Mounting Structure of In-Vehicle Battery

Abstract

To reliably discharge a gas without incurring an increase in the complexity or size of a structure.SOLUTION: The present invention comprises: a cell module having an arrangement space in which a plurality of cells are arranged; a battery frame having a plurality of frame bars formed in hollow cross section and fixed to a vehicle body; a smoke exhaust duct made to communicate with the arrangement space and having an exhaust part connected to the battery frame; an accommodation case for accommodating the cell module and attached to the battery frame; and an attachment member for attaching the cell module to the battery frame. With a communicating hole formed in the battery frame, the internal spaces of the exhaust part and the battery frame are made to communicate via the communicating hole, in the state of the cell module being attached to the battery frame via the attachment member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of an attachment structure of an in-vehicle battery mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile.

Background Art

[0002] Various vehicles such as automobiles are equipped with an in-vehicle battery for supplying power to a motor and various electrical components (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In recent years, vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles have been becoming popular, and in-vehicle batteries having a high power storage function are mounted in these vehicles powered by electricity.

[0004] The in-vehicle battery is provided with a storage case and a battery module stored in the storage case, and the battery module is configured by arranging a plurality of battery cells (secondary batteries) such as nickel-metal hydride batteries and lithium-ion batteries, for example.

[0005] In the attachment structure of the in-vehicle battery described in Patent Document 1, the battery module is attached to the frame member via an attachment member. In the in-vehicle battery, when an impact is applied due to an unexpected collision of the vehicle or an abnormality such as a short circuit occurs, there is a possibility that unnecessary gas is ejected for driving the battery module. Therefore, in the attachment structure of the in-vehicle battery described in Patent Document 1, an exhaust path for discharging the gas to the outside of the vehicle is formed in case of unexpected gas ejection, and the exhaust path is formed as a path passing through the attachment member from an exhaust portion formed in the battery module and passing through the frame member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] By the way, when the exhaust path of the gas as described above is set to a path passing through the mounting member from the battery module and then through the frame member, it is necessary to provide a duct structure that functions as an exhaust path not only in the frame member but also in the mounting member. This reduces the degree of freedom in design of the structure of the mounting member, increases the thickness of the mounting member, and may lead to complication and enlargement of the structure.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to reliably discharge gas without causing complication and enlargement of the structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The mounting structure of the in-vehicle battery according to the present invention includes a battery module having an arrangement space in which a plurality of batteries are arranged, a battery frame having a plurality of frame bars formed in a hollow cross-section and fixed to the vehicle body, a smoke exhaust duct having an exhaust portion communicated with the arrangement space and connected to the battery frame, a storage case for storing the battery module and attached to the battery frame, and a mounting member for attaching the battery module to the battery frame. A communication hole is formed in the battery frame, and in a state where the battery module is attached to the battery frame via the mounting member, the exhaust portion and the internal space of the battery frame are communicated with each other through the communication hole. The battery module is attached to the battery frame via the mounting member by the mounting member being bolted to the battery frame in the vertical direction. The exhaust portion is formed in a shape that penetrates vertically, the communication hole penetrates vertically, and when the mounting member is attached to the battery frame, by tightening the bolt, the exhaust portion abuts against the portion around the communication hole in the battery frame. It is as follows.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, since the exhaust portion and the internal space of the battery frame are communicated with each other through the communication hole formed in the battery frame, and the exhaust path of the gas generated in the battery module is formed as a path passing through the battery frame from the exhaust portion, there is no need to provide a structure for causing the mounting member to function as an exhaust path, and the gas can be reliably discharged without causing complication and enlargement of the structure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

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Figure 15

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] <Schematic Configuration of Vehicle> First, the schematic configuration of a vehicle on which an in-vehicle battery according to the present invention is mounted will be described (see FIG. 1).

[0013] The vehicle 100 is, for example, a hybrid vehicle that travels by at least one of power from fuel (gasoline) or power from electricity. However, the vehicle 100 may be an electric vehicle that travels only by power from electricity.

