Electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides an electric vehicle. An electric vehicle (100) is provided with: left and right side members (11L, 11R) extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; a battery (35) disposed between the left and right side members (11L, 11R); an electric unit (36) disposed behind the battery (35) in the vehicle; an auxiliary mechanical unit (34) disposed in front of the battery (35) in the vehicle; and a connection member (40) that connects the auxiliary mechanical unit (34) and the electric unit (36) in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, the connection member (40) being disposed at a position separated upward from the battery (35).

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023 - 216570 filed on December 22, 2023. The entire contents of the Japanese patent application, including the specification, claims, drawings, and abstract, are incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a structure of an electric vehicle. Background art

[0004] In the specification of Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 115284949, a battery electric vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "BEV") is disclosed, in which a battery is suspended and fixed below a frame composed of left and right side beams and a plurality of transverse members spanned between the left and right side beams.

[0005] In addition, in the specification of US Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0331334, an electric truck is disclosed, which has a frame composed of a plurality of transverse members spanned between left and right side beams. In this electric truck, the battery is also suspended and fixed below the frame. In addition, in this electric truck, electronic components are housed in a front compartment in the front, and a drive unit is mounted behind the battery. Summary of the invention

[0006] In addition, in a frame - type electric vehicle, a technique is being studied in which, in order to secure a mounting space for the battery, the battery is mounted between the side beams, an auxiliary mechanical unit is mounted in front of the battery, and an electric unit is mounted behind the battery. In this case, it is necessary to connect the auxiliary mechanical unit in the front and the electric unit in the rear in the vehicle front - rear direction using connecting members. These connecting members connect the auxiliary mechanical unit and the electric unit across the battery in the vehicle front - rear direction.

[0007] On the other hand, the battery sometimes causes expansion deformation due to heat diffusion. In this case, since the upper surface of the battery bends upward into a convex shape while the temperature rises, there is a risk that the battery interferes with the connecting members and damages the connecting members.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to suppress interference between the battery and the connecting members in a frame - type electric vehicle.

[0009] The electric vehicle of the present disclosure is characterized in that it includes: left and right side beams that extend in the vehicle front-rear direction; a storage battery that is disposed between the left and right side beams; an electric unit that is disposed behind the storage battery in the vehicle; an auxiliary mechanical unit that is disposed in front of the storage battery in the vehicle; and a connecting member that connects the auxiliary mechanical unit and the electric unit in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the connecting member is disposed at a position separated upward from the storage battery.

[0010] Thus, by disposing the connecting member at a position separated upward from the storage battery, it is possible to suppress the interference between the storage battery and the connecting member when the storage battery expands and deforms.

[0011] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, it may also be configured to include a lateral bracket that is spanned between the left and right side beams above the storage battery, and the connecting member is disposed above the central portion in the vehicle width direction of the lateral bracket.

[0012] Thus, since the connecting member is disposed above the central portion of the lateral bracket, it is possible to suppress the contact between the storage battery with rising temperature and the connecting member when the storage battery expands and deforms, and it is also possible to suppress the damage to the connecting member even when the side beam deforms during a side collision. In addition, thereby, compared with the case where the connecting member is disposed along the side beam, the path of the connecting member can be shortened.

[0013] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, it may also be configured that a plurality of the lateral brackets are provided at a predetermined interval in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0014] Thereby, it is possible to suppress the situation where the connecting member extending in the vehicle front-rear direction sags downward and approaches the storage battery.

[0015] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, it may also be configured that the lateral bracket is provided with a flat portion at the lower end portion, and the flat portion extends along the upper surface of the storage battery.

[0016] Thereby, since the storage battery comes into contact with the flat portion even when the storage battery expands and deforms and interferes with the lateral bracket, it is possible to suppress the damage to the storage battery.

[0017] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, it may also be configured that the left and right end portions of the lateral bracket have an L-shaped cross section, and the central portion of the lateral bracket has a trough-shaped cross section that is open in the vehicle front or vehicle rear.

[0018] Accordingly, it is possible to suppress damage to the storage battery in the case where the storage battery expands and deforms with a simple structure and interferes with the lateral bracket. In addition, it is possible to reduce the rigidity of the lateral bracket, thereby suppressing the influence on the deformation mode of the side beam during a collision.

[0019] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, it may also be provided that the end portion of the lateral bracket has an L-shaped cross section composed of an upper plate and a vertical plate extending downward from the upper plate. The electric vehicle includes left and right mounting brackets, and the left and right mounting brackets are respectively mounted on the left and right side beams and extend upward, and have a plate flange at the upper portion where the vertical plates of the left and right end portions are joined. The lateral bracket has arm portions on either one or both of the left and right end portions, and the arm portions extend downward from the upper plate and sandwich the plate flange of the mounting bracket between the arm portions and the vertical plate.

