Battery pack intake structure

Abstract

This battery pack intake structure comprises: an intake port (45A) formed in an upper surface (20F) of a battery pack case (20) to be mounted in a vehicle for taking in air into an internal space (20A) of the battery pack case (20); an intake port cover (70) forming an air inlet (71) in communication with space in a vehicle cabin (1), and covering the intake port (45A) from above while forming a gap (47) between the air inlet (71) and the intake port (45A) between the intake port cover (70) and the upper surface (20F) of the battery pack case (20); and ribs (80) provided with a space therebetween for enabling communication between the air inlet (71) and the intake port (45A), and erected from at least one of the upper surface (20F) and the intake port cover (70) in the gap (47).

Description

Battery pack air intake structure

[0001] This invention relates to a battery pack air intake structure that takes in air into the internal space of a battery pack case mounted on a vehicle.

[0002] Vehicles such as electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles are equipped with large-capacity batteries (also called battery packs) as a power source for driving the vehicle. The large-capacity batteries are housed in the internal space of a battery pack case and generate heat when receiving and transmitting power, such as during power running (supplying power to the drive motor) and during regeneration (charging by converting vehicle braking energy into electricity). One proposed structure for cooling a heated battery is one in which an opening is provided in the battery pack case to introduce a coolant. For example, a structure in which a coolant suction port is provided on the side of the battery pack case has been considered (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-207237

[0004] However, when air from the vehicle interior is taken in as a refrigerant to cool the battery modules in the battery pack case, if the air intake port for taking in the cooling air is exposed to the vehicle interior, foreign objects from the vehicle interior may enter the interior space of the battery pack case. For example, if the air intake port formed on the top surface of the battery pack case is exposed to the vehicle interior, small objects dropped by passengers may enter the air intake port, or a drink spilled by a passenger may enter the air intake port. Therefore, there is room for improvement in preventing foreign objects from entering the interior space of the battery pack case.

[0005] The battery pack air intake structure of the present invention was devised in consideration of these problems, and one of its objectives is to prevent foreign objects from entering the internal space of the battery pack case. However, in addition to this objective, another objective of the present invention is to achieve effects derived from the various configurations shown in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" below, which are not obtainable with conventional technology.

[0006] The disclosed battery pack air intake structure can be realized as the following disclosed aspects (application examples) and solves at least part of the above-mentioned problems. Each of aspects 2 to 12 can be selected as an additional aspect, and each can be omitted. None of aspects 2 to 12 discloses an aspect or configuration that is essential to the present invention.

[0007] Aspect 1. The disclosed battery pack air intake structure includes an air intake port formed on the top surface of a battery pack case mounted on a vehicle and for taking air into an internal space of the battery pack case, an air intake port cover that forms an air intake port that communicates with a passenger compartment space of the vehicle and covers the air intake port from above while forming a gap between the air intake port and the air intake port between the top surface of the battery pack case and the air intake port, and a rib that is provided with a gap communicating between the air intake port and the air intake port and that stands upright from at least one of the top surface and the air intake port cover into the gap.

[0008] Aspect 2. In Aspect 1 above, it is preferable that the rib is provided with the gap between it and at least the other of the top surface of the battery pack case and the air intake cover. Aspect 3. In Aspect 1 or 2 above, it is preferable that the rib is provided upright from the top surface of the battery pack case into the gap. Aspect 4. In Aspect 3 above, it is preferable that the height positions of the upper ends of the rib and the height positions of the upper ends of the air intake are approximately the same. Aspect 5. In any one of Aspects 1 to 3 above, it is preferable that the air intake cover forms the air intake between itself and the top surface of the battery pack case on one side and the other side of the air intake in a predetermined direction, and that the rib is provided on each side of the air intake in the predetermined direction.

[0009] Aspect 6. In any one of Aspects 1 to 5 above, it is preferable that the intake port, the rib, and the air intake are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, and that the rib is arranged so that its entire area overlaps with the intake port in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle. Aspect 7. In any one of Aspects 1 to 6 above, it is preferable that the rib is erected so as to surround the periphery of the intake port. Aspect 8. In any one of Aspects 1 to 7 above, it is preferable that the upper surface of the intake port cover is inclined so as to be positioned lower towards the air intake port.

[0010] Aspect 9. In any one of Aspects 1 to 8 above, it is preferable that the rib includes a first rib and a second rib spaced apart from the air intake by different distances, the first rib is disposed at a position where the spaced apart distance is longer than the second rib, and a first height dimension from an upward first adjacent surface adjacent to the first rib on the opposite side of the air intake port to an upper end of the first rib is smaller than a second height dimension from an upward second adjacent surface adjacent to the second rib on the opposite side of the air intake port to an upper end of the second rib.

[0011] Aspect 10. In any one of Aspects 1 to 9 above, it is preferable that the intake port cover extends from above to an area that covers a sheet metal edge that is an edge portion of a panel member provided on the opposite side of the rib from the intake port. Aspect 11. In any one of Aspects 1 to 10 above, it is preferable that the intake port cover has, as at least one of the air intake ports, an upward-facing upper intake port provided in an area that does not overlap with the intake port in a top view of the vehicle.

[0012] Aspect 12. In the above-described aspect 11, it is preferable that a mesh member having a mesh pattern is stretched over the upper intake. Aspect 13. Another disclosed battery pack air intake structure includes an air intake formed on an upper surface of a battery pack case mounted on a vehicle, the air intake opening being for taking air into an internal space of the battery pack case, an air intake cover that forms an air intake communicating with a passenger compartment space of the vehicle and covers the air intake opening from above while forming a gap between the air intake opening and the upper surface of the battery pack case, and a mesh pattern stretched over the air intake opening.

[0013] The disclosed battery pack air intake structure can prevent foreign matter from entering the internal space of the battery pack case.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view, seen from the front side of the vehicle, showing a battery pack to which a battery pack air intake structure according to an embodiment is applied and a portion of a structure provided around the battery pack. Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional view of the battery pack of Fig. 1, seen from above the vehicle. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a path through which cooling air circulates in the internal space of the battery pack of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an overview of the battery pack of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a sectional view of a main part, seen from the front side of the vehicle, showing the structure around the air intake in the battery pack of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a top view showing an air intake cover in the battery pack of Fig. 1.

[0015] With reference to the drawings, an embodiment of a battery-related structure (including a battery pack air intake structure) mounted on a vehicle will be described. The embodiments described below are merely examples, and are not intended to exclude various modifications or applications of techniques not explicitly described in the following embodiments. Various modifications of the configurations of the embodiments can be implemented without departing from the spirit of the embodiments. Furthermore, the configurations can be selected or combined as needed.

