Vehicle rear structure

Abstract

This vehicle rear structure includes: a passage member constituting an exhaust gas passage; an exhaust gas valve allowing the outflow of gas in one direction; and a film member. The film member is provided at a position outside the exhaust gas valve 52 in the vehicle width direction.

Description

Vehicle rear structure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle rear structure.

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2023-47012 describes a battery pack including: a case; battery cells provided inside the case; a ventilation member provided on a side wall of the case via a seal portion and configured to adjust pressure inside the case; and a pressure release valve provided on an upper wall of the case and configured to release pressure to the outside of the case when the pressure inside the case rapidly increases, wherein the case has an enclosing wall surrounding the seal portion on the side wall.

[0003] A storage battery mounted on a vehicle is provided with a smoke exhaust flow path for discharging smoke to the outside of the vehicle if smoke is generated in the event of a collision or the like. Further, a smoke exhaust valve is provided in the smoke exhaust flow path. In addition, in order to alleviate pressure changes in the smoke exhaust flow path, a membrane member (breathing membrane) that allows air to flow in and out of the smoke exhaust flow path is provided. In a configuration having such a membrane member, it is desired to protect the membrane member from smoke in the smoke exhaust flow path.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to protect a membrane member from smoke in a smoke exhaust flow path.

[0005] A vehicle rear structure according to a first aspect includes: a flow path member that forms a smoke exhaust flow path; a smoke exhaust valve that allows unidirectional gas outflow; and a membrane member, wherein the membrane member is provided at a position outside the smoke exhaust valve in a vehicle width direction.

[0006] In the vehicle rear structure according to the first aspect, smoke in the smoke exhaust flow path formed by the flow path member is discharged from the smoke exhaust valve. The pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the smoke exhaust flow path can be alleviated by the membrane member.

[0007] Further, in the vehicle rear structure according to the first aspect, the membrane member is provided at a position outside the smoke exhaust valve in the vehicle width direction.

[0008] Therefore, the heat and pressure of the smoke in the smoke exhaust flow path do not directly act on the membrane member, and the membrane member can be protected from the heat and pressure of the smoke in the smoke exhaust flow path.

[0009] Since the smoke exhaust valve is located relatively closer to the center in the vehicle width direction than the membrane member, smoke can be exhausted from a position closer to the center in the vehicle width direction.

[0010] The second embodiment is a vehicle rear structure of the first embodiment, comprising a retaining member that holds the membrane member and is attached to the vehicle.

[0011] In the second embodiment of the vehicle rear structure, the membrane member can be attached to the vehicle using a retaining member. Furthermore, a portion of the energy of the external force acting on the vehicle can be absorbed by the retaining member, thereby suppressing damage to the membrane member.

[0012] In the third embodiment, the vehicle rear structure of the second embodiment is configured such that the retaining member holds the exhaust valve.

[0013] In the third embodiment of the vehicle rear structure, the holding member holds the membrane member and the exhaust valve, so the relative position between the membrane member and the exhaust valve is stable.

[0014] The fourth aspect is the vehicle rear structure of the third aspect, which includes a connector provided on the retaining member to which wiring is connected.

[0015] In the rear vehicle structure of the fourth embodiment, the membrane member, the exhaust valve, and the connector can be integrally held using a retaining member.

[0016] The fifth embodiment is the vehicle rear structure of the fourth embodiment, wherein the direction in which the wiring extends to the connector is inclined with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal axis.

[0017] In the fifth embodiment of the vehicle rear structure, the wiring is connected to the connector at an angle with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, allowing the wiring to be connected to the connector in a narrow space in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0018] The sixth embodiment is the vehicle rear structure of the fifth embodiment, wherein the direction of extension of the wiring is such that it moves away from the exhaust valve as it moves towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0019] In the rear vehicle structure of the sixth embodiment, the wiring extends away from the smoke discharged from the exhaust valve, thus protecting the wiring from this smoke.

[0020] The seventh embodiment is a vehicle rear structure according to any one of the fourth to sixth embodiments, wherein the retaining member has a shape in which the central part in the vehicle width direction is longer in the vehicle front-rear direction than the ends in the vehicle width direction, and the connector is arranged in the central part of the retaining member.

[0021] In the seventh embodiment of the vehicle rear structure, the central part of the retaining member is longer in the vehicle front-to-rear direction than both ends, so a larger mounting area for the connector can be secured.

