DE102017217341A1 - Motor vehicle with opening for pressure relief - Google Patents

Abstract

The technology disclosed herein relates to a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle comprises i) at least one pressure vessel for storing storage medium, preferably fuel; ii) at least one pressure relief device for pressure relief from at least one pressure vessel; and iii) at least one opening O, through which the storage medium flows during depressurization.

Description

The technology disclosed herein relates to a motor vehicle having at least one pressure vessel for storing storage medium, in particular fuel. Such a vehicle may be, for example, a fuel cell vehicle. Fuel cell vehicles as such are known. The pressure vessels usually also include thermally activated pressure relief devices (also called TPRD systems or thermal fuses), which allow the storage medium to escape into the environment in the event of a thermal event on the pressure vessel. There is a desire not to let the fuel flow into enclosed spaces of the motor vehicle, but into the environment. This is especially the case if the storage medium is a highly flammable medium.

It is a preferred object of the technology disclosed herein to reduce or eliminate at least one disadvantage of a previously known solution or to suggest an alternative solution. In particular, it is a preferred object of the technology disclosed here to provide a motor vehicle whose pressure vessel is easy and safe to relieve pressure, the pressure relief device (s) required for this preferably not being disadvantageous or only disadvantageous in terms of installation space, costs, ride comfort and / or or mileage has an effect. Other preferred objects may result from the beneficial effects of the technology disclosed herein. The object (s) is / are solved by the subject matter of claim 1. The dependent claims are preferred embodiments.

The technology disclosed herein relates to a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle comprises at least one pressure vessel for storing storage medium, in particular fuel; at least one pressure relief device for pressure relief of at least one pressure vessel; and at least one opening opening adjacent to a body shell and preferably to an underbody paneling.

The motor vehicle may be, for example, a passenger car, a motorcycle or a commercial vehicle.

Preferably, the pressure vessel is used for storage of gaseous under ambient conditions fuel. The at least one pressure vessel can be used, for example, in a motor vehicle which is operated with compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied (LNG) natural gas or with hydrogen.

The at least one pressure vessel may for example be a composite overwrapped pressure vessel (= COPV). The pressure vessel may be, for example, a cryogenic pressure vessel (= CcH2 or COP) or a high-pressure gas vessel (= CGH2).

High-pressure gas containers are designed to store fuel at ambient temperatures permanently at a nominal operating pressure (also called nominal working pressure or NWP) of about 350 bar (= overpressure relative to the atmospheric pressure), furthermore preferably of about 700 bar or more. A cryogenic pressure vessel is suitable to store the fuel at the aforementioned operating pressures even at temperatures well below the operating temperature of the motor vehicle.

The opening is fluidly connected to the pressure relief device, for example via at least one pressure relief line, which forms the pressure relief path with.

The pressure relief is the process by which the pressure in the pressure vessel is reduced due to an event. In particular, the event is not the intended removal for the supply of an energy converter, but in particular an accident. The pressure relief starts i.d.R. with the at least partial opening of a valve and / or a bursting element, which is directly fluidly connected to the pressure vessel.

The pressure relief can preferably be carried out by at least one pressure relief device. If, due to a malfunction of another component and / or by an external thermal and / or mechanical action (eg accident, local flame, etc.) to an accident, the pressure relief device is set up, the pressure in the pressure vessel system, in particular in at least one pressure vessel to reduce. The pressure relief device is fluidly connected to the at least one pressure vessel. The pressure relief device may be suitably arranged to allow for pressure relief of the pressure vessel a Brennstoffentnahmemassenstrom that is greater (eg, at least by a factor 1.5, 2, 5, 10, 100 or more higher) than the maximum fuel extraction mass flow through the removal path to at least one Energy converter (usually by a tank shut-off valve). The at least one pressure relief device is usually not used for the filling of the pressure vessel system and / or for the removal of fuel to provide energy in the motor vehicle during operation without incident. For pressure relief, it is expedient to use a flow path parallel to the anode subsystem. IdR is through the Pressure relief of the pressure vessel internal pressure lowered to atmospheric pressure. However, the pressure relief device can also be set up to lower the pressure vessel internal pressure to a fault pressure vessel internal pressure in case of failure, which is usually so low that even with a damaged pressure vessel wall (eg at least partially destroyed fiber reinforced layer) no burst event occurs. A pressure relief device may be for example a pressure relief valve or a Bestscheibe or a thermally activated pressure relief device.

The pressure relief device may be a thermally activated pressure relief device. The thermally activated pressure relief device, also called Thermal Pressure Release Device or TPRD, is usually provided adjacent to the pressure vessel. In the event of heat (eg due to flames), the TPRD releases the fuel stored in the pressure vessel into the environment. The pressure relief device releases the fuel as soon as the trigger temperature of the TPRD is exceeded (= is activated thermally). It can also be provided trigger lines. Such a system for thermal pressure relief is for example in the DE 10 2011114725 A1 or the EP 1 655 533 B1 shown. In case of fire, such thermally activated pressure relief devices thus cause a pressure relief and set the storage medium controlled freely before the pressure carrying capacity of the pressure vessel walls has dropped so much by the fire, that it falls short of the current pressure vessel internal pressure and it comes to a rupture.

