Battery mounting structure

Abstract

A battery mounting structure includes a side beam, a mounting bracket connected to the side beam, the mounting bracket being deformable by an external force, a connecting member joined to the mounting bracket and spaced apart from the side beam by a predetermined distance, and a battery assembly including a side flange joined to the connecting member, the battery assembly being configured to accommodate a high-voltage battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery mounting structure for environmentally friendly vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Environmentally friendly vehicles (such as electric or hybrid vehicles) must be equipped with an electric motor to drive the vehicle and a high-voltage battery to power the motor.

[0003] In recent years, due to the increase in battery size to increase battery capacity, high-voltage batteries are now mounted on the vehicle's floor panel instead of being traditionally located in the trunk. Specifically, this includes the battery casing being joined to the lower surface of the floor panel beneath the vehicle body and bolted to each side beam.

[0004] As a component extending along the lower side of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction, the side beam is used to absorb or mitigate the impact of a side collision by deforming. Accordingly, when an impact force is applied to the side of the vehicle, the impact force is transmitted to the battery through the side beam or the vehicle body. Therefore, in the event of a side collision, a device to protect the battery is required.

[0005] To protect the battery, reinforcement structures are applied to the side beams. While these reinforcement structures do protect the battery, the problem is that the vehicle's overall weight and cost inevitably increase due to the additional reinforcement components, and the driving range is reduced.

[0006] Korean Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 10-2012-0033181 describes information related to the subject matter of this invention.

[0007] The information disclosed in the background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this invention, and therefore the information it may contain does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention relates to a battery mounting structure for environmentally friendly vehicles. A particular embodiment relates to a battery mounting structure designed to protect the battery, which is attached to the lower part of the floor plate, in the event of a side collision.

[0009] The embodiments of the present invention can solve the problems associated with the prior art. The embodiments of the present invention provide a battery mounting structure that can effectively protect the battery without excessively reinforcing the side beams.

[0010] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a battery mounting structure that can reduce the weight and cost of a vehicle.

[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a battery mounting structure that can increase the driving range of a vehicle.

[0012] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand other embodiments of the present invention not mentioned above from the following description of preferred embodiments.

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention provides a battery mounting structure, comprising: a side beam, a mounting bracket, a connecting member, and a battery assembly. The mounting bracket is connected to the side beam and is deformable by an external force. The connecting member is engaged with the mounting bracket and spaced apart from the side beam by a predetermined distance. The battery assembly includes a side flange engaged with the connecting member and houses a high-voltage battery.

[0014] Other aspects of the invention and preferred embodiments are discussed below.

[0015] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "of a vehicle" or other similar terms as used herein generally includes motor vehicles, such as passenger cars including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, boats including various vessels, aircraft, etc., and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from non-petroleum energy sources). As mentioned herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle with two or more power sources, such as both gasoline and electric power.

[0016] The above and other features of the embodiments of the present invention are discussed below. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and other features of the embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to certain exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, which are given below as examples only and are therefore not limiting of the invention, and wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 This is an example showing a high-voltage battery installed under the floor panel of a vehicle;

[0019] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle in the lateral direction, which includes the battery mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of the area within the Chinese border;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a vehicle including a battery mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram showing the extended portion formed in the engagement hole in the connecting member;

[0023] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the height difference between the battery assembly, connecting members, and side beams; and

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the battery mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention in the event of a side collision.

[0025] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but only show appropriately simplified depictions of various preferred features illustrating the basic principles of embodiments of the invention. Specific design features (including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) disclosed in embodiments of the invention will be determined in part by the specific environment in which they are to be applied and used.

[0026] Throughout these figures, the same reference numerals denote the same or equivalent parts of embodiments of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The specific structures or functions described in the embodiments of the invention are for illustrative purposes only. Embodiments of the concept of the invention can be implemented in various forms and should be understood not to be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein, but rather to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutions included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0028] It should be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, the first element discussed below may be referred to as the second element without departing from the teachings of the invention. Similarly, the second element may also be referred to as the first element.

