DE202021104761U1 - Traction battery unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Traction battery unit (101) for an electrically powered motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of battery cells (104) which are arranged between a base part (103) and a cover part (102) and comprising at least one load-bearing strut (106, 106.1, 107) arranged between Bottom part (103) and cover part (102), characterized in that in each case adjacent battery cells (104) to form a battery pack (105, 105.1, 105.2, 105.3) are at least partially materially connected to one another, the battery pack with the at least one load-bearing strut ( 106, 106.1, 107) is at least partially cohesively connected, forming a battery module.

Description

The invention relates to a traction battery unit for an electrically powered motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of battery cells which are arranged between a base part and a cover part and comprising at least one load-bearing strut arranged between the base part and cover part.

A large energy capacity is required to drive motor vehicles using electrical energy. In an electric vehicle, this is stored in a large number of battery cells that are electrically connected together.

In the prior art, battery modules are known which comprise a large number of battery cells. Battery modules also have connection options for connecting the battery module to a traction battery housing and are designed to hold the large number of battery cells. However, a single battery module is not enough to power an electric vehicle. For this reason, several battery modules are arranged in a battery housing provided for this purpose.

The battery housing itself comprises a base part and a cover part, between which the battery modules are arranged. The traction battery unit is typically attached to the vehicle under the vehicle cabin, forming a floor.

In order to ensure the crash safety of the traction battery unit, the battery housing itself is designed to be rigid and crash-proof. For this purpose, the housing typically comprises a circumferential frame and one or more load-bearing struts between the base part and the cover part, so that a compartment is provided. The battery modules are inserted into this compartment and connected to the struts by screw connections. In order to protect the battery modules during a crash, cavities are arranged between the at least one load-bearing strut of the battery housing and the battery modules screwed onto the strut in order to provide deformation paths for the strut.

The disadvantage of this prior art is the high weight of the battery housing due to the necessary rigid structure. In addition, a number of weld seams are necessary in order to build up the battery housing and make it stiff. These weld seams must be checked individually in order to meet the tightness requirements. This results in a high installation effort. It is also desirable if less space-consuming parts are required for the construction of a traction battery unit in order to maximize the space in which the battery cells can be carried and also to simplify the logistics.

The object of the invention is to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art.

This object is achieved by a traction battery unit of the generic type mentioned at the beginning and having the features of claim 1.

Advantageous refinements result from the dependent claims and the description.

Contrary to the prior art, this invention proposes a traction battery unit which integrally accommodates the individual battery cells and uses them in a resource-saving manner thanks to structures that are already present. The individual battery cells, which in the prior art were interconnected to form battery modules and installed in their own housing in the battery housing, are in accordance with the concept of the invention in a significantly larger number than in the battery modules cohesively connected to each other - about 15 to 30 -, at least two, typically more (for example six, eight or even 16 packages) and built into solid blocks in this way. Such a battery pack is equipped with a load-bearing strut on at least one side, the strut being connected to the battery pack with a material fit, at least in sections. A battery pack, at least partially materially connected to a strut, forms a battery module.

One thus makes use of the fact that the individual battery cells anyway have a typically metallic housing, for example made of an aluminum or steel alloy, which already has a certain stability. The integral connection of these housings creates an extremely stiff, block-like battery pack overall. The additional material connection of the strut to the battery pack creates a corresponding load path through which the forces can be introduced evenly into the battery pack.

Gluing is preferred for a material connection. It is not necessary to glue the battery cells to one another or to glue the battery pack to the load-bearing structure over the entire surface; it is sufficient if about 20 - 50% of the surface is glued.

It can be provided that a load-bearing strut is arranged between two battery packs to form the battery module and the to this strut pointing battery cells are at least partially materially connected to this strut. The strut is then bordered at least in sections on both sides by battery packs. A high axial force can be introduced into this strut, whereby it is insensitive to buckling due to the bearing on both sides.

In addition or as an alternative, it can be provided for the formation of the battery module that the battery pack is arranged between two load-bearing struts and is firmly connected to them. Typically, the two load-bearing struts are arranged opposite one another, so that the battery pack is arranged between the struts. This enables the battery module to be mounted easily and safely, since it can be connected to structures supporting the battery module on both sides by means of the strut.

It is preferably provided that the battery packs are materially connected to a load-bearing structure made of struts. The load bearing structure then extends from one side of the traction battery unit to the other. Any external force acting on the traction battery unit is passed through in this way. By passing the forces through, they are diverted through a large number of battery cells and other load-bearing structures in the traction battery unit, so that the force acting on an individual battery cell remains so low that it is not damaged.

In a development it is provided that part of the battery module is a frame surrounding the battery packs. The frame is preferably formed from several frame parts which are connected to the at least one strut, typically welded to it. Thus, it can preferably be provided that frame parts are arranged between two struts and are connected to the struts, preferably welded. It can also be provided that the frame parts arranged between the two struts are set back relative to the outer termination of the struts. The struts then protrude further in the direction of the side edge of the traction battery unit than the frame parts and in this way additionally stiffen the entire unit. The frame surrounding the battery packs faces the outside of the traction battery unit and can derive a force acting from the outside on the traction battery unit or introduce it into the struts, which point in the direction of the acting force with their longitudinal direction. In order to enable a deformation path between the frame and the battery pack, it can be provided that there is a battery-cell-free space between the battery packs formed by the battery cells and the frame. This can be filled with shock-absorbing materials or designed as a cavity.

If the strut protrudes in the direction of the side edge of the traction battery unit opposite the frame part in the direction of the side edge of the traction battery unit, the outwardly facing end section of the strut can be designed as a crash box, which can dissipate energy in the event of a crash. In particular for this purpose, the strut can be designed as a hollow chamber profile. Furthermore, such a protruding strut provides a support for the rocker, which increases its stability and enables further weight savings to be achieved. Buckling of the strut is counteracted by the flat contact with the battery pack; In this case, the battery pack supports the strut over a large part of its length.

The frame can project beyond the battery packs formed from the battery cells along with any contacting application for electrically connecting the battery cells. Its upper end is then higher than the upper end of the battery cells to be protected. In this way, the battery packs can be potted with an insulating compound within the frame, the frame preventing the liquid insulating compound from flowing away. In this way, the packages can be potted together with the strut and the contact application.

It can also be provided that the frame projects beyond the base of the battery cell in the direction of the base part, preferably in contact with the base part. In this way, a trough closed at the bottom is provided into which the insulating compound can be introduced. In addition, collision protection can also be provided in this way.

In this way, the load-bearing strut can also protrude beyond the base of the battery cell in the direction of the base part in order to provide collision protection.

Due to the potting of the battery cells with the contacting application, the otherwise required cleanliness for the remaining components of the traction battery unit - such as the cover part or the bottom part - does not have to be given; the electrical contacts are already electrically isolated by the insulating compound.

The insulating compound can have a fire protection additive so that, in the event of a fire, a fire is prevented from spreading, in particular in the direction of the vehicle cabin. This means that no separate fire protection has to be provided, so that manufacturing costs and the process time are reduced.

The battery cells are typically constructed in an elongated, cuboid shape. It is preferably provided that the longitudinal extension of the battery cells is aligned parallel to the strut, which is at least partially materially connected to the corresponding battery pack. In this way, the batteries are prevented from swelling, which is applied as a mechanical load by charging and discharging the batteries. In this context, it can also be provided that the battery packs are clamped in by the strut and the frame surrounding the battery packs.

Typically, the battery cells are oriented to form a battery pack with their contact connections pointing upwards or downwards. This facilitates the necessary electrical contacting of the battery cells.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the battery cells are aligned with their longitudinal extent transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The traction battery unit is in any case secured against a frontal or rear crash by the vehicle structure, with only load paths being preferably required which absorb or transmit the corresponding forces. In particular. In particular, in the present installation situation, therefore, the side crash case is of particular importance for the crash behavior. By aligning the battery cells in the side crash direction, the stiffness inherent in the battery cells, due to their large moment of resistance in the longitudinal direction, is optimally used for this case.

In order to make the structure of the traction battery unit as flat as possible, it can be provided that the battery cells are arranged in one plane, and therefore not one above the other.

The bottom part and / or the cover part can be deep-drawn components. In this way, the cover part and / or the base part can provide side walls of the traction battery unit, so that no additional components have to be connected to the base part and / or the cover part, in particular not by a welding process. The tightness of the traction battery unit can thus be established without any problems. If the bottom part and / or the cover part represent the side walls, a seal only needs to be provided at the interface between the bottom part and the cover part in order to protect the interior of the housing of the traction battery unit thus formed.

