Vehicle structure

Abstract

This vehicle structure includes: a plurality of storage battery modules which are each provided with a plurality of storage battery cells arranged side by side in a first direction, and which are arranged with gaps therebetween in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; a first flow path member which constitutes a first smoke exhaust flow path; and reinforcing members which extend in the first direction in the gaps, and the inside of which are in communication with the first smoke exhaust flow path at least at one end.

Description

Vehicle Structure

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

[0002] Japanese Patent No. 7259673 describes a battery pack including: a battery module having a plurality of battery cells; a cooler for cooling the battery cells; and a smoke exhaust path through which gas discharged from the battery cells flows.

[0003] In a vehicle having a storage battery module configured by arranging a plurality of storage battery cells mounted on the vehicle, a reinforcing member may be disposed between the plurality of storage battery modules. It is desired to effectively use this reinforcing member.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to effectively use a reinforcing member disposed between a plurality of storage battery modules.

[0005] The vehicle structure according to the first aspect includes: a plurality of storage battery modules each including a plurality of storage battery cells arranged in a first direction, the plurality of storage battery modules being disposed with a gap therebetween in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; a first flow path member configuring a first smoke exhaust flow path; and a reinforcing member extending in the first direction in the gap, an interior of the reinforcing member communicating with the first smoke exhaust flow path at at least one end thereof.

[0006] In the vehicle structure according to the first aspect, the storage battery cells are arranged in the first direction in each storage battery module, and further, the storage battery modules are arranged in the second direction. This allows a plurality of storage battery cells to be efficiently arranged in the first direction and the second direction.

[0007] Also, in this vehicle structure, the first smoke exhaust flow path is configured by the first flow path member.

[0008] At at least one end of the reinforcing member extending in the first direction in the gap between the plurality of storage battery modules, the interior of the reinforcing member communicates with the first smoke exhaust flow path. Therefore, smoke that has flowed into the first smoke exhaust flow path also flows through the interior of the reinforcing member. Since the interior of the reinforcing member functions as a second smoke exhaust flow path, the reinforcing member can be effectively used.

[0009] In the second embodiment, the vehicle structure of the first embodiment has a joining member that joins one end and the other end of the reinforcing member to the first flow path member, and the joining member extends in the second direction.

[0010] In the vehicle structure of the second embodiment, one end and the other end of the reinforcing member can be joined to the first flow channel member by a connecting member. Because the connecting member extends in the second direction, the reinforcing member can be joined to the first flow channel member within a certain range in the second direction.

[0011] In the third embodiment, in the vehicle structure of the second embodiment, the joining member joins a plurality of reinforcing members to the first flow path member.

[0012] In the third embodiment of the vehicle structure, since multiple reinforcing members are joined to the first flow channel member by connecting members, the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed compared to a structure in which each of the multiple reinforcing members is joined to the first flow channel member by connecting members.

[0013] In the fourth embodiment, in the vehicle structure of any one of the first to third embodiments, the first flow channel member is located below the plurality of battery modules and includes a lower case that houses the plurality of battery modules.

[0014] In the vehicle structure of the fourth embodiment, the lower case can maintain a state in which multiple battery cells are housed. Since the lower case constitutes part of the first flow path member, an increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

[0015] In the fifth embodiment, in the vehicle structure of the second or third embodiment, the joining member has a first separation portion that extends in the second direction, is separated from the first flow path member, and constitutes a part of the first exhaust gas flow path.

[0016] In the fifth embodiment of the vehicle structure, the first separation portion can constitute a part of the first exhaust gas flow path, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of parts. Since the separation portion extends in the second direction, a part of the first exhaust gas flow path formed by the separation portion also extends in the second direction.

[0017] In the sixth embodiment, in the vehicle structure of the fifth embodiment, the joining member has a second separation portion that is separated from the first flow path member and continuous with the first separation portion, and which constitutes a part of the first exhaust gas flow path.

[0018] In the vehicle structure of the sixth embodiment, the second separation section can constitute a part of the first exhaust gas flow path. The second separation section is continuous with the first separation section, and the second separation section enables a structure in which smoke can flow from the first separation section.

[0019] In the seventh embodiment, in the vehicle structure of the second or third embodiment, the joining member has a first joining surface that is joined to the first flow channel member and a second joining surface that is joined to the reinforcing member.