[0020] In this way, through the vertical plate and the arm portions, it is possible to sandwich the plate flange of one mounting bracket so that one end portion of the lateral bracket is temporarily held on one mounting bracket. And, in a state where one end portion of the lateral bracket is temporarily held, the vertical plate of the other end portion can be joined to the other plate flange, and then, the vertical plate of one end portion can be joined to the one plate flange. Accordingly, it is possible for one person to perform the installation work of the lateral bracket.

[0021] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, it may also be provided that the auxiliary mechanical unit includes a radiator, and the connecting member is a cooling pipe extending in the vehicle front-rear direction between the radiator and the electric unit to cause cooling water to flow back to the radiator and the electric unit.

[0022] Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the case where the storage battery interferes with the cooling pipe when the storage battery expands and deforms.

[0023] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, it may also be provided that the auxiliary mechanical unit includes a power distribution unit that distributes power from the storage battery to the electric unit and other in-vehicle devices, and the connecting member is a cable that transmits power from the power distribution unit to the electric unit.

[0024] Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the case where the storage battery interferes with the cable when the storage battery expands and deforms.

[0025] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, it is also possible to provide that the auxiliary mechanical unit includes a radiator and a power distribution unit, wherein the power distribution unit distributes the power from the storage battery to the electric unit and other on-vehicle devices, and the connecting member is a cooling pipe that extends in the vehicle front-rear direction between the radiator and the electric unit to allow the cooling water to flow back to the radiator and the electric unit, and a cable that transmits power from the power distribution unit to the electric unit.

[0026] Thereby, it is possible to suppress the interference between the storage battery and either one or both of the cooling pipe and the cable when the storage battery expands and deforms.

[0027] In the electric vehicle of the present disclosure, it is also possible to provide that a cab is mounted above the left and right side beams at the front of the vehicle; a cargo hold is mounted above the left and right side beams at the rear of the vehicle behind the cab, the lateral bracket is arranged within the range of the cargo hold where the left and right side beams are mounted, the front portion of the connecting member is supported by the floor panel of the cab, and the rear portion of the connecting member is arranged above the central portion in the vehicle width direction of the lateral bracket in such a manner that the height in the vehicle up-down direction is substantially the same as that of the front portion.

[0028] Thereby, in a framed electric vehicle having a cab and a cargo hold, it is possible to arrange the connecting member at substantially the same height with a simple structure.

[0029] The present disclosure can suppress the interference between the storage battery and the connecting member in a framed electric vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 FIG. is a plan view showing the electric vehicle of the embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a vertical sectional view of the electric vehicle shown, and is Figure 1 section A-A of

[0032] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a vertical sectional view of the electric vehicle shown, and is Figure 1 section B-B of

[0033] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the frame and the lateral bracket of the electric vehicle shown as viewed from the right front of the vehicle. Figure 1 FIG.

[0034] Figure 5 is a sectional view showing the cross-sectional shapes of the end portion and the central portion of the lateral bracket.

[0035] Figure 6 A perspective view of observing the left end of the lateral bracket and the left mounting bracket from the right rear of the vehicle.

[0036] Figure 7 A perspective view of observing the right end of the lateral bracket and the right mounting bracket from the right front of the vehicle.

[0037] Figure 8 A top view of an electric vehicle showing other embodiments.

[0038] Figure 9 A top view of an electric vehicle showing other embodiments.

[0039] Figure 10 A vertical sectional view of an electric vehicle showing other embodiments.

[0040] Figure 11 A vertical sectional view of an electric vehicle showing other embodiments. Detailed Embodiments

[0041] Hereinafter, while referring to the accompanying drawings, the electric vehicle 100 of the embodiment will be described. In addition, FR, UP, and RH shown in each drawing respectively represent the front side, the upper side, and the right side of the electric vehicle 100. In addition, the opposite directions of FR, UP, and RH represent the rear side, the lower side, and the left side. Hereinafter, it is assumed that when only the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions are used for the description, unless otherwise specified, the front and rear in the front-rear direction of the electric vehicle 100, the left and right in the left-right direction, and the up and down in the up-down direction are meant.

[0042] As Figure 1 shown, the electric vehicle 100 includes a frame 10, a storage battery 35, an electric unit 36, an auxiliary machine unit 34, a front compartment 31, a cab 32, a cargo hold 33, a first lateral bracket 50, and a second lateral bracket 60. The electric vehicle 100 is a battery electric vehicle that drives the electric unit 36 by the electric power supplied from the storage battery 35 charged by using an external power source to travel.

