Vehicle front structure

Abstract

To provide a front structure of a vehicle capable of cooling a battery mounted in a compartment of a front part of a vehicle with high efficiency.SOLUTION: A front structure of a vehicle has a first heat exchanger 12, a second heat exchanger 13, a propeller fan 14, and a battery 15 provided on a compartment 1a. The second heat exchanger 13 is mounted below the first heat exchanger 12, and is configured so that a temperature of air heat-exchanged by the second heat exchanger 13 is lower than a temperature of air heat-exchanged by the first heat exchanger 12. The propeller fan 14 is mounted behind the first heat exchanger 12 and the second heat exchanger 13, and is rotationally driven to guide the air taken in from an air intake part ahead of the heat exchangers to a rear side. The battery 15 is mounted behind the propeller fan 14, and is arranged on the right side in a vehicle width direction in an off-set state. The propeller fan 14 is configured to be rotationally driven at right round (clockwise) in front view from a vehicle front side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a front structure of a vehicle, and in particular to a structure relating to cooling of a battery. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles are equipped with batteries to start the engine and drive auxiliary devices. Conventionally, batteries are installed in a compartment at the front of the vehicle. Since batteries generate power through electrochemical reactions, it is important to cool the battery so that its temperature does not exceed a certain temperature. If the battery temperature exceeds a certain temperature, problems such as reduced performance and shortened lifespan may occur.

[0003] A radiator fan mounted in front of the battery inside the compartment has been conventionally used as a means for cooling the battery (Patent Document 1). When the radiator fan is driven, outside air is taken in from an opening in the front of the compartment, passes through the radiator, and flows to the rear of the compartment. The battery, which is located behind the radiator fan inside the compartment, is then cooled by the air that has been sent in. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-179308 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, hybrid electric vehicles have become widespread, and the number of devices consuming electric power in vehicles has increased. This increases the load on the battery in the vehicle. Therefore, there is a demand for a more efficient means of cooling the battery in the vehicle.

[0006] Lead-acid batteries have traditionally been used as batteries mounted on vehicles, but in recent years, replacement with nonaqueous electrolyte batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, which have higher energy efficiency than lead-acid batteries, has been considered. Nonaqueous electrolyte batteries have a higher energy density than lead-acid batteries, making them smaller and lighter, allowing for smaller and lighter vehicles overall and greater freedom in vehicle design. However, from the standpoint of performance and life, it is more important with nonaqueous electrolyte batteries than with lead-acid batteries to control the temperature so that the battery temperature does not exceed a certain temperature.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a front structure of a vehicle that can highly efficiently cool a battery mounted in a compartment at the front of the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A vehicle front structure according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a compartment, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a propeller fan, and a battery. The compartment is provided in a front part of the vehicle and has an air intake part that takes in air from the front of the vehicle. The first heat exchanger is mounted in a front part of the compartment and exchanges heat between a heat medium circulating inside the compartment and the air to heat the air. The second heat exchanger is disposed adjacent to the first heat exchanger and exchanges heat between a heat medium circulating inside the compartment and the air to heat the air to a temperature lower than that of the air heated by the first heat exchanger. The propeller fan is mounted behind the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the compartment so as to overlap both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and is rotationally driven to guide the air taken in from the air intake part through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to the rear side of the compartment. The battery is mounted rearward of the propeller fan within the compartment.

[0009] In the vehicle front structure according to the present aspect, the second heat exchanger is disposed below the first heat exchanger, and the battery is disposed offset to the right in the vehicle width direction. Also, in the vehicle front structure according to the present aspect, the propeller fan is configured to rotate clockwise when viewed from the front side of the vehicle.

[0010] In the vehicle front structure according to the above embodiment, the second heat exchanger that heats air to a relatively low temperature is disposed below the first heat exchanger, and the propeller fan is configured to rotate rightward (clockwise) when viewed from the front. As the propeller fan rotates rightward in this manner, the propeller of the propeller fan moves rightward behind the second heat exchanger. Therefore, the relatively low-temperature air heated by the second heat exchanger is blown toward the right side in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the compartment by the rotational drive of the propeller fan. Then, the relatively low-temperature air sent to the rear is guided to the battery that is offset to the right at the rear of the compartment. Therefore, in the vehicle front structure according to the above embodiment, the battery can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0011] A vehicle front structure according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a compartment, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a propeller fan, and a battery. The compartment is provided in a front part of the vehicle and has an air intake part that takes in air from the front of the vehicle. The first heat exchanger is mounted in a front part of the compartment and exchanges heat between a heat medium circulating inside the compartment and the air to heat the air. The second heat exchanger is disposed adjacent to the first heat exchanger and exchanges heat between a heat medium circulating inside the compartment and the air to heat the air to a temperature lower than that of the air heated by the first heat exchanger. The propeller fan is mounted behind the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the compartment so as to overlap both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and is rotationally driven to guide the air taken in from the air intake part through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to the rear side of the compartment. The battery is mounted rearward of the propeller fan within the compartment.

[0012] In the vehicle front structure according to the present aspect, the second heat exchanger is disposed below the first heat exchanger, and the battery is disposed offset to the left in the vehicle width direction. Also, in the vehicle front structure according to the present aspect, the propeller fan is configured to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the front side of the vehicle.

[0013] In the vehicle front structure according to the above embodiment, the second heat exchanger that heats air to a relatively low temperature is disposed below the first heat exchanger, and the propeller fan is configured to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the front. By rotating the propeller fan counterclockwise in this manner, the propeller of the propeller fan moves leftward behind the second heat exchanger. Therefore, the relatively low-temperature air heated by the second heat exchanger is blown toward the left side in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the compartment by the rotational drive of the propeller fan. Then, the relatively low-temperature air sent to the rear is guided to the battery that is offset to the left behind the compartment. Therefore, in the vehicle front structure according to the above embodiment, the battery can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0014] A vehicle front structure according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a compartment, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a propeller fan, and a battery. The compartment is provided in a front part of the vehicle and has an air intake part that takes in air from the front of the vehicle. The first heat exchanger is mounted in a front part of the compartment and exchanges heat between a heat medium circulating inside the compartment and the air to heat the air. The second heat exchanger is disposed adjacent to the first heat exchanger and exchanges heat between a heat medium circulating inside the compartment and the air to heat the air to a temperature lower than that of the air heated by the first heat exchanger. The propeller fan is mounted behind the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the compartment so as to overlap both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and is rotationally driven to guide the air taken in from the air intake part through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to the rear side of the compartment. The battery is mounted rearward of the propeller fan within the compartment.

