Support device for driving battery

Abstract

A support device for a drive battery (4) mounted on an electric vehicle is provided with a battery-side bracket (5) and connection brackets (6). The battery side bracket (5) is provided with a front bracket (7F) which covers the front edge part of the battery and has a U-shaped cross section, a rear bracket (7 (R)) which covers the rear edge part of the battery and has a U-shaped cross section, a right bracket (8R) which covers the right edge part of the battery and has a U-shaped cross section, and a left bracket (8L) which covers the left edge part of the battery and has a U-shaped cross section. And connection brackets (6) which are respectively connected to the intersection of the front bracket (7F) and the right bracket (8R), the intersection of the front bracket (7F) and the left bracket (8L), the intersection of the rear bracket (7R) and the right bracket (8R), and the intersection of the rear bracket (7R) and the left bracket (8L), and which connect the drive battery (4) to the electric vehicle via the battery-side bracket (5). A lightweight hole (84) is formed in a trapezoidal specific region (A) in the upper surface portion (82) of the right bracket (8R) or the left bracket (8L).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support device for a driving battery suitable for use in a large electric vehicle such as a truck. Background Art

[0002] In the past, from the perspective of reducing the load on the environment, electric vehicles such as electric cars, hybrid cars, and fuel cell cars that run by supplying power from a driving battery to a motor have been developed in small vehicles such as passenger cars. In addition, in recent years, electric vehicles have also been developed in the field of large vehicles such as trucks (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-113063 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the case of a small vehicle such as a passenger car, the driving battery is mounted inside the vehicle body. The impact load generated by a vehicle collision is not directly applied to the driving battery. Therefore, the load resistance strength of the driving battery case can be set relatively low.

[0008] On the other hand, in the case of a large vehicle such as a truck, the driving battery is sometimes exposed and arranged below the ladder frame, and depending on the size of the driving battery, the driving battery is sometimes arranged outside the longitudinal beam of the ladder frame in the vehicle width direction. In this case, if a passenger car collides with the vehicle sideways, a high impact load may be applied to the driving battery.

[0009] Furthermore, even if the driving battery is not arranged outside the longitudinal beam of the ladder frame in the vehicle width direction, when the driving battery is exposed below the ladder frame, it is considered possible that a passenger car or the like collides with the side of the vehicle and applies a high impact load to the driving battery from below the longitudinal beam.

[0010] Furthermore, in the case of a frontal or rear collision of the vehicle, a high impact load may be applied to the driving battery due to the relationship with other components, etc. It is assumed that when a driving battery with a relatively low load-bearing strength of the housing, such as that used in a passenger car, is used in a vehicle such as a truck, the housing of the driving battery cannot withstand the impact load during a collision.

[0011] Therefore, a support device that supports the driving battery is required to have high load-bearing strength.

[0012] On the other hand, the distance that an electric vehicle can travel relative to the charging capacity of the driving battery is greatly related to the weight of the vehicle. Therefore, the support device for the driving battery is also required to be lightweight. In this case, lightweighting through lightweight holes can be considered, but the lightweight holes need to be set with full consideration of the load-bearing strength.

[0013] The present application has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objects is to provide a support device for a driving battery that can improve load-bearing strength and reduce weight by using lightweight holes.

[0014] Means for solving problems

[0015] The present application is made to solve at least a part of the above-mentioned problems and can be implemented as the following aspects or application examples.

[0016] (1) The driving battery support device of the present application example is a driving battery support device mounted on an electric vehicle, and is characterized in that the driving battery support device comprises: a battery side bracket, comprising a front bracket with a U-shaped cross section covering the front edge of the driving battery, a rear bracket with a U-shaped cross section covering the rear edge of the driving battery, a right bracket with a U-shaped cross section covering the right side edge of the driving battery, and a left bracket with a U-shaped cross section covering the left side edge of the driving battery, which are installed on the driving battery; and respective connecting brackets, wherein the respective connecting brackets are respectively connected to the front bracket and the rear bracket. The driving battery is connected to the electric vehicle via the battery side bracket at the intersection of the bracket and the right bracket, the intersection of the front bracket and the left bracket, the intersection of the rear bracket and the right bracket, and the intersection of the rear bracket and the left bracket, and a single or multiple lightweight holes are formed in the middle area in the longitudinal direction clamped by the connecting portion for connecting the connecting bracket and in a specific area of ​​the trapezoidal shape with the upper bottom facing the direction of the driving battery in the side edge bracket of at least one of the right bracket and the left bracket, and in at least one of the upper and lower parts.

[0017] According to this application example, a lightweight hole is formed in a specific trapezoidal area of ​​the upper or lower portion of the right bracket or the left bracket, and a large load-bearing strength is not required in the specific area. Therefore, it is possible to lightweight these brackets while ensuring the load-bearing strength required by the right bracket or the left bracket, thereby lightweighting the supporting device.

[0018] (2) In this application example, preferably, both ends of the lower base of the trapezoid of the specific region correspond to boundary portions on the vehicle width direction outer sides of the region where the brackets overlap each other in the intersection portion.

[0019] By setting the specific region in this way, it is possible to reduce the weight of the support device while further ensuring the required load-bearing strength.

[0020] (3) In this application example, preferably, the electric vehicle is a truck including a pair of left and right side beams, and the driving battery is connected to the pair of side beams via the connection bracket.

[0021] With such a configuration, when the electric vehicle collides (a side collision, a front collision, or a rear collision), the impact is absorbed by the side members, and damage to the driving battery can be suppressed.

