Vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle 10 comprises a power storage device 13 and a rear seat 12. The power storage device 13 comprises a battery 20, a first battery device 30 that is electrically connected to the battery 20, and storage cases 40, 50 that store the battery 20 and the first battery device 30. The first battery device 30 is disposed above the battery 20 and below the rear seat 12 such that at least a part of the first battery device 30 overlaps with at least a part of the battery 20 and at least a part of the rear seat 12 in a top view.

Description

Vehicle

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle including a power storage device (battery pack) disposed below a vehicle compartment. The power storage device includes a battery having a plurality of battery modules, a battery device such as a junction block, and a storage case that accommodates these components. The junction block is accommodated near a front end of the storage case.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-173918

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to efficiently mount a battery and a battery device in a vehicle including a power storage device disposed below a vehicle compartment.

[0005] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the directions of "front-rear", "up-down", and "left-right" refer to front and rear in the vehicle front-rear direction, up and down in the vehicle up-down direction, and left and right in the vehicle width direction, respectively.

[0006] The vehicle according to a first aspect includes a power storage device disposed below a vehicle compartment, and a rear seat. The power storage device includes a battery, a first battery device electrically connected to the battery, and a storage case that accommodates the battery and the first battery device. The first battery device is disposed above the battery and below the rear seat such that at least a part of the first battery device overlaps at least a part of the battery in a top view and at least a part of the first battery device overlaps at least a part of the rear seat.

[0007] In the present aspect, the vehicle includes the power storage device and the rear seat. The power storage device includes the battery, the first battery device electrically connected to the battery, and the storage case that accommodates the battery and the first battery device. Here, the power storage device is disposed below the vehicle compartment. Therefore, the space directly under the vehicle compartment can be effectively utilized as a mounting space for the battery and the first battery device.

[0008] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first battery device is positioned above the battery and below the rear seat such that, in a top view, at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the battery and at least a portion of the rear seat. Therefore, the space directly below the rear seat and directly above the battery can be effectively utilized as space for mounting the first battery device.

[0009] In the embodiments described later, the rear seats are second-row seats, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The rear seats may be, for example, third-row seats. Also, if the vehicle has third-row seats, the rear seats may be second-row seats. In other words, "rear seats" refers to seats located behind the first-row seats, including the driver's seat and passenger seat, and is a concept that includes second-row and third-row seats.

[0010] In the embodiments described later, the housing case comprises a battery case for housing the battery and an equipment case for housing the first battery equipment, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0011] In the embodiments described later, the vehicle is equipped with a second battery device electrically connected to the energy storage device, and the second battery device is positioned above the energy storage device and below the rear seats; however, this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0012] In the second embodiment, the vehicle, in the first embodiment, is equipped with a front seat, and a portion of the battery overlaps with at least a portion of the front seat when viewed from above.

[0013] In this embodiment, the vehicle is equipped with front seats, and a portion of the battery overlaps with at least a portion of the front seats when viewed from above. Therefore, since the battery is positioned to overlap with the front seats when viewed from above, a large mounting space for the battery can be secured.

[0014] In the third embodiment of the vehicle, in the first or second embodiment, the housing case comprises a battery case for housing the battery and an equipment case for housing the first battery equipment, wherein the equipment case is positioned above the battery case such that, in a top view, at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the battery case.

[0015] In this embodiment, the housing case comprises a battery case for housing batteries and an equipment case for housing first battery equipment. The equipment case is positioned above the battery case such that, in a top view, at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the battery case. Therefore, at least part of the work of housing the batteries in the battery case and at least part of the work of housing the first battery equipment in the equipment case can be performed in different locations. As a result, the manufacturing of the energy storage device can be facilitated.

[0016] In the embodiments described later, the device case is positioned so that, when viewed from above, its entirety overlaps with a portion of the battery case, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0017] A vehicle according to the fourth embodiment, in any of the first to third embodiments, comprises a second battery device positioned above the housing case and electrically connected to the energy storage device, wherein the second battery device is positioned above the energy storage device and below the rear seat such that, in a top view, at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the first battery device and at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the rear seat in a top view.

[0018] Incidentally, it is preferable to suppress the submarine effect for occupants seated in the rear seats. The submarine effect is a phenomenon in which the body of an occupant seated in a seat slips out of the seat belt and slides forward from the seat. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vehicle is equipped with a second battery device positioned above the storage case and electrically connected to the energy storage device. The second battery device is positioned above the energy storage device and below the rear seats such that, in a top view, at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the first battery device, and at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the rear seats in a top view. Therefore, when the seat surface is provided so that the front end of the rear seats is raised in order to suppress the submarine effect, the space directly below the rear seats can be effectively utilized to position the second battery device.

[0019] In the embodiments described later, the second battery device is a device that has the function of converting AC power to DC power, but the second battery device in this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0020] A vehicle according to the fifth embodiment, in any of the first to fourth embodiments, comprises a housing case comprising a battery case for housing the battery and an equipment case for housing the first battery equipment, wherein the equipment case is positioned above the battery case such that at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the battery case when viewed from above, and the vehicle comprises a second battery equipment positioned above the housing case and electrically connected to the energy storage device, wherein the second battery equipment is positioned above the energy storage device and below the rear seat such that at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the first battery equipment when viewed from above, and at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the rear seat when viewed from above.

[0021] According to this embodiment, at least part of the work of housing the battery in the battery case and at least part of the work of housing the first battery device in the device case can be performed in different locations. As a result, the manufacture of the energy storage device can be made easier. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the front end of the seat surface of the rear seat is raised in order to suppress the submarining effect, the space directly below the rear seat can be effectively utilized to arrange the second battery device.

[0022] A vehicle according to the sixth embodiment, in any of the first to fifth embodiments, comprises one or more information processing devices housed in the housing case, the one or more information processing devices being positioned above the first battery device such that at least a part of them overlaps with at least a part of the first battery device when viewed from above, the first battery device having a first upper surface that does not overlap with the one or more information processing devices when viewed from above, and a second upper surface that at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the one or more information processing devices when viewed from above, the second upper surface being positioned below the first upper surface.

[0023] In this embodiment, the energy storage device comprises one or more information processing devices housed in a housing case. The one or more information processing devices are positioned above the first battery device such that, in a top view, at least a portion of them overlaps with at least a portion of the first battery device. Therefore, the space directly above the first battery device within the internal space of the housing case can be effectively utilized to arrange the one or more information processing devices.

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first battery device has a first upper surface that does not overlap with one or more information processing devices when viewed from above, and a second upper surface in which at least a part of the second upper surface overlaps with at least a part of one or more information processing devices when viewed from above. The second upper surface is located below the first upper surface. Therefore, it is possible to easily secure space for the placement of information processing devices within the housing case to the extent necessary for the placement of the information processing devices.

[0025] In the embodiments described later, one or more information processing devices are composed of multiple (two) information processing devices, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0026] A vehicle according to the seventh embodiment, in any of the first to sixth embodiments, comprises a second battery device positioned above the housing case and electrically connected to the energy storage device, the second battery device positioned above the energy storage device and below the rear seat such that, in a top view, at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the first battery device and at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the rear seat, the energy storage device comprises one or more information processing devices housed in the housing case, the one or more information processing devices positioned above the first battery device such that, in a top view, at least a part of them overlaps with at least a part of the first battery device, and the one or more information processing devices are positioned so as not to overlap with the second battery device in a top view.

[0027] According to this embodiment, when the front end of the rear seat cushion is raised to suppress the submarining effect, the space directly beneath the rear seat can be effectively utilized to arrange the second battery device. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the space directly above the first battery device within the internal space of the housing case can be effectively utilized to arrange one or more information processing devices.

[0028] Furthermore, in this embodiment, one or more information processing devices are arranged so as not to overlap with the second battery device when viewed from above. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which at least a portion of one or more information processing devices overlaps with at least a portion of the second battery device when viewed from above, each device can be arranged more efficiently.

[0029] In the eighth embodiment of the vehicle, in the seventh embodiment, the housing case has an upper wall portion that covers the first battery equipment from above, and has a first upper wall portion that, in a top view, overlaps with at least a part of the second battery equipment and does not overlap with the one or more information processing devices, and a second upper wall portion that, in a top view, overlaps with at least a part of the one or more information processing devices and does not overlap with the second battery equipment, wherein the second upper wall portion is located above the first upper wall portion.

[0030] In this embodiment, the housing case has an upper wall portion that covers the first battery device from above. The upper wall portion has a first upper wall portion that, in a top view, overlaps with at least a portion of the second battery device and does not overlap with one or more information processing devices in a top view, and a second upper wall portion that, in a top view, overlaps with at least a portion of one or more information processing devices and does not overlap with the second battery device in a top view. The second upper wall portion is located above the first upper wall portion. As a result, the internal space of the housing case is expanded upward in the portion corresponding to the second upper wall portion, and one or more information processing devices can be arranged using this expanded portion. In addition, it is easier to secure the vertical dimensions of the space for arranging the second battery device.

[0031] A vehicle according to the ninth embodiment, in any of the first to eighth embodiments, the vehicle is equipped with a front seat, a portion of the battery overlaps with at least a portion of the front seat in a top view, the housing case comprises a battery case for housing the battery and an equipment case for housing the first battery equipment, the equipment case is positioned above the battery case such that at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the battery case in a top view, the vehicle is equipped with a second battery equipment positioned above the housing case and electrically connected to the energy storage device, the second battery equipment is positioned above the energy storage device and below the rear seat such that at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the first battery equipment in a top view, and at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the rear seat in a top view, the energy storage device comprises one or more information processing devices housed in the housing case, the one or more information processing devices are positioned such that at least a portion of them overlaps with at least a portion of the battery in a top view The first battery device is positioned above the first battery device such that at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the first battery device, and the one or more information processing devices are positioned so as not to overlap with the second battery device when viewed from above. The housing case has an upper wall portion that covers the first battery device from above, and the upper wall portion has a first upper wall portion which, when viewed from above, at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the second battery device and does not overlap with the one or more information processing devices when viewed from above, and a second upper wall portion which, when viewed from above, at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the one or more information processing devices and does not overlap with the second battery device when viewed from above, and the second upper wall portion is positioned above the first upper wall portion. The first battery device has a first upper surface which does not overlap with the one or more information processing devices when viewed from above, and a second upper surface which, when viewed from above, at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the one or more information processing devices, and the second upper surface is positioned below the first upper surface.

