Support device for vehicle battery pack and electric vehicle

Abstract

A support device for a battery pack for a vehicle and an electric vehicle are disclosed, which improves the protection performance of the battery pack. The support device (10) for supporting the battery pack (30) includes a frame side bracket (4), a battery side bracket (5), and a resilient connecting part (6). The battery pack (30) has a first battery storage part (31) disposed in a first space (S1) between the side beams (41) constituting the trapezoidal frame (40) of the vehicle, and a second battery storage part (32) disposed in a second space (S2) lower than the first space (S1). The frame side bracket (4) has a first bracket (1) extending outward and downward from each side beam (41) in the vehicle width direction, and a second bracket (2) connecting the first brackets (1) to each other below the battery pack (30). The battery side bracket (5) protrudes outward from the end face (32a) of the second battery storage part (32) in the vehicle width direction. The elastic connecting part (6) elastically connects the frame side bracket (4) and the battery side bracket (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a support device for supporting a battery pack in a vehicle having a trapezoidal frame, and an electric vehicle equipped with the support device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, from the perspective of reducing environmental impact, the development of electric vehicles, such as electric cars and hybrid vehicles, which operate by supplying power from the drive battery to the motor, has been progressing. In recent years, electric vehicles have also been developed in the field of commercial vehicles such as trucks (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Commercial vehicles are typically heavier than passenger vehicles, so in electric commercial vehicles, to ensure sufficient driving range, it is necessary to increase the capacity of the battery pack, which consists of multiple batteries. Since battery packs tend to become larger as their capacity increases, in vehicles with trapezoidal frames, the battery pack is mounted between a pair of side beams due to the layout.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-113063 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] As described above, battery packs positioned between the side beams tend to be larger, sometimes extending beyond the space between the side beams into the space below them. In such battery packs, the portion positioned below the side beams is less likely to be protected by the side beams in the event of a side collision compared to the portion positioned between the side beams. Therefore, technologies are sought to improve the protective performance of the battery pack.

[0009] This application was made in view of the aforementioned issues, one of the purposes of which is to improve the protection performance of the battery pack.

[0010] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0011] This application is made to solve at least part of the problems mentioned above, and can be implemented as the following technical solutions or application examples.

[0012] (1) The vehicle battery pack support device involved in this application example supports the battery pack, the battery pack including: a first battery storage section disposed in a first space between a pair of side beams constituting a trapezoidal frame of the vehicle; a second battery storage section disposed in a second space below the first space and continuous with the first battery storage section; and a battery stored in the first battery storage section and the second battery storage section, the support device being characterized in that it includes: a frame side bracket having a first bracket that extends outward and downward from the side beams in the vehicle width direction, and a second bracket that connects the first bracket to each other below the battery pack; a battery side bracket that protrudes outward from the end of the second battery storage section in the vehicle width direction; and an elastic connection section that elastically connects the frame side bracket and the battery side bracket.

[0013] By configuring the aforementioned frame-side brackets, in the event of a side collision, the impact force is absorbed by the first bracket on the collision side before it is input to the second battery storage unit. Furthermore, the impact force input to the first bracket on the collision side is also transmitted through the second bracket to the first bracket on the opposite side (non-collision side) and absorbed by the frame-side brackets as a whole. This reduces the impact force input to the second battery storage unit. Additionally, by absorbing the impact force through the frame-side brackets as described above, deformation of the trapezoidal frame is suppressed, thus also reducing the impact force input to the first battery storage unit. Therefore, the protection performance of the battery pack is improved.

[0014] In addition, the second bracket located below the battery pack easily protects the battery pack from debris from the road surface.

[0015] Furthermore, the aforementioned support device can be sub-assembled (integrated) with the battery pack before being assembled onto the side beam. Therefore, after the support device and the battery pack are sub-assembled, they are assembled onto the side beam, thereby improving the assemblability of the battery pack.

[0016] (2) In the support device for the vehicle battery pack involved in this application example, the first bracket may have flange portions that protrude outward from the front edge and the rear edge in the vehicle width direction, respectively.

[0017] The strength and rigidity of the first bracket with such a flange are improved, making it difficult to deform even under impact. As a result, the protective performance of the battery pack is further improved.

[0018] (3) In the support device for the vehicle battery pack involved in this application example, the first bracket may have an upper part fixed to the web of the side beam, a middle part extending outward and downward from the upper part in the vehicle width direction, and a lower part extending downward from the middle part and combined with the second bracket.

[0019] In this way, by extending the middle portion between the upper part of the web plate fixed to the side beam and the lower part that connects to the second bracket in the first bracket outward and downward in the vehicle width direction, interference with the second battery storage unit is easily avoided, and the displacement of the first bracket is easily ensured. Therefore, even in the event of a side collision, the first bracket is unlikely to come into contact with the second battery storage unit, thus further improving the protective performance of the second battery storage unit.

[0020] (4) In the support device for the vehicle battery pack involved in this application example, the frame side bracket may have a third bracket protruding from the first bracket in the vehicle width direction, and the elastic connection portion may be fixed to the second bracket and the third bracket respectively.

[0021] The elastic connecting parts, which are fixed to the second and third brackets respectively, are fixed at two locations relative to the frame-side brackets, thus improving stability (shape retention) relative to the frame-side brackets. As a result, the battery pack is supported more stably.

