Battery support structure

Abstract

To provide a battery support structure improved in heat insulation property, etc.SOLUTION: An upper-stage battery module 14 of a battery support structure 10 comprises an upper-stage battery module body 18 and an upper-stage battery module fixing part 19 extending downward from the upper-stage battery module body 18 and connected to a support member 16. A lower-stage battery module 15 comprises a lower-stage battery module body 20 and a lower-stage battery module fixing part 21 extending upward from the lower-stage battery module body 20 and connected to the support member 16. The upper-stage battery module 14 is fixed at a top face side of the support member 16, and the lower-stage battery module 15 is fixed at a bottom face side of the support member 16. A battery pack case 17 covers the upper-stage battery module 14 and the lower-stage battery module 15 and is attached to the support member 16 outside of the upper-stage battery module 14 and the lower-stage battery module 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery support structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, etc. have been driven by a motor that rotates using power supplied from an on-board battery. In recent years, large batteries have been installed in the vehicle body to extend the continuous driving distance of the motor.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a support structure that houses multiple levels of battery modules inside a module. Specifically, the support structure described in Patent Document 1 includes a base frame that is attached to the vehicle and an intermediate frame that is stacked on top of the base frame. A pair of left and right side walls is provided to form a stacking section on the side wall portion for stacking, and a mounting space for the first level is formed between the base frame and the intermediate frame, with mounting spaces for the second and subsequent levels formed above the intermediate frame. This allows batteries to be stacked in multiple levels on the base frame and the intermediate frame, allowing a large number of batteries to be housed in the module. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-99257 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the inventions described in the above-mentioned patent documents leave room for improvement in terms of heat insulation of the built-in battery, etc.

[0006] Specifically, the base frame and intermediate frame of the aforementioned structure are made of metal plates. Therefore, when this structure is installed on a vehicle body, unnecessary heat is conducted to the battery via the base frame and intermediate frame, causing the battery to overheat and reducing the battery's discharge and charging efficiency. In addition, since a base frame or intermediate frame is required for each battery, the overall configuration of the support structure becomes complicated.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery support structure that is excellent in heat insulation properties and the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The battery support structure of the present invention is a structure for supporting battery modules provided in a vehicle, and comprises upper-side battery modules, lower-side battery modules, a support member, and a battery pack case, wherein the upper-side battery modules have upper-side battery module main bodies and upper-side battery module fixing portions that extend downward from the upper-side battery module main bodies and are connected to the support members, and the lower-side battery modules have lower-side battery module main bodies and lower-side battery module fixing portions that extend upward from the lower-side battery module main bodies and are connected to the support members, the upper-side battery modules are fixed to the upper surface side of the support members, and the lower-side battery modules are fixed to the lower surface side of the support members, and the battery pack case covers the upper-side battery modules and the lower-side battery modules and is attached to the support members outside the upper-side battery modules and the lower-side battery modules. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery support structure with excellent thermal insulation properties can be provided. Specifically, an air layer is formed between the upper-side battery module and the lower-side battery module and the battery pack case. This air layer functions as a thermal insulating layer, thereby suppressing heat conduction from the outside to the upper-side battery module and the lower-side battery module. Furthermore, the upper-side battery module bodies are connected to the support member via the upper-side battery module fixing portions, and the lower-side battery module bodies are connected to the support member via the lower-side battery module fixing portions, thereby providing approximately point contact between the upper-side battery module bodies and the lower-side battery module bodies and the support member. This suppresses heat conduction to the upper-side battery module bodies and the lower-side battery module bodies via the support member. Furthermore, since the structure of the battery pack case can be simplified, the structure of the battery pack support structure itself can be simplified, making it easy to implement waterproofing measures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a rear portion of a vehicle equipped with a battery support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the rear underside of a vehicle equipped with a battery support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration in which a battery support structure and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention are incorporated into a vehicle body. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery support structure and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a battery support structure and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a vehicle including a battery support structure and its vicinity according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery support structure and the like according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a vehicle including a battery support structure and its vicinity according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a vehicle including a battery support structure and its vicinity according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a vehicle including a battery support structure and its vicinity according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A battery support structure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the terms front, back, up, down, left, and right are used, but left and right refer to the left and right when the vehicle 11 is viewed from the rear. Furthermore, in the following description, the same components will generally be given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations will be omitted.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the rear of a vehicle 11 equipped with a battery support structure 10. The vehicle 11 is, for example, an automobile, a train, or the like, and is equipped with a battery module 13 (see Fig. 5, etc.) for supplying power to a motor, electrical components, etc. The vehicle 11 rotates a motor (not shown) using power supplied from the equipped battery module 13, and travels using the driving force of the motor. Specifically, the vehicle 11 is an EV (Electrical Vehicle), HEV (Hybrid Electrical Vehicle), PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electrical Vehicle), or the like.