[0032] According to this embodiment, a large mounting space for the battery can be secured, and each device can be arranged more efficiently.

[0033] In the tenth embodiment of the vehicle, in any of the first to ninth embodiments, the energy storage device comprises an upper and lower connecting busbar connecting the battery and the first battery equipment, wherein the upper and lower connecting busbar comprises a lower busbar attached to the battery and an upper busbar attached to the first battery equipment.

[0034] In this embodiment, the energy storage device includes upper and lower connecting busbars that connect the battery and the first battery device. Here, the upper and lower connecting busbars include a lower busbar attached to the battery and an upper busbar attached to the first battery device. As the upper and lower connecting busbars are separated into a lower busbar and an upper busbar, the connection work between the battery and the first battery device can be made easier.

[0035] In the 11th embodiment of the vehicle, in the 10th embodiment, the lower busbar comprises a battery-side connection portion connected to the battery and a lower connector portion connected to the upper busbar, the upper busbar comprises an equipment-side connection portion connected to the first battery equipment and an upper connector portion connected to the lower connector portion, the upper connector portion is connected to the lower connector portion from above, and the lower connector portion and the upper connector portion are positioned behind the battery and the first battery equipment so as not to overlap with the battery and the first battery equipment in a top view.

[0036] In this embodiment, the lower busbar comprises a battery-side connection portion connected to a battery and a lower connector portion connected to an upper busbar. The upper busbar comprises an equipment-side connection portion connected to a first battery equipment and an upper connector portion connected to the lower connector portion. Here, the upper connector portion is connected to the lower connector portion from above. This makes it easier to connect the upper connector portion to the lower connector portion.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower connector and the upper connector are positioned behind the battery and the first battery device so as not to overlap with them when viewed from above. Therefore, there is no need to provide space for the lower connector and the upper connector in the area that overlaps with the battery or the first battery device when viewed from above, and the battery and the first battery device can be positioned close together in the vertical direction.

[0038] In the vehicle according to the twelfth embodiment, in any of the first to eleventh embodiments, the energy storage device is provided with a charging busbar that constitutes part of the wiring connecting a charging port provided outside the energy storage device to the first battery device, the first battery device is arranged in a region located towards one side in the vehicle width direction within the housing case, and the charging busbar is arranged on the other side in the vehicle width direction of the first battery device such that at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the first battery device in a side view.

[0039] In this embodiment, the energy storage device includes a charging busbar that constitutes part of the wiring connecting a charging port provided outside the energy storage device to the first battery device. Here, the first battery device is arranged in an area within the housing case that is located towards one side in the vehicle width direction. The charging busbar is arranged on the other side in the vehicle width direction of the first battery device such that at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the first battery device when viewed from the side. Therefore, the space for arranging the charging busbar can be increased compared to an embodiment in which the first battery device is not arranged in an area within the housing case that is located towards one side in the vehicle width direction.

[0040] In the embodiments described later, one side in the vehicle width direction is the right side in the vehicle width direction, but this embodiment is not limited to this. The one side in the vehicle width direction may be the left side in the vehicle width direction. In the embodiments described later, the housing case comprises a battery case and an equipment case, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0041] A vehicle according to a thirteenth aspect, in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the power storage device includes a charging bus bar that constitutes a part of a wiring connecting a charging port provided outside the power storage device and the first battery device, the charging bus bar includes a positive charging bus bar and a negative charging bus bar, the positive charging bus bar has a strip-shaped positive-electrode-side parallel extending portion, the negative charging bus bar has a strip-shaped negative-electrode-side parallel extending portion, the positive-electrode-side parallel extending portion and the negative-electrode-side parallel extending portion have their plate thickness directions oriented in the same direction, extend parallel to each other with a spacing therebetween in the plate thickness direction, the first battery device has a first surface facing one side in a first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the positive-electrode-side parallel extending portion and the negative-electrode-side parallel extending portion are provided along the first surface at a position on the one side of the first surface in the first direction in a state where the plate thickness direction is oriented in the first direction.

[0042] In this aspect, the power storage device includes the charging bus bar that constitutes a part of the wiring connecting the charging port provided outside the power storage device and the first battery device. The charging bus bar includes the positive charging bus bar and the negative charging bus bar.

[0043] Incidentally, noise may occur due to the charging bus bar as described above. Therefore, in this aspect, the positive charging bus bar has the strip-shaped positive-electrode-side parallel extending portion, and the negative charging bus bar has the strip-shaped negative-electrode-side parallel extending portion. The positive-electrode-side parallel extending portion and the negative-electrode-side parallel extending portion have their plate thickness directions oriented in the same direction, and extend parallel to each other with a spacing therebetween in the plate thickness direction. For this reason, magnetic fields generated around the charging bus bar can cancel each other out, and as a result, noise caused by the magnetic fields can be reduced.

[0044] Furthermore, in this aspect, the first battery device has the first surface facing one side in the first direction, the first direction being perpendicular to the vertical direction. The positive-electrode-side parallel extending portion and the negative-electrode-side parallel extending portion are provided along the first surface at the position on the one side of the first surface in the first direction in a state where the plate thickness direction is oriented in the first direction. For this reason, the first battery device and the charging bus bar can be efficiently arranged in the storage case.

[0045] According to a 14th aspect, in any one of the first to 13th aspects, the vehicle includes one or more cable connectors connected to the power storage device for supplying electric power to respective parts of the vehicle, and the one or more cable connectors are attached from below to a portion of the housing case that is rearward of the battery.

[0046] In this aspect, the vehicle includes one or more cable connectors connected to the power storage device for supplying electric power to respective parts of the vehicle. Here, the one or more cable connectors are attached from below to a portion of the housing case that is rearward of the battery. Therefore, the cable connectors can be arranged by utilizing the space directly below the portion of the housing case that is rearward of the battery.

[0047] According to a 15th aspect, in any one of the first to 14th aspects, the power storage device includes a power distribution unit housed in the housing case, and the power distribution unit is arranged rearward of the battery and the first battery device so as not to overlap the battery and the first battery device in a top view.

[0048] In this aspect, the power storage device includes a power distribution unit housed in the housing case. Here, the power distribution unit is arranged rearward of the battery and the first battery device so as not to overlap the battery and the first battery device in a top view. Therefore, the space rearward of the battery and the first battery device can be effectively utilized as a space for mounting the power distribution unit.

[0049] As described above, according to the present disclosure, in a vehicle including a power storage device, a battery and battery devices can be efficiently mounted.

[0050] This is a schematic side view of a vehicle equipped with a power storage device. This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a magnified view of the area near the rear end of the power storage device in the vehicle. This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the connection procedure of the upper and lower connecting busbars. This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state after the connection by the upper and lower connecting busbars is completed. This is a plan view showing the battery case and battery. This is a plan view showing the power storage device and the second battery equipment. This is a schematic perspective view showing the outer shape of the junction block. This is a plan view showing the state in which the first battery equipment is housed in the lower part of the equipment case. This is a plan view showing the state in which multiple information processing devices and charging busbars are housed in addition to the state in Figure 9. Figure 10A is a plan view of the charging busbar, and Figure 10B is a rear view of the charging busbar. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 in Figure 10. This is a cross-sectional view showing a more detailed view of the area near the rear end of the power storage device in the vehicle.

[0051] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described below.

[0052] In each diagram, the arrows FR indicate the front of the vehicle, UP indicate the top of the vehicle, and LH indicate the left side in the vehicle's width direction. Furthermore, in the following explanations, unless otherwise specified, the directions front / back, up / down, and left / right refer to the front / back direction of the vehicle, the up / down direction of the vehicle, and the left / right direction in the vehicle's width direction.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10 is equipped with front seats 11 and rear seats 12 located in the passenger compartment. The front seats 11 consist of a driver's seat and a passenger seat. The rear seats 12 are, for example, bench seats.

[0054] (Energy storage device 13) The vehicle 10 is equipped with an energy storage device 13 located below the passenger compartment. The energy storage device 13 may also be called a battery pack 13.

[0055] The energy storage device 13 comprises a battery 20, a first battery device 30 electrically connected to the battery 20, a plurality of information processing devices 60, and housing cases 40 and 50 that house these.

[0056] The housing cases 40 and 50 comprise a battery case 40 for housing the battery 20 and an equipment case 50 for housing the first battery device 30 and a plurality of information processing devices 60A and 60B.

[0057] The device case 50 is positioned above the battery case 40 such that, when viewed from above, at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the battery case 40. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the device case 50 is positioned above the battery case 40 such that, when viewed from above, its entirety overlaps with a portion of the battery case 40.

[0058] As shown in Figure 5, the battery 20 is located in a region extending in the front-rear direction (a rectangular region in plan view). As a result, as shown in Figure 1, a portion of the battery 20 overlaps with at least a portion of the seat surface 11A of the front seat 11 in a top view, and another portion of the battery 20 overlaps with at least a portion of the seat surface 12A of the rear seat 12 in a top view. Specifically, the front end of the battery 20 is located in front of the front end of the seat surface 11A of the front seat 11. The rear end of the battery 20 is located behind the front end of the seat surface 12A of the rear seat 12.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5, the battery 20 comprises multiple battery modules 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D. The number of battery modules 21 in the battery 20 is, for example, an even number, specifically four. When describing the multiple battery modules 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D without making any particular distinction, they are simply referred to as battery modules 21.

[0060] Multiple battery modules 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction. The multiple battery modules 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D consist of a first battery module 21A, a second battery module 21B, a third battery module 21C, and a fourth battery module 21D. Note that the battery 20 does not have a portion in which the battery modules 21 are arranged in the vertical direction.

[0061] Each of the multiple battery modules 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D comprises multiple battery cells 22 arranged in a front-to-back direction. Each battery cell 22 is a prismatic cell and has a similar configuration to one another.