The parts of the traction battery unit that form the housing can be made of soft sheet metal. The overall rigidity of the traction battery unit is achieved by the material connection between the battery cells and the load-bearing strut. In this way, the assembly is also simplified, since in the event of any deviation from the nominal dimension, the parts forming the housing can be drawn accordingly.

In addition, deep-drawn embossments for forming a collision protection can be formed in the base part. These are preferably designed to have a continuous curvature in the z-direction of the vehicle (upward direction), so that in the z-direction the embossing provides a high moment of resistance at those points where the load-bearing strut, connected to the battery packs, or the Frame is arranged, while in the areas in between in the manner of an inverted bridge, the moment of resistance is designed to be lower, in order to divert the forces into the load-bearing strut or the frame in the event of an opening.

Due to the proposed structure, the traction battery unit can have a cooling module that makes direct contact with the battery cells. The cooling module can be formed from one or more cooling plates that are interconnected accordingly. An arrangement of the cooling module on the base part which is spaced apart from the battery cells and belonging to the battery housing, which inevitably entails a number of heat losses, is therefore no longer necessary. In particular, no gap filler, such as a thermally conductive paste, to compensate for any distance between the base part and the battery module, is necessary over long distances. Instead, the battery cells can be built up directly on the cooling module, so that a heat-conducting layer is only necessary due to the roughness of the material and / or embossing in the cooling module. Depending on the size of the battery module, it is advisable for simple assembly to use several cooling plates that form the cooling module. These can simply be pressed onto the battery cells.

In particular, if the individual interconnected battery packs are encapsulated in an insulating compound, integrated cooling can be used without the risk of short circuits in the event of leaks.

Furthermore, the traction battery unit can have a traction battery housing, which traction battery housing has a cover part and a base part, the traction battery housing containing at least one battery module as well as spaced apart, stiffening the traction battery housing, acting as a load path structures, with at least one side of the traction battery housing structure stiffening at least two load-distributing structures to catch an in a section of the force acting laterally on the traction battery housing and deriving it in the transverse direction to the longitudinal extension of this side is connected and the load distribution structure is designed at least in sections in the effective direction of the force to be absorbed as a hollow chamber structure, the hollow chamber structure at least in sections below the level of the bottom of the battery module adjacent to the hollow chamber structure is arranged and is displaceable with this section in the event of a crash under the floor of this battery module.

The aim of this embodiment is to provide a bending beam optimized for a side crash, mounted between two structures stiffening the traction battery housing. If a lateral force is introduced into the traction battery housing, these structures, in conjunction with the bending beam, act as a load path. For this reason, the bending beam is referred to as a load distribution structure.

In order to provide the greatest possible moment of resistance with regard to the laterally introduced force, it is the core of this embodiment that the load distribution structure is designed on the one hand as a hollow chamber structure and on the other hand extends to the edge of a battery module adjacent to the hollow chamber structure, preferably to some extent even below the bottom of this Battery module extends. In this way, the area parallel to the laterally introduced force and thus the corresponding moment of resistance can be maximized without the risk of the load distribution structure being pressed onto the battery module in the event of a crash and the associated potential deformation. Rather, it is shifted under the bottom of the same.

From the perspective of the outside of the housing, the hollow chamber structure begins as far as possible at the edge of the traction battery housing. A deformation path is provided by the part of the hollow chamber structure which is arranged below the plane of the floor of the battery module adjacent to the hollow chamber structure, or the floor of the corresponding area of the battery module, so that a part of the hollow chamber structure possibly following this section does not is arranged below the level of the bottom of the battery module, can be displaced in the direction of the battery module by a crash (typically with deformation of the hollow-chamber structure) without the battery module being damaged by the hollow-chamber structure. In this case, the part which is arranged below the level of the bottom of the battery module, but next to the same, is displaced under the battery module.

The hollow chamber structure extends at most only partially under the bottom of the battery module, namely typically only as far as the edge region of the battery module. Typically, the upper end of the hollow chamber structure is in any case in the vicinity of the bottom of the battery module, so that there is only a small deformation path between the hollow chamber structure and the battery module in the event of a drive-up from the underside. Here you can take advantage of the effect of the side sill, which is already installed in this area: The side sill as an additional load-bearing structure can protect the edge of the traction battery housing against a force from below. The load distribution structure designed as a hollow chamber structure then extends only into the effective area of the side sill. In the area behind it, thus further away from the edge acted upon by force, the hollow chamber structure gives way to a collision protection typically formed by the bottom part of the traction battery housing, including a deformation path between the bottom part and the bottom of the battery module.

It is preferably provided that the hollow chamber structure is arranged completely below the plane of the bottom of the battery module. In this case, too, it makes sense to keep part of the hollow chamber structure free of a battery module in order to ensure a possible deformation path starting from the force-loaded edge of the traction battery housing. In addition, additional components, such as the cover part, can be connected to such a flange.

For a simple design of the hollow chamber structure, it can be provided that the hollow chamber or the hollow chambers of the hollow chamber structure extend parallel to the side of the traction battery housing on which the lateral force is introduced. In this way, the hollow chamber structure can also be formed with the inclusion of the floor. This is particularly advantageous if the base is designed as a trough, so that it forms side walls of the traction battery housing at least in sections. The at least two-dimensional space delimitation thus provided by the floor can be closed by means of a further component, for example a sheet metal. In this way, only a small number of additional components is required.

Alternatively or in addition, it can be provided that the hollow chamber structure is formed by a hollow chamber profile connected to the floor. This hollow chamber profile is typically placed on the floor or, if the floor is designed as a trough, inserted into the trough. The so trained as depositor Hollow chamber structure can also have complex geometric shapes and / or be an extruded profile.

The hollow-chamber structure can have at least one material section which is arranged obliquely with respect to the lateral load direction in order to bridge a height difference, therefore at an angle, in particular between 20 ° and 70 ° with respect to the vertical. If a lateral force acts on such a hollow chamber structure, it is also safely passed through the material section that connects a height difference. In this way, it is prevented that, as is the case with a material section arranged at right angles, for example, this material section folds over in the edge area and the forces that are introduced are no longer passed on.

To increase the stability of the load distribution structure, it is provided that it is made of a steel or an aluminum alloy.

The stiffening structures of the traction battery housing are typically provided by struts that are part of a compartment within the traction battery housing. Thus, the structure as a whole typically extends essentially from one side of the traction battery housing to the other. The struts designed as load paths can be used in a particularly advantageous manner for guiding a laterally introduced force, since the traction battery housing is typically connected to the vehicle body on these struts. The force introduced from the side affects the entire vehicle as directly as possible, so that other structures of the vehicle are deformed or the entire vehicle is displaced. In this context, it can also be provided that the battery modules are connected to the struts, so that if the struts are offset with respect to the traction battery housing, the battery modules are also intrinsically shifted into a safe area.

A traction battery unit can be provided which comprises a strut, which strut comprises at least two strut profiles spaced apart from one another, supported on the housing bottom side and framing a mounting channel open on the top side, as well as a cover rail for closing the mounting channel on the top side, the strut profiles each having a cover seat on the top side on which the Cover rail each with an edge section, when mounted, rests, and that fastening means are provided for bracing the cover rail on the cover seats of the strut profiles.

The strut can be the strut described above, cohesively connected to the battery pack, but it can also be different from the one mentioned above.

In the case of this traction battery unit, the basic structure is cleverly used to form an assembly channel that extends through the traction battery unit. For this purpose, a strut of the traction battery unit, typically a longitudinal strut, is designed in such a way that it delimits a mounting channel. This is achieved in that such a strut comprises at least two strut profiles which are spaced apart from one another in the plane of the housing and in the transverse direction from their longitudinal extent. The strut profiles can be supported on the housing base and fastened to it. However, it is not necessary to support the strut profiles on the bottom. Two of the strut profiles have a cover seat on their side opposite the housing base. These strut profiles are located in the area of the upper end of the assembly channel. The cover rail rests against each of the cover seats with an edge section and is braced with the strut profiles. Supply lines can be drawn or inserted into the assembly cavity created by this strut. The latter is easily possible with the cover rail removed. In this way, supply lines are passed through the traction battery unit, as a result of which they are not only effectively protected against mechanical damage, in particular also in the event of a front or side impact. Rather, the required line length, which is otherwise required to route hoses and cables around such a traction battery unit, is significantly reduced. The result is that this saving reduces the system weight, which also includes a reduced amount of temperature control medium due to the smaller flow path required. Furthermore, the assembly is simplified, since the supply lines simply have to be introduced into the assembly channel. An individual fastening of the same is generally not necessary. Assembly errors are avoided.