[0029] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as "joined" or "connected" to another element, it can be directly joined or connected to the other element, or there can be an intermediate element between them. Conversely, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as "directly joined" or "directly connected" to another element, there is no intermediate element. Other expressions used to describe relationships between elements, such as "between," "directly between," or "adjacent," with "directly adjacent" should be interpreted in the same way.

[0030] Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals denote the same components. Meanwhile, the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that when terms such as “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of the said component, step, operation, and / or element, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations, and / or elements.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the battery housing 2, which includes the battery, is located below the floor panel 4, and the battery housing 2 is fixed to the side beam 6 by bolts via mounting parts 12a and 12b.

[0032] Side-impact tests were conducted on the vehicle to simulate side-impact scenarios, and crash performance was evaluated by colliding the vehicle with a fixed pole P. In a side-impact scenario, the impact force is directly transmitted to the battery casing 2, making it difficult to avoid battery damage and the resulting fire risk. Therefore, to protect the battery by reducing the deformation of the side beams caused by side-impact collisions, additional reinforcing members were applied to the side beams.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the battery mounted on the vehicle in the lateral direction. Figure 1 In the diagram, the side of the vehicle that directly collides with the fixed post P is represented by (A), and the other side of the vehicle is represented by (B).

[0034] The mounting portion 12b is located on the side (B) opposite to the side of the vehicle that collides with the fixed pillar P, and is constructed to have a deformation-resistant structure, that is, it is constructed to be unable to be pushed or deformed. Therefore, the current technology aims to protect the battery by reducing the deformation of the side beam due to the collision, with an emphasis on reinforcing the side beam itself.

[0035] Because this structure offers limited room for deformation, excessive reinforcement of the side beams is necessary. This often increases the vehicle's overall weight and cost and reduces its range.

[0036] This invention provides a structure in which the mounting portion 12b on the opposite side B of the vehicle is pushed in the event of a side collision, thereby ensuring additional deformation space. Therefore, an optimal structure with enhanced strength can be provided.

[0037] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional view obtained along the transverse direction of a vehicle including the battery mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged diagram of the area within the Chinese square frame. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a vehicle including a battery mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] refer to Figures 2 to 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery mounting structure includes a battery assembly 20, a connecting member 40, and a mounting bracket 60.

[0040] The battery assembly 20 includes a battery and a battery housing 22. The battery is housed in and protected by the battery housing 22.

[0041] The battery housing 22 has side flanges 24 projecting from its two lateral sides. The side flanges 24 extend along the battery housing 22 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the battery assembly 20 is mounted on the vehicle via the side flanges 24.

[0042] Each side flange 24 has a plurality of mounting holes 26. For connecting the battery assembly 20, each side flange 24 is provided with mounting holes 26, which are formed through the side flange 24. The mounting holes 26 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the side flange 24.

[0043] The connecting member 40 is connected to the battery assembly 20 and spaced apart from the side beam 100 by a predetermined distance S. In an embodiment of the invention, the connecting member 40 includes a pair of vertical elements 41, a pair of horizontal elements 43, and a closed space 45. The vertical elements 41 are oriented substantially vertically and facing each other, and the horizontal elements 43 connect the pair of vertical elements 41 to each other and are oriented substantially laterally. The closed space 45 is defined within the connecting member 40 by the connection between the pair of vertical elements 41 and the pair of horizontal elements 43.

[0044] The connecting member 40 extends parallel to the side flange 24 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Overlapping with the side flange 24, the connecting member 40 is engaged to the side flange 24 by bolts (not shown). The connecting member 40 has a plurality of engagement holes 47 formed through it. The engagement holes 47 are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance for engagement with corresponding mounting holes 26. The plurality of mounting holes 26 are aligned with the plurality of engagement holes 47, and fastening elements are fastened through the mounting holes 26 and the engagement holes 47 in the closed space 45, thereby engaging the connecting member 40 to the side flange 24.

