Supports for support assemblies, methods, support assemblies, and automobiles

Abstract

Defects are reduced and, if possible, prevented from occurring. [Solution] The present invention relates to a support (5) for a support assembly (1) for housing a drive energy storage device (3) of an electrically driven automobile, wherein the support (5) extends in the longitudinal direction of the support, and the support (5) has at least one channel (23) that extends at least partially along the longitudinal direction of the support and is integrated with the support (5), and at least one conduit (17) is disposed within the channel (23). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing such a support (5), a support assembly (1) comprising such a support (5), and an automobile comprising such a support assembly (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support for a support assembly for housing a drive energy storage device of an electrically driven vehicle, particularly a commercial vehicle, particularly an omnibus, a method for manufacturing such a support, a support assembly for housing a drive energy storage device of an electrically driven vehicle, particularly a commercial vehicle, particularly an omnibus, and an automobile, particularly a commercial vehicle, particularly an omnibus, provided with such a support assembly.

Background Art

[0002] In an automobile, particularly an omnibus, it is known to place an electric drive energy storage device on the roof of the omnibus by means of a roof superstructure. Such a roof superstructure is known from the following Patent Document 1. The roof superstructure described above has a large number of supplementary stiffening elements, and thus is laborious and difficult to assemble. An omnibus equipped with an electric drive has a plurality of electrical wirings connecting the drive energy storage device and the electric drive. Further, the omnibus has a plurality of air-conditioning medium pipes that enable the supply of an air-conditioning medium to the drive energy storage device. These pipes, which are relatively rigid and heavy, are usually arranged inside the hollow support of the omnibus. In order to increase energy efficiency, additional isolation elements (insulating elements, heat-insulating elements) are required. The assembly of the conduits into the roof superstructure and the assembly of the entire roof superstructure become complicated, which can cause damage to the conduits themselves and personal injury during assembly. Further, these conduits can be worn during the operation of the omnibus. In an omnibus, as well as in other commercial vehicles, there are relatively large drive energy storage devices, which have a mass of up to 500 kg per battery unit in part, so that a plurality of electrical wirings and air-conditioning medium pipes are required, and these require a relatively large installation space inside the omnibus. Due to the relatively high mass of the drive energy storage device, the roof superstructure must have sufficient mechanical stability, which also leads to an undesirable increase in the mass of the entire superstructure.

Prior Art Documents

[0003] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 10, 2017, 115 605, Specification A1 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a support for a support assembly for housing a drive energy storage device for an electric-powered vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, in particular an omnibus, a method for manufacturing such a support, and a support assembly for housing a drive energy storage device for an electric-powered vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, in particular an omnibus, in which the above-mentioned drawbacks are reduced, and preferably do not occur. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This problem is solved by providing the technical teachings, in particular the teachings of the independent claims, as well as the teachings of the preferred embodiments disclosed in the dependent claims and the specification.

[0006] This problem is solved in particular by providing a support for a support assembly for housing a drive energy storage device in an electric-powered vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, in particular an omnibus. The support extends in the longitudinal direction of the support. The support has at least one channel that extends at least partially along the longitudinal direction of the support and is integrated into the support, in particular the material of the support, within which at least one conduit, in particular electrical wiring, in particular high-voltage wiring for the drive energy storage device, or air conditioning medium piping for the drive energy storage device is disposed.

[0007] The support structure is advantageously a single unit and therefore relatively easy to assemble. Because the conduits are integrated into the support, especially its material, additional isolation elements (insulation elements, thermal insulation elements) for the conduits can be advantageously omitted. This, in particular, reduces energy loss and thus increases the driving range. The omission of additional isolation elements simplifies the assembly of the conduits, and in particular reduces, and preferably avoids, damage to the conduits and personal injury during assembly. Similarly, the mass of the support is advantageously reduced. In particular, during assembly, it becomes unnecessary to run electrical wiring and air conditioning medium piping through the support. Furthermore, wear on the conduits can be reduced and preferably avoided. Integrating the conduits into the support advantageously reduces the installation space required inside automobiles, especially omnibuses. The integrated conduits advantageously increase the bending resistance moment of the support, thereby eliminating a number of stiffening elements. Furthermore, the wall thickness of the support can be advantageously reduced.

[0008] In the context of this technical instruction, the term "support" is understood to mean a load-bearing member, particularly a support member. Such a support member has a longitudinal extension and a cross-sectional shape (also referred to as the support cross-sectional shape) oriented laterally, i.e., transversely, relative to the longitudinal extension. The transverse extension is particularly smaller than the longitudinal extension. Such a support may be a T-shaped support, an I-shaped support (also referred to as a double T-shaped support), a U-shaped support, a Z-shaped support, or an L-shaped support.