[0022] (5) In the support device for the vehicle battery pack involved in this application example, the length dimension of the first bracket fixed to the upper part of the web of the side beam can be larger than the length dimension of other parts.

[0023] In the first bracket, the upper part, which serves as the mounting point for the side beam, is prone to experiencing the greatest stress. Therefore, by setting the longitudinal dimension of the upper part to be larger than that of other parts, the strength and rigidity of the upper part are ensured while suppressing the dimensional limitations of other parts. As a result, deformation of the first bracket is suppressed while preventing an increase in the weight of the support device.

[0024] (6) In the support device for the vehicle battery pack involved in this application example, the cross section of the second bracket orthogonal to the vehicle width direction can be box-shaped.

[0025] The strength and rigidity of the second bracket, with a box-shaped cross-section orthogonal to the vehicle width direction, are improved, making it difficult to deform even under impact. As a result, the protection performance of the battery pack is further improved.

[0026] (7) In the support device for the vehicle battery pack involved in this application example, the first bracket may have a lightweight hole.

[0027] Compared to the case without the lightweight orifice, the weight of the first bracket with the lightweight orifice is reduced, thus contributing to the weight reduction of the support device.

[0028] (8) In the support device for the vehicle battery pack involved in this application example, the second bracket may have a lightweight hole.

[0029] Compared to the case without the lightweight orifice, the weight of the second bracket with the lightweight orifice is reduced, thus contributing to the weight reduction of the support device.

[0030] (9) In the support device for the vehicle battery pack involved in this application example, the width dimension of the second battery storage part can be larger than the width dimension of the first battery storage part.

[0031] Compared to the first space between the side beams, the second space, which is located below the first space, has fewer restrictions on its width-direction dimensions. Therefore, by setting the width-direction dimension of the second battery storage unit located in the second space to be larger than that of the first battery storage unit, the battery capacity is increased while ensuring the layout of the battery pack.

[0032] On the other hand, in such a battery pack, the second battery storage section is susceptible to impact forces from the outside of the vehicle width direction during a side collision. However, as mentioned above, since the impact force transmitted to the second battery storage section is reduced by the support device, the protection performance of the battery pack can be improved while ensuring battery capacity.

[0033] (10) In the support device for the vehicle battery pack involved in this application example, the vehicle width dimension of the second battery storage part can be the same as the vehicle width dimension of the first battery storage part.

[0034] If the first battery storage unit and the second battery storage unit have the same width dimension in the vehicle direction, the shape of the battery pack can be simplified. Furthermore, since the second battery storage unit is located on the inner side of the side beam in the width direction and is separate from the first bracket, the impact force is less likely to be transmitted to the second battery storage unit in the event of a side collision. Therefore, the protective performance of the second battery storage unit is improved.

[0035] (11) The electric vehicle involved in this application example is characterized in that it has the above-mentioned support device for the vehicle battery pack.

[0036] In such electric vehicles, the protection performance of the battery pack is improved by installing the aforementioned support device for the vehicle battery pack.

[0037] The effects of the invention

[0038] According to this application, the protection performance of the battery pack can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a top view that schematically shows the overall configuration of an electric vehicle equipped with a support device for a vehicle battery pack as one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 2 Looking from the front Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the support device and its surroundings. Figure 1 (II-II sectional view).

[0041] Figure 3 Viewed from the outside in the width direction of the vehicle Figure 1 A diagram of the frame side bracket of the support device.

[0042] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A perspective view of the main components of the frame side bracket (viewed from the outside and front in the vehicle width direction).

[0043] Figure 5 It is Figure 2 The exploded diagram is obtained by magnifying the main part.

[0044] Figure 6 (a)~(d) are explanations Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the assembly steps of the support device.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the support structure and its surroundings for a vehicle battery pack, as a modified example, viewed from the front. Figure 2 (Corresponding diagram). Detailed Implementation

[0046] The supporting device for a vehicle battery pack and an electric vehicle, as embodiments, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to exclude various modifications or techniques not shown in these embodiments. The various configurations of the following embodiments can be implemented in various modifications without departing from their essence. Furthermore, selections and combinations may be made as needed.

[0047] [1. Composition]

[0048] [1-1. Overall Composition]

[0049] The vehicle battery pack support device 10 (hereinafter referred to as "support device 10") according to this embodiment is applied to Figure 1 The vehicle 20 shown hereafter. The direction of travel of vehicle 20 will be referred to as forward (FR), and the opposite direction as rearward. The forward / rear direction will also be referred to as the vehicle length direction. Furthermore, the left (LH) and right directions will be determined based on the orientation towards the front of vehicle 2, and these directions will also be referred to as the vehicle width direction. Moreover, the direction orthogonal to both the vehicle length and width directions will be referred to as the vehicle height direction, and the top (UP) and bottom directions will be determined along the vehicle height direction.

[0050] The vehicle 20 in this embodiment is an electric vehicle equipped with a battery pack 30 for driving and the aforementioned support device 10 supporting the battery pack 30. Here, the vehicle 20 is exemplified as a truck (electric truck).

