trailer

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a trailer. A battery frame is fixed to a chassis, and a battery pack is assembled to the battery frame. The battery frame includes a pair of cross bars and a pair of side bars. The cross bars extend in a vehicle width direction while being spaced apart in a vehicle front-rear direction, and both ends in the vehicle width direction are fixed to a longitudinal beam. The side bars extend in the vehicle front-rear direction while being spaced apart in the vehicle width direction, and front and rear ends are detachably fixed to the cross bars.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This article discloses a trailer, which is a towed vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-103373 (JP 2019-103373 A) discloses a trailer equipped with a battery. In this document, the battery is charged using the rotational power of the trailer's wheels. For example, if the trailer is a camping trailer, power is supplied from the charging battery to electrical equipment installed in the trailer's cargo compartment.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-126250 (JP 2012-126250 A) discloses a detachable auxiliary drive device including a battery cell and an electric motor. When the pre-charged auxiliary drive device is attached to a trailer, it drives the trailer's wheels. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are equipped with battery packs that serve as the driving power source. For example, a battery pack includes multiple battery cells and a casing that houses these multiple battery cells.

[0005] Battery packs that have deteriorated to the point where they can no longer provide the high output and high capacity required to power the vehicle are removed from the vehicle. A reuse method known as repurposement is known, in which the removed battery pack is used for purposes other than providing power to drive the vehicle.

[0006] As an example of reuse, it is conceivable to install battery packs removed from vehicles on trailers and use them as power sources for air conditioning in containers on the trailers, or for electrical equipment installed in kitchen trailers.

[0007] However, the shape of the battery pack varies depending on the vehicle type, and there is a risk that so-called customization work may be required when installing the battery pack on a trailer, such as removing certain parts of the battery pack or changing the casing.

[0008] Therefore, the trailer disclosed in this specification is a trailer that can be equipped with various battery packs of different shapes.

[0009] This specification discloses a trailer. The trailer includes a chassis, a battery pack, and a battery frame. The chassis includes a pair of longitudinal beams and a pair of crossbeams. The longitudinal beams are arranged at both ends in the vehicle width direction and extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The crossbeams connect the front and rear ends of the longitudinal beams and extend in the vehicle width direction. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells and a housing for accommodating the battery cells. The battery frame is fixed to the chassis, and the battery pack is assembled to the battery frame. The battery frame includes a pair of crossbars and a pair of side bars. The crossbars extend in the vehicle width direction and are spaced apart in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and are fixed at both ends to the longitudinal beams in the vehicle width direction. The side bars extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction and are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction, and are detachably fixed at their front and rear ends to the crossbars.

[0010] As described above, the side bar is detachable, allowing it to move relative to the crossbar in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, various types of battery packs with different vehicle width dimensions can be assembled into the battery frame.

[0011] Similarly, in the above configuration, the trailer includes wheels that are pivotally supported by the chassis. The battery pack is electrically disconnected from the drive mechanism that drives the wheels and the regenerative braking mechanism that regenerates the braking of the wheels.

[0012] According to the above construction, even if the reusable battery pack does not meet the specifications required for wheel drive and regenerative braking, the battery pack can still be installed on a trailer as a power source for, for example, a container mounted on a trailer.

[0013] In the above configuration, both ends of the crossbar in the vehicle width direction can be fixed to the longitudinal beams via side brackets. In this case, each of the side brackets extends downward from a corresponding longitudinal beam. Furthermore, a corresponding crossbar is fixed to the lower end of each of the side brackets. Therefore, the battery frame is positioned below the chassis.

[0014] According to the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the top surface of the battery placed on the battery frame from protruding from the chassis and avoid interference between the floor of the container placed on the chassis and the top surface of the battery.

[0015] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the battery frame can be positioned behind the wheel axle.

[0016] According to the above structure, interference between the battery pack and vehicle equipment (such as braking mechanisms) around the wheels can be avoided.

