WO2021239438A1 - Body-in-white for a motor vehicle, in particular for a passenger car - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a body-in-white for a motor vehicle, comprising: a frame structure (22), which is formed by crossmembers (12, 14) of the body-in-white (10) that are mutually spaced in the vehicle longitudinal direction (44), and by longitudinal members (16, 18) of the body-in-white (10) that are mutually spaced in the vehicle transverse direction (46), the frame structure being peripherally closed and protruding downward from a floor element (21) of the body-in-white (10) in the vehicle vertical direction (48), by means of which frame structure a receiving space (24) for receiving an electrical energy store (26) is delimited; and a cover (30), which is formed separately from the frame structure (22) and is arranged opposite the floor element (21), by means of which cover the receiving space (24) is closed at the bottom in the vehicle vertical direction (48), and the cover (30) has an energy-absorbing structure (32) that can be deformed by force (34) applied to the cover (30) upwards relative to the vehicle vertical direction and absorbs energy.

Description

Motor vehicle shell construction, in particular for a passenger car

The invention relates to a motor vehicle shell, in particular for a passenger car, according to the preamble of claim 1, a motor vehicle shell according to the preamble of claim 2 and a cover for closing an energy store on the motor vehicle shell, according to the preamble of claim 10.

Such a motor vehicle shell for a motor vehicle, in particular for a passenger car, is known from DE 102017219 895 A1. In addition, DE 102018 113 812 A1 discloses a method for producing a body structure of a motor vehicle, a portion of the body structure being formed by a battery box which is used to accommodate a traction battery. Furthermore, DE 102016207231 A1 shows an arrangement of an electrical high-voltage energy store on a motor vehicle as known. In the arrangement, the high-voltage energy store is arranged in the area of an underbody of a motor vehicle and is at least partially covered in the vertical direction downwards by a floor element. In addition, DE 102017221 260 A1 discloses a battery housing for accommodating battery modules. Finally, DE 102018 113 728 A1 discloses a battery holder for holding a plurality of battery modules in an electrically drivable vehicle.

The object of the present invention is to create a motor vehicle shell so that particularly advantageous protection of an energy store can be implemented.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a motor vehicle shell with the features of claim 1. Advantageous configurations with expedient developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims. The vehicle body shell, also referred to as a body shell, body support structure or body and preferably designed as a self-supporting body, which preferably delimits an interior space, also known as a passenger compartment or passenger cell, for occupants of a motor vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, preferably designed as a passenger vehicle, comprises a frame structure that is separated from one another in the vehicle longitudinal direction spaced transverse members of the motor vehicle shell and formed by longitudinal members of the motor vehicle shell spaced from one another in the transverse direction of the vehicle and closed circumferentially. The side members are, for example, side skirts of the motor vehicle raw construction. The feature that the frame structure is closed all the way round is to be understood in particular that the frame structure is formed completely closed along its circumferential direction, in particular about the vertical direction of the vehicle, by the cross members and by the longitudinal members, so that the frame structure can be at least substantially ring-shaped can. The cross members are, for example, formed separately from one another and separately from the longitudinal members, the longitudinal members being formed separately from one another, for example. The cross members and the longitudinal members are also referred to collectively as carriers of the motor vehicle shell, it being possible for the carriers to be connected to one another at least indirectly, in particular directly. In particular, it is conceivable that the cross members are connected to one another via the longitudinal members or vice versa, wherein, for example, the respective longitudinal member can be connected at least indirectly, in particular directly, to the respective cross member. The girders are part of the shell.

The frame structure projects downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle from a floor element of the vehicle shell. The floor element is thus also part of the shell. The floor element is, for example, part of a floor of the motor vehicle shell, also referred to as the main floor, the aforementioned interior space being at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, delimited downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle by the floor element. A receiving space is partially delimited by the frame structure, in particular completely circumferentially along its circumferential direction. The receiving space is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, delimited outward on both sides in the transverse direction of the vehicle by the longitudinal members. In the vehicle longitudinal direction to the front and in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the rear, the receiving space is in each case at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, delimited by the cross member. In the recording room is a Energy storage can be absorbed or absorbed. In the upward direction of the vehicle, the receiving space is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, delimited by the floor element. The energy store is, for example, an electrical energy store, by means of which electrical energy or electrical current can be stored. The electrical energy stored in the electrical energy store can be used to supply at least one electrical machine for, in particular purely electrical, driving of the motor vehicle. For example, the electrical energy store is designed as a high-voltage component, the electrical voltage of which can be greater than 48 volts, in particular greater than 50 volts. The electrical energy store is, for example, a high-voltage battery, by means of which particularly high electrical powers can be implemented for, in particular purely electrical, driving of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the energy store is a tank for at least temporarily receiving and thus storing a liquid or else gaseous fuel.