[0062] As shown in Figure 7, the first battery device 30 is a junction block 30. The first battery device 30 comprises a housing 31 and electronic components (not shown) such as busbars, relays, and fuses housed in the housing 31. The relays include a system main relay. Although not shown, the housing 31 has an upper and lower split structure, comprising a housing lower and a housing upper.

[0063] As shown in Figure 1, the first battery device 30 is positioned above the battery 20 and below the rear seat 12 such that, in a top view, at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the battery 20 and at least a portion of the seat surface 12A of the rear seat 12. Specifically, the first battery device 30 is positioned above the battery 20 and below the rear seat 12 such that, in a top view, a portion of it overlaps with a portion of the battery 20 and, in a top view, the entire device overlaps with a portion of the seat surface 12A of the rear seat 12.

[0064] As shown in Figure 6, the multiple information processing devices 60 include a first information processing device 60A and a second information processing device 60B.

[0065] The first information processing device 60A is a battery ECU acting as a "control device." For example, the first information processing device 60A controls the relays provided in the first battery device 30.

[0066] The first information processing device 60A is positioned above the first battery device 30 such that, in a top view, at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the first battery device 30. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the first information processing device 60A is positioned above the first battery device 30 such that, in a top view, its entirety overlaps with a portion of the first battery device 30.

[0067] The second information processing device 60B receives voltage signals from multiple voltage monitoring devices (not shown), performs predetermined processing, and then transmits them to the first information processing device 60A. The voltage monitoring devices are devices for monitoring the voltage of each part of the battery 20, and are also called satellite battery modules. Multiple voltage monitoring devices are provided inside the battery case 40.

[0068] The second information processing device 60B is positioned above the first battery device 30 such that, in a top view, at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the first battery device 30. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the second information processing device 60B is positioned above the first battery device 30 such that, in a top view, its entirety overlaps with a portion of the first battery device 30.

[0069] Multiple information processing devices 60 are arranged side by side in the vehicle width direction. Specifically, the first information processing device 60A is positioned to one side in the vehicle width direction of the second information processing device 60B such that, in a side view, at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the second information processing device 60B.

[0070] (Second battery device 14) The vehicle 10 is equipped with a second battery device 14 located outside the housing cases 40 and 50 and electrically connected to the energy storage device 13.

[0071] The second battery device 14 is a device that functions as a so-called on-board charger (OBC). In other words, the second battery device 14 has the function of converting AC power supplied from an external source into DC power that can be used by the vehicle's battery 20. This function is utilized when charging the energy storage device 13 with the appropriate voltage and current using a household power supply. The second battery device 14 also has the function of a DC-DC converter.

[0072] The second battery device 14 is positioned above the energy storage device 13 and below the rear seat 12 such that, in a top view, at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the first battery device 30, and at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the seat surface 12A of the rear seat 12. Specifically, the second battery device 14 is positioned above the energy storage device 13 and below the rear seat 12 such that, in a top view, a part of it overlaps with a part of the first battery device 30, and in a top view, the entire device overlaps with a part of the seat surface 12A of the rear seat 12.

[0073] The second battery device 14 is positioned above the device case 50 such that, in a top view, at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the device case 50. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the second battery device 14 is positioned above the device case 50 such that, in a top view, its entirety overlaps with a portion of the device case 50.

[0074] (Equipment cover 15) As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle 10 is equipped with an equipment cover 15.

[0075] The equipment cover 15 covers the second battery equipment 14 from above. The equipment cover 15 is positioned below the rear seat 12 and supports the rear seat 12. The equipment cover 15 is formed, for example, by pressing or otherwise shaping a steel plate material.

[0076] The device cover 15 comprises an upper wall portion 15A that covers the second battery device 14 from above, a front wall portion 15B that covers the second battery device 14 from the front, and an inclined wall portion 15C that extends diagonally backward from the upper wall portion 15A.

[0077] (Detailed explanation) The characteristics of each component will be explained in more detail below.

[0078] (Battery 20) As shown in Figure 5, each battery module 21 included in the battery 20 is equipped with a front terminal 25 and a rear terminal 24.

[0079] The front terminal 25 of the first battery module 21A and the front terminal 25 of the second battery module 21B are connected via a busbar (not shown). The front terminal 25 of the third battery module 21C and the front terminal 25 of the fourth battery module 21D are connected via a busbar (not shown).

[0080] The rear terminals 24 of each battery module 21 are electrically connected to the first battery device 30 via the upper and lower connecting busbars 70, which will be described later (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0081] The rear terminal 24 is located behind the rearmost battery cell 22 of the multiple battery cells 22 provided in the battery module 21. Specifically, the rear terminal 24 is located behind the rear end member 23 of the pair of front and rear end members 23 provided in the battery module 21. The pair of front and rear end members 23 are members that restrain the multiple battery cells 22 by clamping them from the front and rear directions. The end members 23 are made of, for example, die-cast aluminum.

[0082] (Battery case 40) The battery case 40 is positioned below the floor surface of the vehicle compartment.

[0083] As shown in Figure 5, the battery case 40 comprises a battery case body 40A and a rear extension portion 40B of the battery case.

[0084] The battery case body 40A is the part that houses the battery 20, while the rear extension 40B of the battery case is the part that does not house the battery 20. The rear extension 40B of the battery case is located behind the battery case body 40A. The presence of the rear extension 40B of the battery case expands the internal space of the battery case 40 to the rear. As shown in Figure 2, the space within the rear extension 40B of the battery case is smaller in vertical dimensions than the space within the battery case body 40A.

[0085] The battery case body 40A has a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from above. Specifically, when viewed from above, the battery case body 40A has a roughly rectangular shape with the front-to-back direction as the longer side and the vehicle width direction as the shorter side.

[0086] The rear extension portion 40B of the battery case has a shape in which the vehicle width dimension decreases towards the rear. This allows for expansion of the internal space of the battery case 40 while avoiding interference with the configuration near the rear wheels of the vehicle 10. The rear side 40B1 of the rear extension portion 40B of the battery case has a shape that is convex in an arc towards the rear. The vehicle width dimension at the front end of the rear extension portion 40B of the battery case is smaller than the vehicle width dimension of the battery case body 40A. Specifically, the vehicle width dimension at the front end of the rear extension portion 40B of the battery case is 60 to 90% of the vehicle width dimension of the battery case body 40A.

[0087] As shown in Figure 2, the battery case 40 comprises a battery case lower 41 and a battery case upper 42.

[0088] The lower battery case 41 has a first lower wall portion 43A. The first lower wall portion 43A is provided on the battery case body 40A. The first lower wall portion 43A has a shape that extends in the front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction, and is located directly below the battery 20.

[0089] The lower battery case 41 has a second lower wall portion 43B. The second lower wall portion 43B is provided in the rear enlarged portion 40B of the battery case. The second lower wall portion 43B is located behind the first lower wall portion 43A. The second lower wall portion 43B is located above the first lower wall portion 43A. The second lower wall portion 43B has a hole 43H for a connector block.

[0090] The battery case 40 includes a connector block 49 that is attached to the lower battery case 41 so as to close the hole 43H for the connector block. The connector block 49 is attached to the lower battery case 41 from below by fastening or the like. The connector block 49 is a die-cast product.

[0091] The lower battery case 41 has a connecting vertical wall portion 43C that connects the rear end of the first lower wall portion 43A and the front end of the second lower wall portion 43B. The connecting vertical wall portion 43C extends in a direction that is inclined rearward in the upward direction.

[0092] The battery case upper 42 has an upper wall portion 44. The upper wall portion 44 has a shape that extends in the front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction, and covers the battery 20 from above.

[0093] The upper wall portion 44 functions as a floor panel that constitutes part of the floor of the passenger compartment. Therefore, the vehicle 10 does not have any other floor panels positioned above the upper wall portion 44.

[0094] The upper wall portion 44 has an upper wall opening 44H that penetrates the upper wall portion 44. The upper wall opening 44H is located at a position corresponding to the rear enlargement portion 40B of the battery case. At least a portion of the upper wall opening 44H overlaps with at least a portion of the connector block hole 43H when viewed from above.

[0095] The portion of the upper wall 44 in which the upper wall opening 44H is provided is at the same height in the vertical direction as the portion of the upper wall 44 that overlaps with the battery 20 when viewed from above.

[0096] The battery case 40 has a flange portion 40K formed by joining a part of the battery case lower 41 and a part of the battery case upper 42 to each other. The flange portion 40K is oriented vertically in its thickness direction. When viewed from above, the flange portion 40K is continuously provided without interruption around the entire outer edge of the battery case 40. The flange portion 40K is located above the first lower wall portion 43A and below the upper wall portion 44. Specifically, the flange portion 40K is located below the second lower wall portion 43B.

[0097] (Equipment case 50) As shown in Figure 6, the entire equipment case 50 overlaps with a portion of the rear side of the battery case 40 when viewed from above. The portion of the battery case 40 that overlaps with the equipment case 50 when viewed from above is a portion of the battery case body 40A and a portion of the rear extension portion 40B of the battery case. The flange portion 40K formed around the entire outer edge of the battery case 40 does not overlap with the equipment case 50 when viewed from above.

[0098] In a top view, the front edge of the equipment case 50 extends in a straight line parallel to the vehicle width direction, while the rear edge of the equipment case 50 curves in an arc shape that is convex toward the rear. As a result, the shape of the equipment case 50 when viewed from above is approximately a semicircle.

[0099] As shown in Figure 2, the equipment case 50 comprises an equipment case lower 51 and an equipment case upper 52.

[0100] Both the lower equipment case 51 and the upper equipment case 52 are die-cast parts, specifically aluminum die-cast parts.

[0101] The lower equipment case 51 is a roughly box-shaped housing with an open top. The upper equipment case 52 is attached to the lower equipment case 51 from above, creating the internal space of the equipment case 50. A sealing member (not shown) is placed between the lower equipment case 51 and the upper equipment case 52. This ensures that the equipment case 50 maintains internal watertightness.

[0102] The lower part of the equipment case 51 includes a lower wall portion 53 and a side wall portion 54.