[0009] In one embodiment, the support has at least two channels. Specifically, the first channel of the two channels is used for electrical wiring, particularly high-voltage wiring, and the second channel of the two channels is used for air conditioning medium piping.

[0010] In one embodiment, the support has a plurality of first channels, and electrical wiring, particularly high-voltage wiring, is arranged within each first channel. In particular, the support has a plurality of second channels, and air conditioning medium piping is arranged within each second channel.

[0011] According to an advanced version of the present invention, the conduit has a conduit connection portion, and the conduit connection portion is provided to be connected to a drive energy storage device. In particular, the conduit connection portion has at least one of a screw means and / or a push-in means and / or a locking means, thereby enabling the conduit to be connected to the drive energy storage device.

[0012] According to an advanced version of the present invention, the support has a double T-shaped cross-section, and the support is provided to be formed particularly as a double T-shaped support. At least one channel is located within the intersection region of the double T-shaped cross-section. In particular, at least one channel is located within the intersection region of the web of the support and the flange of the support. In particular, at least one channel is located adjacent to the intersection of the web and the flange.

[0013] According to an advanced form of the present invention, reinforcing elements are provided to be positioned within the support, particularly within the material of the support. The reinforcing elements can advantageously enhance the mechanical stability of the support. Advantageously, the reinforcing elements can be provided only where they are subjected to higher mechanical loads. In particular, this makes it possible to provide a custom-made support, known as a tailored profile. In particular, the surface of the reinforcing elements is surface-treated, especially by chemical, mechanical, and / or energy ray treatment. Advantageously, the surface treatment can form a high-load-resistant bond between the material of the support and the reinforcing elements.

[0014] Alternatively, or additionally, the support is provided with recesses on its end faces, particularly on end faces oriented laterally from the support. Advantageously, conduits can be passed through these recesses. Furthermore, the mass of the support is reduced in particular. Alternatively, or additionally, the support has a hollow chamber structure, particularly a honeycomb structure, with the walls of the hollow chamber structure extending along the longitudinal direction of the support. Advantageously, the hollow chamber structure itself is formed as an isolation element for the conduit, thus eliminating the need for additional isolation elements. This, in particular, reduces energy loss and thus increases the range. Alternatively, or additionally, the hollow chamber structure, particularly the walls, may be partially formed as another conduit configured to guide an additional medium, particularly another air conditioning medium.

[0015] This problem is also solved by providing a method for manufacturing a support according to the present invention, or a support according to one or more embodiments described above. In this method, the support is manufactured in a primary molding process. At least one conduit of the support is integrated into the support in the primary molding process by forming a channel during the primary molding process, and the conduit is located within the channel or configured to be located within the channel. In connection with this method, the advantages already described in relation to supports are obtained in particular.

[0016] In one embodiment, reinforcing elements of a support are integrated with the support during a primary molding process, which is done by forming a cavity during the primary molding process and placing or configuring the reinforcing elements within the cavity.

[0017] According to an advanced form of the present invention, the primary molding process may be an injection molding method and / or an additive manufacturing method, particularly a selective energy ray melting method, particularly a laser melting method, or a method also known as Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). Alternatively or additionally, the material for the primary molding process may be a material selected from the group consisting of metallic materials, steel materials, steel alloys, aluminum materials, aluminum alloys, resins, and at least two combinations of these materials.

[0018] In particular, the advantages already mentioned are especially pronounced when resin is used as the material for the primary molding process. Specifically, the conduits integrated into the support act like the fibrous material in a fiber composite, and the resin support acts like the matrix of a fiber composite. This, in particular, increases the bending resistance moment while simultaneously reducing the mass of the support.

[0019] The problems of the present invention are also solved by providing a support assembly for housing a drive energy storage device for an electrically driven automobile, particularly a commercial vehicle. The support assembly has at least one support according to the present invention, or a support according to one or more embodiments described above, as an intermediate support. The support assembly further has an end support. The end support extends particularly in the longitudinal direction of the end support. The at least one intermediate support and the end support are spaced parallel to each other, particularly in a direction that is lateral to the longitudinal direction of the end support and lateral to the longitudinal direction of the intermediate support. Between the end support and the intermediate support of at least one intermediate support, and / or between the first intermediate support and the second intermediate support of at least one intermediate support, a drive energy storage device housing space is provided, particularly formed, particularly defined, and particularly enclosed. In relation to the support assembly, the advantages already described in relation to the support are particularly obtained. Furthermore, the support assembly is advantageously constructed without a large number of stiffening elements and is therefore relatively easy to assemble.

