Exhaust gas structure

Abstract

This exhaust gas structure comprises: a first flow path member that constitutes a first exhaust gas flow path, which is a portion of an exhaust gas flow path, below a lower surface of a storage battery cell; and a second flow path member that constitutes a second exhaust gas flow path. At least a portion of the second exhaust gas flow path is above the lower surface of the storage battery cell.

Description

Smoke Exhaust Structure

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a smoke exhaust 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] It is desired to secure a large flow path cross-sectional area as a smoke exhaust flow path for guiding smoke generated in a battery pack. For example, in the technology described in Japanese Patent No. 7259673, at least a part of the cooler is provided in the smoke exhaust flow path, and there is room for improvement in increasing the flow path cross-sectional area of the smoke exhaust flow path.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to secure a large flow path cross-sectional area of a smoke exhaust flow path for guiding smoke generated in a storage battery cell.

[0005] The smoke exhaust structure according to a first aspect includes: a first flow path member that forms a first smoke exhaust flow path, which is part of a smoke exhaust flow path, below a lower surface of a storage battery cell; and a second flow path member that forms a second smoke exhaust flow path, wherein at least a part of the second smoke exhaust flow path is located above the lower surface of the storage battery cell.

[0006] In the smoke exhaust structure according to the first aspect, the first smoke exhaust flow path, which is part of the smoke exhaust flow path, is formed by the first flow path member below the lower surface of the storage battery cell. The smoke exhaust structure also includes the second flow path member that forms the second smoke exhaust flow path. A large flow path cross-sectional area of the smoke exhaust flow path can be secured by the second smoke exhaust flow path.

[0007] Moreover, the second smoke exhaust flow path is located above the lower surface of the storage battery cell.

[0008] Since the second smoke exhaust flow path is located above the lower surface of the storage battery cell in this manner, the second smoke exhaust flow path is less likely to be damaged by foreign matter or the like from the road surface.

[0009] According to a second aspect, in the smoke exhaust structure of the first aspect, a plurality of storage battery modules each having a plurality of the storage battery cells arranged side by side are configured, and the second flow path member is arranged between the plurality of storage battery modules.

[0010] In the second embodiment of the smoke exhaust structure, multiple battery cells can be integrally configured using a battery module. Furthermore, the space between the battery modules can be effectively used to arrange the second flow path member.

[0011] A third embodiment is the exhaust gas structure of the second embodiment, wherein the second flow path member includes a reinforcing member that extends in the same direction as the arrangement of the plurality of battery cells.

[0012] In the third embodiment of the smoke exhaust structure, the battery module can be reinforced in the direction of the arrangement of multiple battery cells by reinforcing members. A second flow path member can be constructed using the reinforcing members, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0013] The fourth embodiment is a smoke exhaust structure of the third embodiment, further comprising a cooler provided outside the first flow path member and the second flow path member for cooling the battery cell.

[0014] In the fourth embodiment of the flue gas structure, the battery cells can be cooled by a cooler. Since the cooler is provided outside the first flow member path and the second flow path member, the cooler does not narrow the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the first and second flue gas flow paths.

[0015] The fifth embodiment is a smoke exhaust structure according to the third or fourth embodiment, wherein the second flow path member includes a cell base that forms a closed shape with respect to the reinforcing member in a cross section in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the second smoke exhaust flow path.

[0016] In the fifth embodiment of the smoke exhaust structure, the second smoke exhaust passage can be formed by the reinforcing member and the cell base, resulting in high space efficiency. Furthermore, smoke leakage from the second smoke exhaust passage can be suppressed by the cell base.

[0017] The sixth embodiment is the smoke exhaust structure of the fifth embodiment, wherein the cell base extends across the multiple reinforcing members in the direction in which the multiple battery modules are arranged.

[0018] In the sixth embodiment of the smoke exhaust structure, a cell base can be constructed using a common lower case for multiple reinforcing members, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0019] The seventh embodiment is a smoke exhaust structure of the sixth embodiment, comprising a lower case positioned below a plurality of battery cells and housing the battery cells, wherein a part of the lower case constitutes the cell base.