The motor vehicle shell also includes a cover which is formed separately from the frame structure and thus separately from the longitudinal members and separately from the cross members, which cover is arranged in the vertical direction of the vehicle opposite the floor element and is spaced apart from the floor element. By means of the cover, the receiving space is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, closed downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and thus delimited or closed off.

In order to protect the energy store particularly advantageously and thus avoid excessive damage to the energy store, it is provided according to the invention that the cover has an energy absorption structure which can be deformed, in particular in a targeted manner, by a force acting on the cover from the bottom upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle with energy consumption is. In other words, if, for example, an object hits the cover in the vertical direction of the vehicle from bottom to top, in particular against an underside of the cover pointing downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle, a force or impact energy acts on the cover. As a result, the energy absorption structure is, in particular, plastically and / or elastically deformed, as a result of which at least part of the impact energy is converted into deformation energy. As a result, excessive intrusions into the receiving space, also referred to as the receiving area, can be avoided, so that the energy store can be protected particularly well. The cover itself therefore - unlike in known vehicles - does not have to be particularly massive and are thus made difficult, which has range advantages due to the reduced overall weight of the vehicle, which is particularly important and advantageous in particular for electrically powered vehicles.

The cover is preferably designed in such a way that an object striking against it or the cover when the sub-floor is placed on an object is not completely penetrated, but rather only its outer skin and underlying energy-absorbing structures and / or elements are deformed or possibly pierced. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the cover, it is provided that its inside or the side or cover wall facing the receiving space is so stable that it serves or can serve as an abutment for the energy-absorbing structures and / or elements. These energy-absorbing structures and / or elements can be designed in one piece with the inner cover wall. It is also conceivable that these energy-absorbing structures and / or elements are arranged as separate parts between the inner cover wall and the outer cover wall forming the outer skin, or are designed or attached to the outer cover wall. It should be noted that at least the inner cover wall ensures the structural integrity of the receiving space.

The aforementioned object can be a curb which, for example, can collide with the cover when the motor vehicle is driving down a curb. Furthermore, the object can be an obstacle which can collide with the cover when the motor vehicle drives over an obstacle. Usually, such curb runs or obstacle crossings can lead to damage to the cover, which functions as an energy storage or battery base, for example. In this case, it is desirable to control or check such damage, in particular with regard to whether the energy store has been damaged in a safety-critical manner. Such safety-critical damage is, for example, damage to a cell area in which storage cells designed in particular as battery cells for storing electrical energy can be arranged. In particular, when the cover is plastically deformed as a result of the application of force due to the accident, the plastic deformation can also be used to determine an extent of the plastic deformation and thus an extent of the Force application can be determined. On the basis of the extent, it is then possible to determine or assess whether there has been any undesired damage to the energy store. This is possible without dismantling the energy store, that is to say without detaching the cover from the frame structure and without dismantling the energy store from the vehicle shell. In other words, the particularly plastic deformation of the energy absorption structure allows an external assessment of the extent of the damage without having to dismantle the cover, the energy store or the floor element, which is embodied as an underbody or part of an underbody of the motor vehicle shell. The sub-floor is, for example, the aforementioned main floor of the shell.

By determining the extent of the deformation, it is also possible to determine the effort required for a repair or overhaul of the cover or for an exchange of the cover, in particular repair effort. A slight application of force to the cover, for example lower than a threshold value, does not lead to a plastic deformation of the energy absorption structure, but possibly only to an elastic deformation of the energy absorption structure. However, if an application of force acting in the vertical direction of the vehicle from bottom to top on the cover and thus on the energy absorption structure exceeds the threshold value, this can result in a plastic deformation of the energy absorption structure. However, since impact energy is converted into deformation energy in this case, excessive damage to the energy store and in particular to the cell area, also referred to as the cell construction space, can be avoided, so that a particularly high level of safety can be achieved. The threshold value can be set, for example, by appropriate design of the energy absorption structure, in particular by appropriate design of an impact or a geometry of the energy absorption structure and / or by appropriate selection of a material from which the energy absorption structure is formed.