[0014] The vehicle 100 includes a power source 110, an accelerator opening sensor 120, a speed sensor 130, a control unit 140, and an in-vehicle battery 1.

[0015] As the power source 110, an engine 111 (internal combustion engine) and a drive motor 112 (electric motor) are provided. Therefore, in the vehicle 100, two types of driving modes are set: a hybrid driving mode using both the engine 111 and the drive motor 112 as power, and a motor driving mode using only the drive motor 112 as power, and the two types of driving modes are switched according to driving conditions and the like. However, in the vehicle 100, it may be possible to set an engine driving mode using only the engine 111 as power.

[0016] The accelerator opening sensor 120 detects the accelerator opening corresponding to the driving force of the vehicle 100 required by the driver, that is, the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal by the driver. The accelerator opening detected by the accelerator opening sensor 120 is output to the control unit 140 as a detection signal.

[0017] The speed sensor 130 detects the speed of the vehicle 100. The speed of the vehicle 100 detected by the speed sensor 130 is output to the control unit 140 as a detection signal.

[0018] The control unit 140 has the function of comprehensively controlling the operations of each part in the vehicle 100 and performing various arithmetic processes. The control unit 140 includes a microprocessor that performs operations, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs and the like for causing the microprocessor to execute each process, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that stores various data such as arithmetic results, and an interface for inputting or outputting data.

[0019] The control unit 140 includes an engine control unit 141 that controls the engine 111, a motor control unit 142 that controls the drive motor 112, and a mode switching unit 143 that switches the driving mode of the vehicle 100.

[0020] The engine control unit 141 is a part that operates as an ECU (Engine Control Unit). The motor control unit 142 has a function of controlling, for example, the driving operation of the wheels of the vehicle 100 by the drive motor 112 and the regeneration operation in the drive motor 112. The mode switching unit 143 switches between two driving modes: a hybrid driving mode using both the engine 111 and the drive motor 112 as power sources and a motor driving mode using only the drive motor 112 as a power source, based on the speed, acceleration, etc. of the vehicle 100.

[0021] The in-vehicle battery 1 has a battery module that stores electric power used in the vehicle 100, for example, in addition to the electric power used in the drive motor 112, the electric power used in each part that operates by electric power in the control unit 140 and the vehicle 100, and various lighting fixtures provided in the vehicle 100. As the battery of the battery module, for example, a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery is used. In addition to the electric power obtained by charging from outside the vehicle 100 (charging power), the in-vehicle battery 1 stores, for example, the regenerative electric power supplied from the drive motor 112.

[0022] <Structure of the vehicle> Next, the structure of the rear part of the vehicle 100 will be described (see FIGS. 2 to 5).

[0023] A trunk room 40 is formed at the rear part of the vehicle 100, and the trunk room 40 is opened by opening a rear door (trunk lid) (not shown) (see FIG. 2).

[0024] Interior parts 41 are arranged in the trunk room 40 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The interior parts 41 are formed of, for example, a resin material, and have side portions 42, 42 located on both the left and right sides and a connecting portion 43 that connects the lower end portions at the rear ends of the side portions 42, 42. The side portions 42, 42 are provided as bulging portions 42a, 42a that bulge in a direction in which portions corresponding to the shape of the wheel house approach each other. For example, fluid holes 42b penetrating substantially left and right are formed in the side portion 42 at a portion rearward of the bulging portion 42a.

[0025] Flap members 44, 44 are attached to the lower end side portions of the left and right side portions of the side panel 51 of the vehicle body 50 that forms the trunk room 40 (see FIGS. 2 to 4). The flap member 44 is a member that performs a so-called air bleed to release the air in the passenger compartment to the outside of the vehicle. A plurality of blade portions are provided on the flap member 44, and when the pressure (air pressure) in the passenger compartment increases, the blade portions are pushed up and the air flows out to the outside of the vehicle.

[0026] A sub-trunk 45 is arranged at the rear end of the rear floor panel 52 of the vehicle body 50 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The sub-trunk 45 is formed of a resin material, has a horizontally long shape, and has a storage recess 45a that is open upward.