[0016] In the following description, the forward direction of the vehicle is defined as the front, and the backward direction is defined as the rear, and left and right are defined based on the front. Since the left and right direction (first direction) is the width direction of the vehicle, in this embodiment, the left and right direction is referred to as the "vehicle width direction" of the vehicle. Furthermore, the up and down direction is defined with the direction of gravity as downward and the opposite direction as upward, and in this embodiment, the position in the up and down direction is referred to as the "height position." Note that the up and down direction does not have to completely coincide with the vertical direction and may be slightly inclined relative to the vertical direction. Similarly, the front and back direction of the vehicle (second direction, hereinafter simply referred to as the "front and back direction") and the vehicle width direction do not have to completely coincide with the horizontal direction.

[0017] Vehicle structures are often formed with near bilateral symmetry (mirror symmetry with respect to a plane including the yaw axis and roll axis passing through the center of gravity of the vehicle), but perfect symmetry is not required. Furthermore, the type of vehicle to which the structure according to the embodiment is applied is not particularly limited, and the structure may be applied to, for example, an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or the like. A plug-in hybrid vehicle is a hybrid vehicle capable of externally charging the battery or externally receiving power from the battery. A plug-in hybrid vehicle is provided with a charging port (inlet) for inserting a charging cable that supplies power from an external charging facility and a power outlet for external power supply.

[0018] [I. One Embodiment] In the following one embodiment, a battery mounting structure for mounting a battery in a vehicle and a battery pack air intake structure for taking air into the internal space of a battery pack case mounted in a vehicle will be described as structures related to a battery (also called a battery pack). Because the two structures, the battery mounting structure and the battery pack air intake structure, are related to a vehicle battery, they can be collectively referred to as a vehicle battery structure. When the battery is mounted in the lower part of the vehicle compartment, they can also be referred to as a vehicle lower structure, referring to the location where the battery is mounted. These three structures can also be expanded to be referred to as a vehicle structure.

[0019] [1. Configuration] [1-1. Basic Structure] Fig. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a battery pack 10 to which a battery pack air intake structure according to an embodiment is applied and part of the structure provided around the battery pack 10, as viewed from the front side of the vehicle. Fig. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the battery pack 10, as viewed from above the vehicle. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the path through which cooling air circulates in the internal space 20A of the battery pack 10, as viewed from the left side of the vehicle. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an overview of the battery pack 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the battery pack 10 is provided in a vehicle interior 1, and various structures and members are provided around the battery pack 10.

[0020] <Peripheral Configuration of Battery Pack> A seat 2 for a passenger is provided above the battery pack 10. The seat 2 illustrated here is a front seat (front seat) among at least two rows of seats arranged in the longitudinal direction. For example, the driver's seat or the passenger seat is the seat 2. However, the seat 2 may be any front seat among multiple rows of seats arranged in the longitudinal direction, excluding the rearmost seat, and may be the frontmost seat or the second-to-front seat in a vehicle with three rows of seats arranged side by side.

[0021] In addition, a panel member 3 and a carpet 4 of the vehicle interior 1 are provided above the battery pack 10. The panel member 3 is a sheet metal member that forms the floor surface on which the carpet 4 is placed. The carpet 4 is laid above the panel member 3, and seats 2, such as the driver's seat and passenger seat, are arranged above the carpet 4 with a gap in the vehicle width direction. A console 5 is provided on the panel member 3 between the driver's seat and passenger seat that form the seats 2. The console 5 illustrated in FIG. 1 is provided separately from the panel member 3. This console 5 is provided with cup holders 5H.

[0022] A body floor 6 extends in a planar shape below the battery pack 10. A pair of left and right side members 7 extend in the front-rear direction below the body floor 6 and support from below a pair of left and right side floor members 6X, which are portions of the body floor 6 on the vehicle widthwise end sides (hereinafter also referred to as "outside sides in the vehicle width direction"). A center floor 6Y, which is a portion of the body floor 6 closer to the vehicle widthwise center (inner side in the vehicle width direction) than the side floors 6X, is located lower than the side floors 6X, and the upper and lower cross sections along the vehicle width direction are formed in a downwardly convex shape.

[0023] In the vehicle exemplified in this embodiment, an exhaust pipe 8 is provided below the body floor 6, extending in the longitudinal direction, on the vehicle widthwise inward side of the right (one side in the vehicle width direction) side member 7. The exhaust pipe 8 is a pipe through which exhaust gas from an engine (internal combustion engine) (not shown) flows, and can also be considered a member that radiates exhaust heat. The space above the body floor 6 is the passenger compartment 1. In other words, since the lower end of the passenger compartment 1 is defined by the body floor 6, the battery pack 10 can also be considered to be mounted below the passenger compartment 1.

[0024] <Configuration of Battery Pack> The battery pack 10 is a power storage device for a vehicle that houses multiple battery modules 30 in the internal space 20A of a battery pack case 20. Below, the configuration of the battery pack 10 will be described, including the configuration of the battery modules 30, the battery-related electrical components, and the cooling equipment, followed by the internal layout, and finally the battery pack case 20 located below the seat 2.

[0025] ==Battery Module== The battery module 30 is a secondary battery that can not only supply power but also charge. This battery module 30 generates heat when receiving and supplying power, such as during power running to supply power to the vehicle's drive motor (not shown) or during regeneration, when the vehicle's braking energy is converted into power and charged. The battery module 30 has a larger capacity than on-board batteries such as so-called 12V batteries and 24V batteries.

[0026] In the internal space 20A, a space (hereinafter referred to as the "lower space") 20L located below the battery module 30 and a space (hereinafter referred to as the "upper space") 20U located above the battery module 30 are formed above and below the battery module 30. As shown in Fig. 3, each battery module 30 is an assembled battery formed by connecting multiple battery cells 30C (single cells; only one cell is marked in Fig. 3). These battery cells 30C are connected in a combination of series and parallel connections depending on the design voltage, design capacity, etc. of the battery module 30.

[0027] 1 and 2 illustrate an example in which multiple battery modules 30 of the same size are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction in the same orientation. Specifically, six rectangular parallelepiped battery modules 30 with the same dimensions in the vehicle width direction, front-rear direction, and up-down direction (i.e., proportions) are arranged side by side in the same orientation with the front-rear direction as the longitudinal direction. That is, the multiple battery modules 30 have the same length in the up-down direction and the same length in the front-rear direction. The battery modules 30 illustrated in this embodiment include, in order from left to right, a first battery module 31, a second battery module 32, a third battery module 33, a fourth battery module 34, a fifth battery module 35, and a sixth battery module 36.

[0028] Of these six battery modules 31 to 36, the four battery modules 32 to 35 arranged in the center in the vehicle width direction are referred to indistinguishably as the center module 15. Of the six battery modules 31 to 36, the battery modules 31 and 36 arranged at both ends in the vehicle width direction are referred to indistinguishably as the side modules 16. In other words, of the six battery modules 30, the ones located outermost on one and the other sides in the vehicle width direction are referred to as the side modules 16.

[0029] The internal space 20A housing the battery modules 30 houses various battery-related electrical components and cooling devices. ==Battery-related Electrical Components== As shown in Figure 1, the battery-related electrical components housed in the internal space 20A include a BMU (Battery Management Unit) 40, a transformer 41, a harness 42, and a junction box 43 (see Figures 2 to 4). The BMU 40 is an electronic control device that manages all of the battery modules 30, and has functions such as managing and monitoring the status of each battery module 30 and A / D conversion (analog-to-digital conversion) of control signals.