[0015] In the vehicle front structure according to the present aspect, the second heat exchanger is disposed above the first heat exchanger, and the battery is disposed offset to the right in the vehicle width direction. Also, in the vehicle front structure according to the present aspect, the propeller fan is configured to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the front side of the vehicle.

[0016] In the vehicle front structure according to the above embodiment, the second heat exchanger that heats air to a relatively low temperature is disposed above the first heat exchanger, and the propeller fan is configured to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the front. By rotating the propeller fan counterclockwise in this manner, the propeller of the propeller fan moves rightward behind the second heat exchanger. Therefore, the relatively low-temperature air heated by the second heat exchanger is blown toward the right side in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the compartment by the rotational drive of the propeller fan. Then, the relatively low-temperature air sent to the rear is guided to the battery that is offset to the right at the rear of the compartment. Therefore, in the vehicle front structure according to the above embodiment, the battery can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0017] A vehicle front structure according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a compartment, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a propeller fan, and a battery. The compartment is provided in a front part of the vehicle and has an air intake part that takes in air from the front of the vehicle. The first heat exchanger is mounted in a front part of the compartment and exchanges heat between a heat medium circulating inside the compartment and the air to heat the air. The second heat exchanger is disposed adjacent to the first heat exchanger and exchanges heat between a heat medium circulating inside the compartment and the air to heat the air to a temperature lower than that of the air heated by the first heat exchanger. The propeller fan is mounted behind the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the compartment so as to overlap both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and is rotationally driven to guide the air taken in from the air intake part through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to the rear side of the compartment. The battery is mounted rearward of the propeller fan within the compartment.

[0018] In the vehicle front structure according to the present aspect, the second heat exchanger is disposed above the first heat exchanger, and the battery is disposed offset to the left in the vehicle width direction. Also, in the vehicle front structure according to the present aspect, the propeller fan is configured to rotate clockwise when viewed from the front side of the vehicle.

[0019] In the vehicle front structure according to the above embodiment, the second heat exchanger that heats air to a relatively low temperature is disposed above the first heat exchanger, and the propeller fan is configured to rotate rightward (clockwise) when viewed from the front. As the propeller fan rotates rightward in this manner, the propeller of the propeller fan moves leftward behind the second heat exchanger. Therefore, the relatively low-temperature air heated by the second heat exchanger is blown toward the left side in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the compartment by the rotational drive of the propeller fan. Then, the relatively low-temperature air sent to the rear is guided to the battery that is offset to the left at the rear of the compartment. Therefore, in the vehicle front structure according to the above embodiment, the battery can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0020] A vehicle front structure according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a compartment, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a propeller fan, and a battery. The compartment is provided in a front part of the vehicle and has an air intake part that takes in air from the front of the vehicle. The first heat exchanger is mounted in a front part of the compartment and exchanges heat between a heat medium circulating inside the compartment and the air to heat the air. The second heat exchanger is disposed adjacent to the first heat exchanger and exchanges heat between a heat medium circulating inside the compartment and the air to heat the air to a temperature lower than that of the air heated by the first heat exchanger. The propeller fan is mounted behind the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the compartment so as to overlap both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and is rotationally driven to guide the air taken in from the air intake part through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to the rear side of the compartment. The battery is mounted rearward of the propeller fan within the compartment.

[0021] In the vehicle front structure according to the present aspect, the second heat exchanger is disposed to the left of the first heat exchanger, and the battery is disposed offset to the right in the vehicle width direction. Also, in the vehicle front structure according to the present aspect, the propeller fan is configured to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the front side of the vehicle.

[0022] In the vehicle front structure according to the above embodiment, the second heat exchanger that heats air to a relatively low temperature is disposed to the left of the first heat exchanger, and the propeller fan is configured to rotate counterclockwise when viewed from the front. By rotating the propeller fan counterclockwise in this manner, the propeller of the propeller fan moves rightward at the rear upper part of the second heat exchanger. Therefore, the relatively low-temperature air heated by the second heat exchanger is blown toward the right side in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the compartment by the rotational drive of the propeller fan. Then, the relatively low-temperature air sent to the rear is guided to the battery that is offset to the right at the rear of the compartment. Therefore, in the vehicle front structure according to the above embodiment, the battery can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0023] A vehicle front structure according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a compartment, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a propeller fan, and a battery. The compartment is provided in a front part of the vehicle and has an air intake part that takes in air from the front of the vehicle. The first heat exchanger is mounted in a front part of the compartment and exchanges heat between a heat medium circulating inside the compartment and the air to heat the air. The second heat exchanger is disposed adjacent to the first heat exchanger and exchanges heat between a heat medium circulating inside the compartment and the air to heat the air to a temperature lower than that of the air heated by the first heat exchanger. The propeller fan is mounted behind the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the compartment so as to overlap both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and is rotationally driven to guide the air taken in from the air intake part through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to the rear side of the compartment. The battery is mounted rearward of the propeller fan within the compartment.

[0024] In the vehicle front structure according to the present aspect, the second heat exchanger is disposed to the right of the first heat exchanger, and the battery is disposed offset to the left in the vehicle width direction. Also, in the vehicle front structure according to the present aspect, the propeller fan is configured to rotate clockwise when viewed from the front side of the vehicle.

[0025] In the vehicle front structure according to the above embodiment, the second heat exchanger that heats air to a relatively low temperature is disposed to the right of the first heat exchanger, and the propeller fan is configured to rotate rightward (clockwise) when viewed from the front. As the propeller fan rotates rightward in this manner, the propeller of the propeller fan moves leftward at the rear upper part of the second heat exchanger. Therefore, the relatively low-temperature air heated by the second heat exchanger is blown toward the left side in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the compartment by the rotational drive of the propeller fan. Then, the relatively low-temperature air sent to the rear is guided to the battery that is offset to the left at the rear of the compartment. Therefore, in the vehicle front structure according to the above embodiment, the battery can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0026] In the front structure of the vehicle relating to the above-mentioned aspect, the vehicle may also have a passenger compartment behind the compartment in which passengers sit, and a steering wheel offset to the left in the vehicle width direction in the passenger compartment.

[0027] The vehicle front structure according to the above aspect has a steering wheel that is offset to the left side in the vehicle width direction in the passenger compartment. In the front structure of a so-called left-hand drive vehicle in which the steering wheel is on the left side, as in the vehicle front structure according to the above aspect, the battery is offset to the right side in the vehicle width direction, opposite the steering wheel, in the compartment. Even in the case of such a battery arrangement, the relatively low-temperature air that has passed through the second heat exchanger is guided to the battery, as described above, so that the battery can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0028] In the front structure of the vehicle relating to the above-mentioned aspect, the vehicle may also have a passenger compartment behind the compartment in which passengers sit, and a steering wheel offset to the right side in the vehicle width direction in the passenger compartment.