[0017] The trailer disclosed in this specification can be used to carry various battery packs of different shapes. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a trailer according to an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2 The battery pack and battery frame were removed from Figure 1 Perspective view when removed from the middle;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the battery frame being attached to the trailer according to this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 4 This is an enlarged perspective view of the outer perimeter of the battery frame;

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A further enlarged perspective view; and

[0024] Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view showing a trailer and a container mounted on the trailer. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The trailer according to an embodiment is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The shapes, materials, numbers, and values ​​described below are examples for illustration and may be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the trailer. In the following drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals throughout.

[0026] exist Figures 1 to 6 In this system, an orthogonal coordinate system consisting of the "Front" (FR), "Right" (RW), and "Up" (UP) axes is used to represent the position and orientation of each component. The front axle is the vehicle's forward-backward axis, with the forward direction of the vehicle as its positive direction. The right axle is the vehicle's width axis, with the right side of the vehicle as its positive direction. The up axle is the vehicle's vertical axis, with the top of the vehicle as its positive direction.

[0027] Figure 1 The figure illustrates a trailer 10 according to this embodiment. The trailer 10 is a towed vehicle pulled by a vehicle (not shown). For example, the chassis 20 of the trailer 10 is equipped with a vehicle such as... Figure 6 The container 100 shown is, for example, a refrigerated container or a kitchen shed. As described later, the battery pack 50 is used as a power source for the electrical equipment installed in the container 100.

[0028] Reference Figure 1The trailer 10 includes a chassis 20 and a drawbar 30. The chassis 20 is a rectangular frame in plan view and includes a pair of longitudinal beams 24A, 24B and a pair of crossbeams 22A, 22B. For example, the pair of longitudinal beams 24A, 24B and the pair of crossbeams 22A, 22B are welded together with each other.

[0029] The longitudinal beams 24A and 24B are frame components arranged at both ends of the trailer 10 in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction. For example, the longitudinal beams 24A and 24B are channel steel, and the groove openings face inward in the vehicle width direction.

[0030] Crossbeams 22A and 22B are frame members extending in the vehicle width direction by connecting the front and rear ends of the pair of longitudinal beams 24A and 24B. For example, crossbeams 22A and 22B can be channel steel. For example, the groove opening of crossbeam 22A located at the front of the vehicle faces downward.

[0031] The groove opening of the crossbeam 22B located at the rear of the vehicle faces the front of the vehicle. The groove width of the crossbeam 22B is set to exceed the groove width of the longitudinal beams 24A and 24B, and the rear ends of the longitudinal beams 24A and 24B are accommodated in the groove of the crossbeam 22B.

[0032] License plate 21, reflector 23, brake light 25, and turn signal 27 are attached to the rear surface of crossbeam 22B. Brake light 25 and turn signal 27 are connected to an electrical connector (not shown). The electrical connector is connected to the electrical system of the towing vehicle. Therefore, brake light 25 and turn signal 27 can be activated in conjunction with the operation of the towing vehicle's brake pedal and direction indicator switch.

[0033] The tow bar 30 is a linkage member that extends from the chassis 20 to the front of the vehicle. For example, the tow bar 30 has an easel-shaped frame member in plan view. The rear end of the tow bar 30 is fixed to the longitudinal beams 24A and 24B, and the tow bar 30 extends forward at an angle from the rear end toward the vehicle center in the vehicle width direction. The tow bar 30 is also supported by the support beam 36 and the crossbeam 22A.

[0034] A hook connector 32 and a locking lever 34 are provided at the front end of the tow bar 30. The hook connector 32 is placed on the hook ball of the hook member (not shown) provided on the rear surface of the towing vehicle. In addition, the hook connector 32 is fixed to the hook ball by tilting the locking lever 34.

[0035] Reference Figure 2 A pair of wheels 40 are pivotally supported by longitudinal beams 24A and 24B. For example, wheels 40 are pivotally supported by longitudinal beams 24A and 24B via a suspension mechanism. Figure 2 The example shows a torsion suspension with torsion bar 42 as the suspension mechanism.