[0103] The lower wall portion 53 has a lower wall opening 53H, which is a hole that penetrates the lower wall portion 53. The lower wall opening 53H is provided such that, in a top view, at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the upper wall opening 44H of the battery case upper 42. Electrical connection is achieved between components such as the battery 20 inside the battery case 40 and components such as the first battery device 30 inside the device case 50 via the upper wall opening 44H of the battery case upper 42 and the lower wall opening 53H of the device case lower 51.

[0104] The peripheral edge of the upper wall opening 44H of the battery case upper 42 and the peripheral edge of the lower wall opening 53H of the equipment case lower 51 face each other in the vertical direction, with the sealing member 93 sandwiched between them. The sealing member 93 is provided so as to surround the upper wall opening 44H and the lower wall opening 53H.

[0105] The lower wall portion 53 has its thickness oriented vertically and extends in the front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction. The lower wall portion 53 holds the first battery device 30 via a plurality of bosses (not shown) and fastening members (not shown) provided on the lower wall portion 53.

[0106] The side wall portion 54 has a front wall portion 54F. The front wall portion 54F extends linearly parallel to the vehicle width direction (see Figure 8). The front wall portion 54F is provided such that, when viewed from the front, a part of it overlaps with the entirety of the first battery equipment 30. The front wall portion 54F extends in a direction that is inclined forward toward the upward direction.

[0107] The side wall portion 54 has a rear wall portion 54B. The rear wall portion 54B extends in a substantially arc shape that is convex towards the rear when viewed from above (see Figure 8).

[0108] The equipment case upper 52 has an upper wall portion 55. The upper wall portion 55 covers the first battery equipment 30 from above.

[0109] The upper equipment case 52 has an upward bulge 57 that protrudes upward (see Figure 6). The formation of the upward bulge 57 expands the internal space of the equipment case 50 upward at the position directly below the upward bulge 57. The upward bulge 57 is located at the rear side of the upper equipment case 52.

[0110] The upper wall portion 55 has a first upper wall portion 55A and a second upper wall portion 55B.

[0111] The first upper wall portion 55A, when viewed from above, overlaps with at least a part of the second battery device 14, and does not overlap with one or more information processing devices 60 when viewed from above. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the first upper wall portion 55A, when viewed from above, overlaps with the entire second battery device 14, and does not overlap with multiple information processing devices 60 when viewed from above.

[0112] The second upper wall portion 55B, when viewed from above, overlaps with at least a portion of one or more information processing devices 60, and does not overlap with the second battery device 14 when viewed from above. Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the second upper wall portion 55B, when viewed from above, overlaps with the entirety of multiple information processing devices 60, and does not overlap with the second battery device 14 when viewed from above.

[0113] The first upper wall portion 55A is oriented with its plate thickness in the vertical direction.

[0114] The second upper wall portion 55B is located above the first upper wall portion 55A. The second upper wall portion 55B is provided on the upper bulge portion 57. The second upper wall portion 55B is oriented in the vertical direction in the thickness direction.

[0115] As shown in Figure 6, the upper equipment case 52 has a charging opening 55H1 through which charging wiring passes. The charging opening 55H1 is a hole that penetrates the upper equipment case 52 in the vertical direction. The charging opening 55H1 is closed off by a connector block or charging connector (not shown). The charging opening 55H1 is located on the other side in the vehicle width direction from the center of the upper equipment case 52, specifically near the other end of the upper equipment case 52 in the vehicle width direction.

[0116] As shown in Figure 6, the upper equipment case 52 has a communication opening 55H2 through which communication wiring passes. The communication wiring is, for example, wiring for electrical connection between the first information processing device 60A (battery ECU) inside the equipment case 50 and the vehicle-side ECU (not shown) located outside the energy storage device 13. The communication opening 55H2 is a hole that penetrates the upper equipment case 52 in the vertical direction. The communication opening 55H2 is closed off by a connector block or communication connector (not shown). The communication opening 55H2 is located on one side in the vehicle width direction from the center of the upper equipment case 52, specifically near the end of the upper equipment case 52 on one side in the vehicle width direction.

[0117] As shown in Figure 12, the energy storage device 13 includes a cross member 94 extending in the vehicle width direction, located above the battery case 40. Multiple cross members 94 are provided in front of the equipment case 50. The cross member 94 shown in Figure 12 is one of them. Hereafter, when referring to the cross member 94, this cross member 94 is being referred to.

[0118] The lower part of the equipment case 51 is provided with a front flange portion 58 that extends forward from the front wall portion 54F. The front flange portion 58 is fixed to the cross member 94 while resting on the cross member 94.

[0119] The front flange portion 58 is provided with a plurality of bosses 58A that protrude downward. The plurality of bosses 58A are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction, and the lower ends of the bosses 58A are positioned opposite the upper surface of the cross member 94.

[0120] The cross member 94 comprises a first member 94A formed in a hat-shaped cross section with the lower side open in a side cross-sectional view, and a second member 94B joined to the first member 94A with most of it positioned inside the first member 94A. The second member 94B has a closed cross-sectional structure extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0121] The front end of the lower part of the equipment case 51 is fixed to the cross member 94 by screwing a bolt (not shown), which is inserted from above into the boss 58A of the front flange portion 58, into a nut (not shown) provided on the cross member 94.

[0122] A portion of the cross member 94 is located between the battery case upper 42 and the equipment case lower 51. As a result, an air layer extending in the front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction is formed between the upper wall portion 44 of the battery case upper 42 and the lower wall portion 53 of the equipment case lower 51.

[0123] As shown in Figure 12, the energy storage device 13 includes a floor forming member 95 that constitutes the floor of the vehicle. The rear end of the floor forming member 95 is joined to the front end of the cross member 94. The floor forming member 95 is positioned above the battery case 40 and along the upper wall portion 44 of the battery case 40.

[0124] The floor forming member 95 has a plurality of convex beads 95A that are convex upward and extend in the vehicle width direction, and a plurality of concave beads 95B that are convex downward and extend in the vehicle width direction. The plurality of convex beads 95A and the plurality of concave beads 95B are arranged alternately along the front-rear direction.

[0125] A floor carpet 96 is provided on the upper surface of the battery case 40, and the rear end of the floor carpet 96 is fixed in place by being inserted between the front end of the seat surface 12A of the rear seat 12 and the equipment cover 15.

[0126] (First Battery Device 30) As shown in Figure 8, the first battery device 30 is equipped with a plurality (four) of battery connection parts 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D to which each of the plurality of upper and lower connecting bus bars 70, which will be described later, is connected. The first battery device 30 is electrically connected to the battery 20 via the plurality (four) of upper and lower connecting bus bars 70.

[0127] The multiple battery connection points 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D are located at the rear of the first battery device 30 when the first battery device 30 is considered to be divided into a front and a rear section. Specifically, the multiple battery connection points 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D are located near the rear edge of the first battery device 30 when viewed from above.

[0128] Each battery connection section 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D is configured so that the upper bus bar 72 of the upper and lower connecting bus bar 70 can be connected to the battery connection section 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D from above.

[0129] The multiple battery connection sections 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D are composed of a first battery connection section 32A, a second battery connection section 32B, a third battery connection section 32C, and a fourth battery connection section 32D. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, they will simply be referred to as battery connection section 32.

[0130] The first battery device 30 is equipped with a plurality of supply connection parts 34A, 34B, and 34C. The plurality of supply connection parts 34A, 34B, and 34C are electrically connected to a cable connector 16, which will be described later, via a busbar or the like.

[0131] Multiple supply connection points 34A, 34B, and 34C are provided at the rear of the first battery device 30. Specifically, the multiple supply connection points 34A, 34B, and 34C are provided near the rear edge of the first battery device 30 when viewed from above.

[0132] The first battery device 30 has a front surface 30F, a rear surface 30B, one side surface 30R in the vehicle width direction, and the other side surface 30L in the vehicle width direction.

[0133] The front section 30F has a first front section 30F1 and a second front section 30F2 located behind the first front section 30F1. The second front section 30F2 is provided on the other side of the front section 30F in the width direction. The first front section 30F1 extends parallel to the vehicle width direction. The second front section 30F2 extends parallel to the vehicle width direction.

[0134] The front surface 30F faces the front wall portion 54F of the equipment case 50 in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the first front surface 30F1 and the second front surface 30F2 face the front wall portion 54F of the equipment case 50 in the front-rear direction. The distance between the second front surface 30F2 and the front wall portion 54F is greater than the distance between the first front surface 30F1 and the front wall portion 54F. In other words, the distance between the front wall portion 54F of the equipment case 50 and the front surface 30F of the first battery equipment 30 is increased in front of the second front surface 30F2. Part of the charging bus bar 80, which will be described later, is located in this area (see Figure 9).

[0135] The rear surface 30B of the first battery device 30 faces rearward and extends parallel to the vehicle width direction. One end of the rear surface 30B of the first battery device 30 in the vehicle width direction is located on the other side in the vehicle width direction than the other end of the front surface 30F of the first battery device 30 in the vehicle width direction. The other end of the rear surface 30B of the first battery device 30 in the vehicle width direction is located at the same position in the vehicle width direction as the other end of the front surface 30F of the first battery device 30 in the vehicle width direction.

[0136] One side 30R of the first battery device 30 in the vehicle width direction comprises a front portion 30R1 and a rear portion 30R2. The front portion 30R1 of the side 30R in the vehicle width direction extends parallel to the front-rear direction, and the rear portion 30R2 of the side 30R in the vehicle width direction extends in a direction that slopes toward the rear and toward the other side in the vehicle width direction. The rear portion 30R2 of the side 30R in the vehicle width direction is positioned close to a portion of the rear wall portion 54B of the device case 50, which extends in a substantially arc shape when viewed from above. The distance between the front portion 30R1 of the side 30R in the vehicle width direction and the rear wall portion 54B of the device case 50 is wider than the distance between the rear portion 30R2 of the side 30R in the vehicle width direction and the rear wall portion 54B of the device case 50, which extends in a substantially arc shape when viewed from above.

[0137] The other side 30L of the first battery device 30 in the vehicle width direction extends parallel to the front-rear direction as a whole. The other side 30L in the vehicle width direction connects the other end of the front 30F in the vehicle width direction and the other end of the rear 30B in the vehicle width direction in the front-rear direction.

