Underbody protection means for motor vehicles, battery housing for a traction battery, traction battery for motor vehicles, and motor vehicle with an underbody protection means

Abstract

The present invention discloses an underbody protection means (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one base component (10), at least one protection element (20) and at least two ribs (30). The at least two ribs (30) are arranged in a sandwich-like manner between the protection element (20) and the base component (10), and a plurality of cavities (40) which are delimited at least partially by the ribs (30) are formed between the protection element (20) and a lower side (12) of the base component (10), and the protection element (20) is connected to the base component (10). Furthermore, the present invention discloses a battery housing (90) with an underbody protection means (1) according to the invention, a traction battery (80) with a battery housing (90) according to the invention, and a motor vehicle with a traction battery (80) according to the invention.

Description

[0001] Underbody protection for motor vehicles, battery housing for a traction battery, traction battery for motor vehicles and motor vehicle with underbody protection

[0002] The present invention relates to an underbody protection for motor vehicles, in particular for electric vehicles. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a battery housing for a traction battery. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a traction battery for a motor vehicle. Finally, the present invention relates to a motor vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, with an underbody protection.

[0003] Various types of underbody protection systems are known from the state of the art. Heavy steel plates or welded steel assemblies are predominantly used as underbody protection in order to absorb the high intrusion force and impact energy when motor vehicles dynamically hit obstacles. Such underbody protection systems increase the overall vehicle weight. In addition, underbody protection made of steel poses an increased risk of corrosion. Furthermore, with correspondingly designed underbody protection systems there are problems with regard to warping, particularly when this type of underbody protection system is attached to a plastic component of the vehicle. This is because a corresponding plastic component generally has a different coefficient of expansion when heat is introduced than the underbody protection system, meaning that corresponding underbody protection systems warp when temperatures change.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of providing an underbody protection which has a high rigidity and energy absorption capacity while at the same time being lightweight and, in addition, has a reduced warpage compared to underbody protection systems known from the prior art.

[0005] The object underlying the present invention is achieved by an underbody protection having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the underbody protection are described in the claims dependent on claim 1.

[0006] More specifically, the object underlying the present invention is achieved by an underbody protection for a motor vehicle, which has at least one base component, at least one protective element and at least two ribs. In the underbody protection according to the invention, the at least two ribs are arranged in a sandwich-like manner between the protective element and the base component, wherein a plurality of cavities are formed between the protective element and an underside of the base component, which cavities are at least partially delimited by the ribs, and wherein the protective element is connected to the base component.

[0007] The underbody protection according to the invention has the advantage that the protective effect of the underbody protection is increased against mechanical impacts, for example due to an impact. In the event of a mechanical impact, for example due to an impact caused by a motor vehicle dynamically hitting a surface, the protective element can deform into the cavities of the underbody protection and convert the energy generated by the impact into mechanical deformation energy. The base component is protected from deformation due to the deformation of the protective element into the cavities of the underbody protection, so that components of the motor vehicle located above the protective element are effectively protected. The underbody protection therefore has an increased protective effect against mechanical impacts.Furthermore, the underbody protection according to the invention has the advantage, due to its layer structure, that it has a reduced tendency to warp when heat is introduced.

[0008] Furthermore, the underbody protection according to the invention has a weight advantage over the underbody protection systems known from the prior art.

[0009] The underbody protection is designed for a motor vehicle, in particular for an electrically powered vehicle (electric vehicle).

[0010] The base component may comprise a plastic or be made of a plastic. In this case, the base component may also be referred to as a plastic component. Furthermore, the base component may comprise a metal or be made of a metal.

[0011] The underside of the base component is the side facing away from the component to which the underbody protection is attached (e.g., traction battery). If, for example, the base component is designed as a battery housing shell, the underside of the base component is the side facing away from the receiving volume of the base component or the battery housing shell.

[0012] The base component designed as a plastic component can comprise a thermoplastic and / or thermosetting plastic.

[0013] The base component, which is designed as a plastic component, can be designed, at least in sections, as a fiber-reinforced plastic component. This can improve the flexural rigidity of the underbody protection.

