FASTENING DEVICE
The fastening arrangement for electric vehicle battery modules addresses the inadequacy of existing safety devices by using a base plate with teeth to absorb and redirect impact energy, preventing damage to battery modules and reducing vehicle weight while enhancing protection.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102024130033
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-11-03
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-16
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing safety devices in electric vehicles are inadequate in preventing damage to battery modules and high-voltage components during impacts, as they fail to absorb sufficient impact energy and contribute to vehicle weight.
A robust, simple, and inexpensive fastening arrangement that connects the battery carrier's flanges to the vehicle's side sill structure, featuring a base plate with teeth that absorb impact energy and prevent its transfer to the battery module, allowing for linear movement of the fastening elements during an impact.
The solution effectively prevents damage to battery modules and high-voltage components by absorbing and redirecting impact energy, reducing vehicle weight, and enabling slimmer sill sections while maintaining robust protection.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
[0001] The following description explains in more detail the invention and the manner in which it is to be carried out. TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of vehicles. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to the technical field of safety devices in vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an improved fastening device for a battery module carrier for a vehicle. BACKGROUND
[0003] The number of vehicles around the world is increasing and evolving exponentially. These vehicles are a convenient choice of transportation when it comes to traveling to a desired destination or location, as they offer comfort, luxury, and ample storage space that can be utilized for one's own purpose. People's living standards are constantly improving, and at the same time, the demand for improved functionality and comfort that the vehicles provide is also increasing. In particular, there is an exponentially increasing demand for powerful electric vehicles worldwide. The electric vehicles typically use lithium-ion batteries, which are characterized by high energy and power density, high operating voltage, low weight, small size, long service life, high safety, and environmentally friendly operation.
[0004] However, there have been repeated cases of thermal runaway in lithium-ion cells leading to spontaneous combustion in vehicles. Thermal runaway of the battery pack, commonly known as thermal propagation, is usually caused by the battery cells themselves. Once thermal runaway occurs in one cell, it often triggers an exothermic chain reaction in the surrounding battery cells within a short period of time, causing the entire battery module or even the battery pack to catch fire or even explode.
[0005] Electric vehicles must be designed to withstand the high forces of frontal and side impacts. Passenger vehicles, such as electric and hybrid electric vehicles, are equipped with high-voltage components, such as inverters and rechargeable battery modules, as a power source for powering drive motors and other electrical components. These battery modules and high-voltage components in electric vehicles must be specially secured to prevent damage in an accident, such as a side impact.
[0006] Generally, the battery module and high-voltage components are arranged below the vehicle floor next to a side sill of the vehicle and protected by a casing to withstand the crushing force in the event of an accident. The side sills, which are individually arranged on a lower right and a lower left part of the vehicle body to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, serve as reinforcement members to ensure the rigidity of the vehicle body around the door openings and to protect the vehicle batteries from a side impact, such as a side pole impact. However, the sill structure is bulky and often cannot prevent the impact from reaching the battery module.
[0007] There is therefore a need for a more robust battery module mount in electric vehicles to protect the batteries and other high-voltage components and prevent their damage in the event of a side impact. Damaged batteries and other high-voltage components can lead to battery leakage, short circuits, and other safety incidents. Therefore, it is important to protect the integrity of the batteries and other high-voltage components in the event of a side impact.
[0008] Patent document IN 202011008642 (hereinafter referred to as "IN'642") discloses a rocker panel assembly for electric vehicles, including an inner panel, an intermediate panel connected to the inner rocker panel, an outer panel connected to the intermediate panel, and an energy-absorbing structure disposed between the intermediate panel and the outer panel. An inner end of the absorbing structure is fixed to the intermediate panel, and an outer end of the absorbing structure is in contact with the outer panel.The energy-absorbing structure works by compressing ribs located on the outer periphery of a plurality of impact elements when the impact elements telescopically retract into the corresponding holes due to an impact force, thereby absorbing impact energy and preventing damage to a battery pack and high-voltage components located under the vehicle floor. However, the IN'642's energy-absorbing structure does not absorb all impact energy and cannot prevent impact energy from reaching the battery module and other high-voltage components. Furthermore, the IN'642's energy-absorbing structure is bulky and contributes to the weight of the electric vehicle.