[0138] The first battery unit 30 is positioned in an area within the equipment case 50 that is located towards one side in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the space within the equipment case 50 that overlaps with the first battery unit 30 in a side view and is located on the other side in the vehicle width direction of the first battery unit 30 is wider than the space that overlaps with the first battery unit 30 in a side view and is located on one side in the vehicle width direction of the first battery unit 30. Charging wiring, such as the charging busbar 80, is arranged in this wider space (see Figure 9).

[0139] As shown in Figure 7, the upper surface 30U of the first battery device 30 comprises a first upper surface 30U1 and a second upper surface 30U2.

[0140] The second upper surface 30U2 is located behind the first upper surface 30U1. Specifically, the first upper surface 30U1 is the upper surface of the front of the first battery device 30, and the second upper surface 30U2 is the upper surface of the rear of the first battery device 30. The second upper surface 30U2 is located below the first upper surface 30U1. In this way, the first battery device 30 is formed so that the height of the rear is lower than that of the front.

[0141] As shown in Figure 9, the first upper surface 30U1 does not overlap with the multiple information processing devices 60 when viewed from above.

[0142] The second upper surface 30U2 overlaps with at least a portion of the multiple information processing devices 60 when viewed from above. Specifically, the second upper surface 30U2 overlaps with at least a portion of the first information processing device 60A when viewed from above, and also overlaps with at least a portion of the second information processing device 60B when viewed from above.

[0143] (Multiple Information Processing Devices 60) The shape of the information processing devices 60 is approximately a rectangular parallelepiped. The information processing devices 60 are arranged with their thickness direction oriented in the vertical direction. Here, the thickness direction refers to the direction of the shortest side of the rectangular parallelepiped. However, the information processing devices 60 may be arranged with their thickness direction slightly tilted relative to the vertical direction.

[0144] Furthermore, the information processing device 60 is positioned with its longer side facing the vehicle width direction. Here, the longer side direction refers to the direction along the longer of the two sides of the rectangular parallelepiped, excluding the shortest side.

[0145] As shown in Figure 9, the first information processing device 60A is positioned to cover at least one of the multiple battery connection parts 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D from above. The second information processing device 60B is positioned to cover at least one of the multiple battery connection parts 32A, 32B, 32C, and 32D from above.

[0146] (Second Battery Device 14) The shape of the second battery device 14 is approximately a rectangular parallelepiped. The second battery device 14 is positioned with its thickness direction oriented vertically. The second battery device 14 is also positioned with its longer side oriented in the direction of the vehicle width.

[0147] As shown in Figure 6, the width dimension of the second battery device 14 is larger than the width dimension of the first information processing device 60A and is larger than the width dimension of the second information processing device 60B.

[0148] More specifically, the widthwise dimension of the second battery device 14 is greater than the sum of the widthwise dimension of the first information processing device 60A and the widthwise dimension of the second information processing device 60B.

[0149] One end of the second battery device 14 in the vehicle width direction is located to one side in the vehicle width direction further than one end of the first information processing device 60A in the vehicle width direction. The other end of the second battery device 14 in the vehicle width direction is located to the other side in the vehicle width direction further than the other end of the second information processing device 60B in the vehicle width direction.

[0150] The second battery device 14 is positioned directly above the device case 50. Specifically, the second battery device 14 is positioned above the device case 50 such that, when viewed from above, its entirety overlaps with a portion of the device case 50.

[0151] Specifically, the second battery device 14 is positioned such that, when viewed from above, its entirety overlaps with a portion of the first upper wall 55A of the device case 50. In other words, the second battery device 14 is positioned so that, when viewed from above, it does not overlap with the upper bulge 57 of the upper device case 52. In the front-to-back direction, the second battery device 14 is located in front of the upper bulge 57.

[0152] The second battery device 14 is electrically connected to the energy storage device 13 via a harness (not shown) or the like. This electrical connection is made through a charging opening 55H1 in the upper device case 52.

[0153] (Upper and lower connecting busbar 70) As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the energy storage device 13 is equipped with an upper and lower connecting busbar 70 that electrically connects the battery 20 and the first battery device 30.

[0154] Although individual illustrations are omitted, multiple (four) upper and lower connecting busbars 70 are provided. This means that the number of upper and lower connecting busbars 70 is the same as the number of battery modules 21 (see Figure 5) provided in the battery 20.

[0155] Although individual illustrations are omitted, the multiple vertical connection busbars 70 consist of a first vertical connection busbar 70A, a second vertical connection busbar 70B, a third vertical connection busbar 70C, and a fourth vertical connection busbar 70D. The first vertical connection busbar 70A electrically connects the rear terminal 24 of the first battery module 21A to the first battery connection part 32A of the first battery device 30. The second vertical connection busbar 70B electrically connects the rear terminal 24 of the second battery module 21B to the second battery connection part 32B of the first battery device 30. The third vertical connection busbar 70C electrically connects the rear terminal 24 of the third battery module 21C to the third battery connection part 32C of the first battery device 30. The fourth vertical connection busbar 70D electrically connects the rear terminal 24 of the fourth battery module 21D to the fourth battery connection part 32D of the first battery device 30. In the following, when describing common features without making any particular distinction, we will simply refer to them as the upper and lower connecting busbars 70.

[0156] The upper and lower connecting busbar 70 comprises a lower busbar 71 attached to the battery 20 and an upper busbar 72 attached to the first battery device 30.

[0157] The lower busbar 71 includes a battery-side connection portion 73 that is connected to the battery 20, and a lower connector portion 74 that is connected to the upper busbar 72.

[0158] The upper busbar 72 includes a device-side connection portion 75 that is connected to the first battery device 30, and an upper connector portion 76 that is connected to the lower connector portion.

[0159] Specifically, the battery-side connection portion 73 of the lower busbar 71 is connected to the rear terminal 24 of the battery module 21. The device-side connection portion 75 of the upper busbar 72 is connected to the battery connection portion 32 of the first battery device 30.

[0160] The upper connector section 76 is connected to the lower connector section 74 from above. In other words, the connection direction between the lower connector section 74 and the upper connector section 76 is vertical.

[0161] As shown in Figure 4, the lower connector portion 74 and the upper connector portion 76 are positioned behind the battery 20 and the first battery device 30 so as not to overlap with the battery 20 and the first battery device 30 when viewed from above.

[0162] Furthermore, the rear terminal 24 and the battery connection section 32, which are electrically connected by the upper and lower connecting busbar 70, are located at different positions in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the upper and lower connecting busbar 70 is configured to electrically connect the rear terminal 24 and the battery connection section 32, which are located at different positions in the vehicle width direction. Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams, in which the battery-side connection section 73 and the lower connector section 74 are located at different positions in the vehicle width direction, and the equipment-side connection section 75 and the upper connector section 76 are located at different positions in the vehicle width direction.

[0163] Each of the lower busbar 71 and the upper busbar 72 includes a busbar body made of a conductive material such as copper or aluminum, and an insulating member that covers the busbar body. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, in the lower busbar 71, the busbar body is not exposed in any part other than the battery-side connection portion 73, and in the upper busbar 72, the busbar body is not exposed in any part other than the equipment-side connection portion 75.

[0164] In other words, the lower busbar 71 is equipped with an insulating lower busbar cover 77 that covers the busbar body. The lower connector section 74 is equipped with an insulating lower connector housing 74b. The upper busbar 72 is equipped with an insulating upper busbar cover 78 that covers the busbar body. The upper connector section 76 is equipped with an insulating upper connector housing 76b.

[0165] The lower connector portion 74 and the upper connector portion 76 are connected to each other, so that the busbar body (live part) is not exposed without requiring any additional components.

[0166] The lower connector section 74 includes a fixed portion 74a that is fixed to the housing cases 40 and 50. This prevents the lower busbar 71 from having a free end on the lower connector section 74 side. The portion of the housing cases 40 and 50 that fixes the fixed portion 74a is the battery case 40, more specifically the connector block 49 of the battery case 40. The connector block 49 has a fixing portion 49a for fixing the fixed portion 74a. The upper connector section 76 is fixed by being connected to the lower connector section 74, and therefore does not have a fixed portion like the fixed portion 74a.

[0167] The procedure for connecting the upper and lower connecting busbars 70 is generally as follows: (1) Place the battery 20 in the battery case lower 41. (2) Connect the lower busbar 71 to the battery 20 and fix it to the connector block 49. (3) Close the battery case lower 41 with the battery case upper 42 and place the equipment case lower 51, which houses the first battery equipment 30, above the battery case 40. (4) Connect the upper busbar 72 to the first battery equipment 30 and also to the lower busbar 71.

[0168] (Charging busbar 80) As shown in Figure 9, the energy storage device 13 is equipped with a charging busbar 80 which forms part of the wiring connecting the charging port 19 (see Figure 1) located outside the energy storage device 13 to the first battery device 30.

[0169] The charging bus bar 80 is positioned on the other side in the vehicle width direction of the first battery device 30 such that, in a side view, at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the first battery device 30. Specifically, the charging bus bar 80 is positioned on the other side in the vehicle width direction of the first battery device 30 such that, in a side view, almost the entire bus bar 80 overlaps with a portion of the first battery device 30. Note that "almost the entire" means 95% or more of the projected area.

[0170] As shown in Figure 10A, the charging busbar 80 comprises a charging positive electrode busbar body 81 made of a conductive material, a charging negative electrode busbar body 82 made of a conductive material, and a charging busbar cover 83 made of an insulating material. The conductive material here is, for example, copper or aluminum.

[0171] The charging positive electrode busbar body 81 has an internal device-side positive electrode connection portion 81A that is connected to the charging positive electrode connection portion 33A of the first battery device 30. The charging negative electrode busbar body 82 has an internal device-side negative electrode connection portion 82A that is connected to the charging negative electrode connection portion 33B of the first battery device 30. As shown in Figure 8, the charging positive electrode connection portion 33A and the charging negative electrode connection portion 33B are located near the front edge of the first battery device 30 when viewed from above.

