Battery tray

Abstract

The invention pertains to a Battery tray (1) for a battery (2), preferably a traction battery (2) for an electric vehicle, the battery tray (1) comprising a side wall (10) partially demarcating a storage volume (11) for accommodating a plurality of battery modules (3), an underbody protection plate (20) connected with the side wall (10), wherein the underbody protection plate (20) is a sandwich composite comprising a top layer (21), a core layer (22) and a bottom layer (23), wherein the core layer (22) is sandwiched be-tween the top layer (21) and the bottom layer (23), at least one cooling plate (30) comprising a cooling base plate (31) partially limiting the storage volume (11) and being designed for get-ting in direct contact with the plurality of battery modules (3), and at least a plurality of fins (32), wherein the fins (32) extend from one side of the cooling base plate (31); wherein the cooling plate (30) is connected to the top layer (21) of the underbody protection plate (20) by means of a mate- rial-bonded connection, the plurality of fins (32) are facing the top layer (21) of the underbody protection plate (20), and a cooling fluid channel (33) is delimited by the top layer (21) of the underbody protection plate (20) and the cooling plate (30). The invention also pertains to a traction battery housing, a traction battery and an electric vehicle.

Description

[0001] Seite 1 / 29

[0002] Applicant: KAUTEX TEXTRON GmbH & Co. KG

[0003] Our sign: P81083WO

[0004] October 16, 2025

[0005] Battery tray

[0006] The invention pertains to a battery tray. This invention also pertains to a traction battery housing. Furthermore, this invention also pertains to a traction battery. Moreover, this invention also pertains to an electric vehicle.

[0007] A battery tray in an electric vehicle (EV) is a structural component that houses and supports the vehicle's battery pack. It serves the functions of protecting the battery cells, the thermal management, particularly the cooling of the cells, and facilitates an easier assembly of the battery pack.

[0008] State-of-the-art battery trays comprise a main frame, a cooling plate and an underbody protection plate. These components are commonly assembled using screws. In current battery trays, the underbody protection plate is commonly made of a steel plate that screwed to the frame or the cooling plate.

[0009] US 10461383 B2 describes a battery tray comprising a composite structure of an enclosure, the enclosure comprising at least a portion of a coolant channel that carries a coolant. The cooling plate is a flat heat exchange plate. Such flat heat exchange plates provide an inferior heat dissipation. Seite 2 / 29

[0010] P81083WO

[0011] CN110504510B describes a battery tray comprising a shell that houses the energy storage units, the shell also comprises a flow channel for cooling and a bottom plate. However, such a shell structure creates a greater overall height of the battery tray. Furthermore, the battery tray also comprises a flat heat exchange plate, resulting in lower heat dissipation.

[0012] CN 220527081 Al describes a box body comprising a battery cell, a bottom plate and a bottom protective plate. The battery cell is provided with a battery cell explosion-proof valve. An exhaust channel is formed between the bottom plate and the bottom protective plate. However, this setting requires a larger building height .

[0013] Against this setting, the underlying problem of the invention is that the current state of the art describes battery trays that have low heat dissipation capabilities, a large overall height and a high weight.

[0014] The invention is therefore based on the problem of providing a battery tray which is characterized by high heat dissipation capabilities, low building height and low weight.

[0015] The problems underlying the invention are solved by a battery tray with the features of claim 1 of the present invention. Advantageous embodiments are set out in the claims dependent on claim 1.

[0016] In detail, the problem underlying the invention is solved by a battery tray for a battery, preferably a traction battery for an electric vehicle, wherein the battery tray comprises a side wall partially demarcating a storage volume for accommodating a plurality of battery modules. The battery tray furthermore comprises an underbody protection plate connected with the side Seite 3 / 29

[0017] P81083WO wall , wherein the underbody protection plate is a sandwich composite compris ing a top layer , a core layer and a bottom layer , wherein the core layer is sandwiched between the top layer and the bottom layer . Moreover , the battery tray compri ses at lea st one cooling plate comprising a cooling base plate partially limiting the storage volume and being designed for getting in direct contact with the plurality of battery modules , and at least a plurality of f ins , wherein the f ins extend from one side of the cooling ba se plate . The cooling plate is connected to the top layer of the underbody protection plate by means of a material- bonded connection . The plurality of fins are facing the top layer of the underbody protection plate and a cooling fluid channel is delimited by the top layer of the underbody protection plate and the cooling plate .