[0022] The eighth embodiment is a vehicle rear structure according to any one of the fourth to seventh embodiments, wherein the connector is provided on the lower surface of the retaining member.

[0023] In the eighth embodiment of the vehicle rear structure, a connector is provided on the lower surface of the retaining member, so that a wide area for mounting other components can be secured on the upper surface of the retaining member.

[0024] The ninth embodiment is a vehicle rear structure according to any one embodiment of the fourth to eighth, wherein the connector includes a first metal connector to which the first wiring as the wiring is connected, and a second resin connector to which the second wiring as the wiring is connected, located on the opposite side of the exhaust valve with the first connector in between.

[0025] In the ninth embodiment of the vehicle rear structure, the first metal connector is located closer to the exhaust valve than the second resin connector, thus protecting the second connector from smoke discharged from the exhaust valve.

[0026] The tenth embodiment is the vehicle rear structure of the ninth embodiment, wherein the external dimensions of the second connector are smaller than the external dimensions of the first connector.

[0027] In the tenth embodiment of the vehicle rear structure, the second connector is better protected from smoke discharged from the smoke exhaust valve because its external dimensions are smaller than those of the first connector.

[0028] The eleventh embodiment is a vehicle rear structure of the first to tenth embodiments, comprising a protective member positioned further rearward than the membrane member, which surrounds and protects the vehicle's cable routing member.

[0029] In the eleventh embodiment of the vehicle rear structure, the cable routing member can be protected by the protective member. Since the protective member is positioned further rearward than the membrane member, the membrane member can be protected by the protective member against external forces from the rear of the vehicle.

[0030] The twelfth aspect is the vehicle rear structure of the eleventh aspect, wherein a plurality of the cable routing members, which are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, are inserted through the protective member.

[0031] In the twelfth embodiment of the vehicle rear structure, multiple cable members can be protected by a protective member. The cable members are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, and the protective member has a shape with a predetermined width in the vehicle width direction, so the membrane member can be better protected from external forces from the rear of the vehicle over a wide area in the vehicle width direction.

[0032] The thirteenth aspect is the vehicle rear structure of the twelfth aspect, wherein the cable routing member includes a liquid pipe through which a liquid flows.

[0033] In the rear vehicle structure of the thirteenth embodiment, the liquid piping is protected by a protective member, thereby suppressing damage to the liquid piping and preventing liquid leakage resulting from damage.

[0034] The fourteenth embodiment is a vehicle rear structure according to the thirteenth embodiment, wherein the liquid piping carries liquid to the vehicle's onboard equipment.

[0035] In the fourteenth embodiment of the vehicle rear structure, leakage of liquids flowing to the vehicle's mounted equipment from the liquid piping can be suppressed, and the operation of the mounted equipment can be prevented from being affected.

[0036] According to this disclosure, the membrane member can be protected from smoke in the flue gas channel.

[0037] Figure 1 is a plan view showing the rear vehicle structure of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the battery pack and smoke exhaust structure of the rear vehicle structure of the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the smoke exhaust structure of the rear vehicle structure of the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the rear vehicle structure of the first embodiment in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the rear vehicle structure of the first embodiment in the width direction of the vehicle. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the rear vehicle structure of the first embodiment in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the rear vehicle structure of the first embodiment in the width direction of the vehicle. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the rear vehicle structure of the first embodiment. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the rear vehicle structure of the first embodiment in the width direction of the vehicle. Figure 10 is a plan view showing the rear vehicle structure of the first embodiment.

[0038] The vehicle rear structure of the first embodiment of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, only the extent necessary for explaining the technology of this disclosure will be described, and any parts that are omitted from the description will be based on prior art. In the drawings, identical or equivalent members are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, if there are multiple identical or equivalent members in the drawings, reference numerals may be assigned to only some of them in order to make the drawings easier to understand. In the drawings, arrows FR, UP, and LH indicate the front, up, and left directions of the vehicle 10, respectively. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, when the directions front, back, up, and left are used, they refer to the front and back in the vehicle's front-rear direction, the up and down in the vehicle's up-down direction, and the left and right in the vehicle's width direction (left-right direction), respectively.

[0039] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view partially showing a vehicle 10 equipped with the vehicle rear structure 14 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the battery pack 18 and smoke exhaust structure 16 of the vehicle rear structure 14 of the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an extracted smoke exhaust passage 32 that forms the smoke exhaust structure 16 of the vehicle rear structure 14.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a battery pack 18. As also shown in Figure 2, the battery pack 18 has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) battery modules 20. The plurality of battery modules 20 are arranged in a line in the vehicle width direction. A gap GP5 is formed between the battery modules 20. In this embodiment, since there are four battery modules 20, there are three gaps GP5 formed between these battery modules 20.

