Battery support structure

Abstract

To provide a battery support structure capable of increasing support rigidity for a battery.SOLUTION: A battery support structure supports a battery for driving which supplies electric power for driving a motor. The battery support structure includes: a pair of frames disposed so as to be separated from each other in a vehicle width direction of a vehicle; a mounting table which is attached to a vehicle width direction outer side of the frame, and on which the battery is mounted; a first cross member mounted between the pair of frames at a predetermined position in a vehicle front-rear direction where the mounting table is attached; and a second cross member disposed at a position above the first cross member and mounted between the pair of frames.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a support structure for a battery. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles such as electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles are equipped with an electric motor as a drive source and a battery to drive the electric motor. The batteries installed in such vehicles are heavy and therefore require a large amount of support. For this reason, the batteries are supported by the vehicle's body or frame, which have a high level of strength.

[0003] As a support structure for a battery or an electric motor, for example, Patent Document 1 describes an electric vehicle having left and right front wheels and left and right rear wheels, a lower frame including left and right side frames extending in the longitudinal direction and a cross member extending in the lateral direction and connecting the left and right side frames to each other, a seat support front member and a seat support rear member arranged on the lower frame between the front and rear wheels, a seat supported by the seat support front and rear members, a front suspension device arranged on the side frames and suspending the front wheels, a rear suspension device arranged on the side frames and suspending the rear wheels, an electric motor arranged between the left and right rear wheels and between the left and right side frames and driving the rear wheels, a battery arranged between the left and right side frames including below the seat, and a power control unit arranged between the left and right side frames between the battery and the electric motor, which is supplied with power from the battery unit and controls the power supplied to the electric motor.

[0004] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 describes a body structure for an electric vehicle in which a battery unit equipped with a battery is fixed to a body frame including a pair of side members extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and one end of a trailing arm is swingably connected thereto, the side members having protrusions that protrude downward from the undersides of the side members, the battery unit is fixed to the inner surface of the protrusion facing inward in the vehicle width direction, and one end of the trailing arm is detachably connected to the bottom surface of the protrusion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-137003 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-240586 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in order to secure space for the battery, electric motor, etc., which are placed on the frame, the frame structure is subject to restrictions on the shape, size, and placement of the frame, which can make it difficult to maintain the strength of the vehicle and can also make it difficult to increase the support rigidity for supporting the battery.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery support structure that can increase the support rigidity of the battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the support structure of the battery in the present disclosure comprises: A battery support structure for supporting a drive battery that supplies power to drive a motor, a pair of frames arranged spaced apart from each other in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle; a mounting base attached to the outer side of the frame in the vehicle width direction and on which the battery is placed; a first cross member that is installed across the pair of frames at a predetermined position in the vehicle longitudinal direction where the mounting base is mounted; a second cross member disposed above the first cross member and spanning the pair of frames; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, the support rigidity of the battery can be increased. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a frame structure and the like of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing a frame structure and the like of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a support structure for a battery according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a support structure for a battery according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a support structure for a battery according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a support structure for a battery when a frame is seen through in the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a support structure for a pair of batteries according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing a support structure for a pair of batteries when the frame is seen through in the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a restraining member and the like according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the restraining members and the like when the frame is seen through in the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a restraining member and the like according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the position of the latch and the position of the lock pin. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the position of the output rod and the position of the link. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a support structure for a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a plan view showing an elastic member and the like according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side view showing a support structure for a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a support structure for a battery when the frame is seen through in the embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a front view of the battery support structure according to the embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the front side of the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. A vehicle in the embodiments of the present disclosure is a commercial electric vehicle equipped with a frame structure, a driving motor, and a drive battery, and used for delivering packages, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited to commercial electric vehicles and may also be applied to general electric vehicles. The drive battery is a battery for supplying power to the driving motor. The battery support structure in the embodiments of the present disclosure is a support structure that supports the battery on the frame structure side.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a frame structure and the like of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a frame structure and the like of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a support structure for a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a support structure for a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 depicts an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. The up-down direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the vehicle width direction or X-direction, the direction away from the center side in the vehicle width direction is referred to as the outer side in the vehicle width direction or "+X-direction," and the direction approaching the center side in the vehicle width direction is referred to as the inner side in the vehicle width direction or "-X-direction." The left-right direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the vehicle fore-aft direction or Y-direction, the right direction is referred to as the rear side of the vehicle, the rear direction of the vehicle, or "+Y-direction," and the left direction is referred to as the front side of the vehicle, the front direction of the vehicle, or "-Y-direction." The depth direction in Figure 1 is called the vehicle height direction, vertical direction or Z direction, the front direction is called the upward direction, upper side or "+Z direction", and the depth direction is called the downward direction, lower side or "-Z direction".

[0013] (frame structure) As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, the frame structure includes a pair of frames 2 (side members), cross members 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and 3e, a bracket 4, a bracket 5a, a bracket 5b, a bracket 6, and a closing frame 7. The bracket 4 is disposed at the same position on each of the pair of frames 2 in the vehicle width direction (Y direction). In other words, the bracket 4 is disposed at positions symmetrical to each other on each of the pair of frames 2 in the vehicle width direction (X direction). Like the bracket 4, the bracket 5a, bracket 5b, bracket 6, and closing frame 7 are disposed at positions symmetrical to each other on each of the pair of frames 2 in the vehicle width direction (X direction).

[0014] The bracket 4 is a flat bracket having a substantially rectangular outer shape. The flat surface of the bracket 4 faces the vehicle width direction (X direction). The bracket 4 is used to fasten the frame 2 and the closing frame 7 together.

