Battery Pack Mounting Structure

Abstract

To provide a battery pack mounting structure which can reduce influence on a cabin space and can secure a space for arranging a component below a floor part.SOLUTION: A battery pack 50 is mounted on a battery pack mounting structure 20 above a rear floor panel 14. The battery pack includes a battery module 56, an electrical component 57, and a cooling fan. The battery module is extended in a vehicle width direction. The electrical component controls a battery module. The cooling fan cools the battery module and the electrical component. Furthermore, the battery pack is formed to recess upward so that a thickness in a vertical direction decreases toward a vehicle front part along the floor panel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, from the perspective of the adverse impact on the global environment, for example, technologies for reducing the environmental load such as reducing CO2 emissions have been put into practical use by mounting a battery pack on a vehicle to make it electric. Here, as a battery pack mounting structure for a vehicle, one in which a battery pack is mounted under the front seat (the first row seat) is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). Further, as a conventional battery pack mounting structure, one in which a battery pack is mounted in a luggage compartment (passenger compartment) is known (for example, see Patent Document 2).

[0003] These battery pack mounting structures are, for example, formed such that the battery pack is substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and a group of components is laid out (arranged) in the battery pack. The group of components is, for example, a battery module for high-voltage equipment (hereinafter, also referred to as a battery module), a cooling fan, a control device (ECU: Electronic Control Unit), a blower duct, and the like. That is, in the battery pack, the battery module for high-voltage equipment and the control device are integrally configured.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, in order to further reduce the environmental load such as CO2 emissions, for example, it is desirable to electrify small vehicles with small interior spaces such as light motor vehicles and ultra-compact vehicles (hereinafter sometimes referred to as small vehicles). In this case, for example, it is conceivable to mount a battery pack of a conventional size / shape equipped with a battery module for high-voltage equipment in the luggage compartment. For this reason, the floor of the passenger compartment becomes higher, and the influence on the space in the passenger compartment (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the passenger compartment space) becomes greater. Thus, when the influence on the passenger compartment space becomes large, for example, it is considered that the variations in changing the posture of the rear seat (second-row seat) are restricted. Examples of the variations in changing the posture of the rear seat include, for example, the sliding movement of the seat, the reclining movement of the seat back, and the dive-down movement of the seat to flatten the rear seat and the floor.

[0006] Thus, in particular, it is considered that the convenience and habitability are restricted by electrifying small vehicles. For this reason, while electrifying the vehicle, the practical application of technologies that improve convenience and ensure an improvement in the habitability of the vehicle is desired. Also, when electrifying a small vehicle, it is difficult to secure a space for arranging (laying out) components below the floor (floor panel). Furthermore, when electrifying a small vehicle, it is also difficult to secure a space for arranging (laying out) components below the floor (floor panel), and from this perspective as well, the practical application of the technology is desired.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack mounting structure that can reduce the influence on the passenger compartment space and can secure a space for arranging components below the floor.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means. (1) The battery pack mounting structure according to the present invention is a battery pack mounting structure (for example, the battery pack mounting structure 20 in the embodiment) in which a battery pack (for example, the battery pack 50 in the embodiment) is mounted from above in a recess (for example, the floor storage recess 19 in the embodiment) formed in a floor panel (for example, the rear floor panel 14 in the embodiment). The battery pack includes a battery module (for example, the battery module 56 in the embodiment) extending in the vehicle width direction, at least one electrical component (for example, the electrical component 57 in the embodiment) for controlling the battery module, and a cooling fan (for example, the cooling fan 58 in the embodiment) for cooling the battery module and the electrical component. Further, the battery pack is formed to be recessed upward so that the vertical thickness thereof becomes thinner as it goes forward in the vehicle along the floor panel.

[0009] According to this configuration, the battery pack (specifically, the bottom surface) is formed to be recessed upward along the floor panel as it goes forward in the vehicle, and the thickness of the battery pack is made thinner as it goes forward in the vehicle. Therefore, the height of the battery pack (specifically, the upper surface) can be adjusted. Thereby, the height of the battery pack can be suppressed and the influence on the passenger compartment space can be reduced, ensuring an improvement in the habitability of the vehicle. Also, by forming the battery pack to be recessed upward, the floor panel (that is, the floor part) can be formed to protrude upward as it goes forward in the vehicle. Thereby, a space for arranging components (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as an arrangement space) can be secured below the floor panel.

[0010] Here, examples of the electrical components provided in the battery module include a high-voltage junction board, a battery ECU, a DC / DC converter, and the like. The high-voltage junction board is a device that supplies electricity from a drive battery module housed in a battery pack to a drive motor, for example. The battery ECU is a battery management unit that controls discharge and charging, for example, between a drive battery module and a drive motor. The DC / DC converter is a device that converts the voltage of each electronic device provided in the battery pack to an operable voltage and stabilizes the converted voltage. In addition, examples of components arranged below the floor panel include a cross member, a power transmission device, and the like.