[0041] Each of the battery modules 20 has a plurality of battery cells 22. The plurality of battery cells 22 are arranged in the vehicle longitudinal direction within the battery module 20. That is, the battery pack 18 is configured such that a plurality of battery modules 20, each having a plurality of battery cells 22 arranged in the vehicle longitudinal direction, are arranged in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle longitudinal direction is an example of a first direction in the disclosed technology, and the vehicle width direction is an example of a second direction in the disclosed technology.

[0042] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the storage battery pack 18 includes a lower case 24 and an upper cover 26. The lower case 24 is a box-shaped member capable of accommodating the storage battery module 20, and includes a lower plate 24L, a front plate 24F, a rear plate 24R, and a pair of left and right side plates 24S. The lower plate 24L is a plate-shaped portion that supports the storage battery module 20 from the lower side. The front plate 24F and the rear plate 24R are plate-shaped portions respectively erected from the front side and the rear side of the lower plate 24L. The side plates 24S are plate-shaped portions erected from both sides of the lower plate 24L in the vehicle width direction. The upper surface of the lower case 24 is open.

[0043] The upper cover 26 is a lid-shaped member that closes the upper surface of the lower case 24. The periphery of the lower case 24 and the periphery of the upper cover 26 are joined together, and the lower case 24 and the upper cover 26 constitute a storage battery case 28. In the internal space of the storage battery case 28, a plurality of storage battery modules 20 each formed of a plurality of storage battery cells are accommodated side by side in the vehicle width direction.

[0044] A shear panel 46 is disposed on the lower side of the storage battery pack 18. In the present embodiment, the shear panel 46 covers the lower surface of the storage battery pack 18, and protects the storage battery module 20 from foreign matter on the road surface and the like.

[0045] As also shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the lower plate 24L of the lower case 24 is adhered to the lower surface of each of the storage battery cells 22 with an adhesive. A plurality of downward convex portions 30 (the same number as the number of the storage battery modules 20) are formed on the lower plate 24L. The downward convex portions 30 protrude downward at a central position in the vehicle width direction of each storage battery module 20. In the downward convex portions 30, the lower case 24 is partially separated from the lower surface of the storage battery cells 22, and a gap GP1 is formed between the lower surface of the storage battery cells 22 and the downward convex portions 30. The downward convex portions 30 are formed so as to extend in the vehicle front-rear direction, that is, the arrangement direction of the storage battery cells 22, in each of the storage battery modules 20. The length of the downward convex portions 30 in the vehicle front-rear direction is approximately the same as the length of the storage battery modules 20 in the vehicle front-rear direction. The downward convex portions 30 extend continuously in the vehicle front-rear direction from the vicinity of the front plate 24F to the vicinity of the rear plate 24R.

[0046] Since the downward convex portions 30 are separated from the lower surface of the storage battery cells 22 as described above, part of the smoke exhaust flow path 32 is constituted by the gap GP1. In the storage battery cells 22, when gas containing smoke (hereinafter, this gas is simply referred to as "smoke") is generated for some reason, the smoke is discharged from the central position in the vehicle width direction on the lower surface of the storage battery cells 22. Therefore, the smoke generated in the storage battery cells 22 flows into the gap GP1 constituted by the lower surface of the storage battery cells 22 and the downward convex portions 30. The lower case 24 is an example of a flow path member that constitutes the smoke exhaust flow path 32.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7, a cooler 38 is provided in the lower case 24. The cooler 38 constitutes a coolant flow path extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in the vehicle width direction of the downward convex portion 30 on the lower surface of the lower case 24. The storage battery cells 22 can be cooled by heat of the cooler 38 being transferred to the coolant flowing through the coolant flow path.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 7, a reinforcing member 40 is disposed in each of the gaps GP5 between the storage battery modules 20. As shown in FIG. 7, when viewed in a cross-section in the vehicle width direction, the reinforcing member 40 has a substantially hat-shaped cross-sectional shape with an open lower side.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1, the reinforcing member 40 has a length that extends to the vicinity of the front plate 24F and the rear plate 24R of the lower case 24. The longitudinal front end 40A (see Figure 1) and the rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 are joined to the front plate 24F and the rear plate 24R of the lower case 24 by joining members 42, respectively. In this way, the reinforcing member 40 reinforces the battery pack 18.

