Housing lower part of a high-pressure accumulator housing and product family

Abstract

The invention relates to a housing lower part of an accumulator housing, comprising a pot-shaped element, wherein the pot-shaped element has a wall element of a side face extending along a longitudinal axis and a sill beam element is arranged on the wall element on the outside, which projects the wall element in longitudinal sections respectively along the longitudinal axis, a transverse element is arranged on the pot-shaped element on the end side respectively extending transversely to the longitudinal axis, and the sill beam element is fixed on the transverse element on the end side by means of the longitudinal sections.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an accumulator housing or a housing underpart for an accumulator housing, as well as a product family of accumulator housings. Background Technology

[0002] Such accumulator housings are used, for example, in partially and fully electrified motor vehicles. Batteries or battery modules are installed within these housings. To achieve the required range of operation, their storage capacity is typically very large, which is problematic for economical mass production. A particular challenge in this regard is ensuring the required airtightness of the accumulator housing or the components beneath it. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a housing under-shell component for an accumulator housing and a product series of accumulator housings that can achieve efficient production while meeting the highest quality requirements.

[0004] The objective is achieved by a housing under-containment component according to the invention and a product series according to the invention.

[0005] According to the invention, a lower housing component for an accumulator housing, or a housing component for an accumulator housing, particularly a lower housing component for a high-voltage accumulator housing, includes a basin-shaped element having wall elements extending along a longitudinal axis on its sides, and sill beam elements arranged or fixed on the outer sides of the wall elements, the sill beam elements extending longitudinally from the wall elements along the longitudinal axis respectively, and transverse elements extending transversely to the longitudinal axis arranged on the end sides of the basin-shaped element, the sill beam elements being fixed to the transverse elements at the end sides by means of the longitudinal sections. This design advantageously allows for the provision of a complete lower housing component for the accumulator housing based on only a few components. Here, the basin-shaped element has a bottom element defining a bottom plane. In the installed state of the lower housing component, the bottom plane is oriented substantially parallel to the lane plane. The wall elements extend substantially vertically (upward with respect to the lane plane or the bottom plane) away from the bottom plane. Combined with the transverse elements arranged on the end sides, a surrounding closed arrangement space is created for arranging, for example, individual accumulator units, accumulator modules, etc., the height of the transverse elements matching the height of the wall elements to the desired arrangement. The aforementioned longitudinal axis extends, for example, along the direction of travel of the corresponding motor vehicle in the installed state of the lower housing component. Advantageously, the transverse elements combine with the sill elements to form a surrounding frame, which can be advantageously designed to meet possible collision requirements. Here, the transverse elements are advantageously designed and constructed such that they not only form a frame but also extend the basin-shaped elements to form a (closed) arrangement space. It should be emphasized in this respect that the number of joints can be minimized by this configuration. In particular, the length of the connection points or sealing points can be reduced by several times compared to known welded structures. This not only reduces manufacturing and assembly costs but also solves the sealing problem mentioned at the beginning, since the lower housing component manufactured in this way is already largely sealed due to its construction. Therefore, the basin-shaped elements, including wall elements arranged or constructed on the sides, are particularly one-piece elements. According to one embodiment, the wall elements are constructed by regional variations of the bottom element, which is implemented as a metal plate in one embodiment. The longitudinal section extending along the longitudinal axis of the basin-shaped element crucially contributes to the efficient construction of the lower housing component. The transverse elements can be advantageously fixed by the longitudinal section. Lateral elements, especially when attached to the longitudinal section at the ends, provide a large and wide attachment surface. Particularly advantageous is the ability to attach outside the designated layout space. This allows for greater freedom in the attachment techniques employed, as airtightness is not required at this location.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment, the sill element is connected to the transverse element in a form-locking and / or force-locking manner, particularly by threaded connection and / or riveting. Preferably, a fixing section, for example in the form of holes or openings, is constructed on the longitudinal sections—and similarly on the transverse elements. According to one embodiment, a plurality of dispersed fixing elements, such as screws, are arranged in the region of the longitudinal sections. According to one embodiment, three or four M8 screws are used (for each longitudinal section or fixing section) for attaching the transverse element. Thus, the frame formed by the transverse elements and the sill element achieves high strength and stiffness, or stability.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the wall element material is interlocked with the sill element, particularly by welding. Preferred welding processes include, for example, fusion welding. According to one embodiment, the sill element is attached to the wall element by means of metallic inert gas welding (MIG welding). The weld can be continuous along the longitudinal axis, or stapled or dotted. Alternative welding processes, such as contact friction welding, are also conceivable. It has been shown that even the highest impact requirements can be met by interlocking attachment of the welded materials.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the wall element has or forms a flange section, which is preferably oriented parallel to the bottom plane and extends along the longitudinal axis, and the sill element is fixed to the flange section. Thus, the joint between the sill element and the basin-shaped element is advantageously displaced away from the arrangement space. The joint is therefore advantageously outside the arrangement space.

