U.S. patent application number 15/672734 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-14 for vehicle traction battery sub-frame assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Steven William Gallagher, Hassen Hammoud, Corey John Jarocki, Stephen Thomas Kozak, Shawn Michael Morgans, Randall Ray Roth, Jon A. Wilcox.
Application Number | 20190047392 15/672734 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 63678928 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190047392 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jarocki; Corey John ; et
al. |
February 14, 2019 |
Vehicle Traction Battery Sub-Frame Assembly
Abstract
A vehicle underbody including a rear underbody structure, a rear
differential, a sub-frame, and a traction battery is provided. The
rear differential is mounted to the rear underbody structure. The
sub-frame is mounted to the rear underbody structure rearward of
the rear differential. The traction battery is mounted between the
rear underbody structure and the sub-frame. A base portion of the
traction battery defines a base portion plane that does not extend
through the rear differential. The sub-frame may include at least
two reinforcement members each having a ramp-shaped end extending
toward the rear differential. The sub-frame may include a rear
lateral member and a trailer hitch mount extending rearwardly
therefrom. One of the reinforcement members and the trailer hitch
mount may be aligned in parallel with a central longitudinal axis
defined by the rear underbody structure.
Inventors: |
Jarocki; Corey John;
(Harrison Township, MI) ; Roth; Randall Ray;
(Brighton, MI) ; Gallagher; Steven William;
(Bloomfield Hills, MI) ; Wilcox; Jon A.; (Livonia,
MI) ; Hammoud; Hassen; (Dearborn, MI) ; Kozak;
Stephen Thomas; (Northville, MI) ; Morgans; Shawn
Michael; (Chelsea, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
Dearborn
MI
|
Family ID: |
63678928 |
Appl. No.: |
15/672734 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K 1/04 20130101; B62D
21/152 20130101; B60K 2001/0416 20130101; B62D 21/11 20130101; B62D
25/087 20130101; B60K 2001/0438 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60K 1/04 20060101
B60K001/04; B62D 21/15 20060101 B62D021/15 |
Claims
1. A vehicle underbody assembly comprising: a rear underbody
structure; a first sub-frame mounted to the rear underbody
structure; a vehicle component mounted to the first sub-frame; a
second sub-frame mounted to the rear underbody structure at a
location adjacent the first sub-frame and including at least one
reinforcement member extending toward the vehicle component, a
first lateral member, a second lateral member, a pair of angle
members extending between the first lateral member and the second
lateral member, and a cross member extending between the pair of
angle members; and a traction battery mounted to the second
sub-frame adjacent the vehicle component and below the rear
underbody structure, wherein the at least one reinforcement member
is oriented to contact the vehicle component or first sub-frame
when a force moves the second sub-frame forward, and wherein the
cross member is spaced from the first lateral member to support a
portion of the traction battery.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one reinforcement
member is further aligned with the vehicle component so the force
directs the traction battery to move above the vehicle
component.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein an end of the at least one
reinforcement member located adjacent the vehicle component is
ramp-shaped.
4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the vehicle component is one of
a rear differential, a fuel tank, and a portion of a suspension
assembly.
5. (canceled)
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the second sub-frame further
includes a trailer hitch mount extending rearward from the second
lateral member.
7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one reinforcement
member is square-shaped and extends forward of the traction
battery.
8. A vehicle underbody assembly comprising: an underbody including
a central longitudinal axis; a rear differential mounted to the
underbody; a sub-frame mounted to the underbody rearward of the
rear differential and including angle members oriented at
twenty-five to forty degrees relative to the central longitudinal
axis and extending from a rear lateral member; and a traction
battery mounted between the underbody and sub-frame and defining a
plane that does not extend through the rear differential.
9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the sub-frame includes at least
two reinforcement members each having a ramp-shaped end extending
toward the rear differential or a rear axle.
10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the sub-frame further includes
a trailer hitch mount extending rearwardly from the rear lateral
member.
11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein one of the reinforcement
members and the trailer hitch mount are aligned in parallel with
the central longitudinal axis.
12. (canceled)
13. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the sub-frame further includes
a cross member extending between the angle members and a forward
lateral member, wherein the angle members extend between the
forward lateral member and the rear lateral member, and wherein the
cross member is located rearward of first and second wheel wells
defined by the underbody.
14. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the sub-frame includes a
reinforcement member having a square shape extending forward of the
traction battery.