[0051] The vehicle 20 has a trapezoidal frame 40 in the shape of a ladder and a drive unit 50 that uses electricity from the battery pack 30 to propel the vehicle 20. Furthermore, in Figure 1 In the diagram, a double-dotted line represents the cab 21 with the driver's seat and the cargo box 22 located behind the cab 21.

[0052] The trapezoidal frame 40 is a structure that supports heavy objects such as the battery pack 30, drive unit 50, cab 21, and cargo box 22. The trapezoidal frame 40 consists of a pair of side beams 41 extending in the vehicle length direction and a plurality of cross beams 42 extending in the vehicle width direction. The pair of side beams 41 are arranged separately from each other in the vehicle width direction. Each cross beam 42 is arranged between the pair of side beams 41, connecting the side beams 41 to each other.

[0053] The drive unit 50 includes a motor unit 51 that operates using power from the battery pack 30, and a gear unit 52 that transmits rotational force from the motor unit 51. Here, the drive unit 50 disposed between a pair of side beams 41 is illustrated.

[0054] The gear unit 52 includes a well-known reduction mechanism and differential mechanism, which, after reducing the rotational force transmitted from the motor unit 51 as needed, transmits it to the left and right rear wheels (drive wheels) 24 via the rear axle 23. The vehicle 20 travels by transmitting rotational force from the drive unit 50 to the rear wheels 24 in this way.

[0055] The battery pack 30 is a relatively large and high-capacity secondary battery, positioned between a pair of side beams 41, slightly forward of the drive unit 50. Figure 2 As shown, the battery pack 30 has a first battery storage section 31 and a second battery storage section 32 arranged in the vehicle height direction, and a plurality of batteries 33 respectively stored in the first battery storage section 31 and the second battery storage section 32.

[0056] In this embodiment, both the first battery storage section 31 and the second battery storage section 32 are shown as cuboid-shaped battery packs 30. The first battery storage section 31 is disposed in a first space S1 between a pair of side beams 41. On the other hand, the second battery storage section 32 is disposed in a second space S2 below the first space S1 and is continuous with the first battery storage section 31.

[0057] Here, the first space S1 is the space obscured by the side beam 41 when viewed from the side of the vehicle 20 (viewed in the vehicle width direction). In addition, the second space S2 is the space below the side beam 41, and is the space not obscured by the side beam 41 when viewed from the side of the vehicle 20.

[0058] At least a part of the first battery housing portion 31 of the present embodiment is disposed in the first space S1 and at least a part thereof overlaps with the side beam 41 when viewed from the side of the vehicle 20. In addition, the entire second battery housing portion 32 of the present embodiment is disposed in the second space S2 and the entire thereof does not overlap with each side beam 41 when viewed from the side of the vehicle 20.

[0059] The first battery housing portion 31 of the present embodiment is placed on the second battery housing portion 32. The first battery housing portion 31 and the second battery housing portion 32 are fixed to each other.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the vehicle width direction dimension W2 of the second battery housing portion 32 is set to be larger than the vehicle width direction dimension W1 of the first battery housing portion 31. Here, an example is shown in which the vehicle width direction dimension W1 of the first battery housing portion 31 is smaller than the distance X between the pair of side beams 41 (W1 < X), and the vehicle width direction dimension W2 of the second battery housing portion 32 is larger than the above distance X (W2 > X).

[0061] Specifically, the distance X between the pair of side beams 41 is a distance based on the tips (protruding ends) of the flanges 41b that protrude inward in the vehicle width direction from the upper and lower edges of the plate-shaped web 41a that extends along the vehicle length direction and along the vehicle height direction in each side beam 41. Therefore, the above distance X corresponds to the vehicle width direction length between the right end of the flange 41b of the left side beam 41 and the left end of the flange 41b of the right side beam 41.

[0062] The first battery housing portion 31 and the second battery housing portion 32 are arranged such that the center lines in the vehicle width direction (refer to the dotted line in Figure 2 ) coincide with each other. Thereby, the battery pack 30 has an upside-down T shape (inverted T shape) when viewed from the front (from the vehicle length direction).

[0063] A plurality of batteries 33 are connected in series and function as an energy source for driving the vehicle 20. In addition, the number and arrangement of the batteries 33 are not particularly limited and can be appropriately changed according to the required amount of electric power for driving the vehicle 20, the size and characteristics of the batteries 33, etc.

[0064] [1-2. Main component configuration]

[0065] Hereinafter, the support device 10 will be described in detail.

[0066] The support device 10 includes a frame-side bracket 4 connected to the trapezoidal frame 40, a battery-side bracket 5 connected to the battery pack 30, and an elastic connecting portion 6 that elastically connects the frame-side bracket 4 and the battery-side bracket 5. In the support device 10, by connecting the frame-side bracket 4 and the battery-side bracket 5 via the elastic connecting portion 6, the battery pack 30 is elastically supported on the trapezoidal frame 40, reducing vibrations transmitted from the trapezoidal frame 40 to the battery pack 30.

