Motor vehicle

Abstract

According to the invention, the technology disclosed herein relates to a motor vehicle (1) comprising a pressure vessel assembly, the pressure vessel (12) of which is arranged on both sides of a recess (21) of a passenger compartment floor (22).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a motor vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] The motor vehicle can be configured for operation with gaseous fuel, for example. In order to store the fuel, a pressure vessel assembly can be configured in the motor vehicle. The pressure vessel assembly can be arranged below the passenger compartment, for example. It has been shown, however, that the ride comfort of the passengers can be adversely affected thereby. SUMMARY

[0003] It is a preferred task of the technology disclosed herein to alleviate or eliminate at least one of the drawbacks of previously known solutions or to propose an alternative solution. It is a preferred task of the technology disclosed herein, in particular, to design the motor vehicle such that the ride comfort is improved. Further preferred tasks can result from the advantages of the technology disclosed herein.

[0004] The task is solved by a motor vehicle comprising:

[0005] - a vehicle body, in which a passenger compartment is configured, which is bounded on the underside by a passenger compartment floor,

[0006] - a pressure vessel assembly having a plurality of pressure vessels,

[0007] - a recess is configured in the passenger compartment floor,

[0008] - the pressure vessel longitudinal axes of the pressure vessels are oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the recess,

[0009] - at least one pressure vessel is arranged below the passenger compartment floor on a first side of the recess and at least one pressure vessel is arranged below the passenger compartment floor on a second side of the recess, and the first and second sides are opposite on both sides of the recess, and

[0010] - the pressure vessels are rigidly connected to one another by at least one first and one second connecting device,

[0011] - the recess extends into an intermediate space, which is formed between the pressure vessels arranged on the first side of the recess and the pressure vessels arranged on the second side of the recess,

[0012] wherein the pressure vessel assembly has a pressure line, which is connected to more than two pressure vessels, respectively, which fluidically connects the more than two pressure vessels to one common interface.

[0013] The technology disclosed herein relates to a motor vehicle.

[0014] The motor vehicle comprises a vehicle body in which a passenger compartment is configured. In the passenger compartment, inter alia, passengers and / or luggage can be transported. The passenger compartment is bounded on the underside by a passenger compartment floor.

[0015] The motor vehicle comprises a pressure vessel assembly having a plurality of pressure vessels.

[0016] In the passenger compartment floor, a recess is configured. Suitably, the pressure vessels are oriented with their longitudinal axes parallel to the longitudinal direction of the recess. At least one pressure vessel is arranged below the passenger compartment floor on a first side of the recess, and at least one pressure vessel is arranged below the passenger compartment floor on a second side of the recess. The first and second sides are opposite one another on either side of the recess. Suitably, the pressure vessels are rigidly connected to one another by means of at least one first and one second connecting device. This allows the entire pressure vessel assembly with connecting devices to be treated as one vessel. Thus, the entire pressure vessel assembly including the connecting devices can be subjected to the appropriate acceptance tests, and only one common valve is required for the pressure vessel assembly with connecting devices.

[0017] Suitably, the recess extends into an intermediate space which is formed between the pressure vessels arranged on the first side of the recess and the pressure vessels arranged on the second side of the recess.

[0018] In such a motor vehicle, a recess can be provided which extends into the installation space which would otherwise be filled by the pressure vessel assembly. Thereby, in particular when the recess is accessible from above, i.e. suitably from the passenger compartment, additional space is obtained and, for example, passengers of a row of seats, in particular of a rear row of seats, can be provided with more comfortable foot space.

[0019] The longitudinal direction of the recess can be, inter alia, the direction in which the recess has its greatest extension.

[0020] The passenger compartment floor can be, inter alia, a component part of the vehicle body. It can also serve to protect the pressure vessels.

[0021] One pressure vessel or any number of pressure vessels can be arranged on each of the first and second sides of the recess.

[0022] Each of the sides can be seen, inter alia, in the horizontal plane of the motor vehicle.

[0023] According to one embodiment, an intermediate space can be formed between the connecting devices, but the intermediate space can also be formed, for example, completely or partially, above the connecting devices.

[0024] A "rigid connection" is understood to mean, in particular, that two or more pressure vessels connected by means of the one or more connecting devices cannot move relative to one another on the basis of the direct action of the connecting devices, at least without active decoupling of the connection or destruction of the components. A rigid connection achieved by means of the connecting devices is thus distinguished from an action on surrounding components, such as the vehicle body or the installation space, for example.

