Front side beam structure for battery pack, battery pack, and vehicle

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of battery packs, and provides a front side beam structure for a battery pack, a battery pack, and a vehicle. The battery pack comprises a first casing member, an electrical assembly, and a second casing member which are sequentially arranged along a first direction. The front side beam structure comprises a side beam body and a connecting member. The side beam body is connected to one of the first casing member and the second casing member. One side of a connecting portion of the connecting member is connected to an end portion of the other of the first casing member and the second casing member along a second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. The other side of the connecting portion is connected to a part of the side beam body, so that a spacing is present between a bearing portion of the connecting member and the side beam body along the second direction. A first distance between a side of the bearing portion facing away from the connecting portion and one of the first casing member and the second casing member is less than or equal to a second distance between the battery cell in the electrical assembly and one of the first casing member and the second casing member. The front side beam structure provided in the present application exhibits good structural stability and helps to prolong the service life of the battery pack.

Description

Used in the front beam structure of battery packs, battery packs, and vehicles.

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411454674.9, filed on October 17, 2024, entitled "Front Beam Structure for Battery Pack, Battery Pack and Vehicle", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of battery pack technology, and more particularly to a front beam structure for a battery pack, a battery pack, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] Battery packs are the main components used to store electrical energy in electric vehicles and other electric devices. The design and construction of battery packs affect the performance, cost, and safety of electric vehicles.

[0004] In related technologies, the battery pack includes a side beam structure, which is installed directly under the electric vehicle via the side beam structure. The side beam structure includes a front side beam, which participates in absorbing collision energy when the vehicle is subjected to a frontal collision or when the battery cells inside the battery pack are charging or discharging.

[0005] However, in some application scenarios, the front beam can transfer the frontal collision force of the entire vehicle to the electrical components such as the battery cells inside the battery pack, posing a safety hazard. At the same time, the expansion force of the battery cells during charging and discharging can affect the structural stability of the front beam, thereby affecting the service life of the battery pack. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a front beam structure for a battery pack, a battery pack, and a vehicle to address the shortcomings of related technologies.

[0007] In a first aspect, this application provides a front beam structure for a battery pack. The battery pack includes a first shell, an electrical assembly, and a second shell arranged sequentially along a first direction. The front beam structure includes a side beam body and a connector. The side beam body is used to connect to one of the first shell and the second shell. The connector includes a connecting portion and a supporting portion arranged sequentially. One side of the connecting portion is used to connect to the end of the other of the first shell and the second shell along a second direction, and the other side of the connecting portion is connected to a portion of the side beam body, so that there is a gap between the supporting portion and the side beam body along the second direction. The side of the supporting portion away from the connecting portion has a first distance from one of the first shell and the second shell. The first distance is less than or equal to a second distance between the battery cell in the electrical assembly and one of the first shell and the second shell. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the front beam structure for a battery pack provided in this application includes a force-transmitting part and a plurality of collision parts disposed on the force-transmitting part. The force-transmitting part is used to connect with one of a first shell and a second shell. A connecting part is connected to the force-transmitting part. Each collision part and the connecting part are located on opposite sides of the force-transmitting part, and each collision part is spaced apart along a third direction. The collision parts are configured to transmit the external force to the force-transmitting part when subjected to an external force. The force-transmitting part is configured to distribute and transmit the external force to the connecting part, the bearing part, and one of the first shell and the second shell when receiving an external force. The first direction and the second direction are both perpendicular to the third direction.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the front beam structure for a battery pack provided in this application has a first energy-absorbing cavity, a second energy-absorbing cavity, and at least one third energy-absorbing cavity within its force-transmitting portion; the second energy-absorbing cavity, the third energy-absorbing cavity, and the first energy-absorbing cavity are sequentially disposed away from one of the first shell and the second shell, such that the first energy-absorbing cavity is disposed opposite to the connecting portion; the first energy-absorbing cavity is used to transmit a portion of the external force to the connecting portion, the third energy-absorbing cavity is used to transmit a portion of the external force to the bearing portion through the gap, and the second energy-absorbing cavity is used to transmit a portion of the external force to one of the first shell and the second shell.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the front beam structure for a battery pack provided in this application includes a force transmission section comprising a first beam segment, a second beam segment, and a plurality of third beam segments; the first beam segment and the second beam segment are spaced apart along a second direction on one of the first housing and the second housing; the side of the first beam segment facing the second beam segment is connected to the second beam segment through each of the third beam segments, and each of the third beam segments is spaced apart sequentially along a first direction, so that the first beam segment, the second beam segment, and two adjacent third beam segments sequentially form a first energy absorption cavity, a third energy absorption cavity, and a second energy absorption cavity along the first direction.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the front beam structure for the battery pack provided in this application has a connecting portion projected toward the other of the first and second housings, covering the other of the first and second housings; the dimension of the first energy-absorbing cavity along the first direction is greater than or equal to the dimension of the connecting portion along the first direction, and a first inclined rib is provided in the first energy-absorbing cavity, which is used to transmit part of the external force to the connecting portion through the first inclined rib.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the front beam structure for a battery pack provided in this application includes a collision section comprising a fourth beam segment, a fifth beam segment, and a sixth beam segment connected in sequence to form a fourth energy-absorbing cavity with an opening on one side; the fourth beam segment and the sixth beam segment are located on the same side of the fifth beam segment, and both the fourth beam segment and the sixth beam segment are connected to the first beam segment to close the opening of the force transmission section; the second beam segment is connected to the connecting section, wherein the thickness of the fifth beam segment, the first beam segment, and the second beam segment decreases sequentially, and the thickness of the fourth beam segment is greater than the thickness of the third beam segment.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the front beam structure for the battery pack provided in this application has a guide slope on the side of the fifth beam segment away from the force transmission part; the collision part also includes a second inclined rib, and at least one of the fourth and sixth beam segments is connected to the force transmission part through the second inclined rib.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the front beam structure for a battery pack provided in this application has a fifth energy-absorbing cavity in the connecting part and at least two sixth energy-absorbing cavities arranged along a first direction in the supporting part. The connecting part and the supporting part are integrally formed by aluminum extrusion.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the front beam structure for a battery pack provided in this application further includes multiple support members located within a spacing, and each support member is spaced apart along a third direction; each support member has at least two seventh energy-absorbing cavities arranged along a first direction, the side of the support member facing the side beam body abuts against the side beam body, and the other side of the support member facing the bearing portion abuts against the bearing portion.

