Hybrid motor vehicle with a drive battery housing

Abstract

Hybrid motor vehicle (5) with a body, a center tunnel (3) and a drive battery housing (1), comprising: - a first battery receiving space (40) having a first outer wall (40-1) and a first inner wall (40-2), each extending in a longitudinal direction (L), having a first front wall (40-3) and a first rear wall (40-4), each connecting the first outer wall (40-1) and the first inner wall (40-2), and a first floor (40-5), - a second battery receiving space (50) with a second outer wall (50-1) and a second inner wall (50-2), each extending in the longitudinal direction (L), with a second front wall (50-3) and a second rear wall (50-4), which respectively connect the second outer wall (50-1) and the second inner wall (50-2), and a second floor (50-5), - wherein the first inner wall (40-2) and the second inner wall (50-2) are spaced apart from each other, - the distance between the first inner wall (40-2) and the second inner wall (50-2) in the longitudinal direction (L) has at least two different dimensions (D1, D2, D3), and - at least one connecting means (45-1, 45-2) connects the first floor (40-5) of the first battery receiving space (40) and the second floor (50-5) of the second battery receiving space (50) to one another, characterized in that - the at least two different dimensions (D1, D2, D3) decrease from a front area (F) of the hybrid motor vehicle (5) to a rear area (H) of the hybrid motor vehicle (5), - the drive battery housing (1) extends from the front area (F) to below a rear seat bench and - the first inner wall (40-2) and the second inner wall (50-2) are walls of the center tunnel (30) in which a manual transmission (20) is arranged.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a hybrid motor vehicle having a body, a center tunnel and a drive battery housing.

[0002] EP 2 199 133 A2 discloses a drive battery housing for a hybrid motor vehicle, which has a first battery receiving space and a second battery receiving space. The first battery receiving space comprises a first outer wall and a first inner wall, each extending in a longitudinal direction, a first front wall and a first rear wall, each connecting the first outer wall and the first inner wall to one another, and a first floor. The second battery receiving space comprises a second outer wall and a second inner wall, each extending in said longitudinal direction, a second front wall and a second rear wall, each connecting the second outer wall and the second inner wall to one another, and a second floor.The first battery compartment and the second battery compartment are spaced apart from each other along the first inner wall and the second inner wall, respectively, creating space between them for a center tunnel. Furthermore, EP 2 199 133 A2 discloses a hybrid motor vehicle equipped with a drive battery housing of the type described above.

[0003] DE 10 2013 210 576 A1 shows a generic hybrid vehicle with a rear axle module that has a rear axle carrier and a housing connected thereto for accommodating components for providing electrical energy.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 10 2014 010 491 A1 relates to a motor vehicle with a receiving device for an electrical energy storage device with a left receiving part and a right receiving part.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2013 208 682 A1 relates to a device for holding several energy modules in a housing element consisting of two housing parts on a holding element for a hybrid vehicle.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a hybrid motor vehicle whose electric range is increased while maintaining sufficient rigidity.

[0007] This object is achieved by a hybrid motor vehicle with the combination of the features of patent claim 1. According to the invention, a drive battery housing of a hybrid motor vehicle has a distance between the first inner wall and the second inner wall, viewed in the longitudinal direction, of at least two different dimensions, and at least one connecting means connects the first floor of the first battery receiving space and the second floor of the second battery receiving space to one another. It should be noted that the term "battery" encompasses any form of electrochemical storage cells, in particular lithium-ion storage cells, or capacitors, in particular supercapacitors (also called supercapacitors).

[0008] The drive battery housing according to the invention can advantageously be fastened in a hybrid motor vehicle with non-parallel center tunnel walls or with parallel center tunnel walls that are spaced apart at various distances in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, which increases the installation space available for accommodating electric batteries and, consequently, the electrical energy available for driving a correspondingly equipped hybrid motor vehicle. Furthermore, the drive battery housing according to the invention is formed as a single piece by the connecting means, so that its installation in the hybrid motor vehicle and its possible removal therefrom can be accomplished using simple means and in a simple manner. The connecting means advantageously fixes the first battery receiving space and the second battery receiving space to one another.