[0020] In the seventh embodiment of the smoke exhaust structure, the lower case can maintain a state in which multiple battery cells are housed. Since the lower case also serves as the cell base, the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

[0021] The eighth embodiment is a smoke exhaust structure according to any one of the fifth to seventh embodiments, wherein the reinforcing member has a hat shape with the lower side open in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the second smoke exhaust passage.

[0022] In the eighth embodiment of the smoke exhaust structure, rigidity can be ensured by the hat-shaped reinforcing member. Furthermore, the space inside the reinforcing member can be used as a second smoke exhaust passage.

[0023] The ninth embodiment is a smoke exhaust structure according to any one of the third to eighth embodiments, wherein the reinforcing member extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to the extent of the battery module.

[0024] In the smoke exhaust structure of the ninth embodiment, multiple battery cells constituting a storage battery module can be reinforced integrally with a reinforcing member.

[0025] In the tenth embodiment, in the flue structure of any one embodiment from the first to the ninth, the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the first flue flow path is different from the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the second flue flow path.

[0026] In the tenth embodiment of the flue gas structure, the cross-sectional shape of the first flue gas channel and the cross-sectional shape of the second flue gas channel are different. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which these channels have the same cross-sectional shape, obstruction of the smoke flow due to blockage of solid matter is less likely to occur in either the first or second flue gas channel.

[0027] In the eleventh embodiment, in the flue structure of any one of the first to tenth embodiments, the first flue flow path has a shape in which the cross-sectional height is lower than the cross-sectional width in a cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction.

[0028] In the eleventh embodiment of the smoke exhaust structure, the first smoke exhaust passage has a flattened cross-sectional shape, so that a cross-sectional area for smoke flow can be secured at a low height.

[0029] In the twelfth embodiment, in the flue structure of the eleventh embodiment, the second flue passage has a cross-sectional height that is higher than the cross-sectional height of the first flue passage in a cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction.

[0030] In the twelfth embodiment of the flue gas structure, the second flue gas channel has a higher cross-sectional height than the first flue gas channel, so even if the first flue gas channel becomes clogged with solid material, the second flue gas channel can be made less prone to clogging with solid material.

[0031] The thirteenth aspect is the smoke exhaust structure of the twelfth aspect, wherein the second smoke exhaust passage has a cross-sectional width narrower than the cross-sectional width of the first smoke exhaust passage in a cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction.

[0032] In the thirteenth embodiment of the smoke exhaust structure, the second smoke exhaust passage has a narrower cross-sectional width than the first smoke exhaust passage, so the second smoke exhaust passage can be configured in the narrow space between the battery modules.

[0033] According to this disclosure, a wide cross-sectional area can be secured for the exhaust gas channel that carries away the smoke generated in the battery cells.

[0034] Figure 1 is a plan view showing the smoke exhaust structure of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the smoke exhaust structure of the first embodiment together with a battery pack. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the smoke exhaust structure of the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the smoke exhaust structure of the first embodiment in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the smoke exhaust structure of the first embodiment in the vehicle's width direction. Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the smoke exhaust structure of the first embodiment in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the smoke exhaust structure of the first embodiment in the vehicle's width direction. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the rear vehicle structure including the smoke exhaust structure of the first embodiment. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the rear vehicle structure including the smoke exhaust structure of the first embodiment in the vehicle's width direction. Figure 10 is a plan view showing the rear vehicle structure including the smoke exhaust structure of the first embodiment.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view partially showing a vehicle 10 equipped with a smoke exhaust structure 16 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a battery pack 18 and smoke exhaust structure 16 according to 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Since the lower convex portion 30 is spaced apart from the lower surface of the storage battery cell 22 in this manner, a portion of the first smoke exhaust flow path 34 is configured by the gap GP1. In the storage battery cell 22, when smoke-containing gas (hereinafter, this gas is simply referred to as "smoke") is generated for some reason, the smoke is discharged from a central position in the vehicle width direction on the lower surface of the storage battery cell 22. Accordingly, the smoke generated in the storage battery cell 22 flows into the gap GP1 formed between the lower surface of the storage battery cell 22 and the lower convex portion 30. The lower case 24 in which the lower convex portion 30 is formed is an example of a first flow path member that configures the first smoke exhaust flow path 34.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 7, a cooler 38 is provided in the lower case 24. The cooler 38 forms a coolant flow path extending in the vehicle front-rear direction in the vehicle width direction of the lower convex portion 30 on the lower surface of the lower case 24. Heat of the cooler 38 is transferred to the coolant flowing through the coolant flow path, whereby the storage battery cell 22 can be cooled.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7, the gap GP1 between the lower convex portion 30 and the lower surface of the storage battery cell 22, when viewed in a cross-section taken along the lateral direction (vehicle width direction) orthogonal to the extending direction, has a flat trapezoidal shape in which the upper base is longer than the lower base. The height H1 of this trapezoidal shape is lower than the length L1 of the upper base. The length L1 of the upper base of the trapezoidal shape is also substantially equal to the width W1 of the lower convex portion 30. Accordingly, the lower convex portion 30 has a shape in which the height H1 is lower than the width W1, in other words, a trapezoidal shape that is short in the lateral direction (vehicle width direction) orthogonal to the extending direction.