[0018] By having a cooling plate with a base plate and f ins facing a sandwich underbody protection plate , a cooling channel is created in an integrated way, thereby a s signing a multi-purpose functionality to the cooling plate .

[0019] This create s the advantages of a lower overall height of the battery tray and a more ef ficient heat dis sipation . It also reduces the overall weight of the battery tray .

[0020] These advantages are enhanced even further by the material- bonded connection between the cooling plate and the underbody protection plate , in particular by the fact that the bonding take s place immediately between the cooling plate and the underbody protection plate , thereby further facilitating a lower height and weight of the battery tray and a more ef ficient heat dis s ipation of the battery tray .

[0021] Furthermore , the use of a sandwich composite underbody protection plate offers the advantage over the current state of the Seite 4 / 29

[0022] P81083WO art of lower weight and higher stiffness and toughness of the battery tray.

[0023] The invention pertains to a battery tray. A battery tray in an electric vehicle (EV) is a structural component that supports the vehicle's battery pack. A battery tray can be a part of a battery housing.

[0024] When the side wall partially demarcates a storage volume for accommodating a plurality of battery modules, this can mean that the side wall limits the space to at least two, preferably four directions. It can mean that a space thus limited is defined as a storage volume for accommodating a plurality of battery modules. It can also mean that a plurality of battery modules is at least partially arranged within the storage volume.

[0025] A battery module can be a single battery cell or an assembly of two or more battery cells. A battery module can also comprise further elements related to a battery cell. A battery module can comprise a container or wall structure in which a single battery cell or a multitude of battery cells is / are arranged.

[0026] The side wall can be made of fiber-reinforced thermoplastics. The fibers can be carbon fibers and / or glass fibers and / or aramid fibers. The diameter of the fibers can be between 11 pm and 17 pm. The matrix resin can be any of or a combination of Polypropylene, Polyamide 6, Polyamide 66 or Polyphenylene Sulfide.

[0027] The underbody protection plate is connected to the side wall. Preferably, the underbody protection plate is connected to the side wall by a material-bonded connection.

[0028] When the underbody protection plate is connected to the side wall by a material-bonded connection, this can save building height, as no further connection means is required. Seite 5 / 29

[0029] P81083WO

[0030] The underbody protection plate is a sandwich composite comprising a top layer, a core layer and a bottom layer. A sandwich composite can be a structural material made up of three layers, wherein a core layer is bonded on its upper side and its lower side by a top layer and a bottom layer, respectively. Each of the top layer, the core layer and the bottom layer can respectively be made of a homogeneous material or material mix. In particular, a material mix can be fiber-reinforced plastic. However, each of the top layer, the core layer and the bottom layer can also comprise several layers .

[0031] When any of the top layer, the core layer and the bottom layer also comprises several layers, this can have the advantage of more tailor-made material properties, thereby enabling a reduced weight of the underbody protection plate and better heat dissipation. It can also allow for a reduced building height.

[0032] The core layer can be monolithically connected to a part of or the entire side wall of the battery tray. In particular, the side wall of the battery tray and the core layer of the underbody protection plate can be made in a single mold. The core layer and the side wall can be made of one compression molding material .

[0033] When the core layer and the side wall are monolithically connected to each other, their production cost can be reduced, thereby facilitating a cost effective battery tray. It can also provide mechanical advantages, providing a more sturdy battery tray .

[0034] The cooling plate comprises a cooling base plate and at least a plurality of fins. Seite 6 / 29

[0035] P81083WO

[0036] A fin can be a thin , flat or curved structure that extends from a surface to increa se the surface area and enhance the transfer of heat or fluid . A fin can be a thin component or appendage attached to a larger body or structure . A fin can be primarily designed to increase a surface area and enhance heat transfer between the solid structure and the surrounding f luid .

[0037] Preferably, the cooling base plate and the plurality of fins are made of the same material . Preferably, the cooling base plate and / or the fins comprise aluminum and / or steel and / or copper . Particularly preferably, the cooling base plate and / or the fins comprise an aluminum alloy compris ing , as main alloying element , manganese , magnes ium or both magnes ium and silicon, particularly preferably the AA 6063 alloy .

