Arrangement of an electrical energy store on a body shell for a passenger car

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement of an electrical energy store (10) on a body shell (12) for a passenger car, in which arrangement the body shell (12) has two side sills (14) between which a main floor (16) extends, wherein the entire main floor (16) is formed by a housing cover (29) of a housing (30) of the electrical energy store (10) which is formed separately from the body shell (12), and wherein the housing (30) comprises a lower part (48) which is formed separately from the housing cover (29) and located, in the vertical vehicle direction, below the housing cover (29), and a receiving space (50) for storage cells (46) for storing electrical energy, which receiving space is formed by the housing cover (29) and the lower part (48). The arrangement is characterized in that the housing cover (29) comprises cooling ducts (34) through which coolant can flow, wherein at least a portion of the electrical energy store (10) can be cooled by means of the coolant, and in that spaces (68) are located between the storage cells (46) and at least parts of a base (66) of the lower part (48).

Description

[0001] Arrangement of an electrical energy storage unit on a body shell for a passenger car

[0002] The invention relates to an arrangement of an electrical energy storage device on a body shell for a passenger car, according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a passenger car and an electrical energy storage device.

[0003] US 2020 / 0324827 A1 discloses a floor structure for a vehicle, comprising a main floor having an opening. Furthermore,

[0004] DE 10 2020 101 679 A1 discloses a battery housing for a traction battery of an electrically driven motor vehicle.

[0005] The generic EP 3 511 184 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with a body to which a battery housing for a high-voltage battery can be attached. The battery housing is attached to the body in such a way that it acts as the main floor panel, with a removable battery cover arranged on the underside of the battery housing, which acts as underride protection.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement of an electrical energy storage device on a body shell for a passenger car, a passenger car and an electrical energy storage device, so that a particularly advantageous connection of the electrical energy storage device to the body shell and a particularly high energy content of the electrical energy storage device as well as particularly good protection of the electrical energy storage device can be realized while at the same time having relatively low operating costs.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention by an arrangement having the features of claim 1, by a passenger car having the features of claim 12, and by an electrical energy storage device according to the preamble of claim 13. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] In the inventive arrangement of an electrical energy storage device, also referred to as a battery or embodied as a battery, on a bodyshell for a passenger car, particularly designed as a self-supporting body, the bodyshell has two side sills, between which a main floor extends. The housing of the electrical energy storage device has a lower part formed separately from the housing cover and arranged below the housing cover in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and a receiving space formed by the housing cover and the lower part for storage cells for storing electrical energy.In a particularly preferred embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, it is provided that the lower part is reversibly detachably fastened to the housing or the housing cover, i.e. the lower part can be removed and reattached without causing any damage for maintenance purposes of the energy storage device or in the event of damage, for example by being placed on the ground, or it can be replaced in the event of damage.

[0009] In order to achieve a particularly advantageous connection of the electrical energy storage device to the bodyshell and a particularly high energy content of the energy storage device, it is provided that the entire main floor is formed, in particular exclusively, by a preferably integrally formed and thus formed from a single piece housing cover of a housing of the electrical energy storage device formed separately from the bodyshell. While the side sills are thus components of the bodyshell, the electrical energy storage device and thus the housing and housing cover are formed separately from the bodyshell, i.e., are not components of the bodyshell.Thus, the main floor, which is completely formed by the housing cover, also referred to as the battery housing cover, is not a component of the bodyshell. Rather, the main floor is formed by the housing cover, also simply referred to as the cover, and is therefore a component of the electrical energy storage device, which is or will be manufactured separately and independently of the bodyshell. In a method for manufacturing the bodyshell, the bodyshell is therefore manufactured without the main floor, so that the bodyshell itself is free of the main floor. For example, the bodyshell is painted without the main floor and then, for example, handed over to a vehicle assembly plant, where the electrical energy storage device is attached to the bodyshell. In this case, it is particularly conceivable for the electrical energy storage device to be manufactured and assembled separately and independently of the bodyshell, in particular completely, and then attached to the bodyshell.For example, the fully assembled or manufactured, and especially tested, electrical energy storage unit is mounted to the bodyshell by means of screws and / or at least one or more adhesive joints. The adhesive joint seals the vehicle all the way around against moisture penetration. The adhesive joint fulfills sealing and strength functions, either entirely or at least partially. Consequently, the electrical energy storage unit essentially encloses the bodyshell and completely forms the entire main floor, which at least predominantly defines—that is, at least more than half—the interior of the passenger car in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0010] The arrangement according to the invention is characterized in that the housing cover has cooling channels through which a coolant can flow, wherein at least a portion of the electrical energy storage device can be cooled by means of the coolant, and in that free spaces are arranged between the storage cells and at least parts of a base of the lower part. Due to the inventive design of the arrangement, it is ensured that even if the motor vehicle comes to rest on the ground, which can lead to deformation of the lower part in the direction of the receiving space containing the storage cells, the cooling of the electrical energy storage device is not impaired, in particular not damaged, since this cooling is located on the side of the housing facing away from the roadway, adjacent to the interior of a passenger compartment and thus in a space protected from vehicle impacts.In the event that the lower part needs to be replaced, the repair costs are also significantly lower if the damage does not affect the cooling of the electrical energy storage system.