[0027] A space is formed between the interior component 41 and the sub-trunk 45, with spacers 46, 46 made of a resin material arranged at left and right intervals in this space. The spacers 46 are formed in a thin and flat shape, and have inflow holes 46a penetrating substantially from left to right (see FIGS. 3 and 5). The inflow holes 46a of the spacers 46 and the flow holes 42b of the interior component 41 are positioned continuously, and the outer opening of the flow holes 42b is positioned near the flap member 44.

[0028] On the rear floor panel 52, a placement recess 52a is formed in front of the portion where the sub-trunk 45 is arranged.

[0029] The sub-trunk and the in-vehicle battery 1 are covered from above by the luggage compartment board 47.

[0030] <Mounting structure of in-vehicle battery etc.> Next, the mounting structure etc. of the in-vehicle battery 1 will be described (see FIGS. 3, 6, 7, and 8).

[0031] The in-vehicle battery 1 is attached to and held by a battery frame 30 (see FIGS. 3 and 6). The battery frame 30 is formed of a high-strength metal material, and has first frame bars 31, 32 extending left and right and second frame bars 33, 33 extending front and rear. Both the first frame bars 31, 32 and the second frame bars 33, 33 are formed in a square tube shape and have a hollow cross-section.

[0032] The first frame bar 31 and the first frame bar 32 are positioned at a distance from front to rear, and both left and right end portions are provided as fixed portions 34, 34, 35, 35 respectively. The openings on both left and right sides of the first frame bar 32 located at the rear side are formed as gas discharge ports 32a, 32a. Gas passage holes 32b, 32b are formed on the front surface of the first frame bar 32 at left and right intervals.

[0033] The second frame bars 33, 33 are fixed to the first frame bar 31 and the second frame bar 32 by welding or the like with both front and rear ends spaced apart left and right. The second frame bar 33 is fixed to the first frame bar 32 at a position covering the gas passage holes 32b. Therefore, the inside of the first frame bar 32 and the inside of the second frame bars 33, 33 communicate with each other through the gas passage holes 32b, 32b.

[0034] Communication holes 33a, 33a are formed at intervals in the front-rear direction on the lower surface of the second frame bar 33 (see FIG. 7). Bolt insertion holes 33b, 33b are formed at intervals in the front-rear direction, for example, at four locations each on the upper and lower surfaces of the second frame bar 33, and the bolt insertion holes 33b, 33b are located on both sides in the front-rear direction of the communication holes 33a.

[0035] In the battery frame 30, the fixed portions 34, 34 of the first frame bar 31 and the fixed portions 35, 35 of the first frame bar 32 protrude laterally (outward) from the second frame bars 33, 33, respectively.

[0036] The in-vehicle battery 1 has a storage case 2 formed in a box shape with an upward opening, a cover (not shown) covering the space inside the storage case 2 from above, and required components disposed inside and outside the storage case 2 (see FIG. 6).

[0037] The storage case 2 is attached in a state of being suspended from the battery frame 30 by bolts or the like (not shown).

[0038] For example, two battery modules 3, 3 are stored in the storage case 2. In the battery module 3, a plurality of secondary batteries such as nickel-metal hydride batteries and lithium-ion batteries are stored in an arrangement space which is the space inside the case portion 3a. Note that the number of battery modules 3 stored in the storage case 2 is arbitrary.

[0039] On the upper surface of the case portion 3a in the battery module 3, a smoke exhaust duct 4 is attached to the central portion in the front-rear direction. The smoke exhaust duct 4 is formed in a hollow shape and has a flow portion 5 extending left and right and exhaust portions 6, 6 respectively protruding upward from both left and right ends of the flow portion 5. The smoke exhaust duct 4 is, for example, such that the internal space in the flow portion 5 communicates with the arrangement space of the battery module 3 in part. The exhaust portion 6 has a cylindrical portion 6a formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the vertical direction as the axial direction and a flange portion 6b protruding outward from the upper end portion of the cylindrical portion 6a.