[0036] As a braking mechanism for the wheels 40, 40, the trailer 10 is equipped with an inertial braking mechanism. Cable 44 extends from the wheels 40, 40 towards the front of the vehicle. The front end of cable 44 is attached to the rear surface of the towing vehicle. If the coupling 32 detaches from the coupling member of the towing vehicle during towing, the trailer 10 will be left behind the towing vehicle and will separate from it. At this time, cable 44 is pulled by the towing vehicle, thereby activating the braking mechanism (not shown) located inside the wheels 40, 40 to stop the trailer 10.

[0037] Power supply equipment

[0038] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The space from the torsion bar 42, which serves as the axle of the wheels 40, to the crossbeam 22B at the rear of the vehicle is used as the mounting area for the battery pack 50. By adopting this layout, interference between the battery pack 50 and braking mechanisms such as inertial brakes can be avoided.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The battery frame 60 is fixed to the longitudinal beams 24A and 24B of the chassis 20. The battery pack 50, power unit 52, and charging unit 54 are assembled onto the battery frame 60. For example, the power unit 52, battery pack 50, and charging unit 54 are arranged on the battery frame 60 along the width direction of the vehicle.

[0040] The charging unit 54 is an electronic device unit that controls the charging of the battery pack 50. The charging unit 54 includes, for example, an inverter and a DC-DC converter. For example, a charging interface 56 is provided on the outer surface of the longitudinal beam 24A in the vehicle width direction. When a charging connector (not shown) of an external charging facility is inserted into the charging interface 56, alternating current (AC) power is supplied from the charging connector to the charging unit 54. The inverter of the charging unit 54 converts the supplied power between AC and DC. Furthermore, the DC-DC converter of the charging unit 54 boosts the DC voltage to a voltage suitable for charging the battery pack 50.

[0041] Power supply unit 52 controls the power supply to battery pack 50. Power supply unit 52 is electrically connected to battery pack 50 and socket 106 of container 100 (see [link]). Figure 6 For example, a cable (not shown) extends from power supply unit 52 to socket 106.

[0042] Power supply unit 52 includes, for example, an inverter and a DC / DC converter. For instance, direct current (DC) is supplied by battery pack 50. The DC / DC converter in power supply unit 52 progressively reduces the DC voltage to the rated voltage of electrical equipment (e.g., air conditioning, cooking equipment, etc.) connected to socket 106. Furthermore, the DC power is converted to alternating current (AC) by the inverter, and the converted AC power is supplied to the electrical equipment.

[0043] For example, power supply unit 52 and charging unit 54 house electronic devices such as inverters and DC / DC converters within the housing. Power supply unit 52 and charging unit 54 are secured to battery frame 60 such that the top surface of the housing is positioned below the top surfaces of longitudinal beams 24A, 24B. This securing method will be described later.

[0044] For example, the battery pack 50 is positioned on the battery frame 60 at the center in the vehicle width direction. For example, the battery pack 50 is a package in which, in addition to multiple battery cells, electrical components such as the battery electronic control unit (ECU), cooling blower, current sensor, voltage sensor, and temperature sensor are housed within the housing.

[0045] For example, battery pack 50 is a so-called reusable product that was previously installed as a power source for vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) or battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and was removed from the vehicle due to degradation. For example, when battery pack 50 is removed from the original vehicle, it is installed on trailer 10 without undergoing custom work such as replacing the internal battery cells or modifying the casing.

[0046] The power source used to drive the vehicle is required to have high output and high capacity sufficient to power heavy vehicles. When the battery pack 50 is used as a power source to drive the vehicle for an extended period, the internal battery cells degrade. The battery pack 50, whose output and capacity no longer meet the requirements for driving the vehicle, is removed from the vehicle.

[0047] After being removed, the battery pack 50 is used as a power source for other purposes based on its output, capacity, etc. For example, in the trailer 10 according to this embodiment, the battery pack 50 is used as a power source for electrical equipment in the container 100 (see [link]). Figure 6 ).