15. A vehicle underbody assembly comprising: a rear body structure;
a first sub-frame mounted to the rear body structure; a rear
differential mounted to the first sub-frame; a second sub-frame
mounted to the rear body structure rearward of the first sub-frame
and including a first lateral member, a second lateral member, a
pair of angle members extending between the first lateral member
and the second lateral member, a cross member extending between the
pair of angle members, and a trailer hitch mount extending rearward
from the second lateral member; and a traction battery mounted to
the first lateral member between the rear body structure and the
second sub-frame, wherein the first lateral member is arranged with
the first sub-frame so the traction battery is mounted upon a plane
extending horizontally along an axis vertically spaced above the
first sub-frame.
16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the second sub-frame further
includes at least one reinforcement member extending forward from
the first lateral member and oriented for contact with the rear
differential when a force influences the first lateral member
toward the first sub-frame.
17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least one
reinforcement member is ramp-shaped and extends from the first
lateral member so that the ramp shape directs the traction battery
above the rear differential when the at least one reinforcement
member contacts the rear differential.
18. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least one
reinforcement member and the trailer hitch mount are aligned in
parallel with a central longitudinal axis defined by the rear body
structure.
19. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the traction battery includes
a base portion defining the plane that does not extend through the
rear differential.
20. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the second sub-frame further
includes at least one reinforcement member extending forward of the
traction battery and having a square shape.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to a sub-frame assembly for
supporting and protecting vehicle traction batteries.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Traction batteries are commonly mounted within trunk
cavities of electrified vehicles. However, these trunk cavities
often have small openings with limited space for assembly line
equipment to mount the traction battery within the trunk cavity.
Further, the traction battery location within the trunk cavity may
occupy storage space.
SUMMARY
[0003] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle
underbody assembly includes a rear underbody structure, a first
sub-frame, a vehicle component, a second sub-frame, and a traction
battery. The first sub-frame is mounted to the rear underbody
structure. The vehicle component is mounted to the first sub-frame.
The second sub-frame is mounted to the rear underbody structure at
a location adjacent the first sub-frame and includes at least one
reinforcement member extending toward the vehicle component. The
traction battery is mounted to the second sub-frame adjacent the
vehicle component and below the rear underbody structure. The at
least one reinforcement member is oriented to contact the vehicle
component or first sub-frame when a force moves the second
sub-frame forward. The at least one reinforcement member may be
further aligned with the vehicle component so the force directs the
traction battery to move above the vehicle component. An end of the
at least one reinforcement member may be located adjacent the
vehicle component and ramp-shaped. The vehicle component may be one
of a rear differential, a fuel tank, and a portion of a suspension
assembly. The second sub-frame may further include a first lateral
member, a second lateral member, a pair of angle members extending
between the first lateral member and the second lateral member, and
a cross member extending between the pair of angle members and
spaced from the first lateral member to support a portion of the
traction battery. The second sub-frame may further include a
trailer hitch mount extending rearward from the second lateral
member. The at least one reinforcement member may be square-shaped
and extend forward of the traction battery.
[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a
vehicle underbody includes a rear underbody structure, a rear
differential, a sub-frame, and a traction battery. The rear
differential is mounted to the rear underbody structure. The
sub-frame is mounted to the rear underbody structure rearward of
the rear differential. The traction battery is mounted between the
rear underbody structure and the sub-frame. A base portion of the
traction battery defines a base portion plane that does not extend
through the rear differential. The sub-frame may include at least
two reinforcement members each having a ramp-shaped end extending
toward the rear differential. The sub-frame may include a rear
lateral member and a trailer hitch mount extending rearwardly
therefrom. One of the reinforcement members and the trailer hitch
mount may be aligned in parallel with a central longitudinal axis
defined by the rear underbody structure. The rear underbody
structure may include a central longitudinal axis the sub-frame may
include angle members extending from a rear lateral member, each
oriented at an angle of between twenty-five and forty degrees
relative to the central longitudinal axis to disperse loads
received from a force applied to the sub-frame. The sub-frame may
further include a first lateral member, a second lateral member, a
pair of angle members extending between the first lateral member
and the second lateral member, and a cross member extending between
the pair of angle members and located rearward of first and second
wheel wells defined by the rear underbody structure. The sub-frame
may include a reinforcement member having a square shape extending
forward of the traction battery.
[0005] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a
vehicle underbody assembly includes a rear body structure, a first
sub-frame, a rear differential, a second sub-frame, and a traction
battery. The first sub-frame is mounted to the rear body structure.