[0009] Finally, the drive battery housing according to the invention, when installed, increases the rigidity of the body of the hybrid motor vehicle, which further improves its driving characteristics, particularly with regard to ride comfort. In addition, by accommodating a series of batteries or battery modules in a single drive battery housing according to the invention, only a single electrical / electronic device (E / E unit) is advantageously required, particularly for its control, which further reduces the associated complexity compared to the prior art.

[0010] Overall, the drive battery housing according to the invention offers the following advantages over the prior art: - Simplified installation and removal of all electric batteries in or from a hybrid vehicle - Simplified and safe isolation of the battery cells / modules located in the drive battery housing against environmental influences - Increased rigidity of both the drive battery housing and the hybrid vehicle body that houses it - Reduced effort regarding the E / E unit

[0011] Particularly advantageously, the at least one connecting means is attached to the first floor of the first battery compartment and to the second floor of the second battery compartment, so that the components located in the center tunnel, for example those of the exhaust system, the clutch, and / or the transmission, can be easily at least partially spanned. Furthermore, the at least one connecting means covers the spanned components in such a way that they are protected, at least in this area, from any loose or moving objects, stones, or the like on the road.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the distance between the first inner wall and the second inner wall in the region of the first front wall or the second front wall is greater than the distance between the first inner wall and the second inner wall in the region of the first rear wall or the second rear wall. This advantageously makes it possible to provide the installation space available for accommodating batteries in an area of the hybrid motor vehicle (and thus the installation space available for accommodating electric batteries per se) that is adjacent not only to an exhaust system but also to a manual transmission and / or a clutch located in the hybrid motor vehicle.

[0013] The drive battery housing is advantageously characterized in that its height in the region of the first front wall is smaller than its height in the region of the first rear wall, and / or that its height in the region of the second front wall is smaller than its height in the region of the second rear wall. This makes it possible to further increase the installation space available for the electric batteries: While the installation space located in the underbody area of a hybrid motor vehicle towards the front of the vehicle allows a comparatively low installation height for the drive battery housing according to the invention, the invention provides a greater height for the same in the rear area. Particularly advantageously, the section of the drive battery housing which has a greater height, or even the greatest height, of the first and / or second battery receiving space of the drive battery housing is located below a rear seat bench oron a rear seat holder of the hybrid vehicle.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the drive battery housing has a cover that covers both the first battery receiving space and the second battery receiving space. Thus, a one-piece cover is provided, allowing the upper closure of the drive battery housing according to the invention to be achieved particularly simply, reliably, and cost-effectively.

[0015] As previously explained, the drive battery housing according to the invention, when installed, is designed to increase the rigidity of the body of a correspondingly equipped hybrid motor vehicle. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, at least one mechanical energy-absorbing energy-absorbing means is arranged on the first outer wall and / or the second outer wall. This advantageously improves the accident and crash safety of the drive battery housing and the correspondingly equipped hybrid motor vehicle.

[0016] A particularly simple, yet effective, construction is advantageously created in that the energy absorption means has at least one hollow profile extending in the longitudinal direction of the drive battery housing.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the first inner wall and the second inner wall of the drive battery housing are aligned parallel to the center tunnel. This optimally utilizes the available installation space in the hybrid vehicle for accommodating the drive battery housing.

[0018] The drive battery housing is particularly easy to install if it is attached to the body of the hybrid vehicle from underneath it and moved upwards (also known as “bottom-load”).

