Structural cross member with battery pack mounting function for vehicles

Abstract

A structural cross member with a battery pack mounting function for a vehicle comprises: a cross member configured to extend between a first side sill of the vehicle body and a second side sill of the vehicle body opposite the first side sill, the cross member having (i) a first straight section including the distal end of the first side sill, (ii) a second straight section including the distal end of the second side sill, and (iii) an arched section connecting the proximal ends of the first and second straight sections to each other; a first mount for passenger cabin components, the first mount positioned on the first side of the cross member facing the passenger cabin of the vehicle; and a second mount for the battery pack, the second mount positioned on the second side of the cross member opposite to the first side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This book relates to a structural cross member with a battery pack mounting function for vehicles.

Background Art

[0002] Modern vehicle design is influenced by the fact that vehicle collision safety, which characterizes today's automobile manufacturing industry, is being increasingly emphasized. At the same time, the shift in focus of the industry towards sustainable transportation, mainly electric vehicles with battery packs, has also affected the needs and possibilities of vehicle safety design.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, a structural cross member with a battery pack mounting function for a vehicle includes: a cross member configured to extend between a first side sill of a vehicle body and a second side sill of the vehicle body on the opposite side of the first side sill, the cross member having (i) a first straight portion including a distal end at the first side sill, (ii) a second straight portion including a distal end at the second side sill, and (iii) an arched portion connecting proximal ends of the first and second straight portions to each other; a first mount for a passenger cabin component, the first mount being positioned on a first side of the cross member facing the passenger cabin of the vehicle; and a second mount for the battery pack, the second mount being positioned on a second side of the cross member opposite the first side.

[0004] The implementation may include any or all of the following features: The cross member further has a first mating interface configured to bond with a first floor component, and a second mating interface configured to bond with a second floor component, wherein the first and second floor components are alternating relative to the vehicle. The first floor component corresponds to the vehicle having a non-cavity footwell. The second floor component corresponds to the vehicle having a cavity footwell. The first mount has first and second seat rail mounts. The first and second mating interfaces are positioned between the first and second seat rail mounts. The cross member further has a flange on the first side, the flange being substantially parallel to the floor of the vehicle. The flange includes a single flange on the first and second straight sections, respectively. The flange includes a dual flange on the arched section. The structural cross member further comprises either a receptacle or a pin configured such that the structural cross member functions as a master datum for a battery pack, wherein the battery pack has the other of the receptacle or the pin. The structural cross member comprises two receptacles corresponding to each of two pins located on the battery pack, one of the receptacles having a circular opening and the other receptacle having an elongated opening oriented in the y-direction of the vehicle.

[0005] In a second embodiment, the vehicle comprises: a body having a first side sill positioned opposite a second side sill, the body having a passenger cabin floor between the first and second side sills; a battery pack mounted below the passenger cabin floor, the battery pack having a side-to-side groove; and a structural cross member configured to extend between the first and second side sills, wherein at least a portion of the structural cross member is positioned within the side-to-side groove.

[0006] The implementation may include any or all of the following features: The cross member further has a first mating interface configured to bond with a first floor component, and a second mating interface configured to bond with a second floor component, wherein the first and second floor components are alternate with respect to the vehicle. The battery pack is configured such that the vehicle has a non-cavity footwell, and the first floor component corresponds to the non-cavity footwell. The battery pack is configured such that the vehicle has a non-cavity footwell, and the second floor component corresponds to the non-cavity footwell. The structural cross member further has a first mount for an occupant cabin component, the first mount being positioned on the first side of the cross member facing the occupant cabin of the vehicle. The first mount includes first and second seat rail mounts. The first and second mating interfaces are positioned between the first and second seat rail mounts. The structural cross member has (i) a first straight section including the distal end of the first side sill, (ii) a second straight section including the distal end of the second side sill, and (iii) an arched section connecting the proximal ends of the first and second straight sections to each other. The vehicle body further comprises a first floor panel, and the structural cross member further comprises a flange for joining with the first floor panel. The flange has a single flange on each of the first and second straight sections joining with the first floor panel. The vehicle body further comprises a second floor panel, and the flange includes a dual flange on the arched section, the dual flange including a first flange joining with the first floor panel and a second flange joining with the second floor panel. The structural cross member further comprises either a receptacle or a pin configured such that the structural cross member functions as a master datum for a battery pack, and the battery pack has the other of the receptacle or the pin.The structural cross member has two receptacles for each of the two pins on the battery pack, one of which has a circular opening and the other has an elongated opening oriented in the y-direction of the vehicle. The structural cross member further has a mount for the battery pack, and the battery pack further has fixing points corresponding to the mount. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1A] An example of a structural cross member is shown in a perspective view.