[0020] In the vehicle structure of the seventh embodiment, the first joining surface is joined to the first flow channel member and the second joining surface is joined to the reinforcing member, so that the joining member is in surface contact with both the first flow channel member and the reinforcing member, and the first flow channel member and the reinforcing member can be firmly joined.

[0021] In the eighth embodiment, in the vehicle structure of the seventh embodiment, the first joint surface is provided in pairs on both sides of the reinforcing member in the second direction and is joined to the first flow path member.

[0022] In the eighth embodiment of the vehicle structure, the first joining surfaces of the reinforcing member contact the first flow channel member on both sides in the second direction, so the reinforcing member can be joined more firmly to the first flow channel member compared to a structure where it is joined on only one side.

[0023] In the ninth embodiment, in the vehicle structure of the eighth embodiment, the joining member has an opening between the pair of first joining surfaces that connects the inside of the reinforcing member to the exhaust gas passage.

[0024] In the ninth embodiment of the vehicle structure, smoke can be flowed through the opening between the interior of the reinforcing member and the first exhaust gas passage. The opening is located between the pair of first joint surfaces, and since the first joint surfaces are located on both sides of the opening, a state in which the interior of the reinforcing member and the first exhaust gas passage are in communication through the opening can be stably maintained.

[0025] In the tenth embodiment, in the vehicle structure of the seventh to ninth embodiments, the second joining surface is provided in pairs on both sides of the reinforcing member in the second direction and is joined to the reinforcing member.

[0026] In the vehicle structure of the tenth embodiment, the second joining surfaces contact the reinforcing member on both sides in the second direction, so the joining member can be firmly joined to the reinforcing member compared to a structure where it is joined on one side.

[0027] According to this disclosure, reinforcing members placed between multiple battery modules can be effectively utilized.

[0028] Figure 1 is a plan view showing the vehicle structure of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the battery pack and smoke exhaust structure of the vehicle structure of the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the smoke exhaust structure of the vehicle structure of the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the vehicle structure of the first embodiment in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the vehicle structure of the first embodiment in the width direction of the vehicle. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vehicle structure of the first embodiment in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vehicle structure of the first embodiment in the width direction of the vehicle. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a partially enlarged view of the vehicle structure of the first embodiment. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a partially enlarged view of the vehicle structure of the first embodiment. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the vehicle structure of the first embodiment in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0029] The vehicle 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 components are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, if there are multiple identical or equivalent components 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 of the vehicle's front-rear direction, the up and down of the vehicle's up-down direction, and the left and right of the vehicle's width direction (left-right direction), respectively.

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view partially showing a vehicle 10 equipped with the vehicle structure 12 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the battery pack 18 and smoke exhaust structure 16 of the vehicle structure 12 of the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the first smoke exhaust passage 34 and the second smoke exhaust passage 36 that constitute the smoke exhaust structure 16.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the battery pack 18 has a lower case 24 and an upper cover 26. The lower case 24 is a box-shaped member capable of housing the battery module 20 and has a bottom plate 24L, a front plate 24F, a rear plate 24R, and a pair of left and right side plates 24S. The bottom plate 24L is a plate-shaped part that supports the battery module 20 from below. The front plate 24F and the rear plate 24R are plate-shaped parts erected from the front and rear sides of the bottom plate 24L, respectively. The side plates 24S are plate-shaped parts erected from both sides of the bottom plate 24L in the vehicle width direction. The top surface of the lower case 24 is open.

[0034] The upper cover 26 is a lid-shaped member that covers the top 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 the battery case 28. Multiple battery modules 20, each composed of multiple battery cells 22, are housed in the space inside this battery case 28, arranged in the vehicle width direction.

[0035] A share panel 46 is positioned on the underside of the battery pack 18. In this embodiment, the share panel 46 covers the underside of the battery pack 18 and protects the battery module 20 from foreign objects on the road surface.