[0011] (2) The battery pack includes a middle section (for example, the pack middle section 84 in the embodiment) having a thickness in the vertical direction that is thinner than the rear section (for example, the battery housing section 62 in the embodiment) at the rear of the vehicle in the battery pack, and a cross member (for example, the first rear cross member 15 in the embodiment) extending in the vehicle width direction may be arranged below the middle section.

[0012] According to this configuration, the thickness of the middle section in the battery pack is made thinner than that of the rear section. Therefore, a space where a rear cross member can be arranged can be secured below the middle section without protruding the middle section (battery pack) toward the passenger compartment side. A cross member is arranged in this space. Thereby, while reducing the influence of the cross member on the passenger compartment space, the battery pack can be suitably protected by the cross member.

[0013] (3) A power transmission device (for example, the power transmission device 18 in the embodiment) may be arranged below the cross member.

[0014] According to this configuration, the thickness of the middle section of the battery pack is formed to be thin. Therefore, a passenger compartment space can be secured, and a wider space (arrangement space) below the floor panel can also be secured. Thereby, it becomes possible to arrange a power transmission device in the space below the floor panel. Therefore, for example, when the battery pack is mounted at the rear of the vehicle, a power transmission device for rear-wheel drive can be arranged in the space below the lower panel, enabling the battery pack mounting structure to be applicable to a four-wheel drive vehicle as well.

[0015] (4) The battery module is housed behind the battery pack in the vehicle, and the electrical components may overlap the battery module when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction and may have a thickness in the vertical direction that is thinner than that of the battery module.

[0016] According to this configuration, the electrical components are overlapped (stacked) with the battery module when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction, and the thickness of the electrical components is made thinner than that of the battery module. Here, the floor panel is formed to protrude upward as it goes toward the front of the vehicle. Therefore, by making the thickness of the electrical components thinner than that of the battery module, when the battery pack is arranged along the floor panel, the battery pack is arranged horizontally. As a result, the height of the battery pack can be suppressed, the influence on the passenger compartment space can be reduced, and an improvement in the habitability of the vehicle can be ensured.

[0017] (5) The battery pack houses the electrical components (for example, the battery ECU 91 and the high-voltage junction board 92 of the embodiment) in a state of extending toward the front of the vehicle, and has an inflow portion (for example, the inflow portion 63 of the embodiment) through which fluid flows into the interior, and an outflow portion (for example, the outflow portion 64 of the embodiment) that communicates with the inflow portion and houses the electrical components (for example, the DC / DC converter 93 of the embodiment) in a state of extending toward the front of the vehicle and through which fluid flows out from the interior. The inflow portion is formed at the front end portion in the front of the vehicle and has a first opening (for example, the first opening 81 of the embodiment) that communicates the interior of the inflow portion with the passenger compartment (for example, the passenger compartment 38 of the embodiment). The outflow portion is formed at the front end portion in the front of the vehicle and may have a second opening (for example, the second opening 82 of the embodiment) that communicates the interior of the outflow portion with the passenger compartment.

[0018] According to this configuration, the battery pack includes an inflow portion and an outflow portion that extend forward of the vehicle, and electrical components are housed in the inflow portion and the outflow portion. Therefore, electrical components can be arranged forward of the vehicle from the battery module. As a result, the thickness of the battery pack can be reduced. In addition, a first opening is formed in the inflow portion to communicate the inside of the inflow portion with the passenger compartment. Further, a second opening is formed in the outflow portion to communicate the inside of the outflow portion with the passenger compartment. In addition, the outflow portion communicates with the inflow portion. Therefore, the fluid (specifically, air) in the passenger compartment can be inhaled into the inside of the inflow portion through the first opening, and the inhaled fluid can be guided to the outflow portion. Further, the fluid guided to the outflow portion can be discharged into the passenger compartment through the second opening. Thereby, electrical components can be arranged in the inflow and outflow paths of the battery pack. Therefore, the electrical components housed in the inflow portion and the outflow portion can be cooled by the fluid inhaled from the passenger compartment.

[0019] (6) A pair of first slide rails (for example, the first slide rail 52 in the embodiment) that support a first seat (for example, the left rear seat 22 in the embodiment) provided above the inflow portion and extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction with a space in the vehicle width direction, and a second seat (for example, the right rear seat 23 in the embodiment) provided above the outflow portion are supported, and a pair of second slide rails (for example, the second slide rail 54 in the embodiment) that extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction with a space in the vehicle width direction, and the inflow portion may be arranged between the pair of first slide rails, and the outflow portion may be arranged between the pair of second slide rails.

