Structure for mounting battery on vehicle

Abstract

This structure for mounting a battery on a vehicle includes an upper cover disposed above an electricity storage cell, an apparatus partially disposed above the electricity storage cell and the upper cover and electrically connected to the electricity storage cell, and an apparatus pedestal on which the apparatus is placed, wherein the apparatus pedestal 42 and the upper cover are separated from each other in a vertical direction, below the apparatus.

Description

Battery mounting structure for vehicle

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery mounting structure for a vehicle.

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-173918 discloses a configuration in which power storage modules are arranged vertically stacked inside a vehicle.

[0003] Due to the layout of the vehicle interior space, a device electrically connected to a power storage cell may be arranged above the power storage cell. In this case, for example, if the device generates heat, heat may be transferred from the device to the power storage cell.

[0004] In view of the above facts, the present disclosure provides a battery mounting structure for a vehicle capable of suppressing thermal influence from a device in a power storage cell having the device arranged above the power storage cell.

[0005] The battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to a first aspect comprises: an upper cover arranged above a power storage cell; a device arranged above the upper cover and electrically connected to the power storage cell; and a device pedestal on which the device is mounted, wherein a space is vertically separated between the device pedestal and the upper cover below the device.

[0006] In the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the first aspect, when the device is driven, heat generated by the driving is dissipated to the device pedestal. Further, the device pedestal and the upper cover of the power storage cell are vertically separated from each other. Therefore, the transfer of heat from the device pedestal to the power storage cell via the upper cover is suppressed, and partial heating of the power storage cell is suppressed.

[0007] Further, since the space between the device pedestal and the upper cover is vertically separated, the transfer of heat generated by driving of the power storage cell to the device pedestal via the upper cover is also suppressed. Therefore, for example, when the device is not driven, partial cooling of the power storage cell is suppressed.

[0008] As described above, in this battery mounting structure for a vehicle, heat transfer between the device and the power storage cell is suppressed by heat insulation, so that the thermal influence from the device on the power storage cell can be suppressed.

[0009] The battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the second embodiment is provided with a heat conductive member between the device and the device base, in addition to the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0010] In the battery mounting structure for the vehicle according to the second embodiment, heat can be more easily dissipated from the equipment to the equipment base compared to the case without a heat conductive member, and overheating of the equipment can be suppressed.

[0011] The battery mounting structure for a vehicle in the third embodiment is the battery mounting structure for a vehicle in the first embodiment, wherein the equipment base is made of cast metal.

[0012] In the third embodiment of the battery mounting structure for a vehicle, the thermal conductivity is higher compared to the case where the equipment base is made of a metal plate or the like, and heat is easily dissipated from the equipment to the equipment base. Therefore, overheating of the equipment can be suppressed.

[0013] The fourth embodiment of the battery mounting structure for a vehicle is the battery mounting structure for a vehicle in the first embodiment, wherein the upper cover has a recess that is recessed downward below the device.

[0014] In the recessed area where the upper cover is indented downwards, the gap between the equipment base and the upper cover becomes wider than in other areas. As a result, the battery mounting structure for the vehicle in the fourth embodiment has a higher heat insulation effect.

[0015] The fifth embodiment of the battery mounting structure for a vehicle is the battery mounting structure for a vehicle in which a resin member is placed between the energy storage cell and the upper cover, the energy storage cell and the resin member are bonded to each other, and the upper cover and the resin member are bonded to each other.

[0016] In the fifth embodiment of the battery mounting structure for a vehicle, the load partially acting on the upper cover is distributed by the resin member. This suppresses the localized load acting on the energy storage cell.

[0017] The sixth embodiment of the battery mounting structure for a vehicle is the fifth embodiment of the battery mounting structure for a vehicle, wherein the resin member has a thin-walled portion below the device, the upper surface of which is lower than the upper surface of the other parts, and the upper cover has a recessed portion above the thin-walled portion that is recessed downward.

[0018] In the recessed area where the upper cover is indented downwards, the distance between the equipment base and the upper cover becomes wider than in other areas. Therefore, the battery mounting structure for the vehicle in the sixth embodiment has a higher heat insulation effect. In addition, since the recess is formed above the thin-walled section, the recess size can be made larger compared to when it is formed in other areas.

[0019] This allows for the suppression of localized loads acting on the energy storage cell by the resin component, while the recess in the upper cover enhances the heat insulation effect.