[0011] By means of the integrated cooling channels provided on or in the housing cover, through which a preferably liquid coolant can flow, so that at least a portion of the electrical energy storage device, in particular the storage cells, can be cooled via the housing cover by means of the coolant flowing through the cooling channels, on the one hand, particularly advantageous cooling can be achieved. On the other hand, this can create an advantageously large installation space, in particular in the vertical direction of the vehicle (z-direction), so that a particularly high energy content of the energy storage device can be achieved. In addition, during ferry operation, the housing cover heats up to a certain extent due to the coolant, so that due to the arrangement of the cooling system in the area close to the passenger compartment, a certain amount of heat is transferred / radiated into the passenger compartment, which can increase driving comfort.In other words, the housing cover / main floor acts as a kind of underfloor heating within the passenger compartment.

[0012] For example, a through-opening is delimited on the outside on both sides, in particular directly, in the transverse direction of the vehicle by the side sills. The through-opening extends, for example, without interruption from side sill to side sill and thus across the entire space arranged between the side sills in the transverse direction of the vehicle. It is conceivable for the side sills to be connected to one another by at least one or more cross-elements, wherein it is preferably provided that the respective cross-element is a component of the bodyshell. In particular, the respective cross-element can be a seat cross member. Since the entire main floor is formed entirely by the housing cover, no floor element of the bodyshell is arranged in the vertical direction of the vehicle between the housing cover and the cross-elements, which are designed in particular as cross members.The through-opening ends, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at a rear floor, which is part of the bodyshell. When the passenger car is fully manufactured, a seating system of the passenger car, for example, designed in particular as a rear seat bench and located in a rear area of ​​the interior, is arranged above the rear floor. The opening is completely overlapped by the housing cover and thus closed. In this arrangement, the housing, also referred to as the storage housing, is inserted as a whole into the bodyshell, in particular into the through-opening, with the housing cover forming the entire main floor.

[0013] The electrical energy storage device is also referred to as a traction storage device or traction battery, since at least one electrical machine for, in particular, purely electrical propulsion of the passenger car can be supplied with electrical energy, which is to be stored or is stored, in particular electrochemically, in the electrical energy storage device. This allows the electrical machine to be operated in motor mode and thus as an electric motor, by means of which the passenger car can be propelled, in particular purely electrically.

[0014] The invention enables the bodyshell and the electrical energy storage unit to be manufactured and certified independently of each other, even though the invention envisages a highly integrated concept in which the electrical energy storage unit is integrated into the bodyshell. Compared to conventional solutions, this reduces tolerances for the electrical energy storage unit in the bodyshell. This allows for a particularly large installation space for the energy storage unit, allowing the energy storage unit to be designed to be particularly large and thus with a correspondingly high energy content. This enables a particularly long electric range for the passenger car.By means of an advantageous arrangement within the energy storage device or within the housing, tolerances and structural component reserves can also be reduced compared to conventional solutions, so that a particularly large installation space can be created, for example for accommodating storage cells for storing electrical energy, in particular electrochemically.

[0015] The invention is based in particular on conventional solutions in which traction batteries are bolted to the bodyshell of a passenger car. However, corresponding tolerances must be maintained, and thus areas are always created that, apart from the tolerance allowance, have no function. Furthermore, cell modules are conventionally inserted into the housing as individual modules and are only partially integrated into structural requirements. Due to a multitude of individual systems as well as joining and tolerance gaps, cell installation space is lost in conventional solutions, so that only a low energy content can be achieved.In contrast, the invention enables the housing and the storage cells, also simply referred to as cells, to be fused into a large cell module, thereby forming a shear-resistant overall structure which, once the energy storage device, in particular the housing, has been joined to the bodyshell, forms the passenger car as a shear-resistant complete vehicle. However, thanks to the high-integration concept, the electrical energy storage device and the bodyshell can be manufactured, assembled, and, in particular, certified independently of one another. Compared to conventional solutions, the invention enables tolerance allowances, individual parts, and manufacturing costs to be reduced. The housing can be fully integrated into the bodyshell, in particular its structure, thus resulting in improved vibration behavior compared to conventional solutions.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the electrical energy storage device has the aforementioned storage cells for storing electrical energy, in particular electrochemically. It has proven particularly advantageous if the storage cells are held on the housing cover. This makes it possible to arrange the storage cells in a particularly space-efficient manner, such that a particularly high energy content can be achieved. In addition, the energy storage device can, for example, be serviced or repaired, in particular after the energy storage device has been joined to the shell, since the housing can be opened, for example, while the housing cover and thus the storage cells held on the housing cover can remain connected to the shell, i.e. can remain mounted on the shell. Thus, it is preferably provided that the housing cover is fastened, in particular directly, to the shell.For example, the housing cover is attached to the body shell by gluing and / or by at least one or more screw connections.