[0016] Secondly, this application provides a battery pack, including a battery pack body and any of the front beam structures for the battery pack in the first aspect; the battery pack body includes a first shell, an electrical component, and a second shell arranged sequentially along a first direction, the dimension of the first shell along a second direction being larger than the dimension of the second shell along the second direction; the side beam body of the front beam structure is connected to the first shell, the connecting portion of the front beam structure is connected to the second shell, and the distance between the side of the bearing portion of the front beam structure away from the connecting portion and the first shell is less than or equal to the distance between the battery cell in the electrical component and the first shell; wherein, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0017] Thirdly, this application provides a vehicle including a vehicle body and a battery pack as described in the second aspect, disposed on the vehicle body; the vehicle body has a motor located on the side of a side beam body in the battery pack, the motor being used to slide into contact with a guide ramp of a fifth beam segment in the side beam body when moving toward the side beam body under the action of an external force, so as to deviate from the battery pack.

[0018] The front side beam structure for a battery pack, the battery pack, and the vehicle provided in this application include a battery pack comprising a first shell, an electrical assembly, and a second shell arranged sequentially along a first direction. The front side beam structure comprises a side beam body and a connector. The connector comprises a connecting portion and a supporting portion arranged sequentially. By connecting the side beam body to one of the first shell and the second shell, and then connecting one side of the connecting portion to the end of the other of the first shell and the second shell along a second direction, and connecting the other side of the connecting portion to a portion of the side beam body, a gap is formed between the supporting portion and the side beam body along the second direction. Thus, when the battery pack is installed on the vehicle, in the event of a frontal collision, the side beam body bears the frontal collision force and can then distribute part of the frontal collision force to the connected connecting portion, the first shell, and the second shell for energy absorption and resistance. At the same time, the remaining part of the frontal collision force is weakened by energy absorption through the gap and then further transferred to the supporting portion, thereby preventing the frontal collision force from impacting the electrical components in the electrical assembly and reducing the occurrence of safety hazards.

[0019] By setting the first distance between the side of the bearing portion away from the connecting portion and one of the first and second housings to be less than or equal to the second distance between the battery cell in the electrical assembly and one of the first and second housings, the force-bearing area of ​​the bearing portion is increased, which helps to improve the structural strength of the bearing portion. This allows it to more effectively resist the frontal collision force of the vehicle and the expansion force during battery cell charging and discharging. At the same time, the existence of the spacing can prevent the expansion force of the battery cell from acting directly on the side beam body. While ensuring the structural stability of the side beam body, this guarantees the cycle life of the battery cell and improves the service life of the battery pack. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0021] Figure 1 is a connection diagram of the front beam structure and the battery pack body provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 2 is a force transmission path diagram of the front beam structure of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the battery pack provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 4 is an exploded view of Figure 3;

[0025] Figure 5 is a partial structural diagram of Figure 3 from another angle;

[0026] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of the vehicle provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100 - Side beam body; 110 - Force transmission part; 111 - First energy absorption cavity; 1111 - First inclined rib; 112 - Second energy absorption cavity; 113 - Third energy absorption cavity; 1101 - First beam segment; 1102 - Second beam segment; 1103 - Third beam segment; 120 - Collision part; 121 - Fourth beam segment; 122 - Fifth beam segment; 1221 - Guide slope; 123 - Sixth beam segment; 124 - Second inclined rib; 1201 - Fourth energy absorption cavity; 130 - Spacing; 200 - Connector; 210 - Connecting part; 211 - Fifth energy absorption cavity; 220 - Bearing part; 221 - Sixth energy absorption cavity; 300 - Supporting part; 310 - Seventh energy absorption cavity; 400 - Battery pack body; 410 - First housing; 420 - Electrical components; 421 - Battery cell; 422 - Battery management system; 423 - Relay; 430 - Second housing; 500 - Vehicle body; 510 - Motor. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The described embodiments are some, but not all, embodiments of this application. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. The embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0031] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in a sequence other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0033] In related technologies, the battery pack includes a side beam structure, which is installed directly under the electric vehicle via the side beam structure. The side beam structure includes a front side beam, which participates in absorbing collision energy when the vehicle is subjected to a frontal collision or when the battery cells inside the battery pack are charging or discharging.