[0020] The seventh embodiment of the battery mounting structure for a vehicle is the battery mounting structure for a vehicle in the first embodiment, wherein a projection is formed on the lower surface of the equipment base that protrudes downward toward the air layer between the equipment base and the upper cover.

[0021] In the seventh embodiment of the battery mounting structure for a vehicle, the protrusions increase the surface area of ​​the underside of the equipment base, making it easier to dissipate heat from the equipment base into the air layer. Therefore, compared to the case without protrusions, heat dissipation from the equipment to the equipment base becomes easier.

[0022] The battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the eighth embodiment is the same as the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the seventh embodiment, wherein the protrusions are formed in a grid shape along the vehicle width direction and the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0023] In the battery mounting structure for the vehicle according to the eighth embodiment, it is easier to create a larger surface area on the underside of the equipment base compared to cases where the protrusions are rib-shaped along the vehicle width direction or rib-shaped along the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[0024] According to this disclosure, in an energy storage cell where equipment is positioned above it, the thermal influence from the equipment can be suppressed.

[0025] This is an exploded perspective view showing the main parts of a battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a side cross-section showing an example of a battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a partially enlarged side cross-section showing an example of a cross member according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a partially enlarged side cross-section showing a modified example 1 of the cross member according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a partially enlarged side cross-section showing a modified example 2 of the cross member according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a partially enlarged side cross-section showing a modified example 3 of the cross member according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a partially enlarged side cross-section showing an example of a projection of an equipment base and a resin member according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a partially enlarged side cross-section showing an example of a projection of an equipment base, a recess of an upper cover and a resin member according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a partially enlarged side cross-section showing a modified example of a resin member according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a bottom view showing an example of a projection of an equipment base according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a bottom view showing a modified example 1 of a projection of an equipment base according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a bottom view showing a modified example 2 of a projection of an equipment base according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a bottom view showing a modified example 3 of a projection of an equipment base according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This is a partially enlarged side cross-section showing a modified example 1 of a projection of an equipment base according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0026] Hereinafter, a battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing are considered to be the same component. However, unless otherwise specified in the specification, each component is not limited to one, and there may be multiple such components.

[0027] Furthermore, explanations of redundant components and reference numerals in each drawing may be omitted. This disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the purpose of this disclosure, such as omitting components, substituting them with different components, or combining one embodiment with various modifications.

[0028] (Vehicle Structure) Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the main parts of a vehicle V to which the battery mounting structure according to the present disclosure is applied. The arrows FR, UP, and RH in the figure indicate the forward direction of the vehicle V, the upward direction of the vehicle V, and the right direction of the vehicle V, respectively.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, a battery case 12 is provided in the center of the vehicle V in the front-rear direction. The battery case 12 is located at the bottom of the vehicle. Furthermore, since the upper surface of the battery case 12 constitutes the passenger compartment floor, the vehicle V in this embodiment does not have a floor panel.

[0030] On both sides of the battery case 12 in the vehicle width direction, a pair of left and right rockers 14 are provided, extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The rockers 14 are skeletal members formed in a substantially rectangular closed cross-section. The battery case 12 is attached to the rockers 14 using fasteners (not shown).

[0031] The front end of the rocker 14 is connected to the front module 20. On the other hand, the rear end of the rocker 14 is connected to the rear module 30. The front module 20 and the rear module 30 are each integrally formed, for example, by casting.

[0032] The front module 20 is composed of, for example, a dash panel section 21, a suspension tower section 23, and a front side member section 25.

[0033] The dash panel section 21 extends in the vehicle width direction and the vehicle height direction, separating the interior space from the exterior space. The front side member sections 25 extend from both ends of the dash panel section 21 in the vehicle width direction toward the front of the vehicle, forming the road path in the event of a frontal collision. A pair of suspension tower sections 23 are provided on the left and right sides, each configured to support a suspension (not shown).

[0034] A first cross member 22 and a second cross member 24, which are cross members, are provided in the central part of the rocker 14 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The first cross member 22 and the second cross member 24 extend in the vehicle width direction above the battery case 12 and are installed between the left and right pair of rockers 14. Vehicle seats for the front seats (not shown) are attached to the first cross member 22 and the second cross member 24.

[0035] On the other hand, a third cross member 26, which is a cross member, is provided on the rear portion of the rocker 14 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The third cross member 26 also extends in the vehicle width direction above the battery case 12 and is installed between the left and right pair of rockers 14. The detailed configuration of the third cross member 26 will be described later.

[0036] (Battery Case) As shown in Figure 2, the battery case 12 is formed in a roughly box shape, including an upper case 12A and a lower case 12B. A battery 10 (energy storage cell) is mounted inside the battery case 12.