[0029] The vehicle front structure according to the above aspect has a steering wheel that is offset to the right side in the vehicle width direction in the passenger compartment. In the front structure of a so-called right-hand drive vehicle in which the steering wheel is on the right side, as in the vehicle front structure according to the above aspect, the battery is offset to the left side in the vehicle width direction, opposite the steering wheel, in the compartment. Even in the case of such a battery arrangement, the relatively low-temperature air that has passed through the second heat exchanger is guided to the battery as described above, so that the battery can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0030] In the vehicle front structure according to the above aspect, the battery may be a non-aqueous electrolyte battery.

[0031] In the vehicle front structure according to the above embodiment, a non-aqueous electrolyte battery is used as the battery. Although non-aqueous electrolyte batteries are prone to problems such as performance degradation and shortened life span when exposed to high temperatures, the relatively low-temperature air that has passed through the second heat exchanger as described above is introduced to the battery, making it possible to cool the battery with high efficiency and suppressing performance degradation and shortened life span of the battery. Effect of the Invention

[0032] In the vehicle front structure according to each of the above aspects, the battery mounted in the compartment at the front of the vehicle can be cooled with high efficiency. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a vehicle front structure relating to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an arrangement of a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a propeller fan. [Diagram 3] 3 is a schematic diagram showing a connection between a first heat exchanger and an engine, and a connection between a second heat exchanger and a motor. FIG. [Figure 4] 11 is a plan view showing the travel path of air that passes through a second heat exchanger by driving a propeller fan. FIG. [Diagram 5]FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a vehicle front structure relating to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an arrangement of a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a propeller fan. [Figure 7] 11 is a plan view showing the travel path of air that passes through a second heat exchanger by driving a propeller fan. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a vehicle front structure relating to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an arrangement of a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a propeller fan. [Figure 10] 11 is a plan view showing the travel path of air that passes through a second heat exchanger by driving a propeller fan. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a vehicle front structure relating to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an arrangement of a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a propeller fan. [Figure 13] 11 is a plan view showing the travel path of air that passes through a second heat exchanger by driving a propeller fan. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a vehicle front structure relating to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an arrangement of a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a propeller fan. [Figure 16] 11 is a plan view showing the travel path of air that passes through a second heat exchanger by driving a propeller fan. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a vehicle front structure relating to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an arrangement of a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a propeller fan. [Figure 19] 11 is a plan view showing the travel path of air that passes through a second heat exchanger by driving a propeller fan. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below except for the essential configuration.

[0035] In the figures used in the following description, "Up" indicates the top of the vehicle, "Lo" indicates the bottom of the vehicle, "Fr" indicates the front of the vehicle, "Re" indicates the rear of the vehicle, "Le" indicates the left side of the vehicle, and "Ri" indicates the right side of the vehicle.

[0036] [First embodiment] 1. Schematic configuration of the front structure of vehicle 1 The front structure of a vehicle 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Note that Figures 1 to 3 are schematic illustrations of the front structure of a vehicle 1, and the layout and size of each part are different from the actual ones.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 has a compartment 1a in the front. The vehicle 1 also has a passenger compartment 1b behind the compartment 1a with a dash panel 1c in between. The compartment 1a has an air intake 1d in the front. Air is taken into the compartment 1a from the front of the vehicle 1 through the air intake 1d. A steering wheel 16 is disposed on the left side of the passenger compartment 1b. That is, the vehicle 1 is a so-called left-hand drive vehicle.

[0038] A first heat exchanger 12 is disposed behind the air intake section 1d in the compartment 1a. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, a second heat exchanger 13 is disposed below the first heat exchanger 12 so as to be adjacent to the first heat exchanger 12.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, a propeller fan 14 is disposed behind the first heat exchanger 12 and the second heat exchanger 13 (see FIG. 2). The propeller fan 14 has a rotation axis Ax 14As the propeller fan 14 rotates, air taken in from the air intake portion 1d passes through the first heat exchanger 12 and the second heat exchanger 13 and is sent to the rear of the compartment 1a. As shown in FIG. 2, the propeller fan 14 is configured to overlap both the first heat exchanger 12 and the second heat exchanger 13 in a front view from the front of the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the height size of the first heat exchanger 12 is set to be greater than the height size of the second heat exchanger 13, so that the rotation axis Ax of the propeller fan 13 is larger than the height size of the second heat exchanger 13. 14 is disposed at a position overlapping with the first heat exchanger 12.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2, when the propeller fan 14 of the vehicle 1 is viewed from the front of the vehicle 1, the propeller fan 14 rotates in a right-handed (clockwise) rotation. R The rotating shaft is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction.

[0041] In the compartment 1a, an engine 10, a motor 11, and a battery 15 are arranged behind a propeller fan 14. The engine 10 and the motor 11 generate driving force for running the vehicle 1. In other words, the vehicle 1 is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

[0042] The vehicle 1 employs a non-aqueous electrolyte battery such as a lithium ion battery as the battery 15. A non-aqueous electrolyte battery has a higher energy density than a lead battery, and can be made smaller and lighter. The battery 15 is offset to the right side within the compartment 1a (disposed at a position offset to the right side with respect to the center in the vehicle width direction).

[0043] 3, the first heat exchanger 12 is connected to the engine 10 via a circulation path L1, and the second heat exchanger 13 is connected to the motor 11 via a circulation path L2. Heat generated when the engine 10 is driven is exchanged with air in the first heat exchanger 12 via a coolant circulating through the circulation path L1. Heat generated when the motor 11 is driven is exchanged with air in the second heat exchanger 13 via a heat medium circulating through the circulation path L2.

[0044] In the vehicle 1, the temperature of the air that has undergone heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 12 and is sent to the rear of the compartment 1a is higher than the temperature of the air that has undergone heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 13 and is sent to the rear of the compartment 1a. In other words, the temperature of the air that passes through the second heat exchanger 13 and flows rearward is lower than the temperature of the air that passes through the first heat exchanger 12 and flows rearward.

[0045] 2. Air flow in compartment 1a The air flow within the compartment 1a will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Note that in Fig. 4, the first heat exchanger 12, the engine 10, the motor 11, and the like are omitted from illustration.

[0046] 4, air A1 taken in through air intake 1d as propeller fan 14 is driven exchanges heat with the heat medium in second heat exchanger 13, and then is sent to the rear of compartment 1a (arrow A2). As described above, the temperature of the air heated by heat exchange in second heat exchanger 13 is lower than the temperature of the air heated by heat exchange in first heat exchanger 12. Therefore, the air that has passed through second heat exchanger 13 has a relatively low temperature.