[0048] For example, container 100 is a kitchen hut used to provide cooking and sales services. That is, trailer 10 is used as a kitchen trailer. In this case, container 100 is equipped with a refrigerator, water pump, and lighting equipment as electrical equipment for the shop.

[0049] Battery pack 50 is specifically designed for use as a power source for these electrical devices in the store. In other words, battery pack 50 is not used as a power source for driving the vehicle, which was its previous purpose. For example, battery pack 50 is electrically disconnected from the drive mechanism that drives the wheels 40 of the trailer 10 and the regenerative braking mechanism that applies regenerative braking to the wheels 40.

[0050] For example, trailer 10 is not equipped with a rotary motor for driving and regenerative braking of wheels 40. In this configuration, the battery pack 50 is charged only externally via charging interface 56, and other charging methods are excluded from trailer 10. Furthermore, the power supply destination for battery pack 50 is exclusively the socket 106 and electrical equipment within container 100, and other onboard electrical equipment (e.g., brake lights 25 and turn signals 27) are excluded from the power supply destination for battery pack 50.

[0051] As described above, in the trailer 10 according to this embodiment, the battery pack 50 is specifically used as a power source for electrical equipment within the container 100. For example, if the battery pack 50 has the same quality as a stationary power source (i.e., household power), then the battery pack 50 is permitted to be installed on the trailer 10. This allows battery packs 50 with different degrees of degradation to be installed on the trailer 10.

[0052] Furthermore, for example, if a portable battery or similar device is separately installed in the container 100 as the power source for the store within the container 100, the usable space of the container 100 will be reduced accordingly. Therefore, in the trailer 10 according to this embodiment, the battery pack 50 serving as the power source for the store is housed inside the chassis 20 of the trailer 10, in other words, below the floor of the container 100. Thus, it is possible to avoid the power source occupying part of the usable space of the container 100.

[0053] Battery frame

[0054] The battery frame 60 is a grid-like mounting frame that is secured to the chassis 20 of the trailer 10. The battery pack 50 is assembled onto the battery frame 60. (See reference...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The battery frame 60 includes a pair of crossbars 61A and 61B and a pair of sidebars 64A and 64B.

[0055] Crossbars 61A and 61B are frame members that extend in the width direction of the vehicle and are spaced apart in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, and are fixed at both ends in the width direction of the vehicle to longitudinal beams 24A and 24B. Crossbars 61A and 61B are made of, for example, square steel tubing (square tube).

[0056] Reference Figure 4The two ends of the pair of crossbars 61A and 61B in the vehicle width direction are fixed to the longitudinal beams 24A and 24B via side brackets 70A and 70B and lower brackets 72A and 72B. Figures 3 to 5 The left-side side supports 70A and 70B and the left-side lower supports 72A and 72B are not shown. However, based on the symmetry of the vehicle structure, a structure with the same characteristics as the left end of the pair of crossbars 61A and 61B is provided. Figures 3 to 5 The structure shown is symmetrical, with side supports 70A and 70B and lower supports 72A and 72B.

[0057] Figure 5 The figure shows an enlarged perspective view of the side bracket 70A and the lower bracket 72A. The side bracket 70B and the lower bracket 72B also have the same... Figure 5 The same structure is shown. The side bracket 70A is inserted into the groove of the longitudinal beam 24A at its outer end in the vehicle width direction. The side bracket 70A is welded to the longitudinal beam 24A, for example, as shown by weld bead 70A1.

[0058] The inner portion of the side bracket 70A in the vehicle width direction extends downward from the longitudinal beam 24A. The lower end of the side bracket 70A is fixed to the crossbar 61A via the lower bracket 72A. The lower bracket 72A is, for example, a channel steel, and the groove extends in the vehicle width direction.

[0059] The lower end of the side bracket 70A enters the groove of the lower bracket 72A. The side bracket 70A and the lower bracket 72A are fixed by welding, as shown in weld 70A2.