In one embodiment it is provided that the strut profiles at the same time form a load path extending through the interior of the traction battery unit. In such a case, the strut profiles are preferably supported on the housing bottom side. Together with the cover rail mounted on this, a particularly stable strut with a corresponding load path quality is then provided.

In an embodiment in which the mounting channel is only partially limited in the vertical direction by two strut profiles spaced apart from one another, the mounting channel is also bounded by the adjacent battery modules in the longitudinal extent of the strut profiles. That is also quite possible Formation of such a strut with two strut profile pairs, of which one strut profile pair on the top provides the cover seat, while the other strut profile pair is arranged in the area of the bottom of the traction battery pack.

The multi-part construction of such a strut by providing a cover rail that can be braced with the strut profiles and, as a rule, also detachable from them, allows the supply lines to be introduced into the assembly channel to be pre-assembled. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the cover rail is used as a carrier for supply line sections which are then as a whole, preassembled on the cover rail, introduced into the assembly channel in connection with an assembly of the cover rail. The supply lines can be held on the cover rail, for example, by bracket-like plastic holders, for example in the form of clip holders. The cover rail that closes the assembly channel on the top side can be used to connect to these supply line connections. This can be, for example, screw or plug connections with which the respective supply line section located on the cover rail can be connected in a simple manner to a complementary connection coupling piece located on the vehicle. The supply line sections crossing the traction battery unit are then installed with the installation of the traction battery unit on the vehicle, typically on the underbody. With such a design, with the supply lines or supply line sections connected to it, the cover rail thus represents a mounting module that is quick and easy to assemble.

The strut profiles and the cover rail are typically hollow-chamber extruded profiles. These are preferably designed with multiple chambers, which increases the rigidity of these profiles. In order to keep the weight of the traction battery unit low, these parts of such a strut are made of a light metal alloy, for example an aluminum alloy suitable for this purpose. The bracing of the cover rail with respect to the strut profiles laterally enclosing the assembly channel is preferably carried out with screw fasteners. It is then also easily possible to open the assembly channel by removing the cover rail, should this be desired or necessary. In the preferred design of the strut profiles as hollow-chamber profiles, screw fasteners are used which reach through the hollow-chamber profile in the direction of the height of the traction battery unit. These are also clamped to the case back. In an advantageous embodiment, a strut profile holder with a hat-shaped cross-sectional geometry is located on the inside of the housing base for this purpose, the open side of such a strut profile holder facing the housing base. The cavity thus produced between the strut profile holder and the housing base serves to receive a clamping nut, screwed onto the end of a screw fastener provided through the strut profile arranged above it. This can be connected to the underside of the strut profile holder as a welded or punched nut. The cover rail is braced against the respective cover seat of the strut profile through the underside of the head of the screw bolt.

For the defined assembly of the cover rail, it is provided in a further development that the cover seats of the two spaced-apart strut profiles have on the outside a leg delimiting the cover seat and protruding upwardly therefrom. The height of these legs can be aligned with the outside termination of the cover rail.

If the cover rail is designed as a multi-chamber hollow chamber profile, one embodiment provides that the cover rail has two hollow chambers located in the same plane, which are separated from one another by a solid material web. This material web has a sufficient width so that it can be used as an anchoring base. According to one embodiment, blind holes with an internal thread are made in this web separating the two hollow chambers in order to be able to connect a housing cover to it.

Such a solid material web for the introduction of, for example, blind holes can also be provided in a configuration of the cover rail in which it is designed as a solid profile. The cross section of such a cover rail is then typically T-shaped.

According to one embodiment, the strut profiles have support feet on their side facing the housing base, with the end face of which they are typically supported on a strut profile holder. A full-surface connection of the strut profiles to the housing base is not considered to be necessary in every case. Of course, the strut profiles can also be supported flatly with their underside on the housing base and braced against it.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the traction battery unit has a cover part, which cover part is provided as part of the traction battery housing with a connection geometry for connecting the cover part as an upper part to the bottom part of the traction battery housing is, wherein the cover part is the carrier of a connected device housing lower part of an additional device housing, which device housing lower part does not protrude along its circumference at least partially beyond the edge of the cover part and has a base and a circumferential mounting flange for connecting a device housing upper part belonging to the device housing, the mounting flange at least in the circumferential sections that do not overhang the lateral end of the cover part opposite the bottom in the direction of the outer side of the cover part carrying the lower part of the unit housing, offset by appropriate shaping of the lower part of the unit housing so that the upper part of the unit housing can be clamped to the lower part of the unit housing at this or these mounting flange sections.

In the case of a traction battery housing equipped with such a cover part, the cover part serves as a carrier for an additional device housing. It goes without saying that the cover part can also carry several additional device housings. Connected to the cover part is the lower part of the device housing, which is equipped with a mounting flange to which the upper part of the device housing can be connected. According to an advantageous embodiment, this connection is detachable, so that, if necessary, the upper part of the device housing can be removed from the lower part of the device housing and thus access to the unit or units located therein, for example power electronics, is possible. The mounting flange of the device housing lower part is arranged offset away from the flat extension of the bottom of the device housing lower part in the direction of the surface of the cover part to which the device housing lower part is connected. This allows the device housing lower part to be arranged on the outer flat side of the cover part, with a gap nevertheless remaining between the mounting flange of the device housing lower part and the outside of the cover part, even if the side walls of the cover part do not protrude in sections of the mounting flange. This gap is used so that a fastening element, for example a nut, can be arranged therein in order to be able to brace the upper part of the device housing with the lower part of the device housing by means of a screw bolt threaded into it. This is typically done with the interposition of a seal. If it is provided that the upper part of the device housing is releasably braced relative to the lower part of the device housing, a solid seal will be used as the seal for this purpose. The fastening element located on the side of the mounting flange of the device housing lower part facing the outside of the cover part, such as a nut, can be connected to the mounting flange as a welded or punched nut.

The device housing lower part is connected to the outside of the cover part, for example by gluing and / or joining. Thus, by connecting the device housing lower part to the cover part, the cover part can be stiffened in that area in which the device housing lower part is attached to it. The cover part and the lower part of the device housing can be made from different materials and / or with different material thicknesses. This means that additional design freedom is available for designing the cover part.

The lower part of the device housing is located on the top of the cover part of the traction battery housing, preferably in a position in which the device housing under the rear seat of the vehicle to which the traction battery unit is connected with its traction battery housing. At such a position there is sufficient installation space also in the vertical direction (z-direction), without the traction battery housing itself with the battery modules contained therein having to be brought at a greater distance from the underbody of the vehicle. According to one embodiment, the device housing lower part and thus the device housing are located in the edge region of the cover part facing the rear of the vehicle.

The arrangement of the device housing with its device housing lower part directly on the cover part and thus on the traction battery unit has the advantage that electrical / electronic supply lines can be introduced directly from the traction battery housing into the device housing. This applies equally to a supply and a return of a coolant supply, for example. Thus, a traction battery unit equipped with such a cover part carrying a device housing can be installed completely preassembled on the vehicle side.

The cover part is additionally stiffened by the offset of the mounting flange with respect to the bottom of the lower part of the device housing, which offset is typically designed in the manner of a flexure in the manner of an offset. This shaping thus acts in the manner of a bead, through which, as a result of the connection to the cover part, the cover part is also stiffened in its area carrying the device housing lower part. The design of such a flexure-like offset is preferred that it is provided over a relatively short distance in the radial extent of the base. The ratio of the offset height of the offset to the length of the offset is preferably transverse to the circumferential direction of the lower part of the device housing Interval between 1.5: 1 and 1: 1.5, including the end values.

The circumferential mounting flange of the lower part of the device housing is typically located in one and the same plane. With such a design, the mounting flange is circumferentially offset by a corresponding shape relative to the bottom of the lower part of the device housing by such a bend.

The lower part of the device housing can be placed with the underside of its base on the outside of the cover part and connected to it, for example, by gluing and / or joining. The then existing material doubling in this area can be taken into account when designing the cover part and / or the lower part of the device housing. The device cover itself can also have a device housing lower part receiving recess, so that the cover part itself experiences a certain stiffening due to the material cranking in the transition between the receiving recess and the outside of the cover part.

It is entirely possible to design a cover part with a material cutout, so that in this way material can be saved in the duplication of material that would otherwise occur due to the connection of the device housing lower part. Despite such a material cutout, an edge area typically remains on which the bottom of the device housing lower part rests and makes contact with the cover part.