[0009] Other known solutions include providing aluminum or composite reinforcement profiles in a lower portion of the side sill structure and attaching the battery frame to the underside of the side sill structure with screws. However, reinforcement with aluminum extrusions or composite profiles increases the vehicle's weight.
[0010] The present disclosure aims to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned limitations or other limitations associated with the prior art. Furthermore, the present disclosure is directed to providing an improved, robust, simple, and cost-effective impact protection mount for an electric vehicle battery module to prevent damage to the vehicle's batteries during a side impact of the vehicle.
[0011] The information disclosed in this Background of the Disclosure section is provided for the sole purpose of facilitating an understanding of the general background of the invention and is not intended as an acknowledgement or indication that such information constitutes prior art already known to one skilled in the art. SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE
[0012] One or more deficiencies of the conventional automotive lithium-ion secondary cell battery module mounting system are overcome, and additional advantages are provided by the automobile as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized by the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, in one embodiment, a mounting assembly is disclosed. The mounting assembly is configured to connect a left flange and a right flange of a battery tray of a vehicle to an underside of a left rocker structure and a right rocker structure of the vehicle, respectively. The mounting assembly includes a base plate defining a slot therein and including a plurality of teeth extending from a perimeter of the slot toward one another. The base plate is configured to be attachable to the respective side rocker structure. The bracket assembly further includes a nut plate removably connectable to the base plate using an industrial adhesive. The nut plate has a mounting hole that can be aligned with the slot of the base plate.The bracket assembly further includes a fastener that can be passed through a flange hole of the battery tray, the mounting hole of the nut plate, and the slot of the base plate to connect the battery tray to the side sill structure. In the event of an impact with an impact exceeding a threshold, the nut plate can detach from the base plate and move along the slot defined in the base plate, and the mounting arrangement is configured to prevent the transmission of the impact to a battery module contained in the battery tray and to high-voltage components of the vehicle located adjacent to the left and right sill structures.
[0014] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the slot of the base plate allows linear movement of the nut plate and the fastener along a width direction of the vehicle in the event of an impact.
[0015] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the linear movement varies in a range of 15 mm to 20 mm along the width direction of the vehicle.
[0016] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the nut plate includes a hollow cylindrical wall extending from a perimeter of the mounting hole. The hollow cylindrical wall is adapted to receive the fastener.
[0017] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of teeth includes a first set of teeth provided in a left portion of the slot. Each tooth of the first set of teeth is inclined toward a right portion of the slot. The plurality of teeth further includes a second group of teeth provided in the right portion of the slot. Each tooth of the second set of teeth is inclined toward the left portion of the slot.
[0018] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth are configured to have progressive energy absorption capability. In the event of an impact, the first and / or second set of teeth are deformed by the fastener to prevent the transmission of the impact to the battery module and the high-voltage components of the vehicle.
[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, in one embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a body frame having a floor panel, a left-side rocker structure extending along a left side of the floor panel, and a right-side rocker structure extending along a right side of the floor panel. The vehicle further includes a battery tray attached to the floor panel. The battery tray has a left flange extending along the left side of the floor panel and a right flange extending along the right side of the floor panel. The vehicle further includes a battery module disposed within the battery tray and at least one support assembly as described above.
[0020] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle includes two or more fasteners in the left side of the floor pan for coupling the left flange of the battery tray to the left side rocker structure. The vehicle further includes two or more fasteners on the right side of the floor pan for connecting the right flange of the battery tray to the right side rocker structure.
[0021] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the left rocker structure and the right rocker structure includes an energy absorbing composite structure formed therein.
[0022] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the energy absorbing composite structure comprises an aggregate of hollow sleeper compartments formed by wall segments.
[0023] In the context of the present disclosure, the mounting assembly of the present disclosure is a "floating" mounting assembly for movably connecting the battery tray / battery module to the side sill structure of the vehicle. The "floating" mounting allows for transverse movement of the battery module in the event of an impact, e.g., a side impact, and prevents penetration of the battery module.
[0024] Furthermore, the bracket of the present disclosure is a simple structure and light weight assembly and eliminates the requirement of using the complex and bulky energy absorbing structures in the side sill structure to reduce the weight of the vehicle.
