Falling suppression device of battery for driving

Abstract

To provide a falling suppression device for preventing a battery for driving from falling from a vehicle.SOLUTION: A falling suppression device includes: a casing 5 of a battery 4 for driving; a left side rail 21L and a right side rail 21R; a first stopper 71L which is mounted on the casing 5 and can be brought into contact with the left side rail 21L; a first projection 72L which is mounted on the left side rail 21L and projects outside in a vehicle width direction; a first support part 73L which is mounted on the casing 5 and can support the casing 5; a second stopper 71R which is mounted on the casing 5 and can be brought into contact with the right side rail 21R; a second projection 72R which is mounted on the right side rail 21R and projects outside in the vehicle width direction; and a second support part 73R which is mounted on the casing 5 and can support the casing 5. When the first stopper 71L is brought into contact with the left side rail 21L, the first support part is engaged with the first projection. When the second stopper is brought into contact with the right side rail 21R, the second support part is engaged with the second projection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for preventing a drive battery from falling off, which is suitable for use in large electric vehicles such as trucks. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, from the viewpoint of reducing the burden on the environment, there has been progress in the development of electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, and other small vehicles such as passenger cars that run on power supplied from a drive battery to a motor. Furthermore, in recent years, electric vehicles have also been developed in the field of large vehicles such as trucks (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-113063 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in the case of small vehicles such as passenger cars, the driving battery is assumed to be mounted inside the vehicle body, and since the impact load caused by a vehicle collision is not applied directly to the driving battery, the load-bearing strength of the driving battery's casing can be set relatively low.

[0005] In contrast, in the case of large vehicles such as trucks, the drive battery may be placed exposed below the ladder frame, and depending on the size of the drive battery, it may be placed further outboard in the vehicle width direction than the side rails of the ladder frame. In this case, if a passenger car collides with the side of the vehicle, a high impact load may be applied to the drive battery.

[0006] Furthermore, even if the drive battery is not positioned further outboard in the vehicle width direction than the side rails of the ladder frame, if the drive battery is exposed below the ladder frame, it is possible that a passenger car or other vehicle could collide with the side of the vehicle and a high impact load could be applied to the drive battery from below the side rail. If an impact load greater than expected is applied, there is a risk that the drive battery will fall off the ladder frame.

[0007] This invention was devised with an eye on the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a drive battery detachment prevention device that can prevent the drive battery from falling off from the vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above problems, and can be realized in the following aspects or application examples. A first driving battery dislodging prevention device according to this application example is a driving battery dislodging prevention device mounted on a vehicle, and includes a casing for the driving battery, a left side rail and a right side rail extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, a first stopper attached to the casing, facing the left side rail and capable of abutting the left side rail when the casing moves to the left side of the vehicle, a first protruding portion attached to the left side rail and protruding outward in the vehicle width direction, a first support portion attached to the casing and capable of supporting the casing by being engaged with the first protruding portion, and a second support portion attached to the casing. the first stopper is attached to the casing, faces the right side rail, and is capable of abutting the right side rail when the casing moves to the right side of the vehicle; a second protrusion attached to the right side rail and protruding outward in the vehicle width direction; and a second support portion attached to the casing and capable of supporting the casing by engaging with the second protrusion, wherein when the first stopper abuts against the left side rail, the second support portion is engaged with the second protrusion, and when the second stopper abuts against the right side rail, the first support portion is engaged with the first protrusion.

[0009] According to the first driving battery anti-fall-off device of this application example, when the casing moves in the vehicle width direction due to an external impact, the first support portion engages with the first protrusion portion, or the second support portion engages with the second protrusion portion, thereby engaging the casing with one of the side rails and preventing the casing from falling off.

[0010] The second driving battery dislodging prevention device according to this application example is a driving battery dislodging prevention device mounted on a vehicle, and includes a casing for the driving battery, a left side rail and a right side rail extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, a first stopper attached to the casing, facing the left side rail and capable of abutting the left side rail when the casing moves to the left side of the vehicle, a first protruding portion protruding outward in the vehicle width direction from the first stopper, a first support portion provided on the left side rail and capable of supporting the casing by engaging the first protruding portion, and the right side rail when the casing is moved to the right side of the vehicle; a second protrusion protruding outward in the vehicle width direction from the second stopper; and a second support portion provided on the right side rail and capable of supporting the casing by engaging with the second protrusion, wherein when the first stopper abuts against the left side rail, the first protrusion is engaged with the first support portion, and when the second stopper abuts against the right side rail, the second protrusion is engaged with the second support portion.

[0011] According to the second driving battery anti-fall-off device of this application example, when the casing moves in the vehicle width direction due to an external impact, the first protrusion engages with the first support portion, or the second protrusion engages with the second support portion, thereby engaging the casing with one of the side rails and preventing the casing from falling off.

[0012] A third driving battery dislodgement prevention device according to this application example is a driving battery dislodgement prevention device mounted on a vehicle, and includes a casing for the driving battery, a left side rail and a right side rail extending in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle, a first stopper attached to the casing, facing the left side rail, and capable of abutting the left side rail when the casing moves to the left side of the vehicle, a first protrusion attached to the casing on the outside of the left side rail and protruding towards the left side rail, a first opening provided on the left side rail and through which the first protrusion can penetrate, and a second opening attached to the casing, facing the right side rail, and capable of abutting the left side rail when the casing moves to the left side of the vehicle. The first stopper is provided with a second stopper that can abut against the right side rail when moved to the right on either side, a second protrusion that is attached to the casing on the outside of the right side rail and protrudes toward the right side rail, and a second opening that is provided on the right side rail and through which the second protrusion can penetrate, and when the first stopper abuts against the left side rail, the second protrusion fits into the second opening, thereby engaging the second protrusion with the right side rail to support the casing, and when the second stopper abuts against the right side rail, the first protrusion fits into the first opening, thereby engaging the first protrusion with the left side rail to support the casing.