[0036] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the lower plate 24L of the lower case 24 is bonded to the lower surface of each battery cell 22 with adhesive. Multiple (the same number as the battery module 20) downward protrusions 30 are formed on the lower plate 24L. The downward protrusions 30 protrude downward at the central position in the vehicle width direction of each battery module 20. At the downward protrusions 30, the lower case 24 is partially separated from the lower surface of the battery cell 22, and a gap GP1 is formed between the lower surface of the battery cell 22 and the downward protrusions 30. The downward protrusions 30 are formed to extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction, i.e., in the direction of the arrangement of the battery cells 22, in each battery module 20. The length of the downward protrusions 30 in the vehicle longitudinal direction is approximately the same as the length of the battery module 20 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The downward protrusions 30 extend continuously in the vehicle longitudinal direction from the vicinity of the front plate 24F to the vicinity of the rear plate 24R.

[0037] Because the lower protrusion 30 is separated from the lower surface of the battery cell 22 in this manner, the gap GP1 constitutes a part of the first smoke exhaust passage 34. In the battery cell 22, if a gas containing smoke (hereinafter referred to simply as "smoke") is generated for any reason, the smoke is discharged from the center of the vehicle width direction on the lower surface of the battery cell 22. Therefore, the smoke generated in the battery cell 22 flows into the gap GP1 formed by the lower surface of the battery cell 22 and the lower protrusion 30. The lower case 24 is an example of a first passage member that constitutes the first smoke exhaust passage 34.

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, a cooler 38 is provided in the lower case 24. The cooler 38 forms a refrigerant flow path on the lower surface of the lower case 24, in the vehicle width direction of the downward protrusion 30, and extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The heat from the cooler 38 is transferred to the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path, thereby cooling the battery cells 22.

[0039] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 5, and 7, reinforcing members 40 are placed in each of the gaps GP5 between the battery modules 20. As shown in Figure 7, when viewed in cross-section in the vehicle width direction, the reinforcing member 40 has an upper plate 40T, side plates 40S, and flange plates 40F. The upper plate 40T is a plate-shaped portion that forms the upper part of the reinforcing member 40. The side plates 40S are plate-shaped portions that extend downward from both sides of the upper plate 40T in the vehicle width direction and are provided in pairs spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. The flange plates 40F are flanges that extend outward in the vehicle width direction from each side plate 40S. As a result, the reinforcing member 40 has a roughly hat-shaped cross-section with the bottom open.

[0040] 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. Therefore, the reinforcing member 40 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to the extent of the battery module 20. The longitudinal front end 40A and rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 are open. The 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.

[0041] 8 to 10 illustrate a portion where a rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 is joined to a rear plate 24R, but a portion where a front end 40A of the reinforcing member 40 is joined to a front plate 24F also has the same structure. As also shown in Figures 1 and 2, the joining member 42 is continuous in the vehicle width direction across the plurality of reinforcing members 40. That is, on the vehicle front side, the front end 40A sides of the plurality of reinforcing members 40 are joined to the lower case 24 by one joining member 42. Similarly, on the vehicle rear side, the rear end 40B sides of the plurality of reinforcing members 40 are joined to the lower case 24 by one joining member 42.

[0042] The joining member 42 includes first joining surfaces 42A, 42B, and a second joining surface 42C. The first joining surfaces 42A, 42B are portions that come into surface contact with the lower case 24. Specifically, the first joining surface 42A is a portion that comes into surface contact with the front plate 24F or the rear plate 24R of the lower case 24, and the first joining surface 42B is a portion that comes into surface contact with the lower plate 24L. The second joining surface 42C is a portion that comes into surface contact with a side plate 40S of the reinforcing member 40.

[0043] The joining member 42 includes a first spaced portion 42D. The first spaced portion 42D is located between the first joining surface 42A and the first joining surface 42B. The first spaced portion 42D is formed obliquely when viewed in a cross-section in the vehicle front-rear direction, and a gap GP2 is formed between the first spaced portion 42D and the lower case 24. This gap GP2 is continuous in the vehicle width direction and communicates with first smoke exhaust channels 34 each constituted by the lower convex portions 30. That is, this gap GP2 forms a part of the first smoke exhaust channel 34. The joining member 42 is an example of a first channel member that constitutes the first smoke exhaust channel 34.

[0044] As shown in Figure 9, an opening 42M is formed in the joining member 42. The opening 42M corresponds to each of the front end 40A and the rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40. The opening 42M communicates the interior of the reinforcing member 40 with the smoke exhaust channel 32 constituted by the first spaced portion 42D.