But the pressure relief device can also be designed differently, for example as Bestscheibe or a correspondingly actuated valve.

The body outer skin of the motor vehicle includes all body parts that delineate the motor vehicle to the outside environment, in particular so the outer surfaces of the motor vehicle, which influence the drag coefficient of the motor vehicle. In addition to the skins / panels on the sides, on the roof and / or underbody includes the body shell, for example, the wheel arches. However, body panels do not include, for example, body panels which are obscured by other vehicle parts (e.g., panels) and thus not visible from the outside and unimportant to the air resistance coefficient (e.g., the inside of the B-pillar).

• - mindestens um den Faktor 20; oder
• - mindestens um den Faktor 50; oder
• - mindestens um den Faktor 100

größer ist als die Querschnittsfläche der Öffnung der mindestens einen Druckentlastungsleitung.The underbody paneling forms the body shell at the bottom of the motor vehicle. The underbody paneling is thus flowed around by ambient air while driving and thus can directly influence the air resistance of the motor vehicle while driving. Accordingly optimized for flow, such an underbody panel is formed. The underbody cladding can also serve to protect overlying components. The protective function may relate, for example, to weathering, heat, cold, moisture, spray, salt water, grit, snow and / or slush and / or fire. The underbody paneling is in particular arranged to at least partially and preferably completely cover the at least one opening and further vehicle components (eg pressure vessels, electrical lines, any transverse and / or longitudinal members, the axle suspension, the vehicle structure, etc.) prior to pressure relief. In these areas covering the opening and other vehicle components, the underbody covering forms the vehicle outer skin. Preferably, the underbody covering covers an area of the underbody of the vehicle

• - at least by a factor of 20; or
• - at least by a factor of 50; or
• - at least by a factor of 100

is greater than the cross-sectional area of the opening of the at least one pressure relief line.

• - 0,1 cm bis 20 cm; oder
• - 0,5 cm bis 10 cm; oder
• - 1 cm bis 5 cm.

zur Karosserieaußenhaut bzw. Unterbodenverkleidung angeordnet sein.The term "adjacent to the" body shell or underbody covering in this context means that the opening is applied to the underbody paneling or slightly spaced, so that a gap between the underbody paneling and opening is formed.
Preferably, the opening is formed offset from the body shell or the underbody paneling, in particular set back relative to the outlet opening of the body shell or underbody paneling disclosed here. Preferably, the opening O at a distance of

• - 0.1 cm to 20 cm; or
• - 0.5 cm to 10 cm; or
• - 1 cm to 5 cm.

be arranged to the body shell or underbody paneling.

• - dass das Kraftfahrzeug in einer ersten Position der Unterbodenverkleidung einen besseren Luftwiderstandsbeiwert aufweist als in einer zweiten Position der Unterbodenverkleidung, und
• - dass in der zweiten Position der Unterbodenverkleidung das Speichermedium besser durch die Öffnung in die Umgebung ausströmen kann als in der ersten Position.

In one embodiment, the underbody paneling is adapted to be changed by the outflowing storage medium in its shape and / or arrangement in the motor vehicle, that the underbody paneling directly or indirectly improves the outflow from the storage medium, in particular by the flow resistance for the storage medium from the flow path in the automotive environment reduced. For example, the Underbody paneling designed and mounted on the motor vehicle,

• - That the motor vehicle in a first position of the underbody paneling has a better drag coefficient than in a second position of the underbody paneling, and
• - That in the second position of the underbody paneling the storage medium can flow through the opening into the environment better than in the first position.

• - vor einer Druckentlastung in der ersten Position am Kraftfahrzeug befestigt ist; und
• - zu Beginn und/oder während einer Druckentlastung die zweite Position einnimmt.

In particular, the underbody panel can be designed and mounted on the motor vehicle such that the underbody paneling

• - Is attached to a pressure relief in the first position on the motor vehicle; and
• - At the beginning and / or during a pressure relief occupies the second position.

In other words, in one embodiment of the technology disclosed herein, the underbody paneling disclosed herein represents the closure of the opening disclosed herein.

In particular, the motor vehicle may comprise at least one fastening means, wherein the at least one fastening means is arranged to release, if the pressure relief takes place, in particular at the beginning and / or during the pressure relief. The fastening means may advantageously be designed such that the release of the fastening means is effected directly or indirectly by the outflowing storage medium. The attachment means may be e.g. solve it, that the fastener breaks or dissolves from an anchorage.

In particular, the attachment means may be arranged to disengage if the underbody panel is pressurized by the storage medium. Advantageously, it can thus be provided that the outflowing storage medium exerts a pressure force on the inner side of the underbody cladding which releases the at least one fastening means.

Preferably, the at least one attachment means may be a snap-in connection that secures the underbody panel to an underbody structure. The underbody structure may be, for example, a load-bearing structure and comprise, for example, a cross member and / or a side member.