If the cover part has a material recess which is closed by the lower part of the device housing, a circumferential seal will be arranged between the cover part and the lower part of the device housing in order to produce the required tightness with respect to the traction battery housing. In one embodiment of the lower part of the device housing, the bottom is stepped for this purpose, namely in such a way that the edge area of the bottom is offset from the other bottom surface areas in order to form a joint gap between the outside of the cover part and the bottom edge area of the lower part of the device housing. This only requires a small gap width. The gap width is dimensioned so that an adhesive and / or sealing compound can be introduced into it. The use of a sealing adhesive is advantageous because an adhesive connection between the device housing lower part and the cover part is then brought about at the same time via the circumferential seal. With such a design of the lower part of the device housing and the cover part, the bottom area lying on the inside with respect to the circumferential seal on the cover part can be used so that both parts - the lower part of the device housing and the cover part - can be joined together. Typically, in this regard, spot joining, for example spot welding, will be used in order to keep the heat input as low as possible. The cranking of the bottom edge area with respect to the other bottom areas for providing the joint gap can be characterized in the circumferential direction by a plurality of joining bays spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. The joining bays are directed towards the mounting flange and thereby enlarge the inner floor area. These joining bays or a subset of them are suitable for making point joining between the lower part of the device housing and the cover part. The joining bays are thus located in a level that is lower in relation to the bottom of the device housing lower part than the joining gap and the adhesive mass introduced therein, for example designed as a circumferential adhesive seal. As a result, the latter is protected from welding spatter during the welding process. This ensures a high level of solidity in the production of a tight bond between the cover part and the lower part of the device housing.

For the purpose of introducing supply lines into the interior of the device housing, one embodiment provides that the base has corresponding connection openings for this purpose, through which connections of supply lines can be passed. The units to be arranged in the device housing can then be connected to this.

The bottom of the lower part of the device housing is preferably stiffened by means of bead-like structures.

The device housing lower part can carry fastening means in order to be able to connect units or components to be built into the device housing. These units and components can be, for example, supply line connections, power electronics components and the like. The base on the lower part of the device housing can have nuts, bolts or the like as fastening means.

According to one embodiment, both the cover part and the lower part of the device housing are components made from a press-formed steel plate.

Reference will now be made to the 12th until 16 dropped according to 9 4a GbmG.

• 1: eine Explosionsdarstellung einer Traktionsbatterieeinheit,
• 2: eine Batteriezelle,
• 3: eine Schnittseitenansicht durch eine zusammengebaute Traktionsbatterieeinheit,
• 4: eine Detaildarstellung der 4 und
• 5: eine weitere Schnittseitenansicht durch eine zusammengebaute Traktionsbatterieeinheit in einem anderen Abschnitt als in 3.
• 6: eine Schnittansicht eines Traktionsbatteriegehäuses in einer ersten Ausführungsform,
• 7: eine Schnittansicht eines Traktionsbatteriegehäuses in einer zweiten Ausführungsform,
• 8: eine Draufsicht auf eine Traktionsbatterieeinheit mit abgenommenem Deckelteil,
• 9: einen Schnitt durch die Traktionsbatterieeinheit der 8 entlang der Schnittlinie A-B mit einer vergrößerten Detaildarstellung,
• 10: eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Versorgungsleitungsmoduls, integriert in die Traktionsbatterieeinheit der 8 und 9,
• 11: eine Seitenansicht des Versorgungsmoduls der 9,
• 12: eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Versorgungsleitungsmoduls, integriert in die Traktionsbatterieeinheit der 8 und 2 ( 12a) und das Versorgungsleitungsmodul in einer Seitenansicht (12b),
• 13: eine perspektivische Darstellung des in 8 nicht gezeigten Deckelteils als Oberteil des Traktionsbatteriegehäuses mit einem daran angesetzten Gerätegehäuseunterteil nach Art einer Explosionsdarstellung,
• 14: das Deckelteil mit dem daran angesetzten Gerätegehäuseunterteil in Zusammenbaustellung,
• 15: eine Draufsicht auf das Deckelteil der 14 im Bereich des angesetzten Gerätegehäuseunterteils und
• 16: einen Teilschnitt durch das Deckelteil der 15 entlang der Schnittlinie A - B.

Further advantages and aspects of the invention emerge from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it:

• 1 : an exploded view of a traction battery unit,
• 2 : a battery cell,
• 3 : a sectional side view through an assembled traction battery unit,
• 4th : a detailed representation of the 4th and
• 5 : a further sectional side view through an assembled traction battery unit in a different section than in 3 .
• 6th : a sectional view of a traction battery housing in a first embodiment,
• 7th : a sectional view of a traction battery housing in a second embodiment,
• 8th : a plan view of a traction battery unit with the cover part removed,
• 9 : a section through the traction battery unit of the 8th along the section line AB with an enlarged detail view,
• 10 : a perspective view of a supply line module integrated in the traction battery unit of FIG 8th and 9 ,
• 11 : a side view of the supply module of 9 ,
• 12th : a perspective view of a supply line module integrated in the traction battery unit of FIG 8th and 2 ( 12a) and the supply line module in a side view ( 12b) ,
• 13th : a perspective view of the in 8th cover part, not shown, as the upper part of the traction battery housing with a device housing lower part attached to it in the manner of an exploded view,
• 14th : the cover part with the lower part of the device housing attached to it in the assembled position,
• 15th : a plan view of the cover part of the 14th in the area of the attached lower part of the device housing and
• 16 : a partial section through the cover part of the 15th along the section line A - B.

1 shows an exploded view of a traction battery unit 101 , comprising a lid part 102 and one with the lid part 102 connectable bottom part 103 . Between the lid part 102 and bottom part 103 are a large number of battery cells (in 1 only three examples with reference numbers 104 marked) arranged, which cohesively with each other, here by gluing, to battery packs 105 (also only a few examples in 1 marked) are summarized. Any battery pack 105 is with at least one strut 106 at least partially cohesively connected.

In this embodiment there are two adjacent battery packs 105.1 , 105.2 are through a load bearing strut 106 separated from each other and also connected to them by a material bond (here: by gluing).

A battery pack 105.2 is also on both sides of a load-bearing strut 106 , 106.1 edged on opposite sides and at least partially cohesively connected to both struts, here also by gluing.

The striving 106 , 106.1 conduct one from the outside to the traction battery unit 101 acting force in the depth of the arrangement of the battery packs 105 and so are supported by a large number of battery cells 104 away.

Orthogonal to the load-bearing struts just described 106 , 106.1 is another load bearing strut 107 provided, which are also cohesive with the neighboring battery cells 104 and thus with the battery packs 105.1 and 105.3 connected is. However, it is conceivable that the strut 107 not cohesively with the battery packs 105.1 and 105.3 connected, but the battery packs 105.1 , 105.3 only contacted, if necessary under bias.

A variety of battery packs 105 , here eight battery packs, are in this way, separated by appropriate struts 106 , 106.1 , 107 connected to one another and thus form a battery module as a whole. In addition, there are frame parts 108 (in 1 only two examples shown) between the struts 106 , 106.1 arranged so that a total of one outside, the eight battery packs 105 edging frame is formed.

The frame parts 108 are firmly bonded with the struts 106 , 107 , here as part of a welding process, connected, although a screw connection would be possible. This provides a secure skeleton made of load-bearing structures, which are securely connected to one another by the materially bonded connection. By additionally supporting the battery cells 104 Due to the corresponding form fit with respect to the skeleton, an extremely stiff, block-like traction battery unit is provided overall.

The frame 108 may contain clearances for cooling lines or other components.

Immediately the battery cells 104 Two cooling modules are in contact on the underside 109 , formed from four cooling plates, arranged. Through a direct contact between the cooling module 109 and battery cells 104 can the battery cells 104 can be effectively cooled without the housing, such as the bottom part 103 to have to cool too.

Such a battery module as described above is in the traction battery unit 101 built in twice, as can be seen in the figure.

2 shows a standard battery cell 104 in a detailed shot. This is cuboid. The battery cells 104 in 1 are with their longitudinal extension (in 2 with reference numerals 110 marked) parallel to the longitudinal extension of the strut 106 aligned. The housing of the battery cell 104 is made of an aluminum alloy and has a wall thickness of approximately 0.6 - 1 mm. Are two battery cells 104 Adjacent to one another with a material bond with the interposition of an adhesive (0.5 mm), the result is an approximately 2.5 mm wide wall that is parallel to the load-bearing structures 106 , 107 , providing a large section modulus, can absorb forces. By splitting any into the traction battery unit 101 forces applied to a large number of battery cells 104 are all battery cells 104 overall secured.

3 shows a cross section through the traction battery unit described above 101 in a side view. The strut can be seen 106 in a sectioned view. It is provided that the strut 106 is designed as a hollow chamber component to save weight (several hollow chambers with reference numerals 111 marked). On the front and back of the strut 106 battery cells, not shown, are firmly connected.