[0050] As shown in Figure 6, a first separation portion 42D is formed on the joining member 42. The first separation portion 42D is formed at an angle when viewed in a cross-section in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a gap GP2 is created between the first separation portion 42D and the lower case 24. This gap GP2 is continuous in the vehicle width direction and forms part of the exhaust gas flow path 32. The joining member 42 is an example of a flow path member that constitutes the exhaust gas flow path 32.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7, a cell base 44 is formed on the lower plate 24L of the lower case 24 at a position corresponding to the reinforcing member 40. The cell base 44 is a portion of the lower plate 24L of the lower case 24 that is formed convex downward at a position corresponding to the reinforcing member 40. The cell base 44 is joined to the reinforcing member 40 and closes the open portion on the lower side of the reinforcing member 40.

[0052] The front end 40A and rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 are open (see Figure 1) and communicate with the gap GP2 shown in Figure 6. That is, the closed cross-sectional shape (a shape closed in the cross-section in the vehicle width direction) formed by the reinforcing member 40 and the cell base 44 communicates with the smoke exhaust passage 32 formed by the gap GP2. As a result, the closed cross-sectional shape formed by the reinforcing member 40 and the cell base 44 also forms part of the smoke exhaust passage 32. In other words, the reinforcing member 40 and the cell base 44 are examples of flow path members. In this embodiment, a part of the lower case 24 also serves as the cell base 44. In other words, the lower case 24, which also serves as the cell base 44, extends across multiple reinforcing members 40. In further terms, the cell base 44 is integrally provided by the lower case 24 with respect to multiple reinforcing members 40, and a part of the smoke exhaust passage 32 is formed.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, a connector block 50 is located on the rear side of the lower case 24. The connector block 50 is an example of a retaining member.

[0054] As shown in Figure 10, the front edge (the edge facing the front of the vehicle) of the connector block 50 is straight in the direction of the vehicle width. In contrast, the rear edge (the edge facing the rear of the vehicle) of the connector block 50 is curved such that its center in the direction of the vehicle width is convex toward the rear of the vehicle. Therefore, the central part 50C of the connector block 50 in the direction of the vehicle width is longer in the vehicle-rear direction than both ends 50E in the direction of the vehicle width.

[0055] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, a smoke exhaust valve 52 is attached to the connector block 50. A cover plate 54 is attached to the connector block 50. The cover plate 54 forms a smoke exhaust passage 32 between the battery pack 18 and the connector block 50, and the smoke exhaust valve 52.

[0056] The cover plate 54 has an upward protrusion 58 formed on it. The upward protrusion 58 has a shape in which the central part in the vehicle width direction is curved upward on the front side of the vehicle. The formation of the upward protrusion 58 creates a gap GP4 between the cover plate 54 and the lower case 24. This gap GP4 allows smoke to move in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and forms part of the exhaust gas flow path 32. The cover plate 54 is an example of a flow path member that constitutes the exhaust gas flow path 32.

[0057] Of the two connecting members 42, the connecting member 42 located on the rear side of the vehicle is provided with a second separation portion 42E. The second separation portion 42E is formed at a position corresponding to the upper protrusion 58 in the vehicle width direction. A gap GP3 is formed between the second separation portion 42E and the rear surface 24R of the lower case 24. Therefore, the exhaust gas flow path 32 inside the battery pack 18 is formed to be continuous from the gap GP1 between the lower surface of the battery cell 22 and the lower protrusion 30, through the gaps GP2 and GP3 between the connecting member 42 and the lower case 24, and the gap GP4 between the cover plate 54 and the lower case 24, all the way to the exhaust gas valve 52.

[0058] The smoke exhaust valve 52 is configured to open when the internal pressure of the smoke exhaust passage 32 becomes higher than the external air pressure of the smoke exhaust passage 32 by a predetermined value or more. In other words, when smoke flows into the smoke exhaust passage 32 and the internal pressure rises above a predetermined value, the smoke exhaust valve 52 opens, and the gas inside the smoke exhaust passage 32 is discharged to the outside.

[0059] Furthermore, a membrane member 56 is attached to the connector block 50. The membrane member 56 is designed to allow gas to pass through but to block the passage of liquid (including steam). In addition, even when gas is permeable, resistance is applied to the movement of the gas, preventing it from moving rapidly in a short period of time.