[0030] The transformer 41 is a device that converts voltage. This transformer 41 is, for example, a DC / DC converter that steps down and outputs the voltage applied from the battery module 30, and generates heat during voltage conversion. The harness 42 is an electric wire connected to the BMU 40, the transformer 41, the junction box 43, etc. The junction box 43 is a device that performs functions such as monitoring the amount of power transmitted from the battery pack 10 to the outside, cutting off the power, and distributing power to the transformer 41.

[0031] Cooling Equipment As shown in Fig. 4, an example of a cooling equipment housed in the internal space 20A is an intake duct 45. Examples of cooling equipment that is not housed in the internal space 20A but is attached to the outside of the battery pack case 20 include a fan 44 and an exhaust duct 46. The fan 44 is an air-cooled fan that supplies cooling air to cool the heat-generating battery modules 30 and the transformer 41. The intake duct 45 and the exhaust duct 46 are tubular members that form a flow path for the cooling air supplied by the fan 44.

[0032] Cooling by the cooling equipment is performed in the internal space 20A of the battery pack case 20 as outlined below. As shown in FIG. 3 , cooling air taken in from the space of the vehicle interior 1 (vehicle interior space) flows through the intake duct 45. The cooling air that has flowed through the intake duct 45 is introduced into the lower space 20L. The cooling air in the lower space 20L flows into the upper space 20U through gaps between the multiple battery cells 30C that make up each battery module 30. The cooling air flows from the lower space 20L to the upper space 20U, thereby cooling the battery modules 30. After cooling the transformer 41, the cooling air in the upper space 20U is discharged through the exhaust duct 46 by the fan 44.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4 , a pair of left and right intake ducts 45 are provided in the interior space 20A, and a fan 44 and an exhaust duct 46 are provided above the battery pack 10 in the center of the vehicle width direction. The intake duct 45 has an intake port 45A formed at its upstream end in the direction of flow of cooling air and an inlet port 45B formed at its downstream end in the direction of flow of cooling air. The intake port 45A is an opening that takes in cooling air from the space of the vehicle interior 1 (vehicle interior space) into the interior space 20A. The inlet port 45B is an opening that introduces cooling air into the lower space 20L. That is, cooling air that cools the battery module 30 is introduced from the inlet port 45B in the lower space 20L.

[0034] The air intake port 45A and the introduction port 45B are each provided in two locations, the same as the number of installed air intake ducts 45. Specifically, the air intake port 45A is provided at each of the left and right ends of the top surface of the battery pack case 20. Furthermore, the introduction port 45B is provided at each of the left and right ends (one end and the other end in the first direction) of the lower space 20L. However, only one air intake duct 45 may be provided, and the introduction port 45B may be provided at either the left or right side of the lower space 20L.

[0035] Exhaust duct 46 extends to the outside of battery pack case 20. A fan 44 is connected to the upstream end of exhaust duct 46 in the direction of flow of cooled air (hereinafter also referred to as "cooled air"), and an exhaust port 46D is formed at the downstream end in the flow direction, through which the cooled air compressed by fan 44 is exhausted. The cooled air in exhaust duct 46 is exhausted from exhaust port 46D, for example, into the interior of an instrument panel (not shown).

[0036] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3 , the cooling air in the upper space 20U flows to the fan 44 through an exhaust port 46C that communicates with the upper space 20U. That is, the cooling air that has cooled the battery module 30 is exhausted from the exhaust port 46C of the upper space 20U. The illustrated exhaust port 46C is positioned differently from the inlet 45B in both the vehicle width direction and the front-to-rear direction, as shown by the thick dashed line in FIG. 2 . Specifically, the exhaust port 46C is positioned toward the center and rear of the inlet 45B in the vehicle width direction. In other words, focusing on the position in the vehicle width direction, the exhaust port 46C is located midway between the left inlet 45B and the right inlet 45B in the vehicle width direction.

[0037] Each battery module 30 is arranged on a straight line path 49 that virtually connects the inlet 45B and the outlet 46C. In other words, the inlet 45B, the outlet 46C, and the battery modules 30 are arranged in a relative position such that the virtual straight line path 49 crosses all of the battery modules 30.

[0038] Internal Arrangement Next, we will explain the arrangement of the battery modules 30, battery-related electrical components, and cooling equipment of the battery pack 10. As shown in Figure 4, the BMU 40, transformer 41, and junction box 43 are all arranged together in the center or front of the vehicle width direction in the internal space 20A.

[0039] 1 and 4 show an example in which the BMU 40 and transformer 41 are arranged above the center module 15 in the internal space 20A. Here, an arrangement in which the transformer 41 is located above the BMU 40 is illustrated. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the junction box 43 is arranged in front of the center module 15. Note that the BMU 40, transformer 41, and junction box 43 are not arranged above or in front of the side module 16. For this reason, it can be said that the side module 16 has a higher degree of freedom in setting the arrangement than the center module 15, but the center module 15 has more restrictions on changing the arrangement than the side module 16.

[0040] The harness 42 is connected to the BMU 40, the transformer 41, the junction box 43, etc., and is therefore routed at least above and in front of the center module 15. As shown in Fig. 4, the intake duct 45 extends outward in the vehicle width direction and forward of each of the left and right side modules 16. The intake duct 45 illustrated here has an intake port 45A located on the outer side of each side module 16 in the vehicle width direction in a plan view, and an inlet 45B located on the front side of each side module 16 in a plan view.

[0041] In addition, the fan 44 and exhaust duct 46 are disposed above the battery pack case 20 rather than in the interior space 20A. Here, the fan 44 is disposed above the transformer 41, and the exhaust duct 46 extends forward from the fan 44. As shown in FIG. 1 , the seat 2 is disposed above the battery pack 10 rather than the interior space 20A, and is installed above the second battery module 12 and the outer half of the fifth battery module 15 in the vehicle width direction, and above the entire side module 16. The battery pack case 20 mounted below the seat 2 in this manner will be described next.

[0042] ==Battery Pack Case== The battery pack case 20, in which the battery module 30, battery-related electrical components, and cooling equipment are arranged as described above, is mounted in the lower part of the vehicle interior 1 (lower part of the vehicle interior), and as shown in Figure 1, is composed of a tray 21 and a lid 22. The tray 21 is a cylindrical casing member with a bottom and an opening at the top. The lid 22 is a cover member that closes the opening of the tray 21.

[0043] The tray 21 has a bottom wall 50 and side walls 60 extending from the periphery of the bottom wall 50. The bottom wall 50 has an inner bottom surface 51 that defines the lower end of the internal space 20A. The "inner bottom surface 51" here refers to a planar portion exposed to the lower space 20L. The wall-like (plate-like) portion having the inner bottom surface 51 defined in this manner is the bottom wall 50. The inner bottom surface 51 extends below the battery module 30 through the lower space 20L. In other words, the battery module 30 and the inner bottom surface 51 are spaced apart.