[0013] The battery support structure 10 is disposed, for example, in a storage space 34 below the rear floor at the rear of the vehicle 11. The battery support structure 10 is disposed so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the left-right direction of the vehicle 11. Here, the battery support structure 10 is not limited to being disposed in the storage space 34 below the rear floor, but may also be disposed in a storage space below the front floor or the like where the driver's seat and passenger seat of the vehicle 11 are located.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear underside of a vehicle 11 equipped with a battery support structure 10.

[0015] The battery support structure 10 is disposed on the underside of the vehicle body 12, near the rear end and approximately in the center in the left-right direction. The battery support structure 10 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between muffler cases 35. Muffler pipes 36 extend forward from the muffler cases 35. The muffler pipes 36 extending forward from each muffler case 35 merge midway. Because the battery support structure 10 is disposed in a position where it is sandwiched between the muffler cases 35 in close proximity, there is a concern that the battery support structure 10 will receive heat from the muffler cases 35 and rise in temperature. In this embodiment, the thermal insulation inside the battery support structure 10 is improved, thereby preventing the battery modules 13, which will be described later, from rising in temperature inadvertently.

[0016] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration in which the battery support structure 10 and other components are incorporated into the vehicle body 12. As shown in FIG.

[0017] A sub-trunk arrangement area 37 is formed by making the floor 28 at the rear end portion of the vehicle body 12 recessed. The sub-trunk arrangement area 37 stores the sub-trunk 26. The sub-trunk 26 is a container-like member with an open top, and is made of synthetic resin or the like. A collision frame 38 is stored in a slit-shaped area formed in the center of the sub-trunk 26 in the left-right direction. The collision frame 38 will be described later with reference to FIG. 9B. An internal vehicle duct 45, through which air introduced into the battery support structure 10 flows, is also arranged near the sub-trunk 26.

[0018] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the battery support structure 10 etc. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the battery support structure 10 etc.

[0019] 4 and 5, the battery support structure 10 is a structure that supports the battery modules 13 provided in the vehicle 11 described above. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 5, the battery support structure 10 includes an upper-side battery module 14 and a lower-side battery module 15, which are battery modules 13, a support member 16, and a battery pack case 17. The upper-side battery module 14 is fixed to the upper surface of the support member 16, and the lower-side battery module 15 is fixed to the lower surface of the support member 16.

[0020] The power control unit 41 is a junction box, and is disposed on the upper surface of the support member 16, to the left of the upper battery module .

[0021] The battery pack case 17 is a generally box-shaped member that protects the battery modules 13 and is made of plate-shaped resin, plate-shaped metal, or the like. The battery pack case 17 has an upper battery pack case 171 and a lower battery pack case 172. The upper battery pack case 171 is a generally box-shaped portion that is open at the bottom and constitutes the upper part of the battery pack case 17, enclosing the upper-side battery modules 14 and the power control unit 41. The lower battery pack case 172 is a generally box-shaped portion that is open at the top and constitutes the lower part of the battery pack case 17, enclosing the lower-side battery modules 15. A flange portion formed on the bottom surface of the upper battery pack case 171 and a flange portion formed on the top surface of the lower battery pack case 172 are joined outside the battery modules 13. Here, the upper battery pack case 171 is sometimes referred to as a cover, and the lower battery pack case 172 is sometimes referred to as a lower case.