[0060] The lower end (bottom of the groove) of the lower bracket 72A is connected to the end of the crossbar 61A in the vehicle width direction. The lower bracket 72A is welded to the crossbar 61A as shown in weld bead 72A1.

[0061] Since the longitudinal beam 24A, side bracket 70A, lower bracket 72A, and crossbar 61A are fixed by welding, the crossbar 61A is fixed to the longitudinal beam 24A (and longitudinal beam 24B) in a non-removable state. Similarly, the crossbar 61B is fixed to the longitudinal beams 24A and 24B in a non-removable state. That is, the separation distance between the crossbars 61A and 61B in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, in other words, maintains a constant width for the battery frame 60 across the vehicle.

[0062] For example, when various battery packs 50 with different shapes to be assembled into the battery frame 60 have the same front and rear dimensions of the vehicle, the separation distance between the crossbars 61A and 61B is fixed so that the installation of the battery packs 50 can be carried out smoothly.

[0063] For example, when the battery pack 50 is used as a power source to drive the vehicle, the battery pack 50 is installed under the rear seat of the vehicle. Since the width of the rear seat of a vehicle is almost constant in different types of vehicles, various battery packs 50 with different shapes can be installed on the battery frame 60 by setting the separation distance between the crossbars 61A and 61B to this width of the rear seat.

[0064] Additionally, refer to Figure 4 Crossbars 61A and 61B are fixed to longitudinal beams 24A and 24B via side supports 70A and 70B and lower supports 72A and 72B, thereby positioning the battery frame 60 below the chassis 20. Figure 5 As shown in the containment depth H1 (which will be described later), the battery frame 60 is positioned lower than the chassis 20 (sunken position) so as to prevent the battery pack 50 from protruding from the chassis 20.

[0065] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 Side bars 64A and 64B extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and separate in the width direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the front and rear ends of side bars 64A and 64B are fixed to the pair of crossbars 61A and 61B. For example, side bars 64A and 64B are made of square steel tubing (square tube).

[0066] Cutouts 65A and 65B are provided at the front and rear ends of side bars 64A and 64B, respectively. When the front and rear ends of side bars 64A and 64B are placed on crossbars 61A and 61B, cutouts 65A and 65B are used for alignment.

[0067] Side bars 64A and 64B are detachably fixed to crossbars 61A and 61B. Side bars 64A and 64B are fastened and fixed to crossbars 61A and 61B using, for example, bolts and nuts.

[0068] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 Multiple fastening holes 62A1 to 62A6 are drilled along the width direction of the vehicle on the top surface of crossbar 61A. Multiple fastening holes 62B1 to 62B6 are also drilled along the width direction of the vehicle on the top surface of crossbar 61B. For example, three fastening holes are provided at the front end and three at the rear end of side bars 64A and 64B.

[0069] The fastening holes 62A1 to 62A6 and 62B1 to 62B6 of the side rods 64A and 64B are defined according to the vehicle width dimension of the battery pack 50, which is the mounting object. For example, the front and rear ends of the side rods 64A and 64B slide on the crossbars 61A and 61B, and are then fixed to the crossbars 61A and 61B with bolts and nuts. Since the separation distance of the side rods 64A and 64B in the vehicle width direction can be flexibly set in this way, battery packs 50 of various shapes can be mounted on the battery frame 60.

[0070] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Support members for supporting the battery pack 50, power unit 52 and charging unit 54 are attached to the longitudinal beams 24A and 24B, the crossbars 61A and 61B and the side bars 64A and 64B.

[0071] For example, a pair of support straps 68A, 68A extend across side member 24A and side rod 64A. Similarly, a pair of support straps 68B, 68B extend across longitudinal beam 24B and side rod 64B. For example, as Figure 5 As shown, support straps 68A and 68B are attached to the bottom walls of longitudinal beams 24A and 24B and side bars 64A and 64B. Power supply unit 52 and charging unit 54 are supported from their bottom surfaces by support straps 68A and 68B.