[0043] As Figure 1As shown, the frame 10 is a ladder-shaped skeleton component composed of left and right side beams 11L and 11R, and first to fifth transverse members 12 to 16 that extend in the vehicle width direction in a manner of being installed between the left and right side beams 11L and 11R. On the outer sides in the vehicle width direction of the left and right side beams 11L and 11R between the first transverse member 12 and the second transverse member 13 at the front of the vehicle, front suspension brackets 21L and 21R are installed. On the front suspension brackets 21L and 21R, suspension devices for the left and right front wheels 65L and 65R are installed. In addition, a front compartment 31 is disposed at the upper part between the first transverse member 12 and the second transverse member 13. In addition, suspension devices (not shown) for the left and right rear wheels 66L and 66R are installed between the third transverse member 14 and the fourth transverse member 15 at the rear of the vehicle.

[0044] On the outer sides in the vehicle width direction of the left and right side beams 11L and 11R behind the second transverse member 13, front cab mounting brackets 22L and 22R are installed. On the front cab mounting brackets 22L and 22R, front cab mounting supports 27L and 27R that support the left and right sides in front of the cab 32 are installed. In addition, on the outer sides in the vehicle width direction of the left and right side beams 11L and 11R between the second transverse member 13 and the third transverse member 14, rear cab mounting brackets 23L and 23R are installed. On the rear cab mounting brackets 23L and 23R, rear cab mounting supports 28L and 28R that support the left and right sides behind the cab 32 are installed. In addition, on the upper parts of the left and right side beams 11L and 11R behind the rear cab mounting brackets 23L and 23R, left and right first cargo hold brackets 24L and 24R, left and right second cargo hold brackets 25L and 25R, and left and right third cargo hold brackets 26L and 26R are installed. The left and right first cargo hold brackets 24L and 24R, the left and right second cargo hold brackets 25L and 25R, and the left and right third cargo hold brackets 26L and 26R support the cargo hold 33.

[0045] A battery 35 is mounted between the left and right side beams 11L and 11R between the second transverse member 13 and the third transverse member 14. In addition, an electric unit 36 that drives the left and right rear wheels 66R and 66L is mounted between the third transverse member 14 and the fourth transverse member 15. In addition, an auxiliary mechanical unit 34 is housed inside the front compartment 31 at the front of the vehicle. Thus, the electric unit 36 is disposed behind the battery 35 in the vehicle, and the auxiliary mechanical unit 34 is disposed in front of the battery 35 in the vehicle.

[0046] The storage battery 35 is a high-voltage device that is charged using an external power source and supplies driving power to the electric unit 36. The electric unit 36 is a device that integrates a traveling motor, gears, an inverter, an oil pump, etc. The auxiliary mechanical unit 34 includes a radiator 34A and a power distribution unit 34B. The radiator 34A is a heat exchanger that releases the heat of the cooling water that cools the electric unit 36 to the outside. The power distribution unit 34B is a device that distributes the power input from the storage battery 35 into high-voltage driving power supplied to the electric unit 36 and low-voltage auxiliary mechanical power supplied to other in-vehicle devices. In addition, the auxiliary mechanical unit 34 may further include a compressor for air conditioning, a capacitor, a water heater, an auxiliary mechanical storage battery, etc.

[0047] The radiator 34A and the electric unit 36 are connected together by a cooling pipe 42 composed of a cooling water supply pipe 41A and a cooling water return pipe 41B. In addition, the power distribution unit 34B and the electric unit 36 are connected together by a cable 43. The cooling pipe 42 and the cable 43 constitute a connecting member 40 that connects the auxiliary mechanical unit 34 and the electric unit 36 in the vehicle front-rear direction. As will be described later, the cooling pipe 42 and the cable 43 are arranged in a manner separated upward from the storage battery 35.

[0048] As Figure 2 shown, the cab 32 is mounted on the left and right front cab mounting brackets 27L, 27R and the left and right rear cab mounting brackets 28L, 28R. The interior of the cab 32 becomes the passenger compartment for the occupants of the electric vehicle 100. The cargo compartment 33 is mounted behind the cab 32 on the left and right first cargo compartment brackets 24L, 24R, the left and right second cargo compartment brackets 25L, 25R, and the left and right third cargo compartment brackets 26L, 26R. The cargo compartment 33 is a space for carrying luggage. The height of the floor panel 33A of the cargo compartment 33 is higher than the position of the floor panel 32A of the cab 32.

[0049] As Figure 1 shown, the first lateral bracket 50 and the second lateral bracket 60 are arranged in the range where the cargo compartment 33 is mounted in front of the third lateral member 14 and are spanned between the left and right side beams 11L, 11R. The first lateral bracket 50 and the second lateral bracket 60 are arranged in the vehicle front-rear direction at a predetermined interval. The first lateral bracket 50 is composed of a central portion 59 at the center in the vehicle width direction and left and right end portions 58L, 58R on the outer side in the vehicle width direction compared to the central portion 59. Similarly, the second lateral bracket 60 is composed of a central portion 69 at the center in the vehicle width direction and left and right end portions 68L, 68R on the outer side in the vehicle width direction compared to the central portion 69.