To achieve the object, a motor vehicle shell with the features of claim 2 is also proposed, in which the receiving space for the energy store is or can be arranged below a floor section:

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the energy absorption structure has a plurality of spaced apart wall elements which, for example, in The vehicle longitudinal direction and / or are spaced apart in the vehicle transverse direction. The wall elements can be plastically deformed by the application of force, in particular when the application of force exceeds the threshold value. In addition, the wall elements protrude downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle from a surface area of the cover. The surface area is to be understood as an at least essentially flat area of the cover, the flat area of which extends, for example, in a plane spanned by the transverse direction of the vehicle and in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The wall elements are, for example, fins or ribs which, for example, can extend straight over their entire extent running in the vertical direction of the vehicle and thereby parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the respective wall element is arched and / or curved over its extent running in the vertical direction of the vehicle and can thus for example have at least two wall areas running obliquely or perpendicular to one another. The wall elements are easily deformable, in particular plastically deformable, deformation elements which convert kinetic energy of the object hitting the cover from bottom to top in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and thus impact energy, into deformation energy and can thus protect the receiving space behind or above it particularly well. For example, using a number of deformed wall elements and, for example, using the extent of the deformation of the deformed wall elements, an extent or a size of the application of force can be determined or estimated so that, for example, a degree of damage can be assessed. This makes it possible, in particular, to determine or estimate whether the application of force that led to the deformation of the wall elements caused undesired damage to the energy store or not. In particular, the degree of damage, that is to say the number of deformed wall elements and / or an extent of the deformation of the deformed wall elements, can be determined from the outside by, in particular, test bodies of different sizes. Depending on the degree of damage, for example a test body can be arranged at least partially in a deformation area which was released as a result of the deformation of the wall elements. The larger the test body on the outside circumference, which can be arranged in the deformation area, the greater the degree of damage. Conversely, the smaller the test specimen that can be arranged in the deformation area, the smaller the degree of damage. The test specimens are also referred to as “golden samples”, for example. In order to create a particularly good energy absorption capacity of the energy absorption structure, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that the wall elements between the wall elements delimit spaces which are arranged, for example, in the vehicle transverse direction and / or in the vehicle longitudinal direction between the wall elements. In the completely manufactured state of the motor vehicle shell, in particular in the completely manufactured state of the motor vehicle as a whole, the spaces are open at the bottom in the vertical direction of the vehicle. As a result, the wall elements can be deformed particularly well even with a low application of force and thus by means of low impact energy, so that the receiving space and thus the energy store can be protected particularly well.

Another embodiment is characterized in that the wall elements are formed in one piece with the surface area, as a result of which the energy absorption structure can absorb energy, that is to say absorb it, in a particularly advantageous manner.

In order to achieve a particularly good energy absorption or absorption capacity, it has also been shown to be advantageous if the wall elements and the surface area are formed by a one-piece extruded profile.

In a further, particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the wall elements are made of aluminum. As a result, the wall elements can be deformed particularly well, in particular plastically, and subsequently convert impact energy into deformation energy.

Another embodiment provides that the energy absorption structure is designed as a sandwich structure. The sandwich structure comprises two flat cover layers which are spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction of the vehicle and which overlap one another in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In addition, the sandwich structure comprises a core layer arranged between the cover layers in the vertical direction of the vehicle. For example, the core layer is supported at least indirectly, in particular directly, upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle on a first of the cover layers, the first cover layer being arranged higher up than the second cover layer in the vertical direction of the vehicle. As an alternative or in addition, the core layer is at least indirect, in particular, downwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle, for example arranged directly on the second cover layer. Due to the sandwich structure, on the one hand, sufficient rigidity of the cover can be realized in a particularly weight-saving manner, so that the cover can easily absorb loads occurring during normal ferry operation. In particular, excessive connections of the cover or of the motor vehicle shell can be avoided altogether. On the other hand, a particularly good energy absorption capacity of the energy absorption structure can be represented by the sandwich structure.

It has been shown to be particularly advantageous if the core layer is made of aluminum and / or is designed as a foam layer. As a result, the receiving space and thus the energy store can be protected particularly well against excessive damage.

In order to be able to realize a particularly high energy absorption capacity of the energy absorption structure, it is provided in a further embodiment of the invention that the cover layers are formed from aluminum.