[0038] When the cooling plate is made of an aluminum alloy, this can have the advantage of a superior heat dis sipation capability of the battery tray .

[0039] When the cooling plate is made of an aluminum alloy compri sing manganese , thi s can provide the advantage of a high weldability and workability, thereby facilitating lower production cost s .

[0040] When the cooling plate is made of an aluminum alloy compri sing magnesium, this can provide the advantage of high specific strength , thereby facilitating a lower weight and building height .

[0041] When the cooling plate is made of an aluminum alloy compri sing both magnesium and silicon , this can provide the advantage of high specific strength and weldability, thereby facilitating a lower weight and building height as well as lower production cost s . Seite 7 / 29

[0042] P81083WO

[0043] When the cooling plate is made of the AA 6063 alloy, this can provide the advantage of a high heat dissipation, high weldability and workability combined with moderate specific strength, thereby facilitating a high heat dissipation, low weight and production costs of the battery tray.

[0044] Preferably, the cooling base plate and the plurality of fins are monolithic. This can provide the advantage of a higher durability and heat dissipation ability of the battery tray.

[0045] The fins can be parallel to each other.

[0046] When the cooling base plate partially limits the storage volume this can mean that the surface of the cooling base plate forms a part of the envelop of the storage volume, in particular a part that is not covered by the underbody protection plate.

[0047] When the cooling base plate is designed for getting in direct contact with the plurality of battery modules this can mean that in an assembled state of the battery tray, a part of the cooling base plate is in immediate material contact with a part of at least one of the plurality of battery modules. Preferably, a part of the surface of the cooling base plate that comprises no fins is designed to get into direct contact with the plurality of battery modules . Being into immediate material contact does not rule out the possibility of thin liquid films, e.g. thermally conductive paste, partially or completely overlapping the surface contact between the cooling base plate and one of the battery modules.

[0048] When the fins extend from one side of the cooling base plate this can mean that all fins are attached to the same side of the cooling base plate and face away from said surface. Seite 8 / 29

[0049] P81083WO

[0050] A material-bonded connection can be a j oint or connection between two or more materials where the bonding is achieved through the interaction of the materials themselves or between the materials and a bonding agent . A material-bonded connection can be a j oint or connection between two or more materials where the materials form a cohesive and integral bond at the molecular or atomic level . A material-bonded connection relies on the chemical or phys ical properties of the materials to ensure the connection . A material-bonded connection can comprise a glue or adhe sive . A material-bonded connection can be realized by welding .

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention , the cooling plate compri ses at least one connection means , preferably connection f ins , wherein the cooling plate is connected to the top layer of the underbody protection plate by means of a material- bonded connection between the at least one connection means and the top layer of the underbody protection plate .

[0052] This can have the advantage of an eas ier implementation of the cooling f luid channel , thereby increasing heat di s sipation capabilitie s of the battery tray .

[0053] A connection means can be any structural component of the cooling plate that facilitates the bonding to the top layer of the underbody protection plate .

[0054] Preferably, the connection means is a connection fin .

[0055] This can result in the advantage of a reduced weight of the battery tray .

[0056] Preferably, the connection means or connection f in can have a greater height a s the plurality of fins measured perpendicularly to the surface of the cooling ba se plate . Seite 9 / 29

[0057] P81083WO

[0058] This can facilitate an improved connectivity between the connection means and the top layer of the underbody protection plate, thereby reducing building height and weight of the battery tray. This can also facilitate a more efficient structure of the cooling fluid channel, thereby increasing the heat dissipation capabilities .

[0059] Preferably, the connection means or connection fin can be made of the same material as the cooling base plate and / or the plurality of fins .

[0060] This can result in the advantage of reduced production cost and reduced weight of the battery tray. It can also enhance the heat dissipation capabilities of the battery tray.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection means comprises a distal edge comprising at least one groove .

[0062] Such a groove can facilitate a simpler and more robust material- bonded connection between the cooling plate and the top layer of the underbody protection plate.

[0063] A groove can be a long, narrow channel or depression that is cut or formed into a surface.

[0064] The groove can also consist of several channels or depressions.

[0065] This can have the advantage of a stronger bonding between the cooling plate and the top layer of the underbody protection plate. Preferably, a glue is arranged inside the groove, wherein the glue realized a material-bonding connection between the cooling plate and the underbody protection plate. Seite 10 / 29

[0066] P81083WO

[0067] The groove can also be interrupted, in particular consist of several recesses.