[0015] The bracket 5a is a flat bracket having a substantially rectangular outer shape. The bracket 5a is disposed with its flat surface facing the vehicle width direction (X direction). The upper part of the bracket 5a is fastened to a groove wall 2a (see FIG. 3) of the frame 2, which has a substantially U-shaped cross section. The lower part of the bracket 5a is fastened to the cross member 3a and the mounting base 8 (see FIG. 3). The mounting base 8 is a base for mounting the battery BTR (see FIG. 3). In other words, the cross member 3a and the bracket 5a are disposed at predetermined positions in the vehicle front-rear direction where the battery BTR is disposed. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, two batteries BTR are mounted on the vehicle 1. One battery BTR is mounted to one of a pair of frames from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The other battery BTR is mounted to the other of the pair of frames from the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

[0016] Bracket 5b is disposed further forward of the vehicle (in the -Y direction) than bracket 5a. Like bracket 5a, bracket 5b is a flat bracket having a substantially rectangular outer shape. Like bracket 5a, bracket 5b is disposed with its flat surface facing the vehicle width direction (X direction). An upper portion of bracket 5b is fastened to groove wall 2a (see FIG. 3) of frame 2. A lower portion of bracket 5b is fastened to cross member 3b and mounting base 8 (see FIG. 3). In other words, like cross member 3a and bracket 5a, cross member 3b and bracket 5b are disposed in predetermined positions in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction where battery BTR is disposed.

[0017] The bracket 6 (see FIG. 2) is a flat bracket having a predetermined outer shape. The bracket 6 is disposed with its flat surface facing up and down (Z direction). The outer end of the bracket 6 in the vehicle width direction (+X direction) is fastened to the groove wall 2b (see FIG. 4) of the frame 2. The inner end of the bracket 6 in the vehicle width direction (-X direction) is fastened to the cross member 3d. The position in the vehicle longitudinal direction at which the bracket 6 is disposed is a central position between the positions in the vehicle longitudinal direction at which the bracket 5a is disposed and the positions in the vehicle longitudinal direction at which the bracket 5b is disposed. In other words, like the cross member 3a, the bracket 5a, the cross member 3b, and the bracket 5b, the bracket 6 and the cross member 3d are disposed in predetermined positions in the vehicle longitudinal direction where the battery BTR is disposed.

[0018] The pair of frames 2 each extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction and are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. The frame 2 is formed in a groove shape with a U-shaped cross section whose opening faces inward in the vehicle width direction (-X direction), and has a groove wall 2a extending in the up-down direction (Z), a groove wall 2b bent at the upper end of groove wall 2a and extending in the -X direction, and a groove wall 2c bent at the lower end of groove wall 2a and extending in the -X direction. In other words, the pair of frames 2 are arranged so that the groove-shaped openings face each other in the vehicle width direction (X direction).

[0019] The cross members 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and 3e are arranged at predetermined intervals from one another and are mounted on the pair of frames 2. The cross members 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and 3e are collectively referred to as cross members 3 (see FIG. 2).

[0020] The frame structure in this embodiment further includes a closing frame 7. The closing frame 7 is provided in the opening of the frame 2, and the frame 2 and the closing frame 7 form a closed cross-sectional shape. This makes it possible to reinforce the frame structure. In the following description, the closed cross-sectional shape formed by the frame 2 and the closing frame is referred to as a "closed cross-sectional shape."

[0021] The frame structure in this embodiment is subject to various restrictions in order to ensure space for the battery BTR, electric motor MTR, and other components disposed on the frame 2. For example, the vehicle rear end of the closing frame 7 is shortened. This reduces the strength of the frame structure. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 3 , the vehicle rear end of the closing frame 7 is fastened to the frame 2 with a bracket 4 and fasteners (bolts and nuts). Furthermore, a cross member 3e is installed across the pair of frames 2 at a position in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction where the vehicle rear end of the closing frame 7 and the frame 2 are fastened. This makes it possible to reinforce the frame structure.

[0022] The cross member 3a has a U-shaped cross section with an opening facing upward (+Z direction), and includes a bottom wall 3a_1 extending in the vehicle width direction (X direction), one side wall 3a_2 bent at one end of the bottom wall 3a_1 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and extending upward, and another side wall 3a_3 bent at the other end of the bottom wall 3a_1 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and extending upward. The outer surface of the one side wall 3a_2 in the vehicle width direction is fastened to a lower part of a bracket 5a with fasteners (bolts, nuts). The outer surface of the other side wall 3a_3 in the vehicle width direction is fastened to a lower part of the bracket 5a with fasteners (bolts, nuts). As a result, the cross member 3a is mounted to the pair of frames 2 via the bracket 5a. The cross member 3a corresponds to the "first cross member" of this disclosure.

[0023] The cross member 3b is disposed a predetermined distance forward of the vehicle (in the -Y direction) than the cross member 3a. The cross member 3b has the same cross-sectional shape as the cross member 3a and includes a bottom wall 3b_1 extending in the vehicle width direction (X direction), one side wall 3b_2 bent at one end of the bottom wall 3b_1 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and extending upward, and another side wall 3b_3 bent at the other end of the bottom wall 3b_1 on the outer side in the vehicle width direction and extending upward. The outer surface of the one side wall 3b_2 in the vehicle width direction is fastened to a lower part of a bracket 5b with fasteners (bolts and nuts). The outer surface of the other side wall 3b_3 in the vehicle width direction is fastened to a lower part of the bracket 5b with fasteners (bolts and nuts). Thus, the cross member 3b is mounted to the pair of frames 2 via the bracket 5b. The cross member 3b corresponds to the "first cross member" of this disclosure.

