DE10010398A1 - Motor vehicle with passenger compartment and fuel cell drive system has individual components of drive designed externally and arranged to slide underneath passenger compartment in event of crash - Google Patents

Abstract

The individual components (13, 14) of the electric drive system (12) are designed and arranged with their external geometric shape in the vehicle so that in the event of a crash they cannot be pushed into the passenger compartment (11) but only slide underneath same. At least some of the individual components of the drive system which are mounted in front and/or behind the passenger compartment each have an inclined surface aligned parallel to an inclined plane (21) which runs down towards the passenger compartment.

Description

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle, which has a passenger compartment and a Has drive system.

Recently, strong development tendencies have been observed for Motor vehicles that were previously operated with internal combustion engines, new ones To create drive concepts. One of these concepts involves using electric drives. Such electric drives have been used accordingly powerful batteries operated. However, it is disadvantageous that the Batteries have only a very limited storage capacity and therefore only one Allow limited range. For this reason there is a need so far usual batteries by other, more powerful systems for generating to replace electrical energy.

Such a more powerful system can be used, for example, as a fuel cell system will be realized. Fuel cells are already known and have in particular Automotive industry has become significantly more important in recent years won.

In a fuel cell, for example a PEM fuel cell, a chemical reaction generates electricity. This is a fuel such as Hydrogen, and an oxidizing agent such as that taken from the air Oxygen, in electrical energy and a reaction product such as Water converted. A fuel cell essentially consists of one Anode part, a membrane and a cathode part. The membrane consists of a gastight and proton conductive material and is between the anode and the  Cathode arranged to exchange ions. On the side of the anode, the Fuel is supplied while the oxidant is on the side of the cathode is fed. At the anode, protons, i.e. H. Hydrogen ions, which move through the membrane to the cathode. At the The hydrogen ions react with the oxygen on the cathode and water is formed. The electrons released during the reaction can be passed through as an electric current direct a consumer, for example the electric motor of a motor vehicle.

If the drive system and the associated components as usual in the Engine compartment, which, depending on the type of drive, in front of or behind the passenger compartment of the Motor vehicle is designed, are arranged, this can in the event of accidents be a significant disadvantage. If there is a collision (especially frontal or Rear impact), the drive system or individual components of the Drive system may be pressed into the passenger compartment by the impact become, which can lead to considerable injuries to the vehicle occupants.

The object of the present invention is therefore to create a motor vehicle which the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants through the intrusion of the Drive system or of individual components of the drive system in the case of a Collision is minimized.

This task is performed by a motor vehicle according to the independent Claim 1 solved. Further advantageous embodiments of the Motor vehicle according to the invention emerge from the subclaims.

According to the invention, a motor vehicle is provided with a passenger compartment and a drive system that includes an electric drive as well as a Fuel cell system for generating and providing electrical energy having. The individual components of the drive system are such in theirs outer geometric shape and / or composed and / or in Motor vehicle arranged that in the event of a collision not in total Passenger cell into it but are pressed or pressed under it can.  

The configuration of the motor vehicle according to the invention thus makes it possible at least the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a collision significantly reduce. To accomplish this are according to the present invention different solution variants possible. These solution variants can both be implemented individually as well as in any combination in the vehicle.

According to a first advantageous solution variant, the special Arrangement of the individual components can be prevented that in the case of a Collision are pressed into the passenger compartment. For this purpose, it is advantageously provided that the Individual components of the drive system at least partially below the Passenger cell are arranged. Depending on the design, it is conceivable, all or only individual components of the drive system below the passenger compartment to arrange. If only some of the components of the drive system are below the Arranged passenger compartment, these are preferably such Components that are particularly robust and therefore less prone to repair or little are maintenance-intensive.

According to another variant of the solution it is provided that the individual Components of the drive system or the drive system as a whole in specially designed and / or in the outer geometric shape are composed or is prevented in the event of a collision is that the individual components of the drive system into the passenger compartment be pressed. In this case, the individual components of the drive system preferably at least partially arranged in front of and / or behind the passenger compartment. For this purpose, the drive system preferably has its components in the Side view of the vehicle on a wedge-shaped arrangement, so forms on it Top of a substantially flat, sloping "sloping surface". This arrangement ensures that the components get through in the event of a collision effective mass forces along an oblique, in the direction of the passenger compartment downward inclined plane. This allows the individual Components of the drive system in the event of a strong impact do not fall into the Move passenger compartment in, but push yourself along the sloping plane under the passenger compartment. In principle, it is again possible that only a few  Components or all components of the drive system before or are arranged behind the passenger compartment.

