JPH0952535A - Battery frame structure of electric vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve intake guide performance by securing the intake duct area as well as to prevent splash from invading from the intake duct. SOLUTION: Intake ducts 16 connected to intake ports 12 provided on the front part of a battery frame 1 are arranged in the car width direction along the front surface of the battery frame 1 and in the longitudinal direction along the side surfaces of the battery frame 1, and air introducing ports 17 of the air intake ducts 16 are set on the rear part of the car body incapable of easily receiving the direct hit of splash. Therefore, the splash can be prevented from invading from the intake ducts 16, since the intake ducts 16 are not extended to a motor room side, a non-interference space to a sub frame is not required, and the sectional areas of the intake ducts 16 can be increased.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

The present invention relates to a battery frame structure for an electric vehicle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an electric vehicle, an on-vehicle battery occupies a considerable weight and a mounting space. Therefore, conventionally, a dedicated rigid battery frame is arranged on the lower side of a vehicle body floor, and the battery frame is mounted on the battery frame. A plurality of batteries are mounted and the batteries are hermetically stored between the vehicle body floor and the battery frame.

As described above, when a plurality of batteries are hermetically stored between the battery frame and the vehicle body floor, the batteries generate heat and the battery function deteriorates. As shown, a battery frame 32 that is fastened and fixed to a floor frame member 31 on the lower surface of the vehicle body floor 30 to hermetically store a plurality of batteries B.
An intake duct 33 is connected to the front end of the battery frame, the intake duct 33 is arranged along the dash panel 34, and cooling air is introduced from the front of the battery frame 32 through the intake duct 33 to the battery frame. The battery B is discharged from the rear of 32 to cool the battery B.

This similar structure is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-197.
No. 3, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-59204, and the like.

[0005]

Since the cooling air is taken in through the intake duct 33 on the front side of the battery frame 32 that is most susceptible to splashing while traveling, it is possible to prevent the splash from entering the battery frame 32. It is undeniable that the seal structure becomes complicated and the number of parts increases, resulting in a cost disadvantage.

Further, in order to surely prevent the splash from entering the battery frame 32, the intake duct 33 is extended along the dash panel 34 to a position above the motor room MR as shown in FIG. In this case, the influence on the duct layout and the vehicle compartment space for securing the cross-sectional area of the intake duct 33 becomes large.

That is, a sub-frame 35 for mounting a front suspension (not shown) is arranged near the lower side of the dash panel 34 of the motor room M / R, and between the sub-frame 35 and the toe board 34a of the dash panel 34. The dimensions of are relatively narrow.

Therefore, the intake duct 33 is passed between the sub-frame 35 and the toe board 34a, and the motor room M
-If an attempt is made to extend above R, it is necessary to secure mutual non-interference clearances, so the cross-sectional area of the intake duct 33 must be reduced, and the introduction of cooling air deteriorates.

On the contrary, if a large cross-sectional area of the intake duct 33 is to be ensured, it is necessary to shift the position of the toe board 34a of the dash panel 34 rearward as shown by the chain line in FIG. It causes trouble.

Therefore, the present invention has a simple structure and can introduce the cooling air without the invasion of the splash into the battery frame, and can secure a large cross-sectional area of the intake duct without affecting the passenger compartment space. The present invention provides a battery frame structure for an electric vehicle that can improve the introduction of cooling air.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an intake port is provided at a front end portion of a battery frame which is hermetically accommodated in a plurality of batteries and is fastened and fixed to a floor frame member on a lower surface of a vehicle body floor. Also, in a structure in which an exhaust port is provided at a rear end portion of the battery frame to introduce air for cooling the battery into the battery frame, an intake duct is connected to the intake port, and the intake duct is connected to the battery frame. Is arranged in the vehicle width direction along the front surface of the battery frame and in the front-rear direction along the side surface of the battery frame, and the air introduction port of the intake duct is set at the rear part of the vehicle body.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the intake duct is arranged in the vehicle width direction along the front surface of the battery frame and in the front-rear direction along the side surface of the battery frame. Since the narrow space between the dash panel and the sub-frame does not pass through, the cross-sectional area of the intake duct can be expanded and the air guide performance can be improved without narrowing the vehicle interior space.

Further, since the air inlet of the intake duct is set at the rear part of the vehicle body which is not easily hit by the splash when the vehicle is running, the sealing structure for preventing splash intrusion becomes simple, and the layout of the intake duct is simple. Can be done.