[0044] In this embodiment, the inner bottom surface 51 is subdivided into two regions: a center inner bottom surface 51C located below the center module 15, and a side inner bottom surface 51S located below the side module 16. The lower space 20L is similarly subdivided into two regions: a center lower space 20C formed below the center module 15 and above the center inner bottom surface 51C, and a side lower space 20S formed below the side module 16 and above the side inner bottom surface 51S. The center lower space 20C and the side lower space 20S are provided in communication, allowing cooling air to circulate throughout the entire lower space 20L.

[0045] The exhaust pipe 8 is disposed directly below the end of the tray 21 (battery pack case 20) in the vehicle width direction. The lid 22 is a member that forms the top surface of the battery pack case 20. As shown in Figure 4, this lid 22 is provided with an air intake port 23 that takes in cooling air into the internal space 20A. Here, an upward-facing air intake port 45A is provided on the top surface of the battery pack case 20, and an air intake port cover 70 is provided to cover the air intake port 45A.

[0046] [1-2. Battery Mounting Structure] The battery mounting structure relating to the layout of the battery modules 30 will be described in detail below. A structure in which all battery modules aligned in a predetermined direction are arranged at the same height (hereinafter referred to as the "comparative structure") requires a surface on which all battery modules can be mounted at the same height (i.e., a mounting surface in an area where all battery modules extend at a certain height), which may cause interference with the surrounding structures of the battery modules. For example, as in this embodiment, if existing structures such as side members 7 and exhaust pipes 8 are present on the outer side of the battery pack 10 in the vehicle width direction, the comparative structure may cause the outer battery modules in the vehicle width direction to interfere with these existing structures. Therefore, measures such as redesigning the layout of the surrounding structures of the battery modules or reducing the number of battery modules are required.

[0047] Therefore, in the battery mounting structure of this embodiment, all battery modules 30 are not placed at the same height position, but the height position is set depending on the placement location of the battery module 30, thereby ensuring freedom in the layout of the surrounding structure for the battery module 30.

[0048] In the battery mounting structure of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the side modules 16 are arranged to protrude upward relative to the center module 15. In other words, the height position of the side modules 16 is offset (shifted) upward relative to the center module 15. Conversely, the center module 15 is arranged to protrude downward relative to the side modules 16. In other words, the height position of the center module 15 is offset downward relative to the side modules 16. This vertically offset arrangement can also be said to be an arrangement in which the position of the side module 16 is raised among the multiple (e.g., six) battery modules 30 (31 to 36).

[0049] The side modules 16 illustrated here are arranged in a position where they partially overlap the center module 15 in the vertical direction when viewed from the vehicle width direction. This arrangement can be said to be an arrangement in which all of the battery modules 30 overlap at least a portion of the vertical area, and can also be said to be an arrangement in which the side modules 16 are not elevated too high above the entire center module 15. In addition, the center modules 15 are arranged at equal height positions. The side modules 16 are also arranged at equal height positions.

[0050] With respect to the battery module 30 in which the relative height positions of the center module 15 and side modules 16 are set as described above, the height positions relative to the side members 7 among the peripheral structures of the battery pack 10 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The lower part (part) of the center module 15 is disposed at a height position that overlaps with the side members 7 when viewed from the vehicle width direction. On the other hand, the side modules 16 are disposed at a height position higher than the side members 7 without overlapping with them when viewed from the vehicle width direction. This arrangement of the battery module 30 relative to the side members 7 can be said to be an arrangement in which the center module 15 is fitted between the side members 7, and can also be said to be a recessed arrangement in which the side modules 16 are set back upward to avoid interference with the side members 7 (peripheral structures).

[0051] Regarding the height position of the lower end surfaces 30L of the battery modules 30 relative to the upper ends 7U of the side members 7, the lower end surface 30L of the center module 15 (only one location is marked with a reference symbol in FIG. 1 ) is located below the upper ends 7U of the side members 7. Meanwhile, the lower end surfaces 30L of the side modules 16 are located above the upper ends 7U of the side members 7.

[0052] The side lower space 20S, which is formed below the side module 16 that is offset upward as described above, has a larger vertical dimension than the center lower space 20C formed below the center module 15. In other words, the center lower space 20C has a smaller vertical dimension than the side lower space 20S. The center lower space 20C is connected to the lower part of the side lower space 20S. The lower end of this side lower space 20S is defined by a slope surface 51X that is positioned (inclined downward) on at least a portion of the side inner bottom surface 51S and that is positioned downward toward the center in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the slope surface 51X is a planar portion that slopes downward from the outer side to the inner side in the vehicle width direction.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2 , the side modules 16 provided in the battery mounting structure exemplified in this embodiment are disposed so as to protrude forward relative to the center module 15. In other words, this arrangement means that the position of the side modules 16 in the front-to-rear direction is offset forward relative to the center module 15. Conversely, the center module 15 is disposed so as to protrude rearward relative to the side modules 16. In other words, this arrangement means that the position of the center module 15 in the front-to-rear direction is offset rearward relative to the side modules 16. This offset arrangement in the front-to-rear direction can also be described as an arrangement in which the side modules 16 are positioned forward among the multiple (e.g., six) battery modules 30 (31 to 36).

[0054] A rear wall portion 61 is provided on the side wall portion 60 of the battery pack case 20, extending rearward from the battery module 30, along the outer shape of the battery module 30, with the relative longitudinal positions of the center module 15 and the side modules 16 set as described above. Specifically, a portion 61S (hereinafter referred to as a "side portion") of the rear wall portion 61 extending rearward from the side module 16 is positioned further forward than a portion 61C (hereinafter referred to as a "center portion") extending rearward from the center module 15. In other words, a central portion 61C of the rear wall portion 61, which is located in the center of the vehicle width direction, is formed in a shape that protrudes rearward.

[0055] The side portions 61S extend to the rear and left and right corners of the tray 21 of the battery pack case 20. Therefore, the rear and left and right corners of the tray 21 are positioned shifted forward. The front wall portion 62 of the side wall portion 60, which is erected in front of the battery module 30, extends in a flat plate shape along the vehicle width direction. The junction box 43 is housed between the center module 15 and the front wall portion 62, which does not have any concave or convex shapes in the front and rear directions. In other words, the side modules 16 are positioned offset forward without changing the layout of the junction box 43, which is positioned in front of the center module 15.

[0056] [1-3. Battery Pack Air Intake Structure] The following describes in detail the battery pack air intake structure that takes in cooling air into the internal space 20A of the battery pack case 20. In a structure like this embodiment in which air from the vehicle interior 1 is taken into the battery pack case 20 to cool the battery modules 30, the air intake 45A serving as the cooling air intake must be open to the vehicle interior 1. However, if the air intake that takes in cooling air is directly exposed to the vehicle interior (hereinafter referred to as "Comparative Structure 2"), there is a risk that foreign matter from the vehicle interior may enter the internal space of the battery pack case. For example, in Comparative Structure 2 in which the air intake formed on the top surface of the battery pack case is exposed to the vehicle interior, there is a risk that a small object dropped by an occupant may roll into the air intake, or that a drink spilled by an occupant may run down the seat and enter the air intake.

