Pressure vessel structure assembly and motor vehicle

Abstract

The technology disclosed herein relates to a pressure vessel construction assembly (10) comprising a plurality of pressure vessels (20), one or more stationary supports (30) and one or more movable supports (40), wherein an initial intruding space (7) is determined and a dynamic intruding space is determined opposite the movable supports (40) by movement of the pressure vessels (20) along the movable supports (40). The technology disclosed herein furthermore relates to a motor vehicle (1) comprising such a pressure vessel construction assembly (10) according to the invention.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a pressure vessel structure assembly and to a motor vehicle comprising such a pressure vessel structure assembly. BACKGROUND

[0002] A pressure vessel structure assembly typically has a plurality of pressure vessels which can be used for storing gaseous fuel. Such a pressure vessel structure assembly can for example be used in a motor vehicle or in other mobile units in order to provide them with gaseous fuel. In particular, more and more attempts are made to use the underfloor space in motor vehicles for accommodating pressure vessel structure assemblies. Here, it is typically required to pass the pile test for vehicle approval, which simulates a lateral collision in that a pile collides from the side onto the vehicle. The energy is here typically intercepted by a side sill which is correspondingly rigidly designed. In addition, an intrusion space is provided which is provided as a deformation area for the side sill in the event of a collision.

[0003] The provision of an intrusion space defines the extension of the pressure vessels and thus the amount of stored gaseous fuel.

[0004] The document DE 102019202895 A1 discloses a storage module having a plurality of tubular pressure tanks, each of which is arranged axially between two opposite receiving plates and is connected to the receiving plates at axial end portions of the pressure tanks, wherein the pressure tanks are rigidly fixed to one of the receiving plates and axially movably fixed to the other receiving plate. SUMMARY

[0005] It is a preferred task of the technology disclosed herein to reduce or eliminate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior known solutions or to propose an alternative solution. In particular, it is a preferred task of the technology disclosed herein to provide a pressure vessel structure assembly with a good space utilization. Other preferred tasks can result from the advantages of the technology disclosed herein. The tasks are solved by a pressure vessel structure assembly according to the invention.

[0006] The technology disclosed herein relates to a pressure vessel structure assembly having (i) a plurality of pressure vessels, each of which is arranged parallel to one another, (ii) one or more fixed supports, and (iii) one or more movable supports, wherein each pressure vessel is fixed at one longitudinal end to a fixed support and at the opposite longitudinal end to a movable support, so that the movable supports determine a static intrusion space and a dynamic intrusion space is determined opposite the movable supports by the movement of the pressure vessels along the movable supports.

[0007] By means of such a pressure vessel structural assembly the structural space is saved in a preferred manner. It is no longer necessary to provide an intrusion space on both sides, but rather it is sufficient to determine an initial intrusion space on one side, in particular on the side of the movable bearing, which automatically moves to the other side in the case of a side impact. Thereby an additional length of the pressure vessel can be achieved and the structural space to be planned overall as intrusion space is reduced. Nevertheless, the same safety requirements can be met.

[0008] The fixed bearing is in particular understood to be a bearing by means of which the longitudinal end of the pressure vessel is fixedly connected with the vehicle body of the motor vehicle. The movable bearing can in particular be understood to be a bearing which, although it fixes the longitudinal end of the pressure vessel, typically allows a movement of the longitudinal end relative to the vehicle body in one direction, in particular a straight path. Thus by means of such a movable bearing a defined movement of the longitudinal end fixed thereon can be allowed without an undefined state or influencing the stability of the system.

[0009] The intrusion space is in particular understood to be a structural space which is provided for the bending of the side sill in the case of a side impact. It is thus a space which can be occupied by the side sill in the case of a side impact without the pressure vessel being damaged. Such an intrusion space typically exists on both sides in embodiments according to the prior art. In the embodiments described here the intrusion space initially exists on one side and moves to the other side as a dynamic intrusion space if necessary. It can also be said that the bent side sill does not damage the pressure vessel on the side which does not constitute the initial intrusion space as perhaps in a rigid fixation, but rather only moves the pressure vessel and thus itself causes its intrusion space.

[0010] Preferably, the movable bearing can achieve a mobility of at least 10 mm or at least 20 mm. Such values prove feasible for typical applications. In particular, the movable bearing can allow a mobility of at least 20 mm, at least 50 mm or at least 100 mm and / or at most 50 mm, at most 100 mm or at most 150 mm. This can achieve sufficient tolerances with respect to a side impact event in a typical vehicle and at the same time a higher length of the pressure vessel compared to known embodiments in order to store more gaseous fuel.

