Body structure for a passenger car capable of electric operation

Abstract

The invention relates to a body structure (3) for an electrically driven passenger car, comprising at least one carrier element (9) by means of which the body structure can be fixed to at least one carrier element of a conveyor system (1) in the region of a receiving contour (18) during the production of the passenger car. In order to provide a body structure capable of receiving both bodies for passenger cars equipped with internal combustion engines (ICE) and bodies for passenger cars equipped with electric drives (BEVs, BEVs), the invention provides that the receiving contour is formed on the carrier element at least partially by an adapter component (24) arranged on the carrier element, and that the body structure is designed as a rear vehicle structure comprising a carrier element arranged in the region of a rear element (10), and that the adaptation of the receiving contour across the construction variants is achieved by using the adapter component in the region of the carrier element specific to the construction variant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a body structure for an electrically driven passenger car, a modular system for such a body structure, and a method for producing such a body structure. Background Art

[0002] When producing bodies for passenger cars, multiple modular body structures, such as the rear vehicle structure, the front vehicle structure, the floor structure, and other components / modules or parts, are typically joined together. The individual body structures, i.e., the individual modules of the entire body of the passenger car, must be brought to a system, for example, where the modules are joined / welded together. This is typically accomplished using conveyor systems, in which the modules or body structures are transported, for example, in a suspended manner. The respective body structure typically has at least one carrier element, by means of which it can be secured in the region of a receiving contour to at least one receiving element, such as a hook on the conveyor system.

[0003] Furthermore, in the pursuit of maximum flexibility in the production of passenger cars with different drive concepts, it is desirable to use the same body structure, such as the rear vehicle structure, across all design variants, for the various drive concepts, not only for passenger cars with pure internal combustion engines (ICEs) but also for those with electric drives (BEVs, PHEVs). However, these body structures, even across design variants, may vary slightly, for example to meet the specific requirements of the respective drive concept. Thus, for example, in a rear design or rear vehicle structure, a different type of structure must be selected in the area of ​​the heel plate. However, as explained above, this heel plate area typically contains a support element by which the body structure can be secured to at least one receiving element, such as a hook, of a conveyor system in the area of ​​a receiving contour. Consequently, the design variant-specific variations of the body structure in the area of ​​the support element prevent the body structure from being consistently transported for all passenger car design variants (ICEs, BEVs, PHEVs) using the same hook or similar receiving element. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to create a body structure and a modular system as well as a method of the type mentioned in the introduction, by means of which body structures for different drive concepts for passenger cars can be supplied.

[0005] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a vehicle body structure having the features described below, a modular system having the features described below, and a method for producing a vehicle body structure having the features described below.

[0006] The body structure according to the invention is configured, for example, as a rear structure or rear vehicle structure of an electrically operated motor vehicle, comprising at least one carrier element, in particular a cross member, by means of which the body structure, in particular the rear vehicle structure, can be fixed in the region of a receiving contour to at least one carrier element, in particular a hook, of a conveying device by means of the carrier element, wherein the receiving contour is formed on the carrier element at least partially by an adapter component arranged on the carrier element, and the body structure is configured as a rear vehicle structure comprising a carrier element arranged in the region of a heel element, wherein the adaptation of the receiving contour across the construction variants is achieved by using an adapter component in the region of the carrier element specific to the construction variant.

[0007] In order to create a vehicle body structure for both vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICEs) and vehicles with electric drives (BEVs, PHEVs), the present invention provides that the receiving contour of the carrier element is at least partially formed by an adapter component provided on the carrier element. By providing the adapter component on the carrier element, a receiving contour can be created that corresponds, for example, to a vehicle body structure for a vehicle with a purely internal combustion engine. In other words, the adapter component according to the present invention allows the vehicle body structure for an electrically operated vehicle to be adapted to the vehicle body structure for a vehicle with only an internal combustion engine. Specifically, in the region of the receiving contour, the respective vehicle body structures come into contact with the same receiving element or hook of the conveyor system. Consequently, vehicle body structures for vehicles with different drive concepts can be transported using the same conveyor system, allowing for the creation of highly flexible production facilities that are as diverse as possible.