Finally, it has been shown to be particularly advantageous if the energy absorption structure has a first cover part and a second cover part which is arranged below the first cover part in the vertical direction of the vehicle and is spaced from the first cover part and which, for example, upwardly in the vertical direction of the vehicle at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, is overlapped or covered by the first cover part. The cover parts are flat cover parts or surface elements which preferably extend in a plane spanned by the transverse direction of the vehicle and the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The energy absorption structure furthermore comprises at least one resiliently deformable spring element arranged in the vertical direction of the vehicle between the cover parts and by means of which the second cover part is supported or can be supported on the first cover part in the vertical direction of the vehicle. It is preferably provided that the spring element is supported in the vertical direction of the vehicle at least indirectly, in particular directly, on the second cover part and in the vertical direction of the vehicle at least indirectly, in particular directly, on the first cover part. If the application of force is less than the threshold value, the application of force moves at least part of the second cover part upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle relative to the first cover part and thus moves it towards the first cover part Spring element is elastically deformed. There is no plastic deformation of the spring element. If, however, the application of force falls below the threshold value, at least part of the second cover part is also moved upward relative to the first cover part in the vertical direction of the vehicle and thus moved towards the first cover part, but this results in a plastic deformation of the spring element. For example, the first cover part is moved from an initial position into a deformation position relative to the first cover part, the second cover part remaining in the deformation position due to the fact that the spring element is plastically deformed. For example, on the basis of a difference between the initial position and the deformation position, the extent of the application of force and thus a degree of damage can be determined and assessed. As a result, for example, a conclusion can be drawn as to whether the application of force has resulted in undesired damage to the energy store or not.

Preferably, the spring element formed for example from a spring steel is designed to bring about and dampen a rotational movement of the cover as a result of the force acting in the vertical direction of the vehicle from bottom to top against the cover. If the spring element is only elastically deformed, the cover returns to its starting position. If, however, the spring element is plastically deformed as a result of the application of force, the second cover part remains in its deformation position and / or there is, in particular, plastic deformation of the second cover part. The degree of damage can be assessed on the basis of the deformation position and, for example, on the basis of any, in particular plastic, deformation of the second cover part.

It can be seen that in comparison to the sandwich structure described above, the cover parts are, for example, the cover layers, the spring element representing a core arranged between the cover layers. Thus, the spring element is, so to speak, a spring core of the sandwich structure. A plurality of spring cores or a plurality of spring elements are preferably provided, the previous and following explanations relating to the one spring element also being able to be easily transferred to the other spring elements and vice versa.

The subject matter of the invention also relates to a cover for closing the receiving space for receiving the energy store, with the features of claim 10. Further advantages and details of the invention emerge from the following

Description as well as based on the drawing. Show:

1 shows a schematic and perspective view from below of a

Motor vehicle body shell, with a receiving space delimited by an annular frame structure for receiving an energy store, and with a cover which has an energy absorption structure;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary schematic sectional view of FIG

Energy absorbing structure according to a first embodiment in an undeformed state;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary schematic sectional view of the

Energy absorbing structure according to the first embodiment in a plastically deformed state;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary schematic sectional view of a

Energy absorbing structure according to a second embodiment in an undeformed state;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary schematic sectional view of FIG

Energy absorbing structure according to the second embodiment in a plastically deformed state;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary schematic sectional view of FIG

Energy absorbing structure according to a third embodiment in an undeformed state; and

7 is a fragmentary schematic sectional view of FIG

Energy absorbing structure according to the third embodiment in a deformed state.

In the figures, elements that are the same or have the same function are provided with the same reference symbols.

In Fig. 1 is a schematic and perspective bottom view as a

Motor vehicle shell 10 for a motor vehicle, designated body support structure, in particular a passenger car shown. The motor vehicle shell 10 is, for example, a self-supporting body and at least partially delimits the interior space of the motor vehicle, also known as the passenger compartment, in which people, such as the driver of the motor vehicle, can stay, especially while the motor vehicle is in motion.

The motor vehicle shell 10 has cross members 12 and 14 spaced apart from one another in the vehicle longitudinal direction (x-direction in the vehicle coordinate system), the cross member 12 being arranged further forward than the cross member 14 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. longitudinal members 16 and 18 spaced apart from one another, which are formed, for example, by side sills of the motor vehicle shell 10, also referred to as sills. The side members 16 and 18 in particular adjoin a front end wall 20, also referred to as a bulkhead, by means of which, for example, the vehicle interior, in particular the passenger compartment, also referred to as the passenger compartment, is separated in the vehicle longitudinal direction from a front end area arranged in the vehicle longitudinal direction in front of the end wall 20 is. In the fully manufactured state of the motor vehicle, for example, parts of an electric drive, in particular at least one drive machine, by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven, are arranged in the front part of the vehicle. The drive machine is, for example, an electrical machine by means of which the motor vehicle can be driven electrically, in particular purely.