[0024] Cross member 3d is located above (in the +Z direction) the center between the positions in the vehicle longitudinal direction (Y direction) where cross member 3a is located and the positions in the vehicle longitudinal direction where cross member 3b is located. Cross member 3d is a flat member having a generally rectangular outer shape with the vehicle width direction (X direction) as its longitudinal direction. One end portion of cross member 3d on the outer side in the vehicle width direction is fastened to the end portion of bracket 6 on the inner side in the vehicle width direction (in the -X direction) with fasteners (bolts, nuts). Cross member 3d corresponds to the "second cross member" of the present disclosure.

[0025] As described above, the cross members 3a, 3b, brackets 5a, and 5b are arranged at predetermined positions in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. Furthermore, bracket 6 and cross member 3d are arranged at predetermined positions in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. This results in a double closed cross-sectional shape being formed at the predetermined position in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. A first closed cross-sectional shape is formed by the pair of frames 2, cross members 3a, 3d, brackets 5a, 5b, and bracket 6. A second closed cross-sectional shape is formed by the pair of frames 2, cross members 3b, 3d, brackets 5a, 5b, and bracket 6.

[0026] As a result, when a moment load around an axis extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction (Y direction) acts on the pair of frames 2 at a predetermined position in the vehicle longitudinal direction where the battery BTR is disposed, a force rotating in the opposite direction to the moment load is generated in the cross member 3a, which is a component that forms the closed cross-sectional shape, and deformation of the frame 2 can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to increase the strength of the frame structure at the predetermined position in the vehicle longitudinal direction. Ultimately, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the support rigidity of the battery.

[0027] The cross member 3c (see FIG. 2) is disposed a predetermined distance forward of the vehicle (in the -Y direction) from a predetermined position in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The cross member 3c has the same cross-sectional shape as the cross member 3a and includes a bottom wall 3c_1, one side wall 3c_2, and the other side wall 3c_3. This allows the cross member 3c to be mounted across the pair of frames 2.

[0028] A motor MTR (see FIG. 1) is disposed on the cross member 3c. The motor MTR is disposed so as to be placed on the bottom wall 3c_1. The cross member 3c corresponds to the "third cross member" of the present disclosure.

[0029] (Placement table 8, slide mechanism 80, etc.) Next, the mounting base 8, the slide mechanism 80, etc. will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. The mounting base 8 is attached to the frame 2 at a position on the outer side in the vehicle width direction (+X direction) via the slide mechanism 80. As described above, two batteries BTR are attached to the vehicle 1. The mounting base 8, the slide mechanism 80, etc. are also arranged corresponding to each of the two batteries BTR. The following description will mainly focus on the battery BTR attached to the frame 2 shown on the lower side in Figure 3 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction, and the mounting base 8, the slide mechanism 80, etc. that are arranged corresponding to that battery BTR.

[0030] The mounting base 8 has a generally inverted U-shaped cross section and includes a top plate 8a with a generally rectangular plate surface facing upward (+Z direction), a flange 8b bent at the rear end of the top plate 8a and extending downward (-Z direction), and a flange 8c bent at the front end of the top plate 8a and extending downward (-Z direction). A battery BTR is placed on the top plate 8a. The battery BTR includes multiple modules and a box-shaped battery case BTRC that houses the modules. A striker (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the battery case BTRC. A WL latch 9 is located in the center of the top plate 8a. The WL latch 9 is engageable with the striker to restrict upward movement (+Z direction) of the battery BTR placed on the top plate 8a, and is disengageable from the striker to release the restriction on upward movement (+Z direction) of the battery BTR.

[0031] The slide mechanism 80 has a guide rail 81a, a guide rail 81b, a slider 82a, and a slider 82b. The guide rail 81a extends in the vehicle width direction (X direction). An end of the guide rail 81a on the inner side in the vehicle width direction (-X direction) has a flange that is bent and extends upward, and the flange is fastened to the frame 2 via a bracket 5a. The guide rail 81b is disposed closer to the front of the vehicle (-Y direction) than the guide rail 81a, and extends in the vehicle width direction (X direction). An end of the guide rail 81b on the inner side in the vehicle width direction (-X direction) has a flange that is bent and extends upward, and the flange is fastened to the frame 2 via a bracket 5b.

[0032] The slider 82a is arranged so as to be guided in the vehicle width direction (X direction) by the guide rail 81a. A flange 8b is fastened to the slider 82a. The slider 82b is arranged so as to be guided in the X direction by the guide rail 81b. A flange 8c is fastened to the slider 82b. As a result, the battery BTR, which is placed on the top plate 8a and whose movement in the upward direction (+Z direction) is restricted by the WL latch 9, can be guided in the vehicle width direction (X direction) by the guide rail 81a and the guide rail 81b together with the slider 82a and the slider 82b.

[0033] (Restraint member 10) Next, the restraint member 10, the link mechanism 200, and the like will be described with reference to Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8. Figure 5 is a plan view showing a support structure for a battery in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a plan view showing a support structure for a battery when the frame in an embodiment of the present disclosure is seen through. Figure 7 is a plan view showing a support structure for a pair of batteries in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a plan view showing a support structure for a pair of batteries when the frame in an embodiment of the present disclosure is seen through.