[0050] The first transverse bracket 50 is mounted on the left and right side beams 11L and 11R via the left and right mounting brackets 51L and 51R. As Figure 3 shown, the left and right mounting brackets 51L and 51R are folded plate members that are fixed to the inner surfaces in the vehicle width direction of the left and right side beams 11L and 11R by bolts 72L and 72R and extend upward. The upper portions of the left and right mounting brackets 51L and 51R extend above the upper surface 35A of the battery 35. And, the first transverse bracket 50 is fixed to the upper portions of the left and right mounting brackets 51L and 51R by bolts 71L and 71R such that its lower surface is above the upper surface 35A of the battery 35. Thus, the first transverse bracket 50 is installed between the left and right side beams 11L and 11R above the battery 35.

[0051] The structure of the second transverse bracket 60 is the same as that of the first transverse bracket 50. In addition, the structures of the left and right mounting brackets 61L and 61R are the same as those of the left and right mounting brackets 51L and 51R. Moreover, the second transverse bracket 60 is installed between the left and right side beams 11L and 11R above the battery 35 in the same manner as the first transverse bracket 50. Additionally, the detailed structures of the first transverse bracket 50, the second transverse bracket 60, and the mounting brackets 51L, 51R, 61L, and 61R will be described later.

[0052] Next, while referring to Figures 1 to 3 the configuration and path of the cooling pipe 42 and the cable 43 will be described.

[0053] As Figure 1 、 2 shown, the cooling pipe 42 extends from the lower right side of the radiator 34A toward the rear of the vehicle, bends toward the center in the vehicle width direction behind the second transverse member 13, and then extends toward the rear of the vehicle in the center of the vehicle width direction and is connected to the electric unit 36. As Figure 2 shown, the cooling pipe 42 is arranged below the front compartment 31, below the cab 32 and the cargo compartment 33, and above the battery 35. The cooling pipe 42 is suspended from the floor panel 32A of the cab 32 by suspension members 32B and 32C below the cab 32. In addition, the cooling pipe 42 is arranged above the first transverse bracket 50 and the second transverse bracket 60 below the cargo compartment 33. More specifically, as Figure 3 shown, the cooling pipe 42 is mounted on a base 45, and the base 45 is mounted on the central portion 59 of the first transverse bracket 50. In addition, as Figure 2 shown, the cooling pipe 42 is arranged such that the height in the vehicle up and down direction is substantially the same below the cab 32 and below the cargo compartment 33.

[0054] As Figure 1 shown, the cable 43 extends from the front power distribution unit 34B toward the rear electric unit 36 at the center in the vehicle width direction. As Figure 2 shown, after the cable 43 extends from the power distribution unit 34B toward the rear of the vehicle, it bends downward inside the front compartment 31 and extends downward, and then bends toward the rear of the vehicle and extends toward the rear of the vehicle. The cable 43 is arranged below the cab 32 and the cargo compartment 33 and above the battery 35 in the same manner as the cooling pipe 42. Below the cab 32, the cable 43 is suspended from the floor panel 32A of the cab 32 by the suspension members 32B and 32C. In addition, below the cargo compartment 33, the cable 43 is arranged above the first lateral bracket 50 and the second lateral bracket 60. More specifically, as Figure 3 shown, the cable 43 is mounted on the receiving seat 46, and the receiving seat 46 is mounted on the central portion 59 of the first lateral bracket 50. In addition, in the same manner as the cooling pipe 42, the cable 43 is arranged at substantially the same height below the cab 32 and below the cargo compartment 33.

[0055] Thus, the cooling pipe 42 and the cable 43 are arranged at positions separated upward from the upper surface 35A of the battery 35 above the central portions 59 and 69 of the first lateral bracket 50 and the second lateral bracket 60. In addition, the front portions of the cooling pipe 42 and the cable 43 are supported by the floor panel 32A of the cab 32. In addition, the rear portions of the cooling pipe 42 and the cable 43 are supported by the central portions 59 and 69 of the first lateral bracket 50 and the second lateral bracket 60 in such a manner that the heights of the respective front portions in the vehicle up-and-down direction are substantially the same.