The inclined plane, which is inclined downwards in the direction of the passenger compartment, is concerned preferably around an imaginary plane from the front respectively Rear side of the motor vehicle runs in the direction of the passenger compartment. The "slant" of the Level and thus its course inclined downwards in the direction of the passenger compartment differs in that this in the area of the front or rear of the Motor vehicle has a greater distance from the vehicle floor than in Area of the passenger compartment is the case. The size of the plane's tilt angle arises depending on need and application and can vary by vehicle type Vehicle type vary. In any case, it is greater than zero and less than 90 °. The angle of inclination is typically in the range from 5 ° to 45 °, in particular in the Range from 10 ° to 35 °.

If by an appropriate design of the drive system or of the individual components of the drive system is to be prevented that these in In the event of a collision being pushed into the passenger compartment, the individual point out Drive system components on their top, d. H. on the the Side facing away from the vehicle underside preferably has an inclined surface, this sloping surface parallel to the sloping, downward sloping plane is aligned.

This embodiment will now be illustrated using an example. If the individual components of the drive system, for example, in front of the passenger compartment of the Motor vehicle are arranged, the sloping surfaces of each Components so inclined that they are parallel to the (imaginary) inclined plane are aligned, this level from the front of the motor vehicle in Is inclined towards the passenger compartment. In the event of a collision the front of the vehicle opens The individual components of the drive system become an obstacle in the direction of Passenger cell pressed. If they come into contact with the passenger compartment, however, they are not pushed into it. Because of their sloping surfaces the individual components of the drive system slide on the passenger compartment down and slide against it in the opposite direction.  

If the individual components of the drive system in the rear area of the Vehicle, that is, behind the passenger compartment, can be arranged in equivalent to be designed so that they collide in the direction of travel under the passenger compartment.

In an alternative embodiment, the individual components of the drive system (if necessary also without inclined surfaces) or that Drive system as a whole be composed such that they as an overall system can slide along the inclined plane. Preferably, the Individual components of the drive system that are in front of and / or behind the passenger compartment are arranged within a stable receiving device with an upper side arranged parallel to the sloping, down towards the passenger compartment inclined plane is aligned. A preferred embodiment is as follows described, but the invention is not limited to this Design for the receiving device is limited.

For example, to accommodate the drive system or Individual components of the drive system one or more frame structures be provided, one side of such a frame structure, namely the side facing away from the vehicle floor, parallel to the sloping, downwards inclined plane is aligned. The individual components of the drive system can first be assembled as an assembly in the frame construction. Then the fully assembled assembly of the drive system in the appropriate assembly room installed in front of or behind the passenger compartment. This Embodiment is particularly advantageous because the pre-assembly of the individual Components of the drive system in the frame construction are particularly simple and so that it can be carried out inexpensively. In addition, it is not necessary that the individual components of the drive system itself one according to the oblique Have a flat inclined surface. This reduces manufacturing costs of the individual components.

If that is in a suitably trained frame construction Drive system is arranged, for example, in front of the passenger compartment in the motor vehicle,  and if there is a collision or an impact, the entire Frame construction with the drive system in it in the direction of Passenger cell pressed. Through the sloping side of the frame construction, the parallel to the inclined plane seen from the front of the motor vehicle in the direction the passenger compartment is inclined downward, the turn is prevented Drive system or individual components of the drive system in the Penetrate passenger compartment. Instead, the entire frame construction slides with it the components of the drive system located along the passenger compartment downwards.