[0025] Furthermore, the bracket assembly of the present disclosure facilitates the secondary function of energy absorption and battery protection. In particular, the plurality of teeth provided in the base plate have progressive energy absorption capability, and in the event of an impact, the plurality of teeth are deformed to prevent the transmission of the impact to the battery module.
[0026] Furthermore, the fastening device of the present disclosure is unique in the body structure of electric vehicles, and the structure and number of fastening devices in a vehicle can be adjusted depending on the load requirements in a particular vehicle.
[0027] Furthermore, the mounting device of the present disclosure facilitates the design and deployment of slimmer rocker sections in the vehicle since the mounting assembly also contributes to energy absorption and limits intrusion into the battery module.
[0028] It is understood that the above-described aspects and embodiments of the disclosure may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form another embodiment of the disclosure.
[0029] The foregoing summary is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects and features described above, other aspects and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. However, the disclosure itself, as well as a method of use and further objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements and in which: Fig. shows the bottom view of a vehicle with a battery module mounted on a battery tray according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a mounting arrangement configured to secure the battery tray to a side sill construction of the vehicle from Fig. 1, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a base plate and a nut plate of the fastening arrangement of Fig. 2 in a first position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 4 a perspective view of the base plate and the nut plate of the fastening device from Fig. 2 in a second position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for illustrative purposes only. One skilled in the art will readily appreciate from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods presented herein may be utilized without departing from the spirit of the disclosure described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the figures and are described below. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed; on the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0033] It should be understood that a person skilled in the art, motivated by the present disclosure, may modify the design of a lithium-ion secondary cell, and the design of the lithium-ion secondary cell may vary depending on the application. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only the specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details readily apparent to those skilled in the art having ordinary skill in the art, taking into account the present description. For the sake of simplicity, neither the entire vehicle nor the vehicle's power transmission unit are illustrated in the drawings.
[0034] The terms "comprises," "including," or other variations thereof used in the disclosure are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system comprising a list of components not only includes those components, but may also include other components not expressly listed or included in such assembly, method, system, or apparatus. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device introduced with "comprises" does not preclude, without further limitation, the presence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.
[0035] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, in one embodiment, a mounting assembly is disclosed. The mounting assembly is configured to connect a left flange and a right flange of a battery tray of a vehicle to an underside of a left rocker structure and a right rocker structure of the vehicle, respectively. The mounting assembly includes a base plate defining a slot therein and including a plurality of teeth extending from a perimeter of the slot toward one another. The base plate is configured to be attachable to the respective side rocker structure. The bracket assembly further includes a nut plate removably connectable to the base plate using an industrial adhesive. The nut plate has a mounting hole that can be aligned with the slot of the base plate.The fastening device further includes a fastener that can be passed through a flange hole of the battery tray, the fastening hole of the nut plate, and the slot of the base plate to connect the battery tray to the side sill structure. In an impact with an impact that exceeds a threshold, the nut plate can detach from the base plate and move along the slot defined in the base plate, and the fastening arrangement is configured to prevent the transmission of the impact to a battery module contained in the battery tray and high-voltage components of the vehicle arranged adjacent to the left and right sill structures. The slot of the base plate allows linear movement of the nut plate and the fastener along a width direction of the vehicle during an impact.The linear movement varies in a range of 15 mm to 20 mm along the width direction of the vehicle.
[0036] In one embodiment, the nut plate comprises a hollow cylindrical wall extending from a perimeter of the mounting hole. The hollow cylindrical wall is adapted to receive the fastener.
[0037] In one embodiment, the plurality of teeth comprises a first set of teeth provided in a left portion of the slot. Each tooth of the first set of teeth is inclined toward a right portion of the slot. The plurality of teeth further comprises a second group of teeth provided in the right portion of the slot. Each tooth of the second set of teeth is inclined toward the left portion of the slot. The first group of teeth and the second group of teeth are designed to have progressive energy absorption capability. Upon impact, the first and / or second group of teeth are deformed by the fastener to prevent the transmission of the impact to the battery module and the high-voltage components of the vehicle.