[0020] Here, the pair of first slide rails and the pair of second slide rails are members with high strength and rigidity that support the first seat and the second seat so as to be movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Therefore, in this configuration, the inflow portion is arranged between the pair of first slide rails, and the outflow portion is arranged between the pair of second slide rails. Thereby, the battery pack can be more suitably protected by the pair of first slide rails and the pair of second slide rails. In particular, when the battery pack is mounted at the rear of the vehicle, the impact load input by a rear collision is supported by a pair of first slide rails and a pair of second slide rails, so that the inflow portion and the outflow portion can be more suitably protected from the impact load.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, the influence on the passenger compartment space can be reduced, and a space for arranging components can be secured below the floor portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings for a battery pack mounting structure. Hereinafter, in the drawings, arrow FR indicates the front of the vehicle, arrow UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle, and arrow LH indicates the left side of the vehicle. In the embodiment, as an example, an example in which the battery pack mounting structure is provided at the rear of the vehicle will be described, but as another example, the battery pack mounting structure may be provided at other vehicle parts such as the front of the vehicle.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the vehicle 10 includes a left rear frame 12, a right rear frame 13, a rear floor panel (floor panel) 14, a first rear cross member (cross member) 15, a second rear cross member 16, a power transmission device 18, a battery pack mounting structure 20, a left rear seat (first seat) 22, and a right rear seat (second seat) 23.

[0025] The left rear frame 12 is provided on the left outer side in the vehicle width direction at the lower part of the rear of the vehicle body, and extends rearward from the rear end of the left side sill 25. The right rear frame 13 is provided on the right outer side in the vehicle width direction at the lower part of the rear of the vehicle body, and extends rearward from the rear end of the right side sill 26. The left rear frame 12 and the right rear frame 13 are highly rigid frame members that form part of the vehicle body skeleton, for example, by being formed with a hollow closed cross-section. Also, the left side sill 25 and the right side sill 26 are highly rigid frame members that form part of the vehicle body skeleton, for example, by being formed with a hollow closed cross-section.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rear floor panel 14 is provided between the left rear frame 12 and the right rear frame 13. The rear floor panel 14 has a left joint portion 31, a right joint portion 32, a floor surface portion 33, a front floor portion 34, a middle floor portion 35, and a rear floor portion 36. The left joint portion 31 is joined to the upper surface of the left rear frame 12. The right joint portion 32 is joined to the upper surface of the right rear frame 13. The floor surface portion 33 is disposed in front of a pair of first slide rails 52 and a pair of second slide rails 54 described later, and forms the floor surface of the passenger compartment 38.

[0027] The rear floor section 36 is formed at the rear part of the vehicle in the rear floor panel 14. The rear floor section 36 is recessed relatively largely downward with respect to the floor surface section 33, and is formed flat and horizontally. The middle floor section 35 extends continuously forward in the vehicle from the rear floor section 36. The middle floor section 35 is formed flat and horizontally while being disposed above the rear floor section 36. The front floor section 34 extends continuously forward in the vehicle from the middle floor section 35 toward the floor surface section 33. The front floor section 34 is formed flat and horizontally while protruding upward with respect to the middle floor section 35 and the floor surface section 33.

[0028] Therefore, the rear floor panel 14 is formed so as to protrude upward as it goes forward in the vehicle from the rear floor section 36 through the middle floor section 35 to the front floor section 34. Thereby, a relatively large space 39 (hereinafter, also referred to as the arrangement space 39) can be secured below the rear floor panel 14 (that is, the floor section). Further, in the rear floor panel 14, a floor storage recess (recess) 19 that is recessed downward is formed by the middle floor section 35 and the rear floor section 36. The middle pack section 84 and the battery storage section (pack rear section) 62 of the battery pack 50 described later are stored in the floor storage recess 19.

[0029] The first rear cross member 15 extends in the vehicle width direction along, for example, the lower surface of the middle floor section 35. The left end portion 15a of the first rear cross member 15 is joined to the lower end portion of the left rear frame 12, and the right end portion 15b is joined to the lower end portion of the right rear frame 13. The first rear cross member 15 is formed in a hat-shaped cross section by a first U-shaped cross section portion 41, a first front flange 42, and a first rear flange 43. In the first rear cross member 15, the first front flange 42 and the first rear flange 43 are joined to the lower surface of the middle floor section 35. Therefore, the first rear cross member 15 is a member having high strength and rigidity formed in a closed cross section together with the middle floor section 35. A power transmission device 18 is disposed below the first rear cross member 15. The reason for disposing the power transmission device 18 below the first rear cross member 15 will be described in detail later.

[0030] The second rear cross member 16 extends in the vehicle width direction in a state of being provided across, for example, the lower surface of the floor portion 33 and the lower surface of the front floor portion 34. The left end portion 16a of the second rear cross member 16 is joined to the lower end portion of the left rear frame 12, and the right end portion 16b is joined to the lower end portion of the right rear frame 13. The second rear cross member 16 is formed in a hat-shaped cross section by a second U-shaped cross section portion 45, a second front flange 46, and a second rear flange 47. In the second rear cross member 16, the second front flange 46 is joined to the lower surface of the floor portion 33, and the second rear flange 47 is joined to the lower surface of the front floor portion 34. Therefore, the second rear cross member 16 is a member having high strength and rigidity formed in a closed cross section together with the floor portion 33 and the front floor portion 34.