[0045] like Figure 5As shown, in an embodiment of the invention, each engagement hole 47 has an extension portion 49. The extension portion 49 has a keyhole shape, with a portion extending radially outward. Specifically, the extension portion 49 extends toward a side beam 100 disposed adjacent to or adjacent to the connecting member 40, or extends in the lateral outward direction of the vehicle. The battery assembly 20 can then be pushed and displaced toward a side beam opposite to the side beam on the collision side.

[0046] The connecting member 40 engages with the mounting bracket 60. The mounting bracket 60 engages with the side beam 100. Specifically, the mounting bracket 60 may engage with the lower portion of the side beam 100. The side beam 100 includes an outer member 110 and an inner member 130. In a non-limiting example, the mounting bracket 60 engages with the lower surface of the inner member 130 of the side beam 100. The mounting bracket 60 may engage directly with the side beam 100, or it may engage with the side beam 100 via an additional mounting member 80. The mounting bracket 60 engages the connecting member 40 with the side beam 100 such that a predetermined distance S is maintained between the connecting member 40 and the side beam 100.

[0047] The mounting bracket 60 is deformably constructed. In other words, the mounting bracket 60 is configured to deform in the event of a collision. In an embodiment of the invention, the mounting bracket 60 includes a first member 62 and a second member 64. The first member 62 and the second member 64 branch off from and extend from the mounting bracket 60 attached to the side beam 100. The first member 62 and the second member 64 together define a space 66 therein, and the first member 62 and the second member 64 are attached to a connecting member 40. The first member 62 bends at the mounting bracket 60 engaging with the side beam 100 and is attached to a vertical element 41 of the connecting member 40. The second member 64 bends at the mounting bracket 60 engaging with the side beam 100 and is attached to a horizontal element 43 of the connecting member 40. Although the mounting bracket 60, the first member 62, and the second member 64 are indicated by different reference numerals, they can be integrally formed.

[0048] refer to Figure 6A and Figure 6BAccording to embodiments of the present invention, a height difference h may exist between the side beam 100 and the connecting member 40. Specifically, the lower surfaces of the side beam 100 and the connecting member 40 may be configured to be different from each other in vertical height. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lower surface of the connecting member 40 may be positioned higher than the lower surface of the side beam 100 in the vertical direction. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lower surface of the connecting member 40 may be positioned lower than the lower surface of the side beam 100 in the vertical direction. Considering the height difference between the battery assembly 20 or the side flange 24 and the side beam 100, embodiments of the present invention are designed such that the battery assembly 20 or the side flange 24 is connected to the side beam 100 via a mounting bracket 60, thereby making the mounting bracket 60 easily deformable in the event of a collision.

[0049] Reference Figure 7 The operation of the battery mounting structure according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0050] Figure 7 The leftmost illustration shows the battery mounting structure before a collision according to an embodiment of the present invention, particularly the non-collision side opposite to the collision side.

[0051] When the collision occurs with Figure 7 When the side opposite to the side shown (i.e., the side opposite to the non-impact side of the battery mounting structure), the battery assembly 20 is subjected to a force to the left and is pushed in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. Simultaneously, the connecting member 40, which engages with the side flange 24 of the battery assembly 20, is also pushed to the left. Therefore, the distance S between the connecting member 40 and the side beam 100 decreases, and the connecting member 40 moves closer to the inner member 130 of the side beam 100. As the connecting member 40 is pushed, the mounting bracket 60 deforms. If the impact force is greater, the connecting member 40 reaches the side beam 100, and the battery assembly 20 is further pushed towards the non-impact side. At this point, the bolt enters the extension portion 49, and the battery assembly 20 separates from the connecting member 40.

[0052] Because the battery mounting structure according to an embodiment of the invention is designed such that the battery can be pushed or separated to ensure additional collision buffer space in the event of a side collision, collision performance can be maximized.