[0022] The exhaust duct 40 is a short duct portion that is fitted into an opening formed in the upper rear surface of the upper battery pack case 171. The exhaust duct 40 is disposed at the left and right ends of the upper battery pack case 171. The wiring protector 39 is a protector through which the harness is routed.

[0023] The inlet duct 23 is a duct through which air flows before being introduced into the battery pack case 17. Details of the inlet duct 23 will be described later with reference to FIG. 8. Also shown here is an internal duct 31 built into the battery pack case 17. The air introduced into the battery pack case 17 via the inlet duct 23 is then introduced into the upper-side battery module 14 and the lower-side battery module 15 via the internal duct 31, where it exchanges heat. The air after heat exchange is released to the outside via the exhaust duct 40.

[0024] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the battery support structure 10 and the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle 11. In this example, the support member 16 of the battery support structure 10 is disposed near the muffler case 35 and the muffler pipe 36.

[0025] The upper battery module 14 has an upper battery module body 18 and an upper battery module fixing portion 19 that extends downward from the upper battery module body 18 and is connected to the support member 16 .

[0026] The upper battery module body 18 has a plurality of battery cells therein. The battery cells may be secondary batteries such as nickel-metal hydride batteries or lithium-ion batteries.

[0027] The upper-side battery module fixing parts 19 connect the lower end portions of the left-right ends of the upper-side battery module main body 18 to the upper surfaces of the support members 16. For example, a metal piece bent into a substantially L-shape can be used as the upper-side battery module fixing parts 19. The upper portions of the upper-side battery module fixing parts 19 are joined to the upper-side battery module main body 18 by fastening means or the like, and the lower portions are joined to the upper surfaces of the support members 16 by fastening means or the like. The lower surfaces of the upper-side battery module main body 18 can be joined to the support members 16 via the upper-side battery module fixing parts 19 at approximately points without abutting against the upper surfaces of the support members 16. Therefore, even if heat is conducted to the support member 16 from the muffler case 35 and other components that become hot when the vehicle 11 is running, the support member 16 and the upper-side battery module main body 18 are in approximately point contact, so the conduction of heat from the support member 16 to the upper-side battery module main body 18 is suppressed, and the temperature of the upper-side battery module main body 18 is prevented from rising.

[0028] The lower battery module 15 has a lower battery module body 20 and a lower battery module fixing portion 21 that extends upward from the lower battery module body 20 and is connected to the support member 16 .

[0029] The configuration of the lower battery module body 20 is similar to that of the upper battery module body 18 described above.

[0030] The lower-side battery module fixing parts 21 connect the upper end portions of the lower-side battery module main body 20 in the left-right direction to the underside of the support member 16. For example, a generally columnar metal member can be used as the lower-side battery module fixing parts 21. The upper portions of the lower-side battery module fixing parts 21 are joined to the underside of the support member 16 by fastening means or the like, and the lower portions are joined to the top of the lower-side battery module main body 20 by fastening means or the like. The upper surfaces of the lower-side battery module main body 20 can be generally point-joined to the support member 16 via the lower-side battery module fixing parts 21 without abutting against the underside of the support member 16. This reduces heat conduction from the support member 16 to the lower-side battery module main body 20, thereby suppressing a rise in temperature of the lower-side battery module main body 20.