[0031] The battery pack mounting structure 20 is disposed above the rear floor panel 14. The battery pack mounting structure 20 includes a battery pack 50, a pack support frame 51, a pair of first slide rails 52 (see also FIG. 2), and a pair of second slide rails 54 (see FIG. 2). The pack support frame 51 extends in the vehicle width direction by bridging the battery pack 50 over the upper surfaces of the left rear frame 12 and the right rear frame 13. The battery pack 50 is supported by the pack support frame 51. As a result, the battery pack 50 is supported via the pack support frame 51 on the upper surfaces of the left rear frame 12 and the right rear frame 13 and is mounted (disposed) above the rear floor panel 14.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the battery pack 50 includes a pack housing 55, a battery module 56, electrical components 57, a cooling fan 58, and a cooling duct 59. The pack housing 55 is formed in a U shape in plan view by a battery storage portion 62, an inflow portion 63, and an outflow portion 64. The battery storage portion 62, the inflow portion 63, and the outflow portion 64 will be described in detail later.

[0033] Further, the pack housing 55 includes a pack case 65 having a stepped bottom and a pack cover 66 having a generally flat top. The pack case 65 has, for example, a pair of front walls 71, a pair of front lower surface portions 72, a pair of first inclined walls 73, a pair of middle lower surface portions 74, a second inclined wall 75, a rear lower surface portion 76, and a rear wall 77. Hereinafter, the pair of front walls 71, the pair of front lower surface portions 72, the pair of first inclined walls 73, and the pair of middle lower surface portions 74 may be abbreviated as the front wall 71, the front lower surface portion 72, the first inclined wall 73, and the middle lower surface portion 74.

[0034] The rear lower surface portion 76 is disposed substantially horizontally along the rear floor portion 36 above the rear floor portion 36 of the floor storage recess 19. The middle lower surface portion 74 is disposed above the rear lower surface portion 76 and recessed upward with respect to the rear lower surface portion 76 in front of the vehicle of the rear lower surface portion 76. The middle lower surface portion 74 is continuously formed with the rear lower surface portion 76 via the second inclined wall 75. The middle lower surface portion 74 is disposed substantially horizontally along the middle floor portion 35 above the middle floor portion 35 of the floor storage recess 19. The front lower surface portion 72 is disposed above the middle lower surface portion 74 and recessed upward with respect to the middle lower surface portion 74 in front of the vehicle of the middle lower surface portion 74. The front lower surface portion 72 is continuously formed with the middle lower surface portion 74 via the first inclined wall 73. The front lower surface portion 72 is disposed substantially horizontally along the front floor portion 34 above the front floor portion 34.

[0035] That is, the battery pack 50 is mounted from above in a floor storage recess 19 formed in the rear floor panel 14. Further, the pack case 65 has a lower rear stage portion 76, a lower middle stage portion 74, and a lower front stage portion 72 facing the front of the vehicle. Further, the rear floor panel 14 has a floor rear stage portion 36, a floor middle stage portion 35, and a floor front stage portion 34 facing the front of the vehicle. Furthermore, each stage portion 76, 74, 72 of the pack case 65 is formed to be recessed stepwise upward along each stage portion 36, 35, 34 of the rear floor panel 14 as it goes forward in the vehicle front direction.

[0036] The upper end of the pack case 65 is opened at the opening. The opening of the pack case 65 is covered from above by a pack cover 66. The pack cover 66 is formed flat and is disposed substantially horizontally in a state of being attached to the opening of the pack case 65. The pack case 65 and the pack cover 66 form the pack housing 55 in a substantially sealed state.

[0037] Also, as described above, the pack housing 55 is formed in a U shape in plan view by a battery storage portion 62, an inflow portion 63, and an outflow portion 64. The battery storage portion 62 forms a pack rear stage portion (rear stage portion) by a rear portion 66a of the pack cover 66 and a lower rear stage portion 76 of the pack case 65. The battery storage portion 62 is located at a rear portion of the vehicle body of the pack housing 55. The vertical thickness of the battery storage portion 62 is set to T1 so that a battery module 56 described later can be stored (disposed), and it extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0038] The inflow portion 63 extends forward of the vehicle from the left end portion of the battery housing portion 62 and communicates with the battery housing portion 62. The inflow portion 63 has a first inflow portion 63a and a second inflow portion 63b. The first inflow portion 63a extends forward of the vehicle from the left end portion of the battery housing portion 62. Further, the first inflow portion 63a is set to have a vertical thickness T2 so that a part (high voltage junction board 92) of the electrical component 57 described later can be housed (arranged). The thickness T2 of the first inflow portion 63a is set to be thinner than the thickness T1 of the battery housing portion 62.