[0025] The first connecting devices are preferably fixed to at least three pressure vessels, to all of the pressure vessels, or to all of the pressure vessels of a layer of pressure vessels, in order to rigidly connect them to one another. Likewise, the second connecting devices are preferably fixed to at least three pressure vessels, to all of the pressure vessels, or to all of the pressure vessels of a layer of pressure vessels, in order to rigidly connect them to one another. In this way, a connection can be achieved which exceeds the possible fluid connections which can be formed between two directly adjacent pressure vessels, for example.

[0026] A layer of pressure vessels can comprise pressure vessels which have an equal distance from the floor panel, for example. Multiple layers of pressure vessels can be configured in order to make better use of the available installation space, for example. There can be two or three or more than three layers of pressure vessels, for example.

[0027] The first connecting devices and / or the second connecting devices can rigidly connect at least one pressure vessel on the first side of the recess to at least one pressure vessel on the second side of the recess to one another, in particular. In this way, a rigid connection is formed which extends over the recess, this providing particularly high stability.

[0028] The connecting devices can extend below and / or outside the recess. They can also extend alongside the recess.

[0029] The longitudinal axis of the recess can extend transversely to the motor vehicle longitudinal axis. This can be advantageous in vehicle configurations with seats which are oriented towards the direction of travel and / or against the direction of travel, for example.

[0030] The longitudinal axis of the recess can also extend along the motor vehicle longitudinal axis. This can be advantageous when the seats are oriented transversely to the direction of travel, for example.

[0031] The orientation of the seats here generally means the direction in which the head of a passenger sitting on the seat is held straight.

[0032] The connecting devices can extend along the motor vehicle longitudinal axis, in particular. They can extend parallel to the motor vehicle longitudinal axis, for example. Other orientations or non-linear extensions are also possible. In particular, they can also extend transversely to the motor vehicle longitudinal axis.

[0033] The motor vehicle longitudinal axis can be the motor vehicle axis along which the motor vehicle moves when the steered wheels are in a straight state, in particular. Typically, but not necessarily, the motor vehicle has its greatest extension along this motor vehicle longitudinal axis.

[0034] The first and / or second connecting device can in particular connect longitudinal ends of the pressure vessels. Here, the first connecting device can for example connect each longitudinal end of the pressure vessels arranged on a first side of the motor vehicle, and the second connecting device can for example connect each longitudinal end of the pressure vessels arranged on a second side of the motor vehicle opposite the first side. Here, for example the left side viewed in the direction of travel and the right side viewed in the direction of travel can be meant.

[0035] In particular with respect to a forward travel direction of the motor vehicle, the first connecting device can be arranged on the left side of the pressure vessels, and the second connecting device can be arranged on the right side of the pressure vessels. Thereby, the pressure vessels can be stabilized on both sides. The forward travel direction here is generally the direction in which the motor vehicle moves during normal travel. If the motor vehicle is designed such that it can move equally well in two opposite directions, then each of these two directions can be considered a forward travel direction. Alternatively, with respect to a forward travel direction of the motor vehicle, the first connecting device can be arranged in front of the pressure vessels, and the second connecting device can be arranged behind the pressure vessels. Such an arrangement can for example be advantageous when the seats are oriented transversely to the direction of travel.

[0036] The connecting devices can in particular be configured as rails. The connecting devices can for example be configured such that the pressure vessels can be fixed thereon and / or can be moved along the respective rails. The rails can for example extend along a respective longitudinal direction of the rails.

[0037] In particular, the pressure vessels can be moved along the rails before a rigid connection is formed. This can for example simplify the installation and positioning of the pressure vessels. After the movement, the pressure vessels can for example be rigidly connected to the rails, for example by a screw connection. To this end, the rails can for example have a longitudinally continuous receiving portion for the pressure vessels.

[0038] The connecting devices can in particular cover a midpoint of the end face of the pressure vessels. Thereby, the connection can be achieved at a height at which a uniform force distribution can be achieved in the respective pressure vessel. The midpoint can for example be a point from which the pressure vessel has a constant radius in cross section. The point can for example lie on a longitudinal axis or a symmetry axis of the pressure vessel.

[0039] Preferably, the pressure vessel assembly has a pressure line. The pressure line can in particular fluidically connect the pressure vessels with one common interface. Thereby, the pressure vessels can be filled together and together extracted, wherein the pressure vessels located on both sides of the recess can preferably be fluidically interconnected. Advantageously, only one valve is required to close all pressure vessels.

[0040] The pressure lines can in particular be connected to more than two pressure vessels or to all pressure vessels, respectively. Thus, a common connection can be formed for the connected pressure vessels, not only between two directly adjacent pressure vessels. Thereby, a more uniform gas filling and gas withdrawal can be achieved.