[0011] The movable bearing can in particular allow a mobility in or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel. The longitudinal directions can in particular be parallel to one another. Such a mobility can achieve a favourable movement of the pressure vessel in its longitudinal direction in the case of a side impact event, so that the pressure vessel can move towards the other side, for example in a motor vehicle. The pressure vessel can in particular be installed transversely in the motor vehicle.

[0012] According to an embodiment, only one pressure vessel is fixed on each stationary support. In other words, in such an embodiment, a separate stationary support is provided for each pressure vessel.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the pressure vessels are provided in groups, wherein each group of pressure vessels is jointly fixed on one or more stationary supports. In other words, the pressure vessels are divided into groups, and each group of pressure vessels is jointly fixed on a corresponding one or more stationary supports. Thereby the pressure vessels can also be stabilized with respect to one another on the stationary support side. The groups can in particular be non-overlapping, so that, expediently, each pressure vessel is exactly provided in one group and only the pressure vessels belonging to one corresponding group are jointly fixed.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the movable supports are arranged between the pressure vessels, seen in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessels. Thereby it is possible to save construction space desirably, in particular also in the vertical direction.

[0015] However, other embodiments are also possible.

[0016] According to an embodiment, only one pressure vessel is fixed on each movable support.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the pressure vessels are provided in groups, wherein each group of pressure vessels is jointly fixed on one or more movable supports. In other words, the pressure vessels are divided into groups, and each group of pressure vessels is jointly fixed on a corresponding one or more movable supports. Thereby the pressure vessels can also be stabilized with respect to one another on the movable support side. The groups can in particular be non-overlapping, so that, expediently, each pressure vessel is exactly provided in one group and only the pressure vessels belonging to one corresponding group are jointly fixed. Here, in particular, the same grouping as explained more above with respect to the stationary supports can be involved. However, another grouping of the pressure vessels on the movable support side can also be carried out.

[0018] Each group can in particular have two, three or more pressure vessels. This applies to the movable support side and the stationary support side.

[0019] According to one embodiment, one, some or all of the fixed supports are rigidly connected to at least one of the movable supports. This relates in particular to the parts of the movable supports which are connected or at least can be connected to the vehicle body in addition. The fixed supports and the movable supports can thus stabilize one another. Such a connection can be made, for example, by means of a connecting tab provided for this purpose, which can be present in addition to the vehicle body. In particular, the connection described here is a connection which is present in addition to the fact that the movable supports and also the fixed supports are typically already connected to the vehicle body as a matter of course.

[0020] The technology disclosed here furthermore relates to a motor vehicle having (i) a vehicle body and (ii) at least one pressure vessel arrangement as described here, which is installed in the vehicle body. All embodiments can be adopted with regard to the pressure vessel arrangement. In such a motor vehicle it is possible, in particular, to use a longer pressure vessel than in the prior art, so that a larger volume is possible.

[0021] The pressure vessel of the pressure vessel arrangement can be oriented in particular transversely to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. The longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle is in particular the direction in which the motor vehicle moves forwards when the steered wheels of the motor vehicle are straight ahead. The transverse direction is in particular horizontal and transverse to the longitudinal direction. The pressure vessel or rather its longitudinal axis typically extends along this transverse direction. However, other embodiments are also possible here.

[0022] Each of the pressure vessels can be arranged in particular asymmetrically along the transverse direction of the motor vehicle, so that an initial intrusion space is formed on one side of the installation space and the fixed support adjoins to the other side of the installation space. It is thus possible to achieve the best possible utilization of the existing installation space, wherein, for the case of a side impact event on the side of the initial intrusion space, this intrusion space is available, while the pressure vessel does not move, and for the case of a side impact event from the other side, the pressure vessel moves in such a way that the initial intrusion space is converted into a dynamic intrusion space on the other side and is likewise available. On the side of the fixed support, an initial intrusion space is thus preferably not formed. The installation space can be determined in particular between two side sills.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first side sill can be arranged directly adjacent to the pressure vessel or laterally of the pressure vessel at a distance of at most 50 mm, 100 mm or 150 mm from the fixed support. According to one embodiment, the second side sill can be arranged directly adjacent to the movable support or laterally of the pressure vessel structure assembly at a distance of at most 50 mm, 100 mm or 150 mm from the movable support. Directly adjacent embodiments are to be understood in particular such that no technically relevant distance remains between the respective support and the side sill. A distance of up to 150 mm can be provided for example for component tolerances or thermal deformations. With such dimensions the best possible use of the installation space can be achieved.