[0039] The second inflow portion 63b extends forward of the vehicle from the front end portion of the second inflow portion 63b. The second inflow portion 63b is set to have a vertical thickness T3 so that a part (battery ECU 91) of the electrical component 57 described later can be housed (arranged). The thickness T3 of the second inflow portion 63b is set to be thinner than the thickness T2 of the first inflow portion 63a. The second inflow portion 63b has a first opening 81 formed at the front end portion in the vehicle front direction. The first opening 81 communicates the passenger compartment 38 with the inside of the second inflow portion 63b (that is, the inflow portion 63), for example, by opening downward.

[0040] The outflow portion 64 extends forward of the vehicle from the right end portion of the battery housing portion 62 and communicates with the inflow portion 63 via the battery housing portion 62. The outflow portion 64 has a first outflow portion 64a and a second outflow portion 64b. The first outflow portion 64a extends forward of the vehicle from the right end portion of the battery housing portion 62. The first outflow portion 64a is set to have a vertical thickness T2 so that the cooling fan 58 described later can be housed (arranged). The thickness T2 of the first outflow portion 64a is set to be thinner than the thickness T1 of the battery housing portion 62.

[0041] The second outflow portion 64b extends forward of the vehicle from the front end portion of the second outflow portion 64b. The second outflow portion 64b is set to have a vertical thickness T3 so that a part (battery ECU 93) of the electrical component 57 described later can be housed (arranged). The thickness T3 of the second outflow portion 64b is set to be thinner than the thickness T2 of the first outflow portion 64a. The second outflow portion 64b has a second opening 82 formed at the front end portion in front of the vehicle. The second opening 82 communicates the passenger compartment 38 with the inside of the second outflow portion 64b (i.e., the outflow portion 64) by opening downward, for example.

[0042] The first inflow portion 63a and the first outflow portion 64a form a pack middle portion (middle portion) 84 of the pack housing 55 by the central portion 66b of the pack cover 66 and the middle portion 74 of the lower surface of the pack case 65. The pack middle portion 84 is set to a thickness T2 so as to be thinner than the thickness T1 of the battery storage portion 62 (pack rear portion). The middle portion 74 of the lower surface of the pack middle portion 84 is disposed along the middle portion 35 of the floor of the floor storage recess 19.

[0043] The second inflow portion 63b and the second outflow portion 64b form a pack front portion 85 of the pack housing 55 by the front portion 66c of the pack cover 66 and the front portion 72 of the lower surface of the pack case 65. The pack front portion 85 is set to a thickness T3 so as to be thinner than the thickness T2 of the pack front portion 85. The front portion 72 of the lower surface of the pack front portion 85 is disposed along the front portion 34 of the floor of the rear floor panel 14. Also, the rear portion 76 of the lower surface of the battery storage portion 62 (pack rear portion) is disposed along the rear portion 36 of the floor of the floor storage recess 19.

[0044] That is, the pack housing 55 (i.e., the battery pack 50) is formed such that the bottom surface is recessed upward so that the vertical thickness becomes thinner as it goes forward along the rear floor panel 14. Therefore, the thickness of the battery pack 50 can be made thinner as it goes forward. Thereby, the height of the battery pack 50 (specifically, the upper surface) can be adjusted. Therefore, the height of the battery pack 50 can be suppressed and the influence on the space of the passenger compartment 38 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the passenger compartment space) can be reduced, and the habitability improvement of the vehicle 10 can be ensured.

[0045] Further, by forming the bottom surface of the battery pack 50 to be recessed upward, the rear floor panel 14 can be formed to protrude upward as it goes forward from the rear floor section 36, through the middle floor section 35, to the front floor section 34 of the vehicle. Thereby, an arrangement space 39 for arranging components can be secured below the rear floor panel 14 (i.e., the floor section). Examples of components arranged below the rear floor panel 14 include the first rear cross member 15, the power transmission device 18, and the like.

[0046] The pack housing 55 houses a battery module 56, electrical components 57, a cooling fan 58, and a cooling duct 59. The battery module 56 is, for example, a battery module for driving. The battery module 56 extends in the vehicle width direction in a state of being housed in the battery housing portion 62 at the rear of the vehicle in the pack housing 55. The battery housing portion 62 is set to a thickness T1 so as to be able to house the battery module 56. The battery module 56 is formed, for example, as a rectangular body with a plurality of batteries stacked in the vehicle width direction, and is housed in the battery housing portion 62 facing the vehicle width direction.

[0047] Examples of the electrical components 57 include a battery ECU 91 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as ECU 91), a high-voltage junction board 92 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as J / B 92), and a DC / DC converter 93. At least one electrical component 57 may be provided.

[0048] The ECU 91 is arranged, for example, inside the second inflow portion 63b along the front portion 66c and the front lower surface portion 72 of the pack cover 66. The ECU 91 is, for example, a battery management unit that controls discharging and charging between the driving battery module 56 and a driving motor (not shown). J / B92 is arranged, for example, inside the first inflow portion 63a, along the central portion 66b and the middle lower surface portion 74 of the pack cover 66. J / B92 is a device that supplies electricity from the drive battery module 56 stored in the battery storage portion 62 to the drive motor. The ECU91 and J / B92 are arranged in a state of overlapping (overlapping state) the battery module 56 when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction. Further, the ECU91 and J / B92 are set to have a thickness in the vertical direction thinner than the thickness of the battery module 56.