[0067] In this embodiment, a support device 10 is exemplified by having three frame side brackets 4 arranged at intervals along the vehicle length direction (see reference). Figure 1 Two battery-side brackets 5 and two elastic connecting parts 6 are provided for each frame-side bracket 4 (a pair on the left and right). Therefore, the battery pack 30 of this embodiment is mounted on the trapezoidal frame 40 via six elastic connecting parts 6 that are respectively fixed to the six battery-side brackets 5 and three frame-side brackets 4 that are connected to the aforementioned elastic connecting parts 6. In addition, the support device 10 of this embodiment is formed to be symmetrical from left to right.

[0068] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the frame side bracket 4 has: a pair of first brackets 1, each connected to a pair of side beams 41; a second bracket 2, connecting the first brackets 1 to each other below the battery pack 30; and a pair of third brackets 3, each protruding from the pair of first brackets 1. The aforementioned first brackets 1, second brackets 2, and third brackets 3 are all formed, for example, by stamping steel plates.

[0069] The first bracket 1 extends outward and downward from each side beam 41 in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the first bracket 1 has an upper part 1a fixed to the web plate 41a, a middle part 1b extending outward and downward in the vehicle width direction from the upper part 1a, and a lower part 1c extending downward from the middle part 1b.

[0070] The lower part 1c is offset outward relative to the upper part 1a in the vehicle width direction. The middle part 1b extends obliquely downward from the second battery storage part 32 of the battery pack 30, connecting the upper part 1a and the lower part 1c. Furthermore, there are smooth curves between the upper part 1a and the middle part 1b, and between the middle part 1b and the lower part 1c.

[0071] like Figure 3 As shown, the upper part 1a and the lower part 1c each have multiple through holes 1d and 1e for fasteners such as bolts (not shown). The upper part 1a is attached to the web 41a in the vehicle width direction, based on the web 41a of the side beam 41, by fasteners inserted through the through holes 1d. In addition, multiple through holes 41c are formed in the web 41a that overlap with the through holes 1d of the upper part 1a.

[0072] The lower part 1c is respectively joined to the second bracket 2 and the third bracket 3 by fixing members inserted through the through holes 1e. Here, an example is shown in which two through holes 1e arranged in the vehicle length direction are provided in upper and lower rows.

[0073] In the present embodiment, the vehicle length direction dimension L1 of the upper part 1a of the first bracket 1 is set to be larger than the vehicle length direction dimensions of other parts (specifically, the middle part 1b and the lower part 1c). Here, the upper part 1a has a rectangular shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and its vehicle length direction dimension L1 is the same. In addition, the vehicle length direction dimensions of the middle part 1b and the upper half of the lower part 1c gradually decrease as they go downward. Moreover, the lower half of the lower part 1c has a rectangular shape when viewed from the vehicle width direction, and its vehicle length direction dimension L2 (L2 < L1) is the same. Thus, the vehicle length direction dimension of the first bracket 1 is the largest (L1) in the upper part 1a and the smallest (L2) in the lower half of the lower part 1c.

[0074] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the first bracket 1 of the present embodiment has flange portions 1f protruding outward in the vehicle width direction from its front edge and rear edge, respectively. Thereby, the first bracket 1 has a C-shaped cross section in a horizontal section (a section along the vehicle length direction and the vehicle width direction).

[0075] In addition, as Figure 3 shown, the first bracket 1 of the present embodiment has a lightweight hole 1h. Here, a circular lightweight hole 1h penetrating through the middle part 1b is illustrated. The diameter (hole diameter) D of the lightweight hole 1h of the present embodiment is set to be larger than the smallest vehicle length direction dimension L2 of the first bracket 1.

[0076] The second bracket 2 extends in the vehicle width direction. The cross section of the second bracket 2 orthogonal to the vehicle width direction is box-shaped (closed cross section). Thus, the second bracket 2 is formed in a hollow shape. In addition, the second bracket 2 is arranged such that there is a gap between it and the battery pack 30 in a state where the battery pack 30 is supported by the support device 10 (a state where the frame-side bracket 4 and the battery-side bracket 5 are connected via the elastic connection part 6).

[0077] The left and right ends 2a of the upper surface portion 2b of the second bracket 2 are bent upward substantially vertically. Through holes 2g overlapping with the through holes 1e formed in the lower part 1c of the first bracket 1 are formed in the above-mentioned ends 2a.

[0078] As Figure 4 shown, the second bracket 2 of the present embodiment has a plurality of lightweight holes 2h arranged in the vehicle width direction. Here, elliptical lightweight holes 2h penetrating through the upper surface portion 2b and the lower surface portion 2c of the second bracket 2 are illustrated.

[0079] On the upper surface portion 2b of the second bracket 2, through holes 2d are formed at both ends for inserting the fastener 7 for fixing the elastic connecting portion 6. In addition, on the lower surface portion 2c of the second bracket 2, access holes (inlet holes) 2e are formed at both ends for inserting the fastener 7 from below into the through holes 2d.

[0080] The third bracket 3 is a component for mounting the elastic connecting part 6 on the first bracket 1, and is provided protruding inward from each first bracket 1 in the vehicle width direction. The third bracket 3 has a ring portion 3a formed in a ring shape that surrounds the elastic connecting part 6, and a mounting portion 3b formed in a flat plate shape that is substantially perpendicular to the ring portion 3a.

[0081] A through hole 3c is formed in the ring portion 3a for inserting a fastener (not shown) for fixing the elastic connecting portion 6. A through hole 3d is formed in the mounting portion 3b for inserting a fastener (not shown) for fixing the third bracket 3 to the first bracket 1.