[0009] As previously mentioned, the longitudinal section achieves the same advantages. By fixing the transverse element at the end with the aid of the longitudinal section, the joint is advantageously moved away from the arrangement space. This allows for the use, for example, form-locking and / or force-locking connections, such as screws and / or rivets, which would otherwise be problematic due to the need for airtightness.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the transverse element material is locked onto the basin-shaped element. According to a preferred embodiment, contact friction welding is used as the joining technique. The transverse elements may be arranged, for example, overlapping or opposite to each other, on the basin-shaped element. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the transverse elements are fixed onto the basin-shaped element by a fusion welding process, particularly by means of MIG welding. This process is reliably achievable and cost-effective. At such locations or along the weld seam, a sealant, particularly an airtight sealant, is preferably subsequently applied to the connection or joint. For example, it is applied along one or both sides of the weld seam in a beaded manner.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the connection, joint, or mating area (where required) is subsequently sealed using a sealing material. According to a preferred embodiment, the sealing material is selected from one of the following materials: silane-modified polymers, 2K (two-component) polyurea, and / or polyvinyl chloride. It has been found that the above materials, particularly in combination with their use on (preferably exposed) aluminum materials, provide optimized fluid tightness, especially hermetic tightness. Sealing materials made of or based on silane-modified polymers or a combination of silane-modified polymers are particularly preferred.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the lateral element is configured such that it continues or extends the geometry of the basin-shaped element. The lateral element, as intended, includes a bottom section, a wall section, and—depending on the configuration of the basin-shaped element—a flange section. Advantageously, this provides a flat or planar engagement area between the lateral element and the basin-shaped element. In other words, the engagement area describes a plane perpendicular to the bottom plane of the basin-shaped element and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This simple geometry allows for freedom in the connection techniques used and simplifies subsequent sealing of the engagement site, particularly due to good accessibility. Furthermore, the entire housing component has only two separate, continuous engagement or sealing areas within the arrangement space.

[0013] According to one embodiment, a plurality of crossbeams oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis are arranged along the longitudinal axis. The crossbeams are used, for example, to reinforce components under the housing. According to one embodiment, the attachment is achieved by means of a material locking connection technique, such as adhesive bonding.

[0014] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the lateral element is a casting. This relates particularly to metal castings, especially die castings. According to a preferred embodiment, the lateral element includes contact and / or attachment portions for structural or chassis components of the corresponding motor vehicle. These contact and / or attachment portions can be integrally manufactured during the casting process and / or can be introduced subsequently. According to a preferred embodiment, the sill element is a profile element, particularly an extruded profile. This configuration is characterized by its simplicity. According to one embodiment, the lateral element is also constructed as an extruded profile.