[0049] The DC / DC converter 93 is arranged, for example, inside the second outflow portion 64b, along the front portion 66c and the front lower surface portion 72 of the pack cover 66. The DC / DC converter 93 is a device that converts the voltage of each electronic device (specifically, ECU91, J / B92) provided in the inflow portion 63 of the pack housing 55 into an operable voltage and stabilizes the converted voltage. The DC / DC converter 93 is arranged in a state of overlapping (overlapping state) the battery module 56 when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction. Further, the DC / DC converter 93 is set to have a thickness in the vertical direction thinner than the thickness of the battery module 56.

[0050] The cooling fan 58 is arranged, for example, inside the first outflow portion 64a, along the central portion 66b and the middle lower surface portion 74 of the pack cover 66. The cooling fan 58 is arranged in a state of overlapping (overlapping state) the battery module 56 when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction. Further, the cooling fan 58 is set to have a thickness in the vertical direction thinner than the thickness of the battery module 56. The operation of the cooling fan 58 cools the battery module 56, ECU91, J / B92, and DC / DC converter 93. An example of cooling the battery module 56, ECU91, J / B92, and DC / DC converter 93 will be described in detail later.

[0051] Thus, the battery pack 50 is provided with an inflow portion 63 and an outflow portion 64 extending toward the front of the vehicle. Further, the ECU 91 and the J / B 92 are housed in the inflow portion 63. Furthermore, the DC / DC converter 93 and the cooling fan 58 are housed in the outflow portion 64. Therefore, the ECU 91, the J / B 92, the DC / DC converter 93, and the cooling fan 58 can be arranged in front of the battery module 56 in the vehicle. As a result, the thickness of the battery pack 50 can be reduced.

[0052] In addition, the ECU 91 and the J / B 92 in the inflow portion 63 overlap the battery module 56 when viewed from the vehicle longitudinal direction and are set to be thinner than the thickness of the battery module 56. Furthermore, the DC / DC converter 93 and the cooling fan 58 in the outflow portion 64 overlap the battery module 56 when viewed from the vehicle longitudinal direction and are set to be thinner than the thickness of the battery module 56. Here, the rear floor panel 14 is formed so as to protrude upward as it goes toward the front of the vehicle. Therefore, in a state where the battery pack 50 is arranged along the rear floor panel 14, the battery pack 50 can be arranged horizontally. As a result, the height of the battery pack 50 can be suppressed, the influence on the passenger compartment space can be reduced, and the habitability of the vehicle 10 can be improved.

[0053] The cooling fan 58 has an air intake provided at the lower part, and an exhaust port 58a is opened inside the second outflow portion 64b. The air intake is opened in a cooling duct 59 (described later) of the first outflow portion 64a. Further, a partition wall 95 is provided at the boundary between the first outflow portion 64a and the second outflow portion 64b. The partition wall 95 partitions the boundary between the first outflow portion 64a and the second outflow portion 64b, and a portion facing the exhaust port 58a is opened. Therefore, the exhaust port 58a is opened in the second outflow portion 64b and communicates with the second opening 82 through the second outflow portion 64b.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cooling duct 59 is provided in the battery storage portion 62, the second inclined wall 75, and the first outflow portion 64a. The second inclined wall 75 is an inclined wall that connects the rear stage portion 76 of the lower surface of the battery storage portion 62 and the middle stage portion 74 of the lower surface of the first outflow portion 64a. The cooling duct 59 is disposed, for example, at the rear stage portion 76 of the lower surface and the rear end portion of the battery module 56 inside the battery storage portion 62. Further, the cooling duct 59 has, for example, a suction port opened at the rear of the battery module 56. Further, the cooling duct 59 is disposed at the middle stage portion 74 of the lower surface inside the first outflow portion 64a and below the cooling fan 58. The cooling duct 59 has a discharge port 59a opened toward the intake port of the cooling fan 58.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 8, below the middle stage portion 74 of the lower surface of the first outflow portion 64a and the middle stage portion 74 of the lower surface of the first inflow portion 63a (that is, the middle stage portion 74 of the lower surface of the pack case 65), the first rear cross member 15 is disposed in a state of extending in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, in the first rear cross member 15, the first front flange 42 and the first rear flange 43 are joined to the lower surface of the middle stage portion 35 of the floor.