[0034] The retraction direction of the battery BTR in this disclosure is one direction DR1 along a horizontal plane. Note that the retraction direction of the battery BTR in this embodiment will be described as the inward direction in the vehicle width direction (-X direction). The one direction DR1 is not limited to this and is set according to the arrangement position of the battery BTR. For example, if the battery BTR is attached to the rear frame of the vehicle, the retraction direction may be from the rear side of the vehicle to the front side of the vehicle.

[0035] In this embodiment, the battery BTR is placed on the top plate 8a with its side wall facing inward in the vehicle width direction (-X direction). The battery BTR is restrained in a state where it is retracted into the frame 2. A first striker STR1 is disposed on the side wall of the battery BTR (the side wall retracted into the restraining member 10). The first striker STR1 is formed with a U-shaped cross section and includes a bracket STR1_BKT having an upper wall, a standing wall, and a lower wall, and a striker bar STR1_BER formed in a rod shape and installed between the upper wall and the lower wall. The standing wall of the bracket STR1_BKT is fixed to the side wall of the battery BTR so that the extension direction of the striker bar STR1_BER is oriented in the up-down direction (Z direction). The frame 2 has a through hole TH1 (see Figure 10) through which the first striker STR1 (the upper wall and lower wall of the bracket STR1_BKT and the striker bar STR1_BER) penetrates from the outer side in the vehicle width direction (+X direction) to the inner side in the vehicle width direction (-X direction) when the battery BTR is retracted toward the frame 2.

[0036] A second striker STR2 is disposed on a side wall of the battery BTR at a predetermined distance from the first striker STR1 in the vehicle forward direction (-Y direction). The second striker STR2 has a bracket STR2_BKT having the same shape as the bracket STR1_BKT and a striker bar STR2_BER having the same shape as the striker bar STR2_BER. The bracket STR2_BKT is fixed to the side wall of the battery BTR so that the extension direction of the striker bar STR2_BER is oriented in the up-down direction (Z direction). The frame 2 is provided with a through-hole TH2 (see FIG. 10) through which the second striker STR2 (the upper and lower walls of the bracket STR2_BKT and the striker bar STR2_BER) penetrates from the outer side in the vehicle width direction (+X direction) to the inner side in the vehicle width direction (-X direction) when the battery BTR is retracted toward the frame 2.

[0037] A battery connector BCN is disposed in a central position between the positions of the first striker STR1 and the second striker STR2 on the side wall of the battery BTR. When the battery BTR is restrained in a state where it is retracted toward the frame 2, the battery connector BCN is electrically connected to a vehicle-side connector FCN disposed on the frame 2 side. Furthermore, the frame 2 is provided with a through-hole TH3 (see FIG. 10 ) through which the battery connector BCN penetrates from the outer side in the vehicle width direction (+X direction) to the inner side in the vehicle width direction (−X direction) when the battery BTR is retracted toward the frame 2.

[0038] The restraining member 10 is disposed on the frame 2 side and restrains the battery BTR in a state where it is retracted toward the frame 2 so that, when the battery BTR is retracted toward the frame side (inward in the vehicle width direction, in the −X direction, in one direction DR1) with a predetermined force, the battery BTR receives a reaction force against the predetermined force. The restraining member 10 has a first latch 11 and a second latch 12. The first latch 11 is configured to be engageable with and disengageable from the first striker STR1. Specifically, the first latch 11 is configured to be engageable with and disengageable from the striker bar STR1_BER of the first striker STR1. The second latch 12 is configured to be engageable with and disengageable from the second striker STR2. Specifically, the second latch 12 is configured to be engageable with and disengageable from the striker bar STR2_BER of the second striker STR2. In the following description, the engagement / disengagement of the first latch 11 with the striker bar STR1_BER is referred to as the first latch 11 engaging with / disengaging from the first striker STR1. Similarly, the engagement / disengagement of the second latch 12 with the striker bar STR2_BER is referred to as the second latch 12 engaging with / disengaging from the second striker STR2.

[0039] The first latch 11 rotates between an unlocked position where it disengages from the first striker STR1 and a locked position where it engages with the first striker STR1, and is further rotatable between the locked position and a retracted position where it retracts the battery BTR toward the vehicle 1 via the first striker STR1.

[0040] The second latch 12 rotates between an unlocked position where it disengages from the second striker STR2 and a locked position where it engages with the second striker STR2, and is further rotatable between the locked position and a retracted position where it retracts the battery BTR toward the vehicle 1 via the second striker STR2.

[0041] (Link mechanism 200) FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a restraining member and the like in an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a restraining member and the like when a frame in an embodiment of the present disclosure is seen through. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a restraining member and the like in an embodiment of the present disclosure. Link mechanism 200 has first link 210, second link 220, intermediate link 230, and fixed link 240. Link mechanism 200 in this embodiment is a parallel link mechanism. That is, the distance from one longitudinal end 211 to the other longitudinal end 212 of first link 210 is equal to the distance from one longitudinal end 221 to the other longitudinal end 222 of second link 220. Furthermore, the length of intermediate link 230 is equal to the distance between the position of one longitudinal end 211 of first link 210 and the position of one longitudinal end 221 of second link 220.

[0042] In this embodiment, the fixed link 240 is divided into a fixed link 240A and a fixed link 240B. The fixed link 240A is disposed on the frame 2 so as to correspond to the first latch 11. The fixed link 240B is disposed on the frame 2 so as to correspond to the second latch 12.