[0022] (4) In this application example, it is preferable that the lightweight holes are formed as a plurality of vehicle component mounting holes that can be used to mount vehicle components.

[0023] With such a configuration, it is possible to easily mount vehicle components (small parts) on the support device, fix wiring, and the like.

[0024] (5) In this application example, preferably, an opening for operation is formed in a region of the longitudinal middle portion of the web portion of the side edge bracket, and a cover is attached to the opening.

[0025] By forming the opening for operation in this way, the driving battery pack can be approached through the opening, and the driving battery can be inspected and cleaned. In addition, the middle area of ​​the web portion in the longitudinal direction is an area that does not require high load resistance strength, so the opening can be formed while ensuring the load resistance strength.

[0026] Furthermore, by attaching a cover to the opening, the internal driving battery can be protected.

[0027] (6) In this application example, preferably, lightweight holes functioning as a plurality of vehicle component mounting holes that can be used to mount vehicle components are formed in the longitudinal middle region of the web portion of the side edge bracket.

[0028] With such a configuration, it is possible to easily mount vehicle components (small parts) on the support device, fix wiring, and the like.

[0029] Effects of the Invention

[0030] According to the present application, the support device for the driving battery can be made lighter by forming the lightweight holes while improving the load-bearing strength. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an exploded bracket for explaining the structure of the driving battery support device according to the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view showing the assembly process of a bracket of a driving battery support device.

[0033] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view showing the assembly process of a bracket of a driving battery support device.

[0034] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 1 A perspective view showing a driving battery assembled to a vehicle body.

[0035] Figure 5 Yes Figure 1 The end beam (edge ​​bracket) of the driving battery support device shown in FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a part of the end beam (edge ​​bracket) being exploded.

[0036] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 A front view of the upper surface of a flange-shaped portion of an edge bracket of a support device for a driving battery shown.

[0037] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 1 A front view of the upper surface of a modified example of the flange-shaped portion of the edge bracket of the driving battery support device shown.

[0038] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 1 A front view of the outer side surface of a modified example of the web-shaped portion of the edge bracket of the driving battery support device shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The embodiments of the present application are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are always merely illustrative, and there is no intention to exclude the application of various modifications and technologies not explicitly stated in the embodiments. Each structure of the following embodiments can be implemented in various modifications within the scope of their main purpose. In addition, it is possible to select or appropriately combine as needed.

[0040] [1. Composition]

[0041] [1-1. Overall structure]

[0042] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the support device 1 of the vehicle battery pack of the present embodiment (also simply referred to as the support device 1) is mounted on an electric truck 3 having a ladder-shaped frame 2 constituting a skeleton of the vehicle body. The electric truck 3 is an electric vehicle that travels by supplying power from a driving battery pack ("driving battery", also simply referred to as "battery pack") 4 to an electric motor not shown. In addition to pure electric vehicles that are not equipped with an internal combustion engine, hybrid vehicles and fuel cell vehicles equipped with an internal combustion engine for a driving source or power generation are also included in the electric vehicle. In addition, the electric truck 3 is also referred to as an "electric vehicle 3" or "vehicle 3".

[0043] Hereinafter, the front-to-back direction of the electric truck 3 is also referred to as the vehicle length direction D1, and the left-to-right direction of the electric truck 3 is also referred to as the vehicle width direction D2. In addition, the up-down direction orthogonal to both the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right direction is also referred to as the vehicle height direction D3. In the accompanying drawings, the front is represented by "FR", the rear is represented by "RR", the left is represented by "LH", the right is represented by "RH", the top is represented by "UP", and the bottom is represented by "DW". In addition, in Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the lower structure of the electric truck 3 is shown, and the upper structure (vehicle body) arranged above the ladder-shaped frame 2 is omitted.

[0044] The ladder frame 2 is a member constituting the framework of the electric truck 3 and has high rigidity and strength. The ladder frame 2 includes a pair of longitudinal beams 21 extending in the vehicle length direction D1 and a plurality of transverse beams 22 extending in the vehicle width direction D2 and connecting the longitudinal beams 21 to each other.

[0045] The pair of longitudinal beams 21 are arranged to be separated from each other in the vehicle width direction D2. Each longitudinal beam 21 is formed into a channel shape (U-shaped cross section) having a plate-shaped web portion 21a along the vehicle length direction D1 and the vehicle height direction D3 and a pair of plate-shaped flange portions 21b and 21c extending from the upper edge and the lower edge of the web portion 21a toward the inner side of the vehicle width direction D2.

[0046] The plurality of cross beams 22 are disposed at a distance from each other in the vehicle length direction D1. Here, two cross beams 22 are disposed at two locations, one overlapping the battery pack 4 and the other behind the battery pack 4 in the vehicle height direction D3.

[0047] The battery pack 4 is suitable for a general high-voltage battery pack used in a passenger car, for example. In the electric truck 3, the battery pack 4 is mounted below a pair of longitudinal beams 21 and protrudes outward from each longitudinal beam 21 in the vehicle width direction D2. Here, a box-shaped battery pack 4 is exemplified, in which the dimension in the vehicle height direction D3 is smaller than the dimensions in the vehicle length direction D1 and the vehicle width direction D2 (thin). However, the shape of the battery pack 4 is not particularly limited.