[0034] However, in some application scenarios, such as when the front beam structure is poorly designed and has poor structural strength, the front beam will transfer the frontal collision force of the entire vehicle to the electrical components such as the battery cells inside the battery pack, posing a safety hazard. At the same time, the expansion force of the battery cells during charging and discharging will affect the structural stability of the front beam, thereby affecting the service life of the battery pack.

[0035] In view of this, this application provides a front side beam structure for a battery pack, a battery pack, and a vehicle. The battery pack includes a first shell, an electrical assembly, and a second shell arranged sequentially along a first direction. The front side beam structure comprises a side beam body and a connector. The connector includes a connecting portion and a supporting portion arranged sequentially. By connecting the side beam body to one of the first shell and the second shell, and then connecting one side of the connecting portion to the end of the other of the first shell and the second shell along a second direction, and connecting the other side of the connecting portion to a portion of the side beam body, a gap is formed between the supporting portion and the side beam body along the second direction. In this way, the battery pack is mounted on the vehicle via the side beam body. When the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision, the side beam body bears the frontal collision force and can then distribute part of the frontal collision force to the connected connecting portion, the first shell, and the second shell for energy absorption and resistance. At the same time, the remaining part of the frontal collision force is weakened by energy absorption through the gap and then further transferred to the supporting portion, thereby preventing the frontal collision force from impacting the electrical components in the electrical assembly and reducing the occurrence of safety hazards.

[0036] By setting the first distance between the side of the bearing portion away from the connecting portion and one of the first and second housings to be less than or equal to the second distance between the cell in the electrical assembly and one of the first and second housings, the force-bearing area of ​​the bearing portion is increased, which helps to improve the structural strength of the bearing portion. This allows it to more effectively resist the frontal collision force of the vehicle and the expansion force during the charging and discharging of the cell. At the same time, the existence of the spacing can prevent the expansion force of the cell from acting directly on the side beam body. While ensuring the structural stability of the side beam body, it also ensures the cycle life of the cell, thereby improving the service life of the battery pack.

[0037] The present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0038] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, the front beam structure for a battery pack provided in this application embodiment includes a first shell 410, an electrical component 420, and a second shell 430 arranged sequentially along a first direction. The front beam structure includes a side beam body 100 and a connector 200. The side beam body 100 is used to connect with one of the first shell 410 and the second shell 430. The connector 200 includes a connecting portion 210 and a supporting portion 220 arranged sequentially. One side of the connecting portion 210 is used to connect with the other of the first shell 410 and the second shell 430. One end is connected along the second direction, and the other side of the connecting part 210 is connected to a portion of the side beam body 100, so that the bearing part 220 and the side beam body 100 have a distance 130 along the second direction; the side of the bearing part 220 away from the connecting part 210 has a first distance between it and one of the first housing 410 and the second housing 430, the first distance being less than or equal to a second distance between the battery cell 421 in the electrical assembly 420 and one of the first housing 410 and the second housing 430; wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0039] It should be noted that the battery pack in this application embodiment can be a battery pack integrated into the vehicle using Cell To Body (CTB) technology. Through CTB technology, the battery pack cover is integrated with the vehicle floor, so that the battery is not only an energy storage unit, but also participates in the mechanical structure of the vehicle as part of the vehicle body structure, thereby improving the integration of the vehicle. By reducing intermediate structural components, CTB technology can make better use of the space inside the vehicle, thereby allowing more batteries to be installed in the same volume, thus improving the driving range of electric vehicles.

[0040] It should also be noted that the first direction in this embodiment can refer to the direction of the Z arrow shown in FIG1; the second direction can refer to the direction of the X arrow shown in FIG1. ​​Thus, the first housing 410, the electrical component 420, and the second housing 430 are arranged sequentially along the direction of the Z arrow, with the second housing 430 located above the first housing 410. By connecting the side beam body 100 to the left side portion of the first housing 410, the first housing 410 provides support for the side beam body 100, thereby facilitating the assembly between the front side beam structure and the battery pack. Further, the end of the second housing 430 along the second direction, i.e., the left end of the second housing 430 in the direction of the X arrow, is specifically implemented such that the length of the second housing 430 along the second direction is less than the length of the first housing 410 along the second direction. This allows one side of the connecting portion 210 to be connected to the left end of the second housing 430, and the other side of the connecting portion 210 to a portion of the side beam body 100.

[0041] Of course, it is understandable that the side beam body 100 can be connected to the second shell 430 first. By setting the length of the second shell 430 along the second direction to be greater than the length of the first shell 410 along the second direction, the assembly between the side beam structure and the battery pack can also be completed.

