Vehicle frame structure

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a "vehicle frame structure". A vehicle includes a frame, a battery, and a barrier. The frame has a side member defining a space therebetween. And the battery is arranged in the space. The battery is secured to the frame via a floating connection. The battery is configured to store and provide power to propel the vehicle. The blocking member protrudes inwardly from the longitudinal beam and into the space. And the blocking piece is arranged along the edge of the battery. The barrier is spaced apart from the edge of the battery. The blocking member is operable to engage the edge of the battery in response to deformation of the frame so as to limit forward movement of the battery. The floating link facilitates limited movement of the battery within the space such that the battery can move toward the barrier but is prevented from contacting the barrier when the frame is in an undeformed state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to vehicle body structure and / or vehicle frame structure. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles and automobiles include a body and / or frame, which operate as a basic support structure for other subsystems of the vehicle (e.g., powertrain, steering system, etc.). Summary of the Invention

[0003] A vehicle includes a frame, a battery, and a stop. The frame has longitudinal beams defining a space therebetween. The battery is disposed within the space. The battery is secured to the frame via a floating connector. The battery is configured to store and provide power to propel the vehicle. The stop protrudes inward from the longitudinal beams and into the space. The stop is disposed along an edge of the battery. The stop is spaced apart from the edge of the battery. The stop is operable to engage the edge of the battery in response to deformation of the frame or extension of the floating connector beyond its operable range of motion to restrict forward movement of the battery. The floating connector facilitates limited movement of the battery within the space, allowing the battery to move toward the stop, but is prevented from contacting the stop when the frame is in an undeformed state and the floating connector remains within its operable range of motion.

[0004] A vehicle includes a frame, a battery, a first stop, and a second stop. The frame defines a central space. The battery is disposed within the central space and secured to the frame. The first stop and the second stop project from the frame and into the central space. The first stop and the second stop extend over opposite ends of the forward edge of the battery. The first stop and the second stop are operable to engage the forward edge of the battery in response to deformation of the frame to restrict forward movement of the battery.

[0005] A vehicle includes a frame, a bracket, a traction battery, a first stop, and a second stop. The frame has a first side beam and a second side beam extending longitudinally between a forward region and a rearward region of the vehicle. The first side beam and the second side beam define a space therebetween. The bracket is fixed to the first side beam and the second side beam and extends within the space between the first side beam and the second side beam. The traction battery is disposed within the space such that a first gap and a second gap are respectively defined between the traction battery and the first and second longitudinal beams. The traction battery is fixed to the bracket via a floating connector. The traction battery is configured to store and provide power to propel the vehicle. The first stop and the second stop project inwardly from the first and second side beams and into the space, respectively. The first stop and the second stop are disposed along the front edge of the traction battery. The first stop and the second stop are spaced apart from the front edge of the traction battery such that a third gap and a fourth gap are respectively defined between the traction battery and the first and second stopes. The first and second blocking members are operable to engage the front edge of the battery in response to deformation of the frame or extension of the floating connector beyond its operable range of motion, thereby restricting forward movement of the traction battery. The floating connector facilitates limited lateral movement of the traction battery between the first and second side beams, allowing movement within the first and second gaps, but is prevented from contacting the first and second side beams when the frame is undeformed and the floating connector remains within its operable range of motion. The floating connector further facilitates limited longitudinal movement of the traction battery between the forward and rearward regions of the vehicle, allowing movement within the third and fourth gaps, but is prevented from contacting the first and second blocking members when the frame is undeformed and the floating connector remains within its operable range of motion. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 It is a perspective top view of a part of a vehicle, including a portion of the vehicle frame, the portion of the vehicle frame including the front area of ​​the vehicle frame;

[0007] Figure 2 It is a top view of the portion of the vehicle including the portion of the vehicle frame, the portion of the vehicle frame including the front region of the vehicle frame, illustrating the vehicle frame in an undeformed state;

[0008] Figure 3It is a top view of a portion of the vehicle including the portion of the vehicle frame, the portion of the vehicle frame including the front region of the vehicle frame, illustrating the vehicle frame in a deformed state;

[0009] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of a vehicle frame that illustrates a bracket operable to secure a traction battery to the vehicle frame.