[0046] 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 includes 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 a pair of plate-shaped portions that each extend downward from both sides of the upper plate 40T in the vehicle width direction and are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction. The flange plates 40F are flanges each extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the respective side plate 40S. Accordingly, the reinforcing member 40 has a substantially hat-shaped cross-sectional shape with an open lower side.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 1, the reinforcing member 40 has a length that reaches the vicinity of the front plate 24F and the rear plate 24R of the lower case 24. Therefore, the reinforcing member 40 extends within the range of the storage battery modules 20 in the vehicle front-rear direction. A front end 40A and a rear end 40B in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing member 40 are open. The front end 40A (see FIG. 1) and the rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 are respectively joined to the front plate 24F and the rear plate 24R of the lower case 24 by joining members 42. Thereby, the reinforcing member 40 reinforces the storage battery pack 18.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, a first spaced portion 42D is formed on the joining member 42. 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 forms a part of the first smoke exhaust flow path 34 of the smoke exhaust flow path 32.

[0049] 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 flange plate 40F of the reinforcing member 40 and closes the open portion on the lower side of the reinforcing member 40. In contrast, the front end 40A and the rear end 40B of the reinforcing member 40 are open (see Figure 1) and communicate with the gap GP2. 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 first exhaust gas flow path 34 formed by the gap GP2. Thus, the closed cross-sectional shape formed by the reinforcing member 40 and the cell base 44 also forms part of the first exhaust gas flow path 34. In other words, the reinforcing member 40 and the cell base 44 are examples of first flow path members. In this embodiment, a portion 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 over a plurality of reinforcing members 40. To put it another way, the cell base 44 is integrally provided with respect to the plurality of reinforcing members 40 by the lower case 24, thereby forming the second exhaust gas flow path 36.

[0050] As shown in Figure 7, the reinforcing member 40 has a shape in which its height H4 is greater than its width W4. Therefore, even as the second smoke exhaust passage 36, the cross-section in the direction perpendicular to the extending direction is rectangular in shape with the vertical direction as the longer side. In particular, the height H4 of the reinforcing member 40 is greater than the height H1 of the lower protrusion 30. Also, the width W4 of the reinforcing member 40 is narrower than the width W1 of the lower protrusion 30. Furthermore, the ratio of the height H4 to the width W4 of the reinforcing member 40 is closer to 1 than the ratio of the cross-sectional height H1 to the width W1 of the lower protrusion 30. In other words, the portion of the second smoke exhaust passage 36 formed by the reinforcing member 40 has a cross-sectional shape closer to a square than the portion of the first smoke exhaust passage 34 formed by the lower protrusion 30.