[0013] According to the third driving battery anti-detachment device of this application example, when the casing moves in the vehicle width direction due to an external impact, the first protrusion engages with the left side rail or the second protrusion engages with the right side rail, thereby engaging the casing with either side rail and preventing the casing from falling off. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to this embodiment, when the casing moves in the vehicle width direction due to an external impact, the casing is engaged with one of the side rails, thereby preventing the battery from falling off. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a drive battery support device and a drive battery falling-off prevention device according to a first embodiment in a state in which the drive battery is mounted to a vehicle body. FIG. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view showing the drive battery support device and the drive battery fall-off prevention device shown in FIG. 1 in a state before the drive battery is mounted to the vehicle body. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a main part of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the driving battery anti-detachment device of the first embodiment as seen from the front of the vehicle body, where (a) shows the normal state before the casing moves in the vehicle width direction due to an external impact, and (b) and (c) show the anti-detachment state when the casing moves in the vehicle width direction due to an external impact. In each of (a), (b), and (c), the right half shows a cross-section of the front part of the casing, and the left half shows a cross-section of the rear part of the casing. [Diagram 5] 7 is an enlarged perspective view showing a driving battery falling-off prevention device according to a second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a driving battery anti-detachment device according to a second embodiment as viewed from the front of the vehicle body, where (a) shows a normal state before the casing moves in the vehicle width direction due to an external impact, and (b) and (c) show an anti-detachment state when the casing moves in the vehicle width direction due to an external impact. In each of (a), (b), and (c), the right half shows a cross-section of the front part of the casing, and the left half shows a cross-section of the rear part of the casing. [Figure 7] 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing a driving battery falling-off prevention device according to a third embodiment, and corresponds to FIGS. 3 and 5. FIG. [Figure 8]5A and 5B are schematic cross-sectional views showing a driving battery anti-detachment device according to a third embodiment as viewed from the front of the vehicle body, where (a) shows a normal state before the casing moves in the vehicle width direction due to an external impact, and (b) and (c) show an anti-detachment state when the casing moves in the vehicle width direction due to an external impact. In each of (a), (b), and (c), the right half shows a cross-section of the front part of the casing, and the left half shows a cross-section of the rear part of the casing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to exclude the application of various modifications and techniques not specified in the embodiments. The configurations of the following embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the embodiments. In addition, they can be selected or combined as necessary.

[0017] [1. First embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described. [1.1. Configuration] [1.1-1. Overall composition] As shown in FIG. 1, a support device 1 for a vehicle battery pack according to this embodiment (also simply referred to as the support device 1) is mounted on an electric truck 3 equipped with a ladder frame 2 that forms the skeleton of the vehicle body. The electric truck 3 is an electric vehicle that runs by supplying electric power from a drive battery pack (also simply referred to as a "drive battery" or "battery pack") 4 to an electric motor (not shown). In addition to pure electric vehicles that do not have an internal combustion engine, electric vehicles also include hybrid vehicles and fuel cell vehicles that are equipped with an internal combustion engine for drive source or power generation. The electric truck 3 is also referred to as an "electric vehicle 3" or a "vehicle 3".

[0018] Hereinafter, the front-rear direction of the electric truck 3 is also referred to as the vehicle length direction D1, and the left-right direction of the electric truck 3 is also referred to as the vehicle width direction D2. In addition, the up-down direction perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is also referred to as the vehicle height direction D3. In the drawings, the front is indicated by "FR", the rear is indicated by "RR", the left is indicated by "LH", the right is indicated by "RH", the up is indicated by "UP", and the down is indicated by "DW". Note that FIG. 4 shows the lower structure of the electric truck 3, and the upper structure (body) arranged above the ladder frame 2 is omitted.

[0019] The ladder frame 2 is a member forming the framework of the electric truck 3, and has high rigidity and strength. The ladder frame 2 includes a pair of side rails 21, 21 (in the absence of a distinction between left and right, each side rail is designated by the reference symbol "21") extending in the vehicle length direction D1, and a plurality of cross members 22 extending in the vehicle width direction D2 and connecting the side rails 21 to each other. The pair of side rails 21 are disposed spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction D2. Each side rail 21 is formed in a channel shape (U-shaped cross section) having a plate-shaped web portion 21a extending along the vehicle length direction D1 and the vehicle height direction D3, and a pair of plate-shaped flange portions 21b, 21c extending inward in the vehicle width direction D2 from upper and lower edges of the web portion 21a. The multiple cross members 22 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the vehicle length direction D1. Here, two cross members 22 are illustrated, one at a position overlapping with the battery pack 4 in the vehicle height direction D3, and the other at a position rearward of the battery pack 4.

[0020] The battery pack 4 may be, for example, a general-purpose high-voltage battery pack used in passenger cars. In the electric truck 3, the battery pack 4 is mounted below a pair of side rails 21 and protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction D2 beyond each side rail 21. Here, a box-shaped battery pack 4 whose dimension in the vehicle height direction D3 is smaller (thinner) than each dimension in the vehicle length direction D1 and the vehicle width direction D2 is exemplified. However, the shape of the battery pack 4 is not particularly limited.