Moreover, since the cross-sectional area of the intake duct can be increased and the intake duct can be arranged in the front-rear direction to be long, the flow velocity of the cooling air in the intake duct can be reduced. Even if water drops or dust flow into the air intake duct, it remains attached to the inner surface of the intake duct, and the inflow into the battery frame can be avoided as much as possible.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the air inlet of the air intake duct according to the first aspect is connected to a closed cross-section portion formed in the rear side portion of the vehicle body and allowing air to flow between the inside and outside of the vehicle. It has a feature.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the air inlet of the intake duct is connected to the closed cross section of the rear side of the vehicle body, it is possible to reliably prevent the splash from entering the intake duct and to prevent the splash. There is no inflow of water into the intake duct even when running on the waterway.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the exhaust port at the rear end of the battery frame described in the first and second aspects is connected to the closed cross section of the side member forming the skeletal member in the front-rear direction on both sides of the lower surface of the vehicle body floor. It is characterized by having done.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the closed cross section of the side member can be effectively used as an air duct for exhaust, the duct layout can be facilitated, and the number of parts can be reduced to reduce weight and cost. Be advantageous.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the communication connection portion between the exhaust port at the rear end of the battery frame and the side member according to the third aspect is offset in the vertical direction with the kickup portion as a boundary between the side members. The feature is that it is set in the high ground clearance area formed by

According to the structure of the fourth aspect, since the exhaust port is connected to the portion of the side member having a high ground clearance, it is possible to avoid flooding of the exhaust port even when the submerged road is running, so that the exhaust port can be avoided. Water does not enter the battery frame, and waterproof measures can be taken thoroughly.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the closed cross section of the side member according to the third and fourth aspects is divided into a front and a rear by a portion where the exhaust ports communicate with each other, and an air introduction port of the intake duct is formed in the side member. It is characterized in that the exhaust port is communicatively connected to a closed cross section in front of the part where the exhaust port is communicatively connected.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the closed cross section of the side member can be effectively used as an air duct for exhaust and intake, the duct layout is easy, and the number of parts can be reduced to reduce the weight. It is cost effective.

Further, since the traveling air introduced into the closed cross section flows into the intake duct from the front end opening of the side member, the cooling air introduction performance into the battery frame is further enhanced.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the intake duct according to the first to fifth aspects is formed of a fiber reinforced resin material.

According to the structure of claim 6, the intake duct is not damaged by chipping or the like during traveling,
At the time of a frontal collision or a side collision of the vehicle, the intake duct functions as a cushioning material and avoids damage to the battery frame and the internal battery.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the bottom surface of the side portion of the intake duct according to any of the first to sixth aspects is provided with a lower side edge of the battery frame and a bottom inner edge of the side sill extending in the front-rear direction on the floor side. It is characterized in that it is formed so as to be approximately aligned with the connecting line.

According to the structure of claim 7, the bottom surface of the battery frame and the bottom surface of the side sill can be connected to each other flatly by the inclined bottom surface of the intake duct. The air resistance can be reduced by performing the operation, the aerodynamic characteristics can be improved, and the cruising performance of the vehicle can be improved.

[0028]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

In FIGS. 1 to 3, reference numeral 1 denotes a bottomed battery frame on which a plurality of batteries B are mounted. The frame main body 2 is composed of front and rear frames 3, 4 and left and right frames 5, 6 and a bottom plate 7, and a frame. The battery cover 8 covers the plurality of batteries B housed in the main body 2.

This battery frame 1 is fixed to a floor member on the lower surface of the vehicle body floor 9 with bolts and nuts through a sealing material, and the battery B is hermetically stored between the battery frame 1 and the vehicle body floor 9. Specifically, the left and right frames 5 and 6 are overlapped with the lower surfaces of the side members 10 and 10 that form the skeleton member in the front-rear direction of the floor member, and the front and rear frames 3 and 4 form the skeleton member in the vehicle width direction of the floor member. The cross members 11, 11 are overlapped with each other and are fastened and fixed by bolts and nuts (not shown).

The front frame 3 of the frame body 2 is provided with a pair of intake ports 12, while the rear frame 4 is provided with a pair of exhaust ports 13.

An air introduction fan 14 assembled to a fan casing 15 is arranged at the exhaust port 13, and the air introduction fan 14 is driven to move from the intake port 12 to the battery frame 1.
Cooling air is actively introduced inside.

An intake duct 16 is connected to the intake port 12 so that cooling air can be taken in through the intake duct 16.

The intake duct 16 is partially counterbored 16a.
Is provided and is fastened and fixed to the battery frame 1 by the counterbore 16a with bolts and nuts 18.
The intake duct 16 is arranged in the vehicle width direction along the front surface of the front frame 3, and is bent rearward at a side edge portion of the front frame 3 at right angles to extend along the side surfaces of the left and right frames 5, 6. Are arranged in the front-back direction.

