System for absorbing and distributing side impact energy utilizing an integrated battery pack

摘要

An energy absorbing and distributing side impact system for use with a vehicle is provided, the system utilizing a battery pack enclosure that includes a plurality of cross-members that transverse the battery pack enclosure and absorb and distribute at least a portion of the load received when either the first or second side of the vehicle receives a side impact. The battery pack enclosure is positioned between the front and rear vehicle suspension assemblies and mounted between, and mechanically coupled to, vehicle structural members (e.g., rocker panels) located on either side of the vehicle. In addition to providing rigidity, strength and impact resistance, the battery pack cross-members segregate the batteries contained within the battery pack enclosure into battery groups.

主权项

1. An energy absorbing and distributing side impact system for a vehicle comprising:
a battery pack enclosure mounted between front and rear suspensions of the vehicle, the battery pack enclosure having a first side member attached to a first side sill, and a second side member attached to a second side sill; and cross-members integrated into the battery pack enclosure, each of the cross-members extending from the first to the second side member, the cross-members segregating the battery pack enclosure into sections each configured to hold one or more battery modules, each cross-member comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein a spacing between the upper and the lower portions is configured to receive a mounting bracket for at least one of the battery modules, and wherein each of the first and second side sills comprises multiple longitudinal channels, at least an upper longitudinal channel positioned above a vehicle floor panel and at least a lower longitudinal channel positioned below the vehicle floor panel, wherein the first side member is attached to the lower longitudinal channel of the first side sill and the second side member is attached to the lower longitudinal channel of the second side sill.