[0017] In the arrangement according to the invention, the lower part of the housing is formed separately from the housing cover. The receiving space is formed by the housing cover and the lower part, in particular directly in each case. The storage cells are arranged in the receiving space. In this case, it is particularly conceivable for the cover to be fastened to the bodyshell independently of the lower part. The lower part is preferably arranged completely in the vertical direction of the vehicle below the housing cover, so that the housing cover is also referred to as the upper part or upper housing part. Accordingly, the lower part is also referred to as the lower housing part. The aforementioned opening of the housing takes place, for example, in such a way that the lower part is detached and removed from the cover and thus from the bodyshell, while the cover and thus the storage cells remain held or fastened to the bodyshell.In this way, access to the storage cells can be created without having to separate the cover and the storage cells from the shell. In particular, it is provided that the storage cells are held to the cover independently of the base.

[0018] In order to be able to realize an arrangement with particularly favorable installation space and thus a particularly high energy content of the energy storage device as well as particularly safe operation, a further embodiment of the invention provides for a protective structure to be arranged in the receiving space, by means of which the storage cells are overlapped on both sides outwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The protective structure can be formed separately from the housing and separately from the storage cells. For example, the protective structure is connected to the housing, in particular adhesively bonded. The protective structure can, for example, absorb accident-related loads acting inwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle and in the direction of the storage cells and absorb them, for example by deforming the protective structure, whereby the storage cells can be protected from excessive, accident-related loads in a manner that favors installation space.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, degassing channels, which are also referred to as ventilation channels or venting channels and are, for example, components of the lower part, are arranged in the receiving space. In the event of a thermal event in the electrical energy storage device, gas resulting from the thermal event and flowing out of at least one of the storage cells can flow through the degassing channels. The thermal event occurs, for example, in the event of or due to an electrical short circuit in the at least one storage cell, wherein the short circuit can result, for example, from a force being applied to the energy storage device, in particular as a result of an accident. In the thermal event, the said gas, which has a high temperature, is formed, for example, from a particularly liquid electrolyte in the at least one storage cell.The gas is initially generated, for example, in the at least one storage cell and leads to such a pressure in a cell housing of the at least one storage cell that a degassing element of the cell housing, designed, for example, as a bursting membrane, fails, in particular in a targeted manner, whereupon the gas can flow out of the cell housing. The gas can then flow through the degassing channels, so that the gas is specifically removed from the receiving space and from the storage cells by means of the degassing channels. This can prevent excessive thermal propagation, i.e. an undesired propagation of the thermal event. Thermal propagation means that the thermal event spreads from the at least one storage cell to the other storage cells, which can, however, be prevented or at least delayed by the degassing channels.

[0020] The degassing channels are preferably components of a degassing device of the energy storage device, the degassing device of which also has, for example, a particle separator. The gas flowing through the degassing channels can flow through the particle separator and can separate particles contained in the gas, in particular hot particles, from the gas. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the degassing device to have at least one further degassing element, for example designed as a further bursting membrane, which the gas flowing through the degassing channels can flow against and / or around, in particular directly, and which can subsequently fail, in particular break, in particular in a targeted manner. This opens up, for example, a degassing opening in the housing, in particular in the lower part, so that the gas can then be discharged, for example, from the housing to its surroundings.This enables particularly safe operation to be achieved in a particularly space-efficient manner.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the degassing channels are arranged vertically below the storage cells. The gas is thus diverted away from the cooling system, i.e., from the cooling channels integrated in the housing cover, so that the cooling system itself can be maintained and the risk of overheating of the electrical energy storage system is at least reduced.