[0068] This can have the advantage of a stronger bonding between the cooling plate and the top layer of the underbody protection plate .

[0069] A distal edge can be an edge of the connection means or connection fin that is on the opposite side of the area where the connection means or connection fin is connected to the cooling base plate.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mate- rial-bonding connection between the cooling plate and the top layer of the underbody protection plate is facilitated by a glue, preferably by an epoxy resin, a polyurethane, a polyacrylic ester or a mix of the aforementioned.

[0071] This can result in the advantage of a reduced weight and building height of the battery tray.

[0072] A glue can be an adhesive substance used to bond surfaces together by forming a strong, durable connection through chemical or physical processes, such as curing, drying, or polymerization. A glue can be a substance that works by forming a bond between surfaces through adhesive forces that result from chemical reactions or physical interlocking, thereby creating a durable connection. A glue can be a substance which facilitates a material-bonded connection between two or more objects.

[0073] When an epoxy resin is used as a glue, it can provide the advantage of high mechanical strength and chemical resistance of the battery tray. Seite 11 / 29

[0074] P81083WO

[0075] When a polyurethane is used as a glue , this can provide the advantage of high flexibility and impact re si stance , making the battery tray more res istant against movement or vibration .

[0076] When a polyacrylic ester is used as a glue , this can provide the advantage of a quick drying proces s , thereby facilitating a cheaper a s sembly proces s of the battery tray .

[0077] The glue can be a glue that i s chemically resi stant to cooling agents .

[0078] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention , the battery tray exhibit s at least one fire protection plate comprising at least one entrance , wherein the at least one fire protection plate is arranged at a distance from the top layer of the underbody protection plate so that an exhaust channel is created between the fire protection plate and the underbody protection plate , and wherein the at least one f ire protection plate partially limit s the storage volume and is de signed for coming in direct contact with the plurality of battery module s .

[0079] The advantage of providing a f ire protection plate can be a higher security of the battery tray in case of a fatali stic thermal propagation and a thermal runaway of a battery module , respectively . The advantage of providing a fire protection plate such that an exhaust channel i s created between the fire protection plate and the underbody protection plate can be a reduced building height and weight of the battery tray . The advantage of the at least one fire protection plate partially limiting the storage volume and being de signed for coming in direct contact with the plurality of battery modules can be a higher security and lower building height of the battery tray .

[0080] A fire protection plate can be a structure which is heat res istant and flame retardant and provides a high thermal isolation Seite 12 / 29

[0081] P81083WO capability. In particular, a fire protection plate can be a flat structure that can prevent flames escaping from a battery module from harming the remainder of the battery tray.

[0082] The fire protection plate can be made of any flame retardant material. Preferably, the fire protection plate can be made of fiber reinforced thermal plastic or thermoset composite, or of an inorganic material, in particular mica or glass fiber fabric.

[0083] The entrance can be a structural part of the fire protection plate which is less resistant to fire and / or to a force exerted onto the entrance by a gas flow resulting from a thermal runaway of a battery module than the remainder of the fire protection plate. The entrance can be a structural part of the fire protection plate which is configured to break and / or incinerate when hot flame gasses are exhausted from the battery cells. The entrance can be a structural part of the fire protection plate that has a lower thickness than the remainder of the fire protection plate. The entrance can be a structural part of the fire protection plate that is made of a different, preferably less heat-resistant or more flammable, material than the remainder of the fire protection plate. The entrance can be a structural part of the fire protection plate that is connected to the remainder of the fire protection plate by a predetermined breaking point, configured to break when hot flame gasses exhausted by the battery cells or battery modules get into contact with the entrance.

[0084] An exhaust channel can be a structural component of the battery tray that is configured to facilitate the flow of gaseous fluids, in particular hot flame gasses. An exhaust channel can be delimited on two, three or four sides to form a pipe.

[0085] The exhaust channel can at least partially be formed by the underbody protection plate. The underbody protection plate can comprise at least one structure that forms at least a part of Seite 13 / 29

[0086] P81083WO the exhaust channel . In particular , the underbody protection plate can comprise a reces s that forms part of the exhaust channel .