[0045] The joining member 42 is continuous in the vehicle width direction. The joining member 42 has first joining surfaces 42A, 42B and a second joining surface 42C. The first joining surfaces 42A, 42B and the second joining surface 42C are located on both sides in the vehicle width direction with respect to each of the reinforcing members 40. In other words, the first joining surfaces 42A, 42B and the second joining surface 42C are provided in pairs on both sides in the vehicle width direction with respect to each of the reinforcing members 40.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 7, a cell pedestal 44 is formed at a position corresponding to the reinforcing member 40 on a lower plate 24L of the lower case 24. The cell pedestal 44 is a portion formed by protruding the lower plate 24L of the lower case 24 downward at a position corresponding to the reinforcing member 40. The cell pedestal 44 is joined to a flange plate 40F of the reinforcing member 40, and closes an open portion on the lower side of the reinforcing member 40. In contrast, a front end 40A and a rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 are open (see FIG. 1) and communicate with a gap GP2. That is, a portion of closed cross-sectional shape (a shape closed in a cross-section in the vehicle width direction) constituted by the reinforcing member 40 and the cell pedestal 44 communicates with a first smoke exhaust flow path 34 constituted by the gap GP2. Accordingly, the portion of closed cross-sectional shape constituted by the reinforcing member 40 and the cell pedestal 44 forms a part of a second smoke exhaust flow path 36. That is, the reinforcing member 40 and the cell pedestal 44 are an example of a second flow path member. And in the present embodiment, a part of the lower case 24 also serves as the cell pedestal 44.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 1, a connector block 50 is disposed on the vehicle rear side of the lower case 24. The connector block 50 is an example of a holding member.

[0048] 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 the first smoke exhaust flow path 34 between the connector block 50 and from the storage battery pack 18 to the smoke exhaust valve 52.

[0049] 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 first exhaust gas flow path 34. The cover plate 54 is an example of a first flow path member that constitutes the first exhaust gas flow path 34.

[0050] 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. As shown in Figure 8, the second separation portion 42E is formed at a position corresponding to the upper protrusion 58 in the vehicle width direction. The second separation portion 42E is separated from the rear plate 24R of the lower case 24 and is continuous with the first separation portion 42D. A gap GP3 is formed between the second separation portion 42E and the rear surface 24R of the lower case 24. Therefore, the first smoke exhaust passage 34 in 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 gap GP2 between the second separation portion 42E and the rear plate 24R of the lower case 24, the gap GP3 between the second separation portion 42E and the rear surface 24R of the lower case 24, and the gap GP4 between the cover plate 54 and the lower case 24 to the smoke exhaust valve 52. Furthermore, a second smoke exhaust passage 36, composed of a reinforcing member 40 and a cell base 44, is connected to this first smoke exhaust passage 34 in the gap GP3 on the front and rear sides of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 3, a portion of the first smoke exhaust passage 34 is bypassed by the second smoke exhaust passage 36, and the smoke exhaust passage 32 is formed by including the first smoke exhaust passage 34 and the second smoke exhaust passage 36.

[0051] The smoke exhaust valve 52 is configured to open when the internal pressure of the first smoke exhaust passage 34 becomes higher than the external air pressure of the first smoke exhaust passage 34 by a predetermined value or more. In other words, when smoke flows into the first smoke exhaust passage 34 and the internal pressure rises above a predetermined value, the smoke exhaust valve 52 opens, and the gas inside the first smoke exhaust passage 34 is discharged to the outside.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained.

[0054] In a vehicle 10 to which the vehicle structure 12 of this embodiment is applied, a battery module 20 is composed of multiple battery cells 22. That is, multiple battery cells 22 can be integrally configured by the battery module 20.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 into the first smoke exhaust passage 34, which is formed by the gap GP1 between the lower protrusion 30 of the lower case 24 and the underside of the battery cell 22. Furthermore, this smoke flows through the first smoke exhaust passage 34, which is formed by the gap GP2, the first smoke exhaust passage 34, which is formed by the gap GP3, and the first smoke exhaust passage 34, which is formed by the gap GP4, to the smoke exhaust valve 52. When the pressure inside the first smoke exhaust passage 34 becomes higher than the pressure outside, this smoke is discharged from the smoke exhaust valve 52.