[0057] Therefore, the battery pack air intake structure of this embodiment prevents the air intake port 45A, which takes in cooling air, from being exposed to the vehicle interior, thereby preventing foreign objects from entering the internal space 20A of the battery pack case 20. This will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 . FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the air intake port 45A located on the left side of the vehicle, seen from the front of the vehicle, showing the surrounding structure of the air intake port 45A. FIG. 6 shows an air intake port cover 70 that covers the air intake port 45A from above. In the description using FIGS. 5 and 6 , the "right side" refers to the inside in the vehicle width direction, and the "left side" refers to the outside in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, a pair of left and right air intake ducts 45 are provided, so the surrounding structure of the air intake port 45A on the right side of the vehicle and the air intake port cover 70 (not shown) are similar to the configurations described below (bilaterally symmetrical).

[0058] As shown in Fig. 5 , the battery pack air intake structure of this embodiment includes an air intake cover 70 that covers the air intake 45A from above. The air intake cover 70 is disposed above and spaced apart from the air intake 45A, and a horizontal gap 47 is interposed between the air intake cover 70 and the upper surface 20F of the battery pack case 20. That is, the cover lower surface 70L of the air intake cover 70 faces the upper surface 20F and the air intake 45A via the gap 47. The upper surface 70J of the air intake cover 70 (hereinafter referred to as the "cover upper surface") is exposed to the vehicle interior 1.

[0059] The gap 47 communicates with the vehicle interior space via the air intake 71. That is, the air intake cover 70 not only forms the air intake 71, but also forms the gap 47 with the upper surface 20F of the battery pack case 20 (which may also be referred to as the "case upper surface"). Here, three air intakes 71A, 71B, and 71C are shown as examples of the air intakes 71. Of the three air intakes 71A, 71B, and 71C, one is a right air intake 71A facing to the right of the vehicle, another is a rear air intake 71B facing to the left of the vehicle, and the remaining one is an upper air intake 71C facing upward.

[0060] The right intake port 71A and the left intake port 71B are defined at their upper edges by the right and left edges, respectively, of the intake port cover 70, and are provided horizontally (in a direction different from the direction of the intake port 45A). To explain the arrangement of the right intake port 71A and the left intake port 71B based on the position of the intake port 45A, the right intake port 71A is formed on the right side of the intake port 45A (one side in a predetermined direction), and the left intake port 71B is formed on the left side of the intake port 45A (the other side in the predetermined direction).

[0061] As described above, the intake port cover 70 forms the right intake port 71A and the left intake port 71B on the right and left sides of the intake port 45A, respectively, and has an upper intake port 71C formed in an area that does not overlap with the intake port 45A in a top view. The upper intake port 71C illustrated here is provided on the right side of the intake port 45A and is located near the right intake port 71A. Figure 6 shows an example of the upper intake port 71C with a mesh member 72 stretched therethrough.

[0062] The right air intake 71A and the left air intake 71B do not have a mesh member 72 like the upper air intake 71C, and are simply openings. The three air intakes 71A, 71B, and 71C are arranged at different distances (separation distances) from the air intake 45A. FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which the right air intake 71A is farthest from the air intake 45A and the left air intake 71B is closest. The three air intakes 71A, 71B, and 71C are arranged away from the edge 4E (opening edge) of the carpet 4. The edge 4E of the carpet 4 is a location where warm air heated by, for example, the vehicle's exhaust system can leak out.

[0063] Incidentally, if liquid is spilled on the intake port cover 70, for example, the liquid may pool on the cover upper surface 70J depending on the shape of the cover upper surface 70J of the intake port cover 70. Furthermore, if liquid spills on the cover upper surface 70J and seeps in through the air intake 71, the seeping liquid may be easily guided along the cover lower surface 70L toward above the intake port 45A depending on the shape of the cover lower surface 70L of the intake port cover 70. In particular, if the cover lower surface 70L is configured to be positioned lower as it approaches the intake port 45A from the air intake 71, the seeping water may be guided by gravity along the cover lower surface 70L toward above the intake port 45A, resulting in the water seeping into the intake port 45A.

[0064] Therefore, the cover upper surface 70J and the cover lower surface 70L are inclined to properly handle liquid that may adhere to the intake port cover 70. The cover upper surface 70J is inclined so as to be positioned downward toward the air intake 71. The cover upper surface 70J illustrated here is in a roof shape (a downwardly inclined eave shape) that is positioned lower (downwardly inclined) as it approaches each of the left and right edges.

[0065] The cover lower surface 70L is provided with an upwardly sloping portion 70G that is positioned upward (inclined upward) as it approaches the air intake 45A from the air intake 71. Figure 5 shows an example in which an upwardly sloping portion 70G that is positioned upward (inclined upward) is provided as it approaches the air intake 45A from each of the right air intake 71A and the left air intake 71B.

[0066] The illustrated air intake cover 70 extends from above to an area that covers the metal sheet edge 3E, which is the edge portion of the panel member 3 that is provided around the air intake 45A. In other words, the air intake cover 70 extends from the air intake 45A to the metal sheet edge 3E of the panel member 3 when viewed from above the vehicle. However, the air intake cover 70 does not overlap the edge 4E of the carpet 4 when viewed from above.

[0067] The battery pack air intake structure of this embodiment includes not only air intake cover 70 but also rib 80 that structurally prevents foreign matter that has gotten into gap 47 from entering air intake 45A. Rib 80 stands upright within gap 47 from top surface 20F of battery pack case 20. Rib 80 is provided with a gap (a gap that connects air intake 71 and air intake 45A) between air intake cover 70 (i.e., not in contact with underside 70L of air intake cover 70).

[0068] Although not shown, as another form of rib, a rib may be erected from the intake port cover 70 into the gap 47. In this case, the rib may be provided with a gap from the top surface 20F of the battery pack case 20. The former rib 80 (the rib 80 erected from the top surface 20F) and the latter rib (the rib erected from the intake port cover 70) may be provided side by side. Furthermore, the rib may be provided with a gap that at least connects the air intake 71 and the intake port 45A, and may be erected from both the top surface 20F of the battery pack case 20 and the intake port cover 70.

[0069] In the configuration illustrated in this embodiment, the air intake port 45A, the rib 80, and the air intake 71 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction. The illustrated rib 80 is formed as a peripheral wall that surrounds the periphery of the air intake port 45A in a top view, as shown in Fig. 6. The ribs 80 that stand upright and surround the periphery of the air intake port 45A can be said to be provided on both sides of the air intake port 45A, or in other words, the entire area of ​​the rib 80 overlaps with the air intake port 45A in the front-rear direction.