[0024] The pressure vessel structure assembly can be used in particular in a motor vehicle, for example a passenger car, a motorcycle, a commercial vehicle. The pressure vessel structure assembly is used for storing fuel in the gaseous state under ambient conditions. The pressure vessel structure assembly can be used for example in a motor vehicle which is operated with compressed (also referred to as compressed natural gas or CNG) or liquefied (also referred to as liquefied natural gas or LNG) natural gas or hydrogen. The pressure vessel structure assembly is typically fluidically connected to at least one energy converter which is designed to convert the chemical energy of the fuel into another form of energy. In particular, a gas-operated internal combustion engine or a fuel cell can be involved here.

[0025] The pressure vessels can be implemented for example as composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPV). The pressure vessels can be implemented for example as cryogenic pressure vessels or as high-pressure gas vessels. High-pressure gas vessels constitute a design for storing fuel durably at a nominal working pressure (also referred to as Nominal Working Pressure or NWP) of at least 350 bar (= overpressure relative to atmospheric pressure) or at least 700 bar in the ambient temperature. Cryogenic pressure vessels are suitable for storing fuel at the above-mentioned working pressure also at temperatures which are significantly (for example by more than 50 K or by more than 100 K) lower than the operating temperature of the motor vehicle.

[0026] The pressure vessels of the pressure vessel structure assembly can be combined in particular and constitute a durably connected unit with support elements, fixed elements and / or protective elements (for example baffles, barrier sections, barrier layers, cover sections, coatings, wrapping sections, etc.), which can be fitted in the floor region in particular under the passenger interior space. The longitudinal axes of the pressure vessels can extend parallel to one another in the installed position and / or each pressure vessel can have a length-diameter ratio which has a value of between 4 and 200, preferably between 5 and 100 and particularly preferably between 6 and 50.

[0027] In other words, an intrusion space typically cannot be used for the integration of rigid components. In known embodiments, the intrusion space is typically provided on both sides in order to take into account side impact events from both sides. This limits the structural space available for the integration of pressure vessels and thus also for the storage volume.

[0028] Since side impacts generally only occur from one side, it is possible, in particular, to provide an intrusion space as a deformation space only on one side. In this way, the intrusion space can be reduced, for example, by approximately 50% in such a way that the intrusion space for a crash accident is provided only on one side. The structural space freed up can additionally be used for the storage of gaseous fuel in such a way that the pressure vessel is correspondingly lengthened.

[0029] The concept described here specifies a fixed design of pressure vessels arranged laterally on a vehicle, which enables full use of the selected intrusion space in the event of a side impact, independently of the side of the impact, and the pressure vessel does not experience a pressure load in the longitudinal direction of the vessel. For this purpose, a fixed-movable bearing is suitably selected for the fixed design. The movable bearing enables a movement stroke in the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel here at least as much as is available in the same direction at the intrusion space. In normal vehicle operation, stress-free fixing of the pressure vessel is also possible on the movable bearing side, which experiences slight elongation by charging and extraction.

[0030] If a side impact occurs on the movable bearing side, the intrusion space is provided and the pressure vessel is not moved by the impact. If a side impact occurs on the fixed bearing side, the relevant pressure vessel is moved in the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessel by the fixed bearing and guided by the movable bearing.

[0031] The movable bearing can be implemented as a sliding bearing or as a roller bearing. A corresponding axial guide can be provided for this purpose. For example, a guide rail can be provided.

[0032] In order to optimize the structural space utilization and thus to arrange the pressure vessels parallel directly next to one another, the guide rails can be between the respective pressure vessels. The profile geometry in which the guide rails are integrated can have a trapezoidal shape. In a side view, the trapezoidal profile can be between the respective pressure vessels. In this way, it is possible, at least in certain embodiments, to prevent the movement of the pressure vessels in the longitudinal direction of the vessel being blocked by the trapezoidal profile in the event of a crash.

[0033] The guide rails can be implemented, for example, as a version of a T-slot. The T-slot is suitable not only for guiding a slider, for example, in a sliding bearing, but also for guiding a roller bearing. The guide rails can be mounted here on the upper side and / or on the lower side. There is also the possibility of combining a plurality of vessels as a module and guiding them jointly.

[0034] When the ladder profile is bridged over the entire vehicle width, the rigidity in the event of a crash is produced, the rail integrated on the movable support side into the ladder profile.