[0010] Figure 5 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from line 5-5 in the diagram;

[0011] Figure 6 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken by line 6-6 in the figure. Detailed Implementation

[0012] This document describes embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; some features may be enlarged or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but only as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the embodiments in different ways. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features illustrated and described with reference to any of the drawings may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other drawings to produce embodiments not explicitly illustrated or described. Combinations of illustrated features provide representative embodiments for typical applications. However, for a particular application or implementation, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure may be desired.

[0013] refer to Figures 1 to 6 This illustration depicts a portion of a vehicle 10, including a portion of a vehicle frame 12. The vehicle 10 includes a forward region 14 and a rearward region 16. The vehicle frame 12 includes a front region 18 positioned along the forward region 14 of the vehicle 10. The frame 12 has a first side beam 20 and a second side beam 22 extending longitudinally between the forward region 14 and the rearward region 16 of the vehicle 10. The first side beam 20 and the second side beam 22 define a central space, or more generally, a space 24 between them. More generally, the frame 12 may define space 24.

[0014] Battery 26 is disposed within space 24 such that gap 28 is defined between battery 26 and first side beam 20 and second side beam 22. More specifically, the first gap 28 may be defined between battery 26 and first side beam 20, while the second gap 28 may be defined between battery 26 and second side beam 22. Battery 26 is secured to frame 12, or more specifically to first side beam 20 and second side beam 22, via floating connector 30. Battery 26 may be a traction battery configured to store and provide power to propel vehicle 10. Bracket 32 ​​may be secured to frame 12, or more specifically to first side beam 20 and second side beam 22. Bracket 32 ​​extends within space 24 between first side beam 20 and second side beam 22. Bracket 32 ​​also extends within space 24 between forward region 14 and rearward region 16 of vehicle 10.

[0015] The battery 26 can be directly secured to the bracket 32 ​​via the floating connector 30, and indirectly secured to the frame 12 via the bracket 32 ​​and the floating connector 30, or more specifically, to the first side beam 20 and the second side beam 22. The floating connector 30 may include a plurality of elastic blocks 34 connecting the battery 26 to the bracket 32. The elastic blocks may be made of an elastic material (such as rubber) that facilitates limited movement of the battery 26 relative to the bracket 32.

[0016] The first blocking member 36 and the second blocking member 38 protrude inwardly from the first side beam 20 and the second side beam 22, respectively, and enter the space 24. More generally, the first blocking member 36 and the second blocking member 38 protrude from the frame 12 into the space 24. The first blocking member 36 and the second blocking member 38 may be tubular. The first blocking member 36 and the second blocking member 38 are disposed along the edge of the battery 26. More specifically, the edge of the battery 26 may be the front edge or front edge 40 of the battery 26. The first blocking member 36 and the second blocking member 38 may be suspended above the opposite end or opposite side of the front edge 40 of the battery 26. The first blocking member 36 and the second blocking member 38 may also be spaced apart from the front edge 40 of the battery 26, such that a gap 42 is defined between the battery 26 and the first blocking member 36 and between the battery 26 and the second blocking member 38. More specifically, the first of the gaps 42 may be defined along the front edge 40 of the battery 26 between the battery 26 and the first stop 36, while the second of the gaps 42 may be defined along the front edge 40 of the battery 26 between the battery 26 and the second stop 38. The gaps 42 may be referred to as the third gap and the fourth gap, while the gap 28 may be referred to as the first gap and the second gap, or vice versa.