[0070] The rib 80 includes a right rib 81 (first rib) located on the right side of the intake port 45A, and a left rib 82 (second rib) located on the left side of the intake port 45A. These ribs 81, 82 have different distances from the air intake port 71. Specifically, the distance L1 between the right rib 81 and the right intake port 71A is longer than the distance L2 between the left rib 82 and the left intake port 71B (satisfying the inequality "L1 > L2").

[0071] The longer the ribs 81, 82 are in the vertical direction, the more effective they are in preventing foreign matter from entering the vehicle, but this structurally blocks the airflow path from the vehicle interior, which reduces the efficiency of cooling air intake. Therefore, the dimensions and arrangement of the ribs 81, 82 are set to achieve both the effect of preventing foreign matter from entering the vehicle and the effect of preventing a reduction in the efficiency of cooling air intake.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 5 , the heights G1 and G2 of the ribs 81 and 82 from the adjacent surfaces 9A and 9B adjacent to the ribs 81 and 82 are set according to the distances L1 and L2 from the air intakes 71A and 71B adjacent to the ribs 81 and 82. Specifically, a first height G1 from the right adjacent surface 9A (first adjacent surface) adjacent to the right side of the right rib 81 to the upper end 81U of the right rib 81 is smaller than a second height G2 from the left adjacent surface 9B (second adjacent surface) adjacent to the left side of the left rib 82 to the upper end 82U of the left rib 82. That is, the inequality "G1 < G2" is satisfied, and the heights G1 and G2 (i.e., "gaps") from the adjacent surfaces 9A and 9B adjacent to the opposite side of the ribs 81 and 82 from the intake port 45A are smaller as the distances L1 and L2 increase. That is, the gap of the right rib 81, which is positioned further back than the other ribs 81 and 82, is reduced. In this embodiment, the right adjacent surface 9A is the top surface of another panel member to which the panel member 3 is fixed, and the left adjacent surface 9B is the top surface 20F of the battery pack case 20.

[0073] Furthermore, the height positions of the upper ends 81U, 82U of the ribs 81, 82 (shown by dashed lines in FIG. 5 ) are approximately equal to the height positions of the upper ends of the air intakes 71A, 71B (shown by dashed lines in FIG. 5 ). That is, the ribs 81, 82 are erected on each path that leads straight from each air intake 71A, 71B to the intake port 45A. Therefore, the air taken in through the air intakes 71A, 71B snakes above the ribs 81, 82 before flowing into the intake port 45A, and a non-linear, complex path (a so-called "labyrinth structure") is formed by the ribs 81, 82 and the intake port cover 70.

[0074] To increase the efficiency of cooling air intake, the height positions of the upper ends 81U, 82U of the ribs 81, 82 can be set lower than the height positions of the upper ends of the air intakes 71A, 71B. Conversely, to more reliably prevent foreign matter from entering, the height positions of the upper ends 81U, 82U of the ribs 81, 82 can be set higher than the height positions of the upper ends of the air intakes 71A, 71B. In addition, from the perspective of ensuring the efficiency of cooling air intake, the rib 80 is provided in a region of the gap 47 excluding the space above the intake port 45A.

[0075] [2. Actions and Effects] Since this embodiment is configured as described above, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0076] [2-1. Battery Mounting Structure] (1A) In the battery mounting structure of this embodiment, the side modules 16 are disposed so as to protrude upward relative to the center module 15. Therefore, when applying the above-described battery mounting structure to an existing structure that includes side members 7, an exhaust pipe 8, and the like, it becomes easier to avoid interference between the existing structure and the side modules 16 and center module 15. For example, the center module 15 fits between the side members 7, making it possible to mount the battery module 30 below the seat 2. In this way, the above-described battery mounting structure allows the battery module 30 to be mounted without modifying the existing structure. This ensures flexibility in the layout of the surrounding structure around the battery module 30.

[0077] (2A) In this embodiment, the side modules 16 are disposed in a position where they partially overlap the center module 15 in the vertical direction when viewed in the vehicle width direction. This prevents the vertical dimension of the battery pack case 20 from increasing compared to an arrangement in which the side modules 16 are positioned higher than the entire center module 15. In this way, the ability to prevent the battery pack case 20 from becoming larger also ensures flexibility in the layout of the surrounding structure for the battery module 30.

[0078] (3A) The center modules 15 are arranged at equal height positions, and the side modules 16 are also arranged at equal height positions. As a result, a space with a large bottom area where multiple top surfaces of the center modules 15 are lined up can be secured above the center modules 15 in the internal space 20A of the battery pack case 20. This space can be utilized as a space capable of accommodating electrical components such as the BMU 40 and transformer 41. In addition, since the center modules 15 are arranged at equal height positions, this contributes to improving the ease of routing the harnesses 42 connected to each center module 15. Furthermore, since the side modules 16 are also arranged at equal height positions, the layout of the battery modules 30 can be prevented from becoming complicated.

[0079] (4A) Of the six battery modules 30, two side modules 16 are located on the outermost sides of the vehicle width. Therefore, compared to a battery mounting structure with more than two side modules 16, it is possible to both prevent the vehicle's center of gravity from becoming high and ensure flexibility in the layout of the surrounding structure for the battery modules 30.

[0080] (5A) A battery pack case 20 is mounted below the seat 2, and a side module 16 is disposed in the internal space 20A of the battery pack case 20, offset forward in the fore-and-aft direction relative to the center module 15. Therefore, the side portion 61S erected on the rear side of the side module 16 can be disposed forward of the central portion 61C erected on the rear side of the center module 15 in the battery pack case 20. This improves the ease of entry and exit for passengers getting in and out of seats immediately behind the seat 2. For example, it improves the legroom for passengers getting in the second-row rear seats relative to the driver's seat or passenger seat 2. Furthermore, it also makes it easier for passengers sitting in seats adjacent to the rear of the seat 2 (i.e., while riding) to stretch their legs, improving the livability of the passenger compartment 1.

[0081] (6A) Because the center lower space 20C is smaller than the side lower space 20S, cooling air is more likely to stagnate in the side lower space 20S than in the center lower space 20C. This allows the cooling air in the side lower space 20S to stagnate before flowing into the center lower space 20C, ensuring balanced cooling of the entire battery module 30. (7A) The lower end of this side lower space 20S is defined by a slope surface 51X that is positioned downward in at least a portion of the side inner bottom surface 51S toward the center in the vehicle width direction. This ensures a volume of the side lower space 20S in which cooling air can stagnate, while suppressing interference with surrounding structures due to the side lower space 20S expanding toward the vehicle width direction end.

[0082] (8A) In addition, because the side modules 16 are positioned with their height positions offset upward relative to the center module 15, the side modules 16 can be positioned at a distance from the exhaust pipe 8, which reduces heating of the side modules 16 due to radiant heat from the exhaust pipe 8. In this way, reducing the heat received by the side modules 16 from the exhaust pipe 8 contributes to improving the cooling performance of the side modules 16.