[0014] The base component, which is designed as a plastic component, can contain short fibers and / or long fibers and / or continuous fibers. This can further improve the flexural rigidity of the underbody protection.

[0015] The fibers of the base component designed as a plastic component can be designed as glass fibers and / or carbon fibers and / or aramid fibers.

[0016] The base component, which is designed as a plastic component, can be manufactured using pressing processes such as long-fibre thermoplastic extrusion, glass mat thermoplastic compression moulding or injection moulding.

[0017] The base component is preferably shell-shaped. A receiving space of the shell-shaped base component is preferably facing away from the ribs.

[0018] The protective element can also be referred to as a protective plate. The protective element can be designed as a substantially flat component.

[0019] The protective element preferably has a thickness in a range between 0. 5 mm (millimeters) and 5 mm, more preferably in a range between 1 mm and 4 mm, more preferably in a range between 1. 5 mm and 3 mm.

[0020] The underbody protection preferably comprises a plurality of protective elements. Further preferably, a protective element is arranged in each receiving region of the base component, which is delimited by at least one, preferably at least two, further preferably at least three, and further preferably four ribs.

[0021] The underbody protection may have a plurality of ribs. A first subset of the ribs may, for example, be aligned parallel to one another, and a second subset of the ribs may be aligned crossed with the first subset of the ribs.

[0022] The ribs may have a wall thickness in a range of 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably in a range of 2 mm to 4 mm.

[0023] The ribs preferably have a height extension in a range between 4 mm and 30 mm, more preferably in a range of 8 mm to 15 mm.

[0024] The ribs can extend in a regular pattern between the protective element and the base component. This improves the flexural rigidity of the underbody protection.

[0025] The majority of the cavities may have a width and / or a length in a range of 30 mm to 100 mm, preferably in a range of 40 mm to 60 mm.

[0026] Preferably, the protective element is detachable from the base component so that in the event of damage to the protective element, it can be removed from the base component and replaced with a new protective element.

[0027] The protective element can preferably be connected to the base component in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting and / or material-fitting manner.

[0028] The protective element can be connected to the base component by means of connecting elements. Connecting elements can be designed as screws, rivets or other connecting elements. For example, a cavity with an undercut or a through-hole can be formed in the protective element. The material of the base component can extend into the cavity, so that a rivet is formed in this way. Furthermore, the material of the base component can extend through a through-hole, the wall of which is preferably chamfered, so that a rivet is formed in this way. Furthermore, for example, the protective element can be adhesively bonded to the base component. Furthermore, for example, the protective element can be welded to the base component.

[0029] The underbody protection may comprise a plurality of protective elements. The respective protective elements are preferably arranged next to one another. This allows for increased flexibility of the underbody protection.

[0030] Preferably, the underbody protection is designed such that the protective element has at least one plastic layer and at least one protective layer which is connected to the plastic layer.

[0031] The appropriately designed underbody protection, despite its low weight, nevertheless offers a high level of protection against mechanical impacts, for example from an impact caused by a motor vehicle dynamically hitting a surface.

[0032] The plastic layer may be made of thermoplastic material, preferably polypropylene or polyamide. Alternatively, the plastic layer may be made of thermosetting material.

[0033] The plastic layer can be made, at least in sections, of fiber-reinforced plastic. This can improve the flexural rigidity of the underbody protection.

[0034] The plastic layer can contain long fibers and / or continuous fibers. This can further improve the flexural rigidity of the underbody protection. The fibers of the plastic layer can be glass fibers and / or carbon fibers and / or aramid fibers.

[0035] The protective layer can, for example, be formed as an organic sheet. Organic sheets are fiber-matrix semi-finished products. These consist of a fiber fabric or fiber layup embedded in a thermoplastic matrix. This can improve hot formability and thus shorten production times. Furthermore, the flexural rigidity of the underbody protection can be improved.

[0036] The protective layer can also be formed, for example, as a metal layer or metal sheet. For example, the metal layer can be formed as a steel layer or steel plate.

[0037] The protective element can be manufactured in a simplified manner, in particular off-tool by injection molding, thermoforming and / or by means of pressing processes such as long fiber thermoplastic extrusion, glass mat thermoplastic compression molding or injection molding.