[0047] The air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 13 is mixed with the propeller fan 14 that rotates clockwise and the rotation axis Ax 14 The air flows in a direction that is a combination of the directional component along the first heat exchanger 13 and the directional component along the second heat exchanger 13, and is guided to the right rear direction within the compartment 1a. A battery 15 is disposed on the right side of the compartment 1a, and the relatively low temperature air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 13 is guided to the battery 15.

[0048] 3.Effects In the front structure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the second heat exchanger 13, which heats air to a relatively low temperature, is disposed below the first heat exchanger 12, and the propeller fan 14 is configured to rotate rightward (clockwise) when viewed from the front. As the propeller fan 14 rotates rightward in this manner, the propeller of the propeller fan 14 moves rightward behind the second heat exchanger 13. Therefore, the relatively low-temperature air heated by the second heat exchanger 13 is blown toward the right side in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the compartment 1a by the rotational drive of the propeller fan 14. The relatively low-temperature air sent to the rear is guided to the battery 15, which is offset to the right, behind the compartment 1a. In addition, the relatively high-temperature air heated by the first heat exchanger 12 is blown toward the left side in the vehicle width direction, opposite to the battery 15 at the rear of the compartment 1a, by the rotational drive of the propeller fan 14. Therefore, in the front structure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the battery 15 can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0049] Furthermore, in the front structure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, a nonaqueous electrolyte battery (for example, a lithium ion battery) is mounted in the compartment 1a. The nonaqueous electrolyte battery has a higher energy density than a lead battery, so it can be made smaller and lighter, allowing the vehicle 1 to be made smaller and lighter and increasing the freedom in design.

[0050] Therefore, in the front structure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the battery 15 mounted in the compartment 1a at the front of the vehicle can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0051] [Second embodiment] 1. Schematic configuration of the front structure of vehicle 2 A front structure of a vehicle 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. In Figures 5 and 6, parts that adopt the same configuration as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 5, the vehicle 2 also has a compartment 2a in the front, and a passenger compartment 2b behind the compartment 2a with a dash panel 2c in between. The compartment 2a has an air intake 2d in the front. A steering wheel 26 is disposed on the right side of the passenger compartment 2b. That is, the vehicle 2 is a so-called right-hand drive vehicle.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 6, the first heat exchanger 12 and the second heat exchanger 13 are arranged in the same vertical relationship as in the first embodiment. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, a propeller fan 24 is arranged behind the first heat exchanger 12 and the second heat exchanger 13. The propeller fan 24 is arranged around a rotation axis Ax 24 In this embodiment, the propeller fan 24 is configured to overlap both the first heat exchanger 12 and the second heat exchanger 13 in a front view from the front of the vehicle 2, and is configured to rotate in a left (counterclockwise) Rot L The rotating shaft is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction.

[0054] Returning to Fig. 5, the engine 10, the motor 11, and the battery 25 are disposed in the compartment 2a behind the propeller fan 24. The connection between the engine 10 and the motor 11 and the first heat exchanger 12 and the second heat exchanger 13 is the same as in the first embodiment. The vehicle 2 according to this embodiment is also a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

[0055] The vehicle 2 also employs a non-aqueous electrolyte battery such as a lithium ion battery as the battery 25. A non-aqueous electrolyte battery has a higher energy density than a lead battery, and can be made smaller and lighter. The battery 25 is offset to the left side within the compartment 2a (disposed at a position offset to the left of the center in the vehicle width direction).

[0056] In the vehicle 2, the temperature of the air that has undergone heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 12 and is sent to the rear of the compartment 2a is higher than the temperature of the air that has undergone heat exchange in the second heat exchanger 13 and is sent to the rear of the compartment 2a. In other words, the temperature of the air that passes through the second heat exchanger 13 and flows rearward is lower than the temperature of the air that passes through the first heat exchanger 12 and flows rearward.

[0057] 2. Air flow in compartment 2a The air flow within the compartment 2a will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Note that the first heat exchanger 12, the engine 10, the motor 11, and the like are also omitted from Fig. 7.

[0058] 7, air B1 taken in through air intake 2d as propeller fan 24 is driven exchanges heat with the heat medium in second heat exchanger 13, and then is sent to the rear of compartment 2a (arrow B2). As described above, in this embodiment as well, the temperature of the air heated by heat exchange in second heat exchanger 13 is lower than the temperature of the air heated by heat exchange in first heat exchanger 12. Therefore, the air that has passed through second heat exchanger 13 has a relatively low temperature.

[0059] The air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 13 is mixed with the rotational direction component of the propeller fan 24 that rotates counterclockwise and the rotation axis Ax 24 Since the air moves in a direction that is a combination of the directional component along the first heat exchanger 13 and the directional component along the second heat exchanger 13, the air is guided to the left rear direction within the compartment 2a. A battery 25 is disposed on the left side of the compartment 2a, and the relatively low temperature air heated by the second heat exchanger 13 is guided to the battery 25.

[0060] 3.Effects In the front structure of the vehicle 2 according to this embodiment, the second heat exchanger 13, which heats air to a relatively low temperature, is disposed below the first heat exchanger 12, and the propeller fan 24 is configured to rotate counterclockwise in a front view. As the propeller fan 24 rotates counterclockwise in this manner, the propeller of the propeller fan 24 moves leftward behind the second heat exchanger 13. Therefore, the relatively low-temperature air heated by the second heat exchanger 13 is blown toward the left side in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the compartment 2a by the rotational drive of the propeller fan 24. The relatively low-temperature air sent to the rear is guided to the battery 25, which is offset to the left, at the rear of the compartment 2a. In addition, the relatively high-temperature air heated by the first heat exchanger 12 is blown toward the right side in the vehicle width direction, opposite to the battery 25 at the rear of the compartment 2a, by the rotational drive of the propeller fan 24. Therefore, in the front structure of the vehicle 2 according to the above embodiment, the battery 25 can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0061] Furthermore, in the front structure of the vehicle 2 according to this embodiment, a nonaqueous electrolyte battery (e.g., a lithium ion battery) is mounted in the compartment 2a. The nonaqueous electrolyte battery has a higher energy density than a lead battery, and therefore can be made smaller and lighter, allowing the vehicle 2 to be made smaller and lighter and with greater freedom in design.