Inside the case is the strut 106 using screws (in 3 only a single one with reference numbers 112 recognizable) with a on the bottom part 103 welded screwing plate 112a firmly screwed.

Below the battery cells 104 , contacting them and here also below the strut 106 is a cooling module 109 arranged, here designed as a cooling plate; this is shown in an enlarged view in 4th shown. The cooling plate is formed by two metal sheets which are spaced apart from one another and provided with embossments, which pass a cooling liquid through the cavity formed in this way. The cavities are advantageous 111 the strut 106 open downwards so that the strut 106 on the cooling module 109 only gets up with very narrow bars. In this way, the cooling capacity of the cooling module is not unnecessarily affected 106 introduced, but exclusively in the battery cells. It can also be provided that an air gap of approximately 1 mm between the strut 106 and cooling module 109 is provided to increase the effectiveness of the cooling module 109 to increase further. In addition, the cooling module 109 in areas where the strut 106 the cooling module 109 goes through, for example when screwing 112 / 112a, cutouts to allow direct contact between the cooling module and the strut 106 reduce to a minimum. Also points the strut 106 in connection areas to the base part 103 Areas of reduced cross-section in order to minimize heat transfer between the housing and the battery module.

The bottom part 103 is with the lid part 102 , a flange 113 training, screwed. Both the lid part 102 as well as the bottom part 103 are made from deep-drawn sheet steel and form sections of the side walls 114.1 , 114.2 of the housing. This way it just needs to be in the flange 113 formed from cover part 102 and bottom part 103 a seal can be provided. This simplifies assembly.

Both through the cover part 102 and the bottom part 103 as well as the side walls 114.1 , 114.2 housing formed as well as by the battery cells 104 formed battery packs 105 are through the the battery packs 105 surrounding frame, arranged within the by the cover part 102 and the bottom part 103 formed housing, stiffened. These frame parts cannot be seen in this view, but are in the passage area 115 connected. The strut 106 protrudes over the frame part to be connected in the direction of the side wall 114.1 , therefore in the direction of the lateral force to be introduced and is thus based on the bottom part 103 additionally via a wide lever arm.

By means of the frame 108 as well as the struts (in 3 not shown) penetrating screws 116 is the traction battery unit 101 screwable to the underside of a vehicle body, not shown.

5 shows a further cross-section through the in 1 shown traction battery unit 101 . A large number of battery cells are shown 104 , put together to a battery pack 105 . The battery pack is enclosed 105 of two load-bearing struts 106 , 106.1 made by screws 116.1 , 116.2 for connecting the traction battery unit 101 serve to a vehicle body, not shown. The battery cells can also be seen 104 Cooling module which makes contact from below and is designed as a cooling plate 109 .

The bottom part 103 the traction battery unit 101 has collision protection. For this purpose are in the bottom part 103 Bridge-shaped girders introduced, each of which is at its greatest depth T in the area of striving 106 , 106.1 exhibit. In the area in between, the depth is reduced T continuously until they are halfway between the two struts 106 , 106.1 has its shallowest depth. As a result, external impacts are safely applied to the stable load-bearing struts 106 , 106.1 derived. There is also a security room 117 between bottom part 103 and cooling module 109 or battery cells 104 given, which is used as a deformation path.

6th shows a traction battery case 201 in its edge area in a sectioned view. The traction battery case 201 has a cover part hidden in this illustration and a base part 202 on. In the traction battery case 201 are battery modules (in 6th only one with reference number 203 recognizable) arranged. On one side of the traction battery case 201 acts a force F. on the traction battery case 201 as a side impact force. The direction of this force F. points into the traction battery housing 201 into it.

To absorb the force F. is a load sharing structure 204 provided, which is designed as a hollow chamber structure. The load distribution structure 204 has a large extension in the effective direction of the load to be absorbed, so that it opposes the force introduced with a large moment of resistance.

The load distribution structure is connected 204 to the traction battery housing 201 stiffening structures 205 , here in the form of struts (through the sectional view in 6th only one recognizable). The stiffening structure 205 is part of a compartment of the traction battery housing 201 which compartments are through the traction battery housing 201 extends.

The load distribution structure 204 extends parallel to the side of the traction battery case 201 to which the force F. works. The hollow chamber also extends in this direction 206 the load distribution structure 204 .

Towards the in the side of the traction battery case 201 introduced force F. extends the hollow chamber structure of the load distribution structure 204 in a first part 204a up to the edge 207 of the battery module 203 . Continue towards the on the side of the traction battery case 201 acting force F. makes the load distribution structure 204 Space for a deformation space 208 as part of a through the bottom part 202 formed collision protection 209 . The load distribution structure 204 thus only extends so far below the battery module 203 , like a side sill, not shown in this figure, the edge of the traction battery housing 201 , especially the edge 207 of the battery modules 203 protects against collision.

Starting from the edge 207 of the battery module 203 toward the edge of the traction battery case 201 assigns the load distribution structure 204 another part 204b on, which is below the level of the lower completion of the floor 210 of the battery module 203 is arranged. The floor 210 of the battery module 203 includes in this embodiment an in 6th shown cooling plate with which the battery module 203 is cooled. By providing a part 204b the load distribution structure 204 which is below the level of the ground 210 of the battery module 203 is arranged, becomes a deformation path for the load distribution structure 204 towards the on the traction battery case 201 acting force F. provided. The load distribution structure 204 can deform so much that it is under the battery module 203 is pushed without the battery module 203 this takes damage. In addition, the battery module 203 through a side frame part 211 , which is also on the stiffening structures 205 connected, protected.

The hollow chamber structure of the load distribution structure 204 is used in the in 6th embodiment shown in part by the bottom part designed as a trough 202 educated. The bottom part 202 is in one area 212 cranked, describing an S-shape. This bend is below the base plate 202 a space created with a striking plate 213 is closed and so is the hollow chamber 206 the load distribution structure formed by the hollow chamber structure 204 forms. In order to provide as large a proportion of areas as possible, which in the direction of the effective direction of the side of the traction battery housing 201 acting force F. points is the strike plate 213 also cranked so that the strike plate 213 as well as the floor pan 202 about the parts that act in the direction of action of the laterally introduced force F. point, run parallel.

Both the section of the bottom part 202 , the part of the hollow chamber structure of the load distribution structure 204 is, as well as the strike plate 213 have sections that provide the hollow chamber 206 provide a height difference. These are in 6th the areas to which the reference symbols 212 and 213 point (the cranked areas). Opposite the one on the side edge of the traction battery housing 201 acting force F. these are arranged at an angle, approximately at an angle between 20 ° and 50 ° relative to the vertical. This is how the force is introduced F. along these sections into the depth of the traction battery housing 201 guided and prevents the hollow chamber structure from buckling.

The striking plate 213 is to the bottom part 202 in a first connection area 214 connected by spot welding, in a second connection area 215 by a screw connection.

The second connection area 215 is designed as a flange. Part of the flange is also the cover part which is hidden in this figure and which has the above-mentioned screw connection in the second connection area 215 with the bottom part 202 is connected. It is typically provided that between the cover part (not shown) and the bottom part 202 between screw connection in the second connection area 215 and battery module 203 a seal is provided around the traction battery case 201 to make liquid-tight. By providing the strike plate on the outside 213 is a seal between the bottom part 202 and strike plate 213 unnecessary.

7th shows an alternative embodiment of a load distribution structure 204.1 . This alternative load sharing structure 204.1 is inserted into the bottom part, which is designed as a deep-drawn tub 202.1 . This bottom part 202.1 has on the underside over wide sections, in particular at a distance from the edge of the traction battery housing 201.1 , Structures to protect the battery module 203.1 against starting up. In addition, there is a deformation space 208.1 provided in the the bottom part 202.1 can be deformed into it as a result of an opening.

The alternative load sharing structure 204.1 exhibits in contrast to the load distribution structure described above 204 three parts: In a first part 204a.1 extends the load distribution structure 204.1 under the battery module 203.1 . In a part that follows this first part 204b.1 is the load distribution structure 204.1 below the level of the battery module 203.1 arranged. This creates a deformation path 216 provided for the part 204c .1 the load balancing structure 204.1 that is above the level of the ground 210.1 is arranged. Becomes the load sharing structure 204.1 towards the battery module 203.1 deformed and consequently displaced with respect to the same, this is due to the provision of the part 204 .1b, the one below the floor 210.1 of the battery module 203.1 is arranged, easily possible.