[0015] The preferred materials for sill elements and transverse elements are aluminum or aluminum alloys.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the basin-shaped element is an aluminum sheet, particularly a chamfered aluminum sheet. Al5 or Al6 is particularly preferred. The wall element is formed or realized through shaping, particularly chamfering. According to one embodiment, the basin-shaped element includes geometric features for strengthening or improving stability, such as rolled edges, corners, etc. The preferred wall thickness is in the range of about 2 to 4 mm, particularly in the range of 2.5 to 3.5 mm, and especially preferably 3 mm or about 3 mm.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the accumulator housing includes a correspondingly constructed cover element, preferably made of aluminum and / or steel and / or plastic, particularly composite materials. The aforementioned arrangement space can be enclosed by the cover element. According to one embodiment, the cover element is preferably force-locked and / or form-locked connected to a lower component of the housing via an inserted or adhesive seal, for example, via a corresponding threaded connection. Alternatively, a separate cover may not be provided. In this case, the cover may be integrally constructed, for example, along with a vehicle or a correspondingly constructed bottom assembly.

[0018] Finally, it should be mentioned that the accumulator housing is not limited to accommodating electrical energy storage units (individual energy storage units). The accumulator housing can also be used to accommodate other energy carriers, such as hydrogen. According to one embodiment, the energy storage unit may accordingly include one or more hydrogen storage tanks or be constructed itself as a hydrogen storage tank.

[0019] The present invention also relates to a product family of accumulator housings, the product family comprising a plurality of accumulator housings, each accumulator housing having a housing underbody component according to the invention, wherein the sill elements are profile elements, each of the profile elements preferably being cut to a fixed length to form accumulator housings of different sizes, and the transverse elements having the same length. Advantageously, the sill elements are, for example, meterware products that can be shortened to a desired size as needed.

[0020] Preferably, the lateral elements have the same length. Correspondingly, the lower housing components or accumulator housing have the same width. According to a preferred embodiment, the lateral elements within the product series are identical. This applies, for example, to the lateral elements that are respectively ahead of each other in the direction of travel, and to the lateral elements that are respectively behind each other when viewed in the direction of travel. According to another preferred embodiment, the ahead and behind lateral elements are also designed to be identical, thus advantageously further reducing the number of variations.

[0021] This does not preclude the possibility that lateral elements may include different, vehicle-specific connection points, introduced later if necessary, for integrating the accumulator housing into the corresponding vehicle. These may be introduced later if necessary or provided during the production of the lateral elements.

[0022] Corresponding to the length of the sill element, the basin-shaped element (which here is a metal sheet, particularly an aluminum sheet) is also advantageously cut to a fixed length. This construction allows for the production of accumulator housings of different sizes with a minimal number of parts, wherein the necessary joints or joint areas are designed and positioned such that the highest requirements for airtightness are met, and the necessary production steps can be carried out efficiently and effectively.

[0023] The length of the accumulator housing of the mentioned type ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 m. The transverse elements preferably have a length of 0.8 to 2.2 m.

[0024] The advantages and features mentioned in connection with the under-casing components are similar and correspondingly applicable to the product series, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Further advantages and features arise from the following description of embodiments of the lower housing component with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 A top view schematically illustrating an embodiment of the components under the housing;

[0027] Figure 2 A side view showing an embodiment of the lower housing component;

[0028] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 Detailed illustration of the components under the housing;