1. i) senkrecht oder im Wesentlichen senkrecht zur Strömungsrichtung vom Speichermedium an der Öffnung; und/oder
2. ii) parallel oder im Wesentlichen parallel zu benachbarten Bereichen der Außenhaut.

However, other trigger mechanisms are conceivable, which are actuated directly or indirectly by the storage medium. For example, the motor vehicle may have an unlocking mechanism for releasing the underbody cladding which can be actuated directly or indirectly by the storage medium for pressure relief, for example at the beginning and / or during the pressure relief. For example, the unlocking mechanism may be slidable in a direction that is not parallel to the flow path. Preferably, the unlocking mechanism is displaceable

1. i) perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the flow direction of the storage medium at the opening; and or
2. ii) parallel or substantially parallel to adjacent regions of the outer skin.

1. i) besonders sicher gehalten werden während des normalen Betriebs, also vor einer Druckentlastung; und
2. ii) der Strömungspfad für das Speichermedium zu Beginn und/oder während der Druckentlastung freigegeben werden.

The term "substantially" perpendicular or parallel in this context means that small deviations are included, for example due to manufacturing tolerances or irrelevant for the function of deviations. Advantageously, by such a release mechanism of the closure disclosed herein and / or the underbody paneling disclosed herein

1. i) are kept particularly safe during normal operation, ie before a pressure relief; and
2. ii) the flow path for the storage medium at the beginning and / or released during the pressure relief.

The technology disclosed herein further relates to a method of depressurizing a pressure vessel of the motor vehicle disclosed herein. The method comprises the step according to which, at the beginning of a pressure relief, the underbody cladding dissolves at least regionally, preferably completely, from the underbody structure of the motor vehicle in such a way that directly or indirectly the outflow from the storage medium for pressure relief along the pressure relief path improves. In particular, the method disclosed herein may include the step of releasing, at the beginning and / or during the depressurization, the at least one fastener securing the underbody panel to the underbody structure.

The motor vehicle disclosed herein may further comprise at least one shutter. The shutter is arranged in the flow path of the storage medium, through which the storage medium flows during the pressure relief in the vehicle environment. The motor vehicle is preferably set up to at least partially remove the closure from the flow path at the beginning of the pressure relief so that the flow resistance along the flow path for the storage medium during the pressure relief is less than it was before the pressure relief. The closure is usually set up, before a pressure relief, the (body) outlet opening in the body shell (= Outlet opening) to cover more than during and / or at least immediately after the pressure relief. In other words, during normal driving operation of the motor vehicle, the closure covers the outlet more than during a pressure release. Advantageously, the driving resistance of the motor vehicle can thus be improved. Further advantageous driving noise can be reduced. Further advantageously, a protective effect for hidden behind the outlet opening components can be exercised. If there is a pressure relief, the pressure relief path is opened further than during normal driving. As a result, at least the flow resistance for the storage medium decreases. Particularly preferred is the flow resistance, which arises through the opening cross-section during the pressure relief, negligible for the pressure relief. In other words, the closure may be configured to reduce a mass flow of storage medium before a pressure release or during normal driving operation more than during a pressure relief and / or at least immediately thereafter. The term "during the pressure relief" includes in particular the period of time starting from the time from which the pressure relief device is opened until the time when the pressure vessel internal pressure has dropped to the maximum fault pressure container internal pressure or to the ambient pressure.

The at least one closure may be arranged to substantially completely cover the outlet opening before the pressure is released. Furthermore, the at least one closure can be designed to substantially release the outlet opening during and / or immediately after the pressure release. The term "essentially complete" encompasses a completely closed closure and a closure which is only opened to such a small extent that it is insignificant for the function (for example improvement of the driving resistance, reduction of the noise emission, component protection, etc.). For example, depending on the configuration of the closure, this can still remain open to a maximum of 1% or a maximum of 5% or a maximum of 20% of the maximum opening cross-section.

According to the technology disclosed herein, the closure may be substantially flush with the immediately adjacent regions of the body shell. The term "substantially flush" in this context means that the closure and the immediately adjacent areas are arranged flush with each other (ie merge into each other and without step) or that a small offset or a small step is provided, which is based on the drag coefficient and / or affect the driving noise not or only to an insignificant extent. In other words, a flush closure is arranged so that expedient in driving operation through this transition even little or no turbulence generated. In particular, the closure is thus not noticeably projecting or recessed relative to the adjacent areas of the underbody paneling.

1. i) dass die Öffnung bzw. Mündung der mindestens einen Druckentlastungsleitung max. 10 cm oder max. 5 cm oder max. 1 cm von dem Verschluss entfernt ist; und/oder
2. ii) dass während der Druckentlastung bevorzugt mindestens 80 % oder mindestens 90% oder mindestens 95% oder mindestens 99% des aus dem mindestens einen Druckbehälter austretenden Speichermediums in die Umgebung außerhalb vom Kraftfahrzeug ausströmen durch die Austrittsöffnung,
   1. a. die vor der Druckentlastung durch den Verschluss bedeckt wurde, und
   2. b. die während der Druckentlastung freigegeben ist.