[0060] The membrane member 56 is positioned away from the exhaust gas passage 32, but is mounted in a position that allows fluid to move relative to the exhaust gas passage 32. In this embodiment, the membrane member 56 is located outside the exhaust gas valve 52 in the vehicle width direction. The connector block 50 holds the membrane member 56 in this manner and is an example of a holding member.

[0061] As shown in Figure 9, a first connector 62 and a second connector 64 are arranged on the lower surface 50L of the connector block 50. In the following, unless otherwise distinguished, the first connector 62 and the second connector 64 will be referred to as connector 60. Connector 60 is located in the central part 50C of the connector block 50, that is, in the part that is longer than both ends 50E in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The first connector 62 is made of metal, and the second connector 64 is made of resin.

[0062] As shown in Figure 10, the second connector 64 has a larger external dimension than the first connector 62. This "external dimension" is the length in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction when smoke discharged from the smoke exhaust valve 52 flows toward the second connector 64. In this embodiment, the smoke exhaust valve 52 and the second connector 64 are aligned in the vehicle width direction, so the "external dimension" is in the direction perpendicular to the vehicle width direction, which in Figure 1 is the vehicle front-rear direction. In other words, the length of the first connector 62 in the vehicle front-rear direction is longer than the length of the second connector 64 in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0063] The second connector 64 is located on the opposite side of the smoke exhaust valve 52, with the first connector 62 in between. In other words, the first connector 62, which has a larger outer diameter (length in the vehicle's longitudinal direction) than the second connector 64 and is made of metal, is located between the smoke exhaust valve 52 and the resin second connector 64.

[0064] Furthermore, a third connector 66 is positioned on the lower surface 50L of the connector block 50. The third connector 66 is positioned closer to both ends 50E than the second connector 64.

[0065] For example, the first wiring 72 is connected to the first connector 62. The second wiring 74 is connected to the second connector 64. The third wiring 76 is connected to the third connector 66. As an example, the first wiring 72 and the third wiring 76 are wires through which a higher voltage current flows than the second wiring 74.

[0066] With the first wiring 72 connected to the first connector 62 and the second wiring 74 connected to the second connector 64, the extension directions of the first wiring 72 and the second wiring 74 from each connector are inclined at angles θ1 and θ2 with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal axis J1. Even when the distance between the first connector 62 and the second connector 64 and various components located on the rear side of the vehicle is narrow, the inclination of the extension directions of the first wiring 72 to the first connector 62 and the second wiring 74 to the second connector 64 makes it easy to insert and remove the first wiring 72 and the second wiring 74.

[0067] In particular, in this embodiment, the extension direction is such that it moves away from the exhaust valve 52 as it approaches the rear of the vehicle. Compared to the case where the extension direction is toward the exhaust valve 52, this structure makes it less likely for the gas discharged from the exhaust valve 52 to come into contact with the first wiring 72 and the second wiring 74.

[0068] In the example shown in Figure 10, the inclination angle θ1 of the first wiring 72 and the inclination angle θ2 of the second wiring 74 with respect to the axis J1 are equal. These inclination angles θ1 and θ2 may be different. Also, the inclination angles θ2 may be different for multiple second wirings 74.

[0069] When the third wiring 76 is connected to the third connector 66, the direction in which the third wiring 76 extends from the third connector 66 is in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, even when the distance between the third connector 66 and various components located on the rear side of the vehicle is narrow, the fact that the direction in which the third wiring 76 extends from the third connector 66 is in the vehicle width direction makes it easy to insert and remove the third wiring 76.

[0070] A protective block 80 is formed on the connector block 50. The protective block 80 is located on the rearward side of the vehicle compared to the smoke exhaust valve 52 and the membrane member 56. In this embodiment, the protective block 80 is erected above the connector block 50 and is a flattened cylindrical member in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Specifically, when viewed from above, the protective block 80 is longer in the vehicle's width direction than in the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0071] A first through-hole 80A and a second through-hole 80B are formed inside the protective block 80. The first through-hole 80A and the second through-hole 80B penetrate the connector block 50 in the thickness direction (vertical direction). In this embodiment, there are two first through-holes 80A, and there is one second through-hole 80B which is larger in diameter than the first through-holes 80A. The two first through-holes 80A are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction, and the second through-hole 80B is also spaced apart from the first through-holes 80A in the vehicle width direction.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8, a circulation pipe 86 is inserted through the first insertion hole 80A. The circulation pipe 86 is, for example, a pipe for circulating cooling water to the onboard equipment of the vehicle. A wiring pipe 88 is inserted through the second insertion hole 80B. The wiring pipe 88 houses multiple wires that send electrical signals to the onboard equipment. The circulation pipe 86 and the wiring pipe 88 are examples of wiring members routed in a vehicle. That is, the structure is such that multiple wiring members spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction are inserted through the protective block 80.