[0038] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, in one embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a body frame having a floor panel, a left-side rocker structure extending along a left side of the floor panel, and a right-side rocker structure extending along a right side of the floor panel. The vehicle further includes a battery tray attached to the floor panel. The battery tray has a left flange extending along the left side of the floor panel and a right flange extending along the right side of the floor panel. The vehicle further includes a battery module disposed within the battery tray and at least one bracket assembly as described above.The vehicle includes two or more fasteners on the left side of the floor panel to connect the left flange of the battery tray to the left sill structure. The vehicle also includes two or more fasteners in the right side of the floor panel to connect the right flange of the battery tray to the right sill structure.
[0039] In addition, both the left and right sill structures incorporate an energy-absorbing composite structure. The energy-absorbing composite structure consists of an aggregate of hollow sill compartments formed by wall segments.
[0040] In the following sections, the present disclosure is described with reference to the Fig. described. In the figures, the same element or elements with similar functions are identified by the same reference numerals.
[0041] In Fig. 1, a vehicle (100) is illustrated. The vehicle (100) may be defined as any vehicle, for example, passenger cars, commercial vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, and the like. Furthermore, the vehicle (100) may include vehicles powered by different energy sources, e.g., internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles, and the like. In some examples, the vehicle (100) disclosed in the present disclosure is intended for a luxury vehicle segment, e.g., autonomous, semi-autonomous, or manually controlled passenger vehicles.
[0042] As in Fig. 1, the vehicle (100) may comprise a body frame (110) or a chassis or body-in-white configured to support components of the vehicle (100), including power generation units, air conditioning systems, exhaust systems (for vehicles with internal combustion engines), and the like. The vehicle (100) may comprise a front portion (102), a middle portion (104), and a rear portion (106), such that the power generation unit and other associated components are mounted on the front portion (102) of the vehicle (100). The power generation unit is preferably covered by a hood of the vehicle (100). Furthermore, the front portion (102) of the vehicle (100) may comprise at least two headlights mounted on the body frame (110) of the vehicle (100) to provide illumination when the vehicle (100) is traveling, for example, in dark environments.The vehicle (100) further comprises at least four wheels, two of which are rotatably mounted on the front part (102) of the vehicle (100) and are thus defined as the front wheels of the vehicle (100). The other two wheels are rotatably mounted on the rear part (106) of the vehicle (100) and are thereby defined as the rear wheels of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) can be defined as a front-wheel drive vehicle (100). The front-wheel drive vehicle (100) can be defined as a vehicle in which the power generation unit transfers power to the front wheels of the vehicle (100) to drive the vehicle (100). Alternatively, the vehicle (100) can also be defined as a rear-wheel drive vehicle. The rear-wheel drive vehicle (100) can be defined as a vehicle in which the power generation unit transfers power to the rear wheels of the vehicle (100) to drive the vehicle (100).Furthermore, the vehicle (100) is defined as a four-wheel drive vehicle if the power generation unit is configured to transmit power to all wheels of the vehicle (100) to drive the vehicle on rough terrain, preferably for off-road driving, adventure activities and the like.
[0043] In one embodiment, the power generation unit may be an internal combustion engine configured to generate electricity by burning hydrocarbon fuel, e.g., gasoline, diesel, and the like. In another embodiment, the power generation unit may be a traction motor powered by a high-voltage battery / battery module (130) that supplies electrical power to the traction motor of the vehicle (100). The traction motor is operatively coupled to the front wheels, the rear wheels, or all of the wheels of the vehicle (100) to propel the vehicle (100). The vehicles powered by the traction motor are referred to as electric vehicles (100).
[0044] The central portion (104) of the vehicle (100) comprises the passenger compartment, which extends from the front portion (102) to the rear portion (106) of the vehicle (100). The passenger compartment may form a cabin with a plurality of seats to facilitate seating of the passengers or the driver in the passenger compartment. The passenger compartment also includes a steering mechanism for maneuvering the vehicle (100) in a desired direction, a dashboard with a plurality of buttons, switches, display units, and the like for operating functions of the vehicle (100) and also for improving the aesthetics and comfort of the driver or passengers sitting in the passenger compartment. The passenger compartment includes a floor panel (112) attached to the body frame (110) of the vehicle (100).The passenger compartment may further include at least two rows of seats mounted to the floor panel (112), such that each row of the at least two rows of seats includes at least two seats arranged side by side. The seats arranged in the passenger compartment may be mounted to the floor panel (112) in a back-to-back arrangement or in a facing arrangement. Alternatively, the seats may be movably mounted to the floor panel (112) of the passenger compartment using various mechanisms to facilitate movement, including linear and rotational movement of the seats. In one embodiment, at least two rows of seats are mounted back-to-back to the floor panel (112). Each seat of the at least two seats of the at least two rows of seats may include a seat bottom and a backrest to provide support and comfort to the passenger sitting on the seat.The seat may further comprise a headrest, preferably a movable headrest, to support the head of the passenger sitting on the seat.
