII line of the protective structure of the battery pack shown in Figure 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A battery pack protection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle battery pack protection structure comprising: a floor panel constituting the floor surface of the passenger compartment; a battery pack positioned below the front seat on one side in the vehicle width direction of the upper surface of the floor panel; a bracket covering the battery pack and fixed to the floor panel; an exhaust port formed on one side in the vehicle width direction of the bracket on the floor panel and communicating with the outside of the passenger compartment below the floor panel; a battery connection portion connected to the rear surface of the battery pack; an exhaust port connection portion connected to the exhaust port; and a hose portion connecting the battery connection portion and the exhaust port connection portion, wherein the exhaust port is formed near one side surface in the vehicle width direction of the bracket on the floor panel, and the hose portion extends along the rear surface of the bracket from the battery connection portion in the vehicle width direction. The structure extends in one direction, curves at one end in the vehicle width direction of the bracket, extends forward of the vehicle, and is connected to the exhaust port connection. The bracket and exhaust duct are covered from above and the sides by a cover. The upper surface of the cover faces the bracket and exhaust duct in the vehicle vertical direction, and the rear surface of the cover faces the bracket and exhaust duct in the vehicle longitudinal direction. A first rib is provided on the inner surface of the upper surface of the cover, extending forward from the rear end of the upper surface of the cover. A second rib is provided on the inner surface of the rear surface of the cover, continuous with the first rib and extending downward from the first rib at the rear end of the upper surface of the cover. The first rib has a protrusion that projects downward to a position where the exhaust duct and the rear surface of the cover face each other in the longitudinal direction. The lower end of the protrusion is located below the upper end of the exhaust duct in the vehicle vertical direction, and the shortest distance between the protrusion and the bracket is shorter than the shortest distance between the second rib and the exhaust duct. Thus, the battery pack protection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention can protect the battery pack from loads acting on the battery pack from the rear. [Examples]

[0010] The following describes a battery pack protection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 7 show the battery pack protection structure according to one embodiment of the present invention. In Figures 1 to 7, the directions indicated by up, down, right, and left are the directions as viewed from the driver's seat.

[0011] First, let's explain the configuration. In Figure 1, vehicle 1 has a body 2. The body 2 has a floor panel 3, and the floor panel 3 constitutes the floor surface of the passenger compartment 8.

[0012] A floor tunnel 4 extending in the longitudinal direction is provided in the center of the floor panel 3 in the vehicle width direction. The floor tunnel 4 protrudes upward in a trapezoidal shape. Left and right side sills 9L and 9R extending in the longitudinal direction are provided at both ends of the floor panel 3 in the vehicle width direction.

[0013] The floor panel 3 is provided with seat cross members 5 and 6 that extend in the vehicle width direction. The seat cross members 5 and 6 support the front seats 7 via seat rails (not shown).

[0014] The seat cross members 5 and 6 are connected to the floor tunnel 4 and the left and right side sills 9L and 9R, respectively, and protrude upward in a trapezoidal shape. The seat cross member 6 is located behind the seat cross member 5.

[0015] The right front seat 7 is located on one side (the right side) of the upper surface of the floor panel 3 in the vehicle width direction. The right side (the right side) of the upper surface of the floor panel 3 in the vehicle width direction refers to the portion of the floor panel 3 enclosed by the floor tunnel 4 and the right side sill 9R. The battery pack 10 is located on the upper surface of the floor panel 3 below the front seat 7.

[0016] The battery pack 10 is disposed between the front and rear seat cross members 5 and 6. The battery pack 10 is a assembled battery formed by combining a plurality of battery modules each composed of a plurality of cells (not shown). The battery pack 10 supplies electric power of, for example, 48V to electrical components (not shown) and a motor etc. of the vehicle 1.

[0017] An exhaust port 3A (see FIG. 4) is formed in the floor panel 3. The exhaust port 3A communicates with the outside of the vehicle cabin below the floor panel 3. The exhaust port 3A is formed in the vicinity of one side surface (right side surface) in the vehicle width direction of the bracket 30 on the floor panel 3.

[0018] In FIG. 3, the battery pack 10 is covered by the bracket 30. The bracket 30 is fixed to the floor panel 3.

[0019] In FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, the battery pack 10 covered by the bracket 30 is further covered by a resin cover 40.

[0020] In FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the bracket 30 has a front surface 31 covering the front surface of the battery pack 10, a rear surface 32 covering the rear surface of the battery pack 10, a left side surface 33 covering the left side surface of the battery pack 10, a right side surface 34 covering the right side surface of the battery pack 10, an upper surface 35 covering the upper surface of the battery pack 10, and a bottom surface 36 covering the bottom surface of the battery pack 10.