[0073] The protective block 80 is erected in a cylindrical shape from the connector block 50 and is resistant to damage from external forces acting in the vehicle's longitudinal and width directions. As a result, the components (the circulation piping 86 and wiring mentioned above) inserted inside the protective block 80 are protected from external forces.

[0074] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained.

[0075] In a vehicle 10 to which the rear vehicle structure 14 of this embodiment is applied, a battery module 20 is composed of a plurality of battery cells 22. That is, the plurality of battery cells 22 can be integrally configured by the battery module 20.

[0076] The battery cells 22 are arranged in a first direction (vehicle front-rear direction) in the battery module 20, and the battery module 20 is further arranged in a second direction (vehicle width direction). This allows multiple battery cells 22 to be efficiently arranged in the first and second directions. In particular, since the arrangement direction of the battery cells 22 in the battery module 20 is the vehicle front-rear direction, the number of battery cells 22 per row can be increased compared to a configuration in which the battery cells 22 are arranged in the vehicle width direction.

[0077] In the battery cell 22, smoke is not normally generated. However, if smoke is generated for any reason, it is discharged from the center of the vehicle width direction on the underside of the battery cell 22. This smoke then flows through the smoke exhaust passage 32 to the smoke exhaust valve 52. When the pressure inside the smoke exhaust passage 32 becomes higher than the external pressure above a predetermined level, the smoke is discharged from the smoke exhaust valve 52.

[0078] Furthermore, the exhaust structure 16 of this embodiment includes a membrane member 56. The membrane member 56 allows the movement of gas in the exhaust passage 32 but prevents the movement of liquid. For example, when the vehicle 10 moves to a location with a different external atmospheric pressure (for example, to a high altitude), the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the exhaust passage 32 and the external atmospheric pressure increases. In this case, this pressure difference can be mitigated by allowing air to pass through the membrane member 56.

[0079] The membrane member 56 is positioned away from the exhaust gas flow path 32. The heat and pressure of the smoke flowing through the exhaust gas flow path 32 do not easily act on the membrane member 56. Therefore, the membrane member 56 can be protected from the heat and pressure of the smoke flowing through the exhaust gas flow path 32.

[0080] Specifically, the membrane member 56 is positioned outside the smoke exhaust valve 52 in the vehicle width direction. Alternatively, the membrane member 56 could be positioned inside the smoke exhaust valve 52 in the vehicle width direction, but in this case, the placement of the membrane member 56 may be restricted in relation to other components. By positioning the membrane member 56 outside the smoke exhaust valve 52 in the vehicle width direction, the restrictions on other components are reduced, and a simple structure is achieved in which the heat and pressure of the smoke flowing through the smoke exhaust passage 32 do not act on the membrane member 56.

[0081] Furthermore, since the smoke exhaust valve 52 is located relatively to the center in the vehicle width direction compared to the membrane member 56, smoke can more easily reach the smoke exhaust valve 52 from either the left or right side in the vehicle width direction, compared to a structure where the smoke exhaust valve 52 is located at the end in the vehicle width direction.

[0082] The membrane member 56 is held in the connector block 50. That is, the membrane member 56 can be attached to the vehicle 10 using the connector block 50. When an external force acts on the vehicle 10, a portion of the energy of this external force is absorbed by the connector block 50, thereby suppressing damage to the membrane member 56.

[0083] Furthermore, the smoke exhaust valve 52 is also held in the connector block 50. In other words, the smoke exhaust valve 52 can be attached to the vehicle 10 using the connector block 50. A portion of the energy of the external force acting on the vehicle 10 is absorbed by the connector block 50, thus preventing damage to the smoke exhaust valve 52.

[0084] Since the membrane member 56 and the smoke exhaust valve 52 are held by the connector block 50, the relative positions of the membrane member 56 and the smoke exhaust valve 52 can be stably maintained.