[0048] The battery pack 4 has a pair of battery side surfaces 41 and 42 facing outward in the vehicle width direction D2. The pair of battery side surfaces 41 and 42 are respectively located outward in the vehicle width direction D2 relative to the pair of longitudinal beams 21. More specifically, the right battery side surface 41 is located to the right of the right longitudinal beam 21, and the left battery side surface 42 is located to the left of the left longitudinal beam 21.

[0049] Since the battery side surfaces 41 and 42 of the battery pack 4 are arranged on the outside of the longitudinal beam 21 in the vehicle width direction D2 as described above, it is ensured that the dimension of the vehicle width direction D2 is larger than the distance between the web portions 21a of the longitudinal beam 21. As a result, the battery pack 4 achieves a large capacity. In addition, in terms of ensuring the cruising range of the electric truck 3, the battery pack 4 is preferably arranged over a large range between the front axle and the rear axle. In a relatively small (shorter wheelbase) electric truck 3, one battery pack 4 may be arranged over substantially the entire area of ​​the wheelbase. In this case, the front wheel is arranged close to the front of the battery pack 4, and the rear wheel is arranged close to the rear of the battery pack 4.

[0050] In addition, the size of the electric truck 3 and the number of battery packs 4 are not limited to the examples in this embodiment. In a relatively large electric truck 3 (with a relatively long wheelbase), a plurality of battery packs 4 can be arranged in a row in the vehicle length direction D1. In this case, by configuring a plurality of battery packs 4 over a wide range of the wheelbase, the overall capacity of the battery pack 4 can be increased, and the cruising range can be ensured.

[0051] The support device 1 connects the battery pack 4 to the longitudinal beam 21 to support the battery pack 4. In other words, the battery pack 4 is supported by the longitudinal beam 21 via the support device 1. In the present embodiment, a support device 1 is exemplified that is bilaterally symmetrical (plane symmetrical) with a vertical plane passing through the center in the vehicle width direction D2 and extending in the vehicle length direction D1 as a symmetry plane.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the support device 1 includes a battery side bracket 5 for accommodating the battery pack 4 and a battery side bracket 5 and a longitudinal beam 21 (see Figure 4 ) is connected to the frame side bracket (connecting bracket) 6. The battery side bracket 5 is an outer wall body arranged on the outer periphery of the battery pack 4, and has the function of protecting the battery pack 4 from the impact load. On the other hand, the frame side bracket 6 extends from the longitudinal beam 21 to the outside and downward in the vehicle width direction D2, and has the function of suspending the battery pack 4 accommodated in the battery side bracket 5 from the longitudinal beam 21.

[0053] The battery side bracket 5 of the present embodiment includes a main bracket (front bracket) 7F configured to cover the front edge of the battery pack 4, a main bracket (rear bracket) 7R configured to cover the rear edge of the battery pack 4, an end cross beam (right bracket) 8R covering the right side edge 40RH of the battery pack 4, and an end cross beam (left bracket) 8L covering the left side edge 40LH of the battery pack 4.

[0054] The pair of main brackets 7F and 7R are of the same shape and are also referred to as main brackets 7 or brackets 7 when they are not distinguished. The pair of end beams 8R and 8L are also of the same shape and are also referred to as end beams 8, side brackets 8 or brackets 8 when they are not distinguished.

[0055] The pair of main brackets 7F and 7R are roughly symmetrically formed with a vertical plane passing through the center in the vehicle width direction D2 and extending in the vehicle length direction D1 as a symmetry plane. The main brackets 7F and 7R are also formed in a mutually symmetrical manner.

[0056] The pair of end cross members 8R, 8L are also formed symmetrically with each other in front and rear direction with the vertical plane passing through the center in the vehicle length direction D1 and extending in the vehicle width direction D2 as the symmetry plane. The end cross members 8R, 8L are also formed symmetrically with each other in the plane.

[0057] The main brackets 7F, 7R and the end cross beams 8R, 8L of this embodiment are formed of steel plates and formed into a channel shape. The battery-side bracket 5 is arranged to surround the battery pack 4 on all sides through the main brackets 7F, 7R and the end cross beams 8R, 8L.

[0058] In addition, in the present embodiment, high-strength steel is used as the material of each main bracket 7F, 7R and the end cross beams 8R, 8L (i.e., the battery side bracket 5). High-strength steel plate is, for example, a steel material whose tensile strength is defined as being greater than 490 MPa and less than 1000 MPa, but has the advantages of being thin-walled and corrosion-resistant. By using this steel material, the battery side bracket 5 and, by extension, the support device 1 can be made lighter while improving the load-bearing strength. In addition, the load-bearing strength required of the support device 1 is a strength that the support device 1 will not deform to the extent that the shell of the battery pack 4 is damaged even if it is subjected to a certain collision load when the vehicle collides (side collision, front collision, rear collision).

[0059] However, the material of the battery side bracket 5 is not limited thereto, and other steel materials or materials other than steel materials may also be used. If ultra-high strength steel having a tensile strength of 1000 MPa or more is used among steel materials with higher tensile strength, for example, it can be made even lighter, but the current situation is that ultra-high strength steel is more difficult to process than high strength steel, which also leads to increased costs. Therefore, high strength steel is used in this embodiment.

[0060] In addition, high-strength steel and ultra-high-strength steel may be defined differently depending on manufacturers, etc. Therefore, the above-mentioned 490 MPa or more and 1000 MPa are exemplarily described as approximate standards of numerical values.

