BATTERY CARRIER

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a battery carrier according to the features in the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Battery trays are used to hold battery elements for providing electrical energy in electrically powered vehicles. Battery trays are arranged between the vehicle axles. One of the key safety requirements for a battery tray is good crash performance. To meet these requirements, the battery tray is protected by an external reinforcement structure. The main function of the reinforcement structure is to dissipate energy in the event of a crash and to increase the overall rigidity of the battery tray and the body. This increases the crash safety of the batteries, especially in a side impact.

[0003] DE 10 2018 126 068 A1 discloses a battery tray for an electric vehicle as state-of-the-art. The battery tray comprises a battery tray that is inserted into an outer frame and closed by a cover. The frame is made of at least two joined profile components, with at least one of these profile components being manufactured as a sheet metal component.

[0004] In the battery carrier known from US 2010 / 0307848 A1, the battery tray is also protected by a reinforcing structure surrounding it on the outside and having a hollow chamber.

[0005] DE 10 2017 217 814 A1 discloses a battery housing for a vehicle comprising a battery carrier with a laterally surrounding outer frame. A mounting profile is connected to the outer frame for securing the battery housing to the vehicle. The mounting profile can be composed of several parts. In one embodiment, the mounting profile is U-shaped in cross-section, with a web and two legs and an opening. The opening of the outer profile is directed toward the battery tray, and the legs are connected to the battery tray.

[0006] A battery housing with a circumferential outer connection profile is also described in DE 10 2016 214 974 A1.

[0007] Furthermore, WO 2017 / 207502 A1 discloses a battery housing with an external connection profile.

[0008] DE 11 2018 002 641 T5 discloses a vehicle body substructure for the lower part of a vehicle body.

[0009] Further prior art is provided by DE 20 2022 103 457 U1, WO 2018 / 029168 A1, US 2023 / 182828 A1 and WO 2022 / 098006 A1.

[0010] The battery trays must be mechanically stable and attached to the vehicle's body or chassis. The battery tray must be integrated into the body as much as possible, which presents design and assembly challenges.

[0011] The outer reinforcement structure in front of a side wall of the battery tray is constructed from one or more components. These are welded to each other and to the battery tray. The high number of individual components and the multitude of welded joints can lead to distortion in the welded construction. The high number of individual components also leads to increased tolerances or tolerance chains. These, as well as weld distortion, must be compensated to ensure a series-compatible connection of the battery tray in a motor vehicle.

[0012] Based on the prior art, the invention is based on the object of creating a battery carrier that is improved in terms of functionality and assembly technology.

[0013] The solution to this problem according to the invention consists in a battery carrier according to claim 1.

[0014] A battery carrier for holding battery elements for providing electrical energy in electrically powered vehicles has a battery tray with a reinforcing structure arranged on the outside in front of at least one side wall of the battery tray. The reinforcing structure has an outer profile. The outer profile is U-shaped in cross-section with a web and two legs and an opening. The outer profile is a one-piece or single-shell U-shaped shell body and preferably has no further outer shells, which are known in the prior art for energy dissipation in the event of a crash. The opening of the outer profile is directed towards the battery tray. The outer profile is connected to the battery tray via the legs.

[0015] The reinforcement structure contains several sleeves. These are fastening or mounting sleeves, which are particularly cylindrical or rectangular in shape. Typically, several sleeves are provided in the longitudinal direction of the reinforcement structure, arranged at a distance from one another. One sleeve extends between the legs of the outer profile over the entire height of the outer profile. The sleeve connects openings in the legs. The sleeves are oriented coaxially to the openings. The sleeve and openings lie on a common longitudinal axis. The sleeves serve to pass through fastening means by means of which the battery carrier is fixed in the body or chassis of a vehicle. In particular, the battery carrier is fixed to side sills and, if applicable, floor cross members in the vehicle using the sleeves and suitable fastening means.