[0020] In one embodiment, the support assembly has at least two drive energy storage device accommodation spaces.

[0021] According to a development of the invention, the end support has an end support cross-sectional shape with at least one open side, particularly a U-shaped support cross-sectional shape, and the opening of the end support cross-sectional shape is partially directed towards the drive energy storage device accommodation space, particularly defining and in particular surrounding the drive energy storage device accommodation space. In particular, the drive energy storage device can be arranged partially, particularly with its end region, within the opening of the end support cross-sectional shape. Thus, advantageously, when the outer dimensions of the support assembly are particularly identical, a larger drive energy storage device can be arranged within the drive energy storage device accommodation space.

[0022] According to a development of the invention, the support assembly is further provided so as to have a drive energy storage device arranged within the drive energy storage device accommodation space. The drive energy storage device is connected to at least one conduit of at least one intermediate support.

[0023] In one embodiment, the support assembly has at least two drive energy storage devices.

[0024] The drive energy storage device is particularly configured to supply electrical energy for the electric drive of a motor vehicle. The drive energy storage device is particularly an electric high-voltage battery storage device.

[0025] In one embodiment, the drive energy storage device is connected to the conduit by a conduit connection of the conduit, particularly to electrical wiring, particularly high-voltage wiring, and / or air-conditioning medium piping.

[0026] In one embodiment, at least one intermediate support has at least two channels. Particularly, electrical wiring is arranged in the first channel of the two channels. Particularly, air-conditioning medium piping is arranged in the second channel of the two channels.

[0027] In one embodiment, the intermediate support has a plurality of first channels, and electrical wirings are respectively arranged in each of the first channels. In particular, the intermediate support has a plurality of second channels, and air-conditioning medium pipes are respectively arranged in each of the second channels.

[0028] According to a development form of the present invention, the support assembly is further provided so as to have at least one end support and / or at least one base plate connected to at least one intermediate support. Thereby, the mechanical stability of the support assembly is advantageously further enhanced.

[0029] In one embodiment, the support assembly has two base plates, namely a first base plate as a bottom plate and a second base plate as a cover plate. In particular, the bottom plate is arranged below at least one support when the support assembly is properly attached to an automobile. In particular, the cover plate is arranged above at least one support when the support assembly is properly attached to an automobile.

[0030] According to a development form of the present invention, at least one support selected from at least one intermediate support and an end support has at least one fixing location, and the fixing location is selectively provided to fix a drive energy storage device, at least one base plate, or another element, particularly a holder, particularly a cable holder, particularly a pluggable cable bundling band, to at least one support. In particular, a fixing element can be fixed to at least one fixing location. Advantageously, the positioning time and the assembly time are reduced by the functional integration of the fixing element.

[0031] In one embodiment, the fixing location has a hole, a threaded portion, or a flange, or is formed as a hole, a threaded portion, or a flange.

[0032] The problems of the present invention are also solved by providing an automobile, in particular a commercial vehicle, in particular an omnibus, comprising at least one support assembly according to the present invention, or a support assembly according to one or more embodiments described above. The support assembly is located in the roof area of ​​the automobile, in particular above the passenger compartment of the automobile. In relation to automobiles, the advantages already described in relation to the support and the support assembly are particularly obtained.

[0033] Alternatively, the support assembly is located in the floor area of ​​the vehicle, particularly below the passenger compartment. Specifically, the support assembly forms the underside of the passenger compartment, especially the floor. In particular, the support assembly is very easy to assemble. The roof edge cover in the roof area can be omitted. The aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle, especially the omnibus, can be improved because the vehicle height is lower. Furthermore, the bending resistance moment of the underside of the passenger compartment, especially the floor, where passengers move can be increased. In particular, the hollow structure provides very good thermal insulation with respect to the intrusion of cold air into the passenger compartment through the floor area.

[0034] According to an advanced version of the present invention, the automobile has at least one drive energy storage device, which is arranged within a drive energy storage device housing space of a support assembly. The drive energy storage device is configured to supply electrical energy to the electric drive of the automobile.

[0035] In particular, placing the drive energy storage device within the vehicle's floor area lowers the vehicle's center of gravity, thereby improving driving dynamics. Similarly, it can reduce, and preferably avoid, the vehicle's tendency to roll over.