A preferred embodiment of the invention provides the above described frame construction with the pre-assembled drive system or essential components of this drive system under the vehicle floor attach, for this purpose a corresponding wedge-shaped space has, so that appropriate mounting space is available. In this case the frame construction must be shielded from the outside by fenders harmful contamination and damage (e.g. from stone chips) avoid. This results in the wedge shape for the frame construction Trending vehicle floor a physical sliding surface, which in an accident ensures safe sliding under the passenger compartment. Appropriate physical In principle, sliding surfaces can also (e.g. in the form of corresponding rail-like struts) when installing the frame structure within the Vehicle body are provided.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two solution variants Combined with each other, the individual components of the drive system are partially arranged below and partially in front of and / or behind the passenger compartment in such a way that in the event of a collision, along an incline, down towards the passenger line inclined plane. In this embodiment there are preferably those components of the drive system below the passenger compartment, which are particularly robust and therefore less prone to malfunction or maintenance-intensive. At this embodiment can be in front of or behind the passenger compartment required space for the drive system can be significantly reduced. At the same time A high level of security is guaranteed, since that is below the passenger compartment  arranged components of the drive system anyway not in the passenger compartment can penetrate and the front, or behind, the passenger compartment arranged individual components in the event of a collision or an impact, slide under the passenger compartment along the inclined plane.

The fuel cell system preferably has a plurality of fuel cells. The Invention is not limited to a certain number of fuel cells, so that the number of fuel cells required, a so-called Form fuel cell stack, depending on the performance requirements of the electrical Drive system results. The fuel cells are particularly suited to below of the passenger compartment to be arranged.

In a further embodiment, the fuel cell system can be a device for Have generating / processing fuel. One such device is For example, if you have the vehicle with an easily available one or fuel to be stored such as natural gas, methanol, gasoline, ethanol, alcohol, Wants to operate coal gas, biogas or other hydrocarbons. This Hydrocarbons used as fuel for most fuel cell systems are unsuitable, must be in the device for generating / processing the fuel first be converted into a hydrogen-rich gas.

The device for producing / processing the fuel advantageously has a Number of reactor elements, which are used in particular as evaporators, reformers, shift Reactor and selective oxidation can be formed. The single ones Reactor elements are connected to one another via corresponding lines, so that the fuel the individual during its generation or processing Flows through reactor elements. The reactor elements of the device for Generating / processing the fuel can advantageously in the area before or after the Be arranged passenger compartment.

Furthermore, the fuel cell system can have a device for supplying Have fuel. Such a device can, depending on the type of operation of the Vehicle energy source can be designed differently.  

For example, if the vehicle is fueled with pure hydrogen, a device for Generating / processing the fuel is not necessary. In this case there is Device for supplying fuel preferably from a fuel tank (e.g. compressed gas tank, liquid gas tank, hydride storage) in which the pure hydrogen is saved. The fuel tank has a corresponding supply line, in each various additional elements such as filters, pumps or the like as required can be provided connected to the fuel cell.

If the hydrogen serving as fuel for the fuel cell initially runs out a hydrocarbon must be produced, the device for supplying of fuel preferably on a fuel tank in which the Starting material (fuel) for the production of the suitable for the fuel cell Fuel is stored. The fuel is fed through a fuel feed line in the for example additional elements such as filters, pumps or The like can be arranged in the device for generating / processing the Fuel is introduced where it is in pure hydrogen or a hydrogen-rich gas is converted.

The device for supplying fuel is preferably in the area in front of or arranged behind the passenger compartment.

The invention will now be described using exemplary embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawing explained in more detail. Show it:

Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention and

Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention.

In Fig. 1, an automotive vehicle 10 is illustrated having, inter alia, a passenger compartment 11 and a drive system 12. The drive system 12 consists of an electric drive 13 , which draws the required electrical energy from a fuel cell system 14 .

The fuel cell system 14 has a number of fuel cells 15 , a device 16 for producing / processing fuel and a device 17 for supplying fuel. The individual components of the fuel cell system 14 are connected to one another via corresponding lines and connections, which, however, are not shown in the present exemplary embodiment for reasons of a better overview.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, individual components of the drive system 12 , in the present case the fuel cells 15 , are arranged in the area 18 below the passenger cell 11 . The device 17 for supplying fuel is arranged in the area 20 behind the passenger compartment 11 . The device 17 has a fuel tank in which a starting material (fuel) for the fuel of the fuel cells 15 is stored.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the fuel cells 15 are so-called PEM fuel cells which are operated with hydrogen. A fuel such as, for example, methanol, natural gas, gasoline, ethanol or the like is thus stored in the fuel tank of the device 17 for supplying fuel. The device 17 for supplying fuel is connected to the device 16 for generating / processing fuel, in which the fuel is converted into a hydrogen-rich gas. The hydrogen generated in the device 16 for generating / processing fuel is then fed into the fuel cells 15 via a corresponding fuel feed line.