[0062] Therefore, in the front structure of the vehicle 2 according to this embodiment, the battery 25 mounted in the compartment 2a at the front of the vehicle can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0063] [Third embodiment] 1. Schematic configuration of the front structure of vehicle 3 A front structure of a vehicle 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Note that in Figures 8 and 9, parts that adopt the same configurations as those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals. In the following, differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 8, the vehicle 3 also has a compartment 3a in the front, and a passenger compartment 3b behind the compartment 3a with a dash panel 3c in between. The compartment 3a has an air intake 3d in the front. A steering wheel 16 is disposed on the left side of the passenger compartment 3b. That is, the vehicle 3 is a so-called left-hand drive vehicle, similar to the first embodiment.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the second heat exchanger 33 is disposed adjacent to the first heat exchanger 32 above. That is, the positional relationship between the first heat exchanger 32 and the second heat exchanger 33 according to this embodiment is reversed from that in the first and second embodiments. The first heat exchanger 32 is connected to the engine 10 by a circulation path L1, and the second heat exchanger 33 is connected to the motor 11 by a circulation path L2. Therefore, even in the vehicle 3, the temperature of the air that is heat exchanged in the first heat exchanger 32 and sent to the rear of the compartment 3a is higher than the temperature of the air that is heat exchanged in the second heat exchanger 33 and sent to the rear of the compartment 3a. In other words, the temperature of the air that passes through the second heat exchanger 33 and flows rearward is lower than the temperature of the air that passes through the first heat exchanger 32 and flows rearward.

[0066] 8 and 9, the propeller fan 24 is disposed behind the first heat exchanger 32 and the second heat exchanger 33. As in the second embodiment, the propeller fan 24 is configured to overlap both the first heat exchanger 32 and the second heat exchanger 33 in a front view from the front of the vehicle 3, and rotates in a left-handed (counterclockwise) Rotation. L The actuator is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction.

[0067] Returning to Fig. 8, in the compartment 3a, the engine 10, the motor 11, and the battery 15 are arranged behind the propeller fan 24. The arrangement of these components is the same as in the first embodiment. The vehicle 3 according to this embodiment is also a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

[0068] 2. Air flow in compartment 3a The air flow in the compartment 3a will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Note that the first heat exchanger 32, the engine 10, the motor 11, and the like are also omitted in Fig. 10.

[0069] 10, air C1 taken in through air intake 3d as propeller fan 24 is driven exchanges heat with the heat medium in second heat exchanger 33, and then is sent to the rear of compartment 3a (arrow C2). As described above, in this embodiment as well, the temperature of the air heated by heat exchange in second heat exchanger 33 is lower than the temperature of the air heated by heat exchange in first heat exchanger 32. Therefore, the air that has passed through second heat exchanger 33 has a relatively low temperature.

[0070] The air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 33 disposed above the first heat exchanger 32 is mixed with the rotational direction component of the propeller fan 24 that is driven to rotate counterclockwise and the rotation axis Ax. 24 The air moves in a direction that is a combination of the directional component along the first heat exchanger 33 and the directional component along the second heat exchanger 33, and is guided to the right rear direction within the compartment 3a. The battery 15 is disposed on the right side of the compartment 3a, and the relatively low temperature air heated by the second heat exchanger 33 is guided to the battery 15.

[0071] 3.Effects In the front structure of the vehicle 3 according to this embodiment, the second heat exchanger 33, which heats air to a relatively low temperature, is disposed above the first heat exchanger 32, and the propeller fan 24 is configured to rotate counterclockwise in a front view. By rotating the propeller fan 24 counterclockwise in this manner, the propeller of the propeller fan 24 moves rightward behind the second heat exchanger 33. Therefore, the relatively low-temperature air heated by the second heat exchanger 33 is blown toward the right side in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the compartment 3a by the rotational drive of the propeller fan 24. The relatively low-temperature air sent to the rear is guided to the battery 15, which is offset to the right, behind the compartment 3a. In addition, by the rotational drive of the propeller fan 24, the relatively high-temperature air heated by the first heat exchanger 32 is blown toward the left side in the vehicle width direction, opposite to the battery 15 at the rear of the compartment 3a. Therefore, in the front structure of the vehicle 3 according to this embodiment, the battery 15 can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0072] Furthermore, in the front structure of the vehicle 3 according to this embodiment, a nonaqueous electrolyte battery (for example, a lithium ion battery) is mounted in the compartment 3a. The nonaqueous electrolyte battery has a higher energy density than a lead battery, so it can be made smaller and lighter, allowing the vehicle 3 to be made smaller and lighter and increasing the freedom in design.

[0073] Therefore, in the front structure of the vehicle 3 according to this embodiment, the battery 15 mounted in the compartment 3a at the front of the vehicle can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0074] [Fourth embodiment] 1. Schematic configuration of the front structure of the vehicle 4 A front structure of a vehicle 4 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. In Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, parts that adopt the same configurations as those in the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals. In the following, differences from the first to third embodiments will be mainly described.

[0075] As shown in Fig. 11, the vehicle 4 also has a compartment 4a in the front, and a passenger compartment 4b behind the compartment 4a with a dash panel 4c in between. The compartment 4a has an air intake 4d in the front. A steering wheel 26 is disposed on the right side of the passenger compartment 4b. That is, the vehicle 4 is a so-called right-hand drive vehicle, similar to the second embodiment.

[0076] 12, in this embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the second heat exchanger 33 is disposed adjacent to and above the first heat exchanger 32. In the vehicle 4, the temperature of the air that has been heat exchanged in the first heat exchanger 32 and sent to the rear of the compartment 4a is also higher than the temperature of the air that has been heat exchanged in the second heat exchanger 33 and sent to the rear of the compartment 4a. In other words, the temperature of the air that passes through the second heat exchanger 33 and flows rearward is lower than the temperature of the air that passes through the first heat exchanger 32 and flows rearward.

[0077] 11 and 12, the propeller fan 14 is disposed behind the first heat exchanger 32 and the second heat exchanger 33. As in the first embodiment, the propeller fan 14 is configured to overlap both the first heat exchanger 32 and the second heat exchanger 33 in a front view from the front of the vehicle 4, and rotates in a right-handed (clockwise) direction. R The actuator is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction.

[0078] Returning to FIG. 11, the engine 10, the motor 11, and the battery 25 are disposed in the compartment 4a behind the propeller fan 14. The layout of the engine 10 and the motor 11 is the same as in the first embodiment. The layout of the battery 25 is the same as in the second embodiment. The vehicle 4 according to this embodiment is also a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

[0079] 2. Air flow in compartment 4a The air flow in the compartment 4a will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Note that in Fig. 13 as well, the first heat exchanger 32, the engine 10, the motor 11, and the like are omitted from illustration.

[0080] 13, air D1 taken in through air intake 4d as propeller fan 14 is driven exchanges heat with the heat medium in second heat exchanger 33, and then is sent to the rear of compartment 4a (arrow D2). As described above, in this embodiment as well, the temperature of the air heated by heat exchange in second heat exchanger 33 is lower than the temperature of the air heated by heat exchange in first heat exchanger 32. Therefore, the air that has passed through second heat exchanger 33 has a relatively low temperature.