[0036] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the drawings. The drawings are shown below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the support assembly is shown. [Figure 2]A schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the support is shown. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the support is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a first embodiment of a support assembly 1 for housing a drive energy storage device 3 for an electrically driven automobile.

[0039] Support assembly 1 has at least one, in this case two, support 5 as intermediate support 7. Support assembly 1 further has two, in this case two, end support 9. The end support 9 extends in particular in the longitudinal direction of the end support that extends toward the plane of the drawing. At least one intermediate support 7 and the end support 9 are spaced parallel to each other, as indicated by arrow A, in particular in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the end support and also perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support of the intermediate support 7 that extends toward the plane of the drawing. Drive energy storage device housing spaces 11 are located, specifically formed, specifically defined, and specifically enclosed, between the end support 9 and the intermediate support 7 of at least one intermediate support 7, at the location indicated by dashed circle B, and / or between the first intermediate support 7.1 and the second intermediate support 7.2 of at least one intermediate support 7, at the location indicated by dashed circle C.

[0040] In this embodiment, the end support 9 has an end support cross-sectional shape, particularly a U-shaped support cross-sectional shape, with at least one side open. The opening 13 of the end support cross-sectional shape is partially directed toward the drive energy storage device housing space 11, and is provided to define and particularly enclose the drive energy storage device housing space 11.

[0041] In this embodiment, the support assembly 1 is further configured to have a drive energy storage device 3 disposed within a drive energy storage device housing space 11. The drive energy storage device 3 is connected to at least one conduit 17 (only a portion of which are reference numerals for illustrative purposes) of at least one intermediate support 7, in particular to electrical wiring 16 and / or air conditioning medium piping 21. In particular, the drive energy storage device 3 is partially, particularly in its end region 18, located within an opening 13 in the cross-sectional shape of the end support.

[0042] In this embodiment, the support assembly 1 has three drive energy storage devices 3, namely a first drive energy storage device 3.1, a second drive energy storage device 3.2, and a third drive energy storage device 3.3.

[0043] In this embodiment, the drive energy storage device 3 is connected to at least one conduit 17 by a conduit connection portion 19 of at least one conduit 17, and is connected in particular to electrical wiring 16, in particular high-voltage wiring, and / or air conditioning medium piping 21.

[0044] In this embodiment, the intermediate support 7 has a plurality of first channels 23.1, each of which electrical wiring 16 is arranged. In particular, the intermediate support 7 has a plurality of second channels 23.2, each of which air conditioning medium piping 21 is arranged.

[0045] In this embodiment, the support assembly 1 is further provided to have a base plate 25 connected to at least one end support 9 and / or at least one intermediate support 7.

[0046] In this embodiment, the support assembly 1 has a base plate 25 as a bottom plate. In particular, the bottom plate is positioned below at least one support 5 when the support assembly 1 is attached to the automobile as predetermined.

[0047] In this embodiment, at least one support 5, selected from at least one intermediate support 7 and an end support 9, has at least one fixing point 27 (for example, only some of which are referenced), the fixing point being selectively configured to fix a drive energy storage device 3, at least one base plate 25, or another element, in particular a retainer, in particular a cable retainer, in particular a pluggable cable tie, to at least one support 5. In particular, a fixing element 29, such as a screw, can be fixed to at least one fixing point 27.

[0048] In this embodiment, the fixing portion 27 has a hole, a threaded portion, or a flange, or is formed as a hole, a threaded portion, or a flange.

[0049] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of the support 5 of the support assembly 1 according to Figure 1.

[0050] Elements with the same characteristics and functions are denoted by the same symbols in all diagrams; therefore, please refer to the explanations above for details.

[0051] The support 5 shown here corresponds to at least one intermediate support 7 in Figure 1.

[0052] The support 5 extends in the longitudinal direction of the support, indicated by arrow D. The support 5 has at least one channel 23 that extends at least partially along the longitudinal direction of the support and is integrated with the material of the support 5, and within the channel 23 is at least one conduit 17, in particular electrical wiring 16, in particular high-voltage wiring of the drive energy storage device 3, or air conditioning medium piping 21 of the drive energy storage device 3.

[0053] In this embodiment, the conduit 17 has a conduit connection portion 19 (not shown here), and the conduit connection portion 19 is provided to be connected to the drive energy storage device 3.

[0054] In this embodiment, the support 5 is provided such that it has a recess 41 on its end face 39, particularly on the end face 39 oriented in the lateral direction of the support.

[0055] In this embodiment, the support 5 has eight channels 23. Six electrical wires 16 and two air conditioning medium pipes 21 are arranged within the eight channels 23.