[0021] The battery pack 4 has a pair of battery side surfaces 41 (only the left battery side surface 41 is shown in FIG. 1 ) that each face outward in the vehicle width direction D2. The pair of battery side surfaces 41 are each located outward in the vehicle width direction D2 from the pair of side rails 21. More specifically, the right battery side surface (not shown) is located to the right of the right side rail 21, and the left battery side surface 41 is located to the left of the left side rail 21.

[0022] As described above, the battery side surface 41 of the battery pack 4 is disposed outside the side rail 21 in the vehicle width direction D2, so that the dimension in the vehicle width direction D2 is ensured to be larger than the distance between the web portions 21a of the side rails 21. This allows the battery pack 4 to have a large capacity. In addition, in order to ensure the cruising distance of the electric truck 3, it is preferable that the battery pack 4 is disposed over a wide range between the front and rear wheel axles. In a relatively small electric truck 3 (one with a relatively short wheelbase), one battery pack 4 can be disposed over almost the entire area of ​​the wheelbase. In this case, the front wheels are disposed in close proximity to the front of the battery pack 4, and the rear wheels are disposed in close proximity to the rear of the battery pack 4.

[0023] The size of the electric truck 3 and the number of battery packs 4 are not limited to the example of this embodiment. In a relatively large electric truck 3 (having a relatively long wheelbase), multiple battery packs 4 may be arranged side by side in the vehicle length direction D1. In this case, too, by arranging multiple battery packs 4 over a wide range of the wheelbase, the overall capacity of the battery packs 4 can be increased, and the cruising distance can be ensured.

[0024] The support device 1 connects the battery pack 4 to the side rails 21 and supports the battery pack 4. In other words, the battery pack 4 is supported by the side rails 21 via the support device 1. In this embodiment, a support device 1 that is configured to be symmetrical (plane symmetrical) with respect to a vertical plane that passes through the center in the vehicle width direction D2 and extends in the vehicle length direction D1 is shown as an example.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 2, the support device 1 includes a battery side bracket (casing) 5 that houses the battery pack 4, and a frame side bracket (connecting bracket) 6 that connects the battery side bracket 5 and a side rail 21 (see Fig. 4). The battery side bracket 5 is an outer wall body that is disposed on the outer periphery of the battery pack 4, and has the function of protecting the battery pack 4 from impact loads. On the other hand, the frame side bracket 6 extends outward and downward from the side rail 21 in the vehicle width direction D2, and has the function of suspending the battery pack 4 housed in the battery side bracket 5 from the side rail 21.

[0026] The battery side bracket 5 in this embodiment has a main bracket (front bracket) 7F arranged to cover the front edge of the battery pack 4, a main bracket (rear bracket) 7R arranged to cover the rear edge of the battery pack 4, an end cross member (right bracket) 8R covering the right edge of the battery pack 4, and an end cross member (left bracket) 8L covering the left edge of the battery pack 4.

[0027] The pair of main brackets 7F, 7R have the same shape, and when there is no need to distinguish between them, they are also referred to as main bracket 7 or bracket 7. The pair of end cross members 8R, 8L also have the same shape, and when there is no need to distinguish between them, they are also simply referred to as end cross member 8, side edge bracket 8, or bracket 8.

[0028] The pair of main brackets 7F, 7R are generally symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane that passes through the center in the vehicle width direction D2 and extends in the vehicle length direction D1. The main brackets 7F, 7R are also symmetrical with respect to each other. The pair of end cross members 8R, 8L are also formed symmetrically with respect to each other in the front-rear direction, with a vertical plane passing through the center in the vehicle length direction D1 and extending in the vehicle width direction D2 as a plane of symmetry. The end cross members 8R, 8L are also formed plane-symmetrically with each other.

[0029] In this embodiment, each of the main brackets 7F, 7R and the end cross members 8R, 8L is made of steel plate and formed into a channel shape. The battery side bracket 5 is disposed so as to surround the battery pack 4 on all four sides by the main brackets 7F, 7R and the end cross members 8R, 8L.

[0030] In this embodiment, high tensile steel is used as the material for each of the main brackets 7F, 7R and the end cross members 8R, 8L (i.e., the battery side bracket 5). High tensile steel plate is a steel material defined as having a tensile strength of, for example, 490 MPa or more and less than 1000 MPa, but has the advantages of being thin-walled and corrosion-resistant. By using this, the battery side bracket 5, and in turn the support device 1, can be made lighter while increasing the load-bearing strength. The load-bearing strength required for the support device 1 is a strength that does not deform to the extent that it damages the case of the battery pack 4 even if the support device 1 receives a certain thrust load when the vehicle is hit in a side collision, front collision, or rear collision.

[0031] However, the material of the battery side bracket 5 is not limited to this, and other steel materials or materials other than steel materials may be applied. If ultra-high tensile steel, which is defined as having a tensile strength of 1000 MPa or more, is used as a steel material with higher tensile strength, further weight reduction can be achieved, but currently, ultra-high tensile steel is more difficult to process than high tensile steel and also leads to increased costs, so in this embodiment, high tensile steel is used. Note that the definitions of high tensile steel and ultra-high tensile steel may differ depending on the manufacturer, etc. Therefore, the above values ​​of 490 MPa or more and 1000 MPa are given as examples only as numerical guides.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 2, the lower portions of the frame side brackets 6 are fixed to the upper portions of overlapping portions 51 where the main brackets 7 and the end cross members 8 are overlapped and joined together. In addition, as shown in Fig. 1, the frame side brackets 6 are fixed to the web portions 21a of the side rails 21. Two frame side brackets 6 are provided on each of the left and right sides of the electric truck 3 (outsides of each side rail 21 in the vehicle width direction D2) (four in total).