[0041] The pressure lines can in particular extend in one of the connection devices. Thereby, the pressure lines can be protected, for example, by the connection device, in particular from mechanical damage. Preferably, the common interface can also be installed protected by the connection device. Since mechanical impacts in the event of an accident often act from the outside on the vehicle body, it is particularly suitable to arrange the common interface between the first and second connection device or between the first connection device and the pressure vessel. Similarly, it is desirable that the one valve can also be installed in such a way that it is protected by the first and second connection device.

[0042] The recess can form, for example, a foot space for the passengers in a preferred manner.

[0043] In the passenger compartment, in particular, a front row of seats and a rear row of seats can be provided. The recess can be located, in particular, between the front row of seats and the rear row of seats. The recess can form, in particular, a foot space for the passengers of the rear row of seats. However, other seat row configurations can also be used, for example with three rows of seats or more. The recess can be located, in particular, between two rows of seats. The front row of seats is not necessarily the frontmost row of seats in the vehicle, but can also be a row of seats further back.

[0044] For example, there can also be a seat row extending along the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle, so that the passengers sit generally transversely to the driving direction. The recess can be provided, for example, between such a seat row.

[0045] For example, there can also be a plurality of recesses, which extend into the respective intermediate space, which is delimited by the pressure vessels arranged next to it, if necessary by the connection devices. This design can thus be expanded, for example, in a vehicle with more than two rows of seats.

[0046] The pressure vessel assembly is in particular for storing a fuel which is gaseous under ambient conditions. For example, the pressure vessel assembly can be used for a motor vehicle operated with compressed (CNG) or liquefied (LNG) natural gas or with hydrogen. Suitably, the pressure vessel assembly is in fluid connection with at least one energy converter, which is configured for converting the chemical energy of the fuel into another form of energy.

[0047] The pressure vessel can be, for example, a composite overwrapped pressure vessel (= COPV). The pressure vessel can be, for example, a cryogenic pressure vessel (= CcH2 or COP) or a high-pressure gas vessel (= CGH2).

[0048] High-pressure gas containers are configured for the sustained storage of fuel at ambient temperature at a nominal working pressure (NWP) of approximately 350 baru (= overpressure compared to atmospheric pressure), more preferably approximately 700 baru overpressure or higher. Cryogenic pressure vessels are suitable for the storage of fuel at the above-mentioned working pressures even at temperatures far below the operating temperature of a motor vehicle.

[0049] The pressure vessel assembly can be configured, for example, as a tube storage system. The tube storage system can have a plurality of pressure vessels which each have a length:diameter ratio of a value of between 5 and 40, preferably between 7 and 25, particularly preferably between 9 and 15. The length:diameter ratio is the quotient of the length of the pressure vessel as the numerator and the outer diameter of the pressure vessel as the denominator. Suitably, the pressure vessels are arranged parallel to one another and / or are fluidically connected to one another at their ends.

[0050] A particular embodiment consists in connecting the pressure vessels in series. Suitably, they can be produced in a continuous production process thereby. The pressure vessel assembly is therefore also referred to as a chain tank. Fluidic connection elements can also be provided between the pressure vessels. Parallel connection and / or a combination of parallel and series connection can also be achieved by means of the fluidic connection elements between the pressure vessels.

[0051] Each pressure vessel can comprise, for example, a liner and / or a fiber-reinforced layer.

[0052] In other words, by arranging the pressure vessels or tanks, for example, transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, pressure vessels of the same kind can be arranged in parallel and effectively fill the underfloor space in front of and behind the footwell recess. There are usually no pressure vessels in the footwell recess region only. In order to avoid having to use one container valve for each of the two underfloor regions (in front of and behind the footwell recess), a "common rail" can now be provided as a stable connection device which extends over the entire length of the underfloor installation space. The common rail is not interrupted by the footwell recess, since it extends below it and / or laterally outside it. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0053] The technology disclosed herein will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are as follows:

[0054] Fig. 1 shows a pressure vessel assembly according to the prior art in a top view;

[0055] Fig. 2 shows the pressure vessel assembly of Fig. 1 in a side view;

[0056] Figure 3 a pressure vessel assembly in a top view;

[0057] Figure 4 a pressure vessel assembly in a side view Figure 3 of Fig. 3;

[0058] Figure 5 A motor vehicle is shown;

[0059] Figure 6 An alternative pressure vessel assembly is shown in a top view;

[0060] Figure 7 An alternative pressure vessel assembly is shown in a side view; Figure 6

[0061] An alternative motor vehicle is shown. Figure 8 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a pressure vessel assembly 10 according to the prior art. Here, a plurality, in the present case seven, pressure vessels 12 are arranged parallel to one another, directly adjacent to one another.