[0056] Here, the thickness T2 of the middle stage portion 84 of the pack in the battery pack 50 is set to be thinner than that of the rear stage portion of the pack (battery storage portion 62). That is, the middle stage portion 74 of the lower surface of the pack case 65 (the middle stage portion 74 of the lower surface of the first outflow portion 64a and the middle stage portion 74 of the lower surface of the first inflow portion 63a) is formed to be recessed upward with respect to the rear stage portion 76 of the lower surface of the pack case 65. Therefore, the middle stage portion 35 of the floor of the rear floor panel 14 can be formed to be recessed upward with respect to the rear stage portion 36 of the floor. Thereby, a wide arrangement space 39 can be secured below the middle stage portion 35 of the floor without protruding the middle stage portion 84 (battery pack 50) toward the passenger compartment 38 side. The first rear cross member 15 is disposed in this arrangement space 39. Therefore, while reducing the influence on the passenger compartment 38 space by the battery pack 50, the battery pack 50 can be suitably protected by the first rear cross member 15.

[0057] Below the first rear cross member 15, a power transmission device 18 for rear-wheel drive, for example, is arranged. Here, a wide arrangement space 39 is secured below the middle floor section 35. Therefore, the power transmission device 18 can be arranged below the first rear cross member 15. That is, it becomes possible to arrange the power transmission device 18 in the arrangement space 39 of the rear floor panel 14. The power transmission device 18 drives the left and right rear wheels 97. Therefore, for example, when the battery pack 50 is mounted at the rear of the vehicle, the battery pack mounting structure 20 can also be applied to a vehicle that arranges the power transmission device 18 for rear-wheel drive in the arrangement space 39 of the rear floor panel 14 to form four-wheel drive.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 8, above the battery pack 50, a pair of first slide rails 52 and a pair of second slide rails 54 are provided. The pair of first slide rails 52 are provided on the left side of the vehicle 10 and above the inflow section 63. Of the pair of first slide rails 52, the left outer first slide rail 52 has, for example, a front end portion 52a supported by the second rear cross member 16 via the floor surface portion 33 of the rear floor panel 14. Also, the left outer first slide rail 52 is provided along the left rear frame 12, for example.

[0059] Of the pair of first slide rails 52, the left center first slide rail 52 has, for example, a front end portion 52a supported by the second rear cross member 16 via the floor surface portion 33 of the rear floor panel 14. Also, the left center first slide rail 52 has, for example, a rear portion 52b supported by the seat rail support portion 98. The seat rail support portion 98 is arranged between the first inflow section 63a and the first outflow section 64a. The seat rail support portion 98 is supported from above at the center portion 15c in the vehicle width direction of the first rear cross member 15.

[0060] That is, a pair of first slide rails 52 extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle with a space therebetween in the vehicle width direction. An inflow portion 63 is disposed between the pair of first slide rails 52. The left rear seat 22 (see FIG. 1) is supported by the pair of first slide rails 52 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In this state, the left rear seat 22 is provided above the inflow portion 63.

[0061] A pair of second slide rails 54 are provided on the right side of the vehicle 10 and above the outflow portion 64. Of the pair of second slide rails 54, the right outer second slide rail 54 has, for example, its front end portion 54a supported by the second rear cross member 16 via the floor surface portion 33 of the rear floor panel 14. Further, the right outer second slide rail 54 is provided along the right rear frame 13. Of the pair of second slide rails 54, the right center second slide rail 54 has, for example, its front end portion 54a supported by the second rear cross member 16 via the floor surface portion 33 of the rear floor panel 14. The right center second slide rail 54 has, for example, its rear portion 54b supported by the seat rail support portion 98.

[0062] That is, a pair of second slide rails 54 extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle with a space therebetween in the vehicle width direction. An outflow portion 64 is disposed between the pair of second slide rails 54. The right rear seat 23 (see FIG. 1) is supported by the pair of second slide rails 54 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In this state, the right rear seat 23 is provided above the outflow portion 64.

[0063] Here, the pair of first slide rails 52 are members having high strength and rigidity for supporting the left rear seat 22 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. Therefore, by disposing the inflow portion 63 between the pair of first slide rails 52, the battery pack 50 (specifically, the inflow portion 63) can be more suitably protected by the pair of first slide rails 52. In addition, the pair of second slide rails 54 are members with high strength and rigidity that support the right rear seat 23 so as to be movable in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Therefore, by disposing the outflow portion 64 between the pair of second slide rails 54, the battery pack 50 (specifically, the outflow portion 64) can be more suitably protected by the pair of second slide rails 54.

[0064] In particular, when the battery pack 50 is mounted at the rear of the vehicle as in the embodiment, the impact load input by a rear collision can be supported by the pair of first slide rails 52 and the pair of second slide rails 54. Thereby, the inflow portion 63 and the outflow portion 64 can be more suitably protected from the impact load by the pair of first slide rails 52 and the pair of second slide rails 54.