[0056] Next, while referring to Figures 4 to 7 the detailed structures of the first lateral bracket 50 and the left and right mounting brackets 51L and 51R will be described. Since the structures of the second lateral bracket 60 and the mounting brackets 61L and 61R are the same as those of the first lateral bracket 50 and the mounting brackets 51L and 51R, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] As Figure 5 shown, the left and right end portions 58L and 58R of the first lateral bracket 50 have an L-shaped cross section composed of an upper plate 50A and a vertical plate 50B extending downward from the front end of the upper plate 50A. In addition, the central portion 59 of the first lateral bracket 50 has a trough-shaped cross section composed of an upper plate 50A, a vertical plate 50B, and a lower plate 50C extending toward the rear of the vehicle from the lower end of the vertical plate 50B and being open at the rear of the vehicle. As Figure 5As shown, the lower plate 50C is composed of a front portion 50CF and a rear portion 50CR. The front portion 50CF is a part that horizontally extends rearward of the vehicle from the lower end of the vertical plate 50B. The rear portion 50CR is a part that extends obliquely upward from the rear end of the front portion 50CF. When the first lateral bracket 50 is mounted on the left and right side beams 11L and 11R and a storage battery 35 is mounted between the left and right side beams 11L and 11R, the front portion 50CF is disposed at the lower end portion of the central portion 59 and forms a planar portion that extends horizontally along the upper surface 35A of the storage battery 35.

[0058] In addition, as Figure 4 shown, at the right end portion 58R, a plate-shaped arm portion 50D that extends downward from the right end of the upper plate 50A is provided. There is a gap 50S between the arm portion 50D and the vertical plate 50B. In addition, bolt holes 50E and 50F are respectively provided at the left end and the right end of the vertical plate 50B. The bolt hole 50E is an oblong hole, and the bolt hole 50F is a round hole.

[0059] As Figure 3 , 4 shown, the left mounting bracket 51L includes a fixing portion 54L, a main body portion 53L, a plate flange 52L, and an insertion portion 57L. The fixing portion 54L is a plate-shaped part that is fixed to the inner surface in the vehicle width direction of the left side beam 11L. The main body portion 53L is a plate-shaped part that extends upward from the upper end of the fixing portion 54L. The plate flange 52L is a plate-shaped part that extends inward in the vehicle width direction from the front end in the vehicle front direction of the upper portion of the main body portion 53L. The insertion portion 57L is a part that is bent outward in the vehicle width direction from the fixing portion 54L. A bolt hole 56L is provided on the fixing portion 54L. In addition, a bolt hole 55L is provided on the plate flange 52L.

[0060] The right mounting bracket 51R is symmetrical to the left mounting bracket 51L left and right, and includes a fixing portion 54R, a main body portion 53R, a plate flange 52R, and an insertion portion 57R. Bolt holes 56R and 55R are respectively provided on the fixing portion 54R and the plate flange 52R.

[0061] The left mounting bracket 51L is fixed to the inner surface in the vehicle width direction of the side beam 11L as Figure 6 shown by inserting the tip of the insertion portion 57L into a hole 18L provided in the side beam 11L and screwing a bolt 72L through the bolt hole 56L of the fixing portion 54L into a threaded hole 17L provided in the side beam 11L. As Figure 4 shown, the fixing portion 54R of the right mounting bracket 51R is fixed to the inner surface in the vehicle width direction of the right side beam 11R by a bolt 72R.

[0062] AsFigure 4 , 6 As shown in 6 , the left end 58L of the first lateral bracket 50 passes the bolt 71L through the bolt hole 50E and the bolt hole 55L of the plate flange 52L, and screws the bolt 71L into the nut 73L provided on the opposite side of the plate flange 52L, thereby being mounted on the left mounting bracket 51L.

[0063] In addition, as Figure 4 , 7 shown in 7 , the right end 58R of the first lateral bracket 50 sandwiches the plate flange 52R of the right mounting bracket 51R in the gap 50S, and passes the bolt 71R through the bolt hole 50F and the bolt hole 55R of the plate flange 52R and screws it into the nut (not shown) provided on the opposite side of the plate flange 52R, thereby being mounted on the right mounting bracket 51R.

[0064] In the electric vehicle 100 configured in the above manner, the cooling pipe 42 and the cable 43 are arranged in a manner separated upward from the upper surface 35A of the storage battery 35. Therefore, even when the storage battery 35 expands and deforms due to heat diffusion and the upper surface 35A of the storage battery 35 bends upward as shown by the dashed line in Figure 3 , it is possible to suppress the interference between the upper surface 35A of the storage battery 35 and the cooling pipe 42 or the cable 43. In addition, when the temperature of the storage battery 35 rises during heat diffusion, it is possible to suppress the damage of the cooling pipe 42 or the cable 43 due to heat. Figure 3