[0016] The reinforcement structure extends in the longitudinal direction of the side wall. The outer profile, together with the side wall of the battery tray, forms a hollow profile at least over the majority of the length of the reinforcement structure. This is characterized by advantageous static and dynamic load behavior. In particular, the rigidity of the reinforcement structure transverse to the battery tray is improved. In a side impact, the legs of the outer profile can deform while dissipating energy, with the outer web of the outer profile acting as a tension strut and holding the legs in position relative to one another to a limited extent.

[0017] An advantageous embodiment provides that the sleeves have an upper and / or a lower collar. The sleeves have a sleeve body. A collar, in particular a circumferential collar, is provided at one end or at both ends of the sleeve body. The collar is oriented outward from the sleeve body. In particular, the collar is a materially integral component of the sleeve or sleeve body.

[0018] It is also possible that a collar is formed by a separate collar body.

[0019] The collars absorb the friction and pressure forces that arise when tightening assembly elements, such as screw fasteners, that pass through the sleeve. This protects the surface of the components in the area of ​​a screw connection from damage and reduces surface pressure. In particular, the collars ensure tolerance compensation. The flat collar surface is larger than the sleeve surface, allowing horizontal alignment or positioning of the sleeves or their sleeve bodies before welding to the outer profile. Alignment occurs according to the defined lateral mounting hole spacing.

[0020] The sleeves can rest with their collars on the inside of one leg of the outer profile.

[0021] The collars can be placed on the outside, i.e. on the outside, of the thighs.

[0022] A combination is also possible in which a first collar is located on the inside of a first leg and a second collar is located on the outside of a second leg.

[0023] The sleeve is joined to the outer profile or the legs of the outer profile in the area of ​​the collar.

[0024] The sleeves extend between the opening in the lower leg and the opening in the upper leg and are joined to the legs. The legs can be reinforced in the area of ​​the opening. Such reinforcement can be achieved, for example, by embossing the material in the legs or increasing the wall thickness in the area of ​​an opening.

[0025] A further embodiment consists in that an upper sleeve section and / or a lower sleeve section is guided over each sleeve through an opening in a leg. The sleeve or sleeve section can be flush with the outer side of the leg or protrude from the outer side with the sleeve section.

[0026] The sleeves can be constructed in multiple parts and comprise a first sleeve element and a second sleeve element. The sleeve elements have coaxial through-openings and are connected to one another at mutually facing end faces. The connection is particularly frictionally and / or positively engaged.

[0027] Particularly advantageous is the fact that each leg has a joining flange at the end. The joining flanges are made of the same material and are integral components of the legs and connect to the ends of the legs facing the battery tray.

[0028] A particularly advantageous embodiment in practice provides for a lower leg to have a lower joining flange, wherein the lower joining flange engages at least partially under a tray bottom of the battery tray. The lower leg is joined to the battery tray by a material bond, in particular by welding, preferably by spot welding or spot welding.

[0029] An upper leg has an upper joining flange, wherein the upper joining flange is joined to the side wall or an upper rim of the battery tray.

[0030] A further embodiment provides for a joining flange to be positioned at an angle to a leg. In particular, the upper joining flange on the upper leg is positioned at an angle, preferably perpendicular to the leg, and directed outwardly away from the leg.

[0031] Furthermore, a leg can have several leg sections, wherein at least two leg sections are aligned differently relative to one another.

[0032] Between the at least two leg sections, there can be a bend, a curve, a step, a kink, or even a ledge, over which the leg sections merge into one another. The profiling and alignment of the leg sections relative to each other increases their rigidity and improves their load-bearing behavior.

[0033] At least one stiffening element can be provided in the rear web of the outer profile to increase rigidity. Such a stiffening element can be implemented, for example, as a bead, a recess, or a stamped portion.

[0034] The outer profile can have sections with different wall thicknesses and / or different material grades in certain areas. In particular, the outer profile can be partially reinforced with reinforcing elements, in particular sheet metal components, so-called patches. These are sheet metal sections or patches with a geometrically adapted shape and material grade, which are preferably joined in a flat state before the outer profile is manufactured and then formed together to form the outer profile. The patches are arranged on the inside or outside of the outer profile. The outer profile can also be manufactured from a tailor-rolled blank (TRB). This gives the outer profile different sheet thicknesses. The advantage here is the homogeneous transition between two thickness ranges.

