Protective structure of vehicle parts

Abstract

To protect vehicle components located below the side rails. [Solution] A vehicle component protection structure 5 for protecting a vehicle component 10 that is positioned below the side rail 3 of a vehicle 1 and supported by the side rail 3, comprising: a first base portion 21F and a second base portion 21R positioned below the side rail 3 and spaced apart from each other at the position where the vehicle component 10 is positioned in the vehicle length direction, and attached to the outside of the side rail 3 in the vehicle width direction; and a protective member 50 positioned at the position where the vehicle component 10 is positioned in the vehicle length direction and attached to the first base portion 21F and the second base portion 21R, wherein at least a portion of the protective member 50 is positioned below the side rail 3 and has a convex protrusion 52a on the inside in the vehicle width direction between the first base portion 21F and the second base portion 21R.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective structure for vehicle parts suitable for use in electric vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in recent vehicle electrification, vehicle parts such as drive devices may be mounted between side rails. Examples of such vehicle parts include, for example, a drive battery, a motor, an inverter, and the like. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle in which a battery is disposed between left and right side members (side rails).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, for example, it is conceivable that a side collision occurs in which another vehicle collides with the side of the host vehicle. In Patent Document 1, in the vehicle height direction, the side rail and the battery, which is a vehicle part, are at approximately the same height position. In this case, the side rail can be a protective member for the battery.

[0005] On the other hand, depending on the size and arrangement of the battery, it is conceivable that the battery is located below the side rail. In this case, vehicle parts located below the side rail due to a side collision of another vehicle may be directly collided with the battery by the other vehicle during a side collision, and a large impact force may be applied.

[0006] This case was conceived by paying attention to such problems, and one of the purposes is to provide a protective structure for vehicle parts that can protect vehicle parts located below the side rail. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This project was undertaken to solve at least some of the above-mentioned problems and can be implemented in the following forms or applications. (1) The vehicle component protection structure according to this application example is a vehicle component protection structure that protects a vehicle component supported by the side rail, with at least a portion of it positioned below the side rail of the vehicle, and comprises: a first base and a second base, at least a portion of which are positioned below the side rail and spaced apart from each other at the position where the vehicle component is positioned in the vehicle length direction, and attached to the outside of the side rail in the vehicle width direction; and a protective member, positioned at the position where the vehicle component is positioned in the vehicle length direction and attached to the first base and the second base, wherein at least a portion of the protective member is positioned below the side rail and has a convex projection on the inside in the vehicle width direction between the first base and the second base.

[0008] According to this application example, the protective member of the protective structure is positioned at least partially below the side rail and has a convex protrusion on the inward side in the vehicle width direction between the first base and the second base. Therefore, when an impact force from the outside in the vehicle width direction is input to the protective member between the first base and the second base during a side collision, the bending rigidity of the protective member that can resist the impact force can be ensured. Consequently, inward deformation of the protective member in the vehicle width direction is suppressed during a side collision. As a result, the input of impact forces to vehicle components positioned inward in the vehicle width direction from the protective member and below the side rail can be avoided or reduced, thereby protecting the vehicle components.

[0009] (2) Preferably, the protective member has a projection that extends outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the first base and the second base along its entire extending direction. This ensures the bending rigidity of the protective member to withstand the impact force during a side collision.

[0010] (3) Preferably, the protective member includes rib-shaped portions that are arranged perpendicular to the outer surface of the side rail in the vehicle width direction. This allows for efficient securing of the bending rigidity of protective members to withstand impact forces during side collisions.

[0011] (4) The outer edge of the protruding portion in the vehicle width direction is preferably in a substantially arc shape that is convex outward in the vehicle width direction. This allows for miniaturization of the protective component while ensuring sufficient bending rigidity to withstand the impact force during a side collision.

[0012] (5) Preferably, the protective member includes a plurality of rib-shaped portions arranged perpendicular to the outer surface of the side rail in the vehicle width direction, and a connecting portion that connects the outer ends of these plurality of rib-shaped portions in the vehicle width direction. This allows for efficient securing of the bending rigidity of protective members to withstand impact forces during side collisions. (6) Preferably, the protective member is attached at least to the connecting portion on the outer surface of the first base and the second base in the vehicle width direction via a spacer. This further increases the bending rigidity of protective members that resist impact forces during side collisions, thereby avoiding or reducing the input of impact forces to vehicle components and protecting them.