[0031] The battery pack case 17 covers the upper-side battery modules 14 and the lower-side battery modules 15 and is attached to the support members 16 on the outside of the upper-side battery modules 14 and the lower-side battery modules 15, i.e., on the front, rear, right, and left sides. Furthermore, the battery pack case 17 does not contact the upper-side battery module bodies 18 and the lower-side battery module bodies 20. This creates an air layer between the upper-side battery module bodies 18 and the lower-side battery module bodies 20 and the battery pack case 17, and this air layer acts as a thermal insulating layer. Therefore, even if the muffler case 35 and the muffler pipe 36, which become extremely hot when the vehicle 11 is running, are located near the battery pack case 17, heat conduction from the muffler case 35 and the muffler pipe 36 to the upper-side battery module bodies 18 and the lower-side battery module bodies 20 can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the underside of the lower battery module body 20 is spaced apart from the underside of the lower battery pack case 172, even if the vehicle 11 runs over a curb, the resulting impact can be prevented from being transmitted to the lower battery module body 20.

[0032] Furthermore, the simplified configuration of the battery pack case 17 reduces the manufacturing costs of the battery support structure 10 and, in turn, the vehicle 11. Furthermore, because the battery pack case 17 has a single housing shape as a whole, this configuration itself provides a waterproofing measure, preventing water from reaching the upper-side battery module body 18 and the lower-side battery module body 20.

[0033] Furthermore, openings 46 are formed in the support members 16, and the upper-side battery module bodies 18 and lower-side battery module bodies 20 are fixed to the support members 16 across the openings 46. This configuration allows the upper-side battery module bodies 18 and upper-side battery module fixing portions 19 to further reduce heat reception via the support members 16.

[0034] Here, an under cover (not shown here) can be added below lower battery pack case 172. In this way, it is possible to further suppress upward thrust from below and also improve the heat shielding effect.

[0035] Fig. 7A is a perspective view showing the battery support structure 10, etc. In this figure, the dashed dotted line indicates the air flow inside the battery pack case 17. Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing the battery support structure 10, etc. and the configuration of the vehicle 11 in the vicinity thereof.

[0036] 7A, the exhaust section 22 is a section that exhausts air that has cooled the lower-side battery module main body 20. The exhaust section 22 is disposed inside the battery pack case 17, facing outward in the vehicle width direction, in this case, toward the left end. Furthermore, the exhaust section 22, which is a chamber, faces outward in the vehicle, i.e., toward the left side. Inside the lower-side battery module main body 20, cooling gaps are formed between the cells to cool the battery cells built into the lower-side battery module main body 20. The same applies to the upper-side battery module main body 18.

[0037] Here, a temperature sensor can also be provided on the battery cell or end plate located outermost in the width direction of the upper-side battery module body 18 or the lower-side battery module body 20. In this way, if the temperature rise measured by the temperature sensor is greater than a certain value, it can be determined that there is a large amount of heat being received from the muffler pipe 36 or the like, and the airflow from the fan cooling the upper-side battery module body 18 and the lower-side battery module body 20 can be increased, thereby suppressing the temperature rise in the upper-side battery module body 18 and the lower-side battery module body 20.

[0038] When the battery support structure 10 is in operation, air heated by the battery cells built into the lower-side battery module main body 20 is discharged from the exhaust section 22 into the battery pack case 17. The air then passes between both side surfaces of the lower-side battery module main body 20 and both side surfaces of the battery pack case 17, rises inside the battery pack case 17, and is then released to the outside through the exhaust duct 40. Here, the air discharged from the exhaust section 22 is at a lower temperature than the muffler case 35, even after exchanging heat with the battery cells.

[0039] 7B, an area 44 through which the air discharged from the exhaust section 22 flows is surrounded by a dashed line. Because the air flowing through area 44 is relatively low temperature, it effectively cools the side surface of the lower battery pack case 172 and prevents the temperature of the lower battery pack case 172 from rising due to the high temperature of the muffler case 35 and muffler pipe 36. Furthermore, by routing the air discharged from the exhaust section 22 to the exhaust duct 40 located at the top of the battery pack case 17 and then releasing it to the outside, it is possible to prevent air from accumulating inside the battery pack case 17 and prevent the inside of the battery pack case 17 from becoming locally hot.