[0008] In summary, it is conceivable that different support elements, for example in the area of ​​the heel plate, are provided for body structures of different drive concepts, namely, the rear vehicle structure for a passenger car with only an internal combustion engine (ICE) and the rear vehicle structure for a passenger car with electric drive (BEV, PHEV). The receiving contours of the two support elements or body structures can be made consistent at least in important locations by using corresponding adapter components in the body structure for the electrically driven motor vehicle to form a receiving contour of the support element that is also used in the body structure for the motor vehicle with only an internal combustion engine. Of course, the opposite is also conceivable, namely, providing an adapter component in the rear vehicle structure for a vehicle with only an internal combustion engine and thus adapting it to the rear vehicle structure of a vehicle with at least a partially electric drive.

[0009] In another embodiment of the present invention, it has proven advantageous to insert the adapter component into a cavity in the carrier element. In the case of rear vehicle structures, the adapter component can be used in particular in carrier elements designed as so-called double heels, i.e., as two-walled carrier components, between which the adapter component is arranged. This results in a concealed arrangement of the adapter component, which also saves considerable space. Furthermore, the adapter component can thus advantageously be arranged in a dry area of ​​the vehicle body.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present invention, the body structure is designed as a rear vehicle structure that includes a carrier element arranged in the region of a foot element. As already explained, such a foot element in a body structure for an electrically powered vehicle (BEV) must appear differently than a foot element for a rear vehicle structure of a passenger car (ICE) with a purely internal combustion engine, for example, because the foot element restricts the space available for an underfloor energy storage system.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the adapter part forms corresponding contact surfaces for the hook. Said contact surfaces preferably extend at corresponding angles relative to each other so that the body structure or rear vehicle structure can be securely fixed on the corresponding receiving element, in particular on the hook.

[0012] In this regard, it has proven particularly advantageous if the carrier element, in particular the foot element, has an opening through which the hook can be inserted. This allows the adapter component to be arranged in a cavity of the carrier element or foot element. It has also proven advantageous if the opening is subsequently closed by a closing element. This not only allows the dry area of ​​the vehicle body to be sealed and prevents the ingress of dirt into the carrier element or foot element, but also closes the load path between the carrier element or foot element and the laterally adjacent side sill, thereby achieving advantages in terms of vehicle body rigidity and stability.

[0013] The advantages described in conjunction with the vehicle body structure according to the invention apply in the same manner to the modular system according to the invention and the method according to the invention for producing such a vehicle body structure. With the aid of the modular system or the associated method, it is thus possible to easily create vehicle body structures that span across configuration variants for passenger cars with different drive concepts (ICE, BEV, PHEV). These vehicle body structures, on the one hand, have configuration variant-specific components, such as carrier elements, in certain areas, but on the other hand, have configuration variant-specific receiving contours in the area of ​​the respective configuration variant-specific carrier elements, so that all vehicle body structures can be fixed uniformly to corresponding receiving elements / hooks of the conveyor system. In the present case, the adaptation of the configuration variant-specific receiving contours is achieved by using adapter components in the area of ​​the configuration variant-specific carrier elements.

[0014] Further features of the invention are apparent from the claims, the drawings, and the description of the figures. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description and the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown individually in the figures can be used not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in other combinations or individually. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present invention will now be described in more detail based on preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 A perspective view shows a detail of a conveyor system with a suspension during the production of motor vehicles, to the hooks of which a corresponding body structure for a passenger car can be fastened.

[0017] Figure 2 A perspective view of a body structure in the form of a rear vehicle structure for a passenger car having only an internal combustion engine is shown, comprising a carrier element arranged in the region of a foot element, by means of which the rear vehicle structure is fastened to a vehicle according to Figure 1 On the corresponding hook of the conveying equipment,

[0018] Figure 3a -b shows the Figure 2 a perspective view and a lateral sectional view of a rear vehicle structure for a passenger car having only an internal combustion engine in the region of a receiving contour for a carrier element of a counterhook,

[0019] Figure 4 Show a form similar to Figure 1 A perspective view of the body structure of the rear vehicle structure 1 of an electrically driven passenger car, wherein the rear vehicle structure is also fastened to corresponding hooks of the conveying device,

[0020] Figure 5a -d shows the Figure 4 perspective sectional views, partial perspective views, perspective sectional views and lateral sectional views of a carrier element of a rear vehicle structure of an electrically operated passenger car designed in a manner specific to a construction variant in the region of a foot element, wherein, in order to achieve a consistent receiving contour or across construction variants, an adapter part is inserted into the carrier part of the foot element, which adapter part in the present case partially forms the receiving contour of the carrier element for the corresponding hook, and

[0021] Figure 6a -b shows the Figures 4 to 5c Respective perspective views of the rear vehicle structure in the region of the carrier element of the heel element, wherein according to Figure 6a An opening can be seen, through which a corresponding hook engages in the carrier element, which opening is Figure 6b Seal later by closing element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view shows a conveyor system 1 during the production of a passenger car. The conveyor system 1 comprises a suspension frame 2 , by means of which a body structure in the form of a rear structure or rear vehicle structure 3 is transported in a suspended manner, in the present case.