[0051] As described above, the portion of the first smoke exhaust passage 34 formed by the downward protrusion 30 has a trapezoidal shape that is short in the vertical direction. In other words, the first smoke exhaust passage 34 and the second smoke exhaust passage 36 have different cross-sectional shapes perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 first smoke exhaust passage 34 between the battery pack 18 and the connector block 50, extending to the smoke exhaust valve 52.

[0054] The cover plate 54 has an upward protrusion 58 formed thereon. 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 passage 34.

[0055] 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 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 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, to the smoke exhaust valve 52. A second smoke exhaust passage 36, composed of a reinforcing member 40 and a cell base 44, is in communication with this first smoke exhaust passage 34 in the gaps 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained.

[0059] In the vehicle 10 to which the smoke exhaust structure 16 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 atmospheric pressure (for example, to a high altitude), the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the first exhaust passage 34 and the outside atmospheric pressure increases. In this case, this pressure difference can be mitigated by air passing through the membrane member 56.

[0063] 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.

[0064] Furthermore, because the second smoke exhaust passage 36 bypasses a portion of the first smoke exhaust passage 34, even if the first smoke exhaust passage 34 becomes clogged with foreign matter, the impact on the movement of smoke to the smoke exhaust valve 52 can be minimized. For example, consider the case where smoke is emitted at the smoke emission point P1, as shown in Figure 3. In this case, in the first smoke exhaust passage 34 near the smoke emission point P1, two smoke flows occur: one indicated by arrow F1 and the other by arrow F2. In particular, the smoke flow indicated by arrow F1 is easy for smoke to flow because the distance to the smoke exhaust valve 52 is short and the flow resistance is low. However, if the first smoke exhaust passage 34 is blocked at the blockage point P2, for example, the flow indicated by arrow F1 will no longer occur. Even in this case, a smoke flow indicated by arrow F2 occurs in the unblocked portion of the first smoke exhaust passage 34, and the smoke reaches the smoke exhaust valve 52 as indicated by arrows F3 and F4. Moreover, in this embodiment, in addition to the smoke flow indicated by arrow F3, the presence of the second smoke exhaust passage 36 causes a bend in the smoke indicated by arrow F4. Because the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path is large, the structure allows smoke to flow easily from the smoke source P1 to the smoke exhaust valve 52. In the above example, a case where a blockage P2 occurs in the first smoke exhaust flow path 34 was illustrated, but even when a blockage P2 does not occur, the presence of the second smoke exhaust flow path 36 has the effect of increasing the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path and securing a larger flow path volume.

[0065] In the smoke exhaust structure 16 of this embodiment, the first smoke exhaust passage 34 and the second smoke exhaust passage 36 have different cross-sectional shapes in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension. Therefore, the ease with which foreign matter contained in the smoke passes through also differs between the first smoke exhaust passage 34 and the second smoke exhaust passage 36. For example, even if foreign matter that is likely to clog the first smoke exhaust passage 34 is discharged, this foreign matter may not clog the second smoke exhaust passage 36. Conversely, foreign matter that is likely to clog the second smoke exhaust passage 36 may not clog the first smoke exhaust passage 34. In this way, by having the first smoke exhaust passage 34 and the second smoke exhaust passage 36 with different cross-sectional shapes, even if foreign matter is discharged, it is possible to achieve a state in which obstruction of smoke flow due to clogging of foreign matter is less likely to occur in either the first smoke exhaust passage 34 or the second smoke exhaust passage 36.

[0066] Specifically, the height H4 of the reinforcing member 40 in the second smoke exhaust passage 36 is higher than the height H1 of the downward protrusion 30 in the first smoke exhaust passage 34. Therefore, compared to the first smoke exhaust passage 34, which is relatively low in height, the second smoke exhaust passage 36, which is higher in height, is designed to be less prone to clogging by foreign matter. In addition, in the second smoke exhaust passage 36, even when the spacing between the battery modules 20 is narrow, the height ensures that a sufficient cross-sectional area for the flow of smoke can be secured. Furthermore, compared to the second smoke exhaust passage 36, the first smoke exhaust passage 34 has a flat shape that is long in the vehicle width direction in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction. Therefore, in the first smoke exhaust passage 34, a sufficient cross-sectional area for the flow of smoke can be secured at a lower height.