[0082] Relative to the lower part 1c of the first bracket 1, the end 2a of the second bracket 2 is positioned on the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and the mounting part 3b of the third bracket 3 is positioned on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the first bracket 1, the second bracket 2, and the third bracket 3 are arranged in a manner that connects (are connected) in the vehicle width direction through the through hole 1e on the lower side of the lower part 1c of the first bracket 1, the through hole 2g on the end 2a of the second bracket 2, and the through hole 3d on the mounting part 3b of the third bracket 3. Based on this, they are joined (jointly fastened) by fasteners inserted through the aforementioned through holes.

[0083] Furthermore, the first bracket 1 and the third bracket 3 are arranged in a way that the through hole 1e on the upper side of the lower part 1c of the first bracket 1 and the through hole 3d of the mounting part 3b of the third bracket 3 are connected in the vehicle width direction. On this basis, they are also connected (jointly fastened) by fasteners inserted through the aforementioned through holes. In this way, with the third bracket 3 and the first bracket 1 connected, the ring part 3a and the through hole 2d of the second bracket 2 are arranged coaxially.

[0084] like Figure 5 As shown, the battery side bracket 5 protrudes outward from the end face 32a on the outer side of the second battery storage section 32 in the vehicle width direction. A through hole (not shown) is formed in the battery side bracket 5 for inserting the fixing member 8 for fixing the elastic connecting section 6.

[0085] The elastic connection 6 is, for example, a rubber bushing, configured as an elastic body 6d comprising a generally cylindrical or generally frustum-shaped structure. The elastic connection 6 absorbs external forces input in various directions (length direction, width direction, height direction, and composite directions obtained by combining them).

[0086] The elastic connecting part 6 is disposed on the second bracket 2 between the first bracket 1 and the second battery storage part 32. In this embodiment, the elastic connecting part 6 has a first fixing part 6a for fixing the battery side bracket 5, a second fixing part 6b for fixing the second bracket 2, and a third fixing part 6c for fixing the third bracket 3.

[0087] The aforementioned fixing parts 6a, 6b, and 6c are all axially aligned with the elastic body 6d (refer to...). Figure 5 A flat plate (with a dotted line in the image) extending approximately vertically is mounted on the elastomer 6d. More specifically, the first fixing part 6a and the second fixing part 6b are respectively mounted at the two ends of the elastomer 6d along the axial direction, and the third fixing part 6c is mounted between the first fixing part 6a and the second fixing part 6b (at the middle part of the elastomer 6d along the axial direction).

[0088] A through hole (not shown) is formed in the first fixing part 6a for inserting the fixing member 8. Similarly, a through hole (not shown) is formed in the second fixing part 6b for inserting the fixing member 7. In addition, a through hole (not shown) is formed in the third fixing part 6c that overlaps with the through hole 3d formed in the ring part 3a of the third bracket 3.

[0089] The elastic connecting part 6 is positioned above (on the upper part 1a side of the first bracket 1) on the ring portion 3a of the third bracket 3, with the first fixing part 6a positioned higher than the second fixing part 6b. Furthermore, the elastic connecting part 6 is fixed to the second bracket 2 by a fixing member 7 that passes through the access hole 2e and is inserted into the through hole 2d, based on the overlap between the second fixing part 6b and the upper surface portion 2b of the second bracket 2. Additionally, the elastic connecting part 6 is fixed to the third bracket 3 by a fixing member that is inserted into the through hole 3c of the ring portion 3a, based on the overlap between the third fixing part 6c and the ring portion 3a. Moreover, the elastic connecting part 6 is fixed to the battery-side bracket 5 by a fixing member 8 that is inserted into the through hole of the battery-side bracket 5, based on the overlap between the battery-side bracket 5 and the first fixing part 6a.

[0090] In this embodiment, the elastic connecting part 6 is fixed to the second bracket 2 and the third bracket 3 by the second fixing part 6b and the third fixing part 6c, respectively. Therefore, the elastic connecting part 6 is fixed to the battery-side bracket 5 by the first fixing part 6a, and to the frame-side bracket 4 by the second fixing part 6b and the third fixing part 6c.

[0091] The elastic connecting part 6 is fixed to the frame-side bracket 4 and the battery-side bracket 5 respectively, thereby elastically connecting the frame-side bracket 4 and the battery-side bracket 5. Furthermore, the method of fixing the elastic connecting part 6 is not limited to the method of using the fasteners 7 and 8 described above. For example, a method in which the concave and convex parts provided on each part of the elastic connecting part 6 are fitted together can also be used.

[0092] The following is for reference Figure 6 The assembly steps of the support device 10 (the steps of assembling the battery pack 30 onto the trapezoidal frame 40 via the support device 10) will be described.

[0093] like Figure 6 As shown in (a), firstly, the frame-side bracket 4 is assembled by integrating the first bracket 1, the second bracket 2, and the third bracket 3. As described above, for the battery pack 30 of this embodiment, three frame-side brackets 4 are prepared.

[0094] Next, as Figure 6 As shown in (b), two elastic connecting parts 6 are installed on each frame side bracket 4. At this time, each elastic connecting part 6 is fixed to the second bracket 2 and the third bracket 3 respectively.