[0037] The upper case 12A is positioned above the battery 10 and is an upper cover that covers the battery 10. As described above, its upper surface constitutes the vehicle interior floor. An opening K2 is formed at the rear end of the upper case 12A in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Through this opening K2, the internal space of the battery case 12 and the internal space of the equipment case 40, which will be described later, are in communication.

[0038] The battery case 12 may consist only of an upper cover that covers the top of the battery 10. In this case, instead of the lower case 12B, a member that supports the battery 10 from below may be provided.

[0039] (Equipment Case) An equipment case 40 is positioned above the battery case 12. The equipment case 40 includes an equipment base 42 and a lid 44. The equipment base 42 is a box-shaped housing with an open top.

[0040] The material of the equipment base 42 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of improving the heat dissipation performance of heat-generating equipment such as the relay 110 described later, a material with high thermal conductivity such as aluminum is preferred. Furthermore, it is even more preferable to use a die-cast member (casting) formed by casting aluminum or the like.

[0041] The cover 44 is a sealing member that closes the opening at the upper end of the equipment base 42, and is fixed to the equipment base 42 using fastening members (not shown).

[0042] A protruding portion 42A protruding upward from the third cross member 26 is formed at a portion on the vehicle front side of the equipment pedestal 42. The protruding portion 42A is placed on the third cross member 26 and fixed to the third cross member 26. This fixing structure will be described later.

[0043] Note that, in the present disclosure, the equipment pedestal 42 does not necessarily need to be a casting, and may be formed of a metal (e.g., aluminum or stainless steel) plate material, a resin plate material, an extrusion-molded product of metal or resin, or the like. Even if the equipment pedestal 42 is formed of a metal, resin or other material other than a casting, heat is dissipated from a heat-generating device such as a relay 110 to the equipment pedestal 42.

[0044] (Junction box) A junction box 50 that houses a heat-generating device such as a relay 110 is disposed inside the equipment case 40. The junction box 50 is placed on the equipment pedestal 42, and is fixed to the equipment pedestal 42 using a fastening member not shown in the drawings.

[0045] Furthermore, in addition to the junction box 50, auxiliary devices 100 are provided inside the equipment case 40. The auxiliary devices 100 include, for example, a PDU (Power Distribution Unit), an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), and the like.

[0046] The relay 110 and the auxiliary devices 100 are connected to the battery 10 by a bus bar, a wire harness, or the like not shown in the drawings, and are electrically connected to the battery 10. A heat-generating device such as the relay 110 is driven by electric power supplied from the battery 10, and may generate heat as it is driven. Note that the heat-generating devices disposed in the junction box 50 or the equipment case 40 may include an inverter, a converter, a power control unit, an electronic control device, and the like.

[0047] The relay 110 and the junction box 50 are partially disposed above the battery 10 and the upper case 12A. As an example, "partially disposed" means that the battery 10 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction is disposed at a part (e.g., a rear side) in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0048] An opening is formed in the bottom of the junction box 50, and a heat dissipation sheet 52 is disposed in this opening. The relay 110 is disposed above this heat dissipation sheet 52. That is, the heat dissipation sheet 52, which is a heat conductive member, is disposed between the relay 110 and the device base 42. Heat generated when the relay 110 is driven is transferred to the device base 42 via the heat dissipation sheet 52. Further, an insulating sheet 54 is disposed below the heat dissipation sheet 52.

[0049] It should be noted that in the present disclosure, the heat dissipation sheet 52 is not necessarily required to be provided, and may be omitted as appropriate. In this case, it is not necessary to form an opening in the bottom of the junction box 50, and the insulating sheet 54 can also be omitted. Heat is transferred from the relay 110 to the device base 42 even without providing the heat dissipation sheet 52.

[0050] (Auxiliary Machine Cover) The auxiliary machines 100 are arranged in multiple stages. Specifically, the auxiliary machines 100 are also arranged above the device case 40, and the auxiliary machines 100 are covered with an auxiliary machine cover 56. The auxiliary machine cover 56 is provided above the device case 40, and supports a seat cushion SC of a rear vehicle seat from the vehicle lower side. It should be noted that another member may be interposed between the auxiliary machine cover 56 and the seat cushion SC.

[0051] (Third Cross Member) As shown in FIG. 1, above the battery case 12, a third cross member 26 is bridged between rockers 14 in the vehicle width direction.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 3A, the third cross member 26 is formed by overlapping two metal plates. Specifically, the third cross member 26 is formed including a cross member main body 26A and a stiffener 26B. Further, the third cross member 26 is formed such that the outer stiffener 26B covers the inner cross member main body 26A.