[0043] The first link 210 is composed of two members that are integrated with each other. One longitudinal end 211 of the first link 210 is rotatably connected to the fixed link 240A, and the other longitudinal end 212 is rotatably connected to the first latch 11.

[0044] The second link 220 is composed of two members that are integrated with each other. One longitudinal end 221 of the second link 220 is rotatably connected to the fixed link 240B, and the other longitudinal end 222 of the second link 220 is rotatably connected to the second latch 12.

[0045] The intermediate link 230 has a link bracket 231 and a link bar 232, and the link bracket 231 and the link bar 232 are connected to each other so that the length of the link can be adjusted. The intermediate link 230 connects an intermediate portion 213 (see FIG. 11 ) between one longitudinal end 211 and the other longitudinal end 212 of the first link 210 and an intermediate portion 213 between one longitudinal end 221 and the other longitudinal end 222 of the second link 220. Note that the connecting position of the intermediate link 230 is not limited thereto, and for example, the intermediate link 230 may connect the other longitudinal end 212 of the first link 210 and the other longitudinal end 222 of the second link 220.

[0046] Next, the operations of the first latch 11, the second latch 12, and the link mechanism 200 will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. In the following description, the first latch 11 and the second latch 12 will be collectively referred to as "latches." Furthermore, the first link 210 and the second link 220 will be collectively referred to as "links."

[0047] (Actuator 30) The battery support structure 100 in this embodiment includes one actuator 30 that operates each of the first latch 11 and the second latch 12 via a link mechanism 200. The actuator 30 has an output rod 31 (see FIG. 11). The actuator 30 in this embodiment is a hydraulic cylinder. Note that in this embodiment, part of the hydraulic circuit that drives the actuator 30 is omitted from the illustration. A link (not shown) that moves in conjunction with the output rod 31 is rotatably provided on the fixed link 240, and a lock pin PIN is fixed to the link. The stroke of the output rod 31 is limited by limiting / releasing the movement of the lock pin PIN using a stopper shape.

[0048] The output rod 31 is connected to the first link 210. The output rod 31 may be connected to the second link 220. The output rod 31 is reciprocally movable along the direction in which the intermediate link 230 extends. The output rod 31 is also reciprocally movable in a direction perpendicular to the retraction direction in which the battery BTR is retracted toward the vehicle 1.

[0049] FIG. 12 shows the relationship between the latch position and the lock pin position. In FIG. 12, the lock pin PIN is indicated by a dashed line, and a stopper shape for limiting / releasing the movement of the lock pin PIN is indicated by a solid line. In FIG. 12, the retraction direction of the battery BTR is indicated by a counterclockwise direction, and the retraction direction of the battery BTR is indicated by a clockwise direction. At the unlock full stroke, where the latch is rotated a predetermined angle clockwise from the unlock limit, the lock pin PIN abuts against the stopper shape. This limits the stroke of the output rod 31. The retraction start position is set at a position where the latch is rotated a predetermined angle counterclockwise from the unlock limit. The retraction maximum position is set at a position where the latch is rotated a predetermined angle counterclockwise from the retraction start position. The lock limit is set at a position where the latch is moved a predetermined angle counterclockwise from the retraction maximum position. At the lock full stroke, where the latch is rotated a predetermined angle counterclockwise from the lock limit, the lock pin PIN abuts against the stopper shape. This limits the stroke of the output rod 31.

[0050] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the position of the output rod and the position of the link. As described above, the link mechanism 200 in this embodiment is a parallel link mechanism, and the first link 210 and the second link 220 move in the same manner. In FIG. 13, the first link 210 is shown by a solid line as a representative link in the link mechanism 200, and one longitudinal end 211 and the other longitudinal end 212 of the first link 210 are shown by black circles. In FIG. 13, the arc that is the locus of the position of the other longitudinal end 212 of the first link 210 is shown by a dot-dash line, and the tangent to each position of the other end on the arc is shown by a dashed line, and the angle θ in the longitudinal direction of the first link 210 with respect to the direction of the tangent at each position of the other end is shown.

[0051] When the first latch 11 rotates between the unlocked position and the locked position, the longitudinal direction of the first link 210 forms an acute angle with respect to the direction of a tangent passing through the position of the other longitudinal end 212 of the first link 210 on a circumference concentric with the rotation center of the first latch 11. In other words, between the unlocked position and the locked position, the angle θ of the longitudinal direction of the first link 210 with respect to the direction of the tangent changes within an acute angle range (0°<θ<90°). As a result, the first link 210 can transmit a force from the actuator 30 to the first latch 11 in a direction required to rotate the first latch 11 between the unlocked position and the locked position. The force is reliably transmitted to the first latch, allowing the first latch to rotate smoothly, making it possible to avoid, for example, the occurrence of deadlock.

[0052] Furthermore, when the second latch 12 rotates between the unlocked position and the locked position, the longitudinal direction of the second link 220 forms an acute angle with respect to the direction of a tangent passing through the position of the other longitudinal end 222 of the second link 220 on a circumference concentric with the rotation center of the second latch 12. In other words, similar to the first latch 11, the angle θ of the longitudinal direction of the first link 210 with respect to the tangent direction changes within the acute angle range (0°<θ<90°) between the unlocked position and the locked position. This allows the second link 220 to transmit a force from the actuator 30 to the second latch 12 in the direction required to rotate the second latch 12 between the unlocked position and the locked position. Therefore, similar to the first latch 11, the second latch 12 can rotate smoothly.