[0042] For example, the first direction in this embodiment can also be set to the opposite direction of the Z arrow in the figure, and the second direction is the opposite direction of the X arrow in the figure. In this way, the first housing 410, the electrical component 420 and the second housing 430 are arranged sequentially along the first direction, with the first housing 410 located above the second housing 430. When assembling the side beam structure and the battery pack, referring to the aforementioned process, the side beam body 100 can be connected to the right side portion of the second housing 430 firstly, and the second housing 430 can provide support for the side beam body 100. Further, the end of the first housing 410 along the second direction, that is, the right end of the first housing 410 in the X arrow direction, is specifically implemented such that the length of the first housing 410 along the second direction is less than the length of the second housing 430 along the second direction. In this way, one side of the connecting part 210 is connected to the right end of the first housing 410, and the other side of the connecting part 210 is connected to a portion of the side beam body 100.

[0043] Of course, it is understandable that the side beam body 100 can be connected to the first shell 410 first. By setting the length of the first shell 410 along the second direction to be greater than the length of the second shell 430 along the second direction, the assembly between the side beam structure and the battery pack can also be completed.

[0044] This application embodiment does not limit the specific structure of the side beam body 100 and the connector 200, as long as both have good structural strength, and after the connecting part 210 of the connector 200 is connected to the side beam body 100, the bearing part 220 of the connector 200 and the side beam body 100 can have a distance of 130 along the second direction, and the first distance between the side of the bearing part 220 away from the connecting part 210 and one of the first shell 410 and the second shell 430 is less than or equal to the second distance between the battery cell 421 in the electrical component 420 and one of the first shell 410 and the second shell 430.

[0045] Therefore, when the front beam structure and battery pack are assembled using any of the above methods, and the battery pack is then installed on the vehicle as a whole, the length direction of the vehicle is consistent with the X direction shown in the figure. This ensures that the front beam body 100 is positioned close to the front end of the vehicle, and the upper one of the first shell 410 and the second shell 430 is used as the vehicle body floor.

[0046] In summary, the side beam structure of this application embodiment, when a vehicle is involved in a frontal collision, as shown in Figure 2, where the straight arrows indicate the force transmission path, allows the side beam body 100 to bear the frontal collision force and then distribute a portion of the frontal collision force to one of the connected connecting part 210, the first shell 410, and the second shell 430 for energy absorption and resistance. At the same time, the remaining portion of the frontal collision force is weakened by energy absorption through the spacing 130 and then further transmitted to the bearing part 220, thereby preventing the frontal collision force from affecting the electrical components in the electrical assembly 420 and reducing the occurrence of safety hazards.

[0047] By setting the first distance between the side of the bearing portion 220 away from the connecting portion 210 and one of the first housing 410 and the second housing 430 to be less than or equal to the second distance between the cell 421 in the electrical assembly 420 and one of the first housing 410 and the second housing 430, the force-bearing area of ​​the bearing portion 220 is increased, which is beneficial to improving the structural strength of the bearing portion 220. This allows it to more effectively resist the frontal collision force of the vehicle and the expansion force of the cell 421 during charging and discharging. At the same time, the presence of the spacing 130 can prevent the expansion force of the cell 421 from acting directly on the side beam body 100. While ensuring the structural stability of the side beam body 100, the cycle life of the cell 421 is guaranteed, and the service life of the battery pack is improved.

[0048] It is understandable that, with the above settings, the force transmission path of the front beam structure resisting the expansion force of the battery cell 421 is opposite to the direction of the straight arrow in Figure 2.

[0049] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, in some embodiments, the side beam body 100 includes a force transmission part 110 and a plurality of collision parts 120 disposed on the force transmission part 110. The force transmission part 110 is used to connect with one of the first shell 410 and the second shell 430. The connecting part 210 is connected to the force transmission part 110. Each collision part 120 and the connecting part 210 are located on opposite sides of the force transmission part 110. Each collision part 120 is spaced apart along a third direction. The collision part 120 is configured to transmit the external force to the force transmission part 110 when subjected to an external force. The force transmission part 110 is configured to distribute and transmit the external force to one of the connecting part 210, the bearing part 220, and the first shell 410 and the second shell 430 when receiving an external force. The first direction and the second direction are both perpendicular to the third direction.

[0050] Specifically, by designing multiple collision parts 120, collision forces from different positions can be effectively captured and transmitted through each collision part 120, increasing the response range of the front beam structure to collision forces and preventing collision forces from directly acting on the electrical components 420 inside the battery pack.

[0051] For example, by placing the connecting portion 210 and each collision portion 120 on opposite sides of the force transmission portion 110, it is ensured that the collision force can be effectively transmitted to the force transmission portion 110 through each collision portion 120, and then the force transmission portion 110 distributes the force to the connecting portion 210, the bearing portion 220, and the first housing 410 or the second housing 430.

[0052] In specific implementation, referring to the Y direction in Figure 4, which corresponds to the width direction of the vehicle, and in conjunction with Figure 1, the force transmission part 110 is connected to the first housing 410, and each collision part 120 is located on the left side of the force transmission part 110 along the X direction, and the connecting part 210 is located on the right side of the force transmission part 110 along the X direction. The direction of the X arrow corresponds to the direction of the vehicle from front to back. That is to say, the overall state of the battery pack in the figure is the state when it is assembled on the vehicle. Thus, each collision part 120 located on the left side of the force transmission part 110 is set close to the front end of the vehicle. When the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision, each collision part 120 will be subjected to external force, thereby transmitting the external force to the force transmission part 110.