[0008] [Figure 1B] Figure 1A shows an example of slots and holes in the structural cross member.

[0009] [Figure 2] Figure 1A shows a rear view of the structural cross member.

[0010] [Figure 3] Figure 1A shows an example of a vehicle having a structural cross member.

[0011] [Figure 4] A schematic diagram shows examples of battery packs having hollow footwells and non-hollow footwells, respectively. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram shows examples of battery packs having hollow footwells and non-hollow footwells, respectively.

[0012] [Figure 6] Figure 3 shows a vehicle having a non-voided footwell and a floor member joined to the structural cross member of Figure 1A.

[0013] [Figure 7] Figure 3 shows a vehicle having a hollow footwell and a floor member joined to the structural cross member of Figure 1A.

[0014] [Figure 8] Figures 6 and 7 show schematic cross-sections of a footwell with floor members.

[0015] [Figure 9] Figure 1A shows an exemplary cross-section of the structural cross member. [Figure 10] Figure 1A shows an exemplary cross-section of the structural cross member.

[0016] Similar reference numerals in various drawings indicate the same elements. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] This book describes examples of systems and techniques for structural crossmembers that provide a cross-vehicle loadpath and also serve to mount battery packs and other vehicle components. Structural crossmembers can connect the vehicle body to the battery pack and seat rails to form a structural loadpath, while also serving mounting purposes. For example, by ensuring that seats are supported by structural crossmembers rather than the battery pack, it is possible to ensure that seats remain supported even during operation when the battery pack may be temporarily removed from the vehicle. Structural crossmembers can also offer other advantages, such as promoting vehicle flexibility and allowing for alternative design configurations.

[0018] The examples herein refer to vehicles. A vehicle is a machine that transports passengers, cargo, or both. A vehicle may have one or more motors that use at least one type of fuel or other energy source (e.g., electricity). Examples of vehicles include, but are not limited to, cars, trucks, and buses. The number of wheels may differ between types of vehicles, one or more (e.g., all) of the wheels may be used for propulsion, or (e.g., if a trailer is attached to another vehicle) the vehicle may not have power. A vehicle may include a passenger compartment that accommodates one or more people.

[0019] The examples described in this specification refer to the top, bottom, front, side, or back. These and similar expressions identify things or aspects in a relative manner based on explicit or arbitrary concepts of perspective. That is, these terms are merely illustrative used for the purpose of explanation and do not necessarily indicate the only possible positions, directions, and the like.

[0020] FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an example of a structural cross member 100. FIG. 1B shows an example of slots and holes of the structural cross member 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the structural cross member 100 of FIG. 1A. The structural cross member 100 can be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere in this specification. The structural cross member 100 can be made of a material having sufficient strength to function as a vehicle transverse load path, including but not limited to one or more metals. In some implementations, the structural cross member 100 is made of aluminum (e.g., an aluminum alloy). For example, the structural cross member 100 can be cast from aluminum.

[0021] The structural cross member 100 can include straight portions 102A - 102B and an arch-shaped portion 104. The straight portion 102A can have a distal end (here, the end opposite the arch-shaped portion 104) for joining a side sill of the vehicle (e.g., the left side sill extending along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle). Similarly, the straight portion 102B can have a distal end (here, the end opposite the arch-shaped portion 104) for joining another side sill on the opposite side of the vehicle (e.g., the right side sill). The arch-shaped portion 104 can connect the proximal ends of the respective straight portions 102A - 102B to each other. For example, the structural cross member 100 has a substantially linear shape such that it extends between the respective side sills.