[0022] In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the degassing channels are formed, in particular directly delimited, by a zigzag-shaped or wave-shaped component, in particular of the lower part. This component overlaps the storage cells downwards, in particular completely, in the vertical direction of the passenger car (also referred to as the vehicle). The component thereby has at least a dual function. Firstly, the component is used to form the degassing channels.Secondly, due to its zigzag or wave-shaped design, the component has a particularly high energy absorption capacity, so that the component can absorb loads acting, for example, in the vertical direction of the vehicle from bottom to top on the energy storage device and thus in the direction of the storage cells and can absorb them, for example, by deforming the component, thereby keeping these loads away from the storage cells or protecting the storage cells from excessive stress. Such loads acting from bottom to top in the vertical direction of the vehicle and thus in the direction of the storage cells occur, for example, when the energy storage device hits a curb or ground when the passenger car drives off a curb.This dual function allows the storage cells to be protected in a space- and weight-efficient manner, thus avoiding other, weight- and space-intensive protective measures. This allows for a particularly high energy content of the energy storage device.

[0023] Finally, it has proven particularly advantageous if the housing cover has a frame with lateral energy absorption elements, each of which has several hollow chambers. For example, the storage cells are at least partially overlapped on both sides by the energy absorption elements in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The energy absorption elements can advantageously absorb accident-related loads acting from the outside to the inside in the transverse direction of the vehicle and thus in the direction of the storage cells, thereby providing space- and weight-efficient protection for the storage cells.

[0024] The invention also includes a passenger car having an arrangement according to the invention. The advantages described above in connection with the arrangement according to the invention also apply to the passenger car.

[0025] Finally, the object is also achieved with an electrical energy storage device having the features of claim 13.

[0026] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawings, which show:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an arrangement of an electrical energy storage device on a body shell for a passenger car, in which the body shell has two side sills between which a main floor extends, wherein the entire main floor is formed exclusively by a housing cover of a housing of the electrical energy storage device formed separately from the body shell;

[0028] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a sequence of a method for producing the arrangement according to the invention;

[0029] Fig. 3 shows a partial schematic cross-sectional view through the arrangement;

[0030] Fig. 4 shows a partial schematic cross-sectional view through the energy storage device;

[0031] Fig. 5 shows a partial schematic and sectional perspective view of the arrangement; Fig. 6 shows a partial schematic cross-sectional view through a component of the energy storage device;

[0032] Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view of storage cells of the energy storage device according to a first embodiment;

[0033] Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view of storage cells of the energy storage device according to a second embodiment;

[0034] Fig. 9 shows a partial schematic perspective view of a protective structure of the energy storage device, also referred to as a replacement structure;

[0035] Fig. 10 shows a partial schematic cross-sectional view through the energy storage device in the event of a thermal event;

[0036] Fig. 11 is a schematic and perspective top view of a lower part of the energy storage device during the thermal event; and

[0037] Fig. 12 shows a further schematic cross-sectional view through the energy storage device.

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an arrangement of an electrical energy storage device 10 on a bodyshell 12 of a passenger car, designed as a self-supporting body. The electrical energy storage device 10 is also referred to as a battery or traction battery, or is designed as a battery, in particular as a traction battery. In particular, the electrical energy storage device 10 is a high-voltage component with an electrical voltage of several hundred volts.

[0039] When viewed in conjunction with Fig. 2, it is particularly clear that the bodyshell 12 has two side sills 14 which are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction of the vehicle and between which a main floor 16 extends. The transverse direction of the vehicle is illustrated in Fig. 1 by a double arrow 18 and is also referred to as y or the y-direction in the vehicle coordinate system. It can be seen that the side sills 14 directly and outwardly delimit a through-opening 20 of the bodyshell 12 on both sides in the transverse direction of the vehicle, which through-opening extends rearward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to a rear floor 22 of the bodyshell 12. The longitudinal direction of the vehicle is illustrated by a double arrow 24 and is also referred to as the x-direction in the vehicle coordinate system or as x.

[0040] In the fully manufactured state of the passenger car, a seating system of the passenger car, designed for example as a bench seat, is arranged above the rear floor 22 in the vehicle's vertical direction, wherein the seating system is arranged, for example, in a rear region of the passenger car's interior and thus provides at least one or more seats for rear passengers of the passenger car. The vehicle's vertical direction is illustrated by a double arrow 26 and is also referred to as the z-direction in the vehicle coordinate system or as z. In particular, the through-opening 20 extends in the vehicle's transverse direction over the entire space arranged between the side sills 14 in the vehicle's transverse direction and thus over more than half the width of the interior.Furthermore, it is conceivable that the passage opening 20 extends over more than the length of the interior, in particular continuously, i.e. without interruption, when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0041] From Fig. 5, it can be seen that the side sills 14 can be connected to one another by cross elements of the bodyshell 12, for example, designed as cross members 28, wherein the cross members 28 are connected, in particular directly, to the side sills 14. For example, the cross members 28 are seat cross members to which, for example, additional seating systems of the passenger car, in particular designed as individual seats, can be attached. In particular, the additional seating systems are arranged in a rear area of ​​the interior. The cross members 28 are thus components of the bodyshell 12.