[0040] In this embodiment, the support member 16 is covered from the outside by the battery pack case 17. Specifically, a flange portion 173 is provided at the lower end of the upper battery pack case 171. The flange portion 173 has a portion that extends toward the right, i.e., toward the outside of the vehicle, and a portion that extends downward. A flange portion 174 is provided at the upper end of the lower battery pack case 172. The flange portion 174 extends toward the right, i.e., toward the outside of the vehicle. The lower end of the flange portion 173 is connected to the upper end of the flange portion 174 outside the first support member 32. This configuration ensures a space between the battery pack case 17 and the support member 16, i.e., separates them, and suppresses heat conduction from the battery pack case 17 to the support member 16. This suppresses temperature increases in the upper-side battery module main body 18 and the lower-side battery module main body 20.

[0041] 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the battery support structure 10 and the surrounding area of ​​the vehicle 11. In addition, only the introduction duct 23 is shown in the lower part of FIG.

[0042] Air is introduced from the sub-trunk 26 into the interior of the battery pack case 17 of the battery support structure 10. Because the sub-trunk 26 is a space that communicates with the passenger compartment of the vehicle 11, it is air-conditioned by the air conditioning system provided in the vehicle 11. Specifically, the sub-trunk 26 is air-conditioned in hot summer months and heated in cold winter months. Therefore, when the temperature is high, air from the air-conditioned sub-trunk 26 is introduced into the battery pack case 17 of the battery support structure 10, and the lower-side battery module main body 20 and the upper-side battery module main body 18 can be effectively cooled by the low-temperature air that has been air-conditioned.

[0043] The space inside the sub-trunk arrangement area 37 is in communication with the lower battery module bodies 20 and upper battery module bodies 18 housed in the battery pack case 17 via the vehicle interior duct 45, the introduction duct 23, and the internal duct 31. The vehicle interior duct 45 is a duct located inside the sub-trunk arrangement area 37. The introduction duct 23 is a duct that connects the vehicle interior duct 45 and the internal duct 31 to establish communication between the sub-trunk arrangement area 37 and the battery pack case 17. The introduction duct 23 is located below the floor 28, i.e., outside the vehicle cabin. The internal duct 31 is a duct that connects the introduction duct 23 with the lower battery module bodies 20 and upper battery module bodies 18. With this configuration, the cooled air inside the sub-trunk placement area 37 passes through the vehicle interior duct 45, the introduction duct 23, and the interior duct 31 and is sent to the upper-side battery module body 18 and the lower-side battery module body 20. This allows the battery cells built into the upper-side battery module body 18 and the lower-side battery module body 20 to be cooled effectively.

[0044] The inlet duct 23 is disposed outside the sub-trunk arrangement area 37 and the battery support structure 10. The inlet duct 23 has a first end 24 that opens at the front lower side and a second end 25 that opens at the rear upper side.

[0045] The rear end portion of the underside of lower battery pack case 172 is first inclined surface 27 that slopes upward toward the rear. In addition, the front portion of floor 28 that separates sub-trunk placement area 37 is second inclined surface 29 that slopes upward toward the front.

[0046] The first end 24 of the introduction duct 23 connects to an opening formed in the first inclined surface 27 of the lower battery pack case 172 and communicates with the internal duct 31. The second end 25 of the introduction duct 23 connects to an opening formed in the second inclined surface 29 of the sub-trunk arrangement area 37 and communicates with the vehicle internal duct 45. This configuration improves the sealing performance at the first end 24 and the second end 25 of the introduction duct 23 and prevents air from leaking to the outside from the connection. Furthermore, connecting the first end 24 and the second end 25 of the introduction duct 23 to the first inclined surface 27 of the battery pack case 17 and the second inclined surface 29 of the sub-trunk 26 can reduce the amount of downward protrusion of the introduction duct 23. For example, the lowest part of the introduction duct 23 can be positioned above the bottom surface of the lower battery pack case 172. Therefore, when the vehicle 11 runs over a curb or the like under the traveling conditions of the vehicle 11, it is possible to prevent the introduction duct 23 from coming into contact with the curb or the like. Also, the introduction duct 23 can be easily connected in the manufacturing process.