[0045] Furthermore, the rear part (106) of the vehicle (100) may have at least two taillights configured to be illuminated in various situations, e.g., when applying the brakes, etc. The at least two taillights are mounted in corresponding recesses in the body frame (110) of the vehicle (100) or in a trunk lid of the vehicle (100).
[0046] The body frame (110) of the vehicle (100) may further include side sill structures (120) extending over the sides of the floor panel (112). In one embodiment, the body frame (110) may include a left-side sill structure (120a) and a right-side sill structure (120b). The left sill structure (120a) may extend along a left side of the floor panel (112). The right sill structure (120b) may extend over a right side of the floor panel (112). As shown in Fig. 2, each of the left rocker structure (120a) and the right rocker structure (120b) of the body frame (110) may have an energy-absorbing composite structure (122) formed therein. In an exemplary embodiment, the energy-absorbing composite structure (122) comprises a collection of hollow rocker compartments (122) formed by wall segments. The energy-absorbing composite structure (122) may be configured to have progressive energy absorption capability. In the event of an impact, e.g., a side impact, the energy-absorbing composite structure (122) of the left side rocker (120a) and the right side rocker (120b) may be deformed to prevent the transmission of the impact to the battery module (130) and the high-voltage components of the vehicle (100).
[0047] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the vehicle (100) may include a battery tray (132) attached to the floor panel (112). In one embodiment, the battery tray (132) is mounted and / or coupled to a lower surface of the floor panel (112) of the vehicle (100). Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, in one embodiment, the battery module (130) may be disposed within the battery tray (132). In one embodiment, the battery tray (132) may include a left flange (132a) and a right flange (132b). The left flange (132a) may extend along the left side of the floor panel (112). The right flange (132b) may extend along the right side of the floor panel (112).
[0048] According to the present disclosure and with reference to Fig. 2, the vehicle (100) includes a mounting assembly (140). The mounting assembly (140) is configured to connect the battery tray (132) of the vehicle (100) to the side sill structure (120) of the vehicle (100). For example, the mounting device (140) may be configured to connect the left flange (132a) of the battery tray (132) to an underside of the left sill structure (120a) of the vehicle (100). Furthermore, the mounting device (140) may be configured to couple the right flange (132b) of the battery tray (132) to an underside of the right sill structure (120b) of the vehicle (100). Within the scope of the present disclosure, the support assembly (140) is designed to have progressive energy absorption capability.In the event of an impact, the mounting device (140) can be deformed to prevent the transmission of the impact to the battery module (130) and the high-voltage components of the vehicle (100). The mounting device (140) of the present disclosure includes a base plate (150), a nut plate (170), and a fastening element (180).
[0049] As in the Fig. 2 to 4, the fastening device (140) comprises the base plate (150). In one embodiment, the base plate (150) is provided on the side sill structure (120). For example, in the embodiment in which the fastening device (140) is used to connect the left flange (132a) of the battery tray (132) to the left sill structure (120a) of the vehicle (100), the base plate (150) is attached to the left sill structure (120a). In the embodiment in which the fastening device (140) is used to connect the right flange (132b) of the battery tray (132) to the right-side sill structure (120b) of the vehicle (100), the base plate (150) is provided on the right-side sill structure (120b). Without limiting the scope of the present disclosure, the base plate (150) may be attached to the side sill structure (120) by any known technique, e.g., gluing, welding, etc.In one embodiment, the base plate (150) is a substantially rectangular plate having a slot (152) formed therein, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The base plate (150) further includes a plurality of teeth (154) extending from a periphery of the slot (152). Said teeth (154) of the plurality of teeth (154) extend toward one another. For example, the teeth (154) formed on one side of the slot (152) extend toward the teeth (154) formed on the opposite side of the slot (152).