[0042] In order to be able to realize a particularly advantageous connection of the energy storage device 10 to the bodyshell 12 as well as an energy storage device 10 with a particularly high energy content, the entire main base 16 is formed exclusively and completely by a housing cover 29 of a housing 30, also referred to as a storage housing or battery housing, of the electrical energy storage device 10, which is formed separately from the bodyshell 12. Since the electrical energy storage device 10 is formed separately from the bodyshell 12, the housing 30 and thus the housing cover 29, also simply referred to as the cover, are also formed separately from the bodyshell 12. Thus, the entire main base 16, which completely overlaps and thus closes the entire through-opening 20, is not part of the bodyshell 12, which is thus free of a main base.This also means that, in the vertical direction of the vehicle, no floor element of the bodyshell 12 is arranged between the respective cross member 28 and the housing cover 29. From Fig. 4, for example, it can be seen that the entire main floor 16 is completely formed by a cover part 32 of the housing cover 29, which cover part 32 is made, for example, from sheet metal, wherein the cover part 32 is preferably formed integrally, i.e., is formed from a single piece. Since the cover part 32 is preferably made of sheet metal, the cover part 32 is also referred to, for example, as a cover plate. Thus, for example, the cover plate completely forms the entire main floor 16. The cover plate (cover part 32) is thus a floor plate forming the entire main floor 16, which, however, is not a component of the bodyshell 12, but rather a component of the energy storage device 10 formed separately from the bodyshell 12.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a method for producing the arrangement. The bodyshell 12 and the energy storage device 10 are, for example, manufactured separately and independently of one another and in particular each completely in a first step S1. For example, in a second step S2 which follows the first step S1, the bodyshell 12 and the energy storage device 10 are connected to one another after their particularly complete production, in particular such that the energy storage device 10 is joined to the bodyshell 12. In this case, for example, the housing cover 29 is inserted into the through-opening 20, and for example the housing cover 29 is connected, in particular directly, to the bodyshell 12, in particular to the side sills 14, and thus fastened to the bodyshell 12, in particular to the side sills 14.For example, the energy storage device 10, in particular the housing cover 29, is glued and / or screwed to the bodyshell 12, in particular to the side sills 14. The energy storage device 10 is thus, for example, an integrated structural battery, although the bodyshell 12 and the energy storage device 10 are individual sections that can be manufactured and, in particular, certified independently of one another. Thus, for example, the bodyshell 12 and the energy storage device 10 can be manufactured using existing production lines. The advantage over conventional methods, however, is that at least almost all air gaps that must be maintained in conventional solutions due to component tolerances and assembly clearances can be reduced to a minimum or at least partially avoided. This makes it possible to create a particularly advantageous crash structure and a particularly large installation space for the energy storage device 10.As a result, a particularly high level of safety of the passenger car and a high energy content of the energy storage device 10 can be achieved, so that a particularly high electric range of the passenger car is possible.

[0044] Since the through-opening 20 is not closed by the body shell 12, but by the housing cover 29 of the energy storage device 10, which is designed as a pre-assembled, ready-to-install module or assembly part, the energy storage device 10 closes the body shell 12 and forms the entire main base 16. Compared to conventional solutions, only minimal joining tolerances are required for this purpose. A gap that would otherwise be required between a conventionally provided base plate of the body shell 12 and the housing 30 can be eliminated. Such a gap would have to be specially sealed and filled with soundproofing mats to provide corrosion protection and achieve favorable noise performance. This is no longer necessary due to the arrangement according to the invention.

[0045] It can be seen particularly well from Fig. 4 that the housing cover 29 has cooling channels 34 through which a preferably liquid coolant can flow. The housing cover 29 has, for example, the cover part 32 and a second cover part 36, wherein the cover parts 32 and 36 are formed separately from one another and at least indirectly connected to one another. The housing cover 29 comprises a channel element 38, which is formed, for example, separately from the cover parts 32 and 36. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the channel element 38 is, for example, at least indirectly, in particular directly, connected to the cover part 36, so that the respective cooling channel 34 is respectively partially and directly delimited by the cover part 36 and by the channel element 38.Between the cover part 32 and the channel element 38, as well as between the cover parts 32 and 36, intermediate spaces 40, also referred to as cavities, can be arranged, wherein an element 42, such as an adhesive, can be arranged in the cavities 40. In particular, the respective intermediate space 40, also referred to as a cavity or designed as a cavity, is completely filled with the element 42. The housing cover 29 thus forms or comprises a cooling plate 44, which comprises at least the channel element 38 and the cover part 36 and can thus be flowed through by the coolant. The cooling plate 44 is an upper cooling plate, since storage cells 46 of the electrical energy storage device 10 are overlapped upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle by the cooling plate 44. The storage cells 46 can be advantageously cooled via the cooling plate 44 by means of the coolant.Viewed upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the cooling plate 44 or the housing cover 29, for example, is a cover plate. In particular, it is conceivable that the storage cells 46 are directly connected to the cooling plate 44 and thus directly to the housing cover 29 and thus held on the housing cover 29. In particular, it is conceivable that the storage cells 46, also referred to simply as cells, are inserted directly into the housing cover 29, also referred to as the housing upper part or upper part.