[0047] The space 30 is an external space formed near the battery pack case 17, specifically behind the upper rear surface of the battery pack case 17. The space 30 is also a substantially closed space surrounded by the battery pack case 17, the floor 28, etc. Air discharged from the battery pack case 17 is discharged into the space 30 via the exhaust duct 40. With this configuration, the exhaust duct 40 is disposed in the substantially closed space 30, and it is possible to prevent dust and water from entering the interior of the battery pack case 17 via the exhaust duct 40. Furthermore, because the space 30 is an external space, air heated by cooling the upper battery module main body 18 and the lower battery module main body 20 does not return to the passenger compartment of the vehicle 11, preventing the passenger compartment from being unintentionally heated.

[0048] FIG. 9A is a perspective view showing the battery support structure 10 and the support member 16. FIG.

[0049] The support member 16 has a first support member 32 and a second support member 33. The first support member 32 and the second support member 33 are made of, for example, a metal member formed into a prismatic shape.

[0050] The first support members 32 extend in the left-right direction and are disposed at the front and rear ends of the battery support structure 10. The left and right ends of the first support members 32 are joined to the vehicle body 12, not shown here.

[0051] The second support member 33 extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is installed at the middle of the first support member 32. The rear end of the second support member 33 is joined to the front surface of the first support member 32 located at the rear. The front end of the second support member 33 is joined to the rear surface of the first support member 32 located at the front. Furthermore, multiple second support members 33 are installed in the left-right direction. At least one of the second support members 33 is installed at approximately the center of the first support member 32, i.e., a location corresponding to approximately the center of the vehicle 11. In this manner, if a columnar object collides from behind with the vehicle 11 near the center in the vehicle width direction, the second support member 33 located at the center of the battery support structure 10 generates a large resistance. This prevents damage to the upper-side battery module main body 18 and the lower-side battery module main body 20 due to the collision.

[0052] FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the battery support structure 10 and the like and the vicinity thereof of the vehicle 11.

[0053] The collision frame 38 is made of a highly rigid plate material such as a metal plate, and also serves as a partition plate that separates the interior of the sub-trunk 26. The lower part of the front side of the collision frame 38 forms an inclined surface 42 that slopes downward toward the rear. Meanwhile, the rear surface of the first support member 32 is inclined downward toward the rear to form an inclined surface 43. In addition, the inclined surfaces 42 and 43 face each other in the front-to-rear direction.

[0054] With this configuration, when a collision occurs at the rear of the vehicle 11, the impact causes the inclined surface 42 of the collision frame 38 to come into contact with the inclined surface 43 of the first support member 32. The collision frame 38 is then guided by the inclined surface 42 of the collision frame 38 and moves forward and upward. As a result, the sub-trunk 26 and its stored items also move forward and upward. Therefore, in the event of a collision, the sub-trunk 26 and its stored items are prevented from projecting toward the battery support structure 10, preventing damage to the upper battery module bodies 18 and lower battery module bodies 20 housed in the battery support structure 10.

[0055] The above-described embodiment can provide the following main effects.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 6 , the battery support structure 10 forms an air layer between the upper-side battery module 14 and the lower-side battery module 15 and the battery pack case 17. This air layer functions as a thermal insulating layer, thereby suppressing heat conduction from the outside to the upper-side battery module 14 and the lower-side battery module 15. Furthermore, the upper-side battery module main body 18 is connected to the support member 16 via the upper-side battery module fastening portion 19, and the lower-side battery module main body 20 is connected to the support member 16 via the lower-side battery module fastening portion 21. This allows the upper-side battery module main body 18 and the lower-side battery module main body 20 to be in approximate point contact with the support member 16. This suppresses heat conduction to the upper-side battery module main body 18 and the lower-side battery module main body 20 via the support member 16. Furthermore, since the structure of the battery pack case 17 can be simplified, the structure of the battery support structure 10 itself can be simplified and waterproofing can be easily implemented.