[0019] In a particularly advantageous manner, the drive battery housing according to the invention can also be used as a so-called common part in a group of hybrid motor vehicles having identical drive battery housings, or in multiple vehicle classes. This means that one and the same housing is intended for motor vehicles of several vehicle classes. The term "vehicle class" is defined by the European Commission in "Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1400 / 2002 of July 31, 2002 on the application of Article 81(3) of the Treaty to categories of vertical agreements and concerted practices in the motor vehicle sector" based on a market definition under competition law: microcars, small cars, mid-range, upper mid-range, premium, luxury, sports cars, multi-purpose vehicles, and off-road vehicles.The German Federal Motor Transport Authority differentiates between minis, small cars, lower mid-size cars, mid-size cars, upper mid-size cars, luxury cars, SUVs, off-road vehicles, sports cars, small vans, large vans, utilities, and mobile homes. This advantageously enables particularly cost-effective mass production of the drive battery housings according to the invention, which can be retrofitted to newly manufactured motor vehicles or to motor vehicles already on the market.

[0020] The following is a brief description of figures of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a schematic bottom view of a hybrid motor vehicle according to the invention having a drive battery housing according to the invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective oblique view from above of the Fig. 1 shown drive battery housing in closed state. Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view along the section line AA in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 shows a section of a second, battery-free base of the drive battery housing in an oblique view from above. Fig. 5 shows part of the Fig. 2 shown drive battery housing in perspective rear view.

[0021] The following is made with reference to Fig. 1 to 5 provide a detailed, non-prejudicial, particularly limiting, description of embodiments of the present invention. Identical elements are provided with identical reference numerals unless otherwise stated.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic bottom view of a drive battery housing 1 mounted in a hybrid motor vehicle 5. The front area F of the hybrid motor vehicle 5, viewed in the main direction of travel, is located on the left in this figure, while the rear area H of the same is shown on the right. As is known per se, the hybrid motor vehicle 5 has an internal combustion engine 10 serving as the conventional drive, to which a clutch 15 and a transmission 20 are operatively connected. Furthermore, the hybrid motor vehicle 5 comprises a known exhaust system 25, which, like the clutch 15 and the transmission 20, is located in a center tunnel 30. Finally, Fig. 1 a rear seat box 35, which is also known per se, is symbolically shown.

[0023] The drive battery housing 1 has a first battery box receiving space 40 and a second battery box space 50, which extend for a large part in the longitudinal direction L of the hybrid motor vehicle 5.

[0024] The first battery receiving space 40 comprises a first outer wall 40-1 and a first inner wall 40-2, each extending in the longitudinal direction L, a first front wall 40-3 and a first rear wall 40-4, which connect the first outer wall 40-1 and the first inner wall 40-2 to each other and extend substantially in the transverse direction Q of the hybrid motor vehicle 5, and a first floor 40-5, which covers the first battery receiving space 40 downwards, ie in the direction of a roadway not shown here.

[0025] The second battery receiving space 50 comprises a second outer wall 50-1 and a second inner wall 50-2, each extending in the longitudinal direction L, a second front wall 50-3 and a second rear wall 50-4, which connect the second outer wall 50-1 and the first inner wall 50-2 to each other and extend substantially in the transverse direction Q of the hybrid motor vehicle 5, and a second floor 50-5, which covers the second battery receiving space 50 downwards, ie in the direction of a roadway not shown here.

[0026] The first inner wall 40-2 and the second inner wall 50-2 are spaced apart from each other and, viewed in the longitudinal direction, have different distances from each other. Fig. 1, the section adjacent to the internal combustion engine 10 and extending along the clutch 15 and the transmission 20 has a distance D1. In a section adjoining this, extending in the direction of the rear area H, the distance decreases to D2. In a section extending even further in the direction of the rear area H, the distance finally decreases to D3. According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the distances D1, D2 and D3 between the first inner wall 40-2 and the second inner wall 50-2 become smaller from one another, starting from the front area F in the direction of the rear area H. They therefore run essentially parallel to the center tunnel 30, so that the first battery receiving space 40 and the second battery receiving space 50 are advantageously larger than receiving spaces known from the prior art, which is accompanied by an increased battery capacity (and thus an increased electric range).It should be noted that, unlike the example shown here, the distances D2 and D3 can be equal. Furthermore, it is possible for a further region (not shown here) to be provided adjacent to the region with the distance D3, with the distance D4 being smaller or larger than the distance D3.