[0095] After that, as Figure 6 As shown in (c), the battery-side bracket 5 provided on the battery pack 30 is connected to the frame-side bracket 4 on which the elastic connecting parts 6 are installed. Specifically, the six elastic connecting parts 6 installed on the three frame-side brackets 4 are respectively positioned and fixed relative to the six battery-side brackets 5 provided on the battery pack 30. At this time, the relative positions of the pair of elastic connecting parts 6 installed on each frame-side bracket 4 do not change, so it is easy to align the battery-side bracket 5 with respect to the aforementioned elastic connecting parts 6.

[0096] Then, when all the battery-side brackets 5 are connected to the frame-side brackets 4 via the elastic connecting parts 6, the sub-assembly (integration) of the battery pack 30 and the support device 10 is completed. In this way, the support device 10 is sub-assembled with the battery pack 30 before being installed on the trapezoidal frame 40.

[0097] After that, as Figure 6 As shown in (d), the frame side bracket 4 of the support device 10, which is assembled with the battery pack 30, is installed on the side beam 41. Thus, the battery pack 30 is installed on the trapezoidal frame 40 via the support device 10, and the assembly of the battery pack 30 onto the trapezoidal frame 40 is completed.

[0098] [2. Functions and Effects]

[0099] Based on the aforementioned support device 10 and the vehicle 20 equipped with the support device 10, the following functions and effects can be achieved.

[0100] like Figure 2 As shown by the dashed line, a side collision occurred in vehicle 20 (in... Figure 2In the example of a left-side collision, an impact force F is input to the vehicle 20 from the outside to the inside in the vehicle width direction. At this time, since the first battery storage section 31 of the battery pack 30 is disposed in the first space S1 between the side beams 41, it is easily protected by the side beams 41. On the other hand, since the second battery storage section 32 of the battery pack 30 is disposed in the second space S2 below the first space S1, it is easily directly (without passing through the side beams 41) input with the impact force F, and is difficult to be protected by the side beams 41.

[0101] To address this, the aforementioned support device 10 includes a frame side bracket 4. The frame side bracket 4 comprises a first bracket 1 extending outward and downward from a pair of side beams 41 in the vehicle width direction, and a second bracket 2 connecting the first bracket 1 to each other below the battery pack 30. Therefore, the impact force F during a side collision is directed towards the impact side (in front of the battery pack 30) before being input to the second battery storage section 32. Figure 2 In the example, the first bracket 1 on the left side of vehicle 20 is the input. This avoids directly inputting the impact force F to the second battery storage unit 32, thus easily protecting the second battery storage unit 32.

[0102] Furthermore, if the first bracket 1 shifts inward in the vehicle width direction due to the impact force F, the impact force F will also be absorbed by the elastic connection 6 located between the first bracket 1 and the second battery storage section 32. Therefore, the impact force F input to the second battery storage section 32 is further reduced.

[0103] Additionally, the impact force F input to the first bracket 1 on the collision side is transmitted through the second bracket 2 to the opposite side (the non-collision side). Figure 2 In the example, the first bracket 1 (on the right side of vehicle 20) transmits the force. At this time, the second bracket 2 acts like a push rod, suppressing the deformation of the frame-side bracket 4, and the impact force F is absorbed by the frame-side bracket 4 as a whole.

[0104] Therefore, when vehicle 20 is involved in a side collision, the impact force F is absorbed not only by the trapezoidal frame 40 but also by the frame side bracket 4 of the support device 10. Thus, in the aforementioned vehicle 20, compared to a vehicle without the support device 10, deformation of the trapezoidal frame 40 can be suppressed.

[0105] (1) As described above, according to the support device 10, since the impact force F during a side collision is absorbed by the frame side bracket 4, the impact force F transmitted to the second battery storage section 32 can be reduced. Furthermore, by having the frame side bracket 4 absorb the impact force F in this way, deformation of the trapezoidal frame 40 is suppressed, thus preventing the side beam 41 from displacing inward in the vehicle width direction and contacting the first battery storage section 31. Therefore, the impact force F transmitted to the first battery storage section 31 can also be reduced. This improves the protection performance of the battery pack 30.

[0106] Furthermore, the second bracket 2, located below the battery pack 30, easily protects the battery pack 30 from flying debris such as stones and sand from the road surface. This also improves the protection performance of the battery pack 30.

[0107] Furthermore, since the frame side bracket 4 is connected to two battery side brackets 5, it is easier to align the frame side bracket 4 and the battery side bracket 5 compared to a configuration where only one battery side bracket is connected to one frame side bracket, and the positional accuracy can be improved. In addition, since the support device 10 and the battery pack 30 can be assembled and installed on the trapezoidal frame 40, the assemblability of the battery pack 30 relative to the trapezoidal frame 40 can be improved.

[0108] (2) Since the first bracket 1 has flange portions 1f that protrude outward in the vehicle width direction from its front edge and rear edge respectively, the strength and rigidity of the first bracket 1 can be improved. As a result, deformation of the first bracket 1 can be suppressed, and the protection performance of the battery pack 30 can be further improved.