The reactions taking place in the fuel cells 15 produce electrical current which is used to operate the electrical drive 13 .

In the present exemplary embodiment, the device 16 for generating / processing fuel and the electric drive 13 are arranged in the area 19 in front of the passenger compartment 11 . As a rule, however, the electric drive 13 is accommodated in the immediate area of the vehicle axles (in the form of axle motors or also as wheel hub motors) and is therefore at a safe level below the passenger compartment from the outset.

As can also be seen from FIG. 1, the device 17 for supplying fuel, the device 16 for generating / processing fuel and the electric drive 13 are arranged in front of or behind the passenger compartment such that they are each along an inclined plane 21 , 22 are aligned. At the inclined plane 21 there is a downwardly inclined from the front side 30 of the vehicle 10 in the direction of the passenger compartment 11 level while at he level 22 to a downwardly inclined from the rear side 31 of the vehicle 10 in the direction of the passenger compartment 11 level acts. The planes 21 , 22 represent imaginary planes along which the individual components of the drive system 12 are aligned. These components can of course be composed of individual parts, each of which has an arbitrary design. All that matters is that the respective component has an external shape that is aligned with the corresponding level 21 or 22 .

For example, the device 16 for generating / processing fuel has on its side facing away from the vehicle floor 26 a surface 27 which is aligned parallel to the inclined plane 21 , ie runs directly along the plane 21 . Likewise, the electric drive 13 has a surface 28 aligned parallel to the plane 21 .

The device 17 for supplying fuel has on its side facing away from the vehicle floor 26 in a corresponding manner a surface 29 which is aligned parallel to the inclined plane 22 .

The configuration of the drive system 12 shown with regard to FIG. 1 has considerable advantages in the event of a collision. The inventive design of the drive system 12 or of the individual components 13 , 14 of the drive system 12 prevents the individual components 13 , 14 from penetrating into the passenger compartment 11 in the event of an impact and there can lead to injuries to the vehicle occupants.

If the vehicle 10, for example, hits an obstacle with its front side 30 , the device 16 and the electric drive 13 are pressed in the direction of the passenger compartment 11 . Because of the inclined, downwardly inclined surfaces 27 , 28, the device 16 and the electric drive 13 slide downward when the passenger compartment 11 hits it. The fuel cells 15 cannot lead to injury to the vehicle occupants, since these are already arranged underneath the passenger cell 11 .

If, for example, a collision occurs on the rear side 31 of the motor vehicle 10 in the event of a rear-end collision, the special design of the surface 29 also results in the device 17 for supplying fuel, which is oriented along the inclined plane 22 which is inclined downward in the direction of the passenger compartment achieved that the device 17 slides downward when it hits the passenger compartment 11 . Penetration of the device 17 for supplying fuel into the fuel cell 11 is thus prevented.

Another embodiment of a motor vehicle 10 is shown in FIG. 2. The motor vehicle 10 in turn has a passenger compartment 11 and a drive system 12 . The drive system 12 comprises an electric drive 13 and a fuel cell system 14 for generating and providing the energy required by the electric drive 13 . The basic structure and the mode of operation of the electric drive 12 correspond to the electric drive 12 from FIG. 1.

In contrast to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the entire drive system 12 is arranged in the area 19 in front of the passenger compartment 11 . For this purpose, a mechanically stable receiving device designed as a frame structure 23 is provided. In the area facing away from the vehicle floor 26, the frame structure 23 has a side 24 which is aligned parallel to an inclined plane 21 which is inclined downwards in the direction of the passenger compartment 11 and is stiffened by corresponding struts. As in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the plane 21 is an imaginary plane which extends obliquely from the front side 30 of the vehicle 10 , that is to say in a downwardly inclined manner in the direction of the passenger compartment 11 .