[0061] Each main bracket 7F, 7R and each end cross beam 8R, 8L is channel-shaped. The main bracket 7 has a web portion 71, an upper flange portion 72 and a lower flange portion 73, and the end cross beam 8 has a web portion 81, an upper flange portion (upper portion) 82 and a lower flange portion (lower portion) 83.

[0062] The main bracket 7F is arranged so as to cover the front edge portion 40FR of the battery pack 4. That is, the main bracket 7F is arranged so that the web portion 71 is along the front surface 43 of the battery pack 4, the upper flange portion 72 is along the portion of the upper surface 45 of the battery pack 4 close to the front surface, and the lower flange portion 73 is along the portion of the lower surface 46 of the battery pack 4 close to the front surface.

[0063] The main bracket 7R is arranged so as to cover the rear edge portion 40RR of the battery pack 4. That is, the main bracket 7R is arranged so that the web portion 71 is along the rear surface 44 of the battery pack 4, the upper flange portion 72 is along the portion of the upper surface 45 of the battery pack 4 close to the rear surface, and the lower flange portion 73 is along the portion of the lower surface 46 of the battery pack 4 close to the rear surface.

[0064] The right end cross member 8R is arranged so as to cover the right side edge 40RH of the battery pack 4. That is, the end cross member 8R is arranged so that the web portion 81 is along the right side surface 41 of the battery pack 4, the upper flange portion 82 is along the portion of the upper surface 45 of the battery pack 4 close to the right side surface, and the lower flange portion 83 is along the portion of the lower surface 46 of the battery pack 4 close to the right side surface.

[0065] The left end cross member 8L is arranged so as to cover the left side edge 40LH of the battery pack 4. That is, the end cross member 8L is arranged so that the web portion 81 is along the left side surface 42 of the battery pack 4, the upper flange portion 82 is along the portion of the upper surface 45 of the battery pack 4 close to the left side surface, and the lower flange portion 83 is along the portion of the lower surface 46 of the battery pack 4 close to the left side surface.

[0066] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the main bracket 7 is pre-arranged at the front edge 40FR and the rear edge 40RR of the battery pack 4, and the end cross beam 8 is arranged at the right edge 40RH and the left edge 40LH of the battery pack 4, and the main bracket 7 and the end cross beam 8 are connected to the battery pack 4. Therefore, the flanges 72 and 73 of the main bracket 7 are arranged closer to the battery pack 4 side (inner side in the vehicle height direction D3) than the flanges 82 and 83 of the end cross beam 8.

[0067] Thus, both ends of the flanges 72 and 73 of the main bracket 7 overlap with both ends of the flanges 82 and 83 of the corresponding end cross beam 8. Figure 6 ) main bracket 7 and end cross beam 8 are connected to each other. In this embodiment, using Figure 1 The main bracket 7 and the end beam bracket 8 are connected by a plurality of fastening holes 90 shown in the figure and fastening tools such as bolts not shown. Regarding the fastening holes 90, three fastening holes 90 arranged in a triangular shape are grouped together here, but the number is not limited. In addition, the connection means is not limited to this, and it can be connected using some kind of fixing tool, any joining means (welding, bonding, etc.).

[0068] In addition, the web portion 81 of the end cross member 8 is arranged so as to be separated (with a gap) from the side surfaces 41 and 42 of the battery pack 4, thereby ensuring a deformation margin (absorption margin of impact load) during a collision. The deformation margin is ensured in accordance with the assumed deformation amount, but if the deformation margin is not required, the web portion 81 of the end cross member 8 can be arranged so as to contact the side surfaces 41 and 42 of the battery pack 4.

[0069] like Figure 3 As shown, the lower portions of the frame side brackets 6 are fixed to the upper portions of the overlapping portions 51 where the upper flange portions 72 and 82 of the main bracket 7 and the end cross beam 8 overlap and are joined. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the frame side brackets 6 are fixed to the web portion 21a of the longitudinal beam 21. Therefore, two frame side brackets 6 are provided on the left and right sides of the electric truck 3 (outside the longitudinal beams 21 in the vehicle width direction D2) (four in total). In addition, the portion where the upper flange portion 72 of the main bracket 7, the upper flange portion 82 of the end cross beam 8, and the lower portion of the frame side bracket 6 are connected is called a connecting portion 50 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 6 The connecting portion 50 is a contact surface of the lower portion of the frame side bracket 6 that contacts the upper flange portion 82 of the end cross beam 8 , and is the entire lower surface of the frame side bracket 6 or a key portion of the lower surface thereof, and is an area located inside the overlapping portion 51 .

[0070] [1-2. Lightweight structure of bracket]

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, in the main bracket 7 and the end beam 8, the upper flanges 72 and 82 are set to have a larger protrusion amount P from the webs 71 and 81 than the lower flanges 73 and 83. This is because the upper flanges 72 and 82 are required to have a greater load resistance strength than the lower flanges 73 and 83.

[0072] That is, when the vehicle 3 is hit from the side of the vehicle, a collision load is applied to the end edge of the end cross member 8 on the side that is hit on the vehicle outer side. Most of the applied collision load is input from the overlapping portions 51 (especially the connecting portion 50 therein) at both ends of the end cross member 8 to the frame side bracket 6, and then input from the frame side bracket 6 to the longitudinal beam 21, and is blocked by the longitudinal beam 21. The remaining part of the collision load applied to the end cross member 8 is input from the overlapping portion 51 (connecting portion 50) to the overlapping portion 51 (connecting portion 50) on the opposite side via the main bracket 7. Therefore, the upper flange portions 72, 82 located on the path where most of the collision load is transmitted require a greater load resistance strength than the lower flange portions 73, 83.