[0035] Also suitable in the case of a bridged ladder profile is a bridged T-slot rail. This offers additional possibilities for the fixed design on the fixed support side and increases the rigidity compared to the ladder hollow profile. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] The technology disclosed herein is now explained with the aid of the drawings. Shown here is:

[0037] Figure 1 A motor vehicle is shown;

[0038] Figure 2 A cross section of a motor vehicle is shown;

[0039] Figure 3 A side view of a motor vehicle is shown;

[0040] Figure 4 An alternative embodiment of a motor vehicle is shown; and

[0041] Figure 5 A further alternative embodiment of a motor vehicle is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1 A motor vehicle 1 according to an embodiment is shown purely schematically. The motor vehicle 1 has four purely schematically shown wheels, which enable a movement of the motor vehicle 1 in a longitudinal direction. The motor vehicle 1 has a vehicle body 4, to which other components are fixed.

[0043] A first side rocker 5 and a second side rocker 6 are arranged laterally on the motor vehicle 1. A pressure vessel structure assembly 10 is arranged between the two side rockers 5, 6. The pressure vessel structure assembly 10 has a plurality of pressure vessels 20, each of which extends in a transverse direction of the motor vehicle 1.

[0044] On one side, the pressure vessels 20 are fixed at the respective longitudinal end in a fixed support 30. These fixed supports establish a connection to the vehicle body 4. The fixed supports 30 are here embodied directly adjoining to the first side rocker 5 as shown.

[0045] On the opposite side, the longitudinal end of the pressure vessels 20 is fixed in a movable support 40. The movable support 40 is embodied directly adjoining to the second side rocker 6. Each pressure vessel 20 is here connected with an angle piece 22, which is in turn connected with the movable support 40 by means of a vertical pin 23.

[0046] The movable support 40 has a degree of freedom, that is, it has the ability to move along the lateral direction of the motor vehicle 1 to fix the pressure vessel 20. The movable support 40 can therefore enable the pressure vessel 20 to move toward the second side sill 6 in the corresponding lateral movement of the fixed support 30.

[0047] exist Figure 1 In the state shown, an initial intrusion space 7 is provided between the second side sill 6 and the pressure vessel 20, in which the second side sill 6 can bend in a side impact event without contacting or damaging one of the pressure vessels 20. The initial intrusion space 7 is shown in shaded lines. This can thus advantageously improve safety in a side impact event. However, if the side impact event occurs from the other side, the first side sill 5 bends inward, and at this time the fixed support 30 moves laterally toward the second side sill 6. The pressure vessels 20 can perform this movement together without problems based on the support in the movable support 40, thereby transforming the initial intrusion space 7 into a dynamic intrusion space on the opposite side of the pressure vessels 20, which is actually usable by bending relative to the first side sill 5 without contacting or damaging one of the pressure vessels 20.

[0048] This implementation allows for a greater length of the pressure vessel 20 compared to known implementations, which require intrusion spaces on both sides. The length is... Figure 1 The length difference ΔL is plotted in the middle. This can increase the amount of gaseous fuel to be carried.

[0049] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A detailed side view of the components of the motor vehicle. Here it can be seen that the fixed support 30 establishes a direct connection between the pressure vessel 20 and the vehicle body 4. On the opposite side, the angle member 22 and the pin 23 are visible in the side view. The pin 23, as shown, establishes a connection with the movable support 40, which in turn is fixed to the vehicle body 4. As shown, space is provided between the angle member 22 and the second side sill 6 for movement.

[0050] Figure 3A side view of the pressure vessel arrangement 10 on the vehicle body 4 is shown. The arrangement of the movable bearings 40 is also more clearly visible here. The arrangement is between two directly adjacent pressure vessels 20, respectively. The pins 23 are inserted from above into the respective movable bearing 40. With such an embodiment, the construction space can be ideally utilized and the movable bearings 40 do not impede the movement of the pressure vessels 20. The movable bearings 40 are currently as shown directly seated on the vehicle body 4. Each movable bearing 40 has a T-shaped slot 42 in the embodiment shown, which is shown in a detailed view in Figure 3 . The pins 23 can be inserted from above into this slot and thus ensure a reliable guidance of the respective pressure vessel 20. In particular, it is thereby also possible to prevent the pressure vessels 20 from being lifted upwards.

[0051] Figure 4 A motor vehicle 1 according to an alternative embodiment is shown. In contrast to the already explained embodiments, here three pressure vessels 20, respectively, are combined into a group. Each group of pressure vessels 20 has connecting rails 32 on the fixed bearing side, which connect the pressure vessels 20 to one another. Thereby, the stability can be further improved. In addition, each group of pressure vessels 20 also has respective connecting elements 24 on the movable bearing side, which connect the pressure vessels 20 of the group to one another on the movable bearing side. The stability is also further improved thereby, since three pressure vessels 20, respectively, are rigidly connected to one another. The functionality of the dynamically usable intrusion space is nevertheless retained. The connecting elements 24 take over the function of the angle pieces 22 in the embodiment of Figure 1 .