[0013] (7) Preferably, the protective member includes a plurality of rib-shaped portions arranged perpendicular to the outer surface of the side rail in the vehicle width direction, and a base member that connects the inner ends of these rib-shaped portions in the vehicle width direction and is fixed to the first base and the second base. This further increases the bending rigidity of the protective member that resists impact forces during side collisions, thereby avoiding or reducing the input of impact forces to vehicle components and protecting them. In addition, it facilitates attachment to the first and second bases, has the advantage of easily absorbing dimensional tolerances, and makes it easier to control the precision of the parts.

[0014] It is preferable that the vehicle component is attached to the first base portion and the second base portion. As a result, the first base portion and the second base portion support the protection member and also support the vehicle component, enabling the sharing of components. (9) The vehicle is an electric vehicle, and it is also preferable that the vehicle component is at least one of the drive battery, drive motor, and inverter of the electric vehicle. Thereby, important electric components can be protected.

Advantages of the Invention

[0015] According to the present case, vehicle components located below the side rail can be protected.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view seen from obliquely above showing a side rail of a vehicle provided with a protection structure for vehicle components according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view seen from obliquely below showing a main part of a side rail of a vehicle provided with a protection structure for vehicle components according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a view showing a protection structure for vehicle components according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3(a) is a bottom view thereof (viewed in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2), FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view thereof (cross-sectional view taken along the line B - B in FIG. 3(a)), and FIG. 3(c) is a side view thereof (viewed in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 3(a)). [Figure 4] It is a view showing a protection structure for vehicle components according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4(a) is a bottom view thereof (a view corresponding to FIG. 3(a)), FIG. 4(b) is a cross-sectional view thereof (a view corresponding to FIG. 3(b)), and FIG. 4(c) is a side view thereof (a view corresponding to FIG. 3(c)). [Figure 5] It is a view showing a protection structure for vehicle components according to the third embodiment. FIG. 5(a) is a bottom view thereof (a view corresponding to FIG. 3(a)), FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view thereof (a view corresponding to FIG. 3(b)), and FIG. 5(c) is a side view thereof (a view corresponding to FIG. 3(c)).

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Referring to the drawings, embodiments of the present case will be described. The following embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to exclude various modifications and applications of technologies not explicitly stated in these embodiments. Each configuration of the following embodiments can be implemented with various modifications without departing from their gist. Also,取舍 can be made as necessary, or they can be combined as appropriate.

[0018] Note that the vehicle according to the embodiments described below is an electric vehicle, specifically an electric truck. However, the vehicle according to the present case is not limited to an electric truck, and can be widely applied to electric vehicles and non-electric vehicles as long as at least a part of the vehicle is disposed below the vehicle's side rails and includes vehicle components to be protected from side collisions. Also, in FIGS. 1 to 5 for reference, the vehicle is assumed to be on a horizontal plane, and the front of the vehicle is "FR", the rear of the vehicle is "RR", the right side in the vehicle width direction is "RH", the left side in the vehicle width direction is "LH", the vertically upward direction is "UP", and the vertically downward direction is "DW", which are respectively indicated by arrows. Furthermore, the surface facing outward in the vehicle width direction is also referred to as the "outer surface", and the surface facing inward in the vehicle width direction is also referred to as the "inner surface".

[0019] [1. First Embodiment] [1.1. Configuration of the Vehicle] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an electric truck 1 as a vehicle includes a frame 2 composed of a pair of side rails 3L and 3R (when not distinguishing between left and right, referred to as "side rail 3") and a plurality of cross members 4 provided between the side rails 3L and 3R. Each side rail 3 is formed in a channel-shaped cross-sectional shape composed of a web portion 3a and flange portions 3b and 3c protruding inward in the vehicle width direction from the upper and lower edges of the web portion 3a. Note that FIGS. 1 and 2 both show the left side in the vehicle width direction of the electric truck 1, but the right side in the vehicle width direction is configured similarly or almost similarly. Also, FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of FIG. 1, and refer to FIG. 2 for detailed parts.