The load distribution structure 204.1 is provided by an extruded hollow chamber profile, having several hollow chambers (in 7th only by way of example two with reference numerals 206.1 marked). Also this load distribution structure 204.1 is attached to the traction battery case 201.1 stiffening structure 205.1 connected, in this embodiment as part of a welding process. One on the side of the traction battery case 201.1 Acting force F. is via the load distribution structure designed as a bending beam 204.1 into the structures 205.1 derived as load paths and thus overall to the traction battery housing 201.1 transmitted to damage the battery module 203.1 to prevent.

A traction battery unit 301 includes several battery modules B. - In the illustrated embodiment, two battery modules B. . Any battery module B. is made up of a plurality of battery packs each supported by struts 305 are separated from each other and from individual battery cells BZ composed. The battery modules B. are located in a battery housing from which in 8th the lower part of the housing 302 is recognizable. The upper part of the housing has been removed so that the in 8th to enable the insight shown. Through the lower part of the housing 302 a deep-drawn tray is provided in which the battery modules B. are held. The lower part of the housing 302 carries a circumferential mounting flange on the outside 303 . The cover part, not shown in the figure, is attached to this with the interposition of a seal not shown in the figures. The battery modules located in the housing B. are through a longitudinal strut 304 separated. The battery packs are inside each battery module B. each by a cross brace 305 separated from each other. The cross braces 305 are on the longitudinal strut 304 supported. This forms the cross struts that are aligned with one another 305 each a shear load path and the longitudinal strut 304 a longitudinal load path.

The longitudinal strut 304 is constructed in several parts (see 10 and especially the enlarged detail). The longitudinal strut 304 comprises two in the plane of the lower part of the housing 302 transversely to the longitudinal extension of the longitudinal strut 304 spaced strut profiles 306 , 306.1 . With the strut profiles 306 , 306.1 it is a hollow chamber profile with two chambers made of an aluminum alloy. The two hollow chambers are towards the height of the traction battery unit 301 arranged one above the other. The strut profiles 306 , 306.1 wear on the underside and thus on theirs to the ground 307 of the lower part of the housing 302 facing side support feet 308 , 308.1 with their lower face on the top of a strut profile holder 309 are supported. The strut profile holder 309 is a sheet-metal strip that is shaped into a component with the shape of a hat profile in cross-section, which is attached to the inside of the floor 307 of the lower part of the housing 302 typically attached by a welded joint.

Part of the longitudinal strut 304 is also a cover rail 310 . This sits with its the longitudinal extension of the cover rail 310 following edge sections each on one of the top of the strut profiles 306 , 306.1 formed lid seat 311 , 311.1 . Each lid seat 311 , 311.1 is through one to the respective profile 306 , 306.1 molded leg 312 , 312.1 limited on the outside. The height of the thighs 312 , 312.1 is roughly in line with the upper end of the cover rail 310 . The top rail 310 is also an extruded aluminum profile in a two-chamber design. The two chambers located in one level are surrounded by a massive bridge 313 separated from each other. In the jetty 313 there are several blind holes at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction 314 . These serve as a fastening base for additionally fastening the cover part D. of the housing, which is shown in the detailed representation. The massive formation of the bridge 313 refers to the in 9 recognizable width of the same.

The cover rail is tensioned 310 with the strut profiles 306 , 306.1 by screw fasteners, of which in 9 two are recognizable. Each screw fastener includes a headed screw bolt 315 and a clamping nut 316 . The clamping nut 316 is in the illustrated embodiment as a weld nut on the underside of the strut profile holder 309 executed. The cover rail is at the fastening points 310 towards the height of the traction battery module 301 opened so that the bottom of a screw head, like out 9 recognizable on the lower strap of the cover rail 310 forming hollow chamber profile rests. This achieves, on the one hand, that the head of the respective screw fastener does not go over the top of the top end of the cover rail 310 sticks out. On the other hand, this allows clamping forces to be introduced without deforming the cover rail 310 to accept. The relevant recesses are shown in the perspective view of the cover rail 310 the 10 recognizable and therein with the reference numerals 317 , 317.1 marked.

The longitudinal strut formed in this way 304 Due to its relatively large cross-sectional area, it not only provides a particularly stable and resilient longitudinal load path via which high forces can be transmitted, but also in particular a closed assembly channel 318 . The width of the assembly channel 318 is due to the distance between the two strut profiles 306 , 306.1 certainly. The assembly channel is on the underside 318 through the strut profile holder 309 and on the top through the cover rail 310 locked. In the assembly channel 318 supply lines are introduced that support the traction battery module 301 cross. They are therefore in a special way against damage, in particular in the event of a front or side impact, by being integrated into the longitudinal strut 304 protected. In the illustrated embodiment, these supply lines are hoses of a coolant circuit and electrical control and power cables. In the illustrated embodiment are in the assembly channel 318 a supply hose 319 and a return hose 320 for cooling the battery modules of power electronics and the rear engine (s) of the vehicle on which the traction battery unit is attached 301 is mounted. There are also in the assembly channel 318 Power cord 321 for supplying power to front motors and control lines 322 to connect to a central control unit. These supply lines 319-322 are in a retaining clip 323 held together from a suitable plastic material. The retaining clip 323 is in 9 shown in their closed state. The two halves of the clamp are connected by a film hinge. The retaining clip carries at the free ends 323 Locking feet 324 , 324.1 with which such a retaining clip 323 on the lower strap of the cover rail 310 is locked.

10 shows the cover rail 310 with the supply lines held on it 319-322 as a supply line module in a perspective view. The supply lines 319-322 are equipped with connections at the ends so that they can be connected to the connection coupling pieces available on the vehicle. As the utility lines 319-322 via the retaining clips 323 to the cover rail 310 are connected and the supply lines 319-322 is supply line sections, a mounting module is provided in this way with which a mounting channel 318 with the supply lines 319-322 can be equipped in the desired design. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover rail 310 also as a carrier for connections 325 utilized. This simplifies connection to further components and / or supply lines on the vehicle, equipped with correspondingly complementary connection coupling pieces. The connections can be equipped with seals in order to achieve a seal with respect to the housing cover with the aid of the nuts shown and thus the housing is sealed off from the outside despite the protruding connections.

This is advantageous in the case of a cover rail designed as a supply line module in this way 310 is the modular structure and the particularly simple assembly achieved as a result. Such a cover rail is equipped 310 with the supply lines required for the respective design of the traction battery unit or the vehicle to be equipped with it. Thus, in principle, one and the same cover rail and thus ultimately one and the same longitudinal strut can be equipped with supply lines for differently designed or to be designed vehicles by differently fitting them.

12a , 12b show the cover rail 406 with the supply lines held on it 407-410 as a supply line module in a perspective view. The supply lines 407-410 are equipped with connections at the ends so that they can be connected to the connection coupling pieces available on the vehicle. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover rail 406 also as a carrier for connections 412 the supply lines 407-410 utilized. The connections 412 are intended for the components of power electronics.

13th shows the lid part 413 the traction battery housing of the traction battery unit 401 . The lid part 413 is designed like a trough and has an outwardly protruding mounting flange on the underside 414 with which the lid part 413 with the interposition of a seal on the mounting flange 403 of the lower part of the housing 402 is connected. The top of the lid part 413 is flat; only in the longitudinal and in the transverse direction is this stiffened by beads. The transverse beads are aligned in the vertical direction (z-direction) with the cross struts 405 arranged. The longitudinal bead runs in alignment with the longitudinal strut 404 . In the 13th left-facing narrow side of the cover part 413 points forward in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle (x-direction). The lid part 413 has a material recess in its rear edge area in the longitudinal extension (x-direction) 415 . The material recess 415 is bordered by an inward and thus in the direction of the lower part of the housing 402 cranked edge section 416 through which the edge area of the material recess 415 is stiffened. Due to the cranked edge section 416 a device housing lower part bottom receptacle is provided.

Connected to the lid part 413 is a device housing lower part 417 . This is the same as the cover part 413 around a press-formed steel blank. The lower part of the device housing 417 is part of a device housing that is otherwise not shown in detail. The upper part of the device housing is not shown in the figures. The lower part of the device housing 417 also has a circumferential mounting flange that protrudes from the outside 418 , to which the upper part of the device housing is connected with the interposition of a seal and is braced with the lower part of the device housing. This connection is provided in a detachable manner. Screw fasteners are used to clamp the two device housing parts.

The contour of the material recess 415 of the lid part 413 corresponds in its course to the contour of the ground 419 of the lower part of the device housing 417 . The floor 419 is stiffened by embossed structures. The floor 419 extends to a circumferential crank 420 whose height of jump from the outside of the lid part 413 is pioneering. Because of this cranking 420 is the mounting flange 418 opposite the level of the ground 419 offset.