[0072] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 L-shaped brackets 63A, 63B, 66A, and 66B are attached to crossbars 61A and 61B and side bar 64A. For example, refer to... Figure 5 The vertical plates of L-shaped brackets 63A, 63B, 66A, and 66B are fixed by welding to the side walls of horizontal bars 61A and 61B and side bars 64A. Multiple fastening holes are drilled in the horizontal plates.

[0073] L-shaped brackets 63A, 63B, 66A, and 66B are adjacent to the bottom wall of the battery pack 50 to support the battery pack 50. In addition, fastening holes (not shown) provided on the bottom wall of the battery pack 50 are axially aligned with the fastening holes of the corresponding L-shaped brackets 63A, 63B, 66A, and 66B for fastening and fixing.

[0074] Reference Figure 5 The height H1 from the side plate of the L-shaped bracket 66A to the top surface of the longitudinal beam 24A can be regarded as the housing depth of the battery pack 50.

[0075] When the type of battery pack 50 that can be mounted on trailer 10 is known, the maximum height (battery pack thickness) of various shapes of battery pack 50 is standard. For example, refer to Figure 5The upper axial dimension of the side bracket 70A and the lower bracket 72A is defined such that the accommodating depth H1 has a value greater than the maximum height (maximum thickness) H0 of the various battery packs 50 (H0

[0076] exist Figure 5 In the example, the side brackets 70A (70B) and the lower bracket 72A (72B) are fixed by welding. However, the side brackets 70A (70B) and the lower bracket 72A (72B) can be fixed using a detachable fixing means (e.g., fastening). In this case, the height position of the lower bracket 72A (72B) relative to the side bracket 70A (70B) can be adjusted by drilling multiple fastening holes in the height direction.

[0077] In this way, by making the accommodating depth H1 greater than the height H0 of the battery pack 50, the battery pack 50 is prevented from protruding from the chassis 20. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The container 100, placed on the chassis 20, is provided with a grid-like floor frame 104, which serves as a reinforcing member for the floor 102.

[0078] To facilitate user movement within the container 100, the floor 102 and floor frame 104 can be configured to be flat. In this case, since the protrusion of the battery pack 50 from the chassis 20 is suppressed on the trailer 10 side, interference between the battery pack 50 and the floor frame 104 can be avoided. In other words, the assembly of the container 100 onto the trailer 10 can be carried out smoothly.​

Claims

1. A trailer, comprising: A chassis comprising a pair of longitudinal beams and a pair of transverse beams, the pair of longitudinal beams being arranged at both ends in the vehicle width direction and extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the pair of transverse beams connecting the front end and rear end of the longitudinal beams and extending in the vehicle width direction. A battery pack comprising a plurality of battery cells and a housing that accommodates the plurality of battery cells; as well as A battery frame is fixed to the chassis and the battery pack is assembled to the battery frame, wherein the battery frame includes... A pair of crossbars extending in the vehicle width direction and spaced apart in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and fixed at both ends in the vehicle width direction to the longitudinal beam, and A pair of side bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle, with their front and rear ends detachably fixed to the crossbar, such that the side bars are movable relative to the crossbar in the width direction of the vehicle. The trailer further includes wheels pivotally supported by the chassis, wherein the battery pack is electrically disconnected from the drive mechanism that drives the wheels and the regenerative braking mechanism that regenerates the braking of the wheels; the trailer is not equipped with a rotary motor for driving the wheels and regenerative braking of the wheels, the battery pack is externally charged only through an external charging interface, and the power supply destination of the battery pack is only a socket in the container installed on the trailer and the electrical equipment in the container; The crossbar is fixed to the longitudinal beam at both ends in the vehicle width direction via side brackets. Each of the side supports extends downward from a corresponding longitudinal beam. A corresponding crossbar is fixed to the lower end of each of the side supports, and The battery frame is positioned below the chassis.

2. The trailer according to claim 1, wherein, The battery frame is positioned behind the axle of the wheel.

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