[0063] A first connection device 14 in the form of a rail is arranged on the left-hand side. A second connection device 16 in the form of a rail is arranged on the right-hand side. The connection devices 14, 16 each rigidly connect the pressure vessels 12 to one another and thus ensure that the pressure vessels 12 of the pressure vessel assembly 10 form a stable unit.

[0064] In the present case, a pressure line is arranged in the first connection device 14. This pressure line connects the pressure vessels 12 to a common interface 18. As a result, the pressure vessels 12 can be filled with gas and correspondingly extracted together. In order to simplify the drawing, the interface 18 is here exceptionally drawn outside the connection device.

[0065] Fig. 2 shows the pressure vessel assembly 10 of Fig. 1 in a side view.

[0066] It is clear from Figs. 1 and 2 that the pressure vessel assembly 10 shown is a mat-like pressure vessel assembly, which leaves no space for further components between the pressure vessels 12.

[0067] Figure 3 A pressure vessel assembly 11 is shown, which can be used in a motor vehicle according to an embodiment. Here, not all of the pressure vessels 12 are directly adjacent to one another, but rather a middle space 20 is left, in which a part of the pressure vessels 12 is located in front of the middle space 20 and a part of the pressure vessels 12 is located behind the middle space 20. In the side, the middle space 20 is delimited by the connection devices 14, 16, which rigidly connect the pressure vessels 12 arranged in front of and behind the middle space 20 to one another. It is assumed in the present case that the typical forward driving direction of the motor vehicle in which the pressure vessel assembly 11 is installed extends upwards in the plane of the paper in Fig. 1. Figure 3

[0068] Figure 4 ​​The pressure vessel assembly 11 is shown in a mounted state in a side view. Here, the pressure vessel assembly 11 is arranged below the passenger compartment floor 22 of the motor vehicle interior. A part of the pressure vessel 12 is arranged here in front of the intermediate space 20 and a part of the pressure vessel 12 is arranged behind the intermediate space 20.

[0069] In the passenger compartment floor 22, a recess 21 is configured which extends into the intermediate space 20. The recess 21 belongs to the passenger compartment arranged above it, so that the recess can be used from the passenger compartment.

[0070] In particular, the recess 21 can be used as a passenger footwell or, for example, as a cargo storage space.

[0071] The pressure vessel 12 arranged in front of the intermediate space 20 is thus arranged on a first side of the recess 21 and the pressure vessel 12 arranged behind the intermediate space 20 is thus arranged on a second side of the recess 21. The pressure vessel longitudinal axis of the pressure vessel 12 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the recess 21.

[0072] Figure 5 The motor vehicle 1 is shown purely schematically. The motor vehicle has a vehicle body 2. In the vehicle body 2, a passenger compartment 3 is configured. In the passenger compartment, a front row of seats 4 and a rear row of seats 5 are arranged.

[0073] Below the passenger compartment 3, a corresponding intermediate space 20 is arranged. Figure 3 and 4 The pressure vessel assembly 11 of the embodiment. Here, the recess 21 is arranged between the seat rows 4 and 5 and serves as a footwell 23 for the passengers of the rear row of seats 5.

[0074] With this embodiment, the driving comfort can be significantly improved and the underfloor arrangement of the pressure vessel 12 can still be used. At the same time, the stability of the pressure vessel assembly 11 is ensured by the connecting devices 14, 16 and the common interface 18 enables simple fluid connections to other components.

[0075] Figure 6 An alternative embodiment of the pressure vessel assembly 11 is shown, in which not only the intermediate space 20 but also the extension of the recess 21 is drawn. The recess 21 here extends laterally beyond the connecting devices 14, 16. In this embodiment, the connecting devices 14, 16 are arranged below the recess 21. This can also be seen in the associated side view of the motor vehicle 1. The recess 21 can thus be widened laterally. Figure 7

[0076] Figure 8 ​An alternative motor vehicle 1 is shown schematically in a plan view. Here, two longitudinally arranged seat rows 6, 7 are provided, the passengers sitting opposite one another and looking transversely to the direction of travel. Between the seat rows 6, 7, a foot space 23 is provided, which is configured in the form of a recess 21 as already described. The pressure vessel 12 is provided here on the left and right of the foot space 23.