[0087] The exhaust channel can at least partially be delimited in a plane perpendicular to the underbody protection plate by parts of the cooling plate , in particular by the connection means .

[0088] Thereby, a dual function of the cooling plate and in particular of the connection means can be achieved, providing the advantage of lower production cost and weight of the battery tray .

[0089] When the exhaust channel is delimited in a plane perpendicular to the underbody protection plate by part s of the cooling plate , it does not nece s sitate that the part of the cooling plate delimiting the exhaust channel itself is perpendicular to the underbody protection plate . It merely means that in a plane which i s perpendicular to the underbody protection plate , at least a suff icient part of the cooling plate material is present to provide effective delimitation .

[0090] The f ire protection plate can also comprise fire protection side wall s which at least partially delimit the exhaust channel in a plane perpendicular to the underbody protection plate .

[0091] In a further embodiment , the exhaust channel is delimited in a plane perpendicular to the underbody protection plate by parts of the cooling plate and by the exhaust channel s ide walls .

[0092] The at least one fire protection plate can be des igned to and be arranged in the battery tray such that a venting valve of the battery cell or battery module points towards the fire protection plate , preferably towards the at least one entrance of the fire protection plate . Seite 14 / 29

[0093] P81083WO

[0094] The battery tray can comprise at lea st two exhaust channel s , wherein preferably the at least two exhaust channel s can be parallel to each other .

[0095] This can provide the advantage of a more compact build of the battery tray, thereby reducing weight and build height of the battery tray . It can also provide the advantage of a more eff icient distribution of the exhaust channel s , thereby increa sing the heat di ssipation capabilitie s of the battery tray .

[0096] The at least two exhaust channel s can each be fluidly connected to the same venting valve .

[0097] This can provide the advantage of reduced production costs of the battery tray . It can also facilitate a lighter build of the battery tray .

[0098] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention , the exhaust channel i s acces sible via the at least one entrance .

[0099] This can provide the advantage of a particularly shallow build of the battery tray, thereby reducing its building height and weight . It can also have advantages relating to the security of the battery tray .

[0100] Preferably, the fire protection plate compri ses several entrances and all entrances of one fire protection plate are connected to the exhaust channel .

[0101] "Connected to the exhaust channel" can mean that the entrance forms part of the area enclosing the exhaust channel .

[0102] This can provide the advantage of a reduced building height and weight of the battery tray . Seite 15 / 29

[0103] P81083WO

[0104] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the side wall comprises at least one venting valve, wherein the exhaust channel is fluidly connected to the at least one venting valve.

[0105] This can provide the advantage of an improved security of the battery tray, as exhaust gasses can be exhausted more readily through the venting valve. It can also prevent dirt and other unpreferable substances from entering the exhaust channel.

[0106] A venting valve can be a mechanical device designed to regulate the flow of gases or air in and out of a system, container, or pipeline, thereby maintaining optimal pressure conditions within that system.

[0107] Fluidly connected can mean that a fluid, particularly a gas, can freely flow from the exhaust channel to and through the venting valve .

[0108] Preferably, the venting valve is a pressure relief valve.

[0109] This can have the advantage of a particularly reliable exhaust of hot flame gasses.

[0110] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the top layer and / or the bottom layer is made of continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic and / or the core layer is made of long fiber reinforced thermoplastic.

[0111] This can provide the advantage of a reduced weight and build height of the battery tray. It can also provide production cost advantages of the battery tray.

[0112] The continuous fibers can be continuous carbon fibers or continuous glass fibers or continuous aramid fibers. The resin can be any one or a combination of Polypropylene (PP) , Polyamide Seite 16 / 29

[0113] P81083WO

[0114] (PA) , Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) or Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) .

[0115] Using PP can have the advantage of a low weight and high heat resistance of the underbody protection plate and thus of the battery tray.

[0116] Using PA can have the advantage of a high specific strength and high chemical resistance of the underbody protection plate and thus of the battery tray.

[0117] Using PBT can have the advantage of a high strength and high chemical and heat resistance of the underbody protection plate and thus of the battery tray.

[0118] Using PPS can have the advantage of a high resistance to heat and chemicals and also a high flame retardancy of the underbody protection plate and thus of the battery tray.

[0119] The top layer can additionally comprise an adhesive layer. This can facilitate an increased durability and toughness of the underbody protection layer.