[0065] In addition, in the electric vehicle 100, the cooling pipe 42 and the cable 43 are arranged above the central portions 59, 69 of the first lateral bracket 50 and the second lateral bracket 60. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the contact between the upper surface 35A of the storage battery 35 whose temperature has risen when the storage battery 35 expands and deforms and the cooling pipe 42 or the cable 43, and even when the left and right side beams 11L, 11R deform toward the inside in the vehicle width direction during a side collision, it is possible to suppress the damage of the cooling pipe 42 and the cable 43. Moreover, since the cooling pipe 42 and the cable 43 are arranged so as to extend linearly in the vehicle front-rear direction at the center in the vehicle width direction and are connected to the electric unit 36 mounted at the center in the vehicle width direction, the paths of the cooling pipe 42 and the cable 43 can be shortened compared with the case where the cooling pipe 42 and the cable 43 are arranged along the left and right side beams 11L, 11R.

[0066] ​In addition, in the electric vehicle 100, since the first lateral bracket 50 and the second lateral bracket 60 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the vehicle front-rear direction, it is possible to suppress the cooling pipe 42 and the cable 43 from hanging downward and approaching the upper surface 35A of the storage battery 35. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the situation where the upper surface 35A comes into contact with the cooling pipe 42 or the cable 43 when the storage battery 35 expands due to heat diffusion. In addition, when the temperature of the storage battery 35 rises during heat diffusion, it is possible to suppress the cooling pipe 42 or the cable 43 from being damaged by heat.

[0067] Moreover, in the electric vehicle 100, the central portions 59, 69 of the first lateral bracket 50 and the second lateral bracket 60 have a groove-shaped cross-section open to the rear of the vehicle, and the front portion 50CF of the lower plate 50C constitutes a planar portion extending in the horizontal direction along the upper surface 35A of the storage battery 35. Therefore, as Figure 3 shown by the dotted line, even when the upper surface 35A of the storage battery 35 expands and comes into contact with the first lateral bracket 50 and the second lateral bracket 60, since the upper surface 35A of the storage battery 35 comes into contact with the front portion 50CF of the lower plate 50C or the front portion (not shown) of the lower plate 60C, it is possible to suppress the storage battery 35 from being damaged by the first lateral bracket 50 and the second lateral bracket 60.

[0068] In addition, since the left and right end portions 58L, 58R, 68L, 68R of the first lateral bracket 50 and the second lateral bracket 60 have an L-shaped cross-section to reduce rigidity, it is possible to suppress the situation of affecting the deformation mode of the left and right side beams 11L, 11R during a collision.

[0069] Moreover, in the electric vehicle 100, the rear portions of the cooling pipe 42 and the rear portions of the cable 43 are supported by the central portions 59 of the first lateral bracket 50 and the second lateral bracket 60 in such a manner that the heights in the vehicle up-down direction are substantially the same as those of the respective front portions. Thereby, the cooling pipe 42 can be arranged substantially horizontally, and it is possible to suppress the situation where air bubbles accumulate inside the cooling pipe 42 and hinder the flow of the cooling water.

[0070] In the electric vehicle 100, when assembling the first lateral bracket 50 to the left and right mounting brackets 51L, 51R, as will be described in detail below, with the right mounting bracket 51R temporarily holding the right end portion 58R, the left end portion 58L is assembled to the left mounting bracket 51L, and then the right end portion 58R is mounted on the right mounting bracket 51R.

[0071] When assembling the first lateral bracket 50 to the left and right mounting brackets 51L, 51R, first, as Figure 7As shown, the plate flange 52R of the right mounting bracket 51R is placed in the gap 50S provided at the right end of the first horizontal bracket 50, and the plate flange 52R is clamped between the arm portion 50D and the vertical plate 50B. Thus, the right mounting bracket 51L temporarily holds the right end portion 58R of the first horizontal bracket 50.

[0072] Next, the position of the bolt hole 50E of the left end portion 58L is aligned with the position of the bolt hole 55L of the plate flange 52L so that the bolt 71L can pass through it, and the bolt 71L is screwed into the nut 73L set on the opposite side of the plate flange 52L, thereby mounting the left end portion 58L on the left mounting bracket 51L.

[0073] Next, the position of the bolt hole 50F of the right end portion 58R is aligned with the position of the bolt hole 55R of the plate flange 52R so that the bolt 71R can pass through it, and the bolt 71R is screwed into the nut (not shown) set on the opposite side of the plate flange 52R, thereby mounting the right end portion 58R on the right mounting bracket 51R.

[0074] In this way, since the left end portion 58L is assembled to the left mounting bracket 51L in a state where the right mounting bracket 51R temporarily holds the right end portion 58R, and then the right end portion 58R is mounted on the right mounting bracket 51R, the assembly of the first horizontal bracket 50 to the left and right mounting brackets 51L, 51R can be carried out by one person. The same method applies when assembling the second horizontal bracket 60 to the left and right mounting brackets 61L, 61R.