In this embodiment, the intake duct 16 is made of a fiber reinforced resin material mixed with reinforcing fibers such as glass fibers and carbon fibers.

The rear end of the intake duct 16 is bent upward and is connected to the closed section 20 formed on the rear side of the vehicle body 19 with the air inlet 17 facing upward.

This closed section 20 is the rear fender panel 2
1 and the rear pillar inner 22 and communicates with the inside and outside of the vehicle through a ventilation port (not shown).

A lower front portion of the rear pillar inner 22;
An air duct 23 is connected through the side portion of the vehicle body floor 9, and an air inlet 17 of the intake duct 16 is connected to an opening portion of the air duct 23 which penetrates the vehicle body floor 9.

The air inlet 17 may be connected by a fastening member such as a bolt and a nut, but in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the peripheral portion of the air inlet 17 and the vehicle body floor 9 are connected. An elastic sealing material 24 is interposed between the opening and the peripheral edge of the opening, and the elastic sealing material 24 is pressure-tightened by utilizing the fastening force between the battery frame 1 and the floor members 10 and 11 to make a gas-liquid tight connection. There is.

On the other hand, the exhaust port 13 has a fan casing 15
The side member 10 is effectively connected to the closed cross section of the side member 10 through the exhaust duct 25 connected to the side member 10 so as to be effectively used as an air duct.

Since the front and rear ends of the side member 10 are opened, the rear end opening of the side member 10 is substantially formed by connecting the exhaust duct 25 to the closed cross section of the side member 10 as described above. Although it serves as an exhaust port for cooling air, the rear end opening is hidden by a rear bumper (not shown).
Further, since the front end opening is also hidden by the front bumper (not shown), there is no problem in appearance.

In this embodiment, the rear end of the exhaust duct 25 is penetrated through the side member 10, and the rear end opening of the duct is inserted and disposed in the closed cross section so that the rear end of the exhaust duct 25 is located side by side. The closed cross section of the member 10 is divided into front and rear.

In particular, the communication connecting portion between the exhaust duct 25 and the side member 10 is a portion having a high ground clearance formed by the side member 10 being vertically offset with the kick-up portion 10a as a boundary, that is, It has a ground clearance of about 450 mm and is set to a high ground clearance that does not flood even if a 300 mm submergence running test is performed.

A side sill 26, which constitutes a front-back skeleton member of the floor side, extends in the front-rear direction at the side edge portion of the vehicle body floor 9, and the side surface of the side member 10 and the side sill 26 are provided on the lower surface of the vehicle body floor 9 on the floor side. A plurality of outriggers 27 are joined and reinforced across the side surfaces of the intake duct 16 and the side portions of the intake duct 16 are arranged in the space below the outriggers 27.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the bottom surface of the side portion of the intake duct 16 is substantially aligned with the line connecting the lower side edges of the left and right frames 5 and 6 of the battery frame 1 and the inner bottom edge of the side sill 26. Is sloped.

According to the structure of the above embodiment, by driving the air introduction fan 14, the outside air or the passenger compartment air flowing into the closed cross section 20 of the rear side portion of the vehicle body 19 is introduced into the intake duct via the air duct 23. 16 is introduced into the battery frame 1 through the intake port 16 at the front end of the battery frame 1 from the intake duct 16 to positively cool the battery B in the battery frame 1 and the exhaust duct 25 through the exhaust port 13. And is discharged from the rear end opening of the side member 10 via the side member 10.

Here, the intake duct 16 is arranged in the vehicle width direction along the front surface of the front frame 3 of the battery frame 1, and along the side surfaces of the left and right frames 5, 6. Since it does not pass through a narrow space between the sub-frame 35 mounting the front suspension (not shown) and the toe board 34a of the dash panel 34 (see FIG. 9), it does not affect the vehicle interior space and Since the cross-sectional area can be enlarged, the air guide performance can be improved.

Further, since the air inlet 17 of the intake duct 16 is set at the rear part of the vehicle body which is not easily hit by the splash when the vehicle is running, the sealing structure for preventing the splash intrusion becomes simple, and the intake duct 16 has a simple structure. Layout can be done easily.

In particular, in this embodiment, the intake duct 1
6 through the air duct 23 that penetrates the vehicle body floor 9 and the rear pillar inner 22.
Since it is connected to the closed cross section 20 of the rear side portion of 9, it is possible to surely avoid splash intrusion into the intake duct 16 and also to prevent the intake duct 16 from traveling even when the submarine is traveling.
There is no inflow of water into the interior, so waterproof measures can be taken thoroughly.