[0020] It should be noted that the Chinese expression "取舍" in the original text seems to be an incorrect or incomplete term. I translated it as "取舍" according to the literal meaning, but it may need to be further confirmed or corrected depending on the specific context.The drive battery 10 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "battery 10"), which supplies power to the drive motor (not shown) that drives the vehicle, is constructed by housing a battery module (not shown) in a roughly rectangular prism-shaped casing 10A. The left and right side walls of the casing 10A are attached to the left and right side rails 3L and 3R at two locations each (four locations in total) via brackets 20. In other words, the left and right side walls of the casing 10A are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle length direction and are attached to the side rails 3L and 3R by the front bracket 20F and the rear bracket 20R (when front and rear are not distinguished, they are referred to as "brackets 20").

[0021] The bracket 20 comprises a side rail-side bracket 21 fixed to the side rail 3 with fasteners 31, and a battery-side bracket 22 fixed to the battery 10 with fasteners 32. The battery 10 is attached to the side rails 3L and 3R by connecting the side rail-side bracket 21 and the battery-side bracket 22 with through bolts 33. The front and rear brackets 20 are configured similarly, and the reference numerals for the detailed parts of the brackets 20 are primarily based on the front bracket 20.

[0022] The side rail bracket 21 is formed in a hat-shaped cross-section, consisting of a web portion 21a, flange portions 21b and 21c protruding from both edges of the web portion 21a, and arm portions 21d and 21e protruding outward from the leading edges of each flange portion 21b and 21c. The side rail bracket 21 is positioned with the web portion 21a facing outward in the vehicle width direction and the arm portions 21d and 21e facing inward in the vehicle width direction, and the arm portions 21d and 21e are fastened to the outward-facing surface of the web portion 3a of the side rail 3 with fasteners 31.

[0023] In the state in which the bracket 21 is attached to the side rail 3 (mounted state), the lower part of the bracket 21 on the side rail side extends below the side rail 3, and no arm portions 21d and 21e are formed in this portion. The flange portions 21b and 21c at the bottom of the bracket 21 on the side rail side protrude inward in the vehicle width direction when mounted, but the portion near the lower end of the flange portions 21b and 21c that is located vertically below the side rail 3 protrudes more significantly inward in the vehicle width direction, forming a pair of protruding pieces 21f.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2, the battery-side bracket 22 comprises a base portion 22a fastened to the left and right side walls of the casing 10A of the battery 10 with fasteners 32, and a projection 22b that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the base portion 22a. The projection 22b has a bolt through hole (not shown) so that the through bolt 33 faces horizontally in the vehicle length direction when attached to the casing 10A. In addition, at least a part of the battery-side bracket 22 is located vertically below the side rail 3.

[0025] Then, the projection 22b of the battery-side bracket 22 is positioned between the pair of protruding pieces 21f of the side rail-side bracket 21, and through bolts 33 are inserted through the bolt through holes in the projection 22b and the bolt through holes (not shown) provided in each protruding piece 21f, and nuts (not shown) are fastened to attach the battery 10 to the side rails 3L and 3R.

[0026] In this way, the battery 10, mounted on side rails 3L and 3R, has its upper part positioned vertically in the same position as the side rails 3L and 3R, but its lower part is positioned vertically lower than the side rails 3L and 3R. This expands the height of the battery 10, contributing to an increase in battery capacity.

[0027] However, in this configuration, the lower part of the battery 10, which is located vertically below the side rails 3L and 3R, is at risk of directly receiving the impact force if the vehicle is hit from the side by another vehicle. In particular, in the case of a truck like this vehicle, if the other vehicle is a small vehicle such as a passenger car, there is a risk that the other vehicle will get stuck in the space below the side rails 3L and 3R during a side collision. In this case, the battery 10 will directly receive the impact force. Therefore, a vehicle component protection structure 5 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "protection structure 5") is provided in the area shown by the dashed line in Figures 1 and 2 to protect the battery 10 from side collisions.