[0038] Further preferably, the underbody protection is designed such that the at least one protective layer is arranged on an outer side of the protective element facing away from the ribs.

[0039] The correspondingly designed underbody protection has even improved stability.

[0040] Further preferably, the underbody protection is designed such that the at least one protective layer is arranged on an inner side of the protective element facing the ribs. The correspondingly designed underbody protection has improved long-term stability, since the protective layer is protected from environmental influences (e.g., moisture, damage caused by sand, stones, or the like thrown up during driving).

[0041] Further preferably, the underbody protection is designed such that the protective element has two protective layers and a plastic layer which is connected to the two protective layers, wherein the plastic layer is arranged in a sandwich-like manner between a first protective layer which is arranged on an outer side of the protective element facing away from the ribs, and a second protective layer which is arranged on an inner side of the protective element facing the ribs.

[0042] The correspondingly designed underbody protection has even improved stability and durability.

[0043] Further preferably, the underbody protection is designed in such a way that the protective layer arranged on the inner side facing the ribs has a plurality of through openings through which the material of the plastic layer forming the ribs protrudes.

[0044] The correspondingly designed underbody protection exhibits improved stability and is also particularly easy to manufacture. This is because the position of the protective layer or second protective layer arranged on the inside facing the ribs is fixed by the ribs protruding through the through-openings. The ribs can be formed, for example, by pushing the material of the plastic layer through the through-openings of the protective layer.

[0045] Preferably, the underbody protection is designed such that the protective element is connected to the base component by means of a plurality of screws, wherein at least some of the screws are screwed into a respective rib.

[0046] The appropriately designed underbody protection is extremely stable and easy to manufacture. Because at least some of the screws are screwed into each rib, these screws, and thus the protective element, are particularly firmly connected to the base component. Furthermore, when screws are screwed into each rib, for example, no fastening nut is required to secure a screw to the base component. This simplifies the manufacture of the underbody protection.

[0047] The screws are preferably designed as thread-forming screws, which form a thread in the base component when screwed into it.

[0048] Preferably, at least some of the screws are screwed into an intersection area of ​​two intersecting ribs. The correspondingly designed underbody protection exhibits further improved stability.

[0049] Preferably, the protective element is connected to the base component by means of ten to eighty screws.

[0050] Preferably, the underbody protection is designed such that at least some of the ribs are formed monolithically with the base component.

[0051] The correspondingly designed underbody protection is easy to manufacture because the base component, including the ribs formed monolithically with it, can be easily manufactured, for example, by means of pressing processes such as long-fiber thermoplastic extrusion, glass mat thermoplastic compression molding, or, for example, by means of injection molding. The feature according to which at least some of the ribs are formed monolithically with the base component can also be expressed such that a subset of the ribs is formed monolithically with the base component.

[0052] The majority of the ribs, preferably all of the ribs, can be monolithically connected to the base component. Two components are monolithically connected if they are made from a single, continuous piece. In particular, monolithically connected components are seamlessly connected to one another.

[0053] Preferably, the at least one protective element is in direct contact with the ribs.

[0054] Preferably, the underbody protection is designed such that at least some of the ribs are formed monolithically with the protective element.

[0055] The correspondingly designed underbody protection is easy to manufacture, since at least one protective element, including the ribs formed monolithically with it, can be easily manufactured together in one manufacturing step.

[0056] The feature according to which at least a part of the ribs is formed monolithically with the protective element can also be expressed in such a way that a subset of the ribs is formed monolithically with the protective element.

[0057] Preferably, the base component is in direct contact with at least some of the ribs and preferably with all of the ribs.

[0058] Preferably, the underbody protection is designed such that the at least one protective element comprises at least one metal plate and / or at least one plastic element and / or at least one organic sheet (20).

[0059] If the underbody protection has more than one protective element, one protective element can be designed as a metal plate and another protective element as an organic sheet or as a plastic element.

[0060] If the protective element is designed as a metal plate, the metal plate can be made of aluminum or steel, for example.

[0061] Organic sheets are fiber-matrix semi-finished products. These consist of a fiber fabric or fiber mesh embedded in a thermoplastic matrix. This improves hot formability and shortens production times. Furthermore, the flexural rigidity of the underbody protection can be improved.