[0035] The outer profile and the reinforcing elements or components can also be made of materials of different quality.

[0036] The side wall of the battery tray can also be reinforced, at least in certain areas, or have a reinforcement. The side wall can be thicker than the rest of the battery tray. It is particularly advantageous to provide the side wall with reinforcement in the form of patches of adapted geometry and material quality.

[0037] A joining flange can have several joining tabs spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the outer profile. Cutouts or recesses are provided between the joining tabs.

[0038] The outer profile of the reinforcement structure is welded to the battery tray using joining flanges and / or joining tabs. The lower leg is welded to the battery tray near the bottom edge of the battery tray, and the upper leg of the outer profile is welded to the upper area of ​​the side wall or an upper flange of the battery tray.

[0039] In practice, a material-to-material joining process using spot welding and spot welding bonding is considered particularly advantageous. Spot welding bonding combines bonding with spot welding. In addition to high strength and stiffening properties, spot welding and spot welding bonding joints also exhibit a sufficiently high elongation at break, even under sudden loads such as a crash.

[0040] Another practical embodiment provides for the provision of built-in elements in the reinforcement structure. Built-in elements can be load-guiding elements, bulkhead plates, and similar internal reinforcement and / or functional components. In addition to purely reinforcing or stiffening defined length sections of the reinforcement structure and increasing energy dissipation, they primarily serve to create load paths for targeted transmission into the remaining battery tray structure, particularly via the aforementioned internal struts in the interior of the battery tray.

[0041] In addition to built-in elements in the reinforcement structure, reinforcement or stiffening elements can also be integrated into the battery tray. Such reinforcement or stiffening elements can be formed by longitudinal and / or transverse profiles or struts extending along the tray floor.

[0042] Furthermore, a cover can form the upper end of the battery tray. The battery tray is particularly advantageously designed and intended to be integrated into the body or chassis of a vehicle. The battery tray forms a load-bearing part of the body (cell-to-body). In this case, the vehicle's floor can form the battery cover.

[0043] The battery tray is, in particular, a one-piece, deep-drawn part made of a uniform material. The outer profile is also preferably manufactured by press molding or deep-drawing. Due to its U-shaped cross-section, the outer profile has a channel-like shape in which several sleeves are arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] The battery tray can also be folded from a sheet metal blank to form the battery tray. For this purpose, a sheet metal blank is provided whose geometry matches the unfolded shape of the battery tray. A cooling plate can optionally be joined directly to the sheet metal blank before it is folded to form the battery tray. The battery tray is designed as a folded component. The folded corners of the battery tray are joined and sealed.

[0045] The battery tray, as well as the reinforcement structure and the components that form the reinforcement structure, especially the outer shell, can be formed by hot-forming steel sheets. Hot-forming is also known as press hardening. In hot-forming, a sheet of manganese-boron steel is heated to a temperature above the specific austenitizing temperature of the material, placed in a forming tool, and hot-formed into the formed component, cooling during the forming process. Clamped in the forming tool, the formed components are hardened by cooling.

[0046] Coated, heat-hardenable steel sheets can also be used. These include, in particular, manganese-boron steel sheets with an aluminum / silicon coating. The components of the reinforcement structure and the battery tray have a tensile strength of 1,000 MPa and higher.

[0047] The battery tray and the outer profile of the reinforcement structure can also be made of extra- and ultra-high-strength cold-formed steels. These components have a tensile strength of more than 980 MPa. In particular, the outer profile has a tensile strength of greater than or equal to 1,180 MPa.

[0048] In principle, in both cases, the use of tailored blanks of various sheet thicknesses, steel grades and also technologies for creating tailor-made strength properties with locally soft areas (soft zones) is possible for the battery tray and the outer profile, for example to specifically increase transverse stiffness and improve crash performance, as well as for crack prevention during welding or for setting locally weakened zones with improved deformation capacity for energy absorption.