[0028] [1.2. Configuration of protective structures for vehicle components] As shown in Figures 3(a) to (c), the protective structure 5 of this embodiment includes a side rail side bracket 21 of the front bracket 20F (corresponding to the "first base" and hereinafter also referred to as the "front side rail side bracket 21F") and a side rail side bracket 21 of the rear bracket 20R (corresponding to the "second base" and hereinafter also referred to as the "rear side rail side bracket 21R"), and a protective member 50 attached to the front side rail side bracket 21F and the rear side rail side bracket 21R. The front side rail side bracket 21F and the rear side rail side bracket 21R are similarly configured, and the reference numerals for the detailed parts of each side rail side bracket 21F and 21R are indicated primarily with respect to the front side rail side bracket 21F. In Figure 3(a), the position of the side rail 3 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0029] In this embodiment, the protective member 50 comprises a base member 51 and a plate member 52 fixed to the base member 51, both of which are made of steel. The base member 51 has a hat-shaped horizontal cross-section and is equipped with fixing portions 51a at both ends, which are fastened to the outer surface of the web portion 21a of the front side rail bracket 21F and the rear side rail bracket 21R with fasteners (not shown), and convex portions 51b that protrude inward in the vehicle width direction from both fixing portions 51a. In Figures 3(a) and (c), the fastening locations between the web portion 21a and the fixing portion 51a are indicated by dashed lines, and the fastening holes (e.g., bolt holes) and fasteners (e.g., bolts and nuts) of the web portion 21a and the fixing portion 51a are not shown. As shown in Figure 3(c), these fastening locations are provided between each of the plate members 52 described later in each web portion 21a.

[0030] The plate member 52 is a rib-shaped (plate-shaped) member that is positioned perpendicular to the outer surface of the side rail 3 in the vehicle width direction (the outer surface of the web portion 3a) (i.e., with respect to the opposing surface (side wall) of the casing 10A of the battery 10 to be protected) and extends horizontally (in the direction in which the front and rear side rail brackets 21F and 21R are separated), and is also called a rib-shaped portion. Multiple plates (in this case, three plates) of this plate member 52 are arranged parallel to each other and at equal intervals in the vertical direction, and each is fixed to the outer surface of the base member 51 by welding or the like. The number of plate members 52 is not limited; there may be two, three, or more, and even one plate is acceptable if it has sufficient thickness. Furthermore, if there are three or more plates, they do not necessarily have to be spaced equally apart.

[0031] Each plate member 52 is positioned below the side rail 3 and has a convex protrusion 52a on the inward side in the vehicle width direction between the side rail side brackets 21F and 21R. Both ends of the plate member 52 have end extensions 52b that extend outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer surface of the side rail side brackets 21F and 21R (the outer surface of the web portion 21a). The protrusions 52a and end extensions 52b are fixed to the outer surface of the convex portion 51b of the base member 51 by welding or the like.

[0032] Furthermore, the plate member 52 has a projection 52c that extends outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the side rail side brackets 21F and 21R, along its entire extending direction (vehicle length direction), including the end extension portion 52b. In this embodiment, the outer edge portion (projecting end) of the projection 52c in the vehicle width direction is formed in a substantially arc shape that is convex outward in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the height (length in the vehicle width direction) H of the plate member 52 is greatest in the central portion in the extending direction (vehicle length direction).

[0033] [1.3. Action and Effects] Since the protective structure 5 for vehicle parts according to this embodiment is configured as described above, the following functions and effects can be obtained.

[0034] When another vehicle collides with the electric truck 1 at a specific location (in the vehicle length direction and vertical direction) where the battery 10 is located, the impact force F, indicated by the arrow in Figure 3, is input to the plate member 52 of the protective member 50. The plate member 52 is a double-supported beam with both ends supported by side rail brackets 21F and 21R, and the impact force F is mainly input to the middle portion of the plate member 52 in the vehicle length direction, which corresponds to the middle portion of the double-supported beam.

[0035] In contrast, the intermediate portion of the plate member 52 in the vehicle length direction, that is, the portion between the side rail brackets 21F and 21R, experiences the maximum bending moment due to the impact force F. However, because it is equipped with a convex protrusion 52a on the inward side in the vehicle width direction, the bending rigidity (second moment of area) is increased accordingly. This efficiently ensures bending rigidity against the impact force F, suppresses bending of the plate member 52 in response to the impact force F, and protects the battery 10 located inside it. Moreover, since this protrusion 52a is formed in the space between the plate member 52 and the battery 10 on the inward side in the vehicle width direction, it results in a compact shape with minimal outward protrusion in the vehicle width direction.