[0033] 3 is an enlarged perspective view of FIG. 1 representatively illustrating the frame-side bracket 6 on the vehicle front left side among the four frame-side brackets 6 (at the four corners of the battery pack 4). The other frame-side brackets 6 are similarly configured, being either bilaterally symmetrical, front-rear symmetrical, or both bilaterally symmetrical and front-rear symmetrical to this illustrated frame-side bracket 6.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, each frame side bracket 6 connects the battery side bracket (casing) 5 and the side rail 21, and consists of a first member 61 connected to the battery side bracket 5, a second member 62 connected to the frame side rail 21, and an insulator 63 interposed between the first member 61 and the second member 62.

[0035] The first member 61 includes a base plate portion 61a fastened to the overlapping portion 51 with a bolt 64, and an insulator abutting portion 61b formed above the base plate portion 61a and having a generally U-shaped cross section for accommodating one side of the insulator 63, and can be formed, for example, by bending a metal plate. A portion of the insulator abutting portion 61b connected to the base plate portion 61a includes an inclined portion 61c that inclines inward in the vehicle width direction from above to below.

[0036] Further, reinforcing plates 61d are interposed at both ends (both ends in the vehicle front-rear direction) of a space formed by the base plate portion 61a and the inclined portion 61c of the first member 61. Reinforcing plates 61e are interposed at both ends (both ends in the vehicle front-rear direction) of a space having a generally U-shaped cross section above the insulator abutting portion 61c.

[0037] The second member 62 has a box-shaped insulator abutment portion 62a that accommodates the other side of the insulator 63, and a flange-shaped portion 62b that protrudes from both sides of the insulator abutment portion 62a and is connected to the side rail 21 with a bolt 65, and can be formed, for example, by bending sheet metal.

[0038] The base plate portion 61a of the first member 61 is fastened to the overlap portion 51 by bolts 64 at three points, two points on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and one point on the inner side in the vehicle width direction. However, the number and positions of the fastening bolts 64 are not limited to this. For example, the bolt 64 at the one point on the inner side in the vehicle width direction is located deep within the space formed by the base plate portion 61a and the inclined portion 61c, which makes fastening work difficult and makes it difficult to automate the horseshoe work, so it may be considered to be omitted.

[0039] Furthermore, each flange-shaped portion 62b of the second member 62 is fastened by a plurality of (four in this example) bolts 65 aligned in the vertical direction, utilizing vehicle component mounting holes 21d regularly arranged vertically and horizontally in the web portion 21a of the side rail 21. However, the number and positions of the fastening bolts 65 are not limited to this.

[0040] Therefore, according to this support structure, the insulator 63 interposed between the first member 61 and the second member 62 of the frame side bracket 6 deforms, which has the effect of suppressing the transmission of vibrations of the vehicle 3 to the battery pack 4. However, on the other hand, there is a risk that the insulator 63 will deform and the frame side bracket 6 will fall off the side rail 21 during a side collision of the vehicle (at the time of a side collision).

[0041] However, for example, as shown in Figure 4(b) or 4(c), even if one of the left and right frame side brackets 6 falls off from the side rail 21, a certain level of safety for the battery pack 4 can be ensured as long as the other is engaged with the side rail 21. In contrast, if all of the frame side brackets 6 fall off from the side rail 21, the battery pack 4 will be separated from the vehicle 3, and the safety of the battery pack 4 cannot be ensured. Therefore, in order to make it easier for one of the frame side brackets 6 to be engaged with the side rail 21 in the event of a side collision of the vehicle 3, as shown at least in Figure 4(b) or Figure 4(c), the vehicle 3 is equipped with a driving battery detachment prevention device 10A.

[0042] [1.1-2. Device for preventing drive battery from falling off] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the present anti-fall-off device 10A includes, on the left side of the vehicle, a first stopper 71L attached to the casing 5 of the battery pack 4, a first protrusion 72L attached to the left side rail 21L and protruding outward in the vehicle width direction, and a first support portion 73L attached to the casing 5 and capable of supporting the casing 5 by engaging with the protrusion 72L.

[0043] Furthermore, although omitted in Figures 1 to 3, as shown in Figure 4, the present anti-fall-off device 10A is equipped with, on the right side of the vehicle, a second stopper 71R attached to the casing 5 of the battery pack 4, a second protrusion 72R attached to the right side rail 21R and protruding outward in the vehicle width direction, and a second support portion 73R attached to the casing 5 and capable of supporting the casing 5 by being engaged with the protrusion 72R.

[0044] In the following description, when there is no distinction between the first stopper 71L and the second stopper 71R, they will be referred to as stoppers 71, when there is no distinction between the first protrusion 72L and the second protrusion 72R, they will be referred to as protrusions 72, and when there is no distinction between the first support portion 73L and the second support portion 73R, they will be referred to as support portions 73.

[0045] In this embodiment, a first stopper 71L, a first protrusion 72L, and a first support 73L are provided near the frame side bracket 6 on the front left side of the vehicle among the frame side brackets 6 at the four corners of the battery pack 4. Also, a second stopper 71R, a second protrusion 72R, and a second support 73R are provided near the frame side bracket 6 on the rear right side of the vehicle. Note that, in this embodiment, the stoppers 71 are provided at all four corners of the battery pack 4, including the front right side of the vehicle and the rear left side of the vehicle.