In particular, the shutter and the opening O be so designed and arranged

1. i) that the opening or mouth of the at least one pressure relief line max. 10 cm or max. 5 cm or max. 1 cm away from the closure; and or
2. ii) during discharge of pressure, preferably at least 80% or at least 90% or at least 95% or at least 99% of the storage medium emerging from the at least one pressure vessel flows out into the environment outside the motor vehicle through the outlet opening,
   1. a. which was covered by the closure before the pressure release, and
   2. b. which is released during the pressure relief.

In particular, the storage medium can be brought to the closure in such a way and the closure can be designed such that at the beginning of the pressure relief, the storage medium transfers the closure from a first state to a second state, the closure in the first state, the outlet more closes than in the second state.

The at least one outlet opening is preferably dimensioned such that the storage medium can flow out through the at least one outlet opening in the event of pressure relief, without the outlet opening itself being a flow resistance relevant to the pressure relief in the open state of the outlet opening.

Particularly preferably, the closure is attachable or attached to the body shell. Preferably, the closure is arranged to substantially completely close the outlet opening before the pressure is released and to substantially release the outlet opening during and / or immediately after the pressure is released.

In one embodiment, the closure may be a lid attachable or attached to the body shell. The lid can have any suitable shape and structure. The lid may for example be designed such that the lid by the pressure force of Storage medium and / or the projectile disclosed here from the body shell can be pushed out at a pressure relief. Alternatively, the at least one closure may be a flap attached to the body shell. The flap may have a restoring means, which holds the flap before the pressure relief in a substantially completely occluding the outlet opening position. Such a return means may for example be a torsion spring which presses the flap to the body shell, in particular to an underbody panel. In particular, the flap may be configured to be convertible by the outflowing storage medium at least during the pressure relief in an open position, so that the outlet opening is released at least during the pressure relief for pressure relief substantially.

Alternatively, such a return means may be, for example, a torsion spring, which holds the flap after releasing a locking element by the pressure relief in an open position. This has the advantage that only at the beginning of the pressure relief from the outflowing storage medium, a force has to be exerted on the locking element when the tank pressure is usually very large. From this unique overcoming the locking element, the return means takes over the keeping open the flap, so that a free flow of the storage medium is reliably possible even with decreasing internal pressure.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one closure can be formed by a rupture disk. Rupture disks as such are known. They are set to break at a given bursting pressure. The rupture pressure of the rupture disk is expediently so low that the rupture disk is not damaged on the one hand by falling rocks (for example, from the road) and, on the other hand, is quickly and reliably destroyed during a pressure relief by the outflowing storage medium.

Alternatively or additionally, the closure may be formed by the body shell itself. For example, the closure of a predetermined breaking point of the body shell can be formed. Such a predetermined breaking point can be formed for example by material recesses in the body shell. For example, a perforation may be provided in the body shell. The predetermined breaking point is set up to close the outlet opening formed in the body shell during driving operation of the motor vehicle or before pressure relief. The predetermined breaking point is also designed to break out of the body shell during pressure relief. Thus, the predetermined breaking point forms at the same time during a pressure relief, the outlet opening. Suitably, the body shell can be made of a metal material, for example in a forming process. Advantageously, the predetermined breaking point can be introduced by punching in the body outer skin. But this does not have to be this way. If, for example, a plastic material (eg a composite material) is used, then the material recesses can already be introduced during production (for example in the tool).

Preferably, the closure can be latched by at least one latching connection to the body shell, preferably to the underbody paneling. For this purpose, at least one locking lug can be provided on the closure, which generally engages behind an undercut of the body shell or the body in the mounted state. If it now comes to a pressure relief, the closure is pressurized by the outflowing storage medium such that the latching connection dissolves, in particular by the locking lugs bend or break. The latching connection is expediently arranged to hold the closure in the substantially closing position during driving operation or before the pressure is released.

Preferably, the opening cross-sectional area of the outlet opening is so large that service work and / or assembly work is possible through it. For this purpose, the outlet opening, for example, have a diameter or edge distance from opposite edges of at least 5 cm or at least 10 cm or at least 20 cm.

As already explained, in one embodiment, the underbody covering itself can form the lid. In other words, the underbody paneling may be arranged to close the exit opening provided in the body shell more before the pressure release than during and / or after the pressure release. For example, for this purpose, the underbody paneling be attached by appropriate locking means to the body shell. It is also conceivable that other fasteners are provided, which solve safely with the beginning of the pressure relief and otherwise keep the underbody paneling safe. Preferably, such a subfloor lining then has no further closure, which is inserted into the underbody paneling, or only those that do not or not significantly affect the movement to release the flow path through the underbody paneling. For example, folding hinges that allow folding away the underbody paneling, or other security elements that prevent flying away from the flow path moving underbody paneling.

According to the technology disclosed herein, the shutter is arranged, the opening O to seal the fluid connection or pressure relief line between the pressure relief device and the outlet opening dustproof and / or storage medium tight, so that no contamination enters the pressure relief line. In particular, therefore, the closure can also be designed to terminate flush with the body outer skin and at the same time to close the recessed opening of the at least one pressure relief line.