[0040] The battery module 3 is attached in a state of being suspended from the battery frame 30 via attachment members 7, 7. The attachment member 7 has a flat plate-shaped attachment plate portion 8 facing in the left-right direction and boss portions 9, 9 continuously provided at both front and rear end portions of the attachment plate portion 8. Note that the attachment member 7 may be provided as a separate member from the battery module 3 and be a bracket for attaching the battery module 3 to the battery frame 30, or may be an end plate provided on both sides of the case portion 3a as a component of the battery module 3 for restraining the secondary batteries arranged inside.

[0041] On the attachment plate portion 8, the side surface portion of the case portion 3a in the battery module 3 is attached by means such as screwing. The boss portion 9 is formed in a cylindrical shape with the axial direction being the vertical direction and has a screw groove 9a on the inner surface.

[0042] The attachment member 7 is fastened to the second frame bar 33 of the battery frame 30 by bolts 70, 70 in a state where the battery module 3 is attached to the attachment plate portion 8 (see FIG. 7). Accordingly, the battery module 3 is attached to the second frame bar 33 via the attachment member 7.

[0043] The fastening of the mounting member 7 to the second frame bar 33 is performed by inserting the bolt 70 into the collar 71 with the cylindrical collar 71 inserted into the bolt insertion holes 33b, 33b of the second frame bar 33 and screwing it into the screw groove 9a of the boss portion 9. At this time, an annular cushion 72 made of rubber or the like is placed on the flange portion 6b provided on the exhaust portion 6 of the exhaust duct 4, and the exhaust portion 6 is abutted against the portion around the communication hole 33a on the lower surface portion of the second frame bar 33 from below through the cushion 72. Therefore, when the mounting member 7 is fastened to the second frame bar 33, the exhaust portion 6 is abutted against the lower surface portion of the second frame bar 33 through the cushion 72, the exhaust duct 4 is connected to the second frame bar 33, and the exhaust portion 6 and the internal space 30a of the battery frame 30 communicate with each other through the communication hole 33a.

[0044] In this way, the battery module 3 is attached to the battery frame 30 via the mounting member 7 by the mounting member 7 being fastened to the battery frame 30 in the vertical direction by the bolt 70. When the bolt 70 of the mounting member 7 is fastened to the battery frame 30, the exhaust portion 6 is abutted against the portion around the communication hole 33a in the battery frame 30 from below.

[0045] Therefore, when the mounting member 7 is fastened to the battery frame 30 by the bolt 70, the exhaust portion 6 is connected to the battery frame 30 and communicates with the internal space 30a of the battery frame 30 through the communication hole 33a. Thus, the attachment of the battery module 3 to the battery frame 30 via the mounting member 7 and the connection of the exhaust duct 4 to the battery frame 30 are performed simultaneously. As a result, it is not necessary to separately perform the attachment work of the battery module 3 to the battery frame 30 and the connection work of the exhaust duct 4 to the battery frame 30, and the workability can be improved in the mounting structure of the in-vehicle battery 1.

[0046] Inside the storage case 2, a junction box 10, a battery control unit 11, and a service plug 12 are arranged (see FIG. 3). The junction box 10 functions as a control device for controlling battery modules 3, 3, etc. The battery control unit 11 is a control device that controls each part of the in-vehicle battery 1. The service plug 12 has a function of disconnecting or connecting a high-voltage circuit, for example, to prevent electric shock to workers during inspection and maintenance of the vehicle 100 or in the event of a collision with the vehicle 100.

[0047] The junction box 10 and the battery control unit 11 are attached to the second frame bars 33, 33 by attachment plates 13, 13, for example, and are located directly above the battery modules 3, 3. The service plug 12 is attached to the upper surface of the storage case 2, for example.

[0048] Also, a cooling fan and cooling ducts (not shown) are arranged inside the storage case 2, and the cooling fan and cooling ducts have a function of cooling each part such as the battery modules 3, 3 and the battery control unit 11.