[0036] Furthermore, the bending moment due to the impact force F extends not only to the middle portion of the plate member 52 in the vehicle length direction, but also to its end extension portion (both ends in the vehicle length direction) 52b. In contrast, in the plate member 52, the protruding portion 52c that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction is formed including the end extension portion 52b, and the end extension portion 52b has a certain height in the vehicle width direction, ensuring a certain level of bending rigidity (second moment of area) and thus being able to withstand the impact force F.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the outer edge (protruding end) of the protruding portion 52c in the vehicle width direction is formed in a substantially arc shape that is convex outward in the vehicle width direction, and the height H is greatest in the central portion in the vehicle length direction. As a result, the central portion in the vehicle length direction where the bending moment due to the impact force F is greatest in the plate member 52 has the greatest bending rigidity (second moment of area), and the bending rigidity of the plate member 52 is efficiently ensured.

[0038] Furthermore, the bending moment due to the impact force F extends not only to the middle portion of the plate member 52 in the vehicle length direction, but also to its end extension portion (both ends in the vehicle length direction) 52b. In contrast, in the plate member 52, the protruding portion 52c that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction is formed including the end extension portion 52b, and the end extension portion 52b has a certain height in the vehicle width direction, ensuring a certain level of bending rigidity (second moment of area) and thus being able to withstand the impact force F.

[0039] Furthermore, since the base member 51 is provided and the protective member 50 is fixed to the web portion 21a of the side rail bracket 21 only by the fixing portion 51a of the base member 51, it has the advantage of easily absorbing dimensional tolerances and making it easier to control the precision of the parts. Furthermore, since the front and rear side rail brackets 21 are used for the first and second base sections, the increase in the number of parts can be kept to a minimum, thereby reducing the increase in equipment costs and the burden of assembly work.

[0040] [2. Second Embodiment] Since the vehicle according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, its description will be omitted, and the configuration of the protective structure for vehicle components will be described.

[0041] [2.1. Configuration of protective structures for vehicle components] As shown in Figure 4, the protective member 150 of the protective structure 5A of this embodiment comprises a base member 51 and a plate member (rib-shaped portion) 152 fixed to the base member 51, similar to that of the first embodiment, and both are made of steel.

[0042] In this embodiment, only the shape of the protruding end of the protruding portion 152c (including the end extension portion 152b) of the plate member 152 differs from that of the first embodiment, while the base member 51 and the convex portion 152a of the plate member 152 are configured in the same way as in the first embodiment. In other words, the protruding end of the projection 152c (including the end extension 152b) of the plate member 152 in this embodiment is formed in a simple straight line shape. In Figures 4(a) and 4(c), as in Figures 3(a) and 3(c), the fastening points between the web portion 21a and the fixing portion 51a are indicated by dashed lines, and the fastening holes (e.g., bolt holes) and fasteners (e.g., bolts and nuts) of the web portion 21a and the fixing portion 51a are omitted.

[0043] [2.2. Action and Effects] Since the protective structure 5A for vehicle parts according to this embodiment is configured as described above, it can obtain the same functions and effects as the first embodiment, except for the functions and effects caused by the fact that the protruding end of the protruding portion 52c is formed in a substantially arc shape that is convex outward in the vehicle width direction in the first embodiment.

[0044] In other words, because it has a convex protrusion 152a on the inside in the vehicle width direction, the bending rigidity (second moment of area) is increased, efficiently ensuring bending rigidity against impact force F, suppressing bending of the plate member 152 against impact force F, and protecting the battery 10 located inside it. Moreover, since this protrusion 152a is formed in the space between the battery 10 on the inside in the vehicle width direction, it results in a compact shape with suppressed outward protrusion in the vehicle width direction.