[0057] 7A and 7B, the low-temperature air that has cooled the battery modules 13 is blown between the battery modules 13 and the battery pack case 17, and the low-temperature air existing between the battery modules 13 and the battery pack case 17 functions as a heat insulating layer. This suppresses heat transfer from the muffler case 35 disposed near the battery support structure 10 to the battery modules 13, thereby suppressing a temperature rise in the battery modules 13.

[0058] 8, the battery modules 13 can be effectively cooled by blowing air cooled inside the vehicle cabin onto the battery modules 13. Furthermore, by connecting the inlet duct 23, through which the cooling air flows, to the first inclined surface 27 and the second inclined surface 29, downward protrusion of the inlet duct 23 is suppressed, and damage to the inlet duct 23 due to contact with the road surface when the vehicle 11 is moving can be suppressed.

[0059] 8, the air heated by cooling the battery modules 13 is not returned to the vehicle cabin, preventing the temperature of the vehicle cabin from rising unintentionally. Furthermore, the air that has cooled the battery modules 13 is discharged into space 30, which is a substantially closed space surrounded by the floor 28, etc., preventing dust and the like from entering the battery pack case 17 via the air exhaust port.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 9A, even if a collision occurs at the rear of vehicle 11, second support member 33 resists the impact generated at the time of the collision, and therefore battery module 13 can be protected from the impact.

[0061] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these and can be modified within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 10 Battery support structure 11 vehicles 12 Body 13 Battery module 14 Upper battery module 15 Lower battery module 16 Support member 17 Battery pack case 171 Upper battery pack case 172 Lower battery pack case 173 Flange 174 Flange 18 Upper battery module body 19 Upper battery module fixing part 20 Lower battery module body 21 Lower battery module fixing part 22 Exhaust section 23 Inlet duct 24 First end 25 Second end 26 Subtrunk 27 1st slope 28 floors 29 Second slope 30 space 31 Internal duct 32 first support member 33 Second support member 34 Storage Space 35 Muffler case 36 Muffler pipe 37 Subtrunk Placement Area 38 Collision Frames 39 Wiring protector 40 Exhaust duct 41 Power Control Unit 42 Slope 43 Slope 44 areas 45 Vehicle internal duct 46 Opening

Claims

1. A structure for supporting a battery module provided in a vehicle, The battery pack includes an upper battery module, a lower battery module, a support member, and a battery pack case, the upper-side battery module has an upper-side battery module main body and an upper-side battery module fixing portion extending downward from the upper-side battery module main body and connected to the support member, the lower-side battery module has a lower-side battery module body and a lower-side battery module fixing portion extending upward from the lower-side battery module body and connected to the support member, the upper battery module is fixed to an upper surface side of the support member, and the lower battery module is fixed to a lower surface side of the support member; a battery support structure, characterized in that the battery pack case covers the upper-side battery module and the lower-side battery module, and is attached to the support member outside the upper-side battery module and the lower-side battery module.

2. an exhaust unit that exhausts air that has cooled the battery module, The battery support structure according to claim 1 , wherein the exhaust portion is disposed inside the battery pack case on an outer side in the vehicle width direction.

3. an introduction duct that serves as a path through which conditioned air in a passenger compartment of the vehicle is introduced into the battery pack case, the introduction duct having a first end and a second end; a sub-trunk placement area disposed on the rear side of the battery module, a rear end portion of the lower surface of the battery pack case is a first inclined surface that is inclined upward toward the rear, a front portion of the floor that separates the sub-trunk arrangement area is a second inclined surface that slopes upward toward the front, the first end of the introduction duct is connected to the first inclined surface of the battery pack case; 3. The battery support structure according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the inlet duct is connected to the second inclined surface of the floor.

4. a space surrounded by the battery pack case and a floor is formed near the battery pack case; 4. The battery support structure according to claim 3, wherein air discharged from the battery pack case is discharged into the space.

5. 5. The battery support structure according to claim 1, wherein the support member includes a plurality of first support members extending along the vehicle width direction, and a second support member disposed across intermediate portions of the first support members and extending along the vehicle front-rear direction.

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