[0029] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of the lateral element is shown, along with two detailed diagrams. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Figure 1A schematic top view of an embodiment of the lower housing component 10 is shown. A basin-shaped element 20 is visible, which includes or has a bottom element 22. The bottom element describes a bottom plane B. In the installed state of the lower housing component 10, this bottom plane is preferably oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the lane plane. Sill beam elements 30 are laterally arranged on the basin-shaped element 20, with most of the sill beam elements being covered by the flange element 26 of the basin-shaped element 20. Reinforcing elements 34, slightly protruding from the flange element 26, are visible and are also arranged laterally on the sill beam elements 30. The reinforcing elements may be profiles or structures used to reinforce or strengthen the sill beam elements 30. Like the basin-shaped element 20, the sill beam elements 30 extend along the longitudinal axis L. The sill beam elements 30 extend beyond the basin-shaped element 20 at their ends in longitudinal sections 32. Transverse elements 40 are arranged or fixed through these longitudinal sections. The transverse elements 40 on the right are shown at a distance, meaning they are not yet fixed to the basin-shaped element 20. As can be seen, the transverse element 40 (especially see the right half of the figure) has a bottom section 42, a wall section 44, and a flange section 46. This geometry is configured to match the geometry of the basin-shaped element 20 in the engagement region 48. Thus, an engagement region 48 can be created that is completely flat or planar, also see reference numeral E. The (sealing) plane E is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L and the bottom plane B. The transverse element 40 and the sill element 30 together form a frame that, on the one hand, continues the geometry of the basin-shaped element 20, and on the other hand, since the basin-shaped element 20 is preferably a metal plate, the frame ensures the necessary rigidity or strength, thereby ensuring the impact safety of the lower housing component 10. The transverse element 50, oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis L, also contributes to this. Only two such transverse elements 50 are shown exemplarily in this schematic diagram. It is also exemplarily shown that the basin-shaped element 20 can be reinforced by the longitudinal beam 60. It can be seen that the transverse element 40 is fixed or connected outside the arrangement space A by the longitudinal section 32. As a result, this construction allows for advantageous use with fixing elements, such as screws, since no sealing is required outside the arrangement space A. In contrast, the sealing portion within the arrangement space A, along the mating area 48, provides a good seal due to its simple geometry. A sealing surface 12 is formed on the frame created by the transverse element 40 and the sill element 30, or the flange element 26 extending along the sill element 30. This sealing surface engages with a cover element (not shown) of the accumulator housing. The cover element is secured, for example, by a fixing point 14 (at... Figure 1 (Illustrated schematically with black dots) Arranged or detachably fixed. For clarity, only some fixing points 14 are shown.

[0031] Figure 2A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the lower housing component 10 is shown in a side view, in which the sill element 30 can be seen, each having a longitudinal section 32 formed at its end. Engagement portions 70 for arranging transverse elements 40 are formed (form-locking and / or force-locking) on ​​the longitudinal sections 32. Reference numeral 46 indicates the flange section of the basin-shaped element 20, which is no longer visible here.

[0032] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 Section A shows the sill element 30, on which a reinforcing element 34 is arranged on the outer side. The sill element 30 is arranged on the outer side of the wall element 24 of the basin element 20. Reference numeral 72 indicates a (material-locking) joint, such as a weld, through which the sill element 30—in this case indirectly via the reinforcing element 34—is attached to the basin element 20. The advantage of the flange element 26 is that the joint 72 is positioned away from the arrangement space A, see [reference]. Figure 1 In the example depicted here, a longitudinal beam 60 is arranged on the inner side of the wall element 24, which can serve as an additional reinforcement. One of the crossbeams 50 can be seen transversely to the longitudinal axis L. The crossbeams 50 or the longitudinal beams 60 are connected, for example, by means of material locking connection techniques, such as adhesives, and particularly by means of structural adhesives.

[0033] Figure 4 The lower half of the figure (on the left) shows a schematic diagram of the horizontal element 40, as shown from... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Basically, as is known. For better understanding, two enlarged sectional views or detailed views are shown, see B and C. Detailed view B can be said to be from the arrangement space A (see... Figure 1 The transverse element 40 is shown from a perspective that reveals the bottom section 22, the wall section 44, and the flange section 46. These form a joining region 48. The geometry conforms to the geometry of the basin-shaped element to which the transverse element 40 is attached. In other words, the transverse element 40 at least regionally continues the geometry of the basin-shaped element, thereby creating a joining region 48 with a particularly simple geometry. Cross-sectional view C shows a schematic diagram of the implementation of the transverse element 40 in the region where the longitudinal section is attached, see, for example, [link to cross-sectional view]. Figure 1 As can be seen, the fixing section 49 has four holes or openings in the embodiment shown here for arranging suitable fixing devices, such as screws.