[0052] Figure 5 A further alternative embodiment of the motor vehicle 1 is shown. In addition to the embodiment of Figure 4 , the fixed bearings 30 and the movable bearings 40 are also connected to one another by connecting webs 34. Thereby, the stability of the overall system is improved, which enables a better guarantee of the functionality, in particular also in the event of a severe side impact.

[0053] Overall, it is possible to save intrusion space in an advantageous manner with the embodiments described here, without having to consider limitations in terms of safety. Thereby, the storage capacity for stored fuel can be increased.

[0054] The term "at least one" is partially omitted in simplified form for reasons of legibility. Whenever a feature of the technology disclosed here is stated in singular or indeterminately (e.g. the / one pressure vessel, the / one movable bearing, etc.), its plural is also disclosed at the same time (e.g. the at least one pressure vessel, the at least one movable bearing, etc.).

[0055] The foregoing description of the application only illustrates the principles of the application. Various changes and modifications can be suggested to those skilled in the art and they are intended to be within the scope of the application and equivalents thereof.

[0056] List of reference signs

[0057] 1 motor vehicle

[0058] 4 vehicle body

[0059] 5, 6 side sills

[0060] 7 intrusion space

[0061] 10 pressure vessel structural assembly

[0062] 20 pressure vessel

[0063] 22 corner piece

[0064] 23 pin

[0065] 24 connecting element

[0066] 30 fixed bearing

[0067] 32 connecting rail

[0068] 34 connecting web

[0069] 40 movable bearing

[0070] 42 slot

Claims

1. Pressure vessel arrangement (10) having - a plurality of pressure vessels (20), each of which is arranged parallel to one another, - one or a plurality of fixed supports (30), and - one or a plurality of movable supports (40), each pressure vessel (20) being fixed at one longitudinal end on a fixed support (30) and at the opposite longitudinal end on a movable support (40), characterized in that the movable supports (40) determine an initial intrusion space (7) for a side impact on the movable support side and, by means of the movement of the pressure vessels (20) along the movable supports (40), a dynamic intrusion space for a side impact on the fixed support side opposite the movable supports, so that in the event of a side impact on the fixed support side and the movable support side the pressure vessels (20) are not damaged and the storage capacity of the pressure vessels (20) is increased, the movable supports (40) being designed as slide supports with guide rails or as roller supports with guide rails. The movable supports (40) can realize a mobility of at least 10 mm or at least 20 mm. The movable supports (40) can realize a mobility of at most 150 mm. The movable supports (40) can realize a mobility in the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessels (20) or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessels. wherein Only one pressure vessel (20) is fixed on each fixed support (30).

2. The pressure vessel construction assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the pressure vessels (20) is assigned to a plurality of groups, and each group of pressure vessels (20) is jointly fixed on one or a plurality of fixed supports (30).

3. The pressure vessel structure assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Each of the movable supports (40) is arranged between each of the pressure vessels (20) offset in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the pressure vessels (20).

4. The pressure vessel structure assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Only one pressure vessel (20) is fixed on each movable support (40).

5. The pressure vessel structure assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Each of the pressure vessels (20) is assigned to a plurality of groups, and each group of pressure vessels (20) is jointly fixed on one or a plurality of movable supports (40).

6. The pressure vessel structure assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein One, some or all of the fixed supports (30) are rigidly connected to at least one movable support (40).

7. The pressure vessel structure assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 11. Motor vehicle (1) having a vehicle body (4) and at least one pressure vessel arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, which is installed in the vehicle body (4).

8. The pressure vessel structure assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The pressure vessels (20) of the pressure vessel arrangement (10) are oriented transverse to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle (1).

9. The pressure vessel construction assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The pressure vessels (20) are arranged asymmetrically in the transverse direction of the motor vehicle (1), so that an initial intrusion space (7) is formed on one side of the installation space and the fixed supports (30) adjoin the other side of the installation space.

10. The pressure vessel structure assembly (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, 14. Motor vehicle (1) according to one of claims 11 to 13, - wherein a first side sill (5) is arranged laterally of the pressure vessel arrangement (10) directly adjoining the fixed supports (30) or at a distance of at most 150 mm from the fixed supports, and / or 12. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 11, wherein and / or 13. Motor vehicle (1) according to claim 12, wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ - A second side rocker (6) is provided laterally of the pressure vessel structure assembly (10) directly adjoining the active support (40) or at a distance of at most 150 mm from the active support.

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