[0057] 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 first exhaust passage 34 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.

[0058] In the smoke exhaust structure 16 of this embodiment, in addition to the first smoke exhaust passage 34, there is a second smoke exhaust passage 36. The second smoke exhaust passage 36 bypasses a portion of the first smoke exhaust passage 34 between the battery cell 22 and the smoke exhaust valve 52. In the locations where the second smoke exhaust passage 36 is provided, a wider cross-sectional area of ​​the passage through which the smoke flows can be secured compared to a configuration without the second smoke exhaust passage 36.

[0059] In the vehicle 10 of this embodiment, reinforcing members 40 are placed in the gaps GP5 between multiple battery modules 20. The front end 40A and rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 are joined to the lower case 24 by joining members 42, respectively. This allows the battery case 28 to be reinforced using the reinforcing member 40.

[0060] The openings at the front end 40A and rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 communicate with the gap GP2 (part of the first smoke exhaust passage 34) formed between the lower case 24 and the joining member 42. Therefore, smoke flowing into the first smoke exhaust passage 34 also flows inside the reinforcing member 40. The space enclosed by the reinforcing member 40 and the cell base 44 acts as part of the smoke exhaust passage 32. In other words, the inside of the reinforcing member 40 can be effectively used as the second smoke exhaust passage 36.

[0061] The joining member 42 extends in the vehicle width direction (second direction). Therefore, the front end 40A and rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 can be joined to the lower case 24 by the joining member 42 over a certain range in the vehicle width direction.

[0062] Furthermore, since the joining member 42 extends in the vehicle width direction, it is joined to the lower case 24 at the front end 40A and rear end 40B of each of the multiple reinforcing members 40. Compared to a structure in which each of the multiple reinforcing members 40 is joined to the lower case 24 using a joining member 42, the number of joining members 42 is reduced, and the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

[0063] The lower case 24 houses a battery module 20, which contains multiple battery cells 22. In other words, the lower case 24 allows the multiple battery cells 22 to be housed together as a single unit. Since the lower case 24 constitutes part of the first flow channel member, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the first flow channel member is provided separately from the lower case 24.

[0064] A first separation portion 42D is formed on the joining member 42. The first separation portion 42D forms a gap GP2 between it and the lower case 24. This gap GP2 constitutes a part of the first smoke exhaust passage 34. Since the first separation portion 42D of the joining member 42 can constitute a part of the first smoke exhaust passage 34, the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the first smoke exhaust passage 34 is provided separately from the joining member 42. Since the first separation portion 42D extends in the second direction, a structure can be realized in which the gap GP2 formed by the first separation portion 42D and the lower case 24 also extends in the second direction.

[0065] A second separation portion 42E is formed in the joining member 42. The second separation portion 42E is continuous with the first separation portion 42D, and can move the smoke from the first separation portion 42D (gap GP2) toward the smoke exhaust valve 52. Since the second separation portion 42E also constitutes part of the first smoke exhaust passage 34, the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which a separate member corresponding to the second separation portion 42E is provided from the joining member 42.

[0066] The joining member 42 has first joining surfaces 42A, 42B and a second joining surface 42C. The first joining surfaces 42A and 42B are joined to the lower case 24 which forms part of the first flow channel member, and the second joining surface 42C is joined to the reinforcing member 40 which forms part of the second flow channel member. As a result, the joining member 42 is in surface contact with both the lower case 24 and the reinforcing member 40, and the lower case 24 and the reinforcing member 40 can be firmly joined.

[0067] The first joining surfaces 42A and 42B are provided in pairs on both sides of the reinforcing member 40 in the vehicle width direction (second direction). Since the first joining surfaces 42A and 42B contact the lower case 24 on both sides of the reinforcing member 40 in the vehicle width direction, the reinforcing member 40 can be firmly joined to the lower case 24 compared to a structure where contact occurs on only one side.

[0068] An opening 42M is formed in the joining member 42. The opening 42M connects the inside of the reinforcing member 40 to a part of the first smoke exhaust passage 34 (gap GP2). Through this opening 42M, smoke can flow between the gap GP2 and the inside of the reinforcing member 40. The opening 42M is located between the pair of first joining surfaces 42B. In other words, the first joining surfaces 42A are located on both sides of the opening 42M in the vehicle width direction (second direction) relative to the reinforcing member 40. Since the position of the opening 42M does not shift relative to the lower case 24, the state in which the inside of the reinforcing member 40 and the gap GP2 are connected by the opening 42M can be stably maintained.