[0022] The structural cross member 100 may include mounts for various purposes. For any mount described herein, the structural cross member 100 may have at least one corresponding mount at symmetrically arranged positions elsewhere on the structural cross member 100. Here, the structural cross member 100 has mounts 106A-106B for seat rails and one or more mounts 108 for other vehicle components. Mounts 106A-106B and mount 108 may face the passenger cabin of the vehicle. For example, each of mounts 106A-106B may be used to fasten a seat rail (e.g., two rails supporting one of the front row seats in the vehicle) to the vehicle body. As another example, mount 108 may be used to mount a center console, a control module (e.g., for a passenger restraint system), or another passenger cabin component.

[0023] The structural cross member 100 may include at least one mating surface for another component. In some implementations, this may facilitate the other component becoming a non-body component that is instead installed in the vehicle during general assembly. Here, the structural cross member 100 has mating interface surfaces 110A to 110B. Each of the mating interface surfaces 110A to 110B may be substantially planar. For example, the mating interface surfaces 110A to 110B may be configured to face a footwell (e.g., a footwell for a second row of seats) positioned adjacent to the structural cross member 100. The mating interface surface 110A may be configured to bond with a first floor component, and the mating interface surface 110B may be configured to bond with a second floor component, with the first and second floor components alternating relative to the vehicle. Either or both of the mating interface surfaces 110A to 110B may be positioned between mounts 106A to 106B. For example, this may provide flexibility in footwell design and allow for advantageous connections between floor components and structural cross members 100, ensuring ample space for occupants within the footwell.

[0024] The structural cross member 100 may include one or more mounts for the vehicle's battery pack. The battery pack may be mounted below the passenger cabin floor of the vehicle and may be at least partially suspended and / or otherwise supported by the structural cross member 100. Thus, the mounts for the battery pack may be positioned on the side of the structural cross member 100 opposite the side having mounts for passenger cabin components. Here, the structural cross member 100 has mounts 112A-112D for the battery pack. In some implementations, mounts 112A, 112B, 112C, and / or 112D may be configured to attach to the battery pack inside a valley formed within the battery pack. For example, the structural cross member 100 may provide a sill-to-sill vehicle transverse load path outside the battery pack, in addition to any cross member inside the battery pack. The structural cross member 100 may include one or more ribs 114 on either or both sides. That is, at least one side of the structural cross member 100 may be at least partially recessed or core. In some implementations, the rib 114 may terminate at one or more of the battery pack mounts 112A to 112D. For example, the rib 114 may be formed in a casting process.

[0025] The structural cross member 100 may be part of the vehicle body (for example, functioning as part of a so-called body in white). In some implementations, the structural cross member 100 may provide primary positioning of the battery pack relative to the vehicle. Here, the structural cross member 100 has one or more receptacles 116A-116B. The receptacles 116A-116B are positioned in the vicinity of the mounts 112A-112D (for example, on the same side of the structural cross member 100 as the mounts 112A-112D). Figure 1B shows that one of the receptacles 116A-116B (for example, receptacle 116A) may include a hole 118A (for example, a circular opening), and the other of the receptacles 116A-116B (for example, receptacle 116B) may include a slot 118B (for example, an elongated opening). Hole 118A and slot 118B can accommodate the respective pins extending from the battery pack. Both hole 118A and slot 118B can constrain each pin of the battery pack in the x-direction with respect to the illustrated coordinate system. On the other hand, since slot 118B is oriented in the y-direction, in the y-direction, hole 118A can constrain its respective pins more than slot 118B can. Thus, the structural cross member 100 can function as a master datum for the battery pack relative to the white body without excessively constraining the battery pack. Examples of pins are mentioned below. In some implementations, one or more pins may be located on the structural cross member 100, in addition to or instead of, and one or more of the holes 118A or slot 118B may be located on the battery pack, in addition to or instead of.