The rear differential is mounted to the first sub-frame. The second
sub-frame is mounted to the rear body structure rearward of the
first sub-frame and includes a first lateral member, a second
lateral member, a pair of angle members extending between the first
lateral member and the second lateral member, a cross member
extending between the pair of angle members, and a trailer hitch
mount extending rearward from the second lateral member. The
traction battery is mounted to the first lateral member between the
rear body structure and the second sub-frame. The first lateral
member is arranged with the first sub-frame so the first lateral
member contacts the first sub-frame instead of the traction battery
when a force influences the first lateral member toward the first
sub-frame. The second sub-frame may further include at least one
reinforcement member extending forward from the first lateral
member and oriented for contact with the rear differential when the
force influences the first lateral member toward the first
sub-frame. The at least one reinforcement member may be ramp-shaped
and extend from the first lateral member so that the ramp shape
directs the traction battery above the rear differential when the
at least one reinforcement member contacts the rear differential.
The at least one reinforcement member and the trailer hitch mount
may be aligned in parallel with a central longitudinal axis defined
by the rear body structure. The traction battery may include a base
portion defining a base portion plane that does not extend through
the rear differential. The second sub-frame may further include at
least one reinforcement member extending forward of the traction
battery and having a square shape.
[0006] The above aspects of the disclosure and other aspects will
be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
attached drawings and the following detailed description of the
illustrated embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view of an example of a vehicle
underbody assembly shown mounted to a rear underbody structure.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of another example of a vehicle
underbody assembly shown mounted to a rear underbody structure.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of an example of a sub-frame of
the vehicle underbody assembly of FIG. 2.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a front view, in cross-section of a portion of the
vehicle underbody assembly of FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 5A is a side view, in cross-section, of the vehicle
underbody assembly of FIG. 2 supporting a traction battery shown
with an example of a reinforcement component.
[0012] FIG. 5B is a side view, in cross-section, of the vehicle
underbody assembly of FIG. 2 supporting a traction battery shown
with another example of a reinforcement component.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The illustrated embodiments are disclosed with reference to
the drawings. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed
embodiments are intended to be merely examples that may be embodied
in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily
to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show
details of particular components. The specific structural and
functional details disclosed are not to be interpreted as limiting,
but as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art
how to practice the disclosed concepts.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a previously known vehicle
underbody assembly 10 shown mounted to a rear underbody structure
14. The underbody assembly 10 includes a sub-frame 18, a first
lateral member 20, a second lateral member 23, a first angle member
27, and a second angle member 29. For example, the sub-frame 18 may
be a suspension sub-frame. The sub-frame 18 is mounted to an
underside of the rear underbody structure 14 between two wheel
wells 21 of the rear underbody structure 14. The first lateral
member 20, the second lateral member 23, the first angle member 27,
and the second angle member 29 are mounted to the underside of the
rear underbody structure 14 by welds or fasteners and rearward of
the sub-frame 18. A differential 22 is mounted to the sub-frame 18.
A traction battery 26 (shown in broken lines in FIG. 1) is mounted
to an upper side of the rear underbody structure 14 between the two
wheel wells 21. In this example, the traction battery 26 may be
mounted within a trunk of a vehicle. However, an opening for the
trunk is often small and space for assembly line equipment is
limited making this location for the traction battery 26
undesirable.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a vehicle underbody
assembly 50 to support a traction battery 52 under a rear underbody
structure 54. The underbody assembly 50 includes a first sub-frame
58 which may be mounted to a second sub-frame 60. The first
sub-frame 58 may be a suspension sub-frame and the second sub-frame
60 may be a traction battery sub-frame. It is contemplated that the
sub-frames may be modified for use with both a vehicle
body-on-frame configuration and a vehicle unibody configuration.
The first sub-frame 58 is mounted to an underside of the rear
underbody structure 54 between two wheel wells 64 of the rear
underbody structure 54. The second sub-frame 60 is mounted to the
underside of the rear underbody structure 54 and rearward of the
first sub-frame 58. The traction battery 52 may be mounted to the
second sub-frame 60 and oriented between the rear underbody
structure 54 and the second sub-frame 60. For example, a battery
tray or housing of the traction battery 52 may be mounted to the
second sub-frame 60. A vehicle component 68, such as a rear
differential, a fuel tank, and a portion of a suspension assembly,
may be mounted to the first sub-frame 58 forward of the second
sub-frame 60.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates further detail of the second sub-frame
60. The second sub-frame 60 may include tubular components to
support the traction battery 52 thereupon. For example, the second
sub-frame 60 may include a first lateral member 70, a second
lateral member 72, a first angle member 74, a second angle member
76, and a cross member 78. Each of the first angle member 74 and
the second angle member 76 may extend between the first lateral
member 70 and the second lateral member 72. Each of the first angle
member 74 and the second angle member 76 may extend from the second
lateral member 72 at an angle between twenty-five and forty degrees
relative to the central longitudinal axis 79 to disperse loads
received from a rear impact.