[0049] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a battery carrier according to the invention in a cross-sectional view; Figure 2 shows the battery carrier in a schematic plan view; Figure 3 shows a view of a section of the battery tray showing a further embodiment of a reinforcement structure; Figure 4 shows a view of a section of the battery tray showing a second embodiment of a reinforcement structure; second embodiment; Figure 5 shows a view of a section of the battery tray showing a third embodiment of a reinforcement structure; Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of a battery carrier according to the invention in a cross-sectional view; Figure 7 shows the battery carrier according to the illustration of Figure 6in a schematic plan view; Figure 8 a view of a section of the battery tray showing a further embodiment of a reinforcement structure; Figure 9 as Figure 8; a view of a section of the battery tray showing a further embodiment of a reinforcement structure; Figure 10 as Figure 8; a view of a section of the battery tray showing a further embodiment of a reinforcement structure; Figure 11 as Figure 8; a view of a section of the battery tray showing a further embodiment of a reinforcement structure; Figure 12 as Figure 8; a view of a section of the battery tray showing a further embodiment of a reinforcement structure; Figure 13 as Figure 8; a view of a section of the battery tray showing a further embodiment of a reinforcement structure;Figure 14 shows a technically schematic and simplified plan view of a reinforcement structure from above; Figure 15 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of a reinforcement structure; Figure 16 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of a reinforcement structure; Figure 17 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of a reinforcement structure; Figure 18 shows a plan view of a further embodiment of a reinforcement structure; Figure 19 shows a cross section through the reinforcement structure according to the illustration of ; Figure 18 in the area of ​​a sleeve; Figure 20 a cross section through the reinforcement structure according to the representation of Figure 18in the area of ​​a reinforcing element; Figure 21 shows a longitudinal section through the upper leg of an outer profile of a reinforcing structure; Figure 22 shows a technically schematic and simplified plan view of the upper leg of a stiffening structure; Figure 23 shows a cross section through the stiffening structure according to the representations of Figures 21 and 22 in the region of a sleeve; Figure 24 shows a cross section through the reinforcement structure in the region outside a sleeve; Figure 25 shows a section of the outer profile of a reinforcement structure; and Figure 26 shows a view of a section of the battery tray showing a further embodiment of a reinforcement structure.

[0050] In the Figures 1 to 26 The same reference symbols are used for identical or functionally equivalent components or components, even if a repeated description is omitted for reasons of simplification.

[0051] The Figures 1 and 2as well as the Figures 6 and 7 show a battery carrier 1 according to the invention and components thereof.

[0052] The battery carrier 1 has a battery tray 2 deep-drawn from sheet steel. The battery tray 2 is rectangular in cross-section and has a tray base 3 and side walls, namely two longitudinal walls 4, 5 and two end walls 6, 7, which complement each other to form a circumferential tray wall 8. On the upper edge 9 of the tray, outwardly directed flange sections 10 extend along the longitudinal walls 4, 5 and the end walls 6, 7, which also complement each other to form an upper flange 11. The tray wall 8 delimits an interior space 12 of the battery tray 2.

[0053] A plurality of inner struts 13 are optionally arranged in the interior of the trough 12. The inner struts 13 extend across the trough floor 3, transversely between the longitudinal walls 4, 5, and are firmly fixed in the battery trough 2.

[0054] On the top side, the battery tray 2 is closed by a cover 14 with a seal in between, which rests on the edge of the flange 11. In the illustrated embodiments, the cover 14 is detachably connected to the battery tray 2 by means of screw fasteners 15.

[0055] The battery carrier 1 has a reinforcement structure 16. The reinforcement structure 16 extends on the outside of the battery tray 2 in front of the longitudinal walls 4, 5.

[0056] The cross-sectional views in the Figures 1 and 2 each show a reinforcement structure 16 only on one side of the battery tray 2. The illustrations of the Figures 2 and 7 illustrate that a reinforcing structure 16 is arranged on both longitudinal sides of the battery tray 2 along the longitudinal walls 4, 5.