[0053] When the first latch 11 is rotated to the retracted position (maximum retracted position shown in FIG. 13 ), the length direction of the first link 210 is substantially parallel to the direction of a tangent line passing through the position of the other end 212 of the first link 210 in the length direction on the circumference. In FIG. 13 , the parallelism between the length direction of the second link 220 and the tangent line is indicated by “θ (=0).” Similarly, when the second latch 12 is rotated to the retracted position (a position corresponding to the maximum retracted position shown in FIG. 13 ), the length direction of the second link 220 is substantially parallel to the direction of a tangent line passing through the position of the other end 222 of the second link 220 in the length direction on the circumference. Note that the tolerance for parallelism of the length direction with respect to the tangent line direction is set depending on, for example, the driving force of the actuator 30 and the set axial tension of the bolts that secure each of the first latch 11, the second latch 12, and the actuator 30.

[0054] This allows the first link 210 to efficiently transmit the force for rotating the first latch 11 to the first latch 11, and the second link 220 to efficiently transmit the force for rotating the second latch 12 to the second latch 12, making it possible to operate each of the first latch 11 and the second latch 12 efficiently and pull the battery BTR toward the vehicle 1 with sufficient force.

[0055] With the above configuration, the battery BTR is supported on the frame 2 side while being pulled in one direction DR1 (inward in the vehicle width direction) along a horizontal plane. As a result, even if the battery case BTRC attempts to move relative to the frame 2 due to vehicle vibration, frictional resistance occurs between the battery case BTRC and the frame 2, making it possible to suppress rattle of the battery BTR in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction. However, there are cases where it is difficult to suppress rattle of the battery BTR in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction using only the frictional resistance between the battery case BTRC and the frame 2.

[0056] (Elastic body 300, first elastic body 300A, second elastic body 300B, elastic body set 300S) Next, elastic body 300 and the like will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 18. Fig. 14 is a plan view showing a battery support structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 15 is a plan view showing elastic members and the like according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 16 is a side view showing a battery support structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 17 is a plan view showing a battery support structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure when the frame is seen through. Fig. 18 is a front view of the battery support structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0057] The elastic body 300 is a plate-like elastic body having a plate surface 310 (see FIGS. 14 and 15) formed of a flat surface. The elastic body 300 is disposed at a position corresponding to each of the brackets 5a and 5b. The elastic body 300 disposed on the bracket 5a will be described below as a representative, and the elastic body 300 disposed on the bracket 5b will be described mainly focusing on the differences from the elastic body 300 disposed on the bracket 5a. The elastic body 300 disposed on the first bracket 351 is used as the first elastic body 300A. The elastic body 300 disposed on the second bracket 352 is used as the second elastic body 300B. The first bracket 351 and the second bracket 352 are metal plates. Both ends of the plates are welded to the bracket 5a. In this embodiment, the first elastic body 300A and the second elastic body 300B are used in combination with each other. Hereinafter, the combination of the first elastic body 300A and the second elastic body 300B may be referred to as an “elastic body set.” Two elastic body sets 300S are arranged on the bracket 5a at a distance from each other in the vertical direction.

[0058] The first elastic body 300A is disposed so that its plate surface 310 forms a first elastic surface 311 (see FIGS. 14 and 15 ) that is inclined toward one side in the orthogonal direction (toward the rear of the vehicle in this embodiment) along a horizontal plane with respect to another direction DR2 (outer side in the vehicle width direction in FIG. 14 ) that is opposite to one direction DR1 (inner side in the vehicle width direction in this embodiment). The inclination angle of the first elastic surface 311 toward one side in the orthogonal direction with respect to the other direction DR2 is set according to the weight, size, etc. of the battery BTR. The first elastic body 300A is disposed on the frame 2 side via the first bracket 351 and the bracket 5a so that the plate surface 310 forms the first elastic surface 311. The bracket 5a has a hat-channel-shaped cross section in horizontal cross section, and its end on the rear side (+Y direction) of the vehicle and its end on the front side (−Y direction) of the vehicle are located closer to the inside in the vehicle width direction (−X direction) than the center of the vehicle in the fore-and-aft direction (Y direction). Specifically, the plate surface 310 spans between the rear end of the vehicle and the center in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, thereby forming a first elastic surface 311.

[0059] When the battery BTR is retracted in one direction DR1, the first elastic surface 311 is sandwiched between the battery case BTRC side and the frame 2 side (the first bracket 351 side) and is compressed and deformed, and a restoring force is generated against the compressive deformation. As a result, one component of the direction in which the first elastic surface 311 restores is in the other direction DR2 (outside the vehicle width direction in this embodiment). Furthermore, the other component of the direction in which the first elastic surface 311 restores is in one side in a direction perpendicular to the other direction DR2 (toward the rear of the vehicle in this embodiment). Meanwhile, the battery case BTRC has an inclined surface that is inclined along the first elastic surface 311. As a result, the battery case BTRC is pushed back in the other direction DR2 and toward the rear of the vehicle by the restoring force of the first elastic surface 311.

[0060] The second elastic surface 312 is disposed closer to the front of the vehicle (in the -Y direction) than the first elastic surface 311. In other words, the first elastic surface 311 and the second elastic surface 312 are disposed spaced apart from each other in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle (in the Y direction).