Particularly preferably, the closure disclosed here is made of an elastic plastic. Conveniently, the closure may be configured to secure the closure to one end of the pressure relief line by elastic deformation of the closure, preferably with an outer surface of the closure being flush with adjacent regions of the body outer skin. Thus, an effective dust protection, a simple pressure relief mechanism and a good aerodynamics can be realized simultaneously and cost effectively.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the motor vehicle comprises at least one projectile. The projectile can be set up with at least one opening O to close. Further, the projectile may be arranged to penetrate the pressure relief of the pressure vessel, the closure and / or the underbody panel, so as to the outlet opening A to release or train. The projectile can have any suitable shape. For example, a cap can form the projectile. For example, one end of the at least one pressure relief line may be the opening O form. In one embodiment, a cap may form the projectile and the cap may cover the end of the pressure relief line or may be slipped over the end. Alternatively, or in addition, the projectile may be a plug inserted into the opening O is inserted at the end of the pressure relief line and this closes. If the pressure is released, the projectile is accelerated so much by the compressive force acting on the projectile that it penetrates the seal and thus the outlet A in the body shell or underbody panel releases. Such a configuration is particularly simple and failsafe to implement and is associated with relatively low cost. In particular, the projectile can advantageously be combined with a rupture disk.

In other words, the technology disclosed herein relates to a motor vehicle having at least one pressure vessel and an underbody paneling. In order to avoid a permanent opening in the underbody paneling or in the body and at the same time in a pressure relief (especially by the pressure relief device) to avoid the outflow into a closed space of the motor vehicle, according to the technology disclosed herein at a pressure relief, the outlet openings can be opened ,

The outlet openings may be outlet openings in the underbody covering closed by covers and / or flaps and / or rupture disks, the covers and / or flaps and / or rupture disks being formed by the outflowing storage medium or the gas flows due to the outflow of the storage medium. be brought from the closed state to an open state. This opening can be reversible (with spring-loaded flaps) or irreversible (with lids flying away through the pressure relief and / or rupture disks destroyed by the pressure relief).

The closed state is characterized in that the function of the underbody covering (protection, reduction of air resistance) is substantially met. The outflow in the case of a pressure relief would be impaired in the closed state. The open state is characterized in that the function of the underbody paneling is impaired. However, this is immaterial, since this condition is ideally taken only at (or after) a pressure relief. The outflow of the storage medium is not or only slightly affected in the open state.

In a preferred embodiment, in the case of pressure relief, one or more connections between the body and the underbody paneling are released so that one or more outlet openings are created between the bodywork and the underbody paneling. The underbody paneling can also be completely detached from the body at a pressure relief, or only be secured against flying away, for example by a cable.

In the simplest case, the connections (or a part of the connections) can comprise snap-in elements (clips, plug pins, etc.). These may be designed so that during normal driving, even on rough roads, the acceleration forces acting on the connections do not lead to a release of the connections, i. the connections remain in the locked position. Only in the case of a pressure relief (in particular when the TPRD is triggered) can the outflowing storage medium, or the gas flow caused by the outflow of the storage medium, cause forces on the latchable elements which lead to a release of the connection or connections.

If this "simplest case" can not be realized directly, because, for example, the forces in normal driving, the forces exceed a pressure relief, then there are still further implementation options:

On the one hand can be exploited that at least immediately in the vicinity of the discharge opening, which is released by the pressure relief device, in the case of a pressure relief high pressures and thus on a surface related high forces arise. These locally high forces at a pressure relief in any case significantly exceed the forces occurring at the same point in normal operation of the vehicle and can be used to activate a release mechanism.

On the other hand, a cover with a cap of the discharge pipe could be connected so that at a pressure relief, the cap-lid assembly is removed by the outflowing storage medium or caused by the outflow of the storage medium fluid flows from the underbody panel and a free opening in the underbody paneling arises.

According to the technology disclosed herein, the underbody cowling remains intact and in normal operation can fulfill its protective function and achieve the reduction of aerodynamic drag. At the same time an opening is provided in the case of a pressure relief, which allows the free flow of the storage medium.