[0073] In addition, when the vehicle 3 is hit from the front of the vehicle, a collision load is sometimes indirectly applied to the front side of the vehicle of the front main bracket 7F. Most of the applied collision load is input from the overlapping portions 51 (connecting portions 50) at both ends of the main bracket 7F to the frame side bracket 6, and then input from the frame side bracket 6 to the longitudinal beam 21, and is blocked by the longitudinal beam 21. The remaining part of the collision load applied to the main bracket 7F is input from the overlapping portion 51 (connecting portion 50) to the overlapping portion 51 (connecting portion 50) on the opposite side via the end cross beam 8. Therefore, the upper flange portions 72 and 82 located on the path where most of the collision load is transmitted require a greater load resistance strength than the lower flange portions 73 and 83.

[0074] Similarly, when the vehicle 3 is subjected to a rear collision from behind, a collision load is sometimes indirectly applied to the rear side of the vehicle of the rear main bracket 7R. Most of the applied collision load is input from the overlapping portions 51 (connecting portions 50) at both ends of the main bracket 7R to the frame side bracket 6, and then input from the frame side bracket 6 to the longitudinal beam 21, and is blocked by the longitudinal beam 21. The remaining part of the collision load applied to the main bracket 7R is input from the overlapping portion 51 (connecting portion 50) to the overlapping portion 51 (connecting portion 50) on the opposite side via the end cross beam 8. Therefore, the upper flange portions 72, 82 located on the path where most of the collision load is transmitted require greater load resistance strength than the lower flange portions 73, 83.

[0075] Furthermore, as a side collision, it is generally assumed that a passenger car collides, and in the support device 1 of the present embodiment, the height at which the passenger car collides is the height at which the upper flanges 72 and 82 are located. Therefore, from this point of view, the upper flanges 72 and 82 are required to have a greater load resistance strength than the lower flanges 73 and 83.

[0076] In addition, if Figure 1As shown, the projection amount P of the upper flange portion 72 of the main bracket 7 and the upper flange portion 82 of the end cross beam 8 is slightly smaller in the middle portion (between the two end portions) than in the respective two end portions (overlapping portion 51). This is because, as described above, in the main bracket 7 and the end cross beam 8, the path where most of the collision load is transmitted includes the main bracket 7, the overlapping portion 51 of the end cross beam 8, and the connecting portion 50 where the frame side bracket 6 is connected (that is, the two end portions of the main bracket 7 and the end cross beam 8), but the middle portion is not a transmission path for the collision load, and therefore, load resistance strength is not required like the two end portions.

[0077] In this way, by setting the protrusion amount P of each flange portion 72 , 82 , 73 , 83 to be large at both ends and small at the middle portion, it is possible to achieve both ensuring the load-bearing strength and reducing the weight of the main bracket 7 and the end cross member 8 .

[0078] Furthermore, in the present supporting device 1, if Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, a lightweight hole (weight-reducing hole) 84 is formed in a specific region A of a flange portion (upper surface portion) 82 of the end cross member 8 .

[0079] The specific area A is an area sandwiched by the overlapping parts 51, 51 at both ends of the upper flange part 82, and is also an area sandwiched by the two frame side brackets 6, 6 arranged front and rear along each longitudinal beam 21. Figure 5 , Figure 6 The area between the boundaries L1 and L2 is divided by the boundaries L1 and L2 shown by the single-dot chain lines.

[0080] The boundary lines L1 and L2 are inclined relative to the vehicle width direction so as to gradually approach each other in the direction of the battery pack (driving battery) 4 (that is, in the direction of the longitudinal beam 21), and the specific area A is an area in a trapezoidal shape (an isosceles trapezoid in this embodiment) when viewed from the front with the upper base facing the direction of the battery pack 4 (in the direction of the longitudinal beam 21). The specific area A of the trapezoidal shape is an area where the load resistance strength of the end cross beam 8 and the load resistance strength of the battery side bracket 5 are less required, and the load resistance strength can be ensured even if the lightweight hole is provided.

[0081] As described above, in a side collision, most of the collision load applied to the end cross member 8 on the collision side is input from the frame side bracket 6 to the longitudinal member 21 via the overlapping portions 51 (connecting portions 50) at both ends of the end cross member 8, and the remaining portion of the collision load is input from the overlapping portions 51 (connecting portions 50) to the overlapping portions 51 (connecting portions 50) on the opposite side via the main bracket 7. In addition, in a frontal collision, most of the collision load applied to the main bracket 7F in the front is input from the frame side bracket 6 to the longitudinal member 21 via the overlapping portions 51 (connecting portions 50) at both ends of the main bracket 7F, and the remaining portion of the collision load is input from the overlapping portions 51 (connecting portions 50) to the overlapping portions 51 (connecting portions 50) on the opposite side via the end cross member 8. Similarly, in a rear collision, most of the collision load applied to the main bracket 7R in the rear is input from the frame side bracket 6 to the longitudinal member 21 via the overlapping portions 51 (connecting portions 50). The remaining part of the collision load is input from the overlapping portion 51 (connecting portion 50 ) to the overlapping portion 51 (connecting portion 50 ) on the opposite side via the end cross member 8 .