[0046] However, in the present falling-off suppression device 10A, it is sufficient that the stopper 71, the protrusion 72, and the support portion 73 are provided corresponding to the left side rail 21L, and the stopper 71, the protrusion 72, and the support portion 73 are provided corresponding to the right side rail 21R. In other words, the stopper 71, the protrusion 72, and the support portion 73 may be provided on each of the front left and front right sides of the vehicle, the stopper 71, the protrusion 72, and the support portion 73 may be provided on each of the rear left and front right sides of the vehicle, or the stopper 71, the protrusion 72, and the support portion 73 may be provided on each of the rear left and rear right sides of the vehicle.

[0047] The stopper 71 is formed by bending a metal plate at a right angle so that its cross section (cross section as seen from the front or rear of the vehicle) is L-shaped, and includes a base plate portion 71a and a stopper surface portion 71b that stands at a right angle from the base plate portion 71a and can abut against a flange portion 21c of the side rail 21. In this embodiment, for reinforcement, triangular plates 71c are joined to both sides of the right angle portion between the base plate portion 71a and the stopper surface portion 71b. The base plate portion 71a is fastened and fixed to the casing 5 by fastening members such as bolts.

[0048] The protrusion 72 is formed by bending a metal plate at a right angle so that its cross section (cross section as seen from the front or rear of the vehicle) is L-shaped, and includes a base plate portion 72a and a protrusion main body 72b that stands at a right angle from the base plate portion 72a and protrudes in a direction away from the web portion 21b of the side rail 21. The base plate portion 72a is fastened and fixed to the web portion 21a of the side rail 21 with a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0049] The support portion 73 is formed by bending each portion of a metal plate at a right angle or a nearly right angle so that the cross section (transverse section as viewed from the side of the vehicle) is hat-shaped, and includes left and right web portions 73a, 73b, a top surface portion 73c connecting the upper ends of the web portions 73a, 73b, and flange portions 73d, 73e formed by bending outward from the lower ends of the web portions 73a, 73b. The flange portions 73d, 73e are fastened and fixed to the casing 5 by fastening members such as bolts. An internal space 73f surrounded by the web portions 73a, 73b and the top surface portion 73c is set to a size that allows the protrusion body 72b of the protrusion 72 to enter.

[0050] Further, the distance d2 between the protrusion main body 72b of the protrusion 72 and the support portion 73 is set to be sufficiently smaller than the distance d1 between the stopper surface portion 71b of the stopper 71 and the tip portion of the flange portion 21c of the side rail 21. For example, when the casing 5 moves to the left in the vehicle width direction (the right side in FIG. 4(a)), the stopper surface portion 71b of the stopper 71 comes into contact with the tip portion of the flange portion 21c of the side rail 21 on the left side in the vehicle width direction, and during this process, the protrusion main body 72b of the protrusion 72 enters the internal space 73f of the support portion 73 on the right side in the vehicle width direction (the left side in FIG. 4(a)).

[0051] [1.2. Actions and Effects] Since the falling-off prevention device 10A according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, it is possible to obtain the following actions and effects.

[0052] For example, as shown in Figure 4(b), when the vehicle 3 receives a side collision from the right side in the vehicle width direction and the casing 5 moves to the left in the vehicle width direction and the stopper surface portion 71b of the first stopper 71L abuts against the tip portion of the flange portion 21c of the left side rail 21L, on the right side in the vehicle width direction of the casing 5, the protrusion main body 72b of the second protrusion 72R enters the internal space 73f of the second support portion 73R, and the second protrusion 72R supports the second support portion 73R. As a result, the right side of the casing 5 in the vehicle width direction is supported by the right side rail 21R via the second protrusion 72R and the second support portion 73R, preventing the driving battery pack 4 from falling off the vehicle 3.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4(c), when the vehicle 3 receives a side collision from the left side in the vehicle width direction and the casing 5 moves to the right in the vehicle width direction and the stopper surface portion 71b of the second stopper 71R abuts against the tip portion of the flange portion 21c of the right side rail 21R, the protrusion main body 72b of the first protrusion 72L on the left side in the vehicle width direction of the casing 5 enters the internal space 73f of the first support portion 73L, and the first protrusion 72L supports the first support portion 73L. As a result, the left side of the casing 5 in the vehicle width direction is supported by the left side rail 21L via the first protrusion 72L and the first support portion 73L, preventing the driving battery pack 4 from falling off from the vehicle 3.

[0054] [2. Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. [2.1. Configuration] [2.1-1. Overall composition] In this embodiment, the overall configuration of the support device 1 and the like, excluding the driving battery fall-off prevention device 10B, is similar to that of the first embodiment described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0055] [2.1-2. Device for preventing drive battery from falling off] 5 and 6, the falling-off suppression device 10B includes, on the left side of the vehicle, a first stopper 81L attached to the casing 5 of the battery pack 4, a first protruding portion 82L protruding outward in the vehicle width direction from the first stopper 81L, and a first support portion 83L provided on the left side rail 21L and capable of supporting the casing 5 by engaging the first protruding portion 82L. In this embodiment, the lower flange portion 21c of the left side rail 21L is used as the first support portion 83L.

[0056] 5, but as shown in FIG 6, the present falling-off suppression device 10B includes, on the right side of the vehicle, a second stopper 81R attached to the casing 5 of the battery pack 4, a second protruding portion 82R protruding outward in the vehicle width direction from the second stopper 81R, and a second support portion 83R provided on the right side rail 21R and capable of supporting the casing 5 by engaging the second protruding portion 82R. In this embodiment, the lower flange portion 21c of the right side rail 21R is used as the second support portion 83R.

[0057] In the following description, when there is no distinction between the first stopper 81L and the second stopper 81R, they will be referred to as stoppers 81, when there is no distinction between the first protrusion 82L and the second protrusion 82R, they will be referred to as protrusions 82, and when there is no distinction between the first support portion 83L and the second support portion 83R, they will be referred to as support portions 83.