[0046] The housing 30 has a lower part 48, which is formed separately from the housing cover 29 and at least indirectly, in particular directly, connected to the housing cover 29. The lower part 48 and the housing cover 29 each partially and preferably directly delimit a receiving space 50 of the housing 30, in whose receiving space 50 the storage cells 46 formed separately from the housing 30 are arranged. In particular, it is provided that the storage cells 46 are held on the housing cover 29 independently of the lower part 48.

[0047] It can be seen particularly well in conjunction with Fig. 5 that a protective structure 52, also referred to as a replacement structure, is arranged in the receiving space 50, by means of which protective structure 52 the storage cells 46 are overlapped on both sides outwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle and preferably completely. The replacement structure is or functions as a crash element, which is also referred to as an accident element and protects the storage cells 46 from excessive loading, for example in the event of an accident-related force acting in the transverse direction of the vehicle from the outside to the inside and thus in the direction of the storage cells 46. In particular, it is conceivable for the lower housing part to be reversibly detachably connected to the housing cover 29 and thus to be able to be detached and removed from the housing cover 29 without causing damage to or destruction of the housing cover 29 or the lower part 48.Thus, for example, the lower part 48, also referred to as the housing lower part, can be detached or removed from the housing cover 29 and thus removed, while the housing cover 29 and, via it, the storage cells 46 remain attached to the shell 12. This allows, for example, the electrical energy storage device 10 to be serviced or repaired particularly advantageously, in particular without having to remove the housing cover 29 or the storage cells 46 from the shell 12.

[0048] The housing cover 29 also has a frame 54 with lateral

[0049] Energy absorption elements 56, wherein the respective energy absorption element 56 has a plurality of hollow chambers 58, which in this case are separate from one another. For example, the energy absorption element 56 is designed as an extruded profile. From Fig. 4 it can be seen that the energy absorption element 56, in particular the frame 54, is designed separately from the cover parts 32 and 36 and is connected at least indirectly, in particular directly, to the cover parts 32 and 36. The lower part 48 can be connected, in particular directly, to the energy absorption element 56 or to the frame 54 and / or to the cover part 36. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 4, a seal 60 is arranged between the lower part 48 and the cover part 36, by means of which seal the lower part 48 is sealed against the housing cover 29, whereby the receiving space 50 is sealed. Furthermore, the seal 60 can be used as a tolerance compensation.It can be seen that the storage cells 46 are overlapped on both sides in the transverse direction of the vehicle and are at least partially overlapped by the energy absorption elements 56, whereby the storage cells 46 can be protected in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0050] At least one connecting element 62 is provided on the respective energy absorption element 56, by means of which the respective energy absorption element 56 and, via this, the housing cover 29 and thus the energy storage device 10 as a whole can be fastened, in particular screwed, to the respective side sill 14. In the present case, the connecting element 62 comprises a sleeve, for example, also referred to as a screw sleeve or designed as a screw sleeve. For example, a screw can be inserted through the sleeve, so that the housing cover 29 and thus the energy storage device 10 can be screwed against the bodyshell 12, in particular against the respective side sill 14, by means of the screw.

[0051] For example, the replacement structure (protective structure 52) forms a frame, also referred to as a module frame or cell module frame, into which the individual storage cells 46, also simply referred to as cells, are or will be inserted. For example, cell spaces arranged between the storage cells 46 are at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, filled with an intermediate cell structure, in particular such that the storage cells 46 are connected to one another and / or to the replacement structure by means of the intermediate cell structure. As a result, for example, the storage cells 46 and the replacement structure form a coherent structural body, which, for example, also includes the intermediate cell structure.The structural body can, for example, provide corresponding counterforces in the event of an accident or during ferry operation of the passenger car, which counteract the loads that occur in each case in order to avoid, for example, excessive, undesirable noises and to advantageously protect the storage cells 46.