[0172] The internal device-side positive electrode connection portion 81A and the internal device-side negative electrode connection portion 82A overlap with the charging positive electrode connection portion 33A and the charging negative electrode connection portion 33B of the first battery device 30 when viewed from above. The thickness direction of each of the internal device-side positive electrode connection portion 81A and the internal device-side negative electrode connection portion 82A is oriented in the vertical direction. The internal device-side positive electrode connection portion 81A and the internal device-side negative electrode connection portion 82A are in the same position in the vertical and front-rear directions, and their positions differ only in the vehicle width direction.

[0173] The charging positive busbar body 81 has a port-side positive electrode connection portion 81B that connects to the charging port 19 via a wire harness or the like. The charging negative busbar body 82 has a port-side negative electrode connection portion 82B that connects to the charging port 19 via a wire harness or the like.

[0174] The port-side positive electrode connection portion 81B and the port-side negative electrode connection portion 82B are located outward in the vehicle width direction from the first battery device 30. Each of the port-side positive electrode connection portion 81B and the port-side negative electrode connection portion 82B has its thickness direction oriented vertically. The port-side positive electrode connection portion 81B and the port-side negative electrode connection portion 82B are in the same position in the vertical direction, but their positions differ in the front-rear direction and the vehicle width direction. In other words, the port-side positive electrode connection portion 81B and the port-side negative electrode connection portion 82B are aligned in a direction that is slightly inclined with respect to the vehicle width direction. The port-side positive electrode connection portion 81B and the port-side negative electrode connection portion 82B are located below the internal device-side positive electrode connection portion 81A and the internal device-side negative electrode connection portion 82A.

[0175] The charging positive electrode busbar body 81 has an external device-side positive electrode connection portion 81C that connects to the second battery device 14 via a wire harness or the like. The charging negative electrode busbar body 82 has an external device-side negative electrode connection portion 82C that connects to the second battery device 14 via a wire harness or the like.

[0176] The external device side positive electrode connection portion 81C and the external device side negative electrode connection portion 82C are located outward in the vehicle width direction from the first battery device 30. Each of the external device side positive electrode connection portion 81C and the external device side negative electrode connection portion 82C has its thickness direction oriented vertically. The external device side positive electrode connection portion 81C and the external device side negative electrode connection portion 82C are in the same position in the vertical direction and in the vehicle width direction, and their positions differ only in the front-rear direction. The external device side positive electrode connection portion 81C and the external device side negative electrode connection portion 82C are located above the port side positive electrode connection portion 81B and the port side negative electrode connection portion 82B. The external device side positive electrode connection portion 81C and the external device side negative electrode connection portion 82C are located outward in the vehicle width direction from the port side positive electrode connection portion 81B and the port side negative electrode connection portion 82B.

[0177] The charging positive electrode busbar body 81 has strip-shaped positive electrode side parallel extending portions 81P1, 81P2, and 81P3. The charging negative electrode busbar body 82 has strip-shaped negative electrode side parallel extending portions 82P1, 82P2, and 82P3. The positive electrode side parallel extending portions 81P1, 81P2, and 81P3 and the negative electrode side parallel extending portions 82P1, 82P2, and 82P3 are oriented in the same direction in the thickness direction and extend parallel to each other with a gap in the thickness direction. The positive electrode side parallel extending portions 81P1, 81P2, and 81P3 and the negative electrode side parallel extending portions 82P1, 82P2, and 82P3 are oriented in the thickness direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0178] The positive electrode side parallel extensions 81P1, 81P2, and 81P3 include a first positive electrode side parallel extension 81P1, a second positive electrode side parallel extension 81P2, and a third positive electrode side parallel extension 81P3. The negative electrode side parallel extensions 82P1, 82P2, and 82P3 include a first negative electrode side parallel extension 82P1, a second negative electrode side parallel extension 82P2, and a third negative electrode side parallel extension 82P3.

[0179] The first positive electrode parallel extension portion 81P1 and the first negative electrode parallel extension portion 82P1 extend parallel to each other with their thickness directions oriented in the same direction (front-to-back direction) and with a gap in the thickness direction. The extension direction is the vehicle width direction. The second positive electrode parallel extension portion 81P2 and the second negative electrode parallel extension portion 82P2 extend parallel to each other with their thickness directions oriented in the same direction (vehicle width direction) and with a gap in the thickness direction. The extension direction is the front-to-back direction. The third positive electrode parallel extension portion 81P3 and the third negative electrode parallel extension portion 82P3 extend parallel to each other with their thickness directions oriented in the same direction (front-to-back direction) and with a gap in the thickness direction. The extension direction is the vehicle width direction.

[0180] The charging busbar cover 83 covers at least the positive electrode side parallel extension portions 81P1, 81P2, 81P3 and the negative electrode side parallel extension portions 82P1, 82P2, 82P3 of the charging positive electrode busbar body 81 and the charging negative electrode busbar body 82.

[0181] As shown in Figure 11, the charging busbar cover 83 includes a positive electrode side cover 84, a negative electrode side cover 85, and an intermediate cover 86. The positive electrode side cover 84, the negative electrode side cover 85, and the intermediate cover 86 are formed as separate components from each other.

[0182] The positive electrode side cover 84 has a positive electrode side wall portion 84A that covers the first positive electrode side parallel extending portion 81P1.

[0183] The negative electrode side cover 85 has a negative electrode side wall portion 85A that covers the first negative electrode side parallel extending portion 82P1.

[0184] The intermediate cover 86 has a partition wall portion 86A positioned between the first positive electrode side parallel extension portion 81P1 and the first negative electrode side parallel extension portion 82P1.

[0185] The intermediate cover 86 has a pair of vertical wall portions 86B extending in the thickness direction. The positive electrode side cover 84 has a pair of holding portions 84B that sandwich and hold the pair of vertical wall portions 86B from the width direction. The negative electrode side cover 85 has a pair of holding portions 85B that sandwich and hold the pair of vertical wall portions 86B from the width direction.

[0186] Each pair of vertical wall portions 86B has a positive electrode side projection 86B1 that protrudes outward in the width direction of the band, and a negative electrode side projection 86B2 that protrudes outward in the width direction of the band. The positive electrode side cover 84 has a locking portion 84B1 that engages with the positive electrode side projection 86B1. The negative electrode side cover 85 has a locking portion 85B1 that engages with the negative electrode side projection 86B2. The positive electrode side projection 86B1 and the negative electrode side projection 86B2 are provided at different positions in the extending direction.

[0187] As shown in Figure 9, the first positive electrode side parallel extension portion 81P1 and the first negative electrode side parallel extension portion 82P1 are positioned along the front (first direction side) of the front surface 30F (first surface) of the first battery device 30, with the plate thickness direction oriented in the front-to-back direction (first direction). Hereinafter, the front surface 30F may be referred to as the first surface 30F.

[0188] The portion of the front surface 30F of the first battery device 30 along which the first positive electrode side parallel extension portion 81P1 and the first negative electrode side parallel extension portion 82P1 are provided is a recess (second front surface 30F2) that is recessed inward in the first direction relative to the other general portion of the front surface 30F (first front surface 30F1). Hereinafter, the first front surface 30F1 may be referred to as the general portion 30F1, and the second front surface 30F2 may be referred to as the recess 30F2.

[0189] (Cable Connector 16) As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle 10 is equipped with cable connectors 16 connected to the energy storage device 13 to supply power to various parts of the vehicle. The cable connectors 16 are attached to the ends of cables (not shown). Although not shown, multiple cable connectors 16 are arranged along the width direction of the vehicle.

[0190] The cable connector 16 is attached to the lower part of the rear end of the vehicle of the energy storage device 13. Specifically, the cable connector 16 is attached from below to the portion of the housing case 40, 50 that is rearward of the battery 20. Specifically, the cable connector 16 is attached from below to the portion of the battery case 40 that corresponds to the connector block 49.

[0191] The connection direction of the cable connector 16 to the energy storage device 13 is upward on the vehicle. Specifically, the energy storage device 13 is equipped with an internal connector 91 that is connected to the cable connector 16. The internal connector 91 is fixed to the connector block 49. The cable connector 16 is connected to the internal connector 91 of the energy storage device 13 from below. The internal connector 91 is electrically connected to the first battery equipment 30 via a busbar (not shown) and a power distribution unit 92 (described later).

[0192] The cable connector 16 is positioned so as not to protrude below the lower surface of the first lower wall portion 43A of the battery case 40.

[0193] (Power distribution unit 92) The energy storage device 13 includes a power distribution unit 92 housed in housing cases 40 and 50. The power distribution unit 92 is connected to the first battery equipment 30 via busbars and the like, and is also connected to a plurality of internal connectors 91 via busbars and the like. As a result, the power distribution unit 92 functions to distribute power to a plurality of cable connectors 16.

[0194] The power distribution unit 92 is positioned behind the battery 20 and the first battery device 30 so as not to overlap with them when viewed from above.

[0195] The power distribution unit 92 is positioned behind the first battery device 30 such that, in a front view, at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the first battery device 30.

[0196] (Assembly to the vehicle frame) The energy storage device 13, the second battery equipment 14, and the equipment cover 15 are integrated before being assembled to the vehicle frame. Then, with the energy storage device 13, the second battery equipment 14, and the equipment cover 15 integrated, they are assembled from below to the vehicle frame, which has a pair of left and right rockers (side sills), etc.

[0197] <Effects> Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0198] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10 includes a power storage device 13 and a rear seat 12. The power storage device 13 includes a battery 20, a first battery device 30 electrically connected to the battery 20, and housing cases 40 and 50 that house the battery 20 and the first battery device 30. Here, the power storage device 13 is located below the passenger compartment. Therefore, the space directly below the passenger compartment can be effectively utilized as mounting space for the battery 20 and the first battery device 30.

[0199] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first battery device 30 is positioned above the battery 20 and below the rear seat 12 such that, in a top view, at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the battery 20 and at least a portion of the seat surface 12A of the rear seat 12. Therefore, the space directly below the rear seat 12 and directly above the battery 20 can be effectively utilized as space for mounting the first battery device 30.

[0200] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a front seat 11, and a portion of the battery 20 overlaps with at least a portion of the seat surface 11A of the front seat 11 when viewed from above. Therefore, since the battery 20 is positioned to overlap with the seat surface 11A of the front seat 11 when viewed from above, a large mounting space for the battery 20 can be secured.