[0067] Furthermore, the second smoke exhaust passage 36 has a cross-sectional shape that is closer to a square than the first smoke exhaust passage 34. Because of this closer to a square cross-sectional shape, it can be said that the second smoke exhaust passage 36 is less likely to become clogged with foreign matter than the first smoke exhaust passage 34.

[0068] The second exhaust passage 36 is located above the lower surface of the battery cell 22. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the second exhaust passage 36 is located above the lower surface of the battery cell 22, it is less likely to come into contact with foreign objects from the road surface, etc., and damage to the second exhaust passage 36 due to contact with foreign objects can be suppressed.

[0069] The reinforcing member 40 is positioned between the battery modules 20. The space between the battery modules 20 can be effectively used to position the second smoke exhaust passage 36. In particular, by closing the open lower portion of the reinforcing member 40 with the cell base 44, the space inside the reinforcing member 40 can be used to form the second smoke exhaust passage 36, which also provides high space efficiency. The cell base 44 reliably closes the lower side of the reinforcing member 40, which suppresses smoke leakage from the second smoke exhaust passage 36.

[0070] The reinforcing member 40 extends across the entire area of ​​the battery module 20 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Therefore, the battery module 20, in which multiple battery cells 22 are arranged side by side, can be reinforced in the direction of the arrangement of the battery cells 22.

[0071] Since the reinforcing member 40 has a hat-shaped cross-section in the vehicle width direction, it can ensure rigidity (bending rigidity) compared to, for example, a flat plate-shaped member. Furthermore, the reinforcing member 40 also serves as a second flow path member. That is, since the second flow path member can be constructed by effectively utilizing the internal space of the reinforcing member 40, no new member is required to provide the second flow path member, and the increase in the number of parts can be suppressed.

[0072] The smoke exhaust structure 16 has a cooler 38. This cooler 38 can cool the battery cells 22. Since the cooler 38 is located outside the first smoke exhaust passage 34 and the second smoke exhaust passage 36, it does not narrow the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the first smoke exhaust passage 34 and the second smoke exhaust passage 36, compared to a configuration in which the cooler 38 is located inside the first smoke exhaust passage 34 or the second smoke exhaust passage 36.

[0073] In the smoke exhaust structure 16 of this embodiment, the second smoke exhaust passage 36 is composed of a reinforcing member 40 and a cell base 44. The cell base 44 is configured as part of the lower case 24. Since the lower case 24 also serves as the cell base 44, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the cell base 44 is provided separately from the lower case 24.

[0074] Furthermore, since each cell base 44 corresponding to each reinforcing member 40 is formed on the lower case 24, the cell base 44 can be constructed using a common lower case 24 for multiple reinforcing members 40, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0075] Since the cell base 44 closes the lower side of the reinforcing member 40, it is possible to suppress smoke leakage from the second exhaust flow path 36, which is composed of the reinforcing member 40 and the cell base 44.