[0052] 3 and 4, degassing channels 64, which are also referred to as ventilation channels or venting channels, are arranged in the receiving space 50. The degassing channels 64 are arranged below the storage cells 46 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In the vertical direction of the vehicle, free spaces 68 are arranged between the storage cells 46 and at least parts of a base 66 of the lower part 48, which can be used for so-called impact management, tolerance compensation and the discharge of so-called venting gas. Impact management is to be understood as meaning that the storage cells 46 can be protected, for example, from excessive loading if the lower part 48, in particular the base 66, comes into contact with a surface, for example when the passenger car drives off a curb, whereby a load acts on the energy storage device 10 in the vertical direction of the vehicle from bottom to top and in the direction of the storage cells 46.

[0053] In conjunction with Fig. 6, it can be seen that the respective degassing channel 64 can be formed at least partially by a component 70 arranged in the receiving space 50, wherein the component 70 can be a component of the lower part 48. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the base 66 is formed by a first component 72 of the lower part 48, wherein the component 70 and the component 72 are formed separately from one another and are thus indirectly, in particular directly, connected to one another. For example, the respective degassing channel 64 is in each case partially and preferably in each case directly delimited by the component 72 and the component 70. The component 70 has a wave-shaped cross-section with at least substantially U-shaped partial regions, which can each be designed as a lifting profile.As a result, the component 70, by which the storage cells 46 are overlapped downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle, has a particularly high energy absorption capacity, whereby, for example, when the energy storage device 10 touches down, the storage cells 46 can be protected from excessive loads.

[0054] The respective degassing channel 64 can be flowed through by the aforementioned gas which is generated during a thermal event in the electrical energy storage device 10. By means of the degassing channels 64, the gas can be discharged from the storage cells 46, so that thermal propagation can be avoided. This discharge of the gas is the aforementioned gas removal. It is conceivable for the storage cells 46 to be supported downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle on the component 70 and in particular on its aforementioned partial regions, in particular directly, in order to thereby particularly advantageously create the free spaces 68 between the partial regions and the storage cells 46. The free spaces 68 are thus provided in order to be able to advantageously discharge the gas flowing out of at least one of the storage cells 46 in the event of a thermal event.The gas, also referred to as venting gas, can be directed via the degassing channels 64 to a particle separator and to at least one bursting element, which can fail in a targeted manner and thus open an outlet opening of the housing 30, in particular of the lower part 48. Due to its wave shape, the component 70 functions, in particular, as a load distributor, which can transmit and distribute a force acting at a specific point, particularly in the vertical direction of the vehicle, from bottom to top, over a large area, particularly to the aforementioned intercellular structure.

[0055] It can be seen that the seal 60 is arranged between the respective sealing flanges of the lower part 48, in particular of the component 72, and the cover part 36, and is supported in particular directly on the sealing flanges. Component tolerances can be compensated both on the respective sealing flange itself and in a lower area by the respective clearance 68. This allows areas that do not fulfill any functions in the fully manufactured state of the passenger car to be avoided or advantageously kept to a minimum. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the component 70 provides electrical insulation, in particular between the respective storage cell 46 and the lower part 48.

[0056] Fig. 7 shows that the respective storage cell 46 can be designed as a round cell, which has the shape of a particularly right circular cylinder on its outer circumference. Fig. 8 shows that the respective storage cell 46 can be designed as a prismatic storage cell.

[0057] In Fig. 5, an arrow 74 illustrates a force which, for example, acts on one of the side sills 14 from the outside to the inside in the transverse direction of the vehicle during an accident. One side sill 14 forms a first deformation zone 76 in which the side sill 14 can deform, thereby absorbing energy. A second deformation zone adjoining the first deformation zone 76 inwards in the transverse direction of the vehicle is designated 78 and is formed by the energy absorption element 56. The energy absorption element 56 can also be deformed by the accident-induced force and can thereby absorb accident energy, whereby the storage cells 46 can be advantageously protected. In Fig. 5, arrows illustrate a load or energy distribution which occurs as a result of the force illustrated by the arrow 74.A double arrow 80 illustrates that the energy storage unit 10 supports the cross members 28, also referred to as bodyshell cross members, in the event of an accident. This allows the height of the respective cross member 28 running in the vertical direction of the vehicle to be kept low, so that a particularly large height of the energy storage unit 10 running in the vertical direction of the vehicle can be represented. In Figs. 7 and 8, arrows illustrate a transmission of forces that occur, for example, during ferry operation and are operational loads, or that occur in an accident and are therefore accident-related loads. The forces are transmitted via the intermediate cell structure and are thus at least partially kept away from the storage cells 46. Thus, in particular, forces and / or torques caused by an accident can be absorbed via the replacement structure, the intermediate cell structure and the frame 54, whereby the storage cells 46 can be advantageously protected.