[0027] The first floor 40-5 of the first battery receiving space 40 and the second floor 50-5 of the second battery receiving space 50 are connected to one another by a first connecting means 45-1 and a second connecting means 45-2 spaced therefrom. The first connecting means 45-1 and the second connecting means 45-2 are designed like a cross member and each span sectionally over the center tunnel 30 and the elements located therein, in particular the exhaust system 25. Each connecting means 45-1 or 45-2 is fastened to the first floor 40-5 and second floor 50-5 by means of fastening means known per se, in particular screws. Likewise, it can be provided that the first connecting means 45-1 and / or the second connecting means 45-2 are functionally integrated, in particular in one piece, with the respective floor 40-5 or50-5, so that a one-piece base of the drive battery housing 1 consisting of the first base 40-5, the second base 50-5, the first connecting means 45-1 and / or the second connecting means 45-2 is created.

[0028] At the outer regions of the first outer wall 40-1 and the second outer wall 50-1, viewed in the vehicle transverse direction Q, there are respectively a first deformation element 40-6 and a second deformation element 50-6, which extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction L. The first deformation element 40-6 and second deformation element 50-6 serve to absorb mechanical energy in the event of an accident or crash when the hybrid motor vehicle 5 impacts an obstacle with its respective outer sides or is struck by an obstacle there.

[0029] Furthermore, the drive battery housing 1 has a first holding means 40-7 on the first front wall 40-3 and a second holding means 50-7 on the second front wall 50-3, with which the front regions of the first battery receiving space 40 and the second battery receiving space 50 are fastened to the known body of the hybrid motor vehicle 5 (not shown in detail here). Furthermore, the two holding means 40-7 and 50-7 are arranged and designed in the front load path of the hybrid motor vehicle 5 such that the drive battery housing 1 is capable of absorbing mechanical energy even in the event of an impact of the front region F.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a perspective oblique view from above of the Fig. 1 in the closed state. The drive battery housing 1 is closed by a first cover 40-9 covering the front area 40-8 of the first battery receiving space 40, so that the batteries located therein are protected from the ingress of dirt, moisture, and the like. In a similar or identical manner, the front area 50-8 of the second battery receiving space 50 is closed by a second cover 50-9. As Fig. 2, the first battery receiving space 40 and the second battery receiving space 50 are connected to one another not only by the first connecting means 45-1 and the second connecting means 45-2, but also by the special design of the latter in its rear region 55. The rear region 55 is characterized by a housing section 60 extending in the vehicle transverse direction Q, which is designed to span the center tunnel 30 like a cross member and is closed off at the top by a third cover 65. The installation space available for accommodating a battery (not shown here) is advantageously comparatively large due to the extension of this housing section 60 in the vertical direction of the drive battery housing 1.The covers 40-9, 50-9 and 65 are fastened detachably and in such a way that they contribute to increasing the overall rigidity of the first battery receiving space 40, the second battery receiving space 50 and thus of the drive battery housing 1 and the hybrid motor vehicle 5 as a whole.

[0031] In Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view along the section line AA of the Fig. 2. In the first battery receiving space 40 and the second battery receiving space 50 there are each known battery cells 70, the temperature of which can be regulated by fluid-filled lines 75. The battery cells 70 located in the front regions 40-8, 50-8, as well as the battery cells not shown here located in the rear region 55, are arranged horizontally. However, it is understood that some or all of the battery cells shown or not shown can also be arranged vertically. The lines 75 have connections (not shown here) at their ends located in the front region F, by means of which a connection to the air conditioning devices (not shown) present in the hybrid motor vehicle 5 is made.