[0053] Referring to Figure 1, in a specific example, the force transmission part 110 has a first energy absorption cavity 111, a second energy absorption cavity 112, and at least one third energy absorption cavity 113; the second energy absorption cavity 112, the third energy absorption cavity 113, and the first energy absorption cavity 111 are arranged sequentially away from one of the first shell 410 and the second shell 430, so that the first energy absorption cavity 111 is arranged opposite to the connecting part 210; the first energy absorption cavity 111 is used to transmit part of the external force to the connecting part 210, the third energy absorption cavity 113 is used to transmit part of the external force to the bearing part 220 through the gap 130, and the second energy absorption cavity 112 is used to transmit part of the external force to one of the first shell 410 and the second shell 430.

[0054] Thus, by setting different energy-absorbing cavities, the force transmission part 110 respectively undertakes the function of transmitting external force to one of the connecting part 210, the bearing part 220, the first shell 410, and the second shell 430, making the distribution and transmission of external force of the side beam body 100 more reasonable, which is conducive to improving the overall structural reliability, reducing the force directly transmitted to the electrical components 420 inside the battery pack, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the electrical components 420 due to external force; at the same time, it can realize the weight reduction of the side beam structure and achieve lightweight design.

[0055] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the force transmission part 110 is disposed on the first housing 410, and the second energy absorption cavity 112, the third energy absorption cavity 113 and the first energy absorption cavity 111 inside the force transmission part 110 are disposed opposite to the first housing 410, so that the first energy absorption cavity 111 and the connecting part 210 connected to the second housing 430 are disposed opposite to each other.

[0056] Referring again to Figure 1, in some examples, the force transmission part 110 includes a first beam segment 1101, a second beam segment 1102, and a plurality of third beam segments 1103; the first beam segment 1101 and the second beam segment 1102 are spaced apart along a second direction on one of the first housing 410 and the second housing 430; the side of the first beam segment 1101 facing the second beam segment 1102 is connected to the second beam segment 1102 through each of the third beam segments 1103, and each of the third beam segments 1103 is spaced apart sequentially along a first direction, so that the first beam segment 1101, the second beam segment 1102, and two adjacent third beam segments 1103 sequentially form a first energy absorption cavity 111, a third energy absorption cavity 113, and a second energy absorption cavity 112 along the first direction.

[0057] Thus, by combining the design of the first beam segment 1101, the second beam segment 1102 and the third beam segment 1103, the structural strength of the entire force transmission part 110 is enhanced, and its resistance to deformation during collision is improved. At the same time, by combining different beam segments and energy absorption cavities, multi-level and multi-path force dispersion can be achieved, avoiding local stress concentration.

[0058] As shown in Figure 1, the first beam segment 1101 serves as a force-receiving structure during a collision. Through its connection with the third beam segment 1103, it disperses and transmits force to the second beam segment 1102 and other structural components. The second beam segment 1102 is arranged parallel to the first beam segment 1101 and connected to it via the third beam segment 1103. The second beam segment 1102 assists in force transmission during a collision, helping to disperse and absorb the force from the first beam segment 1101. The third beam segment 1103 connects the first beam segment 1101 and the second beam segment 1102. Specifically, the third beam segment 1103 participates in force dispersion and absorption during a collision. The design of the third beam segment 1103 further enhances the strength and stability of the force transmission section 110.

[0059] The specific structure of the first beam segment 1101, the second beam segment 1102, and the third beam segment 1103 is not limited in this embodiment. In specific implementation, the first beam segment 1101, the second beam segment 1102, and the third beam segment 1103 can be made of aluminum, thereby having better structural strength. The first beam segment 1101 and each of the third beam segments 1103 can be set as a straight plate structure, which facilitates production and processing. The second beam segment 1102 can be set as a bent plate structure. As shown in Figure 1, the force transmission part 110 is connected to the first shell 410. The force transmission part 110 is generally inverted L-shaped, which can save the installation space between it and the second shell 430. Therefore, when one side of the connecting part 210 is connected to the second shell 430 and the other side is connected to the second beam segment 1102, it is beneficial to increase the distance 130 between the second beam segment 1102 and the bearing part 220, thereby improving the weakening effect of transmitting external force to the bearing part 220 through the distance 130.

[0060] In some embodiments, the projection of the connecting portion 210 toward the other of the first housing 410 and the second housing 430 covers the other of the first housing 410 and the second housing 430; the dimension of the first energy-absorbing cavity 111 along the first direction is greater than or equal to the dimension of the connecting portion 210 along the first direction, and a first inclined rib 1111 is provided in the first energy-absorbing cavity 111. The first energy-absorbing cavity 111 is used to transmit part of the external force to the connecting portion 210 through the first inclined rib 1111.

[0061] Therefore, by setting the projection of the connecting part 210 to cover the other of the first shell 410 and the second shell 430, when part of the force is transmitted to the connecting part 210 through the side beam body 100, it is ensured that the connecting part 210 can adequately protect the other of the first shell 410 and the second shell 430. At the same time, it is beneficial to evenly distribute the impact force to the other of the first shell 410 and the second shell 430, thereby improving the impact resistance of the connecting part 210 and the first shell 410.