[0026] The above example shows that a structural cross member (e.g., structural cross member 100) may include a cross member configured to extend between a first side sill of the vehicle body and a second side sill of the vehicle body opposite the first side sill. The cross member may (i) have a first straight section (e.g., straight section 102A) including its distal end in the first side sill. The cross member may also have a second straight section (e.g., straight section 102B) including its distal end in the second side sill. The cross member may also have an arched section (e.g., arched section 104) connecting the proximal ends of the first and second straight sections to each other. The structural cross member may have first mounts (e.g., mounts 106A, 106B, and / or mounts 108) for passenger cabin components, the first mounts being positioned on the first side of the cross member facing the passenger cabin of the vehicle. The structural cross member may have second mounts for the battery pack (e.g., mounts 112A, 112B, 112C, and / or 112D), the second mounts being positioned on the second side of the cross member, opposite to the first side.

[0027] Figure 3 shows an example of a vehicle 300 having the structural cross member 100 of Figure 1A. Vehicle 300 may be used in conjunction with one or more other examples described elsewhere in this specification. Although vehicle 300 is shown here in part, the entire body is not visible, and components such as the passenger cabin, powertrain, and wheels are omitted for clarity. The body of vehicle 300 (sometimes referred to as the white body) may include several structural features that form the foundation for vehicle 300, on which the components of the vehicle are mounted. Here, the body includes side sills 302A-302B. The side sills 302A-302B may be made from one or more metals, including but not limited to, materials strong enough to function as structural members. In some implementations, the side sills 302A-302B are made of aluminum (e.g., aluminum alloy). For example, the side sills 302A-302B may be extruded from aluminum. The body includes one or more floor panels 304. The floor panel may function as part of the vehicle body, on which the passenger cabin is created and components such as seats are mounted. The arched portion 104 of the structural cross member 100 may provide openings for one or more components of the vehicle 300. For example, tubes or other conduits and / or busbars may extend through the arched portion 104 to a battery pack that is at least partially mounted beneath the floor panel 304.

[0028] Figures 4 and 5 schematically show examples of battery packs 400 and 500 having a cavity 402 and a non-cavity 502, respectively. Battery packs 400 and / or 500 may be used in conjunction with one or more other examples described elsewhere in this specification. Each of battery packs 400 and 500 may be formed by a housing that contains an energy storage system (including, but not limited to, electrochemical cells). The housing may have any shape that fits the vehicle in which it will be used, and the shapes shown (i.e., substantially prismatic geometric forms in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped) are used for illustrative purposes only.

[0029] The cavity 402 is an area of ​​the battery pack 400 that does not contain any structures (for example, electrochemical cells are not located within the cavity 402). Therefore, the cavity 402 can be used in vehicles that will have a cavity footwell. For example, the cavity 402 may provide an extended footwell space for passengers in the second or third row of seats.

[0030] The battery pack 400 may have a valley 404 formed within its housing. The valley 404 extends from a first side (e.g., the longer side) to a second side (e.g., the corresponding longer side that traverses the battery pack). Thus, the valley 404 defines a side-to-side open passage within the battery pack 400 and may be referred to as a side-to-side valley. The valley 404 may extend at least partially through a cavity 402. Structural elements, such as the structural cross member 100 in Figure 1A, may extend at least partially through the valley 404. The battery pack 400 can be attached to the structural cross member 100, and by extension to the rest of the vehicle body, using one or more mounts on the structural cross member 100 (e.g., any of the mounts 112A to 112D in Figure 2). Through such a method, the structural cross member 100 may function as a vehicle transverse load path from sill to sill, and as a mount not only for the battery pack 400 but also for other vehicle components. Such a vehicle transverse structural load path, contained by the valley 404, may be added to any cross member 406 (shown here by dashed lines) that can be positioned inside the battery pack 400.