[0083] [2-2. Battery Pack Air Intake Structure] (1B) According to the battery pack air intake structure of this embodiment, the air intake 45A is covered with the air intake cover 70, which structurally prevents foreign objects from entering the air intake 45A from above. Furthermore, by providing a rib 80 in the gap 47 between the air intake 71 and the air intake 45A, even if a foreign object enters the gap 47 from the air intake 71, the rib 80 structurally prevents the foreign object from entering the air intake 45A. This prevents foreign objects from entering the internal space 20A of the battery pack case 20. In this way, the intrusion of foreign objects is prevented, and air from the vehicle interior 1 can be taken into the air intake 45A through the gap connecting the air intake 71 and the air intake 45A.

[0084] (2B) The rib 80 is provided with a gap from the air intake cover 70. Therefore, air from the vehicle interior 1 can be taken into the air intake 45A through the gap between the rib 80 and the air intake cover 70, which connects the air intake 71 and the air intake 45A, ensuring the intake efficiency of the air intake 45A. (3B) The rib 80 is provided upright from the top surface 20F of the battery pack case 20 into the gap 47. Therefore, it is possible to structurally prevent foreign objects that roll or are pushed along the top surface 20F of the battery pack case 20 from entering the air intake 45A, improving the foreign object intrusion prevention effect.

[0085] (4B) In the above-described embodiment, the upper ends 81U, 82U of the ribs 81, 82 are positioned at approximately the same height as the upper ends of the air intakes 7A, 7B. The ribs 81, 82 are neither too high nor too low, which makes it possible to both prevent foreign matter from entering and prevent a decrease in the efficiency of cooling air intake.

[0086] (5B) In the above-described embodiment, the right intake 71A and upper intake 71C are provided on the right side of the intake port 45A, and the left intake 71B is provided on the left side of the intake port 45A. Ribs 81 and 82 are provided on both the right and left sides of the intake port 45A. Therefore, air is taken in through the three (multiple) air intakes 71A, 71B, and 71C, ensuring efficient intake of cooling air. Furthermore, the right rib 81 (the rib 81 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction) can prevent foreign matter from entering through the right intake 71A and upper intake 71C on the right side (inner side in the vehicle width direction) of the intake port 45A, and the left rib 82 (the rib 82 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction) can prevent foreign matter from entering through the left intake 71B on the left side (outer side in the vehicle width direction) of the intake port 45A.

[0087] (6B) Since the entire area of ​​the rib 80 overlaps with the intake port 45A in the front-to-rear direction, the intrusion of foreign matter into the intake port 45A can be structurally prevented in the entire area in the front-to-rear direction. (7B) Furthermore, since the rib 80 is erected so as to surround the periphery of the intake port 45A, the intrusion of foreign matter into the intake port 45A can be structurally prevented in all directions.

[0088] (8B) The cover upper surface 70J of the intake port cover 70 is inclined downward toward the air intake 71. Therefore, even if liquid spills on the cover upper surface 70J, the liquid flows down the cover upper surface 70J toward the air intake 71. Therefore, the shape (structure) of the cover upper surface 70J can prevent liquid from accumulating on the cover upper surface 70J. This cover upper surface 70J can also prevent dust from accumulating on the cover upper surface 70J. (9B) Furthermore, the cover lower surface 70L of the intake port cover 70 has an upwardly sloping portion 70G that rises upward as it approaches the air intake 45A from the air intake 71. Therefore, the shape (structure) of the cover lower surface 70L can prevent liquid from seeping down the cover lower surface 70L into the intake port 45A.

[0089] (10B) In the ribs 81, 82 of the above-described embodiment, height dimensions G1, G2 from adjacent surfaces 9A, 9B adjacent to the ribs 81, 82 on the opposite side of the intake port 45A to the upper ends 81U, 82U of the ribs 81, 82 are set smaller when the separation distance L1, L2 is longer. In this way, by reducing the height dimension of one rib 81 that is recessed relative to the other rib 82, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the efficiency of intake of cooling air while suppressing the intrusion of foreign matter into the intake port 45A.

[0090] (11B) The air intake cover 70 described above extends to an area that covers from above the metal sheet edge 3E of the panel member 3. Because the metal sheet edge 3E is covered by the air intake cover 70 in this manner, even if an occupant in the vehicle interior 1 drops something and searches for it by hand under the seat 2, the occupant can be structurally prevented from touching the metal sheet edge 3E, thereby improving the safety of the occupant.

[0091] (12B) The air intake cover 70 described above has an upward-facing upper intake 71C in an area that does not overlap with the air intake 45A in a top view. Therefore, even if this battery pack air intake structure is applied to a vehicle with a peripheral configuration in which warm air that may leak from the edge 4E (opening end) of the carpet 4 is taken in through the horizontally facing right intake 71A or left intake 71B, cool air can be taken in through the upward-facing upper intake 71C. This prevents warm air from being taken into the battery pack case 20, contributing to improved cooling efficiency.

[0092] (13B) According to the upper intake 71C on which the mesh member 72 described above is stretched, even if the upper intake 71C is provided facing upward, the mesh member 72 can capture foreign matter, thereby preventing foreign matter from entering through the upper intake 71C.

[0093] [II. Modifications] ==Battery Mounting Structure== The above-described battery mounting structure is one example. For example, the battery mounting structure may be such that, among a plurality of battery modules having the same length in the up-down direction, the side modules are positioned so that their height positions protrude upward relative to at least the center module, and the side modules and the center modules may be positioned at equal front-to-rear positions. With this battery mounting structure in which only the height positions of the battery modules are offset, a simple modification to a structure in which the battery modules are positioned at equal front-to-rear and height positions ensures flexibility in the layout of the surrounding structure around the battery modules.

[0094] The battery modules may have different lengths in the front-to-rear direction as long as they have the same length in the up-to-down direction. Note that the "length in the up-to-down direction" referred to here is treated as being equal even if there are differences to a certain extent, such as variations due to manufacturing lots of the battery modules or variations within the tolerance range. In other words, even if the battery modules have slightly different lengths in the up-to-down direction, they are considered to have the same length in the up-to-down direction. Note that the "length in the front-to-rear direction" of the battery modules is also treated as being equal even if there are differences to a certain extent, such as variations due to manufacturing lots of the battery modules or variations within the tolerance range.

[0095] The side modules may be disposed in an upper position above the center module so as not to overlap with it in the up-down direction when viewed from the vehicle width direction. In this case, greater flexibility in the layout of the peripheral structure relative to the battery modules can be ensured. The center modules do not have to be disposed at equal height positions, but may be disposed at different height positions. Furthermore, the side modules do not have to be disposed at equal height positions, but may be disposed at different height positions. In these cases, greater flexibility in the layout of the peripheral structure relative to the center module and the peripheral structure relative to the side modules can be ensured.