[0062] In a specific implementation, the dimension of the first energy-absorbing cavity 111 along the first direction is greater than or equal to the dimension of the connecting portion 210 along the first direction, so that the first energy-absorbing cavity 111 can provide more energy-absorbing space, thereby absorbing more collision energy.

[0063] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the first inclined rib 1111 inside the first energy absorption cavity 111 plays the role of guiding the force transmission path, so that the force can be more evenly distributed to the connecting part 210, avoiding the situation of excessive local stress in the force transmission part 110 and the connecting part 210.

[0064] In some examples, the collision section 120 includes a fourth beam segment 121, a fifth beam segment 122, and a sixth beam segment 123 connected in sequence to form a fourth energy-absorbing cavity 1201 with an opening on one side; the fourth beam segment 121 and the sixth beam segment 123 are located on the same side of the fifth beam segment 122, and both the fourth beam segment 121 and the sixth beam segment 123 are connected to the first beam segment 1101 so that the force transmission section 110 closes the opening; the second beam segment 1102 is connected to the connecting section 210, wherein the thickness of the fifth beam segment 122, the first beam segment 1101, and the second beam segment 1102 decreases sequentially, and the thickness of the fourth beam segment 121 is greater than the thickness of the third beam segment 1103.

[0065] This design achieves weight reduction and lightweight design of the side beam structure, while the collision section 120 can effectively transmit the collision force through the first energy absorption cavity 111 formed by the fourth beam segment 121, the fifth beam segment 122, and the sixth beam segment 123.

[0066] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the thicknesses of the fifth beam segment 122, the first beam segment 1101, and the second beam segment 1102 are successively reduced to accommodate the gradual dispersion of the external force during the transmission of the collision, thus avoiding excessive local stress. By setting the thickness of the fourth beam segment 121 to be greater than that of the third beam segment 1103, it is ensured that the collision part 120 can withstand a greater impact force and better disperse energy during the collision.

[0067] In a specific implementation, the collision part 120 has the structure shown in Figure 1. The fourth beam segment 121, the fifth beam segment 122 and the sixth beam segment 123 can be made of aluminum, thus having good structural strength. The fourth beam segment 121, the fifth beam segment 122 and the sixth beam segment 123 are all set as straight plate structures. Each collision part 120 and the force transmission part 110 can be integrally formed.

[0068] Referring to Figures 1 and 6, in some embodiments, the fifth beam segment 122 has a guide slope 1221 on the side opposite to the force transmission part 110; the collision part 120 also includes a second inclined rib 124, and at least one of the fourth beam segment 121 and the sixth beam segment 123 is connected to the force transmission part 110 through the second inclined rib 124.

[0069] Specifically, by setting the guide ramp 1221 on the side of the fifth beam segment 122 away from the force transmission part 110, when the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision, the guide ramp 1221 can guide the external force of the collision to be transmitted in a predetermined direction, that is, away from the direction of the battery pack. In this way, the direct impact of the external force of the collision on the collision part 120 is reduced, and the structural stability of the collision part 120 is improved.

[0070] The design of the second inclined rib 124 ensures a better connection strength between the collision part 120 and the force transmission part 110, which helps to make the transmission path of the collision force more reasonable and avoids excessive local stress.

[0071] In a specific example, the connecting part 210 has a fifth energy-absorbing cavity 211, and the supporting part 220 has at least two sixth energy-absorbing cavities 221 arranged along the first direction. The connecting part 210 and the supporting part 220 are integrally formed by aluminum extrusion.

[0072] Thus, during the charging and discharging of the battery cell 421 or in the event of a frontal collision, the connecting portion 210 effectively absorbs the collision energy through the fifth energy-absorbing chamber 211 and the sixth energy-absorbing chamber 221, reducing the direct impact on the internal components of the battery pack. The connecting portion 210 and the supporting portion 220 are integrally formed by aluminum extrusion, resulting in a tighter connection and higher structural strength, which helps to improve the structural stability of the connecting portion 210.

[0073] In practice, the side beam body 100 can also be integrally formed by aluminum extrusion.

[0074] Referring to Figures 1 and 5, in some examples, the front beam structure for the battery pack also includes a plurality of support members 300, which are located within a spacing 130 and are spaced apart along a third direction; each support member 300 has at least two seventh energy-absorbing cavities 310 arranged along a first direction, and the side of the support member 300 facing the side beam body 100 abuts against the side beam body 100, and the other side of the support member 300 facing the support portion 220 abuts against the support portion 220.

[0075] This design ensures that the support component 300 is lightweight, while also allowing the support component 300 to uniformly transmit the external force of the collision and the expansion force of the battery cell 421 during charging and discharging. The third direction is the Y direction shown in Figure 5.

[0076] By having the support member 300 abut against the side beam body 100 on one side and against the bearing part 220 on the other side, the support member 300 can be made hollow on both sides of the support member 300, that is, the seventh energy-absorbing cavity 310 inside the support member 300 is connected to the outside. This can further reduce the weight of the support member 300. Furthermore, by sealing the sides of the support member 300 with the side beam body 100 and the bearing part 220, it is possible to prevent disassembly tools from entering the seventh energy-absorbing cavity 310 during assembly and disassembly maintenance, which would make it difficult or impossible to remove and affect the efficiency of assembly and disassembly.