[0032] How Fig. 3, the first deformation element 40-6 and the second deformation element 50-6 each consist of a series of adjacently arranged hollow profiles 80, which are designed in particular as extruded profiles made of aluminum. It is understood that the material constituting the two deformation elements 40-6, 50-6, the positioning thereof in the drive battery housing 1, the cross-sectional geometry as well as the number of hollow profiles 80 used can be freely selected according to requirements. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide the deformation elements 40-6, 50-6 not only on the respective outer walls 40-1, 50-1, but - as in Fig. 3 - also on the respective inner walls 40-2, 50-2.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a section of a first base 40-5 of the drive battery housing 1 in an oblique view from above, wherein for reasons of clarity, an illustration of the battery cells 70, the first connecting means 45-1 and the second connecting means 45-2 has been omitted here.

[0034] On the first floor 40-5, a number of spacers 85 are applied, on which the battery cells 70 (not shown) rest in such a way that an air cushion (not shown) is located between them and the first floor 40-5.

[0035] In addition, a series of transverse bulkheads 90 divide the first battery compartment 40 into different sections such that the individual battery cells 70 are separated from one another. The transverse bulkheads 90 serve to absorb loads, particularly in the event of a side impact, and thus advantageously increase the energy absorption potential of the entire drive battery housing 1.

[0036] The first floor 40-5 and the first outer wall 40-1 or the first inner wall 40-2 are connected to one another by means of fastening means 95 which are regularly distributed in the longitudinal direction L and which, in the exemplary embodiment shown here, are designed as angle profiles.

[0037] Again Fig. 4 can also be removed, the second cover 50-9 has a series of beads 100 which mechanically stiffen it - and thus the second receiving space 50 and consequently the drive battery housing 1.

[0038] It should be noted that the first bottom 40-5 may be designed like the second bottom 50-5 and / or the second cover 50-9 may be designed like the first cover 40-9.

[0039] Fig. 5 shows part of the Fig.2 in a perspective rear view, wherein the first connecting means 45-1 and the second connecting means 45-2 have been omitted for clarity. As can be seen, the openings 105 required for a power connection, the openings 110 required for an electrical bus connection, and the openings 115 required for pressure equalization are recessed on the first rear wall 40-4 and the second rear wall 50-4, respectively, as is known per se.

[0040] For fastening the drive battery housing 1 according to the invention to the body of the hybrid motor vehicle 5 (not shown here), holders 120 are provided, on the one hand, on the first rear wall 40-4 and the second rear wall 50-4, respectively. Openings 125, in particular through-bores, are provided in the lateral region and in the longitudinal direction of the first deformation element 40-6 and the second deformation element 50-6, through which fastening means (not shown here), in particular screws, can be passed. The holders 120 are configured such that they are capable of absorbing mechanical energy in the event of an accident; in particular, the holders 120 are located in the load path of the hybrid motor vehicle 5.

[0041] The drive battery housing 1 in its entirety, but also just individual components thereof, such as the first or second outer wall 40-1 or 50-1, the first or second inner wall 40-2 or 50-2, the first or second front wall 40-3 or 50-3, the first or second rear wall 40-4 or 50-4 or the first or second base 40-5 or 50-5, the first or second deformation element 40-6 or 50-6, the first or second holding means 40-7 or 50-7 can be made of any suitable material or material composite. Suitable materials include, in particular, steel or steel alloys, aluminum or an aluminum alloy and / or fiber composite materials, in particular with glass fibers and / or carbon fibers embedded in a polymer matrix, in particular made of a recyclable polyamide. Thus, in particular, it can be provided to make the first base 40-5 orthe second floor 50-5 is made of metal with a thickness of several centimeters in order to prevent unwanted penetration of objects located outside the hybrid motor vehicle 5 into the interior of the drive battery housing 1 during a drive over, while the covers 40-9, 50-9 and / or 65 are formed from a lightweight material, for example from a fiber composite material comprising carbon fibers, in order to keep the mass of the drive battery housing 1 as low as possible.