[0120] The adhesive layer can be made of a polymer with good bonding properties. The adhesive layer can have a thickness between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0121] The top layer can have a thickness of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm, preferably between 1.0 mm and 2.0 mm, excluding the insulation layer and the adhesive layer.

[0122] The core layer can comprise carbon fibers or glass fibers or aramid fibers . The fibers of the core layer can have a diameter between 11 pm and 17 pm. The matrix resin of the core layer can Seite 17 / 29

[0123] P81083WO be any of or a combination of PP, PPS, Polyamide 6 (PA6) or Polyamide 66 (PA66) .

[0124] The bottom layer can comprise carbon or glass or aramid fibers. The fibers of the bottom layer can have a diameter between 11 pm and 17 pm. The matrix resin of the bottom layer can be any of or a combination of PP, PPS, PA6 or PA66.

[0125] The underbody protection plate can be produced by a compression or injection molding process.

[0126] The sandwich composite of the underbody protection plate can be integrated during the compression or injection molding process.

[0127] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the top layer comprises an insulation layer, in particular a polymer film.

[0128] This can increase the chemical resistance of the underbody protection plate against the cooling agent.

[0129] The insulation layer can be any layer or film suitable to protect the underlying layers of the underbody protection plate from harmful influences of the cooling agent, in particular from chemical reactions.

[0130] The insulation layer can be made of PP, Polyethylene (PE) or Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) . The insulation layer can also be made of Aluminum. The insulation layer can have a thickness of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0131] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bottom layer is flame-retardant. Seite 18 / 29

[0132] P81083WO

[0133] This can provide the advantage of an increased safety of the battery tray.

[0134] Preferably, the bottom layer is flame-retardant according to ISO standards .

[0135] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the battery tray comprises at least one support beam, wherein the support beam is arranged between two opposing inner sides of the side wall .

[0136] This can provide the advantage of a higher stiffness of the battery tray, thereby reducing its weight or building height.

[0137] The support beam can be made of fiber-reinforced plastic, aluminum or steel .

[0138] Preferably, the at least one support beam is connected to at least one of the inner sides of the side wall by means of a connecting member arranged between one end of the support beam and the inner side of side wall. More preferably, the at least one support beam is connected to the two opposing inner sides of the side wall by means of two connecting members, wherein each connecting member is arranged between one end of the support beam and one inner side of side wall. Preferably, the connecting member is positively connected to the inner side of the side wall and / or by means of at least one screw, for example. Moreover, the support beam preferably is positively connected to the connecting member and / or by means of at least one screw.

[0139] Preferably, the support beam rests against an inner edge of the side wall, whereby this inner side, against which the support beam rests, connects the two inner sides of the wall between which the support beam is arranged. More preferably, the side wall against which the support beams rests, exhibits a honeycomb- Seite 19 / 29

[0140] P81083WO shaped structure or a structure exhibiting a plurality of reinforcement ribs .

[0141] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the side wall comprises outer ribs on at least one outer side of the side wall .

[0142] This can provide the advantage of an increased resistance to mechanical impacts of the battery tray.

[0143] The ribs can be continuous or discontinuous.

[0144] The ribs can be monolithically joint to the side wall.

[0145] The present invention is also based on the objective of providing a traction battery housing that has a small building height, low weight and high durability as well as high heat dissipation capabilities .

[0146] This problem underlying the present invention is solved by a traction battery housing comprising a battery tray described above .

[0147] The present invention is also based on the objective of providing a traction battery that has a high heat dissipation capability.

[0148] This problem underlying the present invention is solved by a traction battery comprising a traction battery housing described above .

[0149] The present invention is also based on the objective of providing an electric vehicle that has a spacious interior, a low weight and high resistance to damage on its underbody. Seite 20 / 29

[0150] P81083WO

[0151] This problem underlying the present invention is solved by an electric vehicle comprising a traction battery described above.

[0152] Further advantages, details and features of the invention are shown below in the examples of embodiments explained.

[0153] In detail, the figures show:

[0154] Figure 1: an explosion view on a battery tray according to the invention;

[0155] Figure 2 : a top view of a battery tray according to the invention;

[0156] Figure 3: a cross-sectional view of a battery tray according to the invention;

[0157] Figure 4: a cross-sectional view of a cooling plate attached to an underbody protection plate;

[0158] Figure 5: a cross-sectional view of an underbody protection plate .