[0109] (3) In the first bracket 1, the upper part 1a of the web plate 41a fixed to the side beam 41 and the middle part 1b connected to the lower part 1c of the second bracket 2 extend from the upper part 1a outward and downward in the vehicle width direction, so it is easy to avoid interference with the second battery storage part 32. Therefore, even if the second battery storage part 32 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction than the side beam 41, it is easy to configure the first bracket 1 with a gap between it and the second battery storage part 32. Therefore, even if the first bracket 1 is displaced inward in the vehicle width direction due to the impact force F during a side collision, the first bracket 1 is unlikely to come into contact with the second battery storage part 32, so the protection performance of the second battery storage part 32 can be further improved.

[0110] (4) Since a third bracket 3 is provided that protrudes inward from the lower part 1c of the first bracket 1 in the vehicle width direction, and the elastic connecting part 6 is fixed to the second bracket 2 and the third bracket 3 respectively, the elastic connecting part 6 can be fixed at two locations relative to the frame side bracket 4. As a result, the stability (shape retention) of the elastic connecting part 6 relative to the frame side bracket 4 is improved, and the battery pack 30 can be supported more stably. As a result, the reliability of the battery pack 30 can be improved.

[0111] (5) In the first bracket 1, the upper part 1a, which serves as the mounting portion for the web 41a of the side beam 41, is prone to applying the greatest stress. In the first bracket 1 described above, the longitudinal dimension L1 of the upper part 1a is larger than that of other parts, so the strength and rigidity of the upper part 1a can be ensured while suppressing the dimensions of other parts. Therefore, the deformation of the first bracket 1 can be suppressed while suppressing the increase in the weight of the support device 10.

[0112] (6) The cross-section of the second bracket 2, which is orthogonal to the vehicle width direction, is box-shaped, which can improve the strength and rigidity of the second bracket 2 relative to the impact force F in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the deformation of the second battery pack 2 under the impact force F during a side collision is suppressed, thus further improving the protection performance of the battery pack 30.

[0113] (7) Since the first bracket 1 has a lightweight hole 1h, it helps to reduce the weight of the support device 10. In addition, the first bracket 1 has the flange portion 1f as described above, in addition to having a lightweight hole 1h, so the flange portion 1f can suppress the reduction in strength and rigidity caused by the lightweight hole 1h while achieving weight reduction. Thus, in the first bracket 1, both weight reduction and the assurance of strength and rigidity can be achieved. Moreover, the diameter D of the lightweight hole 1h is set to be larger than the minimum length dimension L2 of the first bracket 1, so compared with the case where the diameter D of the lightweight hole 1h is set to be smaller than the minimum length dimension L2, the weight of the first bracket 1 can be further reduced.

[0114] (8) Since the second bracket 2 has a lightweight hole 2h, it helps to reduce the weight of the support device 10. In addition, besides having a lightweight hole 2h, the cross-section of the second bracket 2 orthogonal to the vehicle width direction is box-shaped, so the reduction in strength and rigidity caused by the lightweight hole 2h can be suppressed through the cross-sectional structure described above while achieving weight reduction. Thus, in the second bracket 2, both weight reduction and the assurance of strength and rigidity can be achieved.

[0115] (9) The width dimension W2 of the second battery storage section 32 is larger than the width dimension W1 of the first battery storage section 31. Therefore, the second space S2, which is less restricted than the first space S1 whose width dimension is restricted by the side beam 41, can be effectively utilized to increase the battery capacity of the battery pack 30. Thus, the battery capacity can be increased while ensuring the layout of the battery pack 30.

[0116] On the other hand, the second battery storage unit 32, which has a larger vehicle width dimension W2 than the first battery storage unit 31, is more susceptible to impact force F from the outer side of the vehicle width direction during a side collision. However, according to the support device 10, as described above, the impact force F transmitted to the second battery storage unit 32 can be reduced by the frame side bracket 4. Therefore, it is possible to improve the protection performance of the battery pack 30 while increasing the battery capacity.

[0117] [3. Variations]

[0118] The battery pack 30 described above is one example. The support device 10 can also be applied to... Figure 7 The battery pack 30' shown is used instead of the aforementioned battery pack 30. Furthermore, in Figure 7 In this document, elements that are the same as or correspond to those described in the above embodiments are marked with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0119] In this modified battery pack 30′, the width dimension W2′ of the second battery storage section 32′ differs from that of the battery pack 30 shown in the above embodiment. Specifically, in the battery pack 30′, the width dimension W2′ of the second battery storage section 32′ is set to be the same as the width dimension W1 of the first battery storage section 31.

[0120] Furthermore, in this modified example, the first battery storage section 31 and the second battery storage section 32' are also aligned with the centerline in the vehicle width direction (refer to...). Figure 7 The dots and dashes in the diagram are arranged in a consistent manner. As a result, the battery pack 30' appears rectangular when viewed from the front (from the length of the vehicle).

[0121] According to this modified example, the battery pack 30' has a simplified shape compared to the battery pack 30 of the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, since the second battery storage section 32' is located on the inner side of the side beam 41 in the vehicle width direction and is easily separated from the first bracket 1, it is difficult to transmit the impact force F in the event of a side collision. Therefore, the protective performance of the second battery storage section 32' can be improved.