[0062] The at least one protective element can be made of the same plastic as the base component. This allows the protective element to be better connected to the base component, in particular to be welded more effectively.

[0063] If the protective element is designed as a plastic element, it is preferably made of a thermoplastic and / or thermosetting plastic.

[0064] If the protective element is made of plastic, it can be made, at least in sections, of a fiber-reinforced plastic element. This can improve the flexural rigidity of the underbody protection.

[0065] If the protective element is made of plastic, it can contain short fibers and / or long fibers and / or continuous fibers. This can further improve the flexural rigidity of the underbody protection.

[0066] The fibers of the plastic element can be formed as glass fibers and / or carbon fibers and / or aramid fibers.

[0067] The plastic element can be manufactured using pressing processes such as long-fibre thermoplastic extrusion, glass mat thermoplastic compression moulding or injection moulding.

[0068] Preferably, the underbody protection is designed in such a way that the underbody protection has a connecting flange arranged on the edge.

[0069] Preferably, an outer lateral boundary of the protective element terminates in a region of the connecting flange such that the base component covers a cut edge of the protective element. This results in improved side crash properties.

[0070] If the protective element comprises or is made of metal, the cut edge of the protective element is covered by plastic for corrosion protection. Further improved side crash properties are achieved if the rigid part of the underbody protection (e.g., a protective element) is flush with, for example, a battery housing.

[0071] The connecting flange is preferably formed as part of the base component. This simplifies the manufacture of the base component. Furthermore, the flexural rigidity of the base component is increased. The connecting flange can extend away from the base component at the edge, in particular in the direction of the width and / or the length of the base component.

[0072] The connecting flange can have an extension in the direction of the width and / or the length of the base component in a range of 8 mm to 40 mm, preferably in a range of 10 mm to 18 mm. This allows the underbody protection to be connected to a motor vehicle in an improved manner.

[0073] The connecting flange can have a joining surface. The joining surface can be designed to establish a connection to a motor vehicle or to a motor vehicle component, such as a traction battery. The connection to the motor vehicle can be a material-to-material connection. Alternatively or additionally, a mechanical connection can be established by means of connecting elements. Connecting elements can be designed as screws, rivets, or other mechanical connecting elements.

[0074] The connecting flange can be designed as part of the boundary edge.

[0075] The connecting flange can be designed as a connecting flange that runs around the base component.

[0076] Preferably, the protective element is connected to the base component by means of a plurality of screws which are screwed into the connecting flange.

[0077] Preferably, a sealant is arranged between the protective element and the base component, which sealant can be, for example, a one-component or two-component polyurethane adhesive, a silicone-based adhesive, or an adhesive based on silane-modified polymers. Preferably, an adhesive tape and / or a foam tape and / or a transfer tape, each preferably based on acrylic, is arranged between the protective element and the base component.

[0078] Preferably, the underbody protection is designed such that a first connecting surface of the protective element is materially connected to the base component.

[0079] A material-locking connection can be achieved, for example, by welding and / or gluing the base component to the first connecting surface of the protective element.

[0080] Preferably, a first adhesion promoter layer is applied to the first connecting surface of the protective element.

[0081] The adhesion promoter layer can achieve an improved bond, in particular an improved material bond.

[0082] The adhesion promoter layer can be formed as a heat-activatable adhesive layer, preferably in the form of a film, a lacquer, and / or a powder coating. The powder coating can be formed on a thermoplastic or thermosetting basis. This allows a further improved material-to-material connection between the support structure and the respective first protective element and the second protective element to be achieved.

[0083] The adhesion promoter layer can have a layer thickness in a range from 0.02 mm to 3 mm, preferably in a range from 0.03 mm to 1 mm, more preferably in a range from 0.05 mm to 0.3 mm. Preferably, the first connecting surface of the protective element is welded to the base component.

[0084] Further preferably, the first connecting surface of the protective element is microstructured. The microsurface structure of the first connecting surface is produced, for example, by means of a laser microstructuring process and / or by means of sandblasting or corundum blasting and / or by means of an etching process.

[0085] Preferably, the underbody protection is designed in such a way that at least some of the cavities are filled with a foam material.