[0069] The second joining surfaces 42C are provided in pairs on both sides of the reinforcing member 40 in the vehicle width direction (second direction). Since the second joining surfaces 42C contact the reinforcing member 40 on both sides in the vehicle width direction, the reinforcing member 40 can be firmly joined to the lower case 24 compared to a structure where contact occurs on only one side.

[0070] The following are additional notes relating to this disclosure. (Note 1) A vehicle structure comprising: a plurality of battery modules, each comprising a plurality of battery cells arranged in a line in a first direction and spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a first flow path member constituting a first exhaust gas flow path; and a reinforcing member extending in the first direction in the gap and having at least one end communicating internally with the first exhaust gas flow path. (Note 2) The vehicle structure according to Note 1, wherein a joining member joins one end and the other end of the reinforcing member to the first flow path member, the joining member extending in the second direction. (Note 3) The vehicle structure according to Note 2, wherein the joining member joins a plurality of reinforcing members to the first flow path member. (Note 4) The vehicle structure according to any one of Notes 1 to 3, wherein the first flow path member includes a lower case located below the plurality of battery modules and housing the plurality of battery modules. (Note 5) The vehicle structure according to Note 2 or Note 3, wherein the joining member has a first separation portion that extends in the second direction, is separated from the first flow path member, and constitutes a part of the first exhaust gas flow path. (Note 6) The vehicle structure according to Note 5, wherein the joining member has a second separation portion that is separated from the first flow path member and continuous with the first separation portion, and constitutes a part of the first exhaust gas flow path. (Note 7) The vehicle structure according to Note 2 or Note 3, wherein the joining member has a first joining surface that is joined to the first flow path member, and a second joining surface that is joined to the reinforcing member. (Note 8) The vehicle structure according to Note 7, wherein the first joining surfaces are provided in pairs on both sides of the reinforcing member in the second direction and joined to the first flow path member. (Note 9) The vehicle structure according to Note 8, wherein the joining member has an opening between the paired first joining surfaces that connects the inside of the reinforcing member and the first exhaust gas flow path. (Note 10) The vehicle structure according to any one of Notes 7 to 9, wherein the second joining surfaces are provided in pairs on both sides of the reinforcing member in the second direction and joined to the reinforcing member.

[0071] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-052469, 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 the incorporation of each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually noted.

Claims

1. A vehicle structure comprising: a plurality of battery modules, each having a plurality of battery cells arranged in a line in a first direction and spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a first flow path member constituting a first exhaust gas flow path; and a reinforcing member extending in the first direction within the gap, with at least one end having its interior in communication with the first exhaust gas flow path.

2. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, further comprising a joining member that joins one end and the other end of the reinforcing member to the first flow channel member, wherein the joining member extends in the second direction.

3. The vehicle structure according to claim 2, wherein the joining member comprises a plurality of reinforcing members joined to the first flow channel member.

4. The vehicle structure according to claim 1, wherein the first flow channel member is disposed below the plurality of battery modules and includes a lower case that houses the plurality of battery modules.

5. The vehicle structure according to claim 2, wherein the joining member has a first separation portion that extends in the second direction, separates from the first flow path member, and constitutes a part of the first exhaust gas flow path.

6. The vehicle structure according to claim 5, wherein the joining member has a second separation portion that is separated from the first flow path member and continuous with the first separation portion, and constitutes a part of the first exhaust gas flow path.

7. The vehicle structure according to claim 2, wherein the joining member has a first joining surface that is joined to the first flow channel member and a second joining surface that is joined to the reinforcing member.

8. The vehicle structure according to claim 7, wherein the first joining surfaces are provided in pairs on both sides of the reinforcing member in the second direction and joined to the first flow channel member.

9. The vehicle structure according to claim 8, wherein the joining member has an opening between the pair of first joining surfaces that connects the inside of the reinforcing member and the first exhaust gas passage.

10. The vehicle structure according to claim 7, wherein the second joining surfaces are provided in pairs on both sides of the reinforcing member in the second direction and joined to the reinforcing member.

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