[0077] For example, the support member 300 can be integrally formed by aluminum extrusion. In addition, the support member 300, the side beam body 100 and the connector 200 can be connected in pairs by friction welding or CMT welding.

[0078] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, this application embodiment also provides a battery pack, including a battery pack body 400 and a front beam structure for the battery pack as described in any of the above embodiments; the battery pack body 400 includes a first shell 410, an electrical component 420, and a second shell 430 arranged sequentially along a first direction, the dimension of the first shell 410 along a second direction being larger than the dimension of the second shell 430 along a second direction; the side beam body 100 in the front beam structure is connected to the first shell 410, the connecting portion 210 in the front beam structure is connected to the second shell 430, and the distance between the side of the bearing portion 220 in the front beam structure away from the connecting portion 210 and the first shell 410 is less than or equal to the distance between the battery cell 421 in the electrical component 420 and the first shell 410; wherein, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0079] The overall structure and working principle of the front beam structure used for the battery pack are the same as those in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0080] It is understandable that by setting the dimension of the first housing 410 along the second direction to be greater than the dimension of the second housing 430 along the second direction, it is easier to assemble the battery pack body 400 with the front beam structure.

[0081] In a specific implementation, electrical component 420 may also include other electrical components such as battery management system 422 and relay 423.

[0082] The battery pack of this embodiment is installed on the vehicle by setting a front side beam structure. When the vehicle is involved in a frontal collision, the side beam body 100 bears the frontal collision force and can then distribute part of the frontal collision force to one of the connected connecting part 210, the first shell 410 and the second shell 430 for energy absorption and resistance. At the same time, the remaining part of the frontal collision force is weakened by energy absorption through the spacing 130 and then further transmitted to the bearing part 220, thereby avoiding the frontal collision force from affecting the electrical components in the electrical assembly 420 and reducing the occurrence of safety hazards.

[0083] By setting the first distance between the side of the bearing portion 220 away from the connecting portion 210 and one of the first housing 410 and the second housing 430 to be less than or equal to the second distance between the cell 421 in the electrical assembly 420 and one of the first housing 410 and the second housing 430, the force-bearing area of ​​the bearing portion 220 is increased, which is beneficial to improving the structural strength of the bearing portion 220. This allows it to more effectively resist the frontal collision force of the vehicle and the expansion force of the cell 421 during charging and discharging. At the same time, the presence of the spacing 130 can prevent the expansion force of the cell 421 from acting directly on the side beam body 100. While ensuring the structural stability of the side beam body 100, the cycle life of the cell 421 is guaranteed, and the service life of the battery pack is improved.

[0084] Referring to Figure 6, this application embodiment also provides a vehicle, including a vehicle body 500 and a battery pack disposed on the vehicle body 500 in a second aspect; the vehicle body 500 has a motor 510, which is located on the side of the side beam body 100 in the battery pack, and the motor 510 is used to slide in contact with the guide slope 1221 of the fifth beam segment 122 in the side beam body 100 when it moves toward the side beam body 100 under the action of an external force, so as to deviate from the battery pack.

[0085] The overall structure and working principle of the battery pack are the same as those in the aforementioned embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0086] For example, when the vehicle body 500 is involved in a frontal collision, the motor 510 moves toward the side beam body 100 under the action of external force. The guide slope 1221 of the fifth beam segment 122 in the side beam body 100 slides in contact with the motor 510, causing the motor 510 to deviate from the battery pack. As a result, the impact force of the motor 510 on the side beam body 100 is small, which helps to reduce the impact of the collision of the vehicle body 500 on the battery pack.

[0087] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A front beam structure for a battery pack, the battery pack comprising a first housing member (410), an electrical component (420) and a second housing member (430) arranged in this order in a first direction, characterized by, The front side beam structure includes a side beam body (100) and a connector (200); the side beam body (100) is used to connect with one of the first shell (410) and the second shell (430), and the connector (200) includes a connecting part (210) and a bearing part (220) arranged in sequence. One side of the connecting portion (210) is used to connect with the end of the other of the first shell (410) and the second shell (430) along the second direction, and the other side of the connecting portion (210) is connected to a portion of the side beam body (100) so that there is a gap (130) between the bearing portion (220) and the side beam body (100) along the second direction. The side of the support portion (220) away from the connecting portion (210) has a first distance from one of the first housing (410) and the second housing (430), the first distance being less than or equal to a second distance between the cell (421) in the electrical assembly (420) and one of the first housing (410) and the second housing (430); wherein the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

2. The front rail structure for a battery pack according to claim 1, characterized by, The side beam body (100) includes a force transmission part (110) and a plurality of collision parts (120) disposed on the force transmission part (110). The force transmission part (110) is used to connect with one of the first shell (410) and the second shell (430). The connecting part (210) is connected to the force transmission part (110). Each collision part (120) and the connecting part (210) are located on opposite sides of the force transmission part (110). Each collision part (120) is spaced apart along a third direction. The collision part (120) is configured to transmit the external force to the force transmission part (110) when subjected to an external force; the force transmission part (110) is configured to distribute and transmit the external force to one of the connecting part (210), the bearing part (220), and the first shell (410) and the second shell (430) when receiving the external force; Wherein, both the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the third direction.