[0086] The foam material can be polyurethane foam. The foam material can be expanded polypropylene or EPP foam.

[0087] Preferably, the foam material has a density in a range between 60 g / l and 180 g / l, preferably in a range between 100 g / l and 150 g / l.

[0088] Further preferably, the underbody protection is designed such that the protective element is connected to the base component by means of the foam material.

[0089] The correspondingly designed underbody protection has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture, as fewer work steps are necessary for its production.

[0090] For example, the base component can have a connecting surface made of polypropylene. Furthermore, the protective element can also have a connecting surface made of polypropylene. The foam material can be formed as EPP foam, as described above. The connecting surface of the base component can be firmly connected to the EPP foam, and the connecting surface of the protective element can be firmly connected to the EPP foam, so that the protective element is connected to the base component by means of the foam material.

[0091] Preferably, the underbody protection is designed such that the base component is shell-shaped and at least partially delimits a receiving volume which is designed to receive battery cells and / or battery modules.

[0092] The correspondingly designed underbody protection has the advantage that the basic component combines several functions, namely the function of accommodating battery cells and / or battery modules and the function of protecting the battery cells and / or battery modules from damage caused by placing a motor vehicle with a traction battery, which has the described underbody protection, on a surface.

[0093] The object underlying the present invention is further achieved by a battery housing for a traction battery, wherein the battery housing has an underbody protection according to one of the embodiments described above, wherein a battery housing shell of the battery housing is designed as a basic component of the underbody protection.

[0094] The battery housing according to the invention has the advantage that the protective effect of the battery housing against mechanical impact, for example, due to an impact, is increased. In the event of a mechanical impact, for example, due to an impact, the protective element of the underbody protection of the battery housing can deform into the cavities of the underbody protection of the battery housing by dynamically setting down on a substrate and convert the energy generated by the impact into mechanical deformation energy. The battery housing thus has an increased protective effect against mechanical impact.

[0095] Furthermore, due to the layered structure of the battery housing shell, the battery housing according to the invention has the advantage that the battery housing shell has a reduced tendency to warp when heat is introduced.

[0096] Furthermore, the battery housing according to the invention has a weight advantage over the battery housings known from the prior art.

[0097] The object underlying the present invention is further achieved by a traction battery for a motor vehicle, wherein the traction battery has at least one battery cell and / or at least one battery module and a battery housing as described above, wherein the at least one battery cell and / or the at least one battery module is / are arranged in the battery housing.

[0098] A traction battery designed in this way has the advantage that a battery cell arranged in the battery housing and / or a battery module arranged in the battery housing is better protected against direct mechanical impact in the event of a vertical impact on the traction battery due to the improved energy absorption capabilities of the battery housing.

[0099] The object underlying the present invention is further achieved by a motor vehicle, in particular an electric vehicle, with an underbody protection which is designed according to one of the embodiments described above and which is attached to an underbody of the motor vehicle, in particular to a traction battery of the motor vehicle. Further advantages, details, and features of the invention will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments. In detail:

[0100] Figure 1A: a schematic sectional view of an underbody protection according to the invention according to a first embodiment;

[0101] Figure 1B: a detailed view of a connection area between a protective element and a base component of the underbody protection shown in Figure 1A;

[0102] Figure 2: a schematic sectional view of an underbody protection according to the invention according to a second embodiment;

[0103] Figure 3: a schematic sectional view of an underbody protection according to the invention according to a third embodiment;

[0104] Figure 4: a schematic sectional view of an underbody protection according to the invention according to a fourth embodiment;

[0105] Figure 5: a schematic sectional view of an underbody protection according to the invention according to a fifth embodiment;

[0106] Figure 6: a schematic sectional view of an underbody protection according to the invention according to a sixth embodiment;

[0107] Figure 7: a schematic sectional view of an underbody protection according to the invention according to a seventh embodiment; Figure 8: a schematic sectional view of an underbody protection according to the invention according to an eighth embodiment; and

[0108] Figure 9: a schematic sectional view of a traction battery according to the invention having an underbody protection according to a ninth embodiment.