[0082] If all such side collisions, front collisions, and rear collisions are considered, the portions where the two ends of the end cross beam 8 overlap and connect with the ends of the main bracket 7 are required to have a large load-bearing strength. In addition, in the case of a front collision or a rear collision, a part of the collision load is input from the overlapping portion 51 (connecting portion 50) on the collision side to the overlapping portion 51 (connecting portion 50) on the opposite side via the end cross beam 8. Therefore, in the end cross beam 8, a certain load-bearing strength is also required for the portion between the front and rear overlapping portions 51 (connecting portion 50). In addition, if the upper flange portion 82 of the end cross beam 8 is focused on, the closer the upper flange portion 82 is to the base end side, the easier it is to use the web portion 81 to improve rigidity and strength and ensure load-bearing strength, but the closer it is to the top end side (the side away from the web portion 81) of the upper flange portion 82, the more difficult it is to ensure load-bearing strength.

[0083] From this point of view, between the two ends of the upper flange portion 82 (between the two overlapping portions 51, or between the two connecting portions 50), especially near the overlapping portion 51 (connecting portion 50), the closer to the top end side of the upper flange portion 82, the higher the load resistance strength requirement is. As a region with relatively low load resistance strength requirement, Figure 6 As shown, a specific area A is formed in a trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front, with the boundary lines L1 and L2 as the waist of the trapezoid, the end edge of the inner side of the upper flange portion 82 in the vehicle width direction (on the battery pack 4 side and the longitudinal beam 21 side) intersecting the boundary lines L1 and L2 as the upper base, and the end edge of the outer side of the upper flange portion 82 in the vehicle width direction intersecting the boundary lines L1 and L2 as the lower base.

[0084] Therefore, in the upper flange portion 82 of the end cross member 8, the lightweight holes 84 are provided in the specific region A where the load resistance strength requirement is relatively low, thereby achieving lightweighting.

[0085] In addition, in this embodiment, the outer ends of the boundary lines L1 and L2 in the vehicle width direction (also the ends of the lower base of the trapezoid) are located at positions that coincide with the outer boundary portions in the vehicle width direction of the area of ​​the overlapping portion 51 where the flange portions 72 and 82 overlap each other, or are located at positions that substantially coincide with the boundary portions.

[0086] In addition, in the present embodiment, the ends of the boundary lines L1 and L2 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction (on the battery pack 4 side and the longitudinal beam 21 side) (also the ends of the upper bottom of the trapezoid) are located at positions that coincide with, or are substantially located at, the portion where the protrusion amount P of the upper flange portion 82 changes slightly.

[0087] In addition, in the present embodiment, although the insertion hole 91 through which the ground cable of the battery pack 4 is inserted is formed in the upper flange portion 82 , this is also arranged in the specific area A.

[0088] In the present embodiment, a plurality of circular small holes 84a are formed as lightweight holes 84. In the present embodiment, the small holes 84a are arranged in the same arrangement and with the same hole diameter as the vehicle component mounting holes 21d regularly arranged vertically and horizontally on the web portion 21a of the longitudinal beam 21, so that various vehicle-mounted equipment, tubes, wiring harnesses and other vehicle components can be installed. However, it is not necessary to give the lightweight holes 84 the function of the vehicle component mounting holes 21d. At least the end cross beam 8 can be lightweight and arranged in a specific area A. The size, configuration and number of the holes are not limited. For example, Figure 7 In the specific area A, a large hole having a trapezoidal shape substantially the same as that in the specific area A is applied, such as the lightweight hole 85 shown in FIG.

[0089] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, an opening 86 for operation is formed in the web 81 of the end cross beam 8. Thus, the battery pack 4 can be approached through the opening 86, and the battery pack 4 can be inspected and cleaned. The opening 86 is arranged in the middle part of the web 81 in the longitudinal direction. As mentioned above, the load resistance strength requirements of the two ends of the end cross beam 8 are relatively high, but the load resistance strength requirements of the middle part are relatively low. Therefore, the opening 86 is arranged in the middle part.

[0090] A cover 87 is mounted on the opening 86 so that scattered objects such as flying stones do not enter the interior during driving. Here, the cover 87 is mounted so as to be attachable and detachable by bolts 88. The cover 87 has a plurality of slit-shaped lightweight holes (weight-reducing holes) 87a that are narrow enough to prevent scattered objects from entering.

[0091] In addition, in the middle portion of the web portion 81, in addition to the opening portion 86, a plurality of lightweight holes (weight-reducing holes) 89 are formed. These lightweight holes 89 are also formed as circular small holes 89a having the same hole diameter as the vehicle component mounting holes 21d provided in the web portion 21a of the longitudinal beam 21 and arranged in the same arrangement as the vehicle component mounting holes, so that vehicle components can be mounted.

[0092] In addition, when the opening 86 is not provided, Figure 8 As shown, the lightweight hole 89 is formed in substantially the entire region of the middle portion of the web portion 81. In this case, it can also be formed by a plurality of small holes 89a that function as vehicle component mounting holes.

[0093] [2. Function and effect]

[0094] Since the driving battery support device 1 of the present embodiment is configured as described above, the following operations and effects can be obtained.

[0095] (1) In the upper flange portion 82 of the end cross member 8, the lightweight hole 84 is formed in the trapezoidal specific region A which is a region not required to have high load bearing strength. Therefore, the end cross member 8 and thus the support device 1 can be lightweight while ensuring the load bearing strength.