[0053] The cross member main body 26A includes: an extending portion 26AA extending upward from a lower end portion; and a rectangular cross-section portion 26AB connected to an upper end of the extending portion 26AA and having a rectangular cross-section when viewed from a vehicle side surface.

[0054] The extension portion 26AA is formed by overlapping two sheets of plate material in the vehicle's front-rear direction. The overlapping sheets are bent at the upper end of the extension portion 26AA in the vehicle's front-rear and rear-rear directions, respectively. These bent portions are further extended upward and connected to form a rectangular cross-section portion 26AB.

[0055] The stiffening member 26B is positioned such that its upper surface, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when viewed from the side, is in contact with the rectangular cross section 26AB of the cross member body 26A. Furthermore, the stiffening member 26B is bent downward from both ends of its upper surface in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, covering the cross member body 26A.

[0056] The lower ends of the cross member body 26A and the stiffening member 26B are bent in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and overlapped with each other.

[0057] The configuration of the third cross member 26 is not limited to the above. For example, the cross member body 26C shown in Figure 3B may be used instead of the cross member body 26A shown in Figure 3A. The cross member body 26C is formed by bending downwards from both ends of the upper surface in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, similar to the stiffener 26B. The lower end of the cross member body 26C is bent in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and overlapped with the stiffener 26B.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3C, the third cross member 26 may be formed from only one of the cross member body 26C described above. The cross member body 26C is formed by bending downwards from both ends of the upper surface in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, similar to the stiffener 26B. The lower end of the cross member body 26C is bent in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and overlapped with the stiffener 26B.

[0059] Furthermore, the third cross member 26 may be formed using an extruded product such as the cross member body 26D shown in Figure 3D.

[0060] (Holding structure of the equipment case) As shown in Figure 2, the equipment case 40 is located on the rear side of the vehicle relative to the third cross member 26. At least a portion of the equipment case 40 and at least a portion of the third cross member 26 are arranged facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0061] Specifically, the equipment case 40 and the third cross member 26 are arranged so that they overlap by a length H1 in the vertical direction when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the equipment case 40 and the third cross member 26 are arranged facing each other in the front-rear direction of the vehicle within a range of length H1 in the vertical direction.

[0062] Note that this length H1 is arbitrary; for example, if the bottom surface of the equipment base 42 is positioned at a higher location, this length H1 will be shorter than the dimension shown in the figure.

[0063] Furthermore, as described above, the protruding portion 42A of the equipment base 42 is fixed to the third cross member 26 while resting on it. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the protruding portion 42A is fixed to the third cross member 26 via a fastening portion 42B.

[0064] Multiple fastening portions 42B are formed on the lower surface of the protruding portion 42A and are projections that extend downward. The multiple fastening portions 42B are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction, and their lower end surfaces are positioned opposite the upper surface of the third cross member 26.

[0065] As shown in Figure 2, the fastening portion 42B is formed in a hollow, bottomed cylindrical shape with an open upper end. The bottom portion forming the lower end surface of the fastening portion 42B is fixed to the upper end surface of the third cross member 26 using fastening members (not shown), such as bolts. This fixes the equipment case 40 to the third cross member 26. In addition, the load of the equipment case 40 and its contents is supported by the third cross member 26 via the fastening portion 42B.

[0066] With the equipment case 40 fixed to the third cross member 26, the portion of the equipment case 40 rearward from the protruding portion 42A (the main body) is positioned at a distance from the third cross member 26 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0067] (Fixing part) At the rear end of the equipment base 42 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, a fixing part 42C is formed that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the equipment base 42. The fixing part 42C is the part that fixes the rear end of the equipment base 42 to the upper case 12A at the rear of the junction box 50, and its bottom surface is fixed to the upper case 12A by adhesive or the like.

[0068] An opening K1 is formed in the fixing portion 42C. In other words, the edge of the opening K1 formed in the equipment base 42 forms the fixing portion 42C. The opening K1 is located above the opening K2 of the upper case 12A. This connects the internal space of the battery case 12 and the internal space of the equipment case 40.

[0069] Openings K1 and K2 are formed on the rear side of the vehicle relative to the battery 10. Busbars or wire harnesses connecting the battery 10 to the auxiliary equipment 100 and the junction box 50 are inserted through these openings K1 and K2.