[0201] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the housing cases 40 and 50 comprise a battery case 40 for housing the battery 20 and an equipment case 50 for housing the first battery equipment 30. The equipment case 50 is positioned above the battery case 40 such that, in a top view, at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the battery case 40. Therefore, at least a portion of the work of housing the battery 20 in the battery case 40 and at least a portion of the work of housing the first battery equipment 30 in the equipment case can be performed in different locations. As a result, the manufacturing of the energy storage device 13 can be facilitated.

[0202] Incidentally, it is preferable to suppress the submarine effect for occupants seated in the rear seat 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a second battery device 14 positioned above the housing cases 40 and 50 and electrically connected to the energy storage device 13. The second battery device 14 is positioned above the energy storage device 13 and below the rear seat 12 such that, in a top view, at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the first battery device 30, and in a top view, at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the seat surface 12A of the rear seat 12. Therefore, when the front end of the seat surface 12A of the rear seat 12 is raised in order to suppress the submarine effect, the space directly below the rear seat 12 can be effectively utilized to position the second battery device 14.

[0203] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the energy storage device 13 includes one or more information processing devices 60 housed in housing cases 40 and 50. The one or more information processing devices 60 are positioned above the first battery device 30 such that, in a top view, at least a portion of them overlaps with at least a portion of the first battery device 30. Therefore, the space directly above the first battery device 30 within the internal space of the housing cases 40 and 50 can be effectively utilized to arrange the one or more information processing devices 60.

[0204] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2, 7, and 9, the first battery device 30 has a first upper surface 30U1 that does not overlap with one or more information processing devices 60 when viewed from above, and a second upper surface 30U2 in which at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of one or more information processing devices 60 when viewed from above. The second upper surface 30U2 is located below the first upper surface 30U1. Therefore, it is possible to easily secure the space for arranging the information processing devices 60 within the housing cases 40 and 50 to the extent necessary for arranging the information processing devices 60.

[0205] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, one or more information processing devices 60 are arranged so as not to overlap with the second battery device 14 when viewed from above. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which at least a portion of one or more information processing devices 60 overlaps with at least a portion of the second battery device 14 when viewed from above, each device can be arranged more efficiently.

[0206] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 6, the housing cases 40 and 50 have an upper wall portion 55 that covers the first battery device 30 from above. The upper wall portion 55 has a first upper wall portion 55A, which in a top view overlaps with at least a part of the second battery device 14 and does not overlap with one or more information processing devices 60 in a top view, and a second upper wall portion 55B, which in a top view overlaps with at least a part of one or more information processing devices 60 and does not overlap with the second battery device 14 in a top view. The second upper wall portion 55B is located above the first upper wall portion 55A. As a result, the internal space of the housing cases 40 and 50 is expanded upward in the portion corresponding to the second upper wall portion 55B, and one or more information processing devices 60 can be arranged using this expanded portion. In addition, it is easier to secure the vertical dimension of the space for arranging the second battery device 14.

[0207] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the second battery device 14 is positioned such that, in a top view, at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the front part of the seat portion 12A. Therefore, the second battery device 14 can be efficiently positioned by utilizing the space directly below the front part of the seat portion 12A.

[0208] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front-to-back position of the second battery device 14 is located within a range of 100 mm in front of and behind the front end of the seat portion 12A. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the front-to-back position of the second battery device 14 is located 100 mm or more behind the front end of the seat portion 12A, the space directly below the seat portion 12A can be effectively utilized.

[0209] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the second battery device 14 is positioned so as not to overlap with the rear portion of the seat portion 12A when viewed from above. Therefore, since the second battery device 14 is not positioned directly below the rear portion of the seat portion 12A, it is easier to position the seat portion 12A so that its front end is raised.

[0210] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the energy storage device 13 includes an upper and lower connecting busbar 70 that connects the battery 20 and the first battery device 30. Here, the upper and lower connecting busbar 70 includes a lower busbar 71 attached to the battery 20 and an upper busbar 72 attached to the first battery device 30. As the upper and lower connecting busbar 70 is divided into a lower busbar 71 and an upper busbar 72, the connection work between the battery 20 and the first battery device 30 can be made easier.

[0211] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the lower busbar 71 includes a battery-side connection portion 73 connected to the battery 20 and a lower connector portion 74 connected to the upper busbar 72. The upper busbar 72 includes a device-side connection portion 75 connected to the first battery device 30 and an upper connector portion 76 connected to the lower connector portion. Here, the upper connector portion 76 is connected to the lower connector portion 74 from above. This makes it easy to connect the upper connector portion 76 to the lower connector portion 74.

[0212] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the lower connector portion 74 and the upper connector portion 76 are positioned behind the battery 20 and the first battery device 30 so as not to overlap with the battery 20 and the first battery device 30 when viewed from above. Therefore, there is no need to provide space for the lower connector portion 74 and the upper connector portion 76 in the area that overlaps with the battery 20 or the first battery device 30 when viewed from above, and the battery 20 and the first battery device 30 can be positioned close together in the vertical direction.

[0213] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the lower connector portion 74 includes a fixed portion 74a that is fixed to the housing cases 40 and 50. This prevents the lower connector portion 74 side of the lower busbar 71 from becoming a free end.

[0214] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the battery 20 comprises a plurality of battery modules 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D arranged in the vehicle width direction. The same number of upper and lower connecting busbars 70 as the plurality of battery modules 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D are provided. Therefore, the space behind the battery 20 can be used to efficiently connect the plurality of battery modules 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D to the first battery equipment 30.

[0215] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the energy storage device 13 includes a charging busbar 80 which constitutes part of the wiring connecting a charging port 19 (see Figure 1) located outside the energy storage device 13 to the first battery device 30. As shown in Figure 10A, the charging busbar 80 includes a charging positive electrode busbar body 81 and a charging negative electrode busbar body 82.

[0216] However, noise can be generated due to the charging busbar 80 as described above. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10A, the charging positive electrode busbar body 81 has strip-shaped positive electrode side parallel extending portions 81P1, 81P2, and 81P3, and the charging negative electrode busbar body 82 has strip-shaped negative electrode side parallel extending portions 82P1, 82P2, and 82P3. The positive electrode side parallel extending portions 81P1, 81P2, and 81P3 and the negative electrode side parallel extending portions 82P1, 82P2, and 82P3 are oriented in the same direction in the thickness direction of each other and extend parallel to each other with a gap in the thickness direction. As a result, the magnetic field generated around the charging busbar 80 can be canceled out, and as a result, noise caused by the magnetic field can be reduced.

[0217] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the energy storage device 13 includes a charging busbar cover 83. As shown in Figure 11, the charging busbar cover 83 includes a positive electrode side cover 84, a negative electrode side cover 85, and an intermediate cover 86. The positive electrode side cover 84, the negative electrode side cover 85, and the intermediate cover 86 are formed separately from each other. The positive electrode side cover 84 has a positive electrode side wall portion 84A that covers the positive electrode side parallel extension portion 81P1, the negative electrode side cover 85 has a negative electrode side wall portion 85A that covers the negative electrode side parallel extension portion 82P1, and the intermediate cover 86 has a partition wall portion 86A that is positioned between the positive electrode side parallel extension portion 81P1 and the negative electrode side parallel extension portion 82P1. Therefore, compared to the configuration in which a cover is provided to surround the positive electrode side parallel extension portion 81P1 from all sides and a cover is provided to surround the negative electrode side parallel extension portion 82P1 from all sides, it is easier to reduce the number of parts and to narrow the gap between the positive electrode side parallel extension portion 81P1 and the negative electrode side parallel extension portion 82P1. This is because, in the configuration in which a cover is provided to surround the positive electrode side parallel extension portion 81P1 from all sides and a cover is provided to surround the negative electrode side parallel extension portion 82P1 from all sides, there are two wall portions arranged between the positive electrode side parallel extension portion 81P1 and the negative electrode side parallel extension portion 82P1.

[0218] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the intermediate cover 86 has a pair of vertical wall portions 86B extending in the thickness direction. The positive electrode side cover 84 has a pair of holding portions 85B that sandwich and hold the pair of vertical wall portions 86B from the width direction, and the negative electrode side cover 85 has a pair of holding portions 85B that sandwich and hold the pair of vertical wall portions 86B from the width direction. As shown in Figure 10A, the pair of vertical wall portions 86B have a positive electrode side projection 86B1 that protrudes outward in the width direction, and a negative electrode side projection 86B2 that protrudes outward in the width direction. The positive electrode side cover 84 has a locking portion 84B1 that is locked to the positive electrode side projection 86B1, and the negative electrode side cover 85 has a locking portion 85B1 that is locked to the negative electrode side projection 86B2. Therefore, the positive electrode side cover 84, the negative electrode side cover 85, and the intermediate cover 86 can be integrated in a simple configuration.

[0219] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the first battery device 30 has a first surface 30F facing one side in the first direction, which is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The first positive electrode side parallel extension portion 81P1 and the first negative electrode side parallel extension portion 82P1 are provided such that, with the plate thickness direction facing the first direction, the position on one side of the first surface 30F in the first direction is aligned with the first surface 30F. As a result, the first battery device 30 and the charging busbar 80 can be efficiently arranged inside the housing cases 40 and 50.

[0220] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the portion of the first surface 30F along which the first positive electrode side parallel extension portion 81P1 and the first negative electrode side parallel extension portion 82P1 are provided forms a recess 30F2 that is recessed inward in the first direction relative to the other general portion 30F1 of the first surface 30F. This makes it possible to arrange the first battery device 30 and the charging bus bar 80 within the housing cases 40 and 50 even more efficiently.

[0221] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the first battery device 30 is arranged in an area within the housing cases 40 and 50 that is located towards one side in the vehicle width direction. The charging bus bar 80 is arranged on the other side in the vehicle width direction of the first battery device 30 such that, in a side view, at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the first battery device 30. Therefore, compared to an embodiment in which the first battery device 30 is not arranged in an area within the housing cases 40 and 50 that is located towards one side in the vehicle width direction, the space for arranging the charging bus bar 80 can be made wider.