[0159] In the following description, identical reference signs denote identical components or identical features, so that a description given in relation to one figure with regard to one component also applies to the other figures, so that a repetitive description is avoided. Furthermore, individual features described in connection with one embodiment can also be used separately in other embodiments.

[0160] Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 disclose an exemplary embodiment of a battery tray 1 in an explosion view, a top view and a cross- sectional view, respectively. Seite 21 / 29

[0161] P81083WO

[0162] The battery tray 1 is configured to be part of a battery 2 and to hold a plurality of battery cells 3 or battery modules 3.

[0163] The battery tray 1 comprises an outer side wall 10, an underbody protection plate 20, a plurality of cooling plates 30 and a plurality of fire protection plates 40.

[0164] The side wall 10 and the underbody protection plate 20 together delimit a storage volume 11. The storage volume 11 is configured to accommodate the battery modules 3 or battery cells 3.

[0165] The side wall 10 has, on its outer side, outer ribs 14, and at least one venting valve 12. The venting valve 12 connects an exhaust channel 42 with the outside of the battery tray 1. The side wall 10 defines the storage volume 11 to four sides that are all facing each other, i.e. their normal vectors are in the same plane. To a fifth side, which is perpendicular to the first four sides, the storage volume 11 is limited by the underbody protection plate 20. The underbody protection plate 20 is connected to the side wall 10 by a material-bonded connection.

[0166] Within the storage volume 11, a plurality of cooling plates 30 and a plurality of fire protection plates 40 are arranged al- ternatingly. The cooling plates 30 and fire protection plates 40 are parallel to the underbody protection plate 20.

[0167] The fire protection plate 40 comprises a plurality of entrances 41. These entrances are predetermined breaking points and will readily break or incinerate when exposed to large pressure or heat .

[0168] Figure 4 illustrates a cooling plate 30 as attached to an underbody protection plate 20. The cooling plates 30 each comprise a plurality of parallel fins 32 and a plurality of connection fins 34 that both extend from one side of a cooling base plate Seite 22 / 29

[0169] P81083WO

[0170] 31 of the cooling plate 30. The height of the connection fins 34 is larger than the height of the fins 32.

[0171] The connection fins 34 each comprise a distal edge 35, whereby each distal edge 35 comprises a groove 36.

[0172] Figure 5 illustrates an underbody protection plate 20. The underbody protection plate comprises three layers, namely a top layer 21, a core layer 22 and a bottom layer 23. The top layer 21 in turn additionally comprises an insulation layer 24 and an adhesive layer 25. The top layer 23, the core layer 24 and the bottom layer 25 are each made of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic. The insulation layer 24 is here made of a polymer film.

[0173] The underbody protection plate 20 may also comprise recesses for an exhaust channel 42, as will be described in more detail below.

[0174] Returning to Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3, the cooling plates 30 are each connected to the base plate 20 by a material-bonded connection between the connection fins 34 and the top layer 21 of the underbody protection plate 20. The material-bonded connection is facilitated by a glue which is arranged in the groove 36.

[0175] Thereby, between a part of the cooling base plate 31, the connection fins 34 and part of the underbody protection plate 20, a cooling fluid channel 33 is created. The cooling fluid channel 33 is configured to guide a cooling fluid (not shown) along the fins 32 which extend into the cooling fluid channel 33, thereby facilitating a heat transfer from the battery cells 3 to the cooling fluid via the cooling base plate 31 and the fins 32.

[0176] Additionally, between the fire protection plates 40 and a part of the underbody protection plate 20, an exhaust channel 42 is created . Seite 23 / 29

[0177] P81083WO

[0178] The battery tray is configured such that in case of a fatalistic thermal propagation of one of the battery cells 3 or battery modules 3, hot flame gasses will exit from the respective battery cell 3 or battery module 3, incinerate or break the entrance 41, enter the exhaust channel 42 and exit through the venting valve 12. In this way, thermal damage to the remaining battery cells 3 or battery modules 3 can be prevented.