The motor vehicle shell 10 also includes at least one floor element 21 (FIG. 2), which is, for example, part of a floor of the motor vehicle shell 10, also referred to as the main floor, or forms the floor, in particular the entire floor. In this case, in the fully manufactured state of the motor vehicle, the interior space is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, delimited downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle by the floor element 21 or by the floor. The floor element 21 can be connected at least indirectly, in particular directly, to the longitudinal members 16 and 18 and / or to the transverse members 12 and 14. For example, the floor element 21 is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between the cross members 12 and 14 and / or in the transverse direction of the vehicle between the longitudinal members 16 and 18. The cross members 12 and 14 and the longitudinal members 16 and 18 are collectively referred to as carriers. At a Embodiment can be provided that the carriers are also components of the floor.

A circumferentially closed and thus annular or at least essentially annular frame structure 22 is formed by the cross members 12, 14 and the longitudinal members 16, 18, which frame structure 22 is completely closed along its circumferential direction. As a result, the frame structure 22 delimits a receiving space 24, partially recognizable in FIG. 2 and also referred to as the receiving area, in which an electrical energy store 26 of the motor vehicle, shown in FIG. 2 in a highly schematic manner and only partially shown, can be received or received.

The receiving space 26 is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, delimited upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle (z-direction in the vehicle coordinate system) by the floor element 21 shown particularly schematically and in detail in FIG. 2, i.e. closed or closed off. The frame structure 22 extends completely circumferentially in the circumferential direction of the receiving space 24 and is therefore closed all round, so that the receiving space 24 is delimited on both sides in the transverse direction of the vehicle and on both sides in the vehicle longitudinal direction to the front and rear by the frame structure 22.

The electrical energy store 26 comprises, for example, a plurality of modules which are arranged in the receiving space 24, which is also referred to as installation space. The respective module has, for example, a plurality of storage cells which are electrically connected to one another. Electrical energy or electrical current can be stored by means of the storage cells and thus by means of the energy store 26. Since the motor vehicle can be driven electrically by means of the electric machine, the motor vehicle is designed, for example, as a hybrid vehicle or as an electric vehicle, in particular as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV). In order to drive the motor vehicle electrically by means of the electrical machine, the electrical machine is supplied with electrical energy that is stored in the energy store 26. For example, the energy store 26 is designed as a battery, in particular as a high-voltage battery (HV battery). Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least one or more further electronic and / or electrical components are arranged in the receiving space 24, which are used, for example, to electrically drive the motor vehicle and / or to connect the electrical machine with the one in the energy store 26 to supply stored electrical energy. Of the The receiving space 24 and thus, for example, the energy storage device 26, also known as high-voltage storage, extend, for example, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle from the front wall 20 of the motor vehicle shell 10 to a rear car 28. In particular, it can be provided that the receiving space 24 extends backwards in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at least as far as below a rear bench seat extends, which can then be arranged in the vertical direction of the vehicle above a part of the receiving space 24.

In addition, a cover 30, which is formed separately from the frame structure 22, is provided, which is arranged downwardly in the vertical direction of the vehicle opposite the floor element 21 and is thus spaced apart from the floor element 21 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. By means of the cover 30, the receiving space 24 is closed at the bottom in the vertical direction of the vehicle, that is to say limited or closed off. In this case, the cover 30 is, for example, at least indirectly, in particular directly, connected to the longitudinal members 16 and 18 and / or to the cross members 12 and 14, in particular screwed on and / or glued on. In a preferred embodiment, at least one sealing element is provided between the cover 30 and the partial surfaces of the above-mentioned carrier or frame elements with which the cover 30 is to be brought into contact, for the particularly moisture-tight sealing of the receiving space 24 from the environment.

According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the cover 30 is designed as a flat plate or as a flat plate element. According to an alternative embodiment, the cover 30 has at least one flat or essentially flat surface section, in particular in its central area, and a corresponding connection geometry on at least one of its edge sides, which interacts with supports or frame elements or the like that delimit the receiving space 24. Thus, the cover 30 can practically also be designed in the shape of a hood or - seen in cross section - in the shape of a pot.