[0017] The first stop 36 and the second stop 38 are operable to engage the front edge 40 of the battery 26 in response to deformation of the frame 12, breakage of the frame 12, deformation of the floating connector 30, or breakage of the floating connector 30, in order to restrict forward movement of the battery 26 (e.g., movement in direction 44 from the rearward region 16 of the vehicle 10 toward the forward region 14). Such deformation or breakage of the frame 12 may include deformation or breakage of the first side beam 20, the second side beam 22, or the battery 26 itself (e.g., see...). Figure 3 Such deformation or breakage of the floating connector 30 may include deformation or breakage of the elastic block 34, the base plate 35, or the fastening portion 37 of the floating connector 30. The floating connector 30 facilitates limited lateral movement of the battery 26 between the first side beam 20 and the second side beam 22 along direction 46, allowing the battery 26 to move within the gap 28, but while the frame 12 remains undeformed (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 1 When the floating connector 30 is within its operable range of motion, it is prevented from contacting the first side beam 20 and the second side beam 22. The floating connector 30 also facilitates limited longitudinal movement of the battery 26 (e.g., movement in direction 44 between the forward region 14 and the rearward region 16 of the vehicle 10), allowing the battery 26 to move toward the first stop 36 and the second stop 38 within the gap 42, but preventing contact with the first stop 36 and the second stop 38 when the frame 12 is in an undeformed state and when the floating connector 30 is within its operable range of motion.

[0018] The operable range of motion of the floating connector 30 corresponds to the operation or movement of the floating connector 30 within the elastic range in which the floating connector 30 and / or the elastic block 34 do not undergo plastic deformation. The extension of the floating connector 30 beyond its operable range of motion corresponds to the floating connector 30 and / or the elastic block 34 undergoing plastic deformation or breaking.

[0019] Direction 44 may be substantially perpendicular to direction 46. As used herein, substantially perpendicular means any incremental angle between being perfectly perpendicular and deviating from being perfectly perpendicular by 15° or less (e.g., deviating from being perfectly perpendicular by 12.5° or less, deviating from being perfectly perpendicular by 10° or less, deviating from being perfectly perpendicular by 5° or less, deviating from being perfectly perpendicular by 1° or less, deviating from being perfectly perpendicular by 0.5° or less, or deviating from being perfectly perpendicular by 0.1° or less, etc.).

[0020] The first longitudinal beam 20 and the second longitudinal beam 22 each include a first structural tube and a second structural tube 48. Each structural tube 48 has an upper wall 50, a lower wall 52, a first lateral wall 54, and a second lateral wall 56 defining a cavity 58 therebetween. A first blocking member 36 and a second blocking member 38 are fixed to the first lateral wall 54 and the second lateral wall 56, and extend through the cavity 58 defined by the first structural tube and the second structural tube 48, respectively.

[0021] The vehicle 10 may also include a plurality of mounting brackets 60 operable for securing the vehicle body structure to the frame 12. The first and second of the mounting brackets 60 are respectively secured laterally to the first side beam 20 and the second side beam 22. The first and second of the mounting brackets 60 are respectively positioned on opposite sides of the first side beam 20 and the second side beam 22 relative to the first stop 36 and the second stop 38. The first and second of the mounting brackets 60 are longitudinally (e.g., along direction 44) aligned with the first stop 36 and the second stop 38 between the forward region 14 and the rearward region 16 of the vehicle 10.

[0022] Battery 26 includes sidewalls 62; an electrical connector 64 projecting from a front edge 40 of battery 26 between the sidewalls 62; and a coolant inlet, outlet, and conduit 66 (e.g., a tube, pipe, etc.) projecting from the front edge 40 of battery 26 between the sidewalls 62. A first stop 36 and a second stop 38 extend laterally over the front edge 40 of battery 26 such that each of the first stop 36 and the second stop 38 is suspended over one of the sidewalls 62 but not over the electrical connector 64. The first stop 36 and the second stop 38 also extend laterally over the front edge 40 of battery 26 such that each of the first stop 36 and the second stop 38 is suspended over one of the sidewalls 62 but not over the conduit 66.