[0021] Further, the bracket 30 has a front leg portion 37 fixed to the upper surface of the seat cross member 5, a rear leg portion 38 fixed to the upper surface of the floor panel 3 in the vicinity behind the battery pack 10, and a left leg portion 39 fixed to the upper surface of the floor panel 3 in the vicinity to the left of the battery pack 10.

[0022] Further, the bracket 30 has a lower bracket 30A covering the bottom surface and the lower part of the side surfaces of the battery pack 10, and an upper bracket 30B covering the upper surface and the upper part of the side surfaces of the battery pack 10 and overlapping with the lower bracket on the side surface of the battery pack 10.

[0023] In Figure 3, a smoke exhaust duct 20 is connected to the battery pack 10, and the smoke exhaust duct 20 discharges the gas generated by the battery pack 10 to the outside of the vehicle. The smoke exhaust duct 20 has a battery connection part 21 connected to the rear of the battery pack 10, an exhaust port connection part 22 connected to the exhaust port 3A, and a hose part 23 connecting the battery connection part 21 and the exhaust port connection part 22. The battery connection part 21 and the exhaust port connection part 22 are made of hard resin, and the hose part 23 is made of rubber.

[0024] The hose section 23 extends from the battery connection section 21 along the rear surface 32 of the bracket 30 in one direction in the vehicle width direction, curves at one end of the bracket 30 in the vehicle width direction, extends forward of the vehicle, and is then connected to the exhaust port connection section 22.

[0025] In Figures 2, 4, and 5, the bracket 30 and the smoke exhaust duct 20 are covered from above and from the side by the cover 40.

[0026] The front surface 41 of the cover 40 covers the bracket 30 from the front and is opposed to the front surface 31 of the bracket 30 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0027] The rear surface 42 of the cover 40 covers the bracket 30 from the rear and faces the rear surface 32 of the bracket 30 and the exhaust duct 20 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0028] The left side surface 43 of the cover 40 covers the bracket 30 from the left and is opposite the left side surface 33 of the bracket 30 in the vehicle width direction.

[0029] The right side surface 44 of the cover 40 covers the bracket 30 from the right and is opposite the right side surface 34 of the bracket 30 in the vehicle width direction.

[0030] The upper surface 45 of the cover 40 covers the bracket 30 from above and faces the upper surface 35 of the bracket 30 and the exhaust duct 20 in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the portion of the upper surface 45 of the cover 40 near the left end is fixed to the portion of the upper surface 35 of the bracket 30 near the left end by a clip 51. The portion of the upper surface 45 of the cover 40 near the right end is fixed to the portion of the upper surface 35 of the bracket 30 near the right end by a clip 52. Furthermore, the portion of the front surface 41 of the cover 40 near the right end forms a projection 47 that protrudes forward, and this projection 47 covers the front leg portion 37 of the bracket 30 from above. A triangular projection (not shown) is formed on the inner surface of the front end of the projection 47, which engages with the front end of the front leg portion 37, and the projection 47 of the cover 40 is locked by the front leg portion 37. In this way, the cover 40 is fixed to the bracket 30 at three points.

[0032] As shown in Figures 4, 6, and 7, in this embodiment, a first rib 47A is provided on the inner surface of the upper surface 45 of the cover 40, extending forward from the rear end of the upper surface 45 of the cover 40. A second rib 47B is provided on the inner surface of the rear surface 42 of the cover 40, continuous with the first rib 47A, and extending downward from the first rib 47A at the rear end of the upper surface 45 of the cover 40.

[0033] Three first ribs 47A are positioned opposite the exhaust duct 20 in the front-to-back direction. Three second ribs 47B are positioned opposite the exhaust duct 20 in the up-to-down direction.

[0034] In Figures 6 and 7, the first rib 47A has a protrusion 47C that projects downward to a position where the exhaust duct 20 and the rear surface 42 of the cover 40 face each other in the front-rear direction. The lower end of the protrusion 47C is located below the upper end of the exhaust duct 20 in the vehicle's vertical direction.

[0035] In Figure 7, the shortest distance D1 between the protrusion 47C and the bracket 30 is shorter than the shortest distance D2 between the second rib 47B and the exhaust duct 20.

[0036] The rear surface 42 of the cover 40 is sloped downwards so as it moves away from the exhaust duct 20.

[0037] The upper surface of the bracket 30 has a first upper surface 35A that is in close proximity to and facing the first rib 47A in the vertical direction, a second upper surface 35B that is positioned higher than the first upper surface 35A, and a boundary portion 35C that forms a step between the first upper surface 35A and the second upper surface 35B.