[0085] A protective block 80 is formed in the connector block 50. Circulation pipes 86 and wiring pipes 88 are inserted through the protective block 80, protecting the circulation pipes 86 and wiring pipes 88 from external forces. In particular, in this embodiment, multiple wiring members (two circulation pipes 86 and one wiring pipe 88) are housed in the protective block 80, protecting multiple wiring members. Moreover, in this embodiment, the circulation pipes 86 are included in the wiring members. By protecting the circulation pipes 86, leakage of the liquid flowing through the circulation pipes 86 can be suppressed. In this embodiment, the liquid flowing through the circulation pipes 86 is a refrigerant circulated to the mounted equipment. That is, since the circulation of the refrigerant is ensured, the operation of the mounted equipment can be kept unaffected.

[0086] The protective block 80 is positioned further rearward than the membrane member 56 and the smoke exhaust valve 52. Therefore, even if an external force acts from the rear of the vehicle, this external force is prevented from directly acting on the membrane member 56 and the smoke exhaust valve 52. As a result, the membrane member 56 and the smoke exhaust valve 52 are better protected from external forces from the rear of the vehicle.

[0087] The circulation pipe 86 and wiring pipe 88 are spaced apart in the width direction, and the protective block 80 has a flattened shape in the vehicle width direction, that is, when viewed from above, it is longer in the vehicle width direction than in the vehicle front-rear direction. Therefore, the protective block 80 can protect the membrane member 56 from external forces on the rear side of the vehicle over a wide area in the vehicle width direction.

[0088] In addition to the smoke exhaust valve 52 and membrane member 56 described above, the connector block 50 is also fitted with a first connector 62, a second connector 64, and a third connector 66. That is, the connector block 50 can be used to integrally hold the smoke exhaust valve 52, membrane member 56, first connector 62, second connector 64, and third connector 66. Because the smoke exhaust valve 52, membrane member 56, first connector 62, second connector 64, and third connector 66 are integrally held, the number of work hours required to attach these components to the vehicle 10 is reduced compared to when these components are attached to the vehicle individually.

[0089] The first connector 62 and the second connector 64 are positioned at an angle with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal axis J1. The connection direction of the first wiring 72 to the first connector 62 and the connection direction of the second wiring 74 to the second connector 64 are also at an angle with respect to the axis J1. Therefore, even if the space for inserting and removing the first wiring 72 and the second wiring 74 is narrow on the rearward side of the vehicle relative to the first connector 62 and the second connector 64, it is still possible to insert and remove the first wiring 72 and the second wiring 74 from the first connector 62 and the second connector 64.

[0090] The direction in which the first wiring 72 extends toward the first connector 62, and the direction in which the second wiring 74 extends toward the second connector 64, are inclined toward the rear of the vehicle, away from the exhaust valve 52. Since the first wiring 72 and the second wiring 74 extend away from the smoke discharged from the exhaust valve 52, the smoke discharged from the exhaust valve 52 is less likely to come into contact with the first wiring 72 and the second wiring 74, thereby protecting the first wiring 72 and the second wiring 74 from this smoke.

[0091] The extension direction of the third wiring 76 to the third connector 66 is in the vehicle width direction. Even if the space for inserting and removing the third wiring 76 is narrow on the rear side of the vehicle relative to the third connector 66, it is still possible to insert and remove the third wiring 76 to the third connector 66.

[0092] The connector block 50 has a shape in which the central part 50C in the vehicle width direction is longer than both end parts 50E. The first connector 62 and the second connector 64 are held in the central part 50C of the connector block 50. In other words, compared to a structure in which the first connector 62 and the second connector 64 are held at both end parts in the vehicle width direction, a larger mounting area for the first connector 62 and the second connector 64 can be secured.

[0093] The first connector 62 and the second connector 64 are held on the lower surface of the connector block 50. This allows the upper surface of the connector block 50 to be widely available as a mounting area for other components.

[0094] Since the first connector 62 is made of metal, it has higher heat resistance compared to a resin-based configuration. Therefore, it is less susceptible to the heat of the smoke discharged from the smoke exhaust valve 52.

[0095] The metal first connector 62 is positioned closer to the smoke exhaust valve 52 than the resin second connector 64. This protects the resin second connector 64 from the heat of the smoke discharged from the smoke exhaust valve 52.