[0045] Furthermore, the bending moment due to the impact force F extends not only to the middle portion of the plate member 152 in the vehicle length direction, but also to its end extension portion (both ends in the vehicle length direction) 152b. In contrast, in the plate member 152, the protruding portion 152c that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction is formed including the end extension portion 152b, and since the end extension portion 152b has a certain height in the vehicle width direction, a certain level of bending rigidity (second moment of area) is ensured, which can withstand the impact force F.

[0046] [3. Third Embodiment] Since the vehicle according to this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, its description will be omitted, and the configuration of the protective structure for vehicle components will be described.

[0047] [3.1. Configuration of protective structures for vehicle components] As shown in Figure 5, the protective member 250 of the protective structure 5B of this embodiment comprises a base member 51 and a plate member 252 fixed to the base member 51, similar to that of the first embodiment, and both are made of steel.

[0048] In this embodiment, only the configuration of the plate member 252 differs from that of the first embodiment, while the base member 51 is configured in the same way as in the first embodiment. In other words, the plate member 252 of this embodiment has a structure in which the tops (outer edges in the vehicle width direction) of two plate portions (rib-shaped portions) 253 are connected by a plate-shaped connecting portion 254. Therefore, the cross-section of the plate member 252 is formed in a substantially U-shape. Here, the plate member 252 is composed of three members: two plate portions 253 and a connecting portion 254. However, for example, a single sheet of metal may be bent to form the portions corresponding to the two plate portions 253 and the portions corresponding to the plate-shaped connecting portion 254.

[0049] In this embodiment, the plate portion 253 of the plate member 252 includes a protruding portion 153a similar to the convex portion 52a of the first embodiment and the convex portion 152a of the second embodiment, an end-extending portion 253b similar to the end-extending portion 152b of the second embodiment, and a protruding portion 253c similar to the protruding portion 152c of the second embodiment. The plate-shaped connecting portion 254 is also included in the protruding portion of the protective member 250.

[0050] In this protective structure 5B, a spacer 255 is interposed between the fixing portion 51a of the base member 51 and the connecting portion 254 of the plate member 252. The spacer 255 is fixed to the outer surface of the fixing portion 51a and the inner surface of the connecting portion 254 by welding or the like. In this embodiment, the spacer 255 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow hole portion 256, and a hole portion 257 similar to the hollow hole portion 256 is formed in the connecting portion 254 at the location where the hollow hole portion 256 of the spacer 255 is positioned.

[0051] The inner diameters of these hollow holes 256 and 257 are set to be such that a part of the fastener (for example, only the threaded portion of the bolt) can enter when fastening the fixing portion 51a to the outer surface of the web portion 21a of the side rail bracket 21R, but the rest of the fastener (for example, the head of the bolt) cannot enter. Note that in Figures 5(a) and (c), as in Figures 3(a) and (c), the fastening points between the web portion 21a and the fixing portion 51a are indicated by dashed lines, and the fastening holes (e.g., bolt holes) and fasteners (e.g., bolts and nuts) of the web portion 21a and the fixing portion 51a are omitted.

[0052] Therefore, the connecting portion 254 and the fixing portion 51a are fastened and fixed to the web portion 21a via a spacer 255 using fasteners. The diameter of the spacer 255 is expanded according to the size of the hollow hole portion 256, which in turn increases the fixing surface area between the outer surface of the fixing portion 51a and the inner surface of the connecting portion 254, thereby increasing the rigidity and strength of the structure of the connection between the fixing portion 51a and the connecting portion 254 through the spacer 255.

[0053] Alternatively, the inner diameters of these hollow holes 256 and 257 may be set to a certain size or larger so that a fastener (e.g., the head of a bolt) can enter when fastening the fixing part 51a to the outer surface of the web part 21a of the side rail bracket 21R. In this case, only the fixing part 51a is directly fixed to the web part 21a. In addition, the spacer 255 is enlarged in diameter according to the size of the hollow hole 256, which in turn ensures a larger fixing surface between the outer surface of the fixing part 51a and the inner surface of the connecting part 254, thereby further increasing the rigidity and strength of the structure of the connection between the fixing part 51a and the connecting part 254 through the spacer 255.

[0054] [3.2. Action and Effects] Since the protective structure 5B for vehicle parts according to this embodiment is configured as described above, the following functions and effects can be obtained.