1. 1. Kraftfahrzeug, umfassend:
   • - mindestens einen Druckbehälter zur Speicherung von Speichermedium;
   • - mindestens eine Druckentlastungseinrichtung zur Druckentlastung vom mindestens einen Druckbehälter; und
   • - mindestens eine Öffnung (O), die benachbart zu einer Unterbodenverkleidung (12) mündet; wobei die Öffnung (O) fluidverbunden ist mit der Druckentlastungseinrichtung; wobei die Unterbodenverkleidung (12) eingerichtet ist, vom ausströmenden Speichermedium derart in ihrer Form und/oder Anordnung im Kraftfahrzeug verändert zu werden, dass die Unterbodenverkleidung (12) direkt oder indirekt das Ausströmen vom Speichermedium verbessert.
2. 2. Kraftfahrzeug nach Aspekt 1, wobei mindestens ein Befestigungsmittel (31) eingerichtet ist, sich zu lösen, falls die Druckentlastung erfolgt.
3. 3. Kraftfahrzeug nach Aspekt 1 oder 2, wobei das Befestigungsmittel (31) eingerichtet ist, sich zu lösen, falls die Unterbodenverkleidung (12) vom Speichermedium druckbeaufschlagt wird.
4. 4. Kraftfahrzeug nach einem der vorherigen Aspekte, ferner umfassend einen Entriegelungsmechanismus (38) zum Lösen der Unterbodenverkleidung (12); wobei der Entriegelungsmechanismus (38) durch das Speichermedium direkt oder indirekt aktuierbar ist; und wobei der Entriegelungsmechanismus (38) verschiebbar in einer Richtung ist, die nicht parallel zum Strömungspfad verläuft.
5. 5. Kraftfahrzeug nach einem der vorherigen Aspekte, wobei das Befestigungsmittel eine Rastverbindung (31) ist, die die Unterbodenverkleidung (12) an eine Unterbodenstruktur (10) befestigt.
6. 6. Kraftfahrzeug nach einem der vorherigen Aspekte, wobei die Unterbodenverkleidung (12) vor einer Druckentlastung die mindestens eine Öffnung (O) und weitere Fahrzeugkomponenten bedeckt und in diesen Bereichen die Fahrzeugaußenhaut ausbildet.
7. 7. Kraftfahrzeug nach einem der vorherigen Aspekte, wobei die Öffnung (O) zurückversetzt gegenüber der Unterbodenverkleidung (12) angeordnet ist.
8. 8. Verfahren zur Druckentlastung eines Druckbehälters eines Kraftfahrzeugs nach einem der vorherigen Aspekte, umfassend den Schritt, wonach zu Beginn einer Druckentlastung die Unterbodenverkleidung (12) sich zumindest bereichsweise, bevorzugt vollständig, von der Unterbodenstruktur (10) des Kraftfahrzeugs derart löst, dass sich direkt oder indirekt das Ausströmen vom Speichermedium zur Druckentlastung verbessert.
9. 9. Verfahren nach Aspekt 8, wobei zu Beginn der Druckentlastung mindestens ein Befestigungsmittel (31) löst, welches die Unterbodenverkleidung (12) an die Unterbodenstruktur (10) befestigt.
10. 10. Verfahren nach Aspekt 8 oder 9, wobei die Öffnung (O) zurückversetzt gegenüber der Unterbodenverkleidung (12) angeordnet ist.

The technology disclosed here can also be described by the following aspects:

1. A motor vehicle comprising:
   • - At least one pressure vessel for storage of storage medium;
   • - At least one pressure relief device for pressure relief from at least one pressure vessel; and
   • - at least one opening ( O ) adjacent to an underbody paneling ( 12 ) opens; the opening ( O ) is fluidly connected to the pressure relief device; the underbody paneling ( 12 ) is adapted to be changed by the outflowing storage medium in such a form and / or arrangement in the motor vehicle that the underbody paneling ( 12 ) directly or indirectly improves the outflow from the storage medium.
2. 2. Motor vehicle by aspect 1 , wherein at least one fastening means ( 31 ) is arranged to release, if the pressure relief takes place.
3. 3. Motor vehicle according to aspect 1 or 2 in which the fastening means ( 31 ) is designed to disengage if the underbody paneling ( 12 ) is pressurized by the storage medium.
4. 4. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding aspects, further comprising an unlocking mechanism ( 38 ) for releasing the underbody cover ( 12 ); wherein the unlocking mechanism ( 38 ) can be actuated directly or indirectly by the storage medium; and wherein the unlocking mechanism ( 38 ) is displaceable in a direction that is not parallel to the flow path.
5. 5. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the fastening means a latching connection ( 31 ), which is the underbody paneling ( 12 ) to an underbody structure ( 10 ) attached.
6. 6. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the underbody paneling ( 12 ) before a pressure relief, the at least one opening ( O ) and other vehicle components covered and forms the vehicle outer skin in these areas.
7. 7. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the opening ( O ) set back relative to the underbody paneling ( 12 ) is arranged.
8. 8. A method for pressure relief of a pressure vessel of a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding aspects, comprising the step, after which at the beginning of a pressure relief, the underbody paneling ( 12 ) at least partially, preferably completely, of the underbody structure ( 10 ) of the motor vehicle solves such that directly or indirectly improves the outflow from the storage medium for pressure relief.
9. 9. Method according to aspect 8th , wherein at the beginning of the pressure relief at least one fastening means ( 31 ) which removes the underbody paneling ( 12 ) to the underbody structure ( 10 ) attached.
10. 10. Method according to aspect 8th or 9 , where the opening ( O ) set back relative to the underbody paneling ( 12 ) is arranged.

• - mindestens einen Druckbehälter zur Speicherung von Speichermedium;
• - mindestens eine Druckentlastungseinrichtung zur Druckentlastung vom mindestens einen Druckbehälter; und
• - mindestens eine Öffnung (O), die zurückversetzt zu einer Karosserieaußenhaut (12) mündet, und wobei die Öffnung (O) fluidverbunden ist mit der Druckentlastungseinrichtung.