[0031] Now, looking at the battery pack 500, it includes a structure (e.g., housing material and / or electrochemical cells) in the non-cavity section 502. Therefore, the non-cavity section 502 can be used in a vehicle that will have a non-cavity footwell. For example, additional electrochemical cells in the non-cavity section 502 provide the vehicle with additional range.

[0032] The battery pack 500 may have a valley 504 formed within its housing. The valley 504 extends from a first side (e.g., the longer side) to a second side (e.g., the corresponding longer side that traverses the battery pack). Thus, the valley 504 defines a side-to-side open passage within the battery pack 500 and may be referred to as a side-to-side valley. Structural elements, such as the structural cross member 100 in Figure 1A, may extend at least partially through the valley 504. The battery pack 500 can be attached to the structural cross member 100, and by extension to the rest of the vehicle body, using one or more mounts on the structural cross member 100 (e.g., any of the mounts 112A to 112D in Figure 2). In such a manner, the structural cross member 100 may function as a sill-to-sill vehicle transverse load path and as a mount not only for the battery pack 500 but also for other vehicle components. Such structural load paths traversing the vehicle, contained by the valley 504, may be added to any cross member 506 (shown here by dashed lines) that can be positioned inside the battery pack 500.

[0033] Battery packs 400 and 500 may each have one or more pins 408 or pins 508. In some implementations, pins 408 or pins 508 may fit into either hole 118A or slot 118B in Figure 1B. For example, this may allow a structural member to function as a master datum for battery pack 400 or battery pack 500, respectively. Pins 408 and / or pins 508 may have any shape that fits into either hole 118A or slot 118B, respectively. In some implementations, one or more of pins 408 or pins 508 may be positioned on a structural member, in addition or instead.

[0034] Battery packs 400 and 500 may each have one or more fixing points 410 or 510. In some implementations, fixing point 410 or fixing point 510 may correspond to (e.g., coincide with) any of the mounts 112A to 112D in Figure 2. This may allow battery pack 400 or battery pack 500 to be fixed to their respective structural members. For example, one or more bolts may be inserted from below into battery pack 400 or battery pack 500, each extending through fixing point 410 or fixing point 510 and engaging with any of the mounts 112A to 112D.

[0035] The above example shows that a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 300 in Figure 3) may have a body (e.g., as partially shown in Figure 3) having a first side sill (e.g., side sill 302A) positioned opposite a second side sill (e.g., side sill 302B). The body may have an occupant cabin floor (e.g., floor panel 304) between the first and second side sills. The vehicle may also have a battery pack (e.g., battery pack 400 or battery pack 500) mounted below the occupant cabin floor, the battery pack having a side-to-side valley (e.g., valley 404 or valley 504). The vehicle may also have a structural cross member (e.g., structural cross member 100) configured to extend between the first and second side sills. At least a portion of the structural cross member may be positioned within the side-to-side valley.

[0036] Figure 6 shows the vehicle 300 of Figure 3, having a non-cavity footwell 600 and a floor component 602 joined to the structural cross member 100 of Figure 1A. The non-cavity footwell 600 and / or floor component 602 may be used in conjunction with one or more other examples described elsewhere in this specification. The structural cross member 100 is here largely obscured by the floor component 602 and floor panel 304. Nevertheless, the mating interface 110A is still partially visible. The floor component 602 is joined to the mating interface 110A and partially extends around each of the mounts 106A-106B (e.g., mounts for seat rails). Specifically, the floor component 602 may cover the non-cavity portion 502 of the battery pack 500 in Figure 5, providing the vehicle 300 with a non-cavity footwell 600. This method allows the floor component 602 not to be part of the vehicle body, but rather to be installed in a general assembly.

[0037] Figure 7 shows the vehicle 300 of Figure 3 having a hollow footwell 700 and a floor component 702 bonded to the structural cross member 100 of Figure 1A. The hollow footwell 700 and / or floor component 702 may be used in conjunction with one or more other examples described elsewhere in this specification. The structural cross member 100 is here largely obscured by the floor component 702 and the floor panel 304. Nevertheless, the mating interface 110A is visible, and the mating interface 110B is partially visible. The floor component 702 is bonded to the mating interface 110B and partially extends around each of the mounts 106A-106B (e.g., mounts for seat rails). Specifically, the floor component 702 may extend into the hollow portion 402 of the battery pack 400 in Figure 4, providing the vehicle 300 with a hollow footwell 700. This method eliminates the need for the floor component 702 to be part of the vehicle body; rather, it can be installed during general assembly.