[0023] One of these rear vehicle structures 3 is Figure 2 Perspective drawing and Figure 1 The figure is shown enlarged for comparison. In this case, the rear vehicle structure 3 is for a motor vehicle (ICE) equipped solely with an internal combustion engine, i.e., without an electric drive. The rear vehicle structure 3 comprises corresponding lateral longitudinal beams 4, which are connected in front end regions 5 to the respective rear ends of a main floor structure (not visible) as a separate module. Above these longitudinal beams 4, the corresponding inner components 6 of the respective rear wheel arches 7 can be seen, onto which the corresponding sidewall components are attached during further production of the body-in-white. The rear vehicle structure 3 terminates at the rear in a transverse beam 8, which connects the longitudinal beams 4 to one another at their rear ends.

[0024] Another carrier element 9 is - as seen below together Figure 3a and 3b As can also be seen in more detail, a part of the heel element or a part of the heel wall 10 is located at the front end or here the upper end of the rear vehicle structure 3 in the vehicle transverse direction and extends approximately horizontally between the two longitudinal beams 4 or is connected to these longitudinal beams at the end sides.

[0025] As Figure 3a and 3b According to Figure 2The perspective and lateral cross-sectional views of a partial, enlarged section of the rear vehicle structure show that the carrier element 9 is designed as a sheet metal profile with an at least substantially U-shaped cross-section. This profile is joined from behind by corresponding flanges 11 to a heel sheet metal or heel element 10, which is designed to be at least substantially flat and extends in the vehicle transverse or vertical direction. Furthermore, the flanges 11 extend in the region of the respective ends of the carrier element 9, so that the carrier element, via the respective flanges 11, also joins to the corresponding inner sides 12 of the corresponding laterally disposed longitudinal members 4. Suitable joining connections are, for example, welds, particularly spot welds, or other known joining connections. The connection of the two structural elements—the carrier element 9 and the heel element 10—forms a substantially rectangular or square cross member that is closed on the outer circumference, overall, over a portion of the height of the heel element 10. This cross member connects the longitudinal members 4 to one another and reinforces the heel element 10.

[0026] In addition, by watching Figures 2 to 3b It can be seen that the vehicle body structure or rear vehicle structure 3 can be fastened by means of a carrier element 9 to two receiving elements in each case in the form of hooks 13 of the conveying device 1. The two hooks 13 are here - as shown by Figure 2 It can be derived—together with further retainers 15 provided on a transverse element 14 , for stabilizing the rear vehicle structure 3 in the desired suspension position.

[0027] Here from Figure 3a and 3b It becomes clear that the respective hook 13 has an arm 17 which is bent relative to the at least substantially vertically extending arm 16 or extends perpendicularly thereto, in which arm a hook receptacle 33 is formed which corresponds to the receptacle contour 18 on the rear vehicle structure side. Figure 3b It can be seen here that the receiving contour 18 and the hook receptacle 33 essentially have two mutual contact surfaces 19 and 20, on which the carrier element 9 or the foot element 10 rests. In particular, it can be seen that between the receiving contour 18 and the hook receptacle 33 there are groove-like free spaces 21, 22, 23, in which the receiving contour 18 does not come into contact with the carrier element 9. The free spaces 21, 22, 23 visibly prevent double engagement and ensure that the carrier element 9 is securely received and fixed within the receiving contour 18. This ensures safe transportation of the rear vehicle structure 3.

[0028] However, when producing passenger cars, it is desirable to maintain a high degree of flexibility, that is, to be able to produce vehicles with different drive systems on a single production line, such as vehicles with only an internal combustion engine (ICE), but also vehicles with only an electric drive (BEV), or vehicles with a hybrid drive (PHEV). Furthermore, it is desirable to create a separate body structure, in the present case a rear vehicle structure 3, for all drive types across various design variants in order to be able to use a high-commonality strategy.

[0029] This is achieved here in that the respective rear vehicle structures 3 of the bodies of passenger cars of all drive types are designed at least essentially identically and are modified only at the locations necessary for this in a design variant-specific manner.

[0030] In the current situation, we should now follow Figures 4 to 5c The necessary modifications to the rear vehicle structure 3 of a vehicle body for a passenger car with an electric drive (BEV, PHEV) are explained.