[0179] Seite 24 / 29

[0180] P81083WO

[0181] Reference list

[0182] 1 Battery tray

[0183] 2 Battery

[0184] 3 Battery module , battery cell

[0185] 10 Side wall

[0186] 11 Storage volume

[0187] 12 Venting valve

[0188] 13 Support beam

[0189] 14 Outer ribs

[0190] 20 Underbody protection plate

[0191] 21 Top layer

[0192] 22 Core layer

[0193] 23 Bottom layer

[0194] 24 Insulation layer

[0195] 25 Adhe sive layer

[0196] 30 Cooling plate

[0197] 31 Cooling base plate

[0198] 32 Fins

[0199] 33 Cooling fluid channel

[0200] 34 Connection means

[0201] 35 Distal edge

[0202] 36 Groove

[0203] 40 Fire protection plate

[0204] 41 Entrance

[0205] 42 Exhaust channel

Claims

Seite 25 / 29Applicant: KAUTEX TEXTRON GmbH & Co. KGOur sign: P81083WOPatent claims1. Battery tray (1) for a battery (2) , preferably a traction battery (2) for an electric vehicle, the battery tray (1) comprising : a side wall (10) partially demarcating a storage volume (11) for accommodating a plurality of battery modules (3) ; an underbody protection plate (20) connected with the side wall (10) , wherein the underbody protection plate(20) is a sandwich composite comprising a top layer(21) , a core layer (22) and a bottom layer (23) , wherein the core layer (22) is sandwiched between the top layer (21) and the bottom layer (23) ; at least one cooling plate (30) comprising a cooling base plate (31) partially limiting the storage volume (11) and being designed for getting in direct contact with the plurality of battery modules (3) , and at least a plurality of fins (32) , wherein the fins (32) extend from one side of the cooling base plate (31) ; wherein the cooling plate (30) is connected to the top layer (21) of the underbody protection plate (20) by means of a material-bonded connection; the plurality of fins (32) are facing the top layer (21) of the underbody protection plate (20) ; a cooling fluid channel (33) is delimited by the top layer (21) of the underbody protection plate (20) and the cooling plate (30) .Seite 26 / 29P81083WO2. Battery tray (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cooling plate (30) comprises at least one connection means (34) , preferably connection fins (34) , wherein the cooling plate (30) is connected to the top layer (21) of the underbody protection plate (20) by means of a mate- rial-bonded connection between the at least one connection means (34) and the top layer (21) of the underbody protection plate (20) .

3. Battery tray (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the connection means (34) comprises a distal edge (35) comprising at least one groove (36) .

4. Battery tray (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the material-bonding connection between the cooling plate (30) and the top layer (21) of the underbody protection plate (20) is facilitated by a glue, preferably by an epoxy resin, a polyurethane, a polyacrylic ester or a mix of the aforementioned.

5. Battery tray (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the battery tray (1) exhibits the following features: the battery tray (1) comprises at least one fire protection plate (40) comprising at least one entrance (41) ; the at least one fire protection plate (40) is arranged at a distance from the top layer (21) of the underbody protection plate (20) so that an exhaust channel (42) is created between the fire protection plate (40) and the underbody protection plate (20) ; and the at least one fire protection plate (40) partially limits the storage volume (11) and is designed for coming in direct contact with the plurality of battery modules (3) .Seite 27 / 29P81083WO6. Battery tray (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the exhaust channel (42) is accessible via the at least one entrance (41) .

7. Battery tray (1) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the side wall (10) comprises at least one venting valve (12) , wherein the exhaust channel (42) is fluidly connected to the at least one venting valve (12) .

8. Battery tray (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one of the top layer (21) and / or the bottom layer (23) is made of continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic and / or the core layer (22) is made of long fiber reinforced thermoplastic.

9. Battery tray (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the top layer (21) comprises an insulation layer (24) , in particular a polymer film.

10. Battery tray (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the bottom layer (23) is flame-retardant .

11. Battery tray (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the battery tray (1) comprises at least one support beam (13) , wherein the support beam (13) is arranged between two opposing inner sides of the side wall (10) .

12. Battery tray (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the side wall (10) comprises outer ribs (14) on at least one outer side of the side wall (10) .

13. Traction battery housing comprising a battery tray according to any one of claims 1 to 12.Seite 28 / 29P81083WO14. Traction battery comprising a traction battery housing according to claim 13.

15. Electric vehicle comprising a traction battery according to claim 14.- 28-

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