[0081] The air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 33 disposed above the first heat exchanger 32 is mixed with the rotational direction component of the propeller fan 14 that is driven to rotate clockwise and the rotation axis Ax. 14 The air moves in a direction that is a combination of the directional component along the first heat exchanger 33 and the directional component along the second heat exchanger 33, and is guided to the left rear direction within the compartment 4a. The battery 25 is disposed on the left side of the compartment 4a, and the relatively low temperature air heated by the second heat exchanger 33 is guided to the battery 25.

[0082] 3.Effects In the front structure of the vehicle 4 according to this embodiment, the second heat exchanger 33, which heats air to a relatively low temperature, is disposed above the first heat exchanger 32, and the propeller fan 14 is configured to rotate rightward (clockwise) when viewed from the front. By rotating the propeller fan 14 counterclockwise in this manner, the propeller of the propeller fan 14 moves leftward behind the second heat exchanger 33. Therefore, the relatively low-temperature air heated by the second heat exchanger 33 is blown toward the left side in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the compartment 4a by the rotational drive of the propeller fan 14. The relatively low-temperature air sent to the rear is guided to the battery 25, which is offset to the left, behind the compartment 4a. In addition, by the rotational drive of the propeller fan 14, the relatively high-temperature air heated by the first heat exchanger 32 is blown toward the right side in the vehicle width direction, opposite to the battery 25 at the rear of the compartment 4a. Therefore, in the front structure of the vehicle 4 according to this embodiment, the battery 25 can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0083] Furthermore, in the front structure of the vehicle 4 according to this embodiment, a nonaqueous electrolyte battery (for example, a lithium ion battery) is mounted in the compartment 4a. The nonaqueous electrolyte battery has a higher energy density than a lead battery, and therefore can be made smaller and lighter, allowing the vehicle 4 to be made smaller and lighter and with greater freedom in design.

[0084] Therefore, in the front structure of the vehicle 4 according to this embodiment, the battery 25 mounted in the compartment 4a at the front of the vehicle can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0085] [Fifth embodiment] 1. Schematic configuration of the front structure of the vehicle 5 A front structure of a vehicle 5 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15. In Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, the same reference numerals are used for parts that adopt the same configurations as those in the first and second embodiments. In the following, differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described.

[0086] As shown in Fig. 14, the vehicle 5 also has a compartment 5a at the front, and a passenger compartment 5b behind the compartment 5a with a dash panel 5c in between. The compartment 5a has an air intake 5d at the front. A steering wheel 16 is disposed on the left side of the passenger compartment 5b. That is, the vehicle 5 is a so-called left-hand drive vehicle, similar to the first embodiment.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, in this embodiment, the second heat exchanger 53 is disposed adjacent to the first heat exchanger 52 on the left side. The first heat exchanger 52 is connected to the engine 10 by a circulation path L1, and the second heat exchanger 53 is connected to the motor 11 by a circulation path L2. Therefore, even in the vehicle 5, the temperature of the air that is heat exchanged in the first heat exchanger 52 and sent to the rear of the compartment 5a is higher than the temperature of the air that is heat exchanged in the second heat exchanger 53 and sent to the rear of the compartment 5a. In other words, the temperature of the air that passes through the second heat exchanger 53 and flows rearward is lower than the temperature of the air that passes through the first heat exchanger 52 and flows rearward.

[0088] 14 and 15, the propeller fan 24 is disposed behind the first heat exchanger 52 and the second heat exchanger 53. As in the second and third embodiments, the propeller fan 24 is configured to overlap both the first heat exchanger 52 and the second heat exchanger 53 in a front view from the front of the vehicle 5, and rotates in a left-handed (counterclockwise) Rotation. L The actuator is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction.

[0089] Returning to Fig. 14, in the compartment 5a, the engine 10, the motor 11, and the battery 15 are arranged behind the propeller fan 24. The arrangement of these components is the same as in the first and third embodiments. The vehicle 5 according to this embodiment is also a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

[0090] 2. Air flow in compartment 5a The air flow within the compartment 5a will be described with reference to Fig. 16. Note that the engine 10, the motor 11, and the like are also omitted from Fig. 16.

[0091] 16, air E1 taken in through air intake 5d as propeller fan 24 is driven exchanges heat with the heat medium in second heat exchanger 53, and then is sent to the rear of compartment 5a (arrow E2). As described above, in this embodiment as well, the temperature of the air heated by heat exchange in second heat exchanger 53 is lower than the temperature of the air heated by heat exchange in first heat exchanger 52. Therefore, the air that has passed through second heat exchanger 53 has a relatively low temperature.

[0092] The air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 53 disposed to the left of the first heat exchanger 52 is mixed with the rotational direction component of the propeller fan 24 that is driven to rotate counterclockwise and the rotation axis Ax. 24 The air moves in a direction that is a combination of the directional component along the first heat exchanger 53 and the directional component along the second heat exchanger 53, and is guided to the right rear direction within the compartment 5a. The battery 15 is disposed on the right side of the compartment 5a, and the relatively low temperature air heated by the second heat exchanger 53 is guided to the battery 15.

[0093] 3.Effects In the front structure of the vehicle 5 according to this embodiment, the second heat exchanger 53, which heats air to a relatively low temperature, is disposed to the left of the first heat exchanger 52, and the propeller fan 24 is configured to rotate counterclockwise in a front view. By rotating the propeller fan 24 counterclockwise in this manner, the propeller of the propeller fan 24 moves rightward at the rear upper part of the second heat exchanger 53. Therefore, the relatively low-temperature air heated by the second heat exchanger 53 is blown toward the right side in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the compartment 5a by the rotational drive of the propeller fan 24. Then, the relatively low-temperature air sent to the rear is guided to the battery 15, which is offset to the right, at the rear of the compartment 5a. In addition, by the rotational drive of the propeller fan 24, the relatively high-temperature air heated by the first heat exchanger 52 is sent toward the left side in the vehicle width direction, opposite to the battery 15 at the rear of the compartment 5a. Therefore, in the front structure of the vehicle 5 according to this embodiment, the battery 15 can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0094] Furthermore, in the front structure of the vehicle 5 according to this embodiment, a nonaqueous electrolyte battery (for example, a lithium ion battery) is mounted in the compartment 5a. The nonaqueous electrolyte battery has a higher energy density than a lead battery, so it can be made smaller and lighter, allowing the vehicle 5 to be made smaller and lighter and increasing the freedom in design.

[0095] Therefore, in the front structure of the vehicle 5 according to this embodiment, the battery 15 mounted in the compartment 5a at the front of the vehicle can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0096] [Sixth embodiment] A front structure of a vehicle 4 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 17 and Fig. 18. In Fig. 17 and Fig. 18, parts that adopt the same configurations as those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals. In the following, differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described.