[0038] A seat cross member 6 is provided on the upper surface of the floor panel 3 at the rear end of the battery pack 10, extending in the vehicle width direction and supporting the front seat 7, and the lower end of the rear surface 42 of the cover 40 is located near the top of the seat cross member 6.

[0039] A third rib 48B is provided on the inner surface of the rear surface 42 of the cover 40, which is continuous with the rear end of the upper surface 45 of the cover 40 and extends downward from the upper end to the lower end of the rear surface 42 of the cover 40.

[0040] On the inner surface of the upper surface 45 of the cover 40, there is a fourth rib 48A that is continuous with the third rib 48B and extends forward from the rear end of the upper surface 45 of the cover 40. The third rib 48B and the fourth rib 48A are positioned so as not to face the exhaust duct 20 in the front-rear and up-down directions, and do not interfere with the exhaust duct 20.

[0041] As described above, in this embodiment, the exhaust port 3A is formed near one side surface of the bracket 30 in the vehicle width direction on the floor panel 3, the hose portion 23 extends from the battery connection portion 21 along the rear surface 32 of the bracket 30 in one direction in the vehicle width direction, curves at one end of the bracket 30 in the vehicle width direction and extends forward of the vehicle before being connected to the exhaust port connection portion 22. Furthermore, the bracket 30 and the exhaust duct 20 are covered from above and the side by the cover 40, the upper surface 45 of the cover 40 faces the bracket 30 and the exhaust duct 20 in the vehicle vertical direction, and the rear surface 42 of the cover 40 faces the bracket 30 and the exhaust duct 20 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Furthermore, a first rib 47A is provided on the inner surface of the upper surface 45 of the cover 40, extending forward from the rear end of the upper surface 45 of the cover 40. A second rib 47B is provided on the inner surface of the rear surface 42 of the cover 40, continuous with the first rib 47A and extending downward from the first rib 47A at the rear end of the upper surface 45 of the cover 40. The first rib 47A has a protrusion 47C that projects downward to a position where the exhaust duct 20 and the rear surface 42 of the cover 40 face each other in the front-rear direction. The lower end of the protrusion 47C is located below the upper end of the exhaust duct 20 in the vehicle's vertical direction, and the shortest distance D1 between the protrusion 47C and the bracket 30 is shorter than the shortest distance D2 between the second rib 47B and the exhaust duct 20.

[0042] As a result, the rigidity of the rear of the cover 40 is improved by the first rib 47A and the second rib 47B, which prevents deformation of the rear of the cover 40 due to foot placement or kicking by rear seat occupants, and protects the exhaust duct 20 behind the bracket 30. In addition, since the shortest distance D1 between the protrusion 47C and the bracket 30 is shorter than the shortest distance D2 between the second rib 47B and the exhaust duct 20, if the rear surface 42 of the cover 40 is deformed due to load from foot placement or kicking by rear seat occupants, the bracket 30 will contact the protrusion 47C and absorb the load before the second rib 47B contacts the exhaust duct 20, thus preventing the second rib 47B from contacting the exhaust duct 20. As a result, the battery pack 10 can be protected from loads acting on it from the rear.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear surface 42 of the cover 40 is inclined so as it extends downward, it moves away from the exhaust duct 20.

[0044] This allows for a longer distance to be maintained between the rear surface 42 of the cover 40 and the exhaust duct 20 when they face each other in the front-to-back direction, thereby preventing the second rib 47B from coming into contact with the exhaust duct 20.

[0045] In this embodiment, the upper surface of the bracket 30 has a first upper surface 35A that is close to and faces the first rib 47A in the vertical direction, a second upper surface 35B that is positioned higher than the first upper surface 35A, and a boundary portion 35C that forms a step between the first upper surface 35A and the second upper surface 35B.

[0046] This ensures that the length of the first rib 47A in the vehicle's longitudinal direction is maintained, thereby improving the strength of the cover 40. In addition, the step at the boundary 35C between the first upper surface 35A and the second upper surface 35B, which are of different heights, functions as a reinforcing bead, thereby improving the rigidity of the upper surface of the bracket 30.

[0047] Furthermore, the step at the boundary portion 35C prevents the upper surface of the bracket 30 from interfering with the first rib 47A on the upper surface 45 of the cover 40, while allowing the first rib 47A to be formed on the cover 40. This allows the position of the upper surface of the cover 40 to be kept low, preventing the battery pack 10, including the cover 40, from becoming larger.