[0057] The end walls 6, 7 can also optionally be connected to a corresponding reinforcement structure 16.

[0058] In a further embodiment, not shown, the battery carrier 1 can be installed in the motor vehicle in a different position than the embodiment according to the Figures 1 and 2 be rotated by 90° around the vertical axis, so that the battery carrier 1 could be coupled to floor cross members or ladder frame cross members via the reinforcement structure 16.

[0059] The reinforcement structure 16 has an outer profile 17. The outer profile 17 is U-shaped in cross-section and has a web 18 as well as two legs 19, 20 and an opening 21. The opening 21 extends over the length L of the outer profile 17, which corresponds to the length of the reinforcement structure 16. The opening 21 of the outer profile 17 is directed towards the battery tray 2. The legs 19, 20 are connected to the battery tray 2. The opening 21 of the outer profile 17 directed towards the battery tray 2 is closed by a longitudinal wall 4 or 5 of the battery tray 2. The rear web 18 is located on the outside on the side facing away from the longitudinal wall 4, 5 of the battery tray 2.

[0060] The outer profile 17 is a sheet metal part formed in one piece from a steel sheet. The outer profile 17 can be a hot-formed sheet steel component or a cold-formed component made, in particular, of ultra-high-strength (UHSS) cold-formed steels. A UHSS formed component has a tensile strength Rm > 980 MPa and a partially martensitic microstructure.

[0061] The legs 19, 20 and the web 18 enclose a longitudinal channel. The outer profile 17, together with a respective longitudinal wall 4, 5 of the battery tray 2, forms a hollow profile 22 at least over the majority of the length L of the reinforcement structure 16. The reinforcement structure 16 extends in the longitudinal direction LR in front of a side wall 4, 5.

[0062] A plurality of sleeves 23 are provided in the outer profile 17 of the reinforcement structure 16. These extend vertically between the legs 19, 20 of the outer profile 17. Openings 24, 25 are provided in the upper leg 19 and in the lower leg 20, which are connected by the sleeves 23 (see also the Figures 3 to 5 ).

[0063] The sleeves 23 are arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction LR of the outer profile 17 and the reinforcement structure 16.

[0064] Each sleeve 23 has a sleeve body 26. In the sleeve 23 in the embodiment according to Figure 3A circumferential collar 27 is provided at the lower end of the sleeve body 26. This collar can be formed by a separate disc body 28. The collar 27 can also be a single-piece component of the sleeve 23. With a sleeve section 29 at the upper end of the sleeve body 26, the sleeve 23 is guided through the opening 24 in the upper leg 19 and protrudes beyond the outer side 30 of the upper leg 19.

[0065] In the sleeve 23 according to the embodiment of Figure 4A collar 27 is provided at the lower end of the sleeve body 26. This collar concentrically encloses the lower opening 25 in the lower leg 20 and rests against the inner side 31 of the lower leg 20. The sleeve body 26 of the sleeve 23 rests against the upper leg 19, circumferentially surrounding the opening 24 on the inner side 32 of the upper leg 19. On the outside, concentric with the opening 29 or the sleeve longitudinal axis LH, an upper collar 27 is provided, which rests on the outer side 30 of the upper leg 19.

[0066] For the sleeve 23 according to the illustration of the Figure 5 The sleeve 23 or its sleeve body 26 has an upper sleeve section 29 and a lower sleeve section 33. With the upper sleeve section 29, the sleeve 23 is guided through the opening 24 in the upper leg 19. With the lower sleeve section 33, the sleeve 23 is guided through the opening 25 in the lower leg 20.

[0067] The lower sleeve portion 33 is approximately flush with the outer side 34 of the lower leg 20. The upper sleeve portion 29 protrudes beyond the outer side 30 of the upper leg 19.

[0068] In the case of the sleeves 23 in the embodiment according to the illustrations of Figures 1 and 6 a collar 27 is provided at the upper end and at the lower end of the sleeve body 26, with which the sleeve 23 rests on the inside on the upper leg 19 or on the lower leg 20.