[0061] The second elastic body 300B is disposed so that its plate surface 310 forms a second elastic surface 312 that is inclined toward the other side in the orthogonal direction (toward the front of the vehicle in this embodiment) along a horizontal plane with respect to one direction DR1 and the other direction DR2 (outside in the vehicle width direction). The inclination angle at which the second elastic surface 312 is inclined toward the other side in the orthogonal direction with respect to the other direction DR2 is set according to the weight, size, etc. of the battery BTR. The second elastic body 300B is disposed on the frame 2 side via the second bracket 352 and the bracket 5a so that the plate surface 310 forms the second elastic surface 312 (see FIG. 14). Specifically, the plate surface 310 is bridged between the front end of the bracket 5 and the center in the vehicle longitudinal direction, thereby forming the second elastic surface 312.

[0062] When the battery BTR is retracted in one direction DR1, the second elastic surface 312 is sandwiched between the battery case BTRC side and the frame 2 side (the second bracket 352 side) and is compressed and deformed, and a restoring force is generated against the compressive deformation. As a result, one component of the direction in which the second elastic surface 312 restores is in the other direction DR2 (outside in the vehicle width direction). Furthermore, the other component of the direction in which the second elastic surface 312 restores is in the other direction (toward the front of the vehicle) that is perpendicular to the other direction DR2 and is aligned with the horizontal plane. Meanwhile, the battery case BTRC has an inclined surface that slopes along the second elastic surface 312. As a result, the battery case BTRC is pushed back in the other direction DR2 and toward the front of the vehicle by the restoring force of the second elastic surface 312. Note that the force pushing the battery case BTRC toward the rear of the vehicle due to the restoring force of the first elastic surface 311 and the force pushing the battery case BTRC toward the front of the vehicle due to the restoring force of the second elastic surface 312 are balanced.

[0063] With the above configuration, when the battery BTR is supported on the frame 2 in a state where it is retracted in one direction DR1 (inward in the vehicle width direction), even if vehicle vibration causes the battery case BTRC to move in the vehicle width direction (X direction) relative to the frame 2, the battery BTR is supported in a state where the reaction force in the other direction DR2 due to the restoring force of the first elastic surface 311 and the retraction force in one direction DR1 are balanced, and the battery BTR is supported in a state where the reaction force in the other direction DR2 due to the restoring force of the second elastic surface 312 and the retraction force in one direction DR1 are balanced, so rattle of the battery BTR in the vehicle width direction (X direction) can be suppressed. Furthermore, even if vehicle vibration causes the battery case BTRC to move in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction (Y direction) relative to the frame 2, the battery BTR is supported in a state where it is balanced in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction (Y direction) due to the restoring forces of the first elastic surface 311 and the second elastic surface 312.

[0064] The above has described the elastic body 300A disposed on the first bracket 351. The elastic body 300B disposed on the second bracket 352 is similar to the elastic body 300A. That is, even if the battery case BTRC attempts to move in the vehicle width direction (X direction) relative to the frame 2 due to vehicle vibration, the battery BTR is supported in a state where the reaction force in the other direction DR2 due to the restoring force of the first elastic surface 311 and the retraction force in one direction DR1 are balanced, and the battery BTR is supported in a state where the reaction force in the other direction DR2 due to the restoring force of the second elastic surface 312 and the retraction force in one direction DR1 are balanced, so it is possible to suppress rattling of the battery BTR in the vehicle width direction (X direction). Furthermore, even if the battery case BTRC attempts to move in the fore-and-aft direction (Y direction) relative to the frame 2 due to vehicle vibration, the battery BTR is supported in a balanced state in the fore-and-aft direction (Y direction) of the vehicle by the respective restoring forces of the first elastic surface 311 and the second elastic surface 312, making it possible to suppress rattling of the battery BTR in the fore-and-aft direction (Y direction) of the vehicle.

[0065] As described above, by providing elastic body 300A and elastic body 300B, it is possible to suppress rattle of battery BTR in the vehicle width direction (X direction). It is also possible to suppress rattle of battery BTR in the vehicle front-rear direction (Y direction). Furthermore, as described above, since the movement of battery BTR placed on top plate 8a in the upward direction (+Z direction) is limited by WL latch 9, it is possible to suppress rattle of battery BTR in the up-down direction (Z direction).

[0066] Furthermore, an elastic body set 300S, in which elastic body 300A and elastic body 300B are combined with each other, is also arranged on bracket 5b. Two elastic body sets 300S are arranged on bracket 5b, spaced apart from each other above and below. As a result, when battery BTR is retracted in one direction DR1 (toward frame 2), battery BTR receives the reaction force against the retraction force without being biased in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction (Y direction). Therefore, battery BTR is not subjected to, for example, moment loads around the front end or rear end of the vehicle, and battery BTR is stably attached to frame 2. This also makes it possible to suppress rattle of battery BTR due to vehicle vibration.

[0067] Furthermore, elastic body sets 300S are disposed at both ends of the side walls of the battery BTR in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a battery connector BCN is disposed at the center of the side walls of the battery BTR in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The center of the side walls of the battery BTR in the vehicle longitudinal direction can adequately suppress rattling of the battery BTR due to vehicle vibration. This makes it possible to maintain an electrical connection with the vehicle-side connector FCN.

[0068] The battery support structure 100 in the above embodiment is a battery support structure that supports the battery BTR on the vehicle 1 side, and is equipped with a restraint member (10) that restrains the battery BTR in a state where it is retracted on the vehicle 1 side so that when the battery BTR is retracted on the vehicle 1 side with a predetermined force, the battery receives a reaction force against the predetermined force.