[0023] A frontal collision with a rigid barrier can result in high residual inertia for isolated or rigidly mounted components, such as large high-voltage traction batteries in electric vehicles. Therefore, it is necessary to contain such batteries to prevent unwanted contact with components surrounding the battery, particularly along its front or rear. The first barrier 36 and the second barrier 38 disclosed herein operate precisely during such a collision to contain the battery 26 in order to prevent contact between the battery 26 and components surrounding the vehicle 10.

[0024] The frame 12 (including the first side beam 20, the second side beam 22, the first stop 36, and the second stop 38) is located at a predetermined distance from the battery 26 to allow the battery 26 to be isolated from road loads during normal operation. Therefore, the gap 42 between the stop (i.e., the first stop 36 and the second stop 38) and the battery 26 is set to this predetermined distance so that the battery 26 does not contact the stop during normal operation of the vehicle 10 while the frame 12 remains in an undeformed state. The size of the bolts 68 that secure the bracket 32 ​​to the frame 12 (or more specifically, the first side beam 20 and the second side beam 22) should be minimized to take into account the smaller rubber isolation mounts on the bracket 32 ​​(e.g., the elastic block 34 of the floating connector 30) and the smaller battery lateral member 70.

[0025] The blocking elements (i.e., the first blocking element 36 and the second blocking element 38) have a limited coverage area on the frame longitudinal beams (i.e., the first side beam 20 and the second side beam 22) so that the blocking elements do not interfere with the necessary frame compression at the front of the vehicle during a collision, while also reducing the battery inertial load.

[0026] The blocking elements (i.e., the first blocking element 36 and the second blocking element 38) are positioned within the coverage area of ​​the body mounting bracket (i.e., the mounting bracket 60) to ensure that the blocking elements do not significantly affect the total vehicle compression required for pulse management. The blocking elements are also located at a predetermined distance in front of the battery 26, which allows the battery 26 to move normally and be isolated from the frame 12 (including the first side beam 20, the second side beam 22, the first blocking element 36, and the second blocking element 38) under normal, resilient road driving conditions. In the event of a collision in which deformation exceeds the predetermined distance due to plastic deformation, the frame blocking elements (i.e., the first blocking element 36 and the second blocking element 38) engage with the battery 26, thereby reducing the load on the bolts (e.g., the bolts 68 that secure the bracket 32 ​​to the frame 12) and preventing bolt breakage or deformation. In the event of bolt breakage or deformation (e.g., the bolts 68 that secure the bracket 32 ​​to the frame 12), the blocking elements (i.e., the first blocking element 36 and the second blocking element 38) also serve to prevent the battery 26 from moving forward into surrounding components.

[0027] The blocking elements (i.e., first blocking element 36 and second blocking element 38) are aligned with the body mounting bracket (i.e., mounting bracket 60), which also functions as a reinforcement of the frame 12. Therefore, the blocking elements (i.e., first blocking element 36 and second blocking element 38) do not interfere with the natural compression of the frame 12, which is necessary to reduce inertial battery load. The blocking elements can be through-welded to achieve additional rigidity using internal and external frame longitudinal beam stampings (e.g., first blocking element 36 and second blocking element 38 can each be welded to the first lateral wall 54 and second lateral wall 56 of the corresponding structural tube 48). The blocking elements (i.e., first blocking element 36 and second blocking element 38) can also be positioned to prevent interference with other components arranged along the frame 12, such as coolant conduits 72.

[0028] exist Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the barriers (i.e., first barrier 36 and second barrier 38) and battery 26 following a full frontal collision. Battery 26 is effectively held within the frame 12. The barriers are shown engaging the sidewall 62 of battery 26 but not engaging a high-voltage connector (e.g., electrical connector 64) or a coolant inlet (e.g., conduit 66).

[0029] It should be understood that the designations of first, second, third, fourth, etc., for any component, state, or condition described herein may be rearranged in the claims such that they are arranged chronologically with respect to the claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that if one or more specific components, states, or conditions are claimed, any component, state, or condition without a numerical name described herein may be given the names first, second, third, fourth, etc., in the claims.