[0031] Accordingly, Figure 4 Similar to Figure 2 The rear vehicle structure 3 is shown suspended and fastened to the suspension frame 2 of the production plant 1 via corresponding hooks 13. Compared to rear vehicle structures for motor vehicles having only an internal combustion engine, the rear vehicle structure 3 for the body of a passenger car with an electric drive (BEV, PHEV) also has a differently designed carrier element 9 in the floor area and a cover in which the electronic components are accommodated.

[0032] In particular, when the perspective section view and the plan section view showing the rear vehicle structure 3 in the region of the heel element 10 are viewed together, Figure 5a and 5d It can also be seen that the heel element 10 for the rear vehicle structure 3 is designed in a construction variant-specific manner differently from the one according to Figure 3a and 3b The heel element 10 and the carrier element 9 for the body of a passenger car with a pure internal combustion engine. Figure 5a and 5d It can be seen that a double-walled foot element 10 is provided there, which forms the carrier element 9 or the crossbeam itself due to its double-walled nature. Figure 3a and 3b In the embodiment of the invention, the carrier element 9 is connected to the heel element or heel plate 10 at the rear, and according to Figures 4 to 5dThe embodiment of the invention provides a double-walled rear element 10 forming a carrier element 9 in a rear vehicle structure 3 for a body of a passenger car with an electric drive. Thus, while the rear vehicle structure is otherwise essentially identical across the various construction variants, the carrier element 9, as part of the rear element 10, is designed in a construction variant-specific manner. In other words, in particular, by modifying the carrier element 9 of the rear element 10, the otherwise at least essentially identical rear vehicle structure 3 is adapted to the corresponding drive concept, in the present case, to a drive concept with an electric drive.

[0033] In order that the already described identical hooks 13 of the suspension frame 2 of the conveyor device 1 can also be used for transporting the rear vehicle structure 3 with an electric drive, thereby achieving a high degree of flexibility in production, the receiving contour 18 needs to be visibly adapted to the corresponding hook 13 .

[0034] This is achieved by means of the adapter element 24, as in particular from Figure 5a As can be seen in the figure, the adapter part is inserted into the cavity 27 of the carrier element 9 in the present case and is particularly fixed, in particular engaged, on the inner side 26 of the front heel wall 10. The adapter part 24 can be designed, for example, as a sheet metal profile, a metal cast component, etc. If necessary, it is also conceivable to produce it from plastic.

[0035] In order to enable the corresponding hook 13 to engage in the carrier element 9, an opening 28 is introduced from the rear side of the carrier element 9 or the heel element 10 within the heel wall 10 in the region of the adapter part 24. Thus, the free end 29 of the arm 17 of the hook 13 can engage in the adapter part 24 via the opening 28. In particular, Figure 5d It can be clearly seen that this is the same hook 13 as is also used in the rear vehicle structure for vehicles with only an internal combustion engine (ICE). In other words, the hook 3 has the same shape in both cases.

[0036] Especially from Figure 5c and 5d It can be seen that in the present case, the receiving contour 18 of the carrier element 9 for the hook 13 is at least partially—in this example, even completely—formed by the adapter part 24. More precisely, the adapter part 24 together with the hook receptacle 33 form corresponding contact surfaces 30, 31 of the receiving contour 18, on which the free end 29 of the arm 27 of the hook 13 rests when the rear vehicle structure 3 is secured. However, it is also conceivable, for example, that the inner side 26 of the front heel wall 10 forms the contact surface 30 for the receiving contour 18 of the hook 13.

[0037] In summary, it can be seen that a modular system and a method for producing a vehicle body structure 3 using this modular system are created by the adapter component 24, so that the receiving contour 18 can be adapted to the hook 13 that can be used consistently for all design variants of the rear vehicle structure 3 by virtue of the adapter component 24 being arranged in the region of the carrier element 9 to produce at least essentially the same receiving contour in the rear vehicle structure 3 for a vehicle body with an electric drive (BEV, BEV) as in the rear vehicle structure 3 for a vehicle body with a purely internal combustion engine (ICE). Thus, on the one hand, a rear vehicle body structure, which is itself designed in a design variant-specific manner across parts of the design variant, can be transported using a uniform conveying device 1.