A. Motor vehicle comprising:

• - At least one pressure vessel for storage of storage medium;
• - At least one pressure relief device for pressure relief from at least one pressure vessel; and
• - at least one opening ( O ), which is set back to a body shell ( 12 ), and wherein the opening ( O ) is fluidly connected to the pressure relief device.

B. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding aspects, further comprising at least one closure ( 30 . 32 . 36 ) substantially flush with the immediately adjacent areas of the body shell ( 12 ) is formed, wherein the closure ( 30 . 32 . 36 ) in a flow path ( 22 ) is arranged, via which the storage medium flows out during the pressure relief in the vehicle environment, and wherein the motor vehicle is arranged, at the beginning of the pressure relief, the closure ( 30 . 32 . 36 ) at least partially from the flow path ( 22 ) to remove.

C. Vehicle according to one of the preceding aspects, further comprising at least one projectile, wherein the projectile is arranged, the at least one opening ( O ) and the projectile is set up to relieve the pressure on the closure ( 30 . 32 . 36 ) and / or the body shell ( 12 ) to penetrate.

D. Vehicle according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the at least one closure ( 30 . 32 . 36 ) a lid ( 30 . 36 ), which is attached to the body shell ( 12 ) attachable or attached.

E. motor vehicle according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the closure ( 30 . 32 . 36 ) is formed by a bursting disc.

F. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the at least one closure ( 30 . 32 . 36 ) a flap ( 32 ) attached to the body shell ( 12 ) is hinged.

G. motor vehicle according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the flap ( 32 ) a return means ( 33 ), which the flap ( 32 ) before the pressure release into an outlet opening ( A ) of the body shell ( 12 ) holds substantially completely occlusive position.

H. motor vehicle according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the flap ( 32 ) can be transferred by the outflowing storage medium at least during a pressure relief in an open position.

I. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein a closure ( 30 . 32 . 36 ) from the body shell ( 12 ) is formed.

J. motor vehicle according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the closure ( 30 . 32 . 36 ) of a predetermined breaking point of the body shell ( 12 ) is formed.

K. motor vehicle according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the predetermined breaking point through material recesses in the body shell ( 12 ) is formed; and / or wherein the predetermined breaking point is formed by a perforation.

L. motor vehicle according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the closure ( 36 ) the opening ( O ) dust-tight, so that no contamination enters pressure relief line.

• 1 eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer ersten Ausgestaltung der hier offenbarten Technologie;
• 2 eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer zweiten Ausgestaltung der hier offenbarten Technologie;
• 3 eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer Rastverbindung;
• 4 eine der hier offenbarten Technologie einer Verschlusskappen-Deckel-Anordnung, und
• 5 eine schematische Querschnittsansicht einer Ausgestaltung mit einem Entriegelungsmechanismus.

The disclosed technology will now be described in detail with reference to the following figures. Show it

• 1 a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the technology disclosed herein;
• 2 a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the technology disclosed herein;
• 3 a schematic cross-sectional view of a locking connection;
• 4 one of the cap-lid assembly technology disclosed herein, and
• 5 a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment with an unlocking mechanism.

The 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the technology disclosed herein. The closure 30 is designed here as a lid. The lid 30 closes the outlet opening here A , The outlet opening A is here at the underbody paneling 12 intended. The body shell 10 at the underbody paneling 12 is fixed, has been omitted here simplistic. Further omitted was the pressure relief device of the motor vehicle. The pressure relief line 20 is fluidly connected to the pressure relief device. This pressure relief line 20 can also be referred to as a pressure relief line. If there is pressure relief of the pressure vessel, the storage medium, usually fuel, flows through the pressure relief line 20 , The pressure relief line 20 opens here immediately adjacent to the lid 30 in the opening O , The outflowing storage medium exerts a pressure force on the lid. This pressure force causes the locking connections 31 , designed here as latching hooks, give way and the lid 30 from the underbody paneling 12 is pushed out. The closure 30 Thus, during the pressure relief, the outlet opening A completely free here. The storage medium can thus essentially unhindered from the Pressure relief line 20 flow into the environment of the motor vehicle and does not open in a substantially closed space of the motor vehicle. In the assumed accident, that the shutter 30 is not pushed out of the storage medium, could still here the storage medium due to the set back in relation to the body shell opening O Storage medium through the gap between the shutter 30 and the opening O through into the vehicle body (eg underbody structure) and escape through further outlets. For example, the underbody covering could be wholly or partially torn from its anchorage.

The 2 shows a further embodiment of the technology disclosed here. Below, only the differences from the embodiment according to the 1 explained. In the 2 the shutter is a flap 32 educated. The flap two 30 is at one end with the underbody paneling 12 connected. At this end is here a spring means 33 intended. At the other end of the flap 32 here is the catch 31 intended. The catch 31 builds a counterforce to the spring force 33 on. During normal driving (ie before a pressure relief) holds the latch 31 the flap 32 in the closed state. If it comes now to the pressure relief, the outflowing storage medium causes a compressive force on the inside of the flap 32 , This pressure force causes a release of the latching hook 31 , The spring means 33 then transfers the flap from the occluding position substantially flush to the outer surface of the underbody paneling 12 in an open position. In this open position closes the flap 32 not the outlet A , The storage medium can thus essentially free of pressure loss from the mouth of the pressure relief line 20 escape into the external environment of the motor vehicle.