[0070] (Seal structure) A sealing member 46 is positioned between the equipment base 42 and the upper case 12A. The sealing member 46 is, for example, a liquid gasket and is formed surrounding the fixing portion 42C. In other words, the sealing member 46 is formed surrounding the opening K1. As a result, the sealing member 46 ensures watertightness between the internal space of the equipment case 40 and the internal space of the battery case 12.

[0071] (Resin Member) A plate-shaped resin member 16 is positioned between the battery 10 and the upper case 12A. The resin member 16 extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and vehicle width direction, covering the battery 10 from above.

[0072] As shown in Figure 4A, the battery 10 and the resin member 16 are bonded to each other with adhesive G. Also, the upper case 12A and the resin member 16 are bonded to each other with adhesive G.

[0073] The resin member 16 has a thin-walled portion 16A located below the junction box 50 and below the relay 110, the upper surface of which is lower than the upper surface of the other parts. Note that the thin-walled portion 16A and the adhesive G are not shown in Figure 2.

[0074] As shown in Figure 1, the upper case 12A has a plurality of recesses 12H that are recessed downwards. The shape of the recesses 12H is not particularly limited, but as an example, the recesses 12H are formed in a groove shape by a pair of wall portions extending downwards from the upper surface of the upper case 12A and a bottom portion connecting the lower ends of the pair of wall portions. Therefore, the recesses 12H are groove-shaped along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and are arranged in multiples in the vehicle width direction.

[0075] Figure 4B shows a side cross-section of the upper case 12A in the portion where the recess 12H is formed. As shown in this figure, the recess 12H is formed above the thin-walled portion 16A of the resin member 16. Furthermore, the recess 12H is formed in accordance with the shape of the thin-walled portion 16A.

[0076] Here, "along the shape of the thin-walled portion 16A" indicates that the bent portion B1 of the resin member 16 and the bent portion B2 of the upper case 12A have the same or similar shape and are located close together when viewed from the side. The bent portion B1 is the boundary between the thin-walled portion 16A and the rest of the resin member 16. The bent portion B2 is the boundary between the recess 12H and the rest of the upper case 12A.

[0077] In this embodiment, the recess 12H of the upper case 12A and the thin-walled portion 16A of the resin member 16 are positioned below the relay 110.

[0078] The recess 12H may have a shape that does not conform to the shape of the thin-walled portion 16A. The bent portion B1 of the resin member 16 and the bent portion B2 of the upper case 12A may have different shapes and may be spaced apart from each other.

[0079] Furthermore, the resin member 16 does not necessarily have to have a thin-walled portion 16A. For example, the resin member 16 may be formed so that its thickness is uniform in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, as shown in Figure 4C. Moreover, the resin member 16 may be omitted in this disclosure.

[0080] Furthermore, regardless of whether or not the resin member 16 is present, and regardless of whether or not the thin-walled portion 16A is present when the resin member 16 is provided, the upper case 12A may or may not have a recess 12H formed in it.

[0081] (Thermal insulation structure) As shown in Figure 2, below the relay 110 and below the junction box 50, the equipment base 42 and the upper case 12A are separated in the vertical direction, and the space between them is insulated by at least a space that suppresses heat transfer, such as an air layer A1. The vertical direction refers to the direction in the vehicle's operating state.

[0082] As described above, the equipment base 42 has a fixing portion 42C that protrudes downward from the bottom surface of the equipment base 42, and this fixing portion 42C is fixed to the upper case 12A. The thickness H2 of the air layer A1 is equal to the protruding height of this fixing portion 42C.

[0083] As shown in Figure 4B, the air layer A1 is in communication with the recess 12H of the upper case 12A. Therefore, in the portion where the recess 12H is formed, the thickness H3 of the connected air layer is greater than the thickness H2 of the other portions.

[0084] Furthermore, the air layer A1 can also be filled with various insulating materials such as fiber-based or foamed resin-based materials to ensure thermal insulation performance. In other words, the space that suppresses heat transfer can be formed by including gas, insulating fluid, or materials with low thermal conductivity.

[0085] (Heat dissipation structure) As shown in Figure 4A, a projection 42D is formed on the lower surface of the equipment base 42, projecting downward toward the air layer A1. The part of the equipment base 42 where the projection 42D is formed is thicker than other parts. As a result, the heat capacity of the equipment base 42 is increased compared to the case where the projection 42D is not present.

[0086] Furthermore, the protrusion 42D increases the surface area of ​​the lower surface of the equipment base 42 compared to the case without the protrusion 42D. This makes it easier to dissipate heat from the equipment base 42 to the air layer A1.