[0053] Therefore, according to embodiments of the invention, the reinforcement of the side beams can be optimized due to the additional collision buffer space, and thus weight and cost can be minimized.

[0054] As can be clearly seen from the above description, the embodiments of the present invention provide a battery mounting structure that can effectively protect the battery without excessively reinforcing the side beams.

[0055] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide a battery mounting structure that enables vehicle weight reduction and cost reduction.

[0056] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention provide a battery mounting structure that can increase the driving range of a vehicle.

[0057] The invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that changes can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A battery mounting structure, comprising: Side beams; The mounting bracket is connected to the side beam and is deformable by external force. A connecting member that engages with the mounting bracket and is spaced apart from the side beam by a predetermined distance; as well as A battery assembly including a side flange engaged with the connecting member, the battery assembly being configured to house a high-voltage battery. The mounting bracket includes a first component and a second component, and the first component and the second component branch off from and bend from the mounting bracket, wherein the battery assembly is configured to separate from the connecting component under the action of an external force.

2. The battery mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein, The connecting member defines a closed space therein.

3. The battery mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein, The side flange includes a mounting hole formed through the side flange.

4. The battery mounting structure according to claim 3, wherein, The connecting member includes a mating hole formed vertically through the connecting member. The side flange and the connecting member are engaged with each other by fastening elements passing through the mounting hole and the engagement hole.

5. The battery mounting structure according to claim 4, wherein, The engagement hole includes an extension portion that extends radially outward from the engagement hole.

6. The battery mounting structure according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting member for connecting the mounting bracket to the side beam.

7. A battery mounting structure, comprising: Side beams; A connecting member, which is spaced a predetermined distance from the side beam; The mounting bracket is connected to the side beam and engaged with the connecting member. The mounting bracket bends at a certain angle from the side beam toward the connecting member and can be deformed by external force. as well as A battery assembly including a side flange engaged with the connecting member, the battery assembly being configured to house a high-voltage battery. The mounting bracket includes a first component and a second component, and the first component and the second component branch off from and bend from the mounting bracket, wherein the battery assembly is configured to separate from the connecting component under the action of an external force.

8. The battery mounting structure according to claim 7, wherein, The first component bends at the portion of the mounting bracket that connects to the side beam and engages with the vertical surface of the connecting component.

9. The battery mounting structure according to claim 7, wherein, The second component bends at the portion of the mounting bracket that connects to the side beam and engages with the horizontal surface of the connecting component.

10. A vehicle comprising: The floorboard beneath the floor; Side beams that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; The mounting bracket is connected to the side beam and is deformable by external force. A connecting member that engages with the mounting bracket and is spaced apart from the side beam by a predetermined distance; as well as Battery assembly, comprising: A battery housing disposed beneath the floor subfloor, the battery housing including a side flange engaging with the connecting member; and A high-voltage battery, which is housed in the battery casing; The mounting bracket includes a first component and a second component, and the first component and the second component branch off from and bend from the mounting bracket, wherein the battery assembly is configured to separate from the connecting component under the action of an external force.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The connecting member defines a closed space therein.

12. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The side flange includes a mounting hole formed through the side flange.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein, The connecting member includes a mating hole formed vertically through the connecting member. The side flange and the connecting member are engaged with each other by fastening elements passing through the mounting hole and the engagement hole.

14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein, The engagement hole includes an extension portion that extends radially outward from the engagement hole.

15. The vehicle of claim 10, further comprising a mounting member for connecting the mounting bracket to the side beam.

16. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The mounting bracket bends at a certain angle from the side beam toward the connecting member.

17. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The first component bends at the portion of the mounting bracket that connects to the side beam and engages with the vertical surface of the connecting component.

18. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, The second component bends at the portion of the mounting bracket that connects to the side beam and engages with the horizontal surface of the connecting component.

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