[0069] The battery support structure 100 in the above embodiment is a battery support structure that supports a driving battery BTR that supplies power to drive the motor MTR, and comprises a pair of frames 2 arranged at a distance from each other in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 1, a mounting base 8 attached to the outer side of the frame 2 in the vehicle width direction (+X direction) and on which the battery BTR is placed, cross members 3a, 3b mounted on the pair of frames 2 at a predetermined position in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle where the mounting base 8 is attached, and a cross member 3d arranged at a position above the cross members 3a, 3b and mounted on the pair of frames 2.

[0070] With the above configuration, a closed cross-sectional shape is formed by the pair of frames 2, cross members 3a, 3b, and cross member 3d at a predetermined position in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction. In addition, a mounting base 8 is attached at a predetermined position in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction, and the battery BTR is mounted on the mounting base 8. In this case, because a closed cross-sectional shape is formed at the predetermined position in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction, it is possible to increase the support rigidity of the battery compared to when the battery is supported by a general ladder frame structure in which a cross member is installed between the pair of frames 2.

[0071] Furthermore, the battery support structure 100 in the above embodiment further includes a cross member 3c that is installed between the pair of frames 2 at a position further forward of the vehicle than a predetermined position in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and the motor MTR is disposed on the cross member 3c. By further including the cross member 3c that is installed between the pair of frames 2, it is possible to further increase the rigidity of the frame structure of the vehicle 1. It is also possible to effectively use the cross member 3c as an arrangement space for arranging the motor MTR.

[0072] Moreover, the battery support structure 100 in the above embodiment further includes a restraining member 10 that restrains the battery BTR to the vehicle 1 side, and the restraining member 10 is disposed on the frame 2. This makes it possible to support the battery BTR on the frame 2 side via the restraining member 10. Furthermore, it becomes possible to effectively use the frame 2 as an arrangement space for arranging the restraining member 10.

[0073] Furthermore, in the battery support structure 100 according to the above embodiment, when the battery BTR is retracted in one direction DR1 (toward the vehicle 1) with a predetermined force, the restraint member 10 restrains the battery in a state where it is retracted toward the vehicle 1 so that the battery BTR receives a reaction force against the predetermined force. As a result, the battery BTR is restrained in a state where it is retracted toward the vehicle 1, and the battery BTR does not move relative to the vehicle 1, making it possible to suppress rattle of the battery BTR due to vehicle vibration.

[0074] Furthermore, the battery support structure 100 in the above embodiment further includes an actuator 30 that transmits power to the restraining member 10 to retract the battery BTR with a predetermined force, and the actuator 30 is disposed on the cross member 3c. This allows the cross member 3c to be effectively used as a placement space for the actuator 30.

[0075] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are merely examples of specific embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present disclosure can be carried out in various forms without departing from its gist or main features. [Industrial Applicability]

[0076] The present disclosure is suitably used in vehicles equipped with a battery support structure that requires increased battery support rigidity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] BTR Battery BTRC Battery Case BCN Battery Connector FCN vehicle side connector MTR motor STR1 First Striker STR1_BKT Bracket STR1_BER Striker Bar STR2 Second Striker STR2_BKT Bracket STR2_BER Striker Bar 1 vehicle 2 frames 2a Groove wall 2b Groove wall 2c groove wall 3 Cross members 3a Cross member (first cross member) 3a_1 Bottom wall 3a_2 One side wall 3a_3 Other side wall 3b Cross member (first cross member) 3b_1 Bottom wall 3b_2 One side wall 3b_3 Other side wall 3c Cross member (third cross member) 3c_1 Bottom wall 3c_2 One side wall 3c_3 Other side wall 3d Cross member (second cross member) 3e Cross member 4 Bracket 5a Bracket 5b Bracket 6 Bracket 7 Closing Frame 8 Mounting table 8a Top plate 8b flange 8c flange 9 WL Latch 10 Restraining member 11 First latch 12 Second latch 30 Actuator 31 Output rod 80 Slide mechanism 81a Guide rail 81b Guide rail 82a slider 82b slider 100 Support structure 200 Link Mechanism 210 Link 1 211 One end in the longitudinal direction 212 other end in the longitudinal direction 213 Middle section 220 Second Link 221 One end in the longitudinal direction 222 other end in the longitudinal direction 223 Middle section 230 intermediate links 240A Permalink 240B permalink 300 Elastic Body 300A First Elastic Body 300B Second elastic body 300S Elastic Body Set 310 Board surface 311 First Elastic Surface 312 Second Elastic Surface 351 First Bracket 352 Second Bracket

Claims

1. A battery support structure for supporting a drive battery that supplies power to drive a motor, a pair of frames arranged spaced apart from each other in a vehicle width direction of the vehicle; a mounting base attached to the outer side of the frame in the vehicle width direction and on which the battery is placed; a first cross member that is installed across the pair of frames at a predetermined position in the vehicle longitudinal direction where the mounting base is mounted; a second cross member disposed above the first cross member and spanning the pair of frames; Equipped with Battery support structure.

2. a third cross member disposed between the pair of frames at a position forward of the vehicle from the predetermined position in the vehicle longitudinal direction; the motor is disposed on the third cross member; The battery support structure according to claim 1 .

3. a restraining member that restrains the battery to the vehicle side; The restraining member is disposed on the frame. The battery support structure according to claim 1 .

4. the restraining member restrains the battery in a state where it is pulled toward the vehicle so that, when the battery is pulled toward the vehicle with a predetermined force, the battery receives a reaction force against the predetermined force. The battery support structure according to claim 3 .

5. an actuator that transmits power to the restraining member to retract the battery with the predetermined force; the actuator is disposed on the second cross member; The battery support structure according to claim 4.

Images