[0056] Figure 3 is an end view schematic of a second embodiment of the support 5 of the support assembly 1 according to Figure 1.

[0057] In particular, the support 5 of the second embodiment is an evolved form of the support 5 of the first embodiment as shown in Figure 2.

[0058] In this embodiment, the support 5 has a double T-shaped cross-section, and the support 5 is provided to be formed specifically as a double T-shaped support. At least one channel 23 is located within the intersection region 31 of the double T-shaped cross-section.

[0059] In particular, at least one channel 23 is located within the intersection region 31 between the web 33 of the support 5 and the flange 35 of the support 5. In particular, at least one channel 23 is located adjacent to the intersection region 37 between the web 33 and the flange 35.

[0060] In this embodiment, the reinforcing element 43 is provided to be positioned within the support 5, particularly within the material of the support 5.

[0061] In this embodiment, the support 5 has a hollow chamber structure 45, particularly a honeycomb structure, and the wall portion 47 of the hollow chamber structure 45 is provided to extend along the longitudinal direction of the support that extends in the plane direction of the drawing.

Claims

1. A support (5) for a support assembly (1) for housing a drive energy storage device (3) of an electrically driven vehicle, The support (5) is Extending in the longitudinal direction of the support, The support has at least one channel (23) that extends at least partially along the longitudinal direction of the support and is integrated with the support (5), At least one conduit (17) is located within the channel (23). Support (5).

2. The conduit (17) has a conduit connection part (19), The conduit connection portion (19) is configured to be connected to the drive energy storage device (3). The support (5) according to claim 1.

3. The support (5) has a double T-shaped cross-section, The at least one channel (23) is located within the intersection region (31) of the double T-shaped cross-section. The support (5) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The reinforcing element (43) is placed within the support (5), and / or The support (5) has a recess (41) at its end face (39), and / or The support (5) has a hollow chamber structure (45), and the wall portion (47) of the hollow chamber structure (45) extends along the longitudinal direction of the support. The support (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A method for manufacturing the support (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The support (5) is manufactured in a primary molding process. At least one conduit (17) of the support (5) is integrated with the support (5) in the primary molding process by the formation of the channel (23) during the primary molding process, and the conduit (17) is located within the channel (23) or is configured to be located within the channel (23). method.

6. The primary molding process is an injection molding method, and / or the primary molding process is an additive manufacturing method, and / or As the material for the primary molding process, a material selected from the group consisting of metal materials, steel materials, steel alloys, aluminum materials, aluminum alloys, and resins is used. The method according to claim 5.

7. A support assembly (1) for housing a drive energy storage device (3) for an electrically driven vehicle, The intermediate support (7) comprises at least one of the support members (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is equipped with an end support (9), The at least one intermediate support (7) and the end support (9) are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart. A drive energy storage device housing space (11) is provided between the end support (9) and the intermediate support (7) of the at least one intermediate support (7), and / or between the first intermediate support (7.1) of the at least one intermediate support (7) and the second intermediate support (7.2) of the at least one intermediate support (7). Support assembly (1).

8. The end support (9) has an end support cross-sectional shape in which at least one side is open, The opening (13) in the cross-sectional shape of the end support is partially directed toward the drive energy storage device housing space (11). Support assembly (1) according to claim 7.

9. The system further comprises a drive energy storage device (3) located within the drive energy storage device housing space (11), The drive energy storage device (3) is connected to the at least one conduit (17) of the at least one intermediate support (7). Support assembly (1) according to claim 7 or claim 8.

10. Further comprising at least one base plate (25), The at least one base plate (25) is connected to the at least one end support (9) and / or the at least one intermediate support (7). A support assembly (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. The at least one support (5) selected from the at least one intermediate support (7) and the end support (9) has at least one fixing point (27), The fixing points (27) are configured to selectively fix either the drive energy storage device (3), the at least one base plate (25), or another element to the at least one support (5). The fixing portion (27) preferably has a hole, a threaded portion, or a flange, or is formed as a hole, a threaded portion, or a flange. A support assembly (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

12. An automobile comprising at least one support assembly (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, The support assembly (1) is located in the roof area of ​​the automobile or in the floor area of ​​the automobile. car.

13. The aforementioned automobile has at least one drive energy storage device (3), The drive energy storage device (3) is located within the drive energy storage device housing space (11) of the support assembly (1). The drive energy storage device (3) is configured to supply electrical energy to the electric drive of the automobile. The automobile according to claim 12.

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