[0030] The terms used in this specification are descriptive rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. As previously stated, features of the various embodiments may be combined to form other embodiments that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. While various embodiments may have been described as providing advantages or preference over other embodiments or prior art implementations in terms of one or more desired characteristics, those skilled in the art will recognize that one or more features or characteristics may be compromised to achieve desired overall system properties, depending on the specific application and implementation. Thus, embodiments described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations in terms of one or more characteristics are within the scope of this disclosure and may be desirable for a particular application.

[0031] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided comprising: a frame having longitudinal beams defining a space therebetween; a battery disposed within the space, secured to the frame via a floating connector, and configured to store and provide power to propel the vehicle; and a stop member projecting inwardly from the longitudinal beams and into the space, disposed along an edge of the battery, spaced apart from the edge of the battery, and operable to engage the edge of the battery in response to deformation of the frame or extension of the floating connector beyond its operable range of motion to restrict forward movement of the battery, wherein the floating connector facilitates limited movement of the battery within the space such that the battery can move toward the stop member, but is prevented from contacting the stop member when the frame is in a non-deformable state and the floating connector is held within the operable range of motion.

[0032] According to one embodiment, each longitudinal beam includes a structural tube, each structural tube having an upper wall, a lower wall, a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall defining a cavity therebetween, and wherein each blocking element is fixed to the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall and extends through the cavity defined by one of the structural tubes.

[0033] According to one embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is: a mounting bracket operable for securing a vehicle body structure to the frame, wherein each mounting bracket is secured to the laterally outward side of one of the longitudinal beams, disposed on the opposite side of the corresponding longitudinal beam relative to one of the blocking members, and longitudinally aligned with the corresponding blocking member between the forward and rearward regions of the vehicle.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the battery includes sidewalls and an electrical connector projecting from the edge of the battery between the sidewalls, wherein the blocking member extends above the edge of the battery such that the blocking member is suspended above the sidewalls rather than above the electrical connector.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the battery includes sidewalls and coolant conduits projecting from the edge of the battery between the sidewalls, wherein the blocking member extends above the edge of the battery such that the blocking member is suspended above the sidewalls rather than above the coolant conduits.

[0036] According to one embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is: a bracket that secures the battery to the vehicle frame.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the floating connector includes a resilient block for connecting the battery to the bracket.

[0038] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided having: a frame defining a central space; a battery disposed within the central space and fixed to the frame; and a first stop and a second stop protruding from the frame and entering the central space, extending over opposite ends of a forward edge of the battery, and operable to engage the forward edge of the battery in response to deformation of the frame to restrict forward movement of the battery.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the frame includes structural tubes, each having an upper wall, a lower wall, a first lateral wall, and a second lateral wall defining a cavity therebetween, wherein each of the first and second blocking members is fixed to the first and second lateral walls and extends through the cavity defined by one of the structural tubes.

[0040] According to one embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is: a mounting bracket operable for securing a vehicle body structure to the frame, wherein each mounting bracket is secured to the laterally outward side of one of the structural tubes, disposed on the opposite side of the corresponding structural tube relative to one of the first and second blocking members, and longitudinally aligned with one of the first and second blocking members between the forward and rearward regions of the vehicle.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the battery includes sidewalls and an electrical connector projecting from the forward edge of the battery between the sidewalls, wherein the first and second blocking members extend over the forward edge of the battery such that each of the blocking members is suspended over one of the sidewalls rather than over the electrical connector.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the battery includes sidewalls and coolant conduits projecting from the forward edge of the battery between the sidewalls, wherein the first and second blocking members extend over the forward edge of the battery such that each of the blocking members is suspended over one of the sidewalls rather than over the coolant conduit.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the battery is secured to the vehicle frame via a floating connector.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the floating connector facilitates limited movement of the battery within the space, allowing the battery to move toward the first and second barriers, but preventing contact with the first and second barriers when the frame is in an undeformed state and the floating connector remains within its operable range of motion.