[0042] It should be noted that the drive battery housing 1 according to the invention can also be used as a common part in a group of hybrid motor vehicles 5 having identical drive battery housings, or in several vehicle classes (not shown). This advantageously creates a particularly cost-effective mass production of the drive battery housing 1 according to the invention, which can be retrofitted to newly manufactured hybrid motor vehicles 5 or to hybrid motor vehicles 5 already on the market. List of reference symbols 1 drive battery housing 5 Hybrid vehicle 10 Internal combustion engine 15 Clutch 20 gearboxes 25 Exhaust system 30 central tunnel 35 rear seat 40 First battery compartment 40-1 first exterior wall 40-2 first interior wall 40-3 first front wall 40-4 first back wall 40-5 first floor 40-6 first deformation element 40-7 first holding device 40-8 front area 40-9 first lid 45-1 first connecting means 45-2 second connecting means 50 second battery compartment 50-1 second exterior wall 50-2 second inner wall 50-3 second front wall 50-4 second back wall 50-5 second floor 50-6 second deformation element 50-7 second holding device 50-8 front area 50-9 second lid 55 rear area 60 housing section 65 third lid 70 battery cells 75 Fluid line 80 hollow profile 85 spacers 90 transverse sheet 95 fasteners 100 beads 105 Opening 110 Opening 115 Opening 120 holders 125 openings F Front area H rear area L Vehicle longitudinal direction Q Vehicle transverse direction x, y, z Vehicle's own Cartesian coordinate system

Claims

[1] Hybrid motor vehicle (5) with a body, a center tunnel (3) and a drive battery housing (1), comprising: - a first battery receiving space (40) having a first outer wall (40-1) and a first inner wall (40-2), each extending in a longitudinal direction (L), having a first front wall (40-3) and a first rear wall (40-4), each connecting the first outer wall (40-1) and the first inner wall (40-2), and a first floor (40-5), - a second battery receiving space (50) with a second outer wall (50-1) and a second inner wall (50-2), each extending in the longitudinal direction (L), with a second front wall (50-3) and a second rear wall (50-4), which respectively connect the second outer wall (50-1) and the second inner wall (50-2), and a second floor (50-5), - wherein the first inner wall (40-2) and the second inner wall (50-2) are spaced apart from each other, - the distance between the first inner wall (40-2) and the second inner wall (50-2) in the longitudinal direction (L) has at least two different dimensions (D1, D2, D3), and - at least one connecting means (45-1, 45-2) connects the first floor (40-5) of the first battery receiving space (40) and the second floor (50-5) of the second battery receiving space (50) to one another, characterized by , that - the at least two different dimensions (D1, D2, D3) decrease from a front area (F) of the hybrid motor vehicle (5) to a rear area (H) of the hybrid motor vehicle (5), - the drive battery housing (1) extends from the front area (F) to below a rear seat bench and - the first inner wall (40-2) and the second inner wall (50-2) are walls of the center tunnel (30) in which a manual transmission (20) is arranged. [2] Hybrid motor vehicle (5) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the distance (D1) between the first inner wall (40-2) and the second inner wall (50-2) in the region of the first front wall (40-3) or second front wall (50-3) is greater than the distance (D2) between the first inner wall (40-2) and the second inner wall (50-2) in the region of the first rear wall (40-4) or second rear wall (50-4). [3] Hybrid motor vehicle (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that its height in the region of the first front wall (40-3) is smaller than its height in the region of the first rear wall (40-4), and / or that its height in the region of the second front wall (50-3) is smaller than its height in the region of the second rear wall (50-4). [4] Hybrid motor vehicle (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a cover (40-9, 50-9, 65) covering the first battery receiving space (40) and the second battery receiving space (50). [5] Hybrid motor vehicle (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one mechanical energy-absorbing energy-absorbing means (40-6, 50-6) is arranged on the first outer wall (40-1) and / or the second outer wall (50-1). [6] Hybrid motor vehicle (5) according to claim 5, characterized by that the energy absorption means (40-6, 50-6) has at least one hollow profile (80) extending in the longitudinal direction (L). [7] Hybrid motor vehicle (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first inner wall (40-2) and the second inner wall (50-2) are aligned parallel to the center tunnel (30). [8] Hybrid motor vehicle (5) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the drive battery housing (1) is designed to be attached to the body from the underside of the hybrid motor vehicle (5).

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