[0097] As shown in Fig. 17, the vehicle 6 also has a compartment 6a in the front, and a passenger compartment 6b behind the compartment 6a with a dash panel 6c in between. The compartment 6a has an air intake 6d in the front. A steering wheel 26 is disposed on the right side of the passenger compartment 6b. That is, the vehicle 6 is a so-called right-hand drive vehicle, similar to the second and fourth embodiments.

[0098] 17 and 18, in this embodiment, the second heat exchanger 63 is disposed adjacent to the first heat exchanger 62 on the right side. In the vehicle 6, the temperature of the air that has been heat exchanged in the first heat exchanger 62 and sent to the rear of the compartment 6a is higher than the temperature of the air that has been heat exchanged in the second heat exchanger 63 and sent to the rear of the compartment 6a. In other words, the temperature of the air that passes through the second heat exchanger 63 and flows rearward is lower than the temperature of the air that passes through the first heat exchanger 62 and flows rearward.

[0099] 17 and 18, the propeller fan 14 is disposed behind the first heat exchanger 62 and the second heat exchanger 63. As in the first and fourth embodiments, the propeller fan 14 is configured to overlap both the first heat exchanger 62 and the second heat exchanger 63 in a front view from the front of the vehicle 6, and rotates in a right-handed (clockwise) direction. R The actuator is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction.

[0100] Returning to FIG. 17, the engine 10, the motor 11, and the battery 25 are disposed in the compartment 6a behind the propeller fan 14. The layout of the engine 10 and the motor 11 is the same as in the first embodiment and the like. The layout of the battery 25 is the same as in the second and fourth embodiments. The vehicle 6 according to this embodiment is also a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

[0101] 2. Air flow in compartment 6a The air flow in the compartment 6a will be described with reference to Fig. 19. Note that the engine 10, the motor 11, and the like are also omitted from Fig. 19.

[0102] 19, air F1 taken in through air intake 6d as propeller fan 14 is driven exchanges heat with the heat medium in second heat exchanger 63, and then is sent to the rear of compartment 6a (arrow F2). As described above, in this embodiment as well, the temperature of the air heated by heat exchange in second heat exchanger 63 is lower than the temperature of the air heated by heat exchange in first heat exchanger 62. Therefore, the air that has passed through second heat exchanger 63 has a relatively low temperature.

[0103] The air that has passed through the second heat exchanger 63 disposed to the right of the first heat exchanger 62 is mixed with the rotational direction component of the propeller fan 14 that is driven to rotate clockwise and the rotation axis Ax. 14 The air moves in a direction that is a combination of the directional component along the first heat exchanger 63 and the directional component along the second heat exchanger 63, and is guided to the left rear direction within the compartment 6a. The battery 25 is disposed on the left side of the compartment 6a, and the relatively low temperature air heated by the second heat exchanger 63 is guided to the battery 25.

[0104] 3.Effects In the front structure of the vehicle 6 according to this embodiment, the second heat exchanger 63 that heats the air to a relatively low temperature is a first heat exchanger. 62The first heat exchanger 62 is disposed to the right of the first heat exchanger 62, and the propeller fan 14 is configured to rotate rightward (clockwise) when viewed from the front. As the propeller fan 14 rotates rightward in this manner, the propeller of the propeller fan 14 moves leftward at the rear upper part of the second heat exchanger 63. Therefore, the relatively low-temperature air heated by the second heat exchanger 63 is blown toward the left side in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the compartment 6a by the rotational drive of the propeller fan 14. The relatively low-temperature air sent to the rear is guided to the battery 25, which is offset to the left, at the rear of the compartment 6a. In addition, the relatively high-temperature air heated by the first heat exchanger 62 is blown toward the right side in the vehicle width direction, opposite to the rear of the compartment 6a, by the rotational drive of the propeller fan 14. Thus, in the front structure of the vehicle 6 according to this embodiment, the battery 25 can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0105] Furthermore, in the front structure of the vehicle 6 according to this embodiment, a nonaqueous electrolyte battery (for example, a lithium ion battery) is mounted in the compartment 6a. The nonaqueous electrolyte battery has a higher energy density than a lead battery, so it can be made smaller and lighter, allowing the vehicle 6 to be made smaller and lighter and with greater freedom in design.

[0106] Therefore, in the front structure of the vehicle 6 according to this embodiment, the battery 25 mounted in the compartment 6a at the front of the vehicle can be cooled with high efficiency.

[0107] [Variations] In the first to sixth embodiments, the first heat exchanger 12, 32, 52, 62 is provided to cool the engine 10, and the second heat exchanger 13, 33, 53, 63 is provided to cool the motor 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to use a configuration in which the first heat exchanger is provided to cool the engine or the motor, and the second heat exchanger is connected to other auxiliary equipment (for example, an evaporator or an inverter).

[0108] In the first to sixth embodiments, a structure is adopted in which the engine 10 and the motor 11 are mounted in the compartments 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, and 6a at the front of the vehicles 1 to 6, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to adopt a structure in which only the engine is mounted in the compartment at the front of the vehicle, a structure in which only the motor is mounted, or even a structure in which neither the engine nor the motor is mounted in the compartment at the front of the vehicle.

[0109] In the first to sixth embodiments, non-aqueous electrolyte batteries (e.g., lithium ion batteries) are used as the batteries 15 and 25, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, lead batteries, all-solid-state secondary batteries, etc. may also be used.

[0110] In the present invention, it is not necessarily necessary to continuously rotate the propeller fan while the vehicle is in operation; the propeller fan may be rotated at an appropriate time based on a comprehensive assessment of the engine, motor, vehicle speed, battery temperature, temperature inside the compartment, etc.

[0111] In the first to sixth embodiments, vehicles 1 to 6 were adopted in which passenger compartments 1b, 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, and 6b are arranged rearward of compartments 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, and 6a. However, the present invention can also be applied to, for example, cab-over type vehicles.