[0049] In addition, although an example of the exhaust part 6 having a cylindrical part 6a and a flange part 6b has been shown above, an exhaust part 6A may be used instead of the exhaust part 6 (see FIG. 8). The exhaust part 6A is provided with a cylindrical positioning part 6c above the flange part 6b.

[0050] When the exhaust part 6A is used, the attachment member 7 is fastened to the second frame bar 33, and at the same time, the flange part 6b of the exhaust part 6A is abutted against the lower surface part of the second frame bar 33 via the cushion 72, and the positioning part 6c is inserted into the communication hole 33a of the second frame bar 33 from below, and the exhaust duct 4 is connected to the second frame bar 33. Therefore, the positioning of the exhaust part 6A with respect to the second frame bar 33 is performed by the positioning part 6c.

[0051] In this way, the tip of the exhaust portion 6A is provided as the positioning portion 6c, and when the mounting member 7 is fastened to the battery frame 30 by bolts 70 and the exhaust portion 6A is connected to the battery frame 30, the positioning portion 6c is inserted into the communication hole 33a. Therefore, it is possible to securely connect the exhaust portion 6A to the battery frame 30 while ensuring good workability in the mounting structure of the in-vehicle battery 1.

[0052] <Fixing state of the battery frame to the vehicle body> The battery frame 30 to which the in-vehicle battery 1 configured as described above is attached has the fixed portions 34, 34, 35, 35 of the first frame bar 31 and the first frame bar 32 fixed to the rear floor panel 52 of the vehicle body 50 by bolts 60, 60,... (see FIGS. 3 and 6).

[0053] In the state where the battery frame 30 is fixed to the rear floor panel 52, the in-vehicle battery 1 is inserted and positioned in the arrangement recess 52a formed in the rear floor panel 52. The battery frame 30 is in a state where the first frame bar 32 is covered from above by the front end portion of the sub-trunk 45, and the gas discharge ports 32a, 32a of the first frame bar 32 are substantially aligned with the inner openings of the inflow holes 46a, 46a in the spacers 46, 46, respectively.

[0054] <Gas discharge path> Hereinafter, the gas discharge path in the case where gas is generated inside the battery module 3 due to an accident such as a collision of the vehicle 100 will be described (see FIG. 9).

[0055] When gas is generated inside the battery module 3, the generated gas flows from the placement space into the interior of the flow portion 5 in the smoke exhaust duct 4. The gas that has flowed into the interior of the flow portion 5 flows from the exhaust portions 6, 6 located on both the left and right sides, through the communication holes 33a, 33a, into the interior of the second frame bars 33, 33, and then through the gas passage holes 32b, 32b, into the interior of the first frame bar 32. The gas that has flowed into the interior of the first frame bar 32 flows from the gas discharge ports 32a, 32a located at both ends of the first frame bar 32 into the inflow holes 46a, 46a of the spacers 46, 46. The gas that has flowed into the inflow holes 46a flows through the flow holes 42b of the interior component 41 and toward the flap member 44. Since the gas generated inside the battery module 3 has a high flow rate, it is ejected from the flow holes 42b toward the flap member 44, and the blade portions of the flap member 44 are pushed up and discharged to the outside of the vehicle 100.

[0056] At this time, as described above, since the bolt 70 is screwed into the screw groove 9a of the boss portion 9 and the exhaust portion 6 is abutted against the lower surface portion of the second frame bar 33 via the cushion 72, the cushion 72 is deformed between the second frame bar 33 and the flange portion 6b of the exhaust portion 6 by the fastening force of the bolt 70, and high adhesion between the second frame bar 33 and the exhaust portion 6 is ensured. Therefore, it is difficult for a gap to occur between the second frame bar 33 and the exhaust portion 6, and gas leakage can be prevented.

[0057] Also, since there is a certain distance between the outer opening of the flow hole 42b in the interior component 41 and the flap member 44 and the flow hole 42b is located at a distance from the flap member 44, it is difficult for dust and moisture to enter the flow hole 42b from the outside of the vehicle 100, and clogging of the gas discharge path can be prevented.