[0017] The second sub-frame 60 may have other configurations
including different orientations and quantities of cross members
and longitudinal members and different mounting points to the rear
underbody structure 54. For example, the cross members and/or
longitudinal members may have integrated mounting points for
attaching a battery sub-frame to a rear underbody structure or body
structure. Alternatively, the battery sub-frame may incorporate
mounting brackets to receive a traction battery. Each of the cross
members and longitudinal members may be angled, straight, curved,
or sloped such that the members are not aligned within a
traditional XYZ coordinate grid system. Each of the cross members
and longitudinal members may have a varying cross-section or
thickness along a length thereof to provide varied structural
rigidity characteristics.
[0018] The cross member 78 may extend between the first angle
member 74 and the second angle member 76. The cross member 78 may
be spaced from the first lateral member 70 to support a portion of
the traction battery 52 and to provide additional structural
rigidity to the second sub-frame 60.
[0019] The second sub-frame 60 may include reinforcement members to
assist in protecting the traction battery 66 during an impact. For
example, the second sub-frame 60 may include a first reinforcement
member 82, a second reinforcement member 84, and a third
reinforcement member 86. It is contemplated that the second
sub-frame 60 may include a single reinforcement member
appropriately sized. It is also contemplated that various shapes
are available for the reinforcement member or members to assist in
directing the traction battery 52 away from the vehicle component
68 forward thereof during a rear impact. Each of the reinforcement
members may extend from the first lateral member 70 toward the
vehicle component 68.
[0020] The second sub-frame 60 may have a structural rigidity
sufficient to support the traction battery 52 and to support loads
received from forces applied during towing operations. To further
consolidate components, a trailer hitch mount 88 may extend
rearwardly from the second lateral member 72. The trailer hitch
mount 88 may be a tubular extension.
[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of
the second sub-frame 60, the traction battery 52, and the rear
underbody structure 54. The traction battery 52 is disposed between
the rear underbody structure 54 and the second sub-frame 60 in
contrast to the traction battery 26 being located above the rear
underbody structure 14 as shown in the example illustrated in FIG.
1. In one example of an assembly operation, the traction battery 52
may first be mounted to the second sub-frame 60. The traction
battery 52 and the second sub-frame 60 may then be lifted from
below (either as a single unit or each sub-frame separately) the
rear underbody structure 54 and bolted thereto.
[0022] FIG. 5A is a side view, in cross-section, illustrating
further detail of a mounting orientation of the traction battery 52
relative to the second sub-frame 60 and the vehicle component 68.
The second sub-frame 60 may support the traction battery 52 in a
location so that the traction battery 52 has minimal or no contact
with the vehicle component 68, the first sub-frame 58, or a rear
axle (not shown) if a force drives the traction battery 52
forward.
[0023] For example, each of the first reinforcement member 82, the
second reinforcement member 84, and the third reinforcement member
86 may be shaped as a ramp as shown in FIG. 5A so the second
sub-frame 60 and the traction battery 52 travel away from the
vehicle component 68 and the first sub-frame 58 during a rear
impact, e.g. the traction battery 52 is directed above the vehicle
component 68 and the first sub-frame 58. Various angles for each of
the ramp shapes of the reinforcement members are available.
Further, the traction battery 52 may rest upon a plane 92 extending
above and without contacting the vehicle component 68 or the first
sub-frame 58.
[0024] FIG. 5B is a side view, in cross-section, illustrating
detail of another mounting orientation of the traction battery 52.
In this example, the reinforcement members may assist in preventing
contact between the traction battery 52 and an obstacle located
forward of the traction battery 52, such as a portion of the rear
underbody structure 54 or a fuel tank. Each of the first
reinforcement member 82, the second reinforcement member 84, and
the third reinforcement member 86 may be square-shaped and extend
forward of the traction battery 52 to contact the obstacle prior to
the obstacle contacting the traction battery 52.
[0025] The embodiments described above are specific examples that
do not describe all possible forms of the disclosure. The features
of the illustrated embodiments may be combined to form further
embodiments of the disclosed concepts. The words used in the
specification are words of description rather than limitation. The
scope of the following claims is broader than the specifically
disclosed embodiments and also includes modifications of the
illustrated embodiments.
* * * * *