[0048] In this embodiment, a seat cross member 6 is provided on the upper surface of the floor panel 3 at the rear end of the battery pack 10, extending in the vehicle width direction and supporting the front seat 7, and the lower end of the rear surface 42 of the cover 40 is positioned near the upper part of the seat cross member 6.

[0049] As a result, when the rear surface 42 of the cover 40 is displaced downward due to loads such as feet resting on it or kicking it by rear seat occupants, the seat cross member 6 can catch the rear surface 42, preventing the rear surface 42 of the cover 40 from being displaced further downward, thereby suppressing contact between the second rib 47B and the exhaust duct 20.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a third rib 48B is provided on the inner surface of the rear surface 42 of the cover 40, which is continuous with the rear end of the upper surface 45 of the cover 40 and extends downward from the upper end to the lower end of the rear surface 42 of the cover 40.

[0051] As a result, the third rib 48B extending from the upper end to the lower end of the rear surface 42 of the cover 40 improves the overall rigidity of the rear surface 42. Therefore, when the rear surface 42 is displaced downward due to a load and abuts against the seat cross member 6, it is possible to suppress the second rib 47B from contacting the exhaust duct 20 due to the deflection or deformation of the rear surface 42.

[0052] While embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. All such modifications and equivalents are intended to be included in the following claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0053] 1 vehicle 3 Floor Panels 3A Exhaust port 6-seat crossmember 7 Front Seats 8 Cabin 10 Battery Packs 20 Smoke exhaust duct 21 Battery connection 22 Exhaust port connection 23 Hose section 30 brackets 32 Rear 34 Right side (one side in the direction of the vehicle width) 35 Top side 35A 1st top surface 35B 2nd top surface 35C Boundary 40 Cover 42 Rear 45 Top 47A First Rib 47B Second Rib 47C protrusion 48B Third Rib D1 Shortest distance D2 Shortest distance

Claims

1. The floor panel that makes up the floor surface of the vehicle interior, On one side of the upper surface of the floor panel in the vehicle width direction, a battery pack is positioned below the front seat, A bracket that covers the battery pack and is fixed to the floor panel, An exhaust port is formed on one side of the bracket in the vehicle width direction of the floor panel, and communicates with the outside of the vehicle compartment below the floor panel, A protective structure for a battery pack in a vehicle comprising a battery connection portion connected to the rear surface of the battery pack, an exhaust port connection portion connected to the exhaust port, and a hose portion connecting the battery connection portion and the exhaust port connection portion, and an exhaust duct for discharging gas generated by the battery pack to the outside of the vehicle compartment, The exhaust port is formed near one side surface of the bracket in the vehicle width direction on the floor panel. The hose portion extends from the battery connection portion along the rear surface of the bracket in one direction in the vehicle width direction, curves at one end of the bracket in the vehicle width direction, extends forward of the vehicle, and is then connected to the exhaust port connection portion. The bracket and the smoke exhaust duct are covered from above and from the side by covers. The upper surface of the cover faces the bracket and the exhaust duct in the vertical direction of the vehicle, The rear surface of the cover faces the bracket and the exhaust duct in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, A first rib is provided on the inner surface of the upper surface of the cover, extending forward from the rear end of the upper surface of the cover. A second rib is provided on the inner surface of the rear surface of the cover, which is continuous with the first rib and extends downward from the first rib at the rear end of the upper surface of the cover. The first rib has a protrusion that projects downward to a position where the exhaust duct and the rear surface of the cover face each other in the front-rear direction. The lower end of the aforementioned protrusion is located below the upper end of the exhaust duct in the vertical direction of the vehicle. A battery pack protection structure characterized in that the shortest distance between the protrusion and the bracket is shorter than the shortest distance between the second rib and the exhaust duct.

2. The battery pack protection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear surface of the cover is sloped so as it moves downward, it moves away from the exhaust duct.

3. The protective structure for a battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper surface of the bracket has a first upper surface that is in close proximity to and facing the first rib in the vertical direction, a second upper surface that is positioned higher than the first upper surface, and a boundary portion that forms a step between the first upper surface and the second upper surface.

4. A seat cross member is provided on the upper surface of the floor panel at the rear end of the battery pack, extending in the vehicle width direction and supporting the front seat. The battery pack protection structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the lower end of the rear surface of the cover is positioned near the upper part of the sheet cross member.

5. The battery pack protection structure according to claim 4, characterized in that a third rib is provided on the inner surface of the rear surface of the cover, which is continuous with the rear end of the upper surface of the cover and extends downward from the upper end to the lower end of the rear surface of the cover.

Images