[0045] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided, comprising: a frame having a first side beam and a second side beam, the first side beam and the second side beam (i) extending longitudinally between a forward region and a rearward region of the vehicle, and (ii) defining a space therebetween; a bracket fixed to the first side beam and the second side beam and extending within the space between the first side beam and the second side beam; a traction battery (i) disposed within the space such that a first gap and a second gap are respectively defined between the traction battery and the first side beam and the second side beam, (ii) fixed to the bracket via a floating connector, and (iii) configured to store and provide power to propel the vehicle; and a first stop and a second stop, the first stop and the second stop (i) respectively projecting inward from the first side beam and the second side beam and entering the space, (ii) disposed along the front edge of the traction battery, and (iii) spaced apart from the front edge of the traction battery such that... The third and fourth gaps are respectively defined between the traction battery and the first and second stops, and (iv) are operable to engage the front edge of the battery in response to deformation of the frame or extension of the floating connector beyond the operable range of motion to restrict forward movement of the traction battery, wherein the floating connector facilitates (a) limited lateral movement of the traction battery between the first and second side beams, allowing the traction battery to move within the first and second gaps, but preventing contact with the first and second side beams when the frame is undeformed and the floating connector is held within the operable range of motion, and (b) limited longitudinal movement between the forward and rearward regions of the vehicle, allowing the traction battery to move within the third and fourth gaps, but preventing contact with the first and second stops when the frame is undeformed and the floating connector is held within the operable range of motion.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the first side beam and the second side beam include a first structural tube and a second structural tube, each having an upper wall, a lower wall, a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall defining a cavity therebetween, wherein a first blocking member and a second blocking member are fixed to the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall and extend through the cavity defined by the first structural tube and the second structural tube, respectively.

[0047] According to one embodiment, a further feature of the above invention is: a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket, the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket being operable for securing a vehicle body structure to the frame, wherein the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket are respectively fixed to the lateral outward sides of the first longitudinal beam and the second longitudinal beam, respectively disposed on the opposite sides of the first longitudinal beam and the second longitudinal beam relative to the first stop and the second stop, and respectively longitudinally aligned with the first stop and the second stop between the forward region and the rearward region of the vehicle.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the battery includes sidewalls and an electrical connector projecting from the front edge of the battery between the sidewalls, wherein the first and second blocking members extend over the front edge of the battery such that each of the blocking members is suspended over one of the sidewalls rather than the electrical connector.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the battery includes sidewalls and coolant conduits projecting from the front edge of the battery between the sidewalls, wherein the first and second blocking members extend above the front edge of the battery such that each of the blocking members is suspended above one of the sidewalls rather than above the coolant conduit.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the floating connector includes an elastic block.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: A frame having longitudinal beams defining a space therebetween; A battery, disposed within the space, secured to the vehicle frame via a floating connector, and configured to store and provide power to propel the vehicle; as well as A blocking member, which projects inward from the longitudinal beam and into the space, is disposed along the edge of the battery, spaced apart from the edge of the battery, and is operable to engage the edge of the battery in response to deformation of the frame or extension of the floating connector beyond its operable range of motion to restrict forward movement of the battery, wherein the floating connector facilitates limited movement of the battery within the space, allowing the battery to move toward the blocking member, but is prevented from contacting the blocking member when the frame is in a non-deformable state and the floating connector is held within the operable range of motion.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein each longitudinal beam includes a structural tube having an upper wall, a lower wall, a first lateral wall, and a second lateral wall defining a cavity therebetween, and wherein each stopper is fixed to the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall and extends through the cavity defined by one of the structural tubes.

3. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: Mounting brackets, operable to secure a vehicle body structure to the frame, wherein each mounting bracket is secured to the lateral outward side of one of the longitudinal beams, positioned on the opposite side of the corresponding longitudinal beam relative to one of the blocking members, and longitudinally aligned with the corresponding blocking member between the forward and rearward regions of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the battery includes a sidewall and an electrical connector projecting from the edge of the battery between the sidewalls, and wherein the blocking member extends over the edge of the battery such that the blocking member is suspended over the sidewall rather than over the electrical connector.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the battery includes sidewalls and coolant conduits projecting from the edge of the battery between the sidewalls, and wherein the blocking member extends over the edge of the battery such that the blocking member is suspended over the sidewalls rather than over the coolant conduits.

6. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A bracket that secures the battery to the vehicle frame.

7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the floating connector includes an elastic block for connecting the battery to the bracket.

8. A vehicle comprising: The vehicle frame defines a central space; A battery, which is disposed within the central space and fixed to the vehicle frame; as well as A first and a second blocking member, which protrude from the frame and enter the central space, extend over opposite ends of the forward edge of the battery, and are operable to engage the forward edge of the battery in response to deformation of the frame in order to restrict forward movement of the battery.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the frame comprises structural tubes, each structural tube having an upper wall, a lower wall, a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall defining a cavity therebetween, and wherein each of the first stopper and the second stopper is fixed to the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall and extends through the cavity defined by one of the structural tubes.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, further comprising: Mounting brackets, operable for securing a vehicle body structure to the frame, wherein each mounting bracket is secured to the laterally outward side of one of the structural tubes, positioned on the opposite side of the corresponding structural tube relative to one of the first and second stops, and longitudinally aligned with one of the first and second stops between the forward and rearward regions of the vehicle.

11. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the battery includes sidewalls and an electrical connector projecting from the forward edge of the battery between the sidewalls, and wherein the first and second blocking members extend over the forward edge of the battery such that each of the blocking members is suspended over one of the sidewalls rather than over the electrical connector.

12. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the battery includes sidewalls and coolant conduits projecting from the forward edge of the battery between the sidewalls, and wherein the first and second blocking members extend over the forward edge of the battery such that each of the blocking members is suspended over one of the sidewalls rather than over the coolant conduit.

13. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein the battery is secured to the frame via a floating connector.

14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the floating connector facilitates limited movement of the battery within the space, such that the battery can move toward the first and second barriers, but is prevented from contacting the first and second barriers when the frame is in an undeformed state and the floating connector remains within its operable range of motion.

15. A vehicle comprising: A frame having a first side beam and a second side beam, the first side beam and the second side beam (i) extending longitudinally between a forward region and a rearward region of the vehicle, and (ii) defining a space therebetween; A bracket, the bracket being fixed to the first side beam and the second side beam and extending within the space between the first side beam and the second side beam; A traction battery, wherein (i) is disposed within the space such that a first gap and a second gap are respectively defined between the traction battery and the first longitudinal beam and the second longitudinal beam, (ii) is fixed to the bracket via a floating connector, and (iii) is configured to store and provide power to propel the vehicle; as well as A first and a second blocking member, the first and second blocking members (i) projecting inward from the first and second side beams respectively and entering the space, (ii) being disposed along the front edge of the traction battery, (iii) being spaced apart from the front edge of the traction battery such that a third and a fourth gap are defined between the traction battery and the first and second blocking members respectively, and (iv) being operable to engage the front edge of the battery in response to deformation of the frame or extension of the floating connector beyond its operable range of motion to restrict forward movement of the traction battery, wherein the floating connector facilitates the forward movement of the traction battery. The battery (a) allows for limited lateral movement between the first and second side beams, enabling the traction battery to move within the first and second gaps, but is prevented from contacting the first and second side beams when the frame is in an undeformed state and the floating connector remains within the operable range of motion; and (b) allows for limited longitudinal movement between the forward and rearward regions of the vehicle, enabling the traction battery to move within the third and fourth gaps, but is prevented from contacting the first and second blocking members when the frame is in an undeformed state and the floating connector remains within the operable range of motion.

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