[0069] The openings 24 in the upper leg 19 and the openings 25 in the lower leg 20, the sleeves 23 and the collars 27 each lie on a common sleeve longitudinal axis LH and are arranged concentrically thereto.

[0070] Tolerance compensation can be achieved with the collarless sleeve 23 according to Figure 5When directly coupled to the legs 19, 20, a suitable welding process with a relatively large amount of welding filler material is used. This is exemplified in Figure 26 shown.

[0071] Joining flanges 35, 36 are provided at the ends of the legs 19, 20.

[0072] The lower leg 20 has a lower joining flange 36. The lower joining flange 36 engages at least partially under the tray bottom 3 of the battery tray 2 and is joined to the battery tray 2.

[0073] The upper joining flange 35 on the upper leg 19 is set at an angle α to the upper leg 19. In the embodiment according to the Figures 1 and 3 to 6, the joining flange 35 is directed outwardly transversely to the upper leg 19 and, in particular, at right angles away from the upper leg 19. The transition from the leg 19 to the joining flange 35 is rounded.

[0074] The outer profile 17 is integrally joined to the battery tray 2. This is achieved via the lower joining flange 36 and the upper joining flange 35. The lower joining flange 36 partially engages under the lower longitudinal edge section 37 of the battery tray 2. The upper joining flange 35 rests against the side walls 4, 5 of the battery tray 2.

[0075] When presenting the Figure 10 On the upper joining flange 35, a joining web 38 is bent toward the upper edge 9 of the battery tray 2. The joining web 38 abuts the outer edge of the upper flange 11 and is joined thereto, in particular by laser welding.

[0076] With the exception of the butt joint, the material-to-material joining of outer profile 17 and battery tray 2 is carried out in particular by spot welding or spot welding and bonding.

[0077] The Figures 8 to 19and 22 and 23 are shown in a technically simplified manner and are to be understood schematically. The sleeves 23 each extend between an opening 25 in the lower leg 20 and an opening 24 in the upper leg 19 of the outer profile 17 and connect them. The sleeves 23 are designed and intended so that screw fastening means can be passed through them and the battery carrier 1 can be secured in the body or chassis of a vehicle. The sleeve 23 basically also has a supporting function of the outer profile 17 itself against deformation caused by screw force. The battery carrier 1 is installed in a vehicle via the outer profile 17 and the sleeves 23 arranged therein by means of suitable screw fastening means.

[0078] In particular, the lower leg 20 can have at least two leg sections 39, 40, which are aligned differently relative to one another. In this regard, reference is made to the embodiments of the outer profile 17 according to the illustrations 8 to 10. The lower leg 20 has a first leg section 39. The first leg section 39 extends essentially parallel to the upper leg 19. The opening 25 and the sleeve 23 communicating with the opening 25 are located in the first leg section 39 of the lower leg 20. The second leg section 40 adjoins the first leg section 39 via a bend 41 and runs at an acute angle away from the first leg section 39 in the direction of the lower joining flange 36. In particular, the first leg section 39 is shaped or locally adapted to an end face of the sleeve 23.embossed, while the second leg portion 40 is offset and / or inclined from a projection plane of the end face of the sleeve 23.

[0079] In the Figure 1 as well as in the Figures 6 and 7 Shown schematically and simplified is an installation element 42, which is installed in the outer profile 17 of the reinforcement structure 16. Such installation elements 42 can be, for example, load-guiding bodies or partition plates. These are joined to the outer profile 17, in particular joined by a material bond. Installation elements 42, which are hat-shaped and have different heights, are also known in the Figure 15 can be seen in a top view.

[0080] The Figures 8 to 13show the outer profile 17 of a reinforcement structure 16 and a section of the battery tray 2. The sleeve 23 is designed without a collar and is flush with the lower leg 20 and the upper leg 19 and extends between the openings 24, 25. The sleeve 23 can be formed by sleeve forming according to the Figures 1 and 3 to 5. The figures are presented in a technically simplified manner and are to be understood schematically.