[0096] Moreover, the second connector 64 has a smaller external dimension when viewed from above than the first connector 62. In other words, the first connector 62, which has a relatively larger external dimension, is located between the smoke exhaust valve 52 and the second connector 64. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the external dimensions of the first connector 62 and the second connector 64 are similar, or a configuration where the external dimensions of the first connector 62 are smaller than those of the second connector 64, the first connector 62 can better protect the second connector 64 from the heat of the smoke from the smoke exhaust valve 52.

[0097] The following are additional notes relating to this disclosure. (Note 1) A rear vehicle structure comprising: a flow path member constituting a smoke exhaust flow path; a smoke exhaust valve that allows the outflow of gas in one direction; and a membrane member, wherein the membrane member is provided at a position outside the smoke exhaust valve in the vehicle width direction. (Note 2) The rear vehicle structure according to Note 1, further comprising: a holding member that holds the membrane member and is attached to the vehicle. (Note 3) The rear vehicle structure according to Note 2, wherein the holding member holds the smoke exhaust valve. (Note 4) The rear vehicle structure according to Note 3, further comprising: a connector provided on the holding member to which wiring is connected. (Note 5) The rear vehicle structure according to Note 4, wherein the direction in which the wiring extends from the connector is inclined with respect to the axis in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. (Note 6) The rear vehicle structure according to Note 5, wherein the direction in which the wiring extends is in a direction away from the smoke exhaust valve as it approaches the rear of the vehicle. (Note 7) The vehicle rear structure according to any one of Notes 4 to 6, wherein the retaining member has a shape in which the central part in the vehicle width direction is longer in the vehicle front-rear direction than the ends in the vehicle width direction, and the connector is located in the central part of the retaining member. (Note 8) The vehicle rear structure according to any one of Notes 4 to 7, wherein the connector is provided on the lower surface of the retaining member. (Note 9) The vehicle rear structure according to any one of Notes 4 to 8, wherein the connector includes a first metal connector to which the first wiring as the wiring is connected, and a second resin connector to which the second wiring as the wiring is connected, located on the opposite side of the exhaust valve with the first connector in between. (Note 10) The vehicle rear structure according to Note 9, wherein the external dimensions of the second connector are smaller than the external dimensions of the first connector. (Note 11) A vehicle rear structure according to any one of Notes 1 to 10, comprising a protective member positioned on the rearward side of the vehicle from the membrane member, which surrounds and protects the vehicle's cable routing members. (Note 12) The vehicle rear structure according to Note 11, wherein a plurality of the cable routing members, spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, are inserted through the protective member. (Note 13) The vehicle rear structure according to Note 12, wherein the cable routing members include liquid piping through which liquid flows. (Note 14) The vehicle rear structure according to Note 13, wherein the liquid piping carries liquid to the vehicle's mounted equipment.

[0098] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-052475, filed on 26 March 2025, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually noted to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A rear vehicle structure comprising a flow path member constituting a smoke exhaust flow path, a smoke exhaust valve that allows the outflow of gas in one direction, and a membrane member, wherein the membrane member is provided at a position outside the smoke exhaust valve in the vehicle width direction.

2. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, further comprising a retaining member that holds the membrane member and is attached to the vehicle.

3. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 2, wherein the retaining member holds the exhaust valve.

4. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 3, further comprising a connector provided on the retaining member to which wiring is connected.

5. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 4, wherein the direction in which the wiring extends from the connector is inclined with respect to the axis in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

6. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 5, wherein the direction of extension of the wiring is such that it moves away from the smoke exhaust valve as it approaches the rear of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 4, wherein the retaining member has a shape in which the central part in the vehicle width direction is longer in the vehicle front-rear direction than the ends in the vehicle width direction, and the connector is located in the central part of the retaining member.

8. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 4, wherein the connector is provided on the lower surface of the retaining member.

9. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 4, wherein the connector comprises a first metal connector to which the first wiring as the wiring is connected, and a second resin connector to which the second wiring as the wiring is connected, located on the opposite side of the smoke exhaust valve with the first connector in between.

10. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 9, wherein the external dimensions of the second connector are smaller than the external dimensions of the first connector.

11. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 1, further comprising a protective member positioned on the rearward side of the vehicle than the membrane member, which surrounds and protects the vehicle's cable routing member.

12. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of the cable routing members, which are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, are inserted through the protective member.

13. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 12, wherein the cable routing member includes a liquid pipe through which a liquid flows.

14. The vehicle rear structure according to claim 13, wherein the liquid piping carries liquid to equipment mounted on the vehicle.

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