[0058] Fig. 9 shows a section of the replacement structure in a schematic perspective view. The replacement structure (protective structure 52) includes, for example, mesh pockets 82. Local filling or filling of the mesh pockets, for example, with adhesive and / or foam and / or an insert, is conceivable in order to be able to absorb and transmit particularly high moments and / or forces locally.

[0059] 10 and 11, the aforementioned thermal event 84, shown particularly schematically here, is illustrated. As a result of the thermal event, the aforementioned gas, which carries hot particles with it, can arise; the flow of this gas is illustrated in Fig. 10 by an arrow 86. It can be seen that the gas flows to and into the free spaces 68 or the degassing channels 64 and can subsequently be guided advantageously and as needed. In Fig. 11, the gas or its flow is illustrated by arrows 86. The gas or its flow is guided by means of the degassing channels 64, for example to the rear in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and, for example, to bursting elements that can be arranged at locations 88 of the lower part 48. In particular, the gas is guided to the bursting elements via particle separators 90, shown particularly schematically in Fig. 11.The particle separators 90 separate any particles contained in the gas from the gas. As illustrated in Fig. 11 by arrows 92, the bursting elements can fail, particularly in a targeted manner, thereby opening a respective passage opening in the lower part 48, whereupon the gas can flow out of the housing 30 into its surroundings 94.

[0060] Finally, arrows 96 in Fig. 12 illustrate that any point load acting in the vertical direction of the vehicle, indicated by an arrow 98, can be transferred via component 72 to component 70 and, by means of component 70, can be transmitted at least substantially over a large area to the intermediate cell structure. This can prevent excessive, point-like loading of the storage cells 46 and the intermediate cell structure, which is also referred to as the intermediate cell structure.

Claims

Claims: Arrangement of an electrical energy storage device (10) on a body shell (12) for a passenger car, wherein the body shell (12) has two side sills (14) between which a main floor (16) extends, wherein the entire main floor (16) is formed by a housing cover (29) of a housing (30) of the electrical energy storage device (10) formed separately from the body shell (12), wherein the housing (30) has a lower part (48) formed separately from the housing cover (29), arranged in the vertical direction below the housing cover (29), and a receiving space (50) formed by the housing cover (29) and the lower part (48) for storage cells (46) for storing electrical energy, characterized in that - that the housing cover (29) has cooling channels (34) through which a coolant can flow, wherein at least a partial area of ​​the electrical energy storage device (10) can be cooled by means of the coolant, and - that free spaces (68) are arranged between the storage cells (46) and at least parts of a base (66) of the lower part (48). Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that degassing channels (64) are provided in the receiving space (50), which, in the event of a thermal event of the electrical energy storage device (10), are permeable to gas resulting from the thermal event and escaping from at least one of the storage cells (46). Arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the degassing channels (64) are arranged in the vehicle's vertical direction below the storage cells (46). Arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the degassing channels (64) are at least partially formed by a zigzag-shaped or wave-shaped component (70) by which the storage cells (46) overlap downwards in the vehicle's vertical direction. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the component (70) acts as a load distributor when a force acts on the lower part (48) from bottom to top in the vehicle's vertical direction. Arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the component (70) is arranged – viewed in the vehicle's vertical direction – below the storage cells (46) and above a base (66) of the lower part (48).Arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that the base (66) is formed by a first component (72) of the lower part (48) and that the first component (72) and the component (70) are formed separately from one another and connected to each other. Arrangement according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the gas escaping from at least one of the storage cells (46) during a thermal event can be directed via the degassing channels (64) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to bursting elements arranged at locations (88) of the lower part (48). An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage cells (46) are held on the housing cover (29). An arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a protective structure (52) is arranged in the receiving space (50), by which the storage cells (46) overlap on both sides in the transverse direction of the vehicle. An arrangement according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the housing cover (29) has a frame (54) with lateral energy absorption elements (56), each of which has several hollow chambers (58). Passenger car, with an arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims.Electrical energy storage device (10) for mounting on a body shell (12) of a passenger car, comprising a housing (30) which has a receiving space (50) for storage cells (46) for storing electrical energy, wherein the receiving space (50) is formed by a housing cover (29) and a lower part (48) formed separately from the housing cover (29), characterized in that. - that the housing cover (29) has cooling channels (34) through which a coolant can flow, wherein at least a partial area of ​​the electrical energy storage device (10) can be cooled by means of the coolant, and - that free spaces (68) are arranged between the storage cells (46) and at least parts of a floor (66) of the lower part (48).

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