[0087] The protruding height of the projection 42D is lower than the thickness H2 of the air layer A1 (the protruding height of the fixing part 42C). This prevents interference between the projection 42D and the upper case 12A.

[0088] The shape of the projection 42D is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in Figure 5A, the projection 42D may be formed in a rib shape along the vehicle width direction. Also, as shown in Figure 5B, the projection 42D may be formed in a rib shape along the vehicle longitudinal direction. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5C, the projection 42D may be formed in a grid shape along both the vehicle width direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction. Moreover, as shown in Figure 5D, the projection 42D may be formed in a circular or other point shape.

[0089] The size, length, height, placement, and number of these protrusions 42D are arbitrary. For example, the rib-shaped protrusions 42D formed along the vehicle's longitudinal direction, as shown in Figure 5B, can be placed above the recess 12H of the upper case 12A, as shown in Figure 6. In this case, the protrusions 42D can penetrate the recess 12H, so the height of the protrusions 42D may be greater than the thickness H2 of the air layer A1.

[0090] It should be noted that, in this disclosure, it is not necessarily required to provide the projection 42D. For example, instead of the projection 42D, an upwardly recessed recess may be provided on the lower surface of the equipment base 42. Alternatively, neither the projection 42D nor the recess may be provided, and the lower surface of the equipment base 42 may be formed flat.

[0091] <Operation and Effects> (Thermal Insulation and Heat Dissipation Effects) In the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the embodiment of this disclosure, when a heat-generating device such as the relay 110 shown in Figure 2 is driven, the heat generated by the driving is dissipated to the device base 42. The device base 42 and the upper case 12A of the battery 10 are spaced apart, and the space between them is insulated by air. As a result, the transfer of heat from the device base 42 to the battery 10 via the upper case 12A is suppressed, and partial heating of the battery 10 is suppressed.

[0092] Furthermore, because the space between the equipment base 42 and the upper case 12A is insulated, the heat generated when the battery 10 is driven is prevented from being transferred to the equipment base 42 via the upper case 12A. Therefore, when, for example, heat-generating equipment such as the relay 110 is not being driven, partial cooling of the battery 10 is prevented.

[0093] Thus, in this battery mounting structure for the vehicle, heat transfer between heat-generating equipment such as the relay 110 and the battery 10 is suppressed by heat insulation, thereby suppressing the thermal influence of the equipment on the battery 10.

[0094] Furthermore, in the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the embodiment of this disclosure, a heat dissipation sheet 52 is provided between the relay 110 and the equipment base 42 as a heat conductive member. This makes it easier to dissipate heat from the relay 110 to the equipment base 42 compared to the case where the heat dissipation sheet 52 is not provided, and suppresses overheating of the relay 110.

[0095] Furthermore, in the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the equipment base 42 is made of cast metal. As a result, compared to the case where the equipment base 42 is made of a metal plate or resin, it has a higher thermal conductivity and makes it easier to dissipate heat from heat-generating equipment such as the relay 110 to the equipment base 42. Therefore, overheating of heat-generating equipment such as the relay 110 can be suppressed.

[0096] Furthermore, in the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the space between the equipment base 42 and the upper case 12A is insulated by an air layer A1. Since air is a gas, it does not interfere even if there are irregularities on the equipment base 42 or the upper case 12A (for example, a protrusion 42D on the equipment base 42, see Figure 4A). For this reason, the shape of the equipment base 42 and the upper case 12A is less restricted compared to the case where an insulating material is laid.

[0097] Furthermore, because air has a lower thermal conductivity compared to resin or metal, it is difficult to transfer the heat dissipated from the equipment base 42 to the upper case 12A.

[0098] (Function of the recess) Furthermore, in the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the embodiment of this disclosure, as shown in Figure 4B, the upper case 12A is provided with a recess 12H that is recessed downward below the relay 110 and the junction box 50. In this recess 12H, the distance between the equipment base 42 and the upper case 12A is wider than in other parts (thickness of the air layer H2) (thickness of the air layer H3). Therefore, the heat insulation effect is higher compared to a configuration without the recess 12H.

[0099] (Function of the resin member) In addition, in the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the embodiment of this disclosure, a plate-shaped resin member 16 is placed between the battery 10 and the upper case 12A. As a result, the load that is partially applied to the upper case 12A, which constitutes the floor of the vehicle compartment, is distributed by the resin member 16. Therefore, it is possible to suppress localized loads from being applied to the battery 10.