[0077] For reasons of legibility, the expression "at least one" is partially omitted in abbreviated form. If features of the technology disclosed herein are described in singular or indefinite terms (such as pressure vessel, connection device), the plural thereof (such as said at least one pressure vessel, said at least one connection device) is also disclosed at the same time.

[0078] The above description of the application serves only for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the application. Various modifications and adaptations can be made within the scope of the application without departing from the application and its technical equivalents.

[0079] It should be noted that the pressure vessel assembly disclosed herein can also be regarded as an independent, functionally independent application aspect from the motor vehicle. Here, all the variants disclosed herein can be used.

[0080] List of reference signs

[0081] 1 motor vehicle

[0082] 2 vehicle body

[0083] 3 passenger compartment

[0084] 4 seat row

[0085] 5 seat row

[0086] 6 seat row

[0087] 7 seat row

[0088] 10 pressure vessel assembly

[0089] 11 pressure vessel assembly

[0090] 12 pressure vessel

[0091] 14 connection device

[0092] 16 connection device

[0093] 18 interface

[0094] 20 intermediate space

[0095] 21 recess

[0096] 22 passenger compartment floor

[0097] 23 foot space

Claims

1. Motor vehicles (1), including: - Body (2), in which a passenger compartment (3) is constructed, the passenger compartment being defined on the lower side by a passenger compartment floor (22), - A pressure vessel assembly (11) having multiple pressure vessels (12). - A cavity (21) is constructed in the passenger compartment floor (22). - The longitudinal axis of the pressure vessel (12) is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cavity (21). - At least one pressure vessel (12) is disposed on a first side of the cavity (21) below the passenger compartment floor (22), and at least one pressure vessel (12) is disposed on a second side of the cavity (21) below the passenger compartment floor (22), and the first side and the second side are opposite to each other on both sides of the cavity (21), and The pressure vessel (12) is rigidly connected to each other via at least one first connecting device (14) and a second connecting device (16). - The cavity (21) extends into the intermediate space (20), which is formed between the pressure vessel (12) disposed on the first side of the cavity (21) and the pressure vessel (12) disposed on the second side of the cavity (21). The first connecting device (14) and / or the second connecting device (16) are configured as tracks, which extend along their respective longitudinal directions, and the pressure vessel (12) is able to move along the tracks before forming a rigid connection.

2. The motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The first connecting device (14) is fixed to at least three pressure vessels (12) so as to rigidly connect them to each other.

3. The motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The first connecting device (14) is fixed to all pressure vessels (12) so as to rigidly connect them to each other.

4. The motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The first connecting device (14) is fixed to all the pressure vessels of the layer of pressure vessels (12) so as to rigidly connect them to each other.

5. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The second connecting device (16) is fixed to at least three pressure vessels (12) so as to rigidly connect them to each other.

6. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The second connecting device (16) is fixed to all pressure vessels (12) so as to rigidly connect them to each other.

7. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The second connecting device (16) is fixed to all the pressure vessels of the layer of pressure vessels (12) so as to rigidly connect them to each other.

8. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first connecting device (14) and / or the second connecting device (16) rigidly connect at least one pressure vessel (12) on the first side of the cavity (21) to at least one pressure vessel (12) on the second side of the cavity (21).

9. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first connecting device (14) and / or the second connecting device (16) extend below and / or outside and / or beside the cavity (21).

10. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The longitudinal axis of the cavity (21) extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle.

11. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The longitudinal axis of the cavity (21) extends along the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle.

12. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first connecting device (14) and / or the second connecting device (16) extend along the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle or laterally to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle.

13. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first connecting device (14) and / or the second connecting device (16) are connected to the longitudinal end of the pressure vessel (12).

14. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Regarding the forward direction of the motor vehicle (1), the first connecting device (14) is located on the left side of the pressure vessel (12), and the second connecting device (16) is located on the right side of the pressure vessel (12).

15. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first connecting device (14) and / or the second connecting device (16) cover the midpoint of the end face of the pressure vessel (12).

16. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The pressure vessel assembly (11) has a pressure line that fluidly connects the pressure vessel (12) to a common interface (18).

17. The motor vehicle (1) according to claim 16, wherein, The pressure lines are respectively connected to more than two pressure vessels (12).

18. The motor vehicle (1) according to claim 17, wherein, The pressure lines are connected to all pressure vessels (12) respectively.

19. The motor vehicle (1) according to claim 16, wherein, The pressure line extends in one of the first connecting device (14) and the second connecting device (16).

20. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The passenger compartment (3) is provided with front seats (4) and rear seats (5), and the cavity (21) is located between the front seats (4) and the rear seats (5).

21. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The pressure vessel (12) forms a tubular storage system.

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