[0122] Furthermore, the battery pack using the support device 10 only needs to have a first battery storage section disposed in the first space S1, a second battery storage section disposed in the second space S2, and batteries stored in these battery storage sections, and its specific shape and size are not particularly limited.

[0123] The shapes of the first bracket 1, the second bracket 2, and the third bracket 3 described above are also examples. Additionally, the shape of the battery-side bracket 5 described above is also an example.

[0124] The third bracket 3 can also be omitted. By omitting the third bracket 3 from the frame-side bracket 4, in the event of a side collision with the vehicle 20, as described above, the impact force F is absorbed by the first bracket 1 before being input to the second battery storage unit 32, and is also transmitted from the first bracket 1 to the second bracket 2 and absorbed entirely by the frame-side bracket 4. Therefore, similar to the embodiment described above, the protection performance of the battery pack can be improved.

[0125] The vehicle 20 using the support device 10 is not limited to electric vehicles that only have the aforementioned motor unit 51 as a drive source, but can also be a hybrid vehicle that also has an engine as a drive source. In addition, the support device 10 can be applied to various vehicles with a trapezoidal frame 40, and can also be applied to commercial vehicles other than trucks.

[0126] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0127] 1: First bracket

[0128] 1a: upper part

[0129] 1b: Middle section

[0130] 1c: lower part

[0131] 1d: Through hole

[0132] 1e: Through hole

[0133] 1f: Flange portion

[0134] 1h: Lightweight orifice

[0135] 2: Second bracket

[0136] 2a: End

[0137] 2b: Upper surface portion

[0138] 2c: Lower surface portion

[0139] 2d: Through hole

[0140] 2e: Access Hole

[0141] 2h: Lightweight orifice

[0142] 2g: Through hole

[0143] 3: Third bracket

[0144] 3a: Ring section

[0145] 3b: Installation Department

[0146] 3c: Through hole

[0147] 3d: Through hole

[0148] 4: Frame side bracket

[0149] 5: Battery side bracket

[0150] 6: Flexible connecting part

[0151] 6a: First fixing part

[0152] 6b: Second fixing part

[0153] 6c: Third fixing part

[0154] 6d: Elastomer

[0155] 7: Fasteners

[0156] 8: Fasteners

[0157] 10: Support device (support device for vehicle battery packs)

[0158] 20: Vehicles (electric vehicles)

[0159] 21: Driver's cab

[0160] 22: Cargo Box

[0161] 23: Rear Axle

[0162] 24: Rear wheel

[0163] 30, 30′: Battery pack

[0164] 31: Battery Storage Section 1

[0165] 32, 32': Second battery storage section

[0166] 32a: End face

[0167] 33: Battery

[0168] 40: Trapezoidal Frame

[0169] 41: Side beam

[0170] 41a: Web

[0171] 41b: Flange

[0172] 41c: Through hole

[0173] 42: Crossbeam

[0174] 50: Drive unit

[0175] 51: Motor Unit

[0176] 52: Gear Unit

[0177] D: Diameter of the light-gauge orifice (1h)

[0178] F: Impact force

[0179] L1: Dimension in the length direction of the upper part 1a

[0180] L2: Dimension of the lower half of the vehicle in the length direction of the lower part 1c

[0181] S1: First Space

[0182] S2: Second Space

[0183] W1: Width dimension of the first battery storage section 31

[0184] W2: Vehicle width dimension of the second battery storage section 32

[0185] W2′: Vehicle width dimension of the second battery storage section 32′

[0186] X: Distance between side beams 41

Claims

1. A support device for a vehicle battery pack, for supporting the battery pack, The battery pack includes: The first battery storage unit is located in the first space between a pair of side beams that constitute the trapezoidal frame of the vehicle; The second battery storage section is disposed in the second space which is lower than the first space, and is continuous with the first battery storage section; And the battery, housed in the first battery storage section and the second battery storage section. The support device for the vehicle battery pack is characterized in that it includes: The frame side bracket has a first bracket that extends outward and downward from the side beam in the vehicle width direction, and a second bracket that connects the first bracket to each other below the battery pack. A battery side bracket protrudes outward from the end face of the second battery storage unit in the vehicle width direction; and The elastic connecting part elastically connects the frame side bracket and the battery side bracket. The frame side bracket has a third bracket that protrudes inward from the first bracket in the vehicle width direction. The elastic connecting part is fixed to the second bracket and the third bracket respectively.

2. The support device for a vehicle battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first bracket has flange portions that protrude outwards from the front edge and the rear edge in the vehicle width direction, respectively.

3. The support device for a vehicle battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length dimension of the first bracket, which is fixed to the upper part of the web of the side beam, is larger than the length dimension of the other parts.

4. The support device for a vehicle battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-section of the second bracket, which is orthogonal to the vehicle width direction, is box-shaped.

5. The support device for a vehicle battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first bracket has a lightweight hole.

6. The support device for a vehicle battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width dimension of the second battery storage unit is larger than that of the first battery storage unit in the vehicle width direction.

7. The support device for a vehicle battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width dimension of the second battery storage unit is the same as that of the first battery storage unit.

8. An electric vehicle, characterized in that, A support device for a vehicle battery pack as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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