[0055] In other words, since each plate portion 253 of the plate member 252 is provided with a convex protrusion 253a on the inside in the vehicle width direction, the bending rigidity (second moment of area) is increased, the bending rigidity against impact force F is efficiently ensured, the bending of the plate member 252 against impact force F is suppressed, and the battery 10 located inside it can be protected. Moreover, since this protrusion 253a is formed in the space between the battery 10 on the inside in the vehicle width direction, it results in a compact shape with suppressed outward protrusion in the vehicle width direction.

[0056] Furthermore, the bending moment due to the impact force F extends not only to the intermediate portion of the plate portion 253 in the vehicle length direction, but also to its end extension portion (both ends in the vehicle length direction) 253b. In contrast, in the plate portion 253, the protruding portion 253c that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction is formed including the end extension portion 253b, and since the end extension portion 253b has a certain height in the vehicle width direction, a certain level of bending rigidity (second moment of area) is ensured, which can withstand the impact force F.

[0057] In addition, the connecting portion 254 of the plate member 252 also contributes to improving bending rigidity, and the spacer 255 also contributes to improving bending rigidity. Therefore, the protective effect of battery 10 can be further enhanced.

[0058] [4. Others] The configurations of each of the embodiments described above are examples and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in each of the embodiments described above, the front and rear side rail brackets 21 are used for the first and second bases, but the first and second bases are not limited to these, and at least a portion of them should be positioned below the side rails 3 and spaced apart from each other in the vehicle length direction where vehicle components (battery 10) are located, and mounted side by side on the outside of the side rails 3 in the vehicle width direction.

[0059] Furthermore, the protective structure is not limited to the drive battery, but may protect any vehicle component attached to the first and second base units. For example, in the case of an electric vehicle, the components to be protected may include not only the drive battery, but also the drive motor, inverter, and other components.

[0060] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, for example, the vehicle component to be protected is positioned between the side rails 3L and 3R, and a portion of this vehicle component protrudes below the side rails 3L and 3R. However, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration, and it is sufficient if all or at least a portion of the vehicle component to be protected is positioned below the side rail 3.

[0061] [4. Addendum] The following additional information is disclosed regarding the embodiments described above. (Note 1) A vehicle component protection structure, wherein at least a portion of it is positioned below the vehicle's side rails to protect vehicle components supported by the side rails, At least a portion of the first base and second base are positioned below the side rail and spaced apart from each other in the vehicle length direction where the vehicle components are positioned, and are attached to the outside of the side rail in the vehicle width direction, The vehicle comprises protective members positioned at the location where the vehicle components are arranged in the vehicle length direction and attached to the first base and the second base, The protective member is positioned at least partially below the side rail and has a convex projection on the inward side in the vehicle width direction between the first base and the second base. A protective structure for vehicle components characterized by the following features.

[0062] (Note 2) The protective member has a projection that extends outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the first base and the second base along its entire extending direction. A protective structure for vehicle parts as described in Appendix 1, characterized by the features described herein.

[0063] (Note 3) The protective member includes rib-shaped portions that are positioned perpendicular to the outer surface of the side rail in the vehicle width direction. A protective structure for vehicle parts as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, characterized by the above.

[0064] (Note 4) The outer edge of the protruding portion in the vehicle width direction is substantially arc-shaped and convex outward in the vehicle width direction. A protective structure for vehicle parts as described in Appendix 2 or Appendix 3, characterized by the above.

[0065] (Note 5) The protective member includes a plurality of rib-shaped portions arranged perpendicular to the outer surface of the side rail in the vehicle width direction, and a connecting portion that connects the outer ends of these plurality of rib-shaped portions in the vehicle width direction. A protective structure for a vehicle component as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4, characterized by the features described herein.

[0066] (Note 6) The protective member is attached, at least the connecting portion, to the outer surfaces of the first base and the second base in the vehicle width direction via spacers. A protective structure for vehicle parts as described in Appendix 5, characterized by the features described herein.