[0075] Although the electric vehicle 100 described above has been described as a structure in which two horizontal brackets, namely the first horizontal bracket 50 and the second horizontal bracket 60, are arranged within the range of the cargo hold 33 equipped with the left and right side beams 11L, 11R, it is not limited to this. For example, it can also be configured to support the cooling pipe 42 and the cable 43 only by using one first horizontal bracket 50.

[0076] In addition, the following method can also be adopted, that is, three horizontal brackets are arranged at a predetermined interval between the left and right side beams 11L, 11R. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the situation where the cooling pipe 42 or the cable 43 hangs downward and approaches the upper surface 35A of the battery 35.

[0077] In addition, although in the electric vehicle 100 described above, the arm portion 50D of the first lateral bracket 50 is described as a plate-like portion extending downward from the right end of the upper plate 50A, it is not limited thereto. As long as it is a structure that extends downward from the upper plate 50A and sandwiches the plate flange 52R between the arm portion 50D and the vertical plate 50B, it may be, for example, a pin fixed to the lower surface of the upper plate 50A.

[0078] In addition, although in the above description, the central portions 59 and 69 of the first lateral bracket 50 and the second lateral bracket 60 are described as having a groove-shaped cross section with an open rear in the vehicle, they may also be configured to have a groove-shaped cross section with an open front in the vehicle.

[0079] Next, while referring to Figure 8 the electric vehicle 200 of another embodiment will be described. The same parts as those of the electric vehicle 100 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] As Figure 8 shown, the electric vehicle 200 includes a rear auxiliary mechanical unit 37 at the rear of the vehicle. The rear auxiliary mechanical unit 37 includes a rear radiator 37A that releases the heat of the cooling water that cools the electric unit 36 to the outside. The rear radiator 37A and the electric unit 36 are connected by a cooling pipe 47, and the cooling pipe 47 is composed of a cooling water supply pipe 47A and a cooling water return pipe 47B. The cooling pipe 47 is supported by a fourth lateral member 15 and a fifth lateral member 16.

[0081] In the electric vehicle 200, the power distribution unit 34B included in the auxiliary mechanical unit 34 disposed in front of the battery 35 and the electric unit 36 disposed behind the battery 35 are connected together by a cable 43. The cable 43 is disposed above the central portions 59 and 69 of the first lateral bracket 50 and the second lateral bracket 60.

[0082] In the electric vehicle 200, the cable 43 constitutes a connecting member 40 that connects the auxiliary mechanical unit 34 and the electric unit 36.

[0083] Similar to the electric vehicle 100, the electric vehicle 200 can also suppress the interference between the upper surface 35A of the battery 35 and the cable 43 even when the upper surface 35A of the battery 35 is bent upward, thereby suppressing the damage of the cable 43 due to heat.

[0084] Next, while referring to Figure 9 the electric vehicle 300 of another embodiment will be described. For the same parts as those of the electric vehicle described above with reference toFigures 1 to 7 The same parts as those of the electric vehicle 100 described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description is omitted.

[0085] As Figure 9 shown, the electric vehicle 300 includes a rear auxiliary mechanical unit 38, and the rear auxiliary mechanical unit 38 includes a rear power distribution unit 38B that supplies power to the electric unit 36. The rear power distribution unit 38B and the electric unit 36 are connected together by a cable 48.

[0086] In the electric vehicle 300, a radiator 34A included in the auxiliary mechanical unit 34 disposed in front of the battery 35 and the electric unit 36 disposed behind the battery 35 are connected together by a cooling pipe 42. The cooling pipe 42 is disposed above the central portions 59, 69 of the first lateral bracket 50 and the second lateral bracket 60.

[0087] In the electric vehicle 300, the cooling pipe 42 constitutes a connecting member 40 that connects the auxiliary mechanical unit 34 and the electric unit 36.

[0088] Next, while referring to Figure 10 , an electric vehicle 400 of another embodiment will be described. The same parts as those of the electric vehicle 100 described previously while referring to Figures 1 to 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description is omitted.

[0089] As Figure 10 shown, in the electric vehicle 400, the first lateral bracket 50 is supported by suspension brackets 81L, 81R mounted on the lower surface of the floor panel 33A of the cargo hold 33. Similarly, the second lateral bracket 60 is also supported by other suspension brackets (not shown) mounted on the lower surface of the floor panel 33A of the cargo hold 33.

[0090] The operation and effects of the electric vehicle 400 are the same as those of the electric vehicle 100 described previously.

[0091] Next, while referring to Figure 11 , an electric vehicle 500 of another embodiment will be described. The same parts as those of the electric vehicle 100 described previously while referring to Figures 1 to 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description is omitted.