[0109] In the following description, identical reference symbols designate identical components or identical features, so that a description of a component made with reference to one figure also applies to the other figures, thus avoiding repetitive description. Furthermore, individual features described in connection with one embodiment can also be used separately in other embodiments.

[0110] Figure 1A shows a schematic sectional view of an underbody protection 1 for a motor vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The underbody protection 1 has at least one base component 10, at least one protective element 20, and at least two ribs 30. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A and also in the other embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 9, the underbody protection 1 each has a plurality of ribs 30 (more than two ribs).

[0111] In the embodiment of the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 1A, the ribs 30 are formed monolithically with the base component 10. Furthermore, the ribs 30 are arranged in a sandwich-like manner between the protective element 20 and the base component 10, so that a plurality of cavities 40 are formed between the protective element 20 and an underside 12 of the base component 10, which cavities are at least partially delimited by the ribs 30. Furthermore, the cavities 40 are delimited by the protective element 20.

[0112] In the embodiment of the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 1A, the protective element 20 is connected to the base component 10 by means of a plurality of screws 70. As can be seen from Figure 1B, at least some of the screws 70 are screwed into a respective rib 30.

[0113] If the protective element 20 is designed as a plastic element 20 or as an organic sheet 20 or has a plastic element 20 or an organic sheet 20, the protective element 20 can be materially connected to the base component 10. For this purpose, the base component 10 can also be made of plastic, or at least the part of the base component 10 that is in contact with a connecting surface 27 of the protective element 20 can be formed of plastic.

[0114] Furthermore, it can be seen from Figure 1A that the underbody protection 1 has a connecting flange 50 arranged on the edge. This closes off a gap between the protective element 20 and the base component 10, so that, for example, no water can penetrate into this gap. Furthermore, the protective element 20 and the base component 10 are in contact with one another in the region of the connecting flange 50 and are preferably connected to one another in the region of the connecting flange 50. For example, the protective element 20 can be connected to the base component 10 in the region of the flange 50 in a material-locking manner and / or by means of a plurality of screws.

[0115] Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of an underbody protection 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The underbody protection 1 according to the second embodiment is designed such that at least some of the cavities 40 are filled with a foam material 60. The protective element 20 can be connected to the base component 10 by means of the foam material 60. Furthermore, it is also possible for the protective element 20 to be connected to the base component 10 by means of a plurality of screws (not shown in Figure 2). Furthermore, the protective element 20 can be materially connected to the base component 10.

[0116] The remaining structure of the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 2 corresponds to the structure shown in Figure 1A, so that in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0117] Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of an underbody protection 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 3 differs from the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 1A in that the ribs 30 are not formed monolithically with the base component 10, but rather monolithically with the protective element 20. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the connecting surfaces 27 of the protective element 20 are the end edges of the respective ribs 30, which are arranged opposite the underside 12 of the base component 10.

[0118] The remaining structure of the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 3 corresponds to that of the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 1, so that in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the corresponding explanations above.

[0119] Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view of an underbody protection 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 4, at least some of the cavities 40 are filled with a foam material 60. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, all of the cavities 40 are filled with the foam material. The foam material 60 offers the possibility of the protective element 20 being connected to the base component 10 by means of the foam material 60. The further connection options of the protective element 20 to the base component 10, which are explained in more detail with reference to Figure 3, are also possible in the embodiment shown in Figure 4. Consequently, the protective element 20 can be connected to the base component 10 by means of a large number of screws. Furthermore, the protective element 20 can be connected to the base component 10 in a material-locking manner.

[0120] The remaining structure of the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 4 corresponds to the structure of the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 3, so that in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the corresponding explanations above.

[0121] Figure 5 shows a schematic sectional view of an underbody protection 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 5, the protective element 20 has a plastic flap 23 and a protective layer 24 connected to the plastic layer 23. The protective layer 24 is arranged on an outer side 21 of the protective element 20 facing away from the ribs 30.

[0122] The plastic layer 23 may comprise thermoplastic plastic, preferably polypropylene or polyamide. Alternatively, the plastic layer 23 may comprise thermosetting plastic. The plastic layer 23 may be formed, at least in sections, as a fiber-reinforced plastic layer 24, wherein the fibers may be formed as glass fibers and / or carbon fibers and / or aramid fibers.