[0067] (Note 7) The protective member includes a plurality of rib-shaped portions arranged perpendicular to the outer surface of the side rail in the vehicle width direction, and a base member that connects the inner ends of these rib-shaped portions in the vehicle width direction and is fixed to the first base and the second base. A protective structure for a vehicle component as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6, characterized by the features described herein.

[0068] (Note 8) The vehicle parts are attached to the first base and the second base. A protective structure for a vehicle component as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 7, characterized by the features described herein.

[0069] (Note 9) The vehicle is an electric vehicle, and the vehicle component is at least one of the following: a drive battery for the electric vehicle, a drive motor, or an inverter. A protective structure for vehicle parts as described in Appendix 8, characterized by the features described above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1. Electric truck as a vehicle 2 frames 3, 3L, 3R side rails 3a Web portion of side rail 3 3b, 3c Flange portion of side rail 3 4 Cross Members 5, 5A, 5B Protective Structure (Protective structure for vehicle parts) 10. Battery (power battery) 10A Battery Casing 20, 20F, 20R Brackets 21, 21F, 21R Side rail bracket (first base, second base) 21a Web portion of battery-side bracket 22 21b, 21c Flange portion of battery-side bracket 22 21d, 21e Arm portion of battery-side bracket 22 21f Projecting piece 22 Battery side bracket 22a Base portion of battery-side bracket 22 22b Protrusion of battery-side bracket 22 31,32 Fasteners 33 Through bolts 50, 150, 250 protective members 51 Base member of protective member 50 51a Fixing part of base member 51 51b Convex portion of base member 51 52,152 Plate members (rib-shaped parts) 52a, 152a Protrusions of plate member 52 52b, 152b End extensions of plate members 52, 152 52c, 152c Protruding parts of plate members 52, 152 252 Plate Member 253 Plate section (rib-shaped section) 253a Protrusion of plate portion 253 253b End extension of plate portion 253 253c Protruding part of plate section 253 254 Connecting part 255 Spacer 256 Hollow hole 257 Hole Front of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle RR (rear of the vehicle) RH (Right side in the vehicle width direction) LH (Left side in the vehicle width direction) UP vertically upward DW Vertically downwards

Claims

1. A vehicle component protection structure, wherein at least a portion of it is positioned below the vehicle's side rails to protect vehicle components supported by the side rails, At least a portion of the first base and second base are positioned below the side rail and spaced apart from each other in the vehicle length direction where the vehicle components are positioned, and are attached to the outside of the side rail in the vehicle width direction, The vehicle comprises protective members positioned at the location where the vehicle components are arranged in the vehicle length direction, and attached to the first base and the second base, The protective member is positioned at least partially below the side rail and has a convex projection on the inward side in the vehicle width direction between the first base and the second base. A protective structure for vehicle components characterized by the following features.

2. The protective member has a projection that extends outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the first base and the second base along its entire extending direction. The protective structure for vehicle parts according to feature 1.

3. The protective member includes rib-shaped portions that are positioned perpendicular to the outer surface of the side rail in the vehicle width direction. The protective structure for vehicle parts according to feature 2.

4. The outer edge of the protruding portion in the vehicle width direction is substantially arc-shaped and convex outward in the vehicle width direction. The protective structure for vehicle parts according to feature 2.

5. The protective member includes a plurality of rib-shaped portions arranged perpendicular to the outer surface of the side rail in the vehicle width direction, and a connecting portion that connects the outer ends of these plurality of rib-shaped portions in the vehicle width direction. The protective structure for vehicle parts according to feature 1.

6. The protective member is attached, at least to the connecting portion, via spacers to the outer surfaces of the first base and the second base in the vehicle width direction. The protective structure for vehicle parts according to feature 5.

7. The protective member includes a plurality of rib-shaped portions arranged perpendicular to the outer surface of the side rail in the vehicle width direction, and a base member that connects the inner ends of these rib-shaped portions in the vehicle width direction and is fixed to the first base and the second base. The protective structure for vehicle parts according to feature 1.

8. The vehicle parts are attached to the first base and the second base. The protective structure for vehicle parts according to feature 1.

9. The vehicle is an electric vehicle, and the vehicle component is at least one of the following: a drive battery for the electric vehicle, a drive motor, or an inverter. The protective structure for vehicle parts according to feature 8.

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