[0050] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the slot (152) consists of three sections: a left part (152a), a right part (152c), and a middle part (152b) formed between the left and right parts (152a, 152c). The plurality of teeth (154) includes a first set of teeth (154a) provided in the left part (152a) of the slot (152). Each tooth of the first set of teeth (154a) is inclined toward the right section (152c) of the slot (152). Furthermore, the plurality of teeth (154) includes a second set of teeth (154b) provided in the right section (152c) of the slot (152). Each tooth of the second set of teeth (154b) is inclined toward the left section (152a) of the slot (152).
[0051] As in the Fig. 2 to 4, the fastening device (140) comprises a mother plate (170). The mother plate (170) can be releasably connected to the base plate (150) by an industrial adhesive (182). Fig. 3, the mother plate (170) is connected to the base plate (150) by, for example, the industrial adhesive (182). Fig. 4, the mother plate (170) is detached from the base plate (150), breaking the bond of the industrial adhesive (182) between the mother plate (170) and the base plate (150). According to the present disclosure, the mother plate (170) defines a mounting hole (172), as shown in Fig. 2, which can be aligned with the slot (152) of the base plate (150). In the coupled configuration of the nut plate (170) and the base plate (150), the mounting hole (172) of the nut plate (170) is aligned with the central part (152b) of the slot (152) of the base plate (150). As shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the nut plate (170) includes a hollow cylindrical wall (174) extending upwardly from a periphery of the mounting hole (172). In one embodiment, the hollow cylindrical wall (174) is adapted to receive the fastening element (180) of the fastening device (140).
[0052] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 2, the fastening assembly (140) of the present disclosure includes the fastening element (180). According to the present disclosure, the fastening element (180) is adapted to connect the battery tray (132) to the side sill structure (120). The fastening element (180) is configured to pass through a flange hole (134) of the battery tray (132), the mounting hole (172) of the nut plate (170), and the slot (152) of the floor plate (150) to connect the battery tray (132) to the side sill structure (120).In an exemplary embodiment, in which the fastening element (180) is adapted to connect the battery tray (132) to the left side sill structure (120a), the fastening element (180) is adapted to pass through a flange hole (134) in the left flange (132a) of the battery tray (132), the fastening hole (172) of the nut plate (172) and the slot (152) (or the central part (152b) of the slot (152)) of the base plate (150) to connect the battery tray (132) to the left side sill structure (120a).In an exemplary embodiment, in which the fastening element (180) is adapted to connect the battery tray (132) to the right side sill structure (120b), the fastening element (180) is adapted to pass through a flange hole (134) in the right flange (132b) of the battery tray (132), the fastening hole (172) of the nut plate (170) and the slot (152) (or the central part (152b) of the slot (152)) of the base plate (150) to connect the battery tray (132) to the right side sill structure (120b).
[0053] According to the present disclosure, the fastening device (140) is designed to deform upon impact with an impact exceeding a threshold value in order to prevent the transmission of the impact to the battery module (130) and the high-voltage components of the vehicle (100). In particular, in the event of an impact in which the impact exceeds the threshold value, the nut plate (170) can detach from the base plate (150) and move along the slot (152) defined in the base plate (150). In one embodiment, the slot (152) of the base plate (150) enables linear movement of the nut plate (170) and the fastening element (180) along a width direction of the vehicle (100) during an impact. In an exemplary embodiment, the linear movement can vary in a range of 15 mm to 20 mm along the width direction of the vehicle (100).Furthermore, the fastening device (140) is configured to prevent, in the event of an impact, the transmission of the impact to the battery module (130) contained in the battery carrier (132) and the high-voltage components of the vehicle (100) arranged adjacent to the left and right sill structures (120a, 120b).
[0054] Furthermore, the first set of teeth (154a) and the second set of teeth (154b) are designed (as explained above) to have a progressive energy absorption capacity, and in the event of an impact, the first set of teeth (154a) and / or the second set of teeth (154b) are deformed by the fastening element (180) to prevent the transmission of the impact to the battery module (130) and the high-voltage components of the vehicle (100).