[0058] In this embodiment, a first stopper 81L, a first protrusion 82L, and a first support 83L are provided near the frame side bracket 6 on the front left side of the vehicle among the frame side brackets 6 at the four corners of the battery pack 4. Also, a second stopper 81R, a second protrusion 82R, and a second support 83R are provided near the frame side bracket 6 on the rear right side of the vehicle. Note that, in this embodiment, the stoppers 81 are provided at all four corners of the battery pack 4, including the front right side of the vehicle and the rear left side of the vehicle.

[0059] However, in the present falling-off suppression device 10A, it is sufficient that the stopper 81, the protrusion 82, and the support portion 83 are provided corresponding to the left side rail 21L, and the stopper 81, the protrusion 82, and the support portion 83 are provided corresponding to the right side rail 21R. In other words, the stopper 81, the protrusion 82, and the support portion 83 may be provided on each of the front left and front right sides of the vehicle, the stopper 81, the protrusion 82, and the support portion 83 may be provided on each of the rear left and front right sides of the vehicle, or the stopper 81, the protrusion 82, and the support portion 83 may be provided on each of the rear left and rear right sides of the vehicle.

[0060] The stopper 81, like that of the first embodiment, is formed by bending a metal plate at a right angle so that its cross section (cross section as seen from the front or rear of the vehicle) is L-shaped, and includes a base plate portion 81a and a stopper surface portion 81b that stands at a right angle from the base plate portion 81a and can abut against a flange portion 21c of the side rail 21. In this embodiment, for reinforcement, triangular plates 81c are joined to both sides of the right angle portion between the base plate portion 81a and the stopper surface portion 81b. The base plate portion 81a is fastened and fixed to the casing 5 by fastening members such as bolts.

[0061] The protrusion 82 is a flat plate-like protrusion that protrudes horizontally or approximately horizontally from the upper end of the stopper surface portion 81b of the stopper 81 toward the outside in the vehicle width direction. In this embodiment, the sheet metal that forms the stopper 81 is prepared to be longer than the portion that becomes the upper end of the stopper surface portion 81b, and this portion is bent at a right angle or approximately a right angle to the stopper surface portion 81b to form the protrusion 82. However, the protrusion 82 may be formed from a material separate from the stopper 81 and fixed to a main portion of the stopper 81. Furthermore, the protrusion 82 is preferably, but is not limited to, a flat plate-like protrusion.

[0062] In this embodiment, the support portion 83 is a flange portion 21c on the lower side of the side rail 21. However, the support portion 83 is a flat plate-like portion that is positioned flat or approximately horizontally, and may be formed from a material separate from the side rail 21 and fixed to a main portion of the side rail 21. In addition, the support portion 83 is preferably, but is not limited to, a flat plate-like portion.

[0063] Moreover, the protruding portion 82 is disposed vertically above the support portion 83 by at least a certain amount. As a result, when the casing 5 moves in the vehicle width direction, for example, the protruding portion 82 moves above the support portion 83, and the protruding portion 82 is engaged with and supported by the support portion 83.

[0064] [2.2. Actions and Effects] Since the falling-off prevention device 10B according to this embodiment is configured as described above, it is possible to obtain the following actions and effects.

[0065] For example, as shown in FIG. 6(b), when the vehicle 3 receives a side collision from the right side in the vehicle width direction and the casing 5 moves to the left in the vehicle width direction and the stopper surface portion 81b of the first stopper 81L abuts against the tip portion of the flange portion 21c of the left side rail 21L, the first protrusion portion 82L advances above the first support portion 83L on the left side in the vehicle width direction of the casing 5, and the first protrusion portion 82L engages with and is supported by the first support portion 83L. As a result, the left side of the casing 5 in the vehicle width direction is supported on the left side rail 21L via the first protrusion 82L and the first support portion 83L, preventing the driving battery pack 4 from falling off from the vehicle 3.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6(c), when the vehicle 3 receives a side collision from the left side in the vehicle width direction and the casing 5 moves to the right in the vehicle width direction and the stopper surface portion 81b of the second stopper 81R abuts against the tip portion of the flange portion 21c of the right side rail 21R, the second protrusion portion 82R advances above the second support portion 83R on the right side in the vehicle width direction of the casing 5, and the second protrusion portion 82R engages with and is supported by the second support portion 83R. As a result, the right side of the casing 5 in the vehicle width direction is supported by the right side rail 21R via the second protrusion 82R and the second support portion 83R, preventing the driving battery pack 4 from falling off the vehicle 3.

[0067] [3. Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. [3.1. Configuration] [3.1-1. Overall structure] In this embodiment, the overall configuration of the support device 1 and the like, excluding the driving battery fall-off prevention device 10B, is similar to that of the first embodiment described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] [3.1-2. Device for preventing drive battery from falling off] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, on the left side of the vehicle, the present anti-fall-out device 10C includes a first stopper 91L attached to the casing 5 of the battery pack 4, a first protrusion 92L attached to the casing 5 outside the left side rail 21L and protruding toward the left side rail 21L, and a first opening 93L provided in the left side rail 21L into which the first protrusion 92L can be inserted.

[0069] Furthermore, although omitted in Figure 7, as shown in Figure 8, the present anti-fall-off device 10C is equipped with a second stopper 91R attached to the casing 5 of the battery pack 4 on the right side of the vehicle, a second protrusion 92R attached to the casing 5 outside the right side rail 21R and protruding toward the right side rail 21R, and a second opening 93R provided in the right side rail 21R into which the second protrusion 92R can be fitted.