[0058] Furthermore, since the flap member 44 has a structure in which the blade portions are pushed up and gas and air are discharged to the outside, it is difficult for dust and moisture to enter the vehicle 100 from the outside of the vehicle 100 through the flap member 44, and intrusion of dust and moisture into the discharge path can be effectively prevented.

[0059] Furthermore, since the gas flow paths are formed in the battery frame 30, the interior parts 41, the spacers 46, and the flap members 44 that are pre-arranged in the vehicle 100 in advance, there is no need for a dedicated member to form the gas discharge path. After simplifying the structure and reducing the number of parts, the gas can be reliably discharged to the outside of the vehicle 100.

[0060] In addition, in the above, an example was shown in which the generated gas is discharged from the inside of the first frame bar 32 through the inflow hole 46a of the spacer 46 and the flow hole 42b of the interior part 41 to the outside from the flap member 44. However, it is possible to discharge the gas to the outside of the vehicle 100 without forming the inflow hole 46a and the flow hole 42b in the spacer 46 and the interior part 41, respectively.

[0061] In this case, for example, a discharge hole is formed in the vehicle body 50, and the gas discharge port 32a of the first frame bar 32 and the discharge hole are connected by a hose or the like, and the generated gas is made to flow through the hose or the like from the gas discharge port 32a and discharged from the discharge hole.

[0062] Also, both ends of the first frame bar 32 are extended to the vicinity of the flap members 44, 44, and the gas is jetted from the extended portions to discharge the gas to the outside of the vehicle 100 from the flap members 44, 44.

[0063] Also in this case, since it is difficult for dust and moisture to enter from the outside of the vehicle 100 at both ends of the first frame bar 32, it is possible to prevent the entry of dust and moisture into the discharge path.

[0064] <Summary> As described above, in the mounting structure of the in-vehicle battery 1, there are a battery frame 30 formed with a hollow cross-section and fixed to the vehicle body 50, a smoke exhaust duct 4 having an exhaust portion 6 connected to the battery frame 30, and a mounting member 7 for mounting the battery module 3 to the battery frame 30. A communication hole 33a is formed in the battery frame 30, and in a state where the battery module 3 is mounted to the battery frame 30 via the mounting member 7, the exhaust portion 6 communicates with the internal space 30a of the battery frame 30 through the communication hole 33a.

[0065] Therefore, since the exhaust portion 6 communicates with the internal space 30a of the battery frame 30 through the communication hole 33a formed in the battery frame 30, and the exhaust path of the gas generated in the battery module 3 is formed as a path passing through the battery frame 30 from the exhaust portion 6, there is no need to provide a structure for causing the mounting member 7 to function as an exhaust path, and the gas can be reliably discharged without causing complication or enlargement of the structure.

[0066] Also, gas discharge ports 32a, 32a are respectively formed at both left and right ends of the battery frame 30.

[0067] Therefore, since the gas flowing through the internal space 30a of the battery frame 30 from the exhaust portion 6 through the smoke exhaust duct 4 is discharged from the gas discharge ports 32a, 32a located on both left and right sides, for example, even in a state where the exhaust path of one of the left and right gases is blocked due to a collision of the vehicle 100 or the like, the gas can be reliably discharged to the outside of the vehicle 100.

[0068] <Other structure> Next, other structures in the mounting structure of the in-vehicle battery 1 will be described (see FIGS. 10 to 15).

[0069] First, the structure of the battery frame 30 will be described (see FIGS. 10 to 12).

[0070] The battery frame 30 has the first frame bars 31 and 32 and the second frame bar 33 fixed by welding or the like. For example, the rear end of the second frame bar 33 may be fixed by being welded in a state where it abuts against the front surface of the first frame bar 32 (see FIG. 10). In this case, a gas passage hole 32b is formed in the first frame bar 32, and it is not necessary to form a hole in the second frame bar 33. The processing work when manufacturing the battery frame 30 can be reduced, and the manufacturing time of the battery frame 30 can be shortened and the workability can be improved.