[0100] Furthermore, the resin member 16 has a thin-walled portion 16A below the relay 110 and junction box 50, the upper surface of which is lower than the upper surface of the other parts. The upper case 12A has a recess 12H above the thin-walled portion 16A. In other words, the thin-walled portion 16A of the resin member 16 creates a space in the upper case 12A for forming the recess 12H.

[0101] Since the recess 12H is formed above the thin-walled portion 16A, the recess dimension can be made larger compared to when it is formed in other parts. This suppresses localized load acting on the battery 10 by the resin member 16, while the heat insulation effect can be enhanced by the recess 12H of the upper case 12A.

[0102] (Function of the protrusion) In addition, in the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the embodiment of this disclosure, a protrusion 42D is formed on the lower surface of the equipment base 42, projecting downward toward the air layer A1. This protrusion 42D increases the surface area of ​​the lower surface of the equipment base 42, making it easier to dissipate heat from the equipment base 42 to the air layer A1. Therefore, compared to the case without the protrusion 42D, it becomes easier to dissipate heat from heat-generating equipment such as the relay 110 to the equipment base 42.

[0103] On the other hand, since air has a lower thermal conductivity compared to resin and metal, the heat dissipated from the equipment base 42 is less likely to be transferred from the equipment base 42 to the upper case 12A through the air layer A1 between the equipment base 42 and the upper case 12A. Therefore, the transfer of heat to the battery 10 can be suppressed.

[0104] As mentioned above, the shape of the protrusion 42D is not particularly limited. If the protrusion 42D is formed in a grid pattern, as shown in Figure 5C, it is easier to increase the surface area of ​​the lower surface of the equipment base 42 compared to when it is formed in a linear rib or dot pattern.

[0105] Alternatively, if the projection 42D is formed in a rib shape along the vehicle's longitudinal direction, as shown in Figure 5B, the projection 42D can be positioned above the recess 12H, as shown in Figure 6. In this case, the projection 42D can penetrate the recess 12H. This facilitates heat dissipation from the equipment base 42 to the air layer A1 and the air in the recess 12H.

[0106] (Function of the lid) Also, as shown in Figure 2, the equipment base 42 is formed in a box shape with an open top, and the equipment case 40 is equipped with a lid 44 that closes the opening at the top of the equipment base 42.

[0107] In this way, heat-generating equipment such as auxiliary equipment 100 and relays 110 are housed in a box-shaped space formed by the equipment base 42 and the lid 44. Therefore, compared to a configuration without the lid 44, the protection performance of heat-generating equipment such as auxiliary equipment 100 and relays 110 is higher.

[0108] On the other hand, since the heat-generating equipment such as the auxiliary equipment 100 and relays 110 are housed in a box-shaped sealed space, heat dissipated from the heat-generating equipment such as relays 110 tends to accumulate inside the space. However, according to the configuration of this disclosure, this heat can be absorbed by the equipment base 42 and dissipated by the projection 42D.

[0109] (Function of the third cross member) Furthermore, in the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the embodiment of this disclosure, at least a part of the equipment case 40 and at least a part of the third cross member 26 are arranged facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0110] Therefore, the displacement of the equipment case 40 toward the front of the vehicle during a head-on collision can be limited by the third cross member. This prevents the relay 110 and other components from being displaced and disconnecting or colliding with other equipment due to the displacement of the equipment case 40.

[0111] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3A, the third cross member 26 is formed by overlapping the cross member body 26A and the stiffening member 26B. Therefore, compared to a configuration with only one third cross member 26, the rigidity is higher and the displacement limiting effect of the equipment case 40 is greater.

[0112] Furthermore, the cross member body 26A has an extension portion 26AA extending upward from its lower end, and a rectangular cross-sectional portion 26AB connected to the upper end of the extension portion 26AA, which has a rectangular cross-section when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0113] Because the rectangular cross-section portion 26AB has a rectangular cross-section, the rigidity in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is higher compared to the case where only the extension portion 26AA is present. In addition, because the extension portion 26AA is present, the vertical overlap length (length H1) with the equipment case 40 can be increased compared to the case where the extension portion 26AA is absent, thus providing a greater effect in suppressing displacement of the equipment case 40.

[0114] (Function of the protruding part and fastening part) Furthermore, in the battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to the embodiment of this disclosure, the equipment case 40 is fixed to the third cross member 26. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the input of the load of the equipment case 40 and the auxiliary equipment 100 and relay 110 housed in the equipment case 40 to the battery 10.