The lower part of the device housing is in the assembled state 417 firmly to the lid part 413 connected, like this in the assembly view of these two elements in the 14th is shown.

The contours and structures of the floor 419 of the lower part of the device housing 417 are in the top view of the lower part of the device housing 417 the 15th best to recognize. The floor 419 is due to an offset 421 with a low jump height in a surrounding edge area 422 and an oppositely recessed bottom surface area divided. The cranking 421 is also in the direction of the outside of the lid part 413 directed away. The jump height of this offset 421 is significantly lower than that of the cranking 420 . The outline of the warp 421 is joining bays which enlarge in the radial direction through the inner bottom surface area 423 characterized. In the figure, only some of the joining bays are marked with the reference number 423 marked.

As an extension of the longitudinal bead of the cover part 413 are in the ground 419 of the lower part of the housing 417 Connection openings 424 . This area of the floor 419 with its connection openings 424 is in alignment above the under the cover part 413 seated cover rail 406 with their connections 412 . Will the lid part 413 with the device housing base connected to it 417 on the lower part of the housing 402 of the traction battery housing, the connections 412 through the connection openings 424 passed through. At the connection openings 424 the supply line connections passed through are braced with nuts or other fasteners. This is preferably done in such a way that the seals attached to the connections thereby seal off the housing from the outside.

The lower part of the device housing 417 is with the lid part 413 glued and connected by spot welding. The spot welds are made in the joining bays 423 performed. This is the inner base area with which the material recess 415 edging, cranked edge area of the cover part 413 tied together.

The sectional view of the 16 , in which an edge portion of the device housing lower part 417 is shown, illustrates the formation of the crankings 420 , 421 . In the inner bottom area with the Joined bays 423 lies the bottom 419 directly on the opposite of the surface of the cover part 413 recessed edge section 416 on. Because of the cranking 420 is the mounting flange 418 from the outside of the lid part 413 sufficiently spaced so that a part of a fastener can be arranged on the underside. In the illustrated embodiment, this is a weld nut 425 . Such a welding nut 425 is located at every point where the lower part of the device housing 417 is clamped to the upper part of the device housing, not shown, by a screw fastener. From the representation of the 16 it is also clear that the cranking 420 has a height that is about the width of the crank 420 in the plane of the cover part 413 is equivalent to. Because of the cranking 421 with which the edge area 422 of the soil 419 is offset with respect to its inner bottom areas, is a joint gap 426 provided. In the illustrated embodiment, there is an adhesive seal in this 427 . The adhesive seal 427 is circumferential, so that the material recess through this 415 and thus the interior of the traction battery unit 401 is sealed against the outside environment.

The sectional view shows that the plane of the spot welds in the joining bays 423 themselves in relation to the ground 419 are in a different plane than the joint gap 426 and the surrounding adhesive seal introduced therein 427 . That’s the adhesive seal 427 during the assembly of the lower part of the device housing 417 on the lid part 413 is initially responsible for the connection of these two parts, and is thus set up before welding, effectively protected against weld spatter.

From the sectional view of 16 it can also be seen that the material thickness of the lower part of the device housing 417 is significantly greater than the material thickness of the cover part used in this embodiment 413 . It goes without saying that by connecting the lower part of the device housing 417 to the cover part 413 this is at least partially stiffened.

Preferably the traction battery unit 401 Mounted below the underbody of a vehicle, the additional device housing to which only the device housing lower part above 417 is described, engages through the underbody and under the rear seat bench. Access to the interior of the device housing is then easily possible if required. The lower part of the device housing 417 has in its over the rear termination of the cover part 413 protruding section recesses 428 for mounting connection pieces. The connection openings 424 or other openings in the floor 419 within the material recess 415 allow the introduction of supply lines into the interior of the cover part 413 located device housing. These can then be added to the recesses 428 Mounted connections are guided so that when the device housing is closed, vehicle-side connections, for example for supplying the rear engine or motors with power and / or a coolant flow and return, can be connected to these.

The directions given in the context of the preceding explanations - x direction, y direction and / or z direction - relate to the directions usually used in a vehicle. The x-direction corresponds to the longitudinal extent of the vehicle, the y-direction to the transverse direction and the z-direction to the vertical direction.

The invention has been described above on the basis of exemplary embodiments. Without departing from the scope of the applicable claims, there are numerous possibilities for a person skilled in the art to implement them without this having to be explained in more detail in the context of these explanations.

List of reference symbols

101, 301, 401

Traction battery unit

102

Cover part

103

Bottom part

104

Battery cell

105, 105.1,

Battery pack

105.2, 105.3 106, 106.1

strut

107

strut

108

frame

109

Cooling module

110

Longitudinal extension

111

Contact application

112

Insulating compound

113

flange

114.1, 114.2

Side wall

115

Support rib

116, 116.1,

screw

116.2 117

Security room

201, 201.1

Traction battery case

202,202.1

Bottom part

203, 203.1

Battery module

204, 204.1

Load distribution structure

204a, 204a.1,204b, 204b.1,204c. 1

Parts of the load distribution structure

302, 402

Housing base

303, 403

Mounting flange

304, 404

Longitudinal strut

305, 405

Cross brace

306, 306.1

Strut profile

307

floor

308,308.1

Support leg

309

Strut profile holder

310

Cover rail

311,311.1

Lid seat

312,312.1

leg

313

web

314

Blind hole

315

Bolt

316

Clamping nut

317, 317.1

Recess

318

Assembly channel

319

Supply hose

320

Return hose

321

Power cord

322

Control line

323

Retaining clip

324, 324.1

Locking foot

325

connections

205, 205.1

stiffening structure

206,206.1

Hollow chamber

207, 207.1

Edge of the battery module

208, 208.1

Deformation space

209

Collision protection

210, 210.1

Bottom of the battery module

211

Side frame part

212

cranked area of the bottom part

213

Striking plate

214

1. Connection area

215

2. Connection area

216

Deformation path

F.

force

T

depth

406

Cover rail

408

Supply hose

407

Return hose

409

Power cord

410

Control line

411

Retaining clip

412

connections

413

Cover part

414

Mounting flange

415

Material recess

416

Edge section

417

Device housing lower part

418

Mounting flange

419

floor

420

Cranking

421

Cranking

422

Edge area

423

Booked together

424

Connection opening

425

Weld nut

426

Joint gap

427

Adhesive seal

428

Recess

B.

Battery module

BZ

Battery cell

D.

Housing cover

Claims (50)