[0055] In a working embodiment of the fastening device (140) of the present disclosure, in the event of an impact in which the impact exceeds the threshold value, a portion of the impact (i.e., the impact energy) is absorbed by the energy-absorbing composite structure (122), e.g., the hollow rocker compartments (122) of the side sill structure (120), and the remainder is transferred to the fastening device (140) via the outermost elements of the battery tray (132), which absorb the impact from the deformed side sill structure (120). If the impact exceeds the threshold value, i.e.the resistance of the teeth (154) formed in the base plate (150) and the strength of the industrial adhesive (182) provided between the mother plate (170) and the base plate (150), the teeth (154) of the base plate (150) deform, and the fastening element (180) and thus the mother plate (170) move along the slot (152) of the base plate (150) away from the impact zone.
[0056] In one embodiment, the vehicle (100) may include two or more fasteners (140), each similar to the fastener (140) described above, on the left side of the floor panel (112) for connecting the left flange (132a) of the battery tray (132) to the left sill structure (120a). Similarly, the vehicle (100) may include two or more fasteners (140), each similar to the fastener (140) described above, in the right side of the floor panel (112) for connecting the right flange (132b) of the battery tray (132) to the right sill structure (120b).
[0057] In one embodiment, the support assembly (140) of the present disclosure is a "floating" mounting device (140) for movably coupling the battery tray (132) / battery module (130) with respect to the side sill structure (120) of the vehicle (100). The "floating" mounting device (140) allows transverse movement of the battery module (130) in the event of an impact, e.g., a side impact, and prevents penetration of the battery module (130).
[0058] In one embodiment, the attachment device (140) of the present disclosure is a simple structural and lightweight assembly and eliminates the use of the complex and bulky energy absorbing structures in the side sill structure (120), thereby reducing the weight of the vehicle (100).
[0059] In one embodiment, the fastening device (140) of the present disclosure facilitates the secondary function of energy absorption and battery protection. Specifically, the plurality of teeth (154) provided in the base plate (150) have progressive energy absorption capability, and in the event of an impact, the plurality of teeth (154) are deformed to prevent the transmission of the impact to the battery module (130).
[0060] In one embodiment, the mounting device (140) of the present disclosure is unique in the body structure of an electric vehicle, and the structure and number of mounting assemblies in the vehicle (100) can be adjusted depending on the load requirements in a particular vehicle.
[0061] In one embodiment, the attachment device (140) of the present disclosure facilitates the development and deployment of slimmer rocker sections (120, 120a, 120b) in the vehicle (100) because the attachment device (140) also contributes to energy absorption and limits intrusion into the battery module (130).
[0062] It is understood that one skilled in the art could develop a cooling system for an electric motor of similar configuration without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations, provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Equivalents:
[0063] Regarding the use of terms in the plural and / or singular, the skilled person may translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural, depending on the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be explicitly mentioned here for the sake of clarity.
[0064] Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms used herein, and particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the parts of the appended claims), are generally to be understood as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to," the term "having" as "having at least," the term "comprises" as "comprises, but not limited to," etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that when a certain number of introduced claims are intended, such an intention will be expressly mentioned in the claim, and when such a mention is absent, no such intention exists. For ease of understanding, for example, in the following appended claims, the introductory terms "at least one" and "one or more" may be used to introduce claim mentions.However, the use of such expressions should not be interpreted as meaning that the introduction of a list of claims by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits a particular claim containing such an introduced list of claims to inventions containing only such a list, even if the same claim contains the introductory expressions "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should normally be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same applies to the use of particular articles to introduce claim formulations. Even if a particular number of introduced claims is explicitly mentioned, the skilled person will recognize that such a mention should normally be interpreted to mean at least the mentioned number (e.g.the mere mention of "two mentions" without further modifiers usually means at least two mentions or two or more mentions). Furthermore, where a convention is used analogously to "at least one of A, B and C, etc.", such a construction is generally meant in the sense in which a person skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include, but is not limited to, systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Where a convention is used analogously to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc.", such a