[0071] On the other hand, a rectangular insertion hole 32c is formed in the front surface portion of the first frame bar 32, a gas passage hole 33c is formed in the side surface portion at the rear end portion of the second frame bar 33, the rear end portion of the second frame bar 33 is inserted into the insertion hole 32c, and the rear end of the second frame bar 33 abuts against the inner surface of the rear surface portion of the first frame bar 32 and is fixed by being welded (see FIG. 11).

[0072] In this case, for example, even when an impact is applied to the battery frame 30 from the rear due to a collision of the vehicle 100 or the like, since the applied impact is received by the second frame bar 33, the first frame bar 32 is less likely to be crushed, and a gas discharge path can be secured to discharge the gas.

[0073] Also, in a state where the rear end portion of the second frame bar 33 is inserted into the insertion hole 32c, it may be fixed by being welded in a state where the rear end of the second frame bar 33 does not abut against the inner surface of the rear surface portion of the first frame bar 32 (see FIG. 12).

[0074] In this case, for example, when an impact is applied to the battery frame 30 from the rear due to a collision of the vehicle 100 in the unlikely event, the first frame bar 32 is likely to deform until it abuts against the rear end of the second frame bar 33. At this time, even if one of the first frame bars 32 deforms and the gas discharge path is blocked, the discharge path on the side of the other second frame bar 33 is secured, so that the gas can be reliably discharged to the outside of the vehicle 100.

[0075] Next, the connection structure between each part provided in the in-vehicle battery 1 and the battery module 3 will be described (see FIGS. 13 to 15).

[0076] As described above, in the in-vehicle battery 1, in addition to the battery modules 3, 3, a junction box 10, a battery control unit 11, and a service plug 12 are arranged (see FIG. 13). The junction box 10 and the battery control unit 11 are attached to the second frame bars 33, 33 by mounting plates 13, 13 and are located directly above the battery modules 3, 3. The service plug 12 is attached to the upper surface of the storage case 2.

[0077] In the in-vehicle battery 1, it is necessary to electrically connect the junction box 10, the battery control unit 11, and the service plug 12 to the battery modules 3, 3. In particular, since the junction box 10 and the battery control unit 11 are located directly above the battery modules 3, 3, the wiring work between the junction box 10, the battery control unit 11 and the battery modules 3, 3 is difficult.

[0078] Therefore, in the in-vehicle battery 1, terminal blocks 14, 14 are provided, for example, at the left and right ends inside the storage case 2, bus bars 15, 15,... are connected to the terminal blocks 14, 14, and the terminal blocks 14, 14 are relayed, and the junction box 10 and the battery control unit 11 are connected to the battery modules 3, 3 by the bus bars 15, 15, 16, 16, 17, 17.

[0079] Specifically, as the connection structure between the junction box 10 and the battery modules 3, 3, there are provided busbars 15, 15 extending from the bottom to the top and busbars 16, 16 extending in the horizontal direction. One end of each of the busbars 15, 15 and one end of each of the busbars 16, 16 are respectively connected to the terminal portions 14a, 14a of the terminal block 14. The other ends of the busbars 15, 15 are respectively connected to the upper surface portion of the junction box 10, and the other ends of the busbars 16, 16 are respectively connected to the upper surface portions of the battery modules 3, 3. Therefore, the junction box 10 and the battery modules 3, 3 are connected by the busbars 15, 15 and the busbars 16, 16 with the terminal block 14 as a relay.

[0080] Also, as the connection structure between the battery control unit 11 and the battery modules 3, 3, there are provided busbars 17, 17 extending in the horizontal direction. One end of each of the busbars 17, 17 is respectively connected to the terminal portions 14a, 14a of the terminal block 14, and the other ends of the busbars 17, 17 are respectively connected to the upper surface portions of the battery modules 3, 3. Therefore, the battery control unit 11 and the battery modules 3, 3 are connected by the busbars 17, 17 with the terminal block 14 as a relay.