Traction battery unit (101) for an electrically powered motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of battery cells (104) which are arranged between a base part (103) and a cover part (102) and comprising at least one load-bearing strut (106, 106.1, 107) arranged between Bottom part (103) and cover part (102), characterized in that in each case adjacent battery cells (104) to form a battery pack (105, 105.1, 105.2, 105.3) are at least partially materially connected to one another, the battery pack with the at least one load-bearing strut (106, 106.1, 107) is at least partially cohesively connected, forming a battery module. Traction battery unit Claim 1 , characterized in that to form the battery module, the battery cells (104) are divided into at least two battery packs (105, 105.1, 105.2, 105.3) and between two battery packs (105, 105.1, 105.2, 105.3) a load-bearing strut (106, 106.1, 107) and the battery cells (104) facing this strut (106, 106.1, 107) are at least partially connected to this strut (106, 106.1, 107) in a materially bonded manner. Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 1 or 2 , characterized in that to form the battery module, the battery pack (105, 105.1, 105.2, 105.3) is arranged between two opposing load-bearing struts (106, 106.1, 107) and is firmly connected to them. Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the strut (106, 106.1, 107) is part of a load-bearing structure that extends from one side of the traction battery unit (101) to the other. Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 1 until 4th , characterized in that the traction battery unit (101) comprises a frame (108) surrounding the battery packs (105, 105.1, 105.2, 105.3) to which the at least one strut (106, 106.1, 107) is connected. Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the battery cells (104) are aligned with their longitudinal extension (110) parallel to the strut (106, 106.1). Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 1 until 6th , characterized in that the battery packs (105, 105.1, 105.2, 105.3) together with the strut (106, 106.1, 107) in the traction battery unit (101) are surrounded by an insulating compound (112). Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 1 until 7th , characterized in that the cover part (102) and / or the bottom part (103) are deep-drawn and at least partially form side walls (114.1, 114.2). Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that a collision protection formed by embossing is integrated into the base part (103). Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , characterized in that the traction battery unit (101) has a cooling module (109) which directly contacts the battery cells (104). Traction battery unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the traction battery unit has a traction battery housing (201, 201.1) with a cover part and a bottom part (202, 202.1), the traction battery housing (201, 201.1) containing at least one battery module (203, 203.1) and structures (205, 205.1) spaced apart, stiffening the traction battery housing (201, 201.1) and acting as a load path, with at least one load distribution structure (204, 204.1) on at least one side of the traction battery housing (201, 201.1) on two stiffening structures (205, 205.1) ) to absorb a force (F) acting laterally in a section on the traction battery housing (201, 201.1) and to divert it in the transverse direction to the longitudinal extension of this side and the load distribution structure (204, 204.1) is connected at least in sections in the effective direction of the force (F) to be absorbed is designed as a hollow chamber structure, dadu rch characterized that the hollow chamber structure is arranged at least in sections below the plane of the bottom (210, 210.1) of the battery module (203, 203.1) adjacent to the hollow chamber structure and with this section (204a, 204b, 204a.1, 204b.1) in one In the event of a crash, this battery module (203, 203.1) can be displaced under the floor (210, 210.1). Traction battery unit Claim 11 , characterized in that the hollow chamber structure in the section which is arranged below the plane of the floor (210, 210.1) of the battery module (203, 203.1) adjacent to the hollow chamber structure, is partly (204a, 204a.1) under the floor (210, 210.1) this battery module (203, 203.1) extends. Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 11 or 12th , characterized in that the hollow chamber (206, 206.1) or hollow chambers of the hollow chamber structure extend parallel to the side of the traction battery housing (201, 201.1) on which the lateral force (F) is introduced. Traction battery unit Claim 13 , characterized in that part of the hollow chamber structure is the bottom part (202) of the traction battery housing (201). Traction battery unit Claim 14 , characterized in that the bottom part (202) has an edge cranked area (212) which engages under the battery module (203) and the forms the upper part of the hollow chamber structure and another cranked sheet metal (213), connected to the bottom part (202) on the underside, forms the lower part of the hollow chamber structure, so that at least one hollow chamber (206) is formed overall. Traction battery unit Claim 13 , characterized in that the hollow chamber structure is formed by a separate hollow chamber profile connected to the bottom part (202.1). Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 11 until 16 , characterized in that the hollow chamber structure has at least one material section which is arranged at an angle with respect to the lateral load direction, in particular between 20 ° and 70 ° with respect to the vertical. Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 11 until 17th , characterized in that the hollow chamber structure is connected to a strut which is part of a structure (205, 205.1) stiffening the traction battery housing (201, 201.1). Traction battery unit according to one of the preceding claims with several battery modules (B) composed of individual battery cells (BZ) and with a housing in which the battery modules (B) are arranged in a side-by-side arrangement, in which housing at least one strut (304) is arranged, characterized in that such a strut (304) comprises at least two spaced-apart mounting channel (318) that delimits at least regionally delimiting strut profiles (306, 306.1) and a cover rail (310) for closing the mounting channel (318) on the top, the strut profiles (306, 306 Lid seats (311, 311.1) of the strut profiles (306, 306.1) are provided. Traction battery unit Claim 19 , characterized in that a leg (312, 312.1) which delimits the cover seat (311, 311.1) on the outside and protrudes therefrom is integrally formed on the strut profiles (306, 306.1). Traction battery unit Claim 19 or 20th , characterized in that the strut profiles (306, 306.1) are hollow-chamber profiles, in particular multi-chamber hollow profiles. Traction battery unit Claim 21 , characterized in that the strut profiles (306, 306.1) carry support feet (308, 308.1) with a support surface on their side facing the housing base (307), which with their support surface on the top of a strut profile holder (309) assigned to the housing base (307) are supported. Traction battery unit Claim 22 , characterized in that the support feet (308, 308.1) are hollow and that in each case a fastener (315) such a support foot (308, 308.1) and the strut profile (306, 306.1) for bracing the cover rail (310) with the strut profiles (306 , 306.1) takes effect. Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 19 until 23 , characterized in that the cover rail (310) is designed in particular as a multi-chamber hollow chamber profile. Traction battery unit Claim 24 , characterized in that the cover rail (310) is designed as a two-chamber hollow chamber profile, the two chambers being arranged next to one another in one plane, with a solid web (313) located between the two chambers. Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 19 until 23 , characterized in that the cover rail is designed as a solid profile with a massive web extending into the assembly channel. Traction battery unit Claim 25 or 26th , characterized in that blind holes (314) with an internal thread for fastening a housing cover (D) are made in the solid web (313). Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 19 until 27 , characterized in that holders (323) for holding supply lines (319 - 322), such as hoses of a coolant circuit and / or control and power cables, are connected to the cover rail (310). Traction battery unit Claim 28 , characterized in that the holders (323) are designed in the manner of clamps encompassing the supply lines and are connected to the cover rail (310) with locking feet (324, 324.1) located at their free ends. Traction battery unit Claim 28 or 29 , characterized in that supply lines (319 - 322), such as hoses of a coolant circuit and / or electrical control and power cables, are connected to the cover rail (310). Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 19 until 30th , characterized in that externally accessible supply line connections (325) are mounted on the cover rail (310). Traction battery unit Claim 31 , characterized in that the supply line connections (325) each have a seal for sealing the supply line connections (325) with respect to a cover mounted thereon. Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 19 until 32 , characterized in that the strut profiles (306, 306.1) and the cover rail (310) are extruded profiles made of a light metal alloy, such as an aluminum alloy. Traction battery unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover part is designed as part of a traction battery housing with a connection geometry for connecting the cover part (413) as an upper part to the bottom part of the traction battery housing, the cover part (413) being the carrier of a device housing lower part ( 417) of an additional device housing, which device housing lower part (417) does not project beyond the edge of the cover part (413) along its circumference, at least in sections, and has a base (419) and a circumferential mounting flange (418) for connecting a device housing upper part belonging to the device housing, wherein the mounting flange (418) at least in the circumferential sections which do not protrude over the lateral end of the cover part (413), directed away from the base (419) in the direction of the outer side of the cover part (413) carrying the device housing lower part (417) d is offset by appropriate shaping of the device housing lower part (417) so that the device housing upper part can be braced with the device housing lower part (417) on this or these mounting flange sections. Traction battery unit Claim 34 , characterized in that the offset of the mounting flange section or sections is provided by a flexure-like crank (420). Traction battery unit Claim 35 , characterized in that the ratio of the offset height of the offset (420) to the length of the offset transversely to the circumferential direction is in the range between 1.5: 1 to 1: 1.5. Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 34 until 36 , characterized in that the mounting flange (418) is circumferentially offset by a corresponding shape relative to the base (419) of the device housing lower part (417). Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 34 until 37 , characterized in that on the side of the mounting flange (418) of the lower housing part (417) facing the cover part (413) an element (425) of a fastening means for bracing the upper part of the device housing with the lower part of the device housing (414) is arranged. Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 34 until 38 , characterized in that the cover part (413) has a device housing lower part receiving recess for receiving the bottom (419) or a floor area of the device housing lower part (417). Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 34 until 39 , characterized in that the device housing lower part (417) is glued to the cover part (413). Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 34 until 40 , characterized in that the bottom (419) of the device housing lower part (417) has a stepped edge section (422), through which the stepped design of the edge section (422) in its height level compared to the adjoining floor area in the direction of the outside carrying the device housing lower part (417) of the cover part (413) is offset away, and an open joint gap (426) is thereby provided. Traction battery unit Claim 40 and 41 , characterized in that the adhesive, which is preferably designed as a sealing adhesive (427), is arranged in the joint gap (426). Traction battery unit Claim 41 or 42 , characterized in that the base (419) of the device housing lower part (417) is point-joined to the cover part (413) in areas in which it rests, in particular point-welded. Traction battery unit Claim 43 , characterized in that the plane in which the adhesive (427) is in relation to the plane of the bottom (419) of the device housing lower part (417) is at a higher level than the plane in which the device housing lower part (414) with the cover part (413) is point-joined. Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 41 until 44 in reference to the Claim 6 , characterized in that the device housing lower part (417) engages with its bottom area without the stepped edge section in the device housing lower part bottom receptacle of the cover part (413). Traction battery unit Claim 45 , characterized in that a material recess (415) is made in the device housing lower part bottom receptacle. Traction battery unit Claim 43 , characterized in that the stepped design of the edge region (422) of the base (419) has several joining bays (423) spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction, the device housing lower part (417) being point-joined to the cover part (413) in at least some joining bays (423) is. Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 34 until 47 , characterized in that stiffening structures are embossed in the bottom surface of the device housing lower part (417). Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 34 until 48 , characterized in that connection openings (424) are made in the base (419) of the device housing lower part (417) for the passage of connections of supply lines to be introduced into the device housing. Traction battery unit according to one of the Claims 1 until 49 , characterized in that the device housing is at least provided to accommodate the power electronics.

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