Moreover, as described above, the cross-sectional area of the intake duct 16 can be increased without affecting the vehicle compartment space, and the intake duct 16 can be extended in the front-rear direction along the side surfaces of the left and right frames 5, 6 of the battery frame 1. Since it can be arranged for a long time, the flow velocity of the cooling air flowing in the intake duct 16 can be reduced, and even if water drops or dust enters the intake duct 16, the inner surface of the intake duct 16 can be reduced. It is possible to prevent the battery B from remaining attached to the battery frame 1 and flowing into the battery frame 1, and to prevent the performance of the battery B in the battery frame 1 from being degraded.

The exhaust port 13 provided in the rear frame 4 of the battery frame 1 is connected to the closed cross section of the side member 10 via the exhaust duct 25 so that the side member 10 can be effectively used as an exhaust air duct. Since the air after cooling the battery is discharged from the rear end opening of the side member 10 which is hidden by the rear bumper (not shown), the duct layout is facilitated and the number of parts can be reduced to reduce the weight. Very economically and economically.

In particular, the exhaust duct 25 is connected to the side member 10
Since it is connected to a high ground portion with the kick-up portion 10a as a boundary, it is possible to avoid flooding of the exhaust port 13 and prevent water from flowing into the battery frame 1 from the exhaust port 13, It is possible to take more thorough waterproofing measures.

On the other hand, since the intake duct 16 is made of a fiber reinforced resin material, it will not be damaged by chipping or the like while the vehicle is running, and it is of course possible to enhance the quality and reliability of the intake duct. Since the battery 16 is arranged along the front surface and the side surface of the battery frame 1, the intake duct 16 is provided when the vehicle collides with the front surface or the side surface.
Can function as a cushioning material to protect the battery frame 1 and the battery B therein.

Furthermore, the bottom surfaces of the side portions of the intake duct 16 along the side surfaces of the left and right frames 5, 6 are substantially aligned with the line connecting the lower side edges of the left and right frames 5, 6 and the bottom inner edge of the side sill 26. Since it is inclined, the bottom surface of the battery frame 1 and the bottom surface of the side sill 26 can be flatly connected by the inclined floor surface of the intake duct 16, and as a result, the underfloor flow of air when the vehicle is traveling can be made smooth. The air resistance can be reduced by performing the operation, the aerodynamic characteristics can be improved, and the cruising performance of the vehicle can be improved.

7 and 8 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In this second embodiment, the air inlet 17 of the intake duct 16 is connected to the closed cross section of the side member 10, and the side member is connected. It is also used effectively as an air duct for intake.

Similar to the first embodiment, the side member 10 has a rear end portion of the exhaust duct 25 which penetrates the side member 10 and is inserted and arranged in the closed cross section thereof, and the closed cross section is disposed at the rear end portion of the exhaust duct 25. It is divided into front and rear by the intake duct 16
The air inlet 17 is connected to a closed cross section in front of the portion where the exhaust duct 25 is connected.

The front side of the side member 10 is vertically offset like the rear side with a kick-up portion (not shown) along the dash panel 34 (see FIG. 9) as a boundary, and its front end is not shown. The radiator core support panel has a side opening that opens forward, and the front end opening is concealed by a front bumper (not shown) like the rear end opening as described above.

Therefore, according to the structure of the second embodiment, the front end opening of the side member 10 exists at a position where the traveling dynamic air distribution is large in front of the vehicle body, and the traveling dynamic air is actively taken in during traveling of the vehicle. Therefore, the performance of introducing cooling air into the battery frame 1 is further enhanced.

Further, since the cooling air introduction performance can be improved in this way, the air introduction fan 14 provided in the exhaust port 13 at the rear portion of the battery frame 1 can be made small in size and small in capacity, so that the side member can be provided. Combined with the fact that 10 can be effectively used as an air duct for intake air, it can greatly contribute to cost reduction.

In the above embodiment, the air introduction fan 1
4 is provided at the exhaust port 13 at the rear of the battery frame 1, but it goes without saying that the air introduction fan 14 may be provided at the intake side.

[0061]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

According to the first aspect, the intake duct is arranged in the vehicle width direction along the front surface of the battery frame, and is arranged in the front-rear direction along the side surface of the battery frame. Since the narrow space between the mounted sub-frame and the dash panel does not pass through, the cross section of the intake duct can be enlarged without affecting the vehicle interior space, and the airflow performance can be improved.