[0081] One end of each of the connection lines 18, 18 is connected to the service plug 12 attached to the upper surface of the storage case 2, and the other ends of the connection lines 18, 18 are respectively connected to the terminal portions 14a, 14a of the terminal block 14 to which the busbars 17, 17 are connected. Therefore, the service plug 12 and the battery modules 3, 3 are connected by the connection lines 18, 18 and the busbars 17, 17 with the terminal block 14 as a relay.

[0082] As described above, by connecting the battery modules 3, 3 and other components via the terminal block 14, the connection between the two can be easily achieved, and the workability in the connection operation can be improved.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0083] 1 In-vehicle battery 2 Storage case 3 Battery module 4 Smoke Duct 6 Exhaust Part 6A Exhaust Part 6c Positioning Part 7 Mounting Member 70 Bolt 30 Battery Frame 30a Internal Space 31 First Frame Bar 32 First Frame Bar 32a Gas Outlet 32c Insertion Hole 33 Second Frame Bar 33a Communication Hole

Claims

1. A battery module having an arrangement space in which a plurality of batteries are arranged, A battery frame having a plurality of frame bars formed in a hollow cross-section and fixed to the vehicle body, A smoke exhaust duct having an exhaust portion that communicates with the arrangement space and is connected to the battery frame, A storage case that houses the battery module and is attached to the battery frame, And an attachment member for attaching the battery module to the battery frame, A communication hole is formed in the battery frame, In a state where the battery module is attached to the battery frame via the attachment member, the exhaust portion and the internal space of the battery frame communicate with each other through the communication hole, The battery module is attached to the battery frame via the attachment member by the attachment member being fastened to the battery frame in the vertical direction by bolts, The exhaust portion is formed in a shape that penetrates vertically, The communication hole penetrates vertically, When the attachment member is attached to the battery frame, the exhaust portion is abutted against a portion around the communication hole in the battery frame by fastening the bolts. An attachment structure for an in-vehicle battery.

2. A tip portion of the exhaust portion is provided as a positioning portion, The positioning portion is inserted into the communication hole. The attachment structure for an in-vehicle battery according to Claim 1.

3. Gas discharge ports are respectively formed at both left and right ends of the battery frame. The attachment structure for an in-vehicle battery according to Claim 1 or Claim 2.

4. A first frame bar that extends in the left-right direction and has an insertion hole and a second frame bar that extends in the front-rear direction are provided as the frame bars, Both end portions of the first frame bar are fixed to the vehicle body, The exhaust portion is connected to the second frame bar, At least one end portion of the second frame bar in the front-rear direction is inserted into the insertion hole, The first frame bar and the second frame bar are fixed in a state where at least one end of the second frame bar in the front-rear direction abuts against the inner surface of the first frame bar. The attachment structure for an in-vehicle battery according to Claim 1, Claim 2, or Claim 3.

5. A battery module having an arrangement space in which a plurality of batteries are arranged, A battery frame having a plurality of frame bars formed in a hollow cross-section and fixed to the vehicle body, A smoke exhaust duct having an exhaust portion communicating with the arrangement space and connected to the battery frame; A storage case for storing the battery module and attached to the battery frame; And an attachment member for attaching the battery module to the battery frame, A communication hole is formed in the battery frame, In a state where the battery module is attached to the battery frame via the attachment member, the exhaust portion and the internal space of the battery frame communicate with each other through the communication hole, As the frame bar, a first frame bar extending in the left-right direction and having an insertion hole and a second frame bar extending in the front-rear direction are provided, Both ends of the first frame bar are fixed to the vehicle body, The exhaust portion is connected to the second frame bar, At least one end portion of the second frame bar in the front-rear direction is inserted into the insertion hole, The first frame bar and the second frame bar are fixed in a state where at least one end of the second frame bar in the front-rear direction abuts against the inner surface of the first frame bar, An attachment structure for an in-vehicle battery.

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