[0038] at last, Figure 6a and 6b Show the basis Figures 4 to 5c A corresponding perspective view of the rear vehicle structure 3 in the region of the connection point of the carrier element 9 or the double-walled foot element 10 to the corresponding longitudinal member 4 . Figure 6a Here, an opening 28 is shown in the heel wall 10 or carrier element 9, so that the free end 29 of the hook 13 can engage in the carrier element 9. After the lower vehicle structure 3 has been transported, the opening 28 can be closed with a closing element 32, which in this case is, for example, designed as a sheet metal profile. The closing element 32 can be attached to the carrier element 9, for example, by joining, particularly welding / spot welding. In this case, the closing element also has a flange 34, by which the closing element 32 is also connected to the longitudinal member 4. The closing element thus also closes or reinforces the load path between the carrier element 9 and the longitudinal member 4.

[0039] Reference Signs List

[0040] 1Conveying equipment

[0041] 2 suspension brackets

[0042] 3 Rear vehicle structure

[0043] 4 longitudinal beams

[0044] 5 End area

[0045] 6 Internal components

[0046] 7 wheel covers

[0047] 8 beams

[0048] 9 carrier elements

[0049] 10 Heel wall

[0050] 11 flange

[0051] 12 Inside

[0052] 13 Hook

[0053] 14 Transverse elements

[0054] 15 Retainer

[0055] 16 arms

[0056] 17 arms

[0057] 18 Receive Profile

[0058] 19 contact surface

[0059] 20 contact surface

[0060] 21 Free Space

[0061] 22 Free Space

[0062] 23 Free Space

[0063] 24 Adapter parts

[0064] 26 inside

[0065] 27 Cavity

[0066] 28 Opening

[0067] 29 end

[0068] 30 contact surface

[0069] 31 contact surface

[0070] 32 Close widget

[0071] 33 Hook receiving portion

[0072] 34 flange

Claims

1. A body structure (3) for an electrically operated passenger car, comprising at least one carrier element (9), by means of which the body structure (3) can be fastened in the region of a receiving contour (18) to at least one receiving element of a conveying device (1) during production of the passenger car, characterized in that The receiving contour (18) is formed on the carrier element (9) at least partially by an adapter component (24) arranged on the carrier element, and the body structure (3) is designed as a rear vehicle structure, which includes a carrier element (9) arranged in the area of ​​the heel element (10), wherein the adaptation of the receiving contour (18) across the construction variants is achieved by using the adapter component (24) in the area of ​​the carrier element (9) specific to the construction variant.

2. The vehicle body structure (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that The adapter component (24) is inserted into the cavity (27) of the carrier element (9).

3. The vehicle body structure (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The receiving element is designed as a hook (13).

4. The vehicle body structure (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that The adapter part (24) forms corresponding contact surfaces (30, 31) for the hook (13).

5. The vehicle body structure (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that The carrier element (9) has an opening (28) through which the hook (13) can be passed.

6. The vehicle body structure (3) according to claim 4, characterized in that The heel element (10) has an opening (28) through which the hook (13) can pass.

7. The vehicle body structure (3) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The opening (28) is subsequently closed by a closing element (32).

8. A modular system for a body structure (3) of a passenger car according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least one carrier element (9) specific to a construction variant selected according to a drive variant of the passenger car, wherein during production of the passenger car the body structure (3) can be fixed to at least one receiving element of a conveying device in the region of a receiving contour (18) by means of the carrier element, wherein the receiving contour covers a plurality of drive variants of the corresponding drive variants of the passenger car across the construction variants, and wherein the body structure (3) is configured as a rear vehicle structure comprising the carrier element (9) arranged in the region of a heel element (10).

9. The modular system according to claim 8, characterized in that The receiving element is designed as a hook (13).

10. Modular system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that An adapter part (24) for the receiving element is arranged in the region of the receiving contour (18) on the carrier element (9).

11. The modular system according to claim 10, characterized in that The receiving contour (18) is on the heel element (10).

12. Method for producing a body structure (3) for a passenger car according to one of claims 1 to 7 by means of a modular system, wherein: At least one structural variant-specific carrier element (9) of the body structure (3) is arranged according to the drive variant of the passenger car, and during the production of the passenger car, the body structure (3) can be fixed to at least one receiving element of the conveying device (1) by means of the carrier element in the area of ​​a receiving contour (18) of the carrier element (9), said receiving contour covering a plurality of drive variants of the corresponding drive variants of the passenger car across the structural variant, and the body structure (3) is designed as a rear vehicle structure, which includes the carrier element (9) arranged in the area of ​​a heel element (10).

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that An adapter component (24) is fixed to the carrier element (9) in the region of the receiving contour (18).

14. Modular system according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The receiving element is designed as a hook (13).

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