[0123] The protective layer 24 can be formed, for example, as an organic sheet 24 or as a metal layer 24. The remaining structure of the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 5 corresponds to the structure of the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 3, so that, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the corresponding explanations above.

[0124] Figure 6 shows a schematic sectional view of an underbody protection 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 6, the protective element 20 has a plastic layer 23 and a protective layer 25 which is connected to the plastic layer 23. In this case, the one protective layer 25 is arranged on an inner side 22 of the protective element 20 facing the ribs 30. The protective layer 25 arranged on the inner side 22 facing the ribs 30 has a plurality of through openings 26 through which material of the plastic layer 23 forming the ribs 30 protrudes.

[0125] In the embodiment of the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 6, the plastic layer 23 can also comprise thermoplastic plastic, preferably polypropylene or polyamide. Alternatively, the plastic layer 23 can comprise thermosetting plastic. The plastic layer 23 can be formed, at least in sections, as a fiber-reinforced plastic layer 24, wherein the fibers can be formed as glass fibers and / or carbon fibers and / or aramid fibers.

[0126] The protective layer 24 can be formed, for example, as an organic sheet 24 or as a metal layer 24.

[0127] The remaining structure of the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 6 corresponds to the structure of the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 3, so that to avoid repetition reference is made to the corresponding explanations above. Figure 7 shows a schematic sectional view of an underbody protection 1 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 7, at least some of the cavities 40 are filled with a foam material 60, wherein in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, all of the cavities 40 are filled with the foam material 60.

[0128] The foam material 60 offers the possibility of connecting the protective element 20 to the base component 10 by means of the foam material 60. The further connection options of the protective element 20 to the base component 10, which are explained in more detail with reference to Figure 3, are also possible in the embodiment shown in Figure 7. Consequently, the protective element 20 can be connected to the base component 10 by means of a plurality of screws. Furthermore, the protective element 20 can be materially connected to the base component 10.

[0129] The remaining structure of the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 7 corresponds to the structure of the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 5, so that in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the corresponding explanations above.

[0130] Figure 8 shows a schematic sectional view of an underbody protection 1 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. In the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 8, the protective element 20 has a first protective layer 24, a second protective layer 25, and a plastic layer 23, which is connected to the two protective layers 24, 25, respectively.

[0131] The first protective layer 24 is arranged on the outer side 21 of the protective element 20, facing away from the ribs 30. The second protective layer 25 is arranged on the inner side 22 of the protective element 20, facing the ribs 30. The second protective layer 25 has a plurality of through-openings 26 through which material of the plastic layer 23 forming the ribs 30 protrudes. The plastic layer 23 is arranged in a sandwich-like manner between the first protective layer 24 and the second protective layer 25.

[0132] In the embodiment of the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 8, the plastic layer 23 can also comprise thermoplastic plastic, preferably polypropylene or polyamide. Alternatively, the plastic layer 23 can comprise thermosetting plastic. The plastic layer 23 can be formed, at least in sections, as a fiber-reinforced plastic layer 24, wherein the fibers can be formed as glass fibers and / or carbon fibers and / or aramid fibers.

[0133] The first protective layer 24 can be formed, for example, as an organic sheet 24 or as a metal layer 24. The second protective layer 25 can be formed, for example, as an organic sheet 25 or as a metal layer 25.

[0134] The remaining structure of the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 8 corresponds to the structure of the underbody protection 1 shown in Figure 6, so that in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the corresponding explanations above.

[0135] Figure 9 shows a schematic sectional view of a battery housing 90 for a traction battery 80, comprising an underbody protection 1 according to a ninth embodiment, wherein a battery housing shell 10 of the battery housing 90 is designed as a base component 10 of the underbody protection 1.

[0136] The ribs 30 are formed monolithically with the base component 10. Furthermore, the underbody protection 1 has a connecting flange 50 arranged at the edge.

[0137] The base component 10 is shell-shaped and at least partially defines a receiving volume 11. Consequently, in the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the base component 10 is designed as a battery housing shell 10, which is designed to receive battery cells 91 and / or battery modules. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of battery cells 91 are arranged in the receiving volume 11.