[0092] As Figure 11As shown, the electric vehicle 500 is an electric SUV that has a cab 39 for storing the front seat and the rear seat inside, replacing the cab 32 and the cargo compartment 33 of the electric vehicle 100. In the electric vehicle 500, the rear cab mounting bracket 23R and the rear cab mounting 28R are arranged directly in front of the third transverse member 14 and support the rear part of the cab 39. In addition, the suspension members 32B and 32C are supported by the floor panel 39A of the cab 39.

[0093] In the electric vehicle 500, similar to the electric vehicle 100, the radiator 34A and the electric unit 36 are connected together by the cooling pipe 42, and the power distribution unit 34B and the electric unit 36 are connected together by the cable 43. The cooling pipe 42 and the cable 43 are arranged above the central portions 59 and 69 of the first transverse bracket 50 and the second transverse bracket 60. Similar to the electric vehicle 100, in the electric vehicle 500, even when the upper surface 35A of the battery 35 is bent upward, it is possible to suppress the interference between the upper surface 35A of the battery 35 and the cooling pipe 42 or the cable 43, thereby suppressing the damage to the cooling pipe 42 or the cable 43 due to heat.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle, comprising: left and right side beams extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle; a battery disposed between the left and right side beams; an electric unit disposed at the rear of the vehicle of the battery; an auxiliary mechanical unit disposed in front of the vehicle of the battery; a connecting member that connects the auxiliary mechanical unit and the electric unit in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, The electric vehicle is characterized in that The connecting member is disposed at a position separated upward from the battery.

2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: A transverse bracket is provided, the transverse bracket being installed between the left and right side beams above the battery. The connecting member is disposed above a center portion of the lateral bracket in the vehicle width direction.

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of the lateral brackets are provided at predetermined intervals in the vehicle front-rear direction.

4. The electric vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The lateral bracket is provided at a lower end portion with a planar portion extending along an upper surface of the battery.

5. The electric vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lateral bracket is provided at a lower end portion with a planar portion extending along an upper surface of the battery.

6. The electric vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that: The left and right ends of the transverse bracket are L-shaped in cross section, and the central portion of the transverse bracket is a channel-shaped cross section that is open toward the front or rear of the vehicle.

7. The electric vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that: The left and right ends of the transverse bracket are L-shaped in cross section, and the central portion of the transverse bracket is a channel-shaped cross section that is open toward the front or rear of the vehicle.

8. The electric vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that: The end of the lateral bracket has an L-shaped cross section consisting of an upper plate and a longitudinal plate extending downward from the upper plate. The electric vehicle includes left and right mounting brackets, which are respectively mounted on the left and right side beams and extend upward, and have plate flanges at the upper portions thereof to which the longitudinal plates of the left and right end portions are coupled. The lateral bracket includes an arm portion at one or both of the left and right end portions, the arm portion extending downward from the upper plate and sandwiching the plate flange of the mounting bracket between the arm portion and the vertical plate.

9. The electric vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that: The end of the lateral bracket has an L-shaped cross section consisting of an upper plate and a longitudinal plate extending downward from the upper plate. The electric vehicle includes left and right mounting brackets, which are respectively mounted on the left and right side beams and extend upward, and have plate flanges at the upper portions thereof to which the longitudinal plates of the left and right end portions are coupled. The lateral bracket includes an arm portion at one or both of the left and right end portions, the arm portion extending downward from the upper plate and sandwiching the plate flange of the mounting bracket between the arm portion and the vertical plate.

10. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The auxiliary mechanical unit includes a heat sink, The connection member is a cooling pipe extending between the radiator and the electric unit in the front-rear direction of the vehicle to allow cooling water to flow back to the radiator and the electric unit.

11. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The auxiliary mechanical unit includes a power distribution unit that distributes power from the battery to the electric unit and other on-board equipment. The connection member is a cable that transmits electric power from the power distribution unit to the electric unit.

12. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The auxiliary mechanical unit includes a radiator and a power distribution unit, wherein the power distribution unit distributes the power from the battery to the electric unit and other on-board devices. The connection member is a cooling pipe extending in the vehicle front-rear direction between the radiator and the electric unit to return cooling water to the radiator and the electric unit, and a cable transmitting power from the power distribution unit to the electric unit.

13. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that: include: a cab mounted above the left and right side beams at the front of the vehicle; a cargo hold mounted above the left and right side beams at the rear of the cab, The transverse bracket is arranged within the range of the cargo hold on which the left and right side beams are mounted. The front portion of the connecting member is supported by the floor panel of the cab, and the rear portion of the connecting member is arranged above the center portion of the cross bracket in the vehicle width direction so as to have substantially the same height in the vehicle vertical direction as the front portion.

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