The frame structure 23 also has side elements 25 , which can also be reinforced by struts, but are otherwise expediently formed in a flat manner and lie in the plane of the front side 30 or in the plane of the vehicle floor 26 .

The individual components of the drive system 12 are mounted in this frame construction 23 . In the present case, these are the electric drive 13 , a number of fuel cells 15 , a device 16 for generating / processing fuel and a device for supplying fuel, which, however, is not explicitly shown in the present exemplary embodiment for reasons of simplification.

The frame construction 23 makes it possible in a simple and inexpensive way to preassemble the individual components of the drive system 12 as a complete assembly. In contrast to FIG. 1, it is not necessary that the individual components of the drive system 12 each have a surface that is beveled in accordance with the sliding plane. It is only important that all components of the drive system 12 are arranged within the space spanned by the frame structure 23 and do not protrude beyond it. After the pre-assembly of the drive system 12 in the frame structure 23 , this is completely installed in the area 19 in front of the passenger compartment 11 .

If the event of a collision occurs in which the vehicle 10 collides with an obstacle with its front side 30 , the inventive arrangement of the drive system 12 within the frame construction 23 reliably prevents the drive system 12 from entering the passenger compartment 11 and causing injuries there the vehicle occupant leads. The entire frame structure 23 is namely pressed in the direction of the passenger compartment 11 and, as soon as it comes into contact with the passenger compartment 11, can be guided downwards past the passenger compartment 11 through the inclined upper side 24 , which is inclined downward in the direction of the passenger compartment 11, together with the drive system 12 slide off.

Instead of the frame structures described, other fastening options for the drive system can also be used, so that the invention is not limited to the frame structure described. It is only important that the selected fastening device enables the components of the drive system 12 to slide along the inclined plane 21 .

Reference list

10th

Motor vehicle

11

Passenger row

12th

Drive system

13

electric drive

14

Fuel cell system

15

Fuel cell

16

Device for producing / processing fuel

17th

Device for supplying fuel

18th

Area below the passenger compartment

19th

Area in front of the passenger compartment

20th

Area behind the passenger compartment

21

sloping plane

22

sloping plane

23

Frame construction

24th

sloping side of the frame construction

25th

Side element of the frame construction

26

Vehicle floor

27

surface

28

surface

29

surface

30th

Front

31

Rear side

Claims (7)

1. Motor vehicle, with a passenger cell ( 11 ) and a drive system ( 12 ), the individual components of an electric drive ( 13 ) and a fuel cell system ( 14 ) for generating and providing electrical energy, the individual components ( 13 , 14 ) of Drive system ( 12 ) designed and / or assembled and / or arranged in the motor vehicle ( 10 ) in its outer geometric shape such that in the event of a collision they cannot be pushed into the passenger cell ( 11 ) but under it or under it . 2. Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the individual components ( 13 , 14 ) of the drive system ( 12 ) are at least partially arranged below the passenger compartment ( 11 ). 3. Motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the individual components ( 13 , 14 ) of the drive system ( 12 ) are arranged at least partially in front of and / or behind the passenger compartment ( 11 ), such that in the event of a collision along a oblique, in the direction of the passenger compartment ( 11 ) downward inclined plane ( 21 , 22 ) can be pressed or pressed. 4. Motor vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that at least some of the individual components ( 13 , 14 ) of the drive system ( 12 ) which are arranged in front of and / or behind the passenger compartment ( 11 ), in each case at least one inclined surface ( 27 , 28 , 29 ) which is aligned parallel to the downwardly inclined plane ( 21 , 22 ). 5. Motor vehicle according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the individual components ( 13 , 14 ) of the drive system ( 12 ), which are arranged in front of and / or behind the passenger compartment ( 11 ), within a receiving device, in particular a frame structure ( 23 ) are arranged and that one side (24) of the frame structure ( 23 ) lies in the inclined, downwardly inclined plane ( 21 ). 6. A motor vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that the receiving device is disposed below the vehicle floor (26) and the vehicle floor (26) has a wedge-shaped chamber recess for the receiving device. 7. Motor vehicle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fuel cell system ( 14 ) has a device ( 16 ) for generating / processing fuel.