construction is generally meant in the sense in which a person skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g.,(For example, "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that virtually any disjunctive word and / or disjunctive phrase with two or more alternative terms in the specification, claims, or drawings should be understood to include the possibility of including either term, either term, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" includes the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B." While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not limiting, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims. Reference symbol 100 vehicles 102 Front part 104 Average share 106 Rear part 110 body frame 112 base plate 120 side skirt structure 120a Left side sill structure 120b Right side sill structure 122 Energy-absorbing composite structure 130 battery module 132 Battery compartment 132a Left flange 132b Right flange 134 flange bore 140 Fastening device 150 base plate 152 slot 152a Left part 152b Middle part 152c Right part 154 majority of teeth 154a First set of teeth 154b Second set of teeth 170 mother board 172 mounting hole 174 Cylindrical cavity wall 180 fasteners 182 Industrial Adhesive
Claims
[1] A mounting device (140) configured to couple a left flange (132a) and a right flange (132b) of a battery tray (132) to a bottom of a left sill structure (120a) and a right sill structure (120b) of a vehicle (100), respectively, the mounting assembly (140) comprising: a base plate (150) defining a slot (152) therein and including a plurality of teeth (154) extending from a periphery of the slot (152) toward one another, the base plate (150) being configured to be provided on the respective side sill structure (120); a mother plate (170) detachably connectable to the base plate (150) by an industrial adhesive (182), the mother plate (170) defining a mounting hole (172) alignable with the slot (152) of the base plate (150); and a fastening element (180) adapted to fit through a flange hole (134) of the battery tray (132), the fastening hole (172) of the nut plate (170) and the slot (152) of the base plate (150) to connect the battery tray (132) to the side sill structure (120), where, in the event of an impact with an impact exceeding a threshold, the nut plate (170) is adapted to detach from the base plate (150) and move along the slot (152) defined in the base plate (150), and the fastening device (140) is configured to prevent the transmission of the impact to a battery module (130) contained in the battery carrier (132) and to high-voltage components of the vehicle (100) arranged adjacent to the left and right sill structures (120a, 120b). [2] The fastening device (140) according to claim 1, wherein the slot (152) of the base plate (150) allows linear movement of the nut plate (170) and the fastening element (180) along a width direction of the vehicle (100) in the event of an impact. [3] The fastening device (140) according to claim 2, wherein the linear movement varies in a range of 15 mm to 20 mm along the width direction of the vehicle (100). [4] Fastening device (140) according to claim 1, wherein the nut plate (170) has a hollow cylindrical wall (174) extending from a periphery of the fastening hole (172), the hollow cylindrical wall (174) being suitable for receiving the fastening element (180). [5] The fastening device (140) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of teeth (154) comprises: a first set of teeth (154a) provided in a left portion (152a) of the slot (152), each tooth of the first set of teeth (154a) being inclined toward a right portion (152c) of the slot (152); and a second set of teeth (154b) provided in the right portion (152c) of the slot (152), each tooth of the second set of teeth (154b) being inclined toward the left portion (152a) of the slot (152). [6] The fastening device (140) of claim 5, wherein the first set of teeth (154a) and the second set of teeth (154b) are designed to have a progressive energy absorption capacity, and in the event of an impact, the first group of teeth (154a) and / or the second group of teeth (154b) are deformed by the fastening element (180) to prevent the transmission of the impact to the battery module (130) and the high-voltage components of the vehicle (100). [7] Vehicle (100), comprising: a body frame (110) with a base plate (112); a left-side sill structure (120a) extending along a left side of the floor panel (112); and a right-side sill structure (120b) extending along a right side of the floor panel (112); a battery compartment (132) attached to the base plate (112), the battery compartment (132) comprising: a left flange (132a) extending along the left side of the base plate (112); and a right flange (132b) extending along the right side of the base plate (112); a battery module (130) arranged in the battery compartment (132); and at least one fastening device (140) according to one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Vehicle (100) according to claim 7, wherein the vehicle (100) comprises two or more fastening devices (140) in the left side of the floor panel (112) for connecting the left flange (132a) of the battery compartment (132) to the left sill structure (120a), and two or more fastening devices (140) in the right side of the floor panel (112) for connecting the right flange (132b) of the battery carrier (132) to the right sill structure (120b). [9] The vehicle (100) of claim 7, wherein each of the left sill structure (120a) and the right sill structure (120b) includes an energy absorbing composite structure (122) formed therein. [10] The vehicle (100) of claim 9, wherein the energy absorbing composite structure (122) comprises an aggregate of hollow sill compartments (122) formed by wall segments.