[0070] In the following description, when there is no distinction between the first stopper 91L and the second stopper 91R, they will be referred to as stoppers 91, when there is no distinction between the first protrusion 92L and the second protrusion 92R, they will be referred to as protrusions 92, and when there is no distinction between the first opening 93L and the second opening 93R, they will be referred to as openings 93.

[0071] In this embodiment, a first stopper 91L, a first protrusion 92L, and a first opening 93L are provided near the frame side bracket 6 on the front left side of the vehicle among the frame side brackets 6 at the four corners of the battery pack 4. Also, a second stopper 91R, a second protrusion 92R, and a second opening 93R are provided near the frame side bracket 6 on the rear right side of the vehicle. Note that, in this embodiment, the stoppers 91 are provided at all four corners of the battery pack 4, including the front right side and the rear left side of the vehicle.

[0072] However, in the present falling-off suppression device 10C, it is sufficient that the stopper 91, the protrusion 92, and the opening 93 are provided corresponding to the left side rail 21L, and the stopper 91, the protrusion 92, and the opening 93 are provided corresponding to the right side rail 21R. In other words, the stopper 91, the protrusion 92, and the opening 93 may be provided on each of the front left and front right sides of the vehicle, the stopper 91, the protrusion 92, and the opening 93 may be provided on each of the rear left and front right sides of the vehicle, or the stopper 91, the protrusion 92, and the opening 93 may be provided on each of the rear left and rear right sides of the vehicle.

[0073] The stopper 91, like that of the first embodiment, is formed by bending a metal plate at a right angle so that its cross section (cross section as seen from the front or rear of the vehicle) is L-shaped, and includes a base plate portion 91a and a stopper surface portion 91b that stands at a right angle from the base plate portion 91a and can abut against a flange portion 21c of the side rail 21. In this embodiment, for reinforcement, triangular plates 91c are joined to both sides of the right angle portion between the base plate portion 91a and the stopper surface portion 91b. The base plate portion 91a is fastened and fixed to the casing 5 by fastening members such as bolts.

[0074] The protrusion 92 is composed of a support 94 formed by bending a metal plate at a right angle so that the cross section (cross section seen from the front or rear of the vehicle) is L-shaped, and a protrusion body 95 supported by the support 94. The support 94 includes a base plate 94a and a standing portion 94b standing at a right angle from the base plate 94a. In this embodiment, a triangular plate 94c is joined to both sides of the right angle between the base plate 94a and the standing portion 94b for reinforcement. The protrusion body 95 protrudes from the standing portion 94b toward the corresponding side rail 21L. The protrusion body 95 of this embodiment includes a shaft-shaped shaft portion 95a and a tip portion 95b whose diameter is enlarged via a step 95c at the tip of the shaft portion 95a. The tip portion 95b is tapered. However, the protrusion body 95 is preferably shaft-shaped, but is not limited thereto.

[0075] The opening 93 is a hole having an inner diameter that allows the projection body 95 to penetrate therethrough, and in this embodiment, one of the many vehicle component mounting holes 21d (shown in FIG. 7 with a thicker line than the other holes) pre-formed in the side rail 21 is used. However, the opening 93 may be formed of a material separate from the side rail 21 and formed in a member fixed to a main portion of the side rail 21.

[0076] In addition, although the protrusion main body 95 is spaced apart from the opening 93, the distance d3 between the protrusion main body 95 and the opening 93 is set to be sufficiently smaller than the distance d1 between the stopper surface portion 91b of the stopper 91 and the tip portion of the flange portion 21c of the side rail 21. Furthermore, the shaft-shaped protrusion body 95 is disposed so that the opening 93 is located on or near an extension of the axis of the protrusion body 95 .

[0077] Therefore, for example, when the casing 5 moves to the left side in the vehicle width direction (the right side in Figure 8(a)), the stopper surface portion 91b of the stopper 91 abuts against the tip portion of the flange portion 21c of the side rail 21 on the left side in the vehicle width direction, and during this process, the protrusion main body 95 of the protrusion 92 penetrates into the opening 93 on the right side in the vehicle width direction (the left side in Figure 8(a)).

[0078] [3.2. Actions and Effects] Since the falling-off prevention device 10C according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, it is possible to obtain the following actions and effects.

[0079] For example, as shown in Figure 8(b), when the vehicle 3 receives a side collision from the right side in the vehicle width direction and the casing 5 moves to the left in the vehicle width direction and the stopper surface portion 91b of the first stopper 91L abuts against the tip portion of the flange portion 21c of the left side rail 21L, the protrusion main body 95 of the second protrusion 92R penetrates into the second opening 93R on the right side in the vehicle width direction of the casing 5, and the second protrusion 92R is supported on the right side rail 21R through the second opening 93R. As a result, the right side of the casing 5 in the vehicle width direction is supported by the right side rail 21R via the second protrusion 92R and the second support portion 93R, preventing the driving battery pack 4 from falling off the vehicle 3.

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8(c), when the vehicle 3 receives a side collision from the left side in the vehicle width direction and the casing 5 moves to the right in the vehicle width direction and the stopper surface portion 91b of the second stopper 91R abuts against the tip portion of the flange portion 21c of the right side rail 21R, the protrusion main body 95 of the first protrusion 92L penetrates into the first opening 93L on the left side in the vehicle width direction of the casing 5, and the first protrusion 92L is supported by the left side rail 21L through the first opening 93L. As a result, the left side of the casing 5 in the vehicle width direction is supported by the left side rail 21L via the first protrusion 92L and the first opening 93L, preventing the driving battery pack 4 from falling off the vehicle 3.