[0138] Although not shown in Figure 9, the underbody protection

[0139] 1 can also be designed as shown in Figures 1 to 8, wherein the base component 10 is then always shell-shaped and at least partially delimits a receiving volume 11 which is designed to receive battery cells 91 and / or battery modules.

[0140] List of reference symbols

[0141] I Underbody protection / battery housing shell

[0142] 10 Base component / battery housing

[0143] II Recording volume (of the base component)

[0144] 12 Bottom side (of the base component)

[0145] 20 protective element / metal plate / plastic element / organic sheet

[0146] 21 Outside (of the protective element)

[0147] 22 Inside (of the protective element)

[0148] 23 plastic layer / plastic sheet / plastic plate

[0149] 24 (first) protective layer

[0150] 25 (second) protective layer

[0151] 26 Passage opening (of the protective layer)

[0152] 27 (first) connecting surface (of the protective element)

[0153] 30 ribs

[0154] 40 cavity

[0155] 50 connecting flange

[0156] 60 foam material / foam layer / foam layer

[0157] 70 screw

[0158] 80 traction battery

[0159] 90 battery housing

[0160] 91 Battery cell / battery module

Claims

Patent claims (first invention) 1. Underbody protection (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: at least one base component (10); at least one protective element (20); at least two ribs (30), wherein the at least two ribs (30) are arranged in a sandwich-like manner between the protective element (20) and the base component (10), a plurality of cavities (40) are formed between the protective element (20) and an underside (12) of the base component (10), which cavities are at least partially delimited by the ribs (30); and the protective element (20) is connected to the base component (10).

2. Underbody protection (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective element (20) has at least one plastic layer (23) and at least one protective layer (24, 25) which is connected to the plastic layer (23).

3. Underbody protection (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one protective layer (24) is arranged on an outer side (21) of the protective element (20) facing away from the ribs (30).

4. Underbody protection (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one protective layer (25) is arranged on an inner side (22) of the protective element (20) facing the ribs (30).

5. Underbody protection (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the following features: the protective element (20) has two protective layers (24, 25) and a plastic layer (23), which is connected to each of the two protective layers (24, 25); the plastic layer (23) is sandwiched between a first protective layer (24), which is arranged on an outer side (21) of the protective element (20) facing away from the ribs (30), and a second protective layer (25), which is arranged on an inner side (22) of the protective element (20) facing the ribs (30).

6. Underbody protection (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the protective layer (25) arranged on the inner side (22) facing the ribs (30) has a plurality of through-openings (26) through which the material of the plastic layer (23) forming the ribs (30) protrudes.

7. Underbody protection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the following features: the protective element (20) is connected to the base component (10) by means of a plurality of screws (70); and at least some of the screws (70) are screwed into a respective rib (30).

8. Underbody protection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the ribs (30) are formed monolithically with the base component (10).

9. Underbody protection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least part of the Ribs (30) are formed monolithically with the protective element (20).

10. Underbody protection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one protective element (20) comprises at least one metal plate (20) and / or at least one plastic element (20) and / or at least one organic sheet (20).

11. Underbody protection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the underbody protection (1) has a connecting flange (50) arranged on the edge.

12. Underbody protection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first connecting surface (27) of the protective element (20) is materially connected to the base component (10).

13. Underbody protection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the cavities (40) are filled with a foam material (60).

14. Underbody protection (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the protective element (20) is connected to the base component (10) by means of the foam material (60).

15. Underbody protection (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base component (10) is shell-shaped and at least partially delimits a receiving volume (11) which is designed to receive battery cells (91) and / or battery modules.

16. Battery housing (90) for a traction battery, comprising an underbody protection (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a battery housing shell (10) of the battery housing is designed as a base component (10) of the underbody protection (1).

17. Traction battery (80) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one battery cell (91) and / or at least one battery module and a battery housing (90) according to claim 16, wherein the at least one battery cell (91) and / or the at least one battery module is / are arranged in the battery housing (90).

18. Motor vehicle, in particular electric motor vehicle, with an underbody protection (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, which is fastened to an underbody of the motor vehicle, in particular to a traction battery (80) of the motor vehicle.

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