[0115] As a result, the battery 10 is protected more effectively compared to, for example, a configuration in which the equipment case 40 is mounted on the upper case 12A above the battery 10.

[0116] Here, as shown in Figure 1, the equipment case 40 is fixed to the third cross member 26 via a plurality of fastening parts 42B arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction. This allows the equipment case 40 to be fixed to the third cross member 26 at multiple locations in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the input of loads from auxiliary equipment 100 and relays 110 to the battery 10 across the vehicle width direction. In addition, the displacement limiting effect of the equipment case 40 can be enhanced compared to the case where there is only one fastening part 42B.

[0117] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, since the equipment case 40 is placed on the third cross member 26 from above via the protruding portion 42A, it is easier to support the load of the equipment case 40 compared to the case where the equipment case 40 is fixed to the third cross member 26 from the side.

[0118] Furthermore, in the equipment base 42 of the equipment case 40, the portion of the equipment base 42 located behind the protruding portion 42A in the vehicle's longitudinal direction is positioned with a gap between it and the third cross member 26 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. As a result, the equipment base 42 and the third cross member 26 come into contact only after the fixing portion (i.e., fastening portion 42B) between the protruding portion 42A and the third cross member 26 or the protruding portion 42A has failed (yield failure after plastic deformation). Therefore, the load-bearing capacity of the fixing portion and the protruding portion 42A can be fully utilized.

[0119] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3A, the third cross member 26 is formed by overlapping the cross member body 26A and the stiffening member 26B. As a result, the third cross member 26 is less prone to bending compared to a configuration with only one cross member, and the effect of suppressing the load of the equipment case 40 from being input to the battery 10 is high.

[0120] <Note> The following notes are disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0121] (Note 1) A battery mounting structure for a vehicle comprising: an upper cover positioned above a power storage cell; equipment positioned above the upper cover and electrically connected to the power storage cell; and an equipment base on which the equipment is mounted, wherein below the equipment, there is a vertical separation between the equipment base and the upper cover.

[0122] (Note 2) The battery mounting structure for a vehicle as described in (Note 1), further comprising a heat conductive member between the equipment and the equipment base.

[0123] (Note 3) The battery mounting structure for a vehicle as described in (Note 1) or (Note 2), wherein the equipment base is made of cast metal. Battery mounting structure for a vehicle

[0124] (Note 4) The upper cover has a recess that is recessed downward below the equipment, a battery mounting structure for a vehicle as described in any one of (Note 1) to (Note 3).

[0125] (Note 5) A battery mounting structure for a vehicle as described in any one of (Note 1) to (Note 4), wherein a resin member is placed between the energy storage cell and the upper cover, the energy storage cell and the resin member are bonded to each other, and the upper cover and the resin member are bonded to each other.

[0126] (Note 6) The battery mounting structure for a vehicle as described in (Note 5), wherein the resin member has a thin-walled portion below the equipment, the upper surface of which is lower than the upper surface of the other portion, and the upper cover has a recessed portion above the thin-walled portion that is recessed downward.

[0127] (Note 7) The battery mounting structure for a vehicle as described in (Notes 1) to (Notes 6), wherein a projection is formed on the lower surface of the equipment base that protrudes downward toward the air layer between the equipment base and the upper cover.

[0128] (Note 8) The battery mounting structure for a vehicle as described in (Note 7), wherein the projections are formed in a grid pattern along the vehicle width direction and the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0129] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-052332, filed on 26 March 2025, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually noted to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A battery mounting structure for a vehicle comprising: an upper cover positioned above a power storage cell; equipment positioned above the upper cover and electrically connected to the power storage cell; and an equipment base on which the equipment is mounted, wherein below the equipment, there is a vertical separation between the equipment base and the upper cover.

2. The battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a heat conductive member between the device and the device base.

3. The battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the equipment base is made of cast metal.

4. The battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the upper cover has a recess that is recessed downward below the device.

5. A battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a resin member is placed between the energy storage cell and the upper cover, the energy storage cell and the resin member are bonded to each other, and the upper cover and the resin member are bonded to each other.

6. The battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the resin member has a thin-walled portion below the device, the upper surface of which is lower than the upper surface of the other portion, and the upper cover has a recessed portion above the thin-walled portion that is recessed downward.

7. The battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a projection is formed on the lower surface of the equipment base, projecting downward toward the air layer between the equipment base and the upper cover.

8. The battery mounting structure for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the projections are formed in a grid pattern along the vehicle width direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction.

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