[0034] List of reference numerals

[0035] 10 Lower Housing Components

[0036] 12 Sealing surface

[0037] 14 Fixing points of components on the housing

[0038] 20 Basin-shaped components

[0039] 22 Bottom Components

[0040] 24 wall components

[0041] 26 Flange elements

[0042] 30 Threshold Beam Components

[0043] 32 Longitudinal Sections

[0044] 34 Reinforcing Components

[0045] 40 Horizontal Components

[0046] 42 Bottom Section

[0047] 44 Wall Section

[0048] 46 Flange Section

[0049] 48 Joint area

[0050] 49 Fixed Sections

[0051] 50 crossbeams

[0052] 60 Longitudinal Beam

[0053] 70 (Form-locking and / or force-locking) engagement parts

[0054] 72 (Material locking) Joint

[0055] L longitudinal axis

[0056] E (Sealing) plane

[0057] B Bottom plane

[0058] A. Space arrangement

Claims

1. The lower part of the accumulator housing (10). The lower housing component includes a basin-shaped element (20). in, The basin-shaped element (20) has a bottom element (22), and the basin-shaped element has side wall elements (24) extending along the longitudinal axis (L), and A sill beam element (30) is arranged on the outer side of the wall element (24), and the sill beam element extends from the wall element (24) at the end side in longitudinal sections (32) along the longitudinal axis (L). A transverse element (40) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis (L) is arranged on the end side of the basin-shaped element (20). The basin-shaped element (20) and the transverse elements (40) arranged on the end side are combined to create a surrounding closed arrangement space. The transverse element (40) includes a bottom section (42) and a wall section (44), such that the transverse element (40) continues the geometry of the basin-shaped element (20). The geometry of the transverse element (40) is configured to be consistent with the geometry of the basin-shaped element (20) in the joint area (48), thereby providing a flat or planar joint area (48) between the transverse element and the basin-shaped element. The transverse element (40) and the basin-shaped element (20) are connected via the joint area (48). The joint area describes a plane that is perpendicular to the bottom plane of the basin-shaped element (20) and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (L). The sill beam element (30) is fixed to the transverse element (40) at the end by means of the longitudinal section (32). The basin-shaped element (20) is a one-piece element, the wall element (24) of the basin-shaped element (20) is constructed by regional variation of the bottom element (22), the sill element (30) is a profile element cut to a fixed length, and the basin-shaped element (20) is cut to a fixed length corresponding to the length of the sill element (30).

2. The lower housing component (10) according to claim 1, wherein, The sill element (30) is connected to the transverse element (40) in a form-locking and / or force-locking manner.

3. The lower housing component (10) according to claim 2, wherein, The sill element (30) is threadedly connected to the transverse element (40).

4. The housing lower component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The wall element (24) is materially locked to the sill element (30).

5. The housing lower component (10) according to claim 4, wherein, The wall element (24) is welded to the sill element (30).

6. The housing lower component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The wall element (24) has a flange section (46) oriented parallel to the bottom element (21), and the sill element (30) is fixed on the flange section (46).

7. The housing lower component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The transverse element (40) is materially locked onto the basin-shaped element (20).

8. The housing lower component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Multiple crossbeams (50) are arranged along the longitudinal axis (L) and oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis.

9. The housing lower component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The transverse element (40) is a casting.

10. The housing lower component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The sill element (30) is an extruded profile.

11. The housing lower component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The basin-shaped element (20) is a chamfered aluminum plate.

12. Accumulator housing product series, in, Each accumulator housing has a housing lower component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The sill element (30) is a profile element, each of which is cut to a fixed length to form an accumulator housing of different sizes, and each transverse element (40) has the same length.

13. The product family according to claim 12, wherein, The lateral element (40) is the same within the product series.

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