[0096] (2) Both ends of the lower base of the trapezoidal shape of the specific area A correspond to the boundary portions in the vehicle width direction outer side of the overlapping portion 51 where the end cross beam 8 and the main bracket 7 overlap at the intersection thereof. Therefore, the support device 1 can be made lightweight while ensuring the load-bearing strength required of the overlapping portion 51.

[0097] (3) The support device 1 supporting the battery pack 4 is connected to the side member 21. Therefore, when the vehicle 3 collides (a side collision, a front collision, or a rear collision), the impact is blocked by the side member 21, thereby preventing the battery pack 4 from being damaged.

[0098] (4) The lightweight holes 84 are formed as a plurality of vehicle component mounting holes 84a that can be used for mounting vehicle components. Figure 4 As shown, it is possible to easily mount the vehicle-mounted component 92 on the upper flange portion 82 of the end cross member 8 , mount vehicle components (eg, small parts) on the support device 1 , fix wiring, and the like.

[0099] (5) An opening 86 for operation is formed in the middle region of the web 81 of the end cross member 8 in the longitudinal direction, so that the battery pack 4 can be approached through the opening 86, and the battery pack 4 can be inspected and cleaned. The middle region of the web 81 in the longitudinal direction is a region that does not require high load-bearing strength, so the opening 86 can be formed while ensuring the load-bearing strength.

[0100] The cover 87 is attached to the opening 86 , so that scattered objects such as flying stones can be prevented from entering the interior during driving, thereby protecting the battery pack 4 inside.

[0101] The cover 87 is formed with a plurality of slit-shaped lightweight holes (weight-reducing holes) 87 a that are narrow enough to prevent scattered matter from entering. This allows the end cross member 8 and thus the support device 1 to be lightweight while protecting the battery pack 4 .

[0102] (6) In the middle region of the web portion 81 of the end cross member 8 in the longitudinal direction, there are formed light-weight holes 89 that function as a plurality of vehicle component mounting holes that can be used to mount vehicle components. Figure 4 As shown, it is possible to easily mount the vehicle-mounted components 93 and 94 on the web portion 81 of the end cross member 8 , mount vehicle components (eg, small parts) on the support device 1 , fix wiring, and the like.

[0103] Furthermore, the lightweight holes 84 and 89 also function as drainage holes.

[0104] [3. Others]

[0105] The configuration of the above-described embodiment is merely an example, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0106] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example in which the support device for a driving battery is applied to a truck is described, but the support device for a driving battery of the present application can also be applied to vehicles other than trucks.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the support device for the driving battery is connected to and supported by the side member 21 , but it may be connected to and supported by a structural element of the vehicle other than the side member 21 .

[0108] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example in which the driving battery 4 and the supporting device 1 for the driving battery are arranged outside in the vehicle width direction relative to the longitudinal beam 21 is described, but the driving battery and the supporting device for the driving battery of the present application may also be accommodated between the left and right longitudinal beams 21. In the case where the driving battery and the supporting device for the driving battery protrude downward from the longitudinal beam 21, even when the supporting device for the driving battery is impacted from below the longitudinal beam 21 by a passenger car that has a side collision, the present invention has the effect of suppressing the impact on the driving battery.

[0109] Furthermore, the shapes and sizes of the quantization apertures 84a, 85, and 89a are not limited.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the lightweight hole 89 is formed in the specific area A of the upper flange portion 82 of the end cross member 8. However, the lightweight hole 89 may be additionally formed inside the portion of the lower flange portion 83 of the end cross member 8 corresponding to the specific area A as required.

[0111] Alternatively, when the lower flange portion 83 is located on a path where most of the collision load is transmitted, the lightweight hole 89 may be formed inside a portion of the lower flange portion 83 corresponding to the specific area A instead of the upper flange portion 82 .

[0112] Furthermore, each end cross member 8 is formed to be front-to-back symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane that passes through the center in the vehicle length direction D1 and extends in the vehicle width direction D2 as a symmetry plane, but is not limited to a front-to-back symmetrical shape.

[0113] [4. Note]

[0114] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed with respect to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0115] (Note 1)

[0116] A driving battery support device is a driving battery support device mounted on an electric vehicle, characterized in that:

[0117] The support device of the driving battery comprises:

[0118] A battery-side bracket, comprising a front bracket with a U-shaped cross section covering the front edge of the driving battery, a rear bracket with a U-shaped cross section covering the rear edge of the driving battery, a right bracket with a U-shaped cross section covering the right edge of the driving battery, and a left bracket with a U-shaped cross section covering the left edge of the driving battery, and mounted on the driving battery; and

[0119] The connecting brackets are respectively connected to the intersection of the front bracket and the right bracket, the intersection of the front bracket and the left bracket, the intersection of the rear bracket and the right bracket, and the intersection of the rear bracket and the left bracket, and the driving battery is connected to the electric vehicle via the battery side bracket.

[0120] In at least one of the upper and lower parts of the side edge bracket of at least one of the right bracket and the left bracket, a single or multiple lightweight holes are formed in a specific area of ​​the trapezoidal shape which is an area in the middle part in the length direction clamped by the connecting part for connecting the connecting bracket and has an upper bottom facing the direction of the driving battery.

[0121] (Note 2)

[0122] The driving battery support device according to Supplementary Note 1 is characterized in that:

[0123] Both ends of the lower base of the trapezoid of the specific region correspond to the boundary portions of the region in the vehicle width direction outside of the region where the brackets overlap each other in the intersection portion.