[0076] In the smoke exhaust structure 16 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. In particular, the direction in which the reinforcing member 40 extends is the vehicle's longitudinal direction (second direction), that is, the direction in which the battery cells 22 are arranged in the battery module 20. Therefore, the battery case 28 can be reinforced in the direction in which the battery cells 22 are arranged by the reinforcing member 40.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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 over a certain range in the vehicle width direction.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] The following are additional notes relating to this disclosure. (Note 1) A smoke exhaust structure comprising: a first flow channel member constituting a first smoke exhaust channel which is part of a smoke exhaust channel, and a second flow channel member constituting a second smoke exhaust channel, wherein at least a portion of the second smoke exhaust channel is above the lower surface of the battery cell. (Note 2) The smoke exhaust structure according to Note 1, wherein a plurality of battery modules are configured, each having a plurality of the battery cells arranged in a row, and the second flow channel member is positioned between the plurality of battery modules. (Note 3) The smoke exhaust structure according to Note 2, wherein the second flow channel member includes a reinforcing member extending in the same direction as the arrangement of the plurality of battery cells. (Note 4) The smoke exhaust structure according to Note 3, further comprising a cooler provided outside the first flow channel member and the second flow channel member for cooling the battery cell. (Note 5) The smoke exhaust structure according to Note 3 or Note 4, wherein the second flow path member includes a cell base that forms a closed shape with respect to the reinforcing member in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the second smoke exhaust flow path. (Note 6) The smoke exhaust structure according to Note 5, wherein the cell base extends across a plurality of reinforcing members in the direction in which the plurality of battery modules are arranged. (Note 7) The smoke exhaust structure according to Note 6, comprising a lower case disposed below a plurality of battery cells and housing the battery cells, wherein a part of the lower case constitutes the cell base. (Note 8) The smoke exhaust structure according to any one of Notes 5 to 7, wherein the reinforcing member has a hat shape with the lower side open in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the second smoke exhaust flow path. (Note 9) The smoke exhaust structure according to any one of Notes 3 to 8, wherein the reinforcing member extends within the range of the battery modules in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. (Note 10) A smoke exhaust structure according to any one of Notes 1 to 9, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the first smoke exhaust passage in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction and the cross-sectional shape of the second smoke exhaust passage in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction are different. (Note 11) A smoke exhaust structure according to any one of Notes 1 to 10, wherein the first smoke exhaust passage has a cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction where the cross-sectional height is lower than the cross-sectional width.(Note 12) The smoke exhaust structure according to Note 11, wherein the second smoke exhaust passage has a cross-sectional height that is greater than the cross-sectional height of the first smoke exhaust passage in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction. (Note 13) The smoke exhaust structure according to Note 11 or Note 12, wherein the second smoke exhaust passage has a cross-sectional width that is narrower than the cross-sectional width of the first smoke exhaust passage in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction.

[0082] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-052467, 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 smoke exhaust structure having a first flow path member that constitutes a first smoke exhaust passage, which is part of a smoke exhaust passage, and a second flow path member that constitutes a second smoke exhaust passage, located below the lower surface of a battery cell, wherein at least a portion of the second smoke exhaust passage is located above the lower surface of the battery cell.

2. The smoke exhaust structure according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of battery modules are configured, each in which a plurality of the battery cells are arranged in a row, and the second flow channel member is positioned between the plurality of battery modules.

3. The smoke exhaust structure according to claim 2, wherein the second flow channel member includes a reinforcing member that extends in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells.

4. The smoke exhaust structure according to claim 3, further comprising a cooler provided outside the first flow channel member and the second flow channel member for cooling the battery cell.

5. The smoke exhaust structure according to claim 3, wherein the second flow path member includes a cell base that forms a closed shape with respect to the reinforcing member in a cross section in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the second smoke exhaust flow path.

6. The smoke exhaust structure according to claim 5, wherein the cell base extends across a plurality of reinforcing members in the direction in which the plurality of battery modules are arranged.

7. The smoke exhaust structure according to claim 6, comprising a lower case disposed below a plurality of the battery cells and housing the battery cells, wherein a part of the lower case constitutes the cell base.

8. The smoke exhaust structure according to claim 5, wherein the reinforcing member has a hat shape with the lower side open in a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the second smoke exhaust passage.

9. The smoke exhaust structure according to claim 3, wherein the reinforcing member extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to the extent of the battery module.

10. The smoke exhaust structure according to claim 2, wherein the cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the first smoke exhaust passage is different from the cross-sectional shape in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the second smoke exhaust passage.

11. The smoke exhaust structure according to claim 2, wherein the first smoke exhaust passage has a cross-sectional shape in which the cross-sectional height is lower than the cross-sectional width in a cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction.

12. The smoke exhaust structure according to claim 11, wherein the second smoke exhaust passage has a cross-sectional height that is higher than the cross-sectional height of the first smoke exhaust passage in a cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction.

13. The smoke exhaust structure according to claim 11, wherein the second smoke exhaust passage has a cross-sectional width narrower than the cross-sectional width of the first smoke exhaust passage in a cross-section perpendicular to the extending direction.

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