[0038] Figure 8 schematically shows cross-sections of footwells having floor components 602 and 702, respectively, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. That is, floor components 602 and 702 can be vehicle substitutes, and this illustration shows them together to illustrate the non-cavity footwell 600 in Figure 6 and the cavity footwell 700 in Figure 7.

[0039] Figures 9 and 10 show exemplary cross sections of the structural cross member 100 in Figure 1A. The structural cross member 100 may include one or more flanges. The flanges may be positioned on any side of the structural cross member 100, including but not limited to the side on which mounts for passenger cabin components may be positioned. For example, the flanges may be located on the same side as mounts 106A, 106B, and / or mount 108 in Figure 1A.

[0040] Here, the structural cross member 100 has a flange 900. The flange 900 may be substantially parallel to the floor panel 304. The flange 900 may be positioned on either or both of the straight sections 102A to 102B in Figure 1A. The floor panel 304 may be an upper floor panel, and the vehicle may also have a floor panel 902 (e.g., a lower floor panel). The flange 900 may be characterized as a single flange. There is a relatively small gap between the floor panel 304 and the floor panel 902, both of which are joined to the flange 900.

[0041] The structural cross member 100 may, in addition to or instead, include flanges 1000 and 1002. Flanges 1000 and 1002 may be substantially parallel to the floor panel 304. Flanges 1000 and 1002 may be positioned on the arched portion 104 in Figure 1A. Flanges 1000 and 1002 may be characterized as dual flanges in that the floor panel 304 is joined to flange 1000 and the floor panel 902 is joined to flange 1002. Therefore, there is some space between the floor panel 304 and the floor panel 902, at least in the vicinity of the structural cross member 100.

[0042] The terms “substantially” and “about” as used throughout this specification are used to describe and account for small variations, such as those resulting from processing variability. For example, they may mean less than or equal to ±5%, for example less than or equal to ±2%, for example less than or equal to ±1%, for example less than or equal to ±0.5%, for example less than or equal to ±0.2%, for example less than or equal to ±0.1%, for example less than or equal to ±0.05%. Also, as used herein, indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” mean “at least one.”

[0043] It should be understood that all combinations of the concepts described above and any additional concepts discussed in more detail below (provided that such concepts are not mutually contradictory) are intended to be part of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of the claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are intended to be part of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein.

[0044] We have described several implementations. Nevertheless, it should be understood that various modifications may be made without deviating from the intent and scope of this specification.

[0045] Furthermore, the logical flow shown in the diagram does not require a specific or sequential order to achieve the desired result. In addition, other processes may be provided, or processes may be excluded from the described flow; other components may be added to the described system, or other components may be removed from the described system. Therefore, other implementations fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0046] While specific features of the described implementations have been shown as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, alterations, and equivalents will now come to mind for those skilled in the art. It should be understood that the appended claims are intended to encompass all such modifications and alterations that fall within the scope of these implementations. They are presented merely as examples and not as limitations, and it should be understood that various modifications may be made in form and detail. Any parts of the apparatus and / or methods described herein may be combined in any combination, except for mutually exclusive combinations. The implementations described herein may include various combinations and / or subcombinations of the functions, components, and / or features of the different implementations described.

Claims

1. A cross member configured to extend between a first side sill of a vehicle body and a second side sill of the vehicle body opposite the first side sill, the cross member having (i) a first straight section including the distal end of the first side sill, (ii) a second straight section including the distal end of the second side sill, and (iii) an arched section connecting the proximal ends of the first and second straight sections to each other; A first mount for the passenger cabin component, the first mount being positioned on the first side of the cross member facing the passenger cabin of the vehicle; and A second mount for the battery pack, the second mount is positioned on the second side of the cross member, opposite to the first side. A structural cross member equipped with a battery pack mounting function for vehicles.