Further, since the air inlet of the intake duct is set at the rear part of the vehicle body which is not easily hit by the splash when the vehicle is running, the sealing structure for preventing the splash intrusion is simple and the layout of the intake duct is simple. Can be done.

Further, as described above, the cross-sectional area of the intake duct can be enlarged without affecting the vehicle compartment space, and the intake duct can be arranged long from the front surface to the side surface of the battery frame. Since the flow velocity of the circulating cooling air can be reduced, even if water droplets or dust enter the intake duct, they will remain attached to the inner surface of the intake duct and flow into the battery frame. Can be avoided,
It is possible to prevent the performance of the battery in the battery frame from deteriorating.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the air inlet of the intake duct is connected to the closed cross section of the rear side of the vehicle body, it is possible to surely prevent splash from entering the intake duct, and at the time of traveling on the flooded road. Even if there is, there is no water flowing into the intake duct, which can enhance the quality and reliability.

According to the third aspect, the closed cross section of the side member can be effectively used as an air duct for exhaust, the duct layout is easy, and the number of parts can be reduced, which is advantageous in terms of weight and cost. .

According to the present invention, since the exhaust port at the rear of the battery frame is connected to the portion of the side member having a high ground clearance, it is possible to avoid flooding of the exhaust port even when the vehicle is running on a submerged road, and a waterproof measure is taken. Can be thorough.

According to the fifth aspect, the closed cross section of the side member can be effectively used as an air duct for exhaust and intake, the duct layout is easy, and the number of parts can be reduced, resulting in weight and cost reduction. It will be even more advantageous.

According to the sixth aspect, since the intake duct is formed of the fiber reinforced resin material, the intake duct is not damaged by chipping or the like during traveling, and the sense of quality and reliability can be improved. Of course, since the air intake duct is arranged along the front surface and the side surface of the battery frame, the air intake duct functions as a cushioning material at the time of a frontal collision or a side surface collision of the vehicle, so that the battery frame and the battery inside thereof are protected. It can be protected and the quality and reliability can be improved.

According to the seventh aspect, since the bottom surface of the battery frame and the bottom surface of the side sill can be flatly connected to each other by the inclined bottom surface of the intake duct, the underfloor flow of air can be smoothly performed when the vehicle is traveling. The air resistance can be reduced, the aerodynamic characteristics can be improved, and the cruising performance of the vehicle can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery frame in which the intake duct of the same embodiment is assembled.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the relationship between the vehicle frame rear portion and the vehicle body of the same embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a main part showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional structure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Battery Frame 9 Body Floor 10 Side Member 12 Intake Port 13 Exhaust Port 16 Intake Duct 17 Air Inlet Port 19 Vehicle Body 20 Rear Side Flat Section 26 Side Sill B Battery

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An intake port is provided at a front end of a battery frame that is hermetically accommodated in a plurality of batteries and is fastened and fixed to a floor frame member on a lower surface of a vehicle body, and an exhaust port is provided at a rear end of the battery frame. In the structure in which the air for cooling the battery is introduced into the battery frame by connecting the intake duct to the intake port, the intake duct is arranged in the vehicle width direction along the front surface of the battery frame. At the same time, the battery frame structure for an electric vehicle is arranged along the side surface of the battery frame in the front-rear direction, and the air inlet of the intake duct is set at the rear part of the vehicle body. 2. The battery for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the air inlet of the intake duct is connected to a closed cross-section formed in the rear side portion of the vehicle body to allow air to flow between the inside and the outside of the vehicle. Frame structure. 3. The electricity according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust port at the rear end of the battery frame is connected to the closed cross sections of the side members forming the front and rear skeletal members on both sides of the lower surface of the vehicle body floor. Automotive battery frame structure. 4. The communication connecting portion between the exhaust port at the rear end portion of the battery frame and the side member is set at a high ground clearance portion formed by the side member being vertically offset with the kick-up portion as a boundary. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein
A battery frame structure for the electric vehicle described. 5. The closed cross section of the side member is divided into a front and a back by a portion where an exhaust port communicates with each other, and an air introduction port of an intake duct is located in front of a portion where the exhaust port of the side member communicates with each other. 5. The battery frame structure for an electric vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the battery frame structure is communicatively connected to. 6. The battery frame structure for an electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the intake duct is formed of a fiber reinforced resin material. 7. A bottom surface of a side portion of the intake duct is formed so as to be inclined substantially along a line connecting a lower side edge of the battery frame and a bottom inner edge of a side sill extending in the front-rear direction to the floor side. A battery frame structure for an electric vehicle according to claim 1.