[0124] (Note 3)

[0125] The driving battery support device according to Supplement 1 or 2 is characterized in that:

[0126] The electric vehicle is a truck including a pair of left and right side beams, and the driving battery is connected to the pair of side beams via the connection bracket.

[0127] (Note 4)

[0128] The driving battery support device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, characterized in that:

[0129] The lightweight holes are formed as a plurality of vehicle component mounting holes that can be used to mount vehicle components.

[0130] (Note 5)

[0131] The driving battery support device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, characterized in that:

[0132] An opening for operation is formed in a region of the longitudinal middle portion of the web portion of the side edge bracket, and a cover is attached to the opening.

[0133] (Note 6)

[0134] The driving battery support device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, characterized in that:

[0135] Lightweight holes that function as a plurality of vehicle component mounting holes that can be used to mount vehicle components are formed in the region of the longitudinal middle portion of the web portion of the side edge bracket.

[0136] Description of Reference Numerals

[0137] 1. Support device for driving battery (support device)

[0138] 2Ladder shaped frame

[0139] 3 Electric Trucks (Electric Vehicles, Vehicles)

[0140] 4 Driving battery pack (driving battery, battery pack)

[0141] 5 Battery side bracket

[0142] 6 Frame side bracket (connecting bracket)

[0143] 7F, 7 Main bracket (front bracket)

[0144] 7R, 7 Main bracket (rear bracket)

[0145] 8R, 8 end beam (right bracket)

[0146] 8L, 8 end beam (left bracket)

[0147] 21 Stringer

[0148] 21a web portion of the longitudinal beam 21

[0149] 21b, 21c flange portion of the longitudinal beam 21

[0150] 21d Holes for mounting vehicle components

[0151] 22 Beam

[0152] Front edge of 40FR battery pack 4

[0153] The rear edge of the 40RR battery pack 4

[0154] Right edge of 40RH battery pack 4

[0155] The left edge of the 40LH battery pack 4

[0156] 41 Right side of battery 4

[0157] 42 Left side of battery 4

[0158] 43 front surface of battery pack 4

[0159] 44 Rear surface of battery pack 4

[0160] 45 upper surface of battery pack 4

[0161] 46 The lower surface of the battery pack 4

[0162] 50 Connection

[0163] 51 Overlap

[0164] 71 web portion of main bracket 7

[0165] 72 upper flange portion of main bracket 7

[0166] 73 Lower flange portion of main bracket 7

[0167] 81 web portion of end beam 8

[0168] 82 upper flange (upper part)

[0169] 83 lower flange part (lower part)

[0170] 84 lightweight holes (weight reduction holes)

[0171] 84a is a small hole as a lightweight hole 84

[0172] 85 lightweight holes (weight reduction holes)

[0173] 86 Opening

[0174] 87 Cover

[0175] 87a Lightweight hole (weight reduction hole)

[0176] 88 bolts

[0177] 89 lightweight holes (weight reduction holes)

[0178] 89a is a small hole as a lightweight hole 89

[0179] 90 Fastening hole

[0180] 91 Insert hole

[0181] 92, 93, 94 vehicle parts

[0182] ASpecific area

[0183] D1 Vehicle length direction

[0184] D2 Vehicle width direction

[0185] D3 Vehicle height direction

[0186] L1, L2 boundary line

[0187] FR Front

[0188] RR Rear

[0189] LH Left

[0190] RH Right

[0191] UP

[0192] DW Below

[0193] The protrusion amount of the flange portions 72, 82, 73, 83 from the web portions 71, 81

Claims

1. A driving battery support device, which is a driving battery support device mounted on an electric vehicle, characterized in that: The support device of the driving battery comprises: A battery-side bracket, comprising a front bracket with a U-shaped cross section covering the front edge of the driving battery, a rear bracket with a U-shaped cross section covering the rear edge of the driving battery, a right bracket with a U-shaped cross section covering the right edge of the driving battery, and a left bracket with a U-shaped cross section covering the left edge of the driving battery, and mounted on the driving battery; and The connecting brackets are respectively connected to the intersection of the front bracket and the right bracket, the intersection of the front bracket and the left bracket, the intersection of the rear bracket and the right bracket, and the intersection of the rear bracket and the left bracket, and connect the driving battery to the electric vehicle via the battery side bracket. In at least one of the upper and lower parts of the side edge bracket of at least one of the right bracket and the left bracket, a single or multiple lightweight holes are formed in a specific area of ​​the middle part in the length direction clamped by the connecting part for connecting the connecting bracket and in a trapezoidal shape with the upper bottom facing the direction of the driving battery.

2. The driving battery support device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both ends of the lower base of the trapezoid of the specific region correspond to the boundary portions of the region in the vehicle width direction outside of the region where the brackets overlap each other in the intersection portion.

3. The driving battery support device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electric vehicle is a truck including a pair of left and right side beams, and the driving battery is connected to the pair of side beams via the connection bracket.

4. The driving battery support device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lightweight holes are formed as a plurality of vehicle component mounting holes that can be used to mount vehicle components.

5. The driving battery support device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An opening for operation is formed in a region of the longitudinal middle portion of the web portion of the side edge bracket, and a cover is attached to the opening.

6. The driving battery support device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Lightweight holes that function as a plurality of vehicle component mounting holes that can be used to mount vehicle components are formed in the region of the longitudinal middle portion of the web portion of the side edge bracket.

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