[0222] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the vehicle 10 is connected to the energy storage device 13 and is equipped with one or more cable connectors 16 for supplying power to various parts of the vehicle. Here, one or more cable connectors 16 are attached from below to the portion of the housing case 40, 50 that is rearward of the battery 20. Therefore, the cable connectors 16 can be positioned using the space directly below the portion of the housing case 40, 50 that is rearward of the battery 20.

[0223] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the energy storage device 13 includes a power distribution unit 92 housed in housing cases 40 and 50. Here, the power distribution unit 92 is positioned behind the battery 20 and the first battery device 30 so as not to overlap with them when viewed from above. Therefore, the space behind the battery 20 and the first battery device 30 can be effectively utilized as space for mounting the power distribution unit 92.

[0224] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the equipment 30 and 60 are arranged above the battery 20, and the seat 12 is arranged above the equipment 30 and 60. Here, the equipment 30 and 60 include the first battery equipment 30 and the information processing device 60, and a bus bar 70 is connected to the first battery equipment 30. However, in order to secure a large passenger compartment space in such a structure, the energy storage device 13 needs to be thin. However, if the components of the energy storage device 13 are arranged in order to make the energy storage device 13 thin, there is a risk that the bus bar 70 may interfere with and be damaged by surrounding components when an impact occurs. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, at least a part of the bus bar 70 is arranged in the space between the first battery equipment 30 and the information processing device 60. As a result, the bus bar 70 can be protected even when the distance between the seat 12 and the first battery equipment 30 is reduced.

[0225] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the upper surface 30U of the first battery device 30 includes a front upper surface 30U1 and a rear upper surface 30U2. The information processing device 60 is positioned directly above the rear upper surface 30U2. Therefore, the height of the seat 12 can be lowered compared to a structure in which the information processing device 60 is positioned using the space directly above the front upper surface 30U1.

[0226] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the energy storage device 13 is provided above the battery case 40 and includes a cross member 94 that extends along the vehicle width direction. The front end of the equipment case 50 is fixed to the cross member 94. This allows the energy storage device 13 to function as part of the vehicle body frame, and also allows the equipment case 50 to be firmly fixed.

[0227] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second battery device 14 is positioned towards the front on the upper wall 55 of the device case 50, as shown in Figure 12. Therefore, compared to the embodiment in which the second battery device 14 is positioned towards the rear on the upper wall 55 of the device case 50, the maintainability of the second battery device 14 from the vehicle interior side can be improved.

[0228] Preferred embodiments of the Disclosure have been described above, but the Disclosure is not limited to the foregoing. The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-052553 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated 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.

[0229] 10 Vehicle 11 Front seat 11A Seat cushion 12 Rear seat 12A Seat cushion 13 Energy storage device 14 Second battery equipment 15 Equipment cover 16 Cable connector 19 Charging port 20 Battery 30 Junction block (First battery equipment) 30F Front (First surface) 30F1 First front (General part) 30F2 Second front (Recessed part) 30U Top surface 30U1 First top surface (Front top surface) 30U2 Second top surface (Rear top surface) 40, 50 Housing case 40 Battery case 50 Equipment case 55 Top wall 55A First top wall 55B Second top wall 60A First information processing device (Information processing device) 60B Second information processing device (Information processing device) 70 Upper and lower connecting busbar 71 Lower busbar 72 Upper busbar 73 Battery side connection part 74 Lower connector part 74a Fixed part 75 Device side connection part 76 Upper connector part 80 Charging bus bar 81 Charging positive electrode bus bar body 81P1 First positive electrode side parallel extension part (positive electrode side parallel extension part) 81P3 Third positive electrode side parallel extension part (positive electrode side parallel extension part) 81P2 Second positive electrode side parallel extension part (positive electrode side parallel extension part) 82 Charging negative electrode bus bar body 82P3 Third negative electrode side parallel extension part (negative electrode side parallel extension part) 82P1 First negative electrode side parallel extension part (negative electrode side parallel extension part) 82P2 Second negative electrode side parallel extension part (negative electrode side parallel extension part) 83 Charging bus bar cover 84 Positive electrode side cover 84A Positive electrode side wall part 85 Negative electrode side cover 85A Negative electrode side wall 86 Intermediate cover 86A Partition wall 91 Internal connector 92 Power distribution unit 94 Cross member

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: an energy storage device located below the passenger compartment; and a rear seat, wherein the energy storage device comprises: a battery; a first battery device electrically connected to the battery; and a housing case for housing the battery and the first battery device, and the first battery device is located above the battery and below the rear seat such that, in a top view, at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the battery and at least a portion of the rear seat.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is equipped with a front seat, and a portion of the battery overlaps with at least a portion of the front seat when viewed from above.

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the housing case comprises a battery case for housing the battery and an equipment case for housing the first battery equipment, and the equipment case is positioned above the battery case such that at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the battery case when viewed from above.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, comprising a second battery device positioned above the housing case and electrically connected to the energy storage device, wherein the second battery device is positioned above the energy storage device and below the rear seat such that, in a top view, at least a portion thereof overlaps with at least a portion of the first battery device and at least a portion thereof overlaps with at least a portion of the rear seat in a top view.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the housing case comprises a battery case for housing the battery and an equipment case for housing the first battery equipment, wherein the equipment case is positioned above the battery case such that at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the battery case when viewed from above, and the vehicle comprises a second battery equipment positioned above the housing case and electrically connected to the energy storage device, wherein the second battery equipment is positioned above the energy storage device and below the rear seat such that at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the first battery equipment when viewed from above, and at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the rear seat when viewed from above.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage device comprises one or more information processing devices housed in the housing case, the one or more information processing devices are positioned above the first battery device such that at least a portion of them overlaps with at least a portion of the first battery device when viewed from above, the first battery device has a first upper surface that does not overlap with the one or more information processing devices when viewed from above, and a second upper surface that at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the one or more information processing devices when viewed from above, the second upper surface is located below the first upper surface.

7. The vehicle according to claim 1, comprising a second battery device positioned above the housing case and electrically connected to the energy storage device, wherein the second battery device is positioned above the energy storage device and below the rear seat such that, in a top view, at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the first battery device and at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the rear seat, wherein the energy storage device comprises one or more information processing devices housed in the housing case, wherein the one or more information processing devices are positioned above the first battery device such that, in a top view, at least a portion of them overlaps with at least a portion of the first battery device, and the one or more information processing devices are positioned so as not to overlap with the second battery device in a top view.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the housing case has an upper wall portion that covers the first battery device from above, the upper wall portion having a first upper wall portion which, in a top view, overlaps with at least a part of the second battery device and does not overlap with the one or more information processing devices, and a second upper wall portion which, in a top view, overlaps with at least a part of the one or more information processing devices and does not overlap with the second battery device, and the second upper wall portion is located above the first upper wall portion.

9. The vehicle is equipped with a front seat, a portion of the battery overlaps with at least a portion of the front seat in a top view, the housing case comprises a battery case for housing the battery, and an equipment case for housing the first battery equipment, the equipment case is positioned above the battery case such that at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the battery case in a top view, the vehicle is equipped with a second battery equipment positioned above the housing case and electrically connected to the energy storage device, the second battery equipment is positioned above the energy storage device and below the rear seat such that at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the first battery equipment in a top view, and at least a portion of it overlaps with at least a portion of the rear seat in a top view, the energy storage device comprises one or more information processing devices housed in the housing case, the one or more information processing devices are positioned above the first battery equipment such that at least a portion of them overlaps with at least a portion of the first battery equipment in a top view, The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the one or more information processing devices are arranged so as not to overlap with the second battery device when viewed from above, the housing case has an upper wall portion that covers the first battery device from above, the upper wall portion has a first upper wall portion which, when viewed from above, overlaps with at least a part of the second battery device and does not overlap with the one or more information processing devices when viewed from above, and a second upper wall portion which, when viewed from above, overlaps with at least a part of the one or more information processing devices and does not overlap with the second battery device when viewed from above, the second upper wall portion is located above the first upper wall portion, the first battery device has a first upper surface which does not overlap with the one or more information processing devices when viewed from above, and a second upper surface which, when viewed from above, overlaps with at least a part of the one or more information processing devices, the second upper surface is located below the first upper surface.

10. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage device comprises upper and lower connecting busbars connecting the battery and the first battery equipment, and the upper and lower connecting busbars comprises a lower busbar attached to the battery and an upper busbar attached to the first battery equipment.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the lower busbar comprises a battery-side connection portion connected to the battery and a lower connector portion connected to the upper busbar, the upper busbar comprises an equipment-side connection portion connected to the first battery equipment and an upper connector portion connected to the lower connector portion, the upper connector portion is connected to the lower connector portion from above, and the lower connector portion and the upper connector portion are positioned behind the battery and the first battery equipment so as not to overlap with the battery and the first battery equipment in a top view.

12. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage device comprises a charging busbar that constitutes part of the wiring connecting a charging port provided outside the energy storage device to the first battery device, the first battery device is arranged in a region located on one side in the vehicle width direction within the housing case, and the charging busbar is arranged on the other side in the vehicle width direction of the first battery device such that at least a part of it overlaps with at least a part of the first battery device in a side view.

13. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage device comprises a charging busbar that constitutes part of the wiring connecting a charging port provided outside the energy storage device to the first battery device, the charging busbar comprises a positive charging busbar and a negative charging busbar, the positive charging busbar has a strip-shaped positive side parallel extending portion, the negative charging busbar has a strip-shaped negative side parallel extending portion, the positive side parallel extending portion and the negative side parallel extending portion are oriented in the same direction in the thickness direction of each other and extend parallel with a gap in the thickness direction, the first battery device has a first surface facing one side in a first direction which is perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the positive side parallel extending portion and the negative side parallel extending portion are provided such that the position on one side of the first surface in the first direction is along the first surface when their thickness directions are oriented in the first direction.

14. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is equipped with one or more cable connectors connected to the energy storage device for supplying power to various parts of the vehicle, and the one or more cable connectors are mounted from below to a portion of the housing case rearward of the battery.

15. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage device comprises a power distribution unit housed in the housing case, and the power distribution unit is positioned behind the battery and the first battery equipment so as not to overlap with the battery and the first battery equipment when viewed from above.

Images