2. The structural cross member according to claim 1, further having a first mating interface configured to join with a first floor component and a second mating interface configured to join with a second floor component, wherein the first floor component and the second floor component are alternately arranged with respect to the vehicle.

3. The structural cross member according to claim 2, wherein the first floor component corresponds to the vehicle having a non-cavity footwell.

4. The structural cross member according to claim 2, wherein the second floor component corresponds to a vehicle having a hollow footwell.

5. The structural cross member according to claim 2, wherein the first mount has a first seat rail mount and a second seat rail mount.

6. The structural cross member according to claim 5, wherein the first fitting interface and the second fitting interface are positioned between the first seat rail mount and the second seat rail mount.

7. The structural cross member according to claim 1, wherein the cross member further has a flange on the first side, the flange being substantially parallel to the floor of the vehicle.

8. The structural cross member according to claim 7, wherein the flange includes a single flange on the first straight section and the second straight section, respectively.

9. The structural cross member according to claim 7, wherein the flange includes a dual flange on the arched portion.

10. The structural cross member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a receptacle or a pin configured to function as a master datum for a battery pack, wherein the battery pack has the other of the receptacle or the pin.

11. The structural cross member according to claim 10, comprising two receptacles corresponding to two pins arranged on the battery pack, one of the receptacles having a circular opening and the other receptacle having an elongated opening oriented in the y-direction of the vehicle.

12. A vehicle body having a first side sill positioned opposite a second side sill, the vehicle body having a passenger cabin floor between the first side sill and the second side sill; A battery pack mounted below the passenger cabin floor, the battery pack having a side-to-side groove; and A structural cross member configured to extend between the first side sill and the second side sill, wherein at least a portion of the structural cross member is positioned within the valley from side to side. A vehicle equipped with the following features.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the structural cross member further has a first mating interface configured to join with a first floor component and a second mating interface configured to join with a second floor component, and the first floor component and the second floor component are alternate with respect to the vehicle.

14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the battery pack is configured such that the vehicle has a non-cavity footwell, and the first floor component corresponds to the non-cavity footwell.

15. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the battery pack is configured such that the vehicle has a hollow footwell, and the second floor component corresponds to the hollow footwell.

16. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the structural cross member further has a first mount for an occupant cabin component, the first mount being positioned on the first side of the structural cross member facing the occupant cabin of the vehicle.

17. The vehicle according to claim 16, wherein the first mount includes a first seat rail mount and a second seat rail mount.

18. The vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the first fitting interface and the second fitting interface are positioned between the first seat rail mount and the second seat rail mount.

19. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the structural cross member has (i) a first straight portion including the distal end of the first side sill, (ii) a second straight portion including the distal end of the second side sill, and (iii) an arch-shaped portion connecting the proximal ends of the first straight portion and the second straight portion to each other.

20. The vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the vehicle body further comprises a first floor panel, and the structural cross member further comprises a flange for joining with the first floor panel.

21. The vehicle according to claim 20, wherein the flange includes a single flange on the first straight section and the second straight section that are joined to the first floor panel.

22. The vehicle according to claim 20, wherein the vehicle body further comprises a second floor panel, the flange includes a dual flange on the arched portion, the dual flange includes a first flange joined to the first floor panel and a second flange joined to the second floor panel.

23. The vehicle according to any one of claims 12 to 22, wherein the structural cross member further comprises either a receptacle or a pin configured such that the structural cross member functions as a master datum for a battery pack, and the battery pack comprises the other of the receptacle or the pin.

24. The vehicle according to claim 23, wherein the structural cross member has two receptacles for each of the two pins on the battery pack, one of the receptacles having a circular opening and the other receptacle having an elongated opening oriented in the y-direction of the vehicle.

25. The vehicle according to any one of claims 12 to 22, wherein the structural cross member further has a mount for the battery pack, and the battery pack further has fixing points corresponding to the mount.

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