3. The front rail structure for a battery pack according to claim 2, characterized by, The force transmission part (110) has a first energy absorption cavity (111), a second energy absorption cavity (112), and at least one third energy absorption cavity (113); the second energy absorption cavity (112), the third energy absorption cavity (113), and the first energy absorption cavity (111) are arranged sequentially away from one of the first shell (410) and the second shell (430), so that the first energy absorption cavity (111) is arranged opposite to the connecting part (210); The first energy-absorbing cavity (111) is used to transmit part of the external force to the connecting part (210), the third energy-absorbing cavity (113) is used to transmit part of the external force to the bearing part (220) through the gap (130), and the second energy-absorbing cavity (112) is used to transmit part of the external force to one of the first shell (410) and the second shell (430).

4. The front rail structure for a battery pack according to claim 3, characterized by, The force transmission part (110) includes a first beam segment (1101), a second beam segment (1102), and a plurality of third beam segments (1103); the first beam segment (1101) and the second beam segment (1102) are arranged at intervals along the second direction on one of the first shell (410) and the second shell (430); The side of the first beam segment (1101) facing the second beam segment (1102) is connected to the second beam segment (1102) through each of the third beam segments (1103), and each of the third beam segments (1103) is arranged at intervals along the first direction, so that the first beam segment (1101), the second beam segment (1102) and two adjacent third beam segments (1103) together form the first energy absorption cavity (111), the third energy absorption cavity (113) and the second energy absorption cavity (112) along the first direction.

5. The front rail structure for a battery pack according to claim 3, characterized by, The projection of the connecting portion (210) toward the other of the first housing (410) and the second housing (430) covers the other of the first housing (410) and the second housing (430); The first energy-absorbing cavity (111) has a dimension along the first direction that is greater than or equal to the dimension of the connecting part (210) along the first direction. A first inclined rib (1111) is provided in the first energy-absorbing cavity (111). The first energy-absorbing cavity (111) is used to transmit part of the external force to the connecting part (210) through the first inclined rib (1111).

6. The front rail structure for a battery pack according to claim 4, characterized by, The collision section (120) includes a fourth beam segment (121), a fifth beam segment (122) and a sixth beam segment (123) connected in sequence to form a fourth energy-absorbing cavity (1201) with an opening on one side; The fourth beam segment (121) and the sixth beam segment (123) are located on the same side of the fifth beam segment (122). The fourth beam segment (121) and the sixth beam segment (123) are both connected to the first beam segment (1101) so that the force transmission part (110) closes the opening. The second beam segment (1102) is connected to the connecting part (210). The thickness of the fifth beam segment (122), the first beam segment (1101) and the second beam segment (1102) decreases sequentially. The thickness of the fourth beam segment (121) is greater than the thickness of the third beam segment (1103).

7. The front rail structure for a battery pack according to claim 6, characterized by, The fifth beam segment (122) has a guide slope (1221) on the side opposite to the force transmission part (110); The collision section (120) further includes a second inclined rib (124), and at least one of the fourth beam segment (121) and the sixth beam segment (123) is connected to the force transmission section (110) through the second inclined rib (124).

8. The front rail structure for a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, The connecting part (210) has a fifth energy-absorbing cavity (211), and the supporting part (220) has at least two sixth energy-absorbing cavities (221) arranged along the first direction; The connecting part (210) and the bearing part (220) are integrally formed by aluminum extrusion.

9. The front rail structure for a battery pack according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized by, It also includes a plurality of support members (300), the plurality of support members (300) being located within the spacing (130), and each of the support members (300) being spaced apart along the third direction; The support member (300) has at least two seventh energy-absorbing cavities (310) arranged along the first direction. The side of the support member (300) facing the side beam body (100) abuts against the side beam body (100), and the other side of the support member (300) facing the bearing part (220) abuts against the bearing part (220).

10. A battery pack, characterized by, The battery pack includes a battery pack body (400) and a front beam structure for the battery pack as described in any one of claims 1 to 9; the battery pack body (400) includes a first shell (410), an electrical component (420), and a second shell (430) arranged sequentially along a first direction, wherein the first shell (410) has a larger dimension along a second direction than the second shell (430) along the second direction; The side beam body (100) in the front side beam structure is connected to the first shell (410), the connecting part (210) in the front side beam structure is connected to the second shell (430), and the distance between the side of the bearing part (220) in the front side beam structure away from the connecting part (210) and the first shell (410) is less than or equal to the distance between the battery cell (421) in the electrical component (420) and the first shell (410); wherein, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

11. A vehicle characterized by comprising: Includes a vehicle body (500) and a battery pack as described in claim 10 disposed on the vehicle body (500); The vehicle body (500) has a motor (510) located on the side of the side beam body (100) in the battery pack. The motor (510) is used to slide in contact with the guide ramp (1221) of the fifth beam segment (122) in the side beam body (100) when it moves toward the side beam body (100) under the action of an external force, so as to deviate from the battery pack.

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