[0112] In the first embodiment, the third embodiment, and the fifth embodiment, a left-hand drive vehicle is used as an example, and a structure in which the battery 15 is offset to the right of the compartments 1a, 3a, and 5a is adopted, but the present invention is not limited to this in the relationship between the position of the steering wheel and the position of the battery. Similarly, in the second embodiment, the fourth embodiment, and the sixth embodiment, a right-hand drive vehicle is used as an example, and a structure in which the battery 25 is offset to the left of the compartments 2a, 4a, and 6a is adopted, but the present invention is not limited to this in the relationship between the position of the steering wheel and the position of the battery. For example, in a compartment at the front of the vehicle in a left-hand drive vehicle, the battery may be offset to the left, or in a compartment at the front of the vehicle in a right-hand drive vehicle, the battery may be offset to the right. In this case, the same effect as above can be obtained by specifying the rotation direction of the propeller fan in consideration of the positional relationship between the second heat exchanger and the battery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] Cars 1-6 1a, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 6a compartments 1d,2d,3d,4d,5d,6d Air intake 12,32,52,62 1st heat exchanger 13,33,53,63 Second heat exchanger 14,24 Propeller fan 15,25 batteries 16,26 Steering wheel

Claims

1. a compartment provided at a front portion of the vehicle and having an air intake portion for taking in air from the front of the vehicle; A first heat exchanger is mounted in a front portion of the compartment and exchanges heat between a heat medium circulating inside the compartment and the air to heat the air; a second heat exchanger arranged adjacent to the first heat exchanger, exchanging heat between a heat medium flowing inside the second heat exchanger and the air, and heating the air to a temperature lower than that of the air heated by the first heat exchanger; a propeller fan that is mounted behind the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the compartment so as to overlap both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and that is rotationally driven so as to guide the air taken in from the air intake section through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to a rear side of the compartment; a battery mounted in the compartment rearward of the propeller fan; The second heat exchanger is disposed below the first heat exchanger, The battery is offset to the right in the vehicle width direction, When the propeller fan is viewed from the front side of the vehicle, the propeller fan is configured to rotate clockwise. The front structure of the vehicle.

2. a compartment provided at a front portion of the vehicle and having an air intake portion for taking in air from the front of the vehicle; A first heat exchanger is mounted in a front portion of the compartment and exchanges heat between a heat medium circulating inside the compartment and the air to heat the air; a second heat exchanger arranged adjacent to the first heat exchanger, exchanging heat between a heat medium flowing inside the second heat exchanger and the air, and heating the air to a temperature lower than that of the air heated by the first heat exchanger; a propeller fan that is mounted behind the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the compartment so as to overlap both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and that is rotationally driven so as to guide the air taken in from the air intake section through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to a rear side of the compartment; a battery mounted in the compartment rearward of the propeller fan; The second heat exchanger is disposed below the first heat exchanger, The battery is offset to the left in the vehicle width direction, When the propeller fan is viewed from the front side of the vehicle, the propeller fan is configured to rotate counterclockwise. The front structure of the vehicle.

3. a compartment provided at a front portion of the vehicle and having an air intake portion for taking in air from the front of the vehicle; A first heat exchanger is mounted in a front portion of the compartment and exchanges heat between a heat medium circulating inside the compartment and the air to heat the air; a second heat exchanger arranged adjacent to the first heat exchanger, exchanging heat between a heat medium flowing inside the second heat exchanger and the air, and heating the air to a temperature lower than that of the air heated by the first heat exchanger; The air intake unit is provided with a heat exchanger that is disposed behind the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the compartment and overlaps both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and the air taken in from the air intake unit is passed through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to the front. A propeller fan that rotates and drives so as to guide the air toward the rear side of the compartment; a battery mounted in the compartment rearward of the propeller fan; The second heat exchanger is disposed above the first heat exchanger, The battery is offset to the right in the vehicle width direction, When the propeller fan is viewed from the front side of the vehicle, the propeller fan is configured to rotate counterclockwise. The front structure of the vehicle.

4. a compartment provided at a front portion of the vehicle and having an air intake portion for taking in air from the front of the vehicle; A first heat exchanger is mounted in a front portion of the compartment and exchanges heat between a heat medium circulating inside the compartment and the air to heat the air; a second heat exchanger arranged adjacent to the first heat exchanger, exchanging heat between a heat medium flowing inside the second heat exchanger and the air, and heating the air to a temperature lower than that of the air heated by the first heat exchanger; a propeller fan that is mounted behind the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the compartment so as to overlap both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and that is rotationally driven so as to guide the air taken in from the air intake section through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to a rear side of the compartment; a battery mounted in the compartment rearward of the propeller fan; The second heat exchanger is disposed above the first heat exchanger, The battery is offset to the left in the vehicle width direction, When the propeller fan is viewed from the front side of the vehicle, the propeller fan is configured to rotate clockwise. The front structure of the vehicle.

5. a compartment provided at a front portion of the vehicle and having an air intake portion for taking in air from the front of the vehicle; A first heat exchanger is mounted in a front portion of the compartment and exchanges heat between a heat medium circulating inside the compartment and the air to heat the air; a second heat exchanger arranged adjacent to the first heat exchanger, exchanging heat between a heat medium flowing inside the second heat exchanger and the air, and heating the air to a temperature lower than that of the air heated by the first heat exchanger; a propeller fan that is mounted behind the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the compartment so as to overlap both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and that is rotationally driven so as to guide the air taken in from the air intake section through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to a rear side of the compartment; a battery mounted in the compartment rearward of the propeller fan; The second heat exchanger is disposed to the left of the first heat exchanger in a vehicle width direction, The battery is offset to the right in the vehicle width direction, When the propeller fan is viewed from the front side of the vehicle, the propeller fan is configured to rotate counterclockwise. The front structure of the vehicle.

6. a compartment provided at a front portion of the vehicle and having an air intake portion for taking in air from the front of the vehicle; A heat transfer medium is provided in the front of the compartment, and is disposed between the heat transfer medium and the air. A first heat exchanger that exchanges heat and warms the air; a second heat exchanger arranged adjacent to the first heat exchanger, exchanging heat between a heat medium flowing inside the second heat exchanger and the air, and heating the air to a temperature lower than that of the air heated by the first heat exchanger; a propeller fan that is mounted behind the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger in the compartment so as to overlap both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and that is rotationally driven so as to guide the air taken in from the air intake section through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to a rear side of the compartment; a battery mounted in the compartment rearward of the propeller fan; The second heat exchanger is disposed to the right of the first heat exchanger in a vehicle width direction, The battery is offset to the left in the vehicle width direction, When the propeller fan is viewed from the front side of the vehicle, the propeller fan is configured to rotate clockwise. The front structure of the vehicle.

7. In the vehicle front structure according to any one of claims 1, 3 and 5, The vehicle is A passenger compartment for passengers is provided behind the compartment; A steering wheel disposed offset to the left side in a vehicle width direction in the vehicle compartment; having The front structure of the vehicle.

8. In the vehicle front structure according to any one of claims 2, 4 and 6, The vehicle is A passenger compartment for passengers is provided behind the compartment; A steering wheel disposed offset to the right side in a vehicle width direction in the vehicle compartment; having The front structure of the vehicle.

9. The vehicle front structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The battery is a non-aqueous electrolyte battery. The front structure of the vehicle.

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