The 3 shows an embodiment of a latching connection 31 , The latching connection here comprises a latching hook or latching bolt, which in an undercut 14 the body structure 10 intervenes. This locking connection 31 For example, the underbody paneling 12 to the body structure 10 Fasten. It is also conceivable that the lid 30 or the flap 32 by such a locking connection 31 is mounted.

The 4 shows a further embodiment of the technology disclosed here. Hereinafter, only the differences from the embodiment according to 2 explained. The 4 shows a lid 36 , in which a cap is integrated here. The cap is set up, the mouth of the pressure relief line 20 to close. Further, the cap is arranged, the space between the mouth of the pressure relief line and the outlet opening A shield from neighboring rooms. This has the advantage that there are no contaminants between the mouth of the pressure relief line 20 and the exit opening A which may possibly open the outlet opening A during the pressure relief could prevent. Such a cap lid assembly 36 but must not be provided.

The 5 shows a further embodiment of the technology disclosed here. Below, only the differences from the embodiment according to the 2 explained in more detail. Instead of a latching hook 31 The embodiment shown here has an unlocking mechanism 38 on. The unlocking mechanism 38 For example, a slider 38 be. The unlocking mechanism 38 is particularly preferably actuated by the effluent storage medium (not shown) according to the technology disclosed herein. The exact control of the slider 38 is known to those skilled in pneumatics. During normal driving, ie before a pressure relief, locks the unlocking mechanism 38 here's the flap 32 , Thus, the flap 32 safely held in position. At the beginning of the pressure relief causes the storage medium here a translational movement perpendicular to the outflow direction 22 of the storage medium. The slider 38 is withdrawn to the left from a recess here. Thus, the counterforce to the spring force of the torsion spring is missing 33 , The flap 32 will be opened.

The teaching illustrated in the figures can also be combined. For example, the cap according to the 4 also on one stone 32 be applied. Likewise, the locking connection 31 of the 3 be provided in the other embodiment. Furthermore, the unlocking mechanism of 5 For example, be applied to all other configurations.

For the sake of legibility, the term "at least one" has been omitted for simplicity. If a feature of the technology disclosed herein is described in singular form (eg, the / a pressure vessel, the / a pressure relief device, the / a closure, the / a lid, the / a flap, the opening / s Restoring means, the / a rupture disk, the / a predetermined breaking point, the / a material saving, / a snap-in connection, / a pressure relief line, etc.) should be at the same time also their plurality disclosed (eg the at least one pressure vessel, the at least one pressure relief device , the at least one closure, the at least one lid, the at least one flap, the at least one opening, the at least one flap Return means, the at least one rupture disk, the at least one predetermined breaking point, the at least one material saving, the at least one latching connection, the at least one pressure relief line, etc.).

The foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention. Various changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention and its equivalents.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Body structure or underbody structure

12

Underbody paneling

20

Pressure relief line

22

outflow

30

cover

31

latch hook

32

flap

33

torsion spring

36

Caps-lid assembly

38

unlocking

O

opening

A

outlet opening

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102011114725 A1 [0011]
• EP 1655533 B1 [0011]

Claims (10)

Motor vehicle comprising: - At least one pressure vessel for storage of storage medium; - At least one pressure relief device for pressure relief from at least one pressure vessel; and - At least one opening (O), which opens adjacent to an underbody paneling (12); wherein the opening (O) is fluidly connected to the pressure relief device; wherein the underbody paneling (12) is adapted to be changed in shape and / or arrangement in the motor vehicle by the outflowing storage medium such that the underbody paneling (12) directly or indirectly improves the outflow from the storage medium. Motor vehicle after Claim 1 wherein at least one attachment means (31) is arranged to disengage if the pressure is released. Motor vehicle after Claim 1 or 2 wherein the attachment means (31) is adapted to disengage if the underbody paneling (12) is pressurized by the storage medium. A motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a release mechanism (38) for releasing the underbody paneling (12); wherein the unlocking mechanism (38) is directly or indirectly actuatable by the storage medium; and wherein the unlocking mechanism (38) is slidable in a direction that is not parallel to the flow path. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means is a latching connection (31) which attaches the underbody paneling (12) to an underbody structure (10). Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the underbody paneling (12) covers the at least one opening (O) and further vehicle components before pressure relief and forms the vehicle outer skin in these areas. Motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (O) is set back in relation to the underbody covering (12). Method for pressure relief of a pressure vessel of a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the step, at the beginning of a pressure relief, the underbody paneling (12) at least partially, preferably completely, of the underbody structure (10) of the motor vehicle solves such that directly or indirectly the leakage from the storage medium for pressure relief improved. Method according to Claim 8 , wherein at the beginning of the pressure release at least one fastening means (31) dissolves, which fixes the underbody cover (12) to the underbody structure (10). Method according to Claim 8 or 9 , wherein the opening (O) is arranged offset from the bottom panel (12).

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