[0081] The outer profile 16 is a hot-formed and press-hardened or cold-formed high-strength shell component. The battery tray 2 is a hot-formed and press-hardened sheet steel component or a cold-formed component made of ultra-high-strength cold-formed steel.

[0082] The longitudinal walls 4, 5 of the battery tray 2 can be reinforced in certain areas and, in particular, can be made of a tailor-welded blank, a tailor-rolled blank, or reinforced with sheet metal components or patches. The outer profile 17 is joined to the battery tray 2 in each case.

[0083] In the embodiments according to the illustrations of the Figures 9 , 12 and 13 a stiffening element 43 in the form of a bead is provided in the outer web 18 of the outer profile 17.

[0084] Stiffening elements 43 in the form of beads in different designs are also available in the Figures 15, 16 and 17 shown.

[0085] A battery tray 2 partially reinforced in the area of ​​the side wall 4 by a reinforcement 49 shows the representation of the Figure 11 . The side wall 4 is, at least in some areas, thicker than the trough bottom 3 and the upper trough edge 9. For this purpose, the battery trough 2 is made from a tailor rolled blank.

[0086] In the embodiment according to the illustration of the Figure 12 the side wall 4 of the battery tray 2 is reinforced on the inside by a reinforcement in the form of a patch.

[0087] In the embodiment according to the illustration of the Figure 13 The side wall 4 of the battery tray 2 is reinforced on the outside, on the side facing the opening 21 of the outer profile 17, by a reinforcement 49 in the form of a patch. The reinforcement 49 extends around the lower longitudinal edge section 37 of the battery tray 2. The lower joining flange 36 extends over the lower section 45 of the reinforcement 44 and is joined to the tray base 3.

[0088] Reinforcing elements 46 in the outer profile 17 are within the reinforcing structure 16 in the outer profile 17 according to the embodiment of the Figure 14arranged at a distance in the longitudinal direction. In particular, reinforcing components are placed between the sleeves 23. The reinforcing elements 46 are preferably sheet metal sections or patches, which can be joined to the outer profile 17 on the inside or outside.

[0089] Such a design is also shown by the Figure 18 .

[0090] In the Figures 14 to 18 The arrow shows the direction of impact in the event of a side impact.

[0091] The Figure 19 shows a section through the outer profile 17 of the reinforcement structure 16 in the area of ​​a sleeve 23.

[0092] The Figure 20shows a section through the outer profile 17 in the area of ​​a reinforcing element 46. These are U-shaped patches that are adapted to the inner contour of the outer profile 16 and that partially cover the upper leg 19 and the lower leg 20 and completely cover the rear web 18 of the outer profile 17.

[0093] Based on the Figures 21 to 24 The outer profile 17 of a reinforcement structure 16 is explained, which is made of a tailored welded blank. Figure 21 shows a section through the upper leg 19. The different wall thicknesses can be seen. In the area of ​​a sleeve 23, the wall thickness is greater than in the intermediate leg sections 39, 40. Figure 23 shows a section through the outer profile 17 in the area of ​​a sleeve 23. The Figure 24 shows a section through the outer profile 17 in the area outside a sleeve 23.

[0094] Based on the representation of the Figure 25It can be seen that a joining flange 35, 36, in the illustrated embodiment, the upper joining flange 35, has several joining tabs arranged at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of the outer profile 17. Recesses 48 are provided in the joining flange 35 between the joining tabs 47. Reference symbols:

[0095] 1 - Battery carrier 2 - Battery tray 3 - Tray base 4 - Longitudinal wall 5 - Longitudinal wall 6 - End wall 7 - End wall 8 - Tray wall 9 - Tray rim 10 - Flange section 11 - Upper flange 12 - Tray interior 13 - Internal struts 14 - Cover 15 - Screw fastener 16 - Reinforcing structure 17 - Outer profile 18 - Web 19 - Leg 20 - Leg 21 - Opening 22 - Hollow profile 23 - Sleeve 24 - Opening 25 - Opening 26 - Sleeve body 27 - Collar 28 - Disc body 29 - Sleeve section 30 - Outside of 19 31 - Inside of 20 32 - Inside of 19 33 - Sleeve section 34 - Outside of 20 35 - Upper joining flange 36 - Lower joining flange 37 - Longitudinal edge section 38 - Joining web 39 - Leg section 40 - Leg section 41 - Edge 42 - Installation element 43 - Stiffening element 44 - Reinforcement 45 - Section of 44 46 - Reinforcing element 47 - Joining tab 48 - Recess L - Length LH - Sleeve longitudinal axis LR - Longitudinal direction α - Angle