[0081] [4.Other] The configurations of the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the drive battery support device is applied to a truck, but the drive battery support device of the present invention may be applied to vehicles other than trucks. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the support device for the driving battery is connected to the side rail 21 and supported by the side rail 21, but it may also be connected to a structural element of the vehicle other than the side rail 21 and supported thereon.

[0082] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, an example has been described in which the driving battery 4 and driving battery support device 1 are arranged outboard in the vehicle width direction relative to the side rails 21, but the driving battery and driving battery support device of this invention may be contained between the left and right side rails 21. If the driving battery and driving battery support device protrude below the side rails 21, and an impact is applied to the driving battery support device from below the side rails 21 by a passenger vehicle or the like that has collided from the side, the device of the present invention has the effect of suppressing the impact to the driving battery. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Drive battery support device (support device) 2 Ladder frame 3 Electric truck (electric vehicle, vehicle) 4 Drive battery pack (drive battery, battery pack) 5 Battery side bracket (casing) 6 Frame side bracket (connecting bracket) 7F,7 Main bracket (front bracket) 7R,7 Main bracket (rear bracket) 8R,8 End cross member (right bracket) 8L,8 End cross member (left bracket) 10A,10B,10C Falling prevention device 21, 21L, 21R Side rails 21a Web portion of side rail 21 21b, 21c Flange portion of side rail 21 21d Vehicle part mounting hole 22 Cross member 41 Side of drive battery pack 51 Polymerization section 61 First member of frame side bracket 6 61a Base plate part 61b Insulator contact part 61c Slope 61d Reinforcement plate 61e Reinforcement plate 62 Second member of frame side bracket 6 62a Insulator contact part 62b Flange-shaped part 63 Insulator 64,65 Volts 71,81,91 Stopper 71a, 81a, 91a Base plate 71b, 81b, 91b Stopper surface 71c, 81c, 91c Triangle Plate 71L, 81L, 91L First stopper 71R, 81R, 91R 2nd stopper 72L,82L,92L 1st protrusion 72R, 82R, 92R 2nd protrusion 72a Base plate part 72b Projection body 73L,83L 1st support part 73R,83R 2nd support part 73a, 73b Web section 73c Top part 73d, 73e Flange part 73f interior space 93L 1st opening 93R 2nd opening 94 Support 94a Base plate 94b Standing part 94c Triangle Plate 95 Projection body 95a Shaft 95b Tip 95c stepped section d1 Distance between the stopper and the flange of the side rail d2 Distance between the protrusion body and the support part of the protrusion d3 Distance between the protrusion body and the opening D1 Vehicle length direction D2 Vehicle width direction D3 Vehicle height direction FR front RR rear LH left RH Right UP DW Below

Claims

1. A device for preventing a drive battery from falling off, the device comprising: A casing for the driving battery; a left side rail and a right side rail extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle; a first stopper attached to the casing, facing the left side rail, and capable of coming into contact with the left side rail when the casing moves to the left side of the vehicle; a first protruding portion attached to the left side rail and protruding outward in a vehicle width direction; a first support portion attached to the casing and capable of supporting the casing by being engaged with the first protruding portion; a second stopper attached to the casing, facing the right side rail, and capable of coming into contact with the right side rail when the casing moves to the right side of the vehicle; A second protruding portion attached to the right side rail and protruding outward in a vehicle width direction; a second support portion attached to the casing and capable of supporting the casing by being engaged with the second protruding portion; Equipped with When the first stopper abuts against the left side rail, the second support portion is engaged with the second protrusion portion, When the second stopper abuts against the right side rail, the first support portion is engaged with the first protrusion portion. A device for preventing a drive battery from falling off, comprising:

2. A device for preventing a drive battery from falling off, the device comprising: A casing for the driving battery; a left side rail and a right side rail extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle; a first stopper attached to the casing, facing the left side rail, and capable of coming into contact with the left side rail when the casing moves to the left side of the vehicle; A first protruding portion protruding from the first stopper toward an outer side in a vehicle width direction; a first support portion provided on the left side rail and capable of supporting the casing by engaging the first protrusion; a second stopper attached to the casing, facing the right side rail, and capable of coming into contact with the right side rail when the casing moves to the right side of the vehicle; A second protruding portion protruding from the second stopper toward an outer side in a vehicle width direction; a second support portion provided on the right side rail and capable of supporting the casing by engaging the second protrusion; Equipped with When the first stopper abuts against the left side rail, the first protrusion is engaged with the first support portion, When the second stopper abuts against the right side rail, the second protrusion is engaged with the second support portion. A device for preventing a drive battery from falling off, comprising:

3. A device for preventing a drive battery from falling off, the device comprising: A casing for the driving battery; a left side rail and a right side rail extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle; a first stopper attached to the casing, facing the left side rail, and capable of coming into contact with the left side rail when the casing moves to the left side of the vehicle; a first protrusion attached to the casing at an outer side of the left side rail and protruding toward the left side rail; a first opening provided in the left side rail, into which the first protrusion can be fitted; a second stopper attached to the casing, facing the right side rail, and capable of coming into contact with the right side rail when the casing moves to the right side of the vehicle; a second protruding portion attached to the casing at an outer side of the right side rail and protruding toward the right side rail; a second opening provided in the right side rail, into which the second protrusion can be fitted; Equipped with When the first stopper abuts against the left side rail, the second protrusion fits into the second opening, thereby engaging the second protrusion with the right side rail and supporting the casing. When the second stopper abuts against the right side rail, the first protrusion fits into the first opening, and the first protrusion is engaged with the left side rail to support the casing. A device for preventing a drive battery from falling off, comprising:

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