[0065] Next, an example of cooling the battery module 56, the ECU 91, the J / B 92, and the DC / DC converter 93 of the battery pack 50 will be described based on FIGS. 5 and 8. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, when the cooling fan 58 is driven, the air (fluid) in the cooling duct 59 is inhaled from the intake port through the discharge port 59a of the cooling duct 59. The cooling fan 58 discharges the inhaled air from the discharge port 58a to the second outflow portion 64b. Here, the second outflow portion 64b is partitioned from the first outflow portion 64a by the partition wall 95. Therefore, the air discharged from the discharge port 58a of the cooling fan 58 to the second outflow portion 64b can be reliably discharged from the second opening 82 to the space (interior space) of the passenger compartment 38 as indicated by the arrow A without being returned to the first outflow portion 64a.

[0066] When the air in the cooling duct 59 is sucked in by the cooling fan 58, the air in the battery storage portion 62 is sucked into the cooling duct 59 through the suction port of the cooling duct 59 as shown by arrow B. When the air in the battery storage portion 62 is sucked into the cooling duct 59, the air in the first inflow portion 63a is guided into the battery storage portion 62 as shown by arrow C. When the air in the first inflow portion 63a is guided into the battery storage portion 62, the air in the second inflow portion 63b is guided into the first inflow portion 63a as shown by arrow D. When the air in the second inflow portion 63b is guided into the first inflow portion 63a, the air in the passenger compartment space is guided into the second inflow portion 63b through the first opening 81 as shown by arrow E.

[0067] In this way, by driving the cooling fan 58, the air in the passenger compartment space can be sucked from the first opening 81 into the inside of the inflow portion 63, and the sucked air can be guided (flowed into) the battery storage portion 62 and the outflow portion 64. Further, the air guided to the outflow portion 64 can be discharged into the passenger compartment space through the second opening 82. Thereby, the ECU 91 and the J / B 92 stored inside the inflow portion 63 can be cooled by the air sucked from the interior space. Also, the battery module 56 stored inside the battery storage portion 62 (cooling duct 59) can be cooled by the air guided from the inflow portion 63. Further, the DC / DC converter 93 stored inside the outflow portion 64 can be cooled by the air guided from the battery storage portion 62 (cooling duct 59).

[0068] Note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0069] In addition, within the scope not departing from the spirit of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately replace the components in the above-described embodiment with well-known components, and the above-described modification examples may also be appropriately combined.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0070] 10 Vehicle 14 Rear Floor Panel (Floor Panel) 15 First Rear Cross Member (Cross Member) 18 Power Transmission Device 19 Storage Recess (Recess) 20 Battery Pack Mounting Structure 22 Left Rear Seat (First Seat) 23 Right Rear Seat (Second Seat) 38 Passenger Compartment 50 Battery Pack 52 First Slide Rail 54 Second Slide Rail 56 Battery Module 57 Electrical Components 58 Cooling Fan 62 Battery Storage Section (Rear Stage Section, Rear Section of Pack) 63 Inflow Section 64 Outflow Section 81 First Opening 82 Second Opening 84 Middle Section of Pack (Middle Section) 91 Battery ECU (ECU) 92 High-Voltage Junction Board (J / B) 93 DC / DC Converter

Claims

1. A battery pack mounting structure in which a battery pack is mounted from above in a recess formed in a floor panel, wherein the battery pack comprises: a battery module extending in the vehicle width direction; at least one electrical component for controlling the battery module; a cooling fan for cooling the battery module and the electrical component; and furthermore, the battery pack: has a rear lower surface portion, a middle lower surface portion, and a front lower surface portion, and is formed to be stepped and recessed upward so that the vertical thickness decreases as it goes forward along the floor panel in the vehicle front direction; the battery pack: comprises a middle portion having a smaller vertical thickness compared to a rear portion at the rear of the vehicle of the battery pack; a cross member extending in the vehicle width direction is disposed below the middle portion; A battery pack mounting structure characterized by the above.

2. A power transmission device is disposed below the cross member. The battery pack mounting structure according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The battery module is housed behind the battery pack in the vehicle; the electrical component: overlaps the battery module when viewed from the vehicle front-rear direction and has a smaller vertical thickness than the battery module. The battery pack mounting structure according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. the battery pack: has an inflow portion where the electrical component is housed in a state of extending forward from a battery housing portion where the battery module extending in the vehicle width direction is housed, and through which fluid flows into the interior; and an outflow portion that communicates with the inflow portion and where the electrical component is housed in a state of extending forward from the battery housing portion, and through which fluid flows out from the interior. The inflow portion: is formed at the front end portion in the vehicle front direction and has a first opening that communicates the interior of the inflow portion with the passenger compartment; The outflow portion: is formed at the front end portion in the vehicle front direction and has a second opening that communicates the interior of the outflow portion with the passenger compartment. The battery pack mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

5. a pair of first slide rails that support a first sheet provided above the inflow portion and extend in the vehicle front-rear direction with a space in the vehicle width direction; a pair of second slide rails that support a second sheet provided above the outflow portion and extend in the vehicle front-rear direction with a space in the vehicle width direction. The inflow portion is disposed between the pair of first slide rails, The outflow portion is disposed between the pair of second slide rails, The battery pack mounting structure according to claim 4, characterized by this.

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