Claims

1. Battery support (1) with a battery tray (2) and a reinforcing structure (16) which is disposed on the outside in front of a side wall (4, 5) of the battery tray (2), wherein the reinforcing structure (16) has an outer profile (17) which is configured to be U-shaped in cross-section with a web (18) and two legs (19, 20) as well as an opening (21), wherein the opening (21) of the outer profile (17) is directed towards the battery tray (2) and the legs (19, 20) are connected to the battery tray (2), wherein multiple sleeves (23) are provided, wherein a sleeve (23) extends between the legs (19, 20) and connects openings (24, 25) in the legs (19, 20), characterised in that the reinforcing structure (16) extends in the longitudinal direction (LR) of the side wall (4, 5) and the outer profile (17) forms with the side wall (4, 5) at least one hollow profile (22) over the most of the length (L) of the reinforcing structure (16), and / or in that the reinforcing structure (16) extends in the longitudinal direction (LR) of the side wall (4, 5) and the outer profile (17) forms a hollow profile (22) with the side wall (4, 5) at least over most of the length (L) of one side wall (4, 5).

2. Battery support according to claim 1, characterised in that one or each sleeve (23) has an upper and / or a lower collar (27).

3. Battery support according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that one or each sleeve (23) is guided with an upper sleeve section (29) and / or with a lower sleeve section (33) through an opening (24, 25) in a leg (19, 20) and is flush with an outer side (30, 34) of the leg (19, 20) or protrudes relative to the outer side (30, 34).

4. Battery support according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that each leg (19, 20) has a joining flange (35, 36) at its end.

5. Battery support according to claim 4, characterised in that a lower leg (20) has a lower joining flange (36), wherein the lower joining flange (36) engages at least in some sections below a tray base (3) of the battery tray (2).

6. Battery support according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterised in that a joining flange (35, 36) is set at an angle (α) to a leg (19, 20).

7. Battery support according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that an upper leg (19) has an upper joining flange (35), wherein the upper joining flange (35) is joined to the side wall (4, 5) or an upper tray edge (9) of the battery tray (2).

8. Battery support according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that at least one leg (19, 20) has multiple leg sections (39, 40), wherein at least two leg sections (39, 40) are aligned differently relative to one another, in particular the first leg section (39) is shaped or preformed adapted locally to an end face of the sleeve (23).

9. Battery support according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that installation elements (42) are provided in the reinforcement structure (16), wherein the installation elements (42) are configured in particular as load-conducting elements and are part of the sleeves (23).

10. Battery support according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the outer profile (17) has at least one reinforcing element (46) in the form of a patch or patchwork.

11. Battery support according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that at least one reinforcing element (43), in particular a bead, is provided in the web (18).

12. Battery support according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the outer profile (17) has portions in some sections with different wall thicknesses and / or different material qualities.

13. Battery support according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the side wall (4, 5) of the battery tray (2) is reinforced at least in some sections or has a reinforcement (44), in particular such that at least 30%, preferably at least 40% of the area of the side wall (4, 5) is configured as a double layer.

14. Battery support according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that a joining flange (35, 36) has multiple joining tabs (47) disposed at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction of the outer profile (17), wherein the joining flanges (35, 36) are in particular spot-welded or spot-weld bonded to the battery tray (2).

15. Battery support according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the sleeve (23) is configured in multiple parts and has a first sleeve element and a second sleeve element, wherein the sleeve elements have coaxial through-openings and are connected to one another at end sides that face each other.