[0096] The surface defining the lower end of the side lower space is not limited to the above-described sloped surface, and other shapes may be adopted. The center lower space is not limited to a space whose vertical dimension is smaller than that of the side lower space. For example, if the vertical dimension of the side lower space is kept the same as that of the center lower space, the inner bottom surface of the side can be brought closer to the side module than in the above-described embodiment, thereby ensuring greater flexibility in the layout of the surrounding structure for the side module.

[0097] A vehicle to which the battery mounting structure is applied does not need to be provided with an exhaust pipe. In other words, the battery mounting structure may be applied to an electric vehicle that does not have an engine. At least one center module may be provided. The side modules may be disposed at both ends in the vehicle width direction, and are not limited to a configuration in which one module is provided on each side (two in total), but may be provided two on each side, or may have different numbers on each side (for example, one on the left and two on the right, three in total). In addition, the side lower space and center lower space do not need to be provided in the internal space of the battery pack case.

[0098] ==Battery Pack Air Intake Structure== The above-described battery pack air intake structure is one example. For example, the battery pack air intake structure may include at least an air intake port formed on the top surface of the battery pack case and for taking air into the internal space of the battery pack case, an air intake port cover that forms an air intake port communicating with the vehicle interior space and covers the air intake port from above while forming a gap between the air intake port and the top surface of the battery pack case, and a rib that is provided with a gap communicating between the air intake port and the air intake port and that stands upright from at least one of the top surface of the battery pack case and the air intake port cover into the gap.

[0099] The air intake cover only needs to have at least one air intake and at least one rib. The mesh member of the upper intake may be omitted, or even the upper intake may be omitted altogether. In these cases, a simple configuration can be used to prevent foreign matter from entering the interior space of the battery pack case.

[0100] Even when ribs are provided, the ribs are not limited to being erected so as to surround the periphery of the intake port, but may be provided separately on the right side (one side in the predetermined direction) and left side (the other side in the predetermined direction) of the intake port, with a pair of left and right ribs being spaced apart from each other. Alternatively, the ribs may be provided only on the right or left side of the intake port. Furthermore, the arrangement is not limited to one in which the entire area of ​​the rib overlaps with the intake port in the front-to-rear direction. In these cases, the area occupied by the rib in the gap is reduced compared to the rib 80 of the above embodiment, which is erected so as to surround the periphery of the intake port, thereby contributing to improving the efficiency of taking in cooling air from the intake port.

[0101] The shape of the air intake cover is not limited to a shape inclined so that the upper surface of the cover is positioned downward toward the air intake 71 or a shape with an upwardly sloping portion on the lower surface of the cover, and various shapes can be adopted depending on the surrounding structure, design requirements, etc. Furthermore, the extension range of the air intake cover is not limited to a range extending to the area covering the sheet metal edge from above, and various extension ranges can be set depending on the surrounding structure, design requirements, etc. Regarding the dimensions and arrangement of the ribs, various dimensions and arrangements can be adopted taking into consideration the effect of suppressing the intrusion of foreign matter, the efficiency of taking in cooling air, etc.

[0102] In addition, as a modified example of the battery pack air intake structure, a mesh-like structure stretched over the air intake may be provided instead of the rib 80 described above in the first embodiment. That is, the modified battery pack air intake structure may include an air intake formed on the top surface of the battery pack case to take air into the internal space of the battery pack case, an air intake cover that forms an air intake communicating with the vehicle interior space and covers the air intake from above while forming a gap between the air intake and the air intake between the top surface of the battery pack case, and a mesh-like structure stretched over the air intake. With this structure, foreign objects that attempt to enter the gap are captured by the mesh, thereby preventing foreign objects from entering the air intake. This prevents foreign objects from entering the internal space of the battery pack case.

[0103] This invention can be applied to the manufacturing industry of battery-powered vehicles.

[0104] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vehicle interior 3 Panel member 3E Sheet metal edge 9A Right adjacent surface (first adjacent surface) 9B Left adjacent surface (second adjacent surface) 10 Battery pack 20 Battery pack case 20A Internal space 20F Upper surface 45A Air intake 47 Gap 70 Air intake cover 70J Cover upper surface (upper surface) 70G Upward slope portion 70L Cover lower surface 71 Air intake 71A Right intake (air intake) 71B Left intake (air intake) 71C Upper intake 72 Mesh member 80 Rib 81 Right rib (first rib) 82 Left rib (second rib) 81U, 82U Upper end G1 First height dimension G2 Second height dimension L1, L2 Separation distance

Claims

1. A battery pack air intake structure comprising: an air intake formed on the top surface of a battery pack case mounted on a vehicle, for taking in air into the internal space of the battery pack case; an air intake cover that forms an air intake communicating with the interior space of the vehicle and covers the air intake from above while forming a gap between the air intake and the air intake and the top surface of the battery pack case; and a rib that is provided with a gap communicating between the air intake and the air intake, and that is erected into the gap from at least one of the top surface of the battery pack case and the air intake cover.

2. The battery pack air intake structure according to claim 1, wherein the rib is provided with the gap from at least the other of the top surface of the battery pack case and the air intake cover.

3. The battery pack air intake structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rib is erected from the top surface of the battery pack case into the gap.

4. The battery pack air intake structure according to claim 3, wherein the height positions of the upper ends of the ribs and the upper ends of the air intakes are approximately the same.

5. The battery pack air intake structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the air intake cover forms the air intake between itself and the top surface of the battery pack case on both sides of the air intake in a predetermined direction, and the ribs are provided on both sides of the air intake in a predetermined direction.

6. The battery pack air intake structure of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the air intake, the rib, and the air inlet are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction, and the rib is arranged so that its entire area overlaps with the air intake in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle.

7. The battery pack air intake structure according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the rib is erected so as to surround the periphery of the air intake port.

8. A battery pack air intake structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the upper surface of the air intake cover is inclined so that it is positioned lower towards the air intake.

9. A battery pack air intake structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the ribs have a first rib and a second rib spaced apart from the air intake port at different distances, the first rib is positioned at a position where the distance from the first rib is longer than that of the second rib, and a first height dimension from a first adjacent surface facing upward and adjacent to the opposite side of the first rib from the air intake port to the upper end of the first rib is smaller than a second height dimension from a second adjacent surface facing upward and adjacent to the opposite side of the second rib from the air intake port to the upper end of the second rib.

10. A battery pack air intake structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the air intake cover extends from above to an area that covers the metal edge, which is the edge portion of the panel member provided on the opposite side of the rib from the air intake.

11. The battery pack air intake structure described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the air intake cover has, as at least one of the air intakes, an upward-facing upper air intake provided in an area that does not overlap with the air intake when viewed from above the vehicle.

12. The battery pack air intake structure according to claim 11, characterized in that a mesh member is stretched over the upper intake.

13. A battery pack air intake structure comprising: an air intake formed on the top surface of a battery pack case mounted on a vehicle, for taking in air into the internal space of the battery pack case; an air intake cover that forms an air intake communicating with the interior space of the vehicle and covers the air intake from above while forming a gap between the air intake and the air intake between the top surface of the battery pack case; and a mesh-like structure stretched over the air intake.

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