In order to protect the energy store 26 particularly well and thus avoid excessive damage to the energy store 26, an energy absorption structure 32 is integrated in the cover 30, as can be seen particularly well from FIGS. In other words, the cover 30 has an energy absorption structure 32, which is subjected to a force acting on the cover 30 from bottom to top in the vertical direction of the vehicle and illustrated in FIG. 2 by an arrow 34 Energy consumption is specifically deformable. This application of force can be caused, for example, by the vehicle touching down on the ground or by falling rocks or the like.

Figures 2 and 3 show a first embodiment of the energy absorption structure 32, which has a plurality of wall elements 36 spaced apart from one another at least in the vehicle longitudinal direction and / or in the vehicle transverse direction, which are plastically deformable by the application of force while consuming energy. The wall elements 36 protrude downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle from a surface area 38 of the cover 30. The surface area 38 is an at least essentially flat, in particular flat wall area of the cover 30, which extends, for example, in a plane spanned by the vehicle transverse direction and the vehicle longitudinal direction.

The application of force can occur, for example, when an object 40, shown particularly schematically in FIG. 2 shows the energy absorption structure 32 and thus the wall elements 36 in an undeformed state, that is to say before the object 40 hits the energy absorption structure 32 or the cover 30.

3 shows the energy absorption structure 32 in a, in particular plastically, deformed state after the object 40 has hit the cover 30. Not all of the wall elements 36 have been deformed, but only some of the wall elements 36 have been elastically deformed by the application of force.

FIG. 2 shows the cover 30 with its energy absorption structure 32 in the completely manufactured state of the motor vehicle. It can be seen that the wall elements 36 arranged at a distance from one another delimit intermediate spaces 42 which are arranged between the respective wall elements 36 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and / or in the transverse direction of the vehicle. In the fully manufactured state of the motor vehicle, the spaces 42 are not closed or limited towards the bottom in the vertical direction of the vehicle, but rather are open. As a result, the wall elements 36 can deform particularly well, in particular plastically, while consuming energy. In the first embodiment it is provided that the wall elements 36 are formed in one piece with the surface area 38. The wall elements 36 and the surface area 38 are formed, for example, by a one-piece extruded profile. The extruded profile is formed from aluminum, for example, and is thus designed as an aluminum extruded profile. The energy absorption structure 32 is an underrun protection integrated into the cover 30, by means of which excessive intrusions into the receiving space 24 and thus damage to the energy store 26 can be avoided. For example, the extruded profile is an extruded plate, in particular an extruded aluminum plate, which is also used as a cover known as a battery cover.

For example, the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is illustrated in FIG. 2 by a double arrow 44, the transverse direction of the vehicle being illustrated by a double arrow 46. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the wall elements 36 are spaced from one another in the transverse direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the wall elements 36 extend continuously in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and thus in the forward direction of travel, that is to say without interruption.

In addition, the respective wall element 36 is formed in a plane spanned by the vertical direction of the vehicle and the transverse direction of the vehicle in the shape of a curve or, in the present case, curved, the vertical direction of the vehicle being illustrated in FIG. 2 by a double arrow 48. The respective wall element 36 thus has a first length area L1 and a second length area L2 adjoining the first length area L1, the length areas L1 and L2 running obliquely or perpendicular to one another. In addition, the length areas L1 and L2 run obliquely to the vertical direction of the vehicle. As a result, the respective wall element 36 has a desired kink S at which, for example, the length areas L1 and L2 merge into one another or where the length areas L1 and L2 meet. As a result of the application of force, the wall elements 36 buckle in a targeted manner at the desired buckling point S, as a result of which impact energy is converted into deformation energy in a particularly advantageous manner and the receiving space 24 is protected.

It can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3 that the energy absorption structure 32 is arranged on an underside US of the surface area 38 which points downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle and thus faces away from the receiving space 24, the Bottom US is also referred to as the outside. Since impact energy can be converted particularly well into deformation energy by means of the energy absorption structure 32, excessive deformation of the cover 30 resulting from the application of force does not occur on its upper side OS facing upwards in the vertical direction of the vehicle and thus facing the receiving space 24. The top OS is also referred to as the inside of the cover 30. Minor damage thus does not lead to undesired damage to the receiving space 24, which is also referred to as the battery area.

4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the energy absorption structure 32. In the second embodiment, the energy absorption structure 32 is designed as a sandwich structure 50. The sandwich structure 50 has two at least essentially flat cover layers 52 and 54, which are spaced apart from one another in the vertical direction of the vehicle and which can be formed from aluminum, for example, and can thus be configured as aluminum layers. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the cover layer 54 is formed from a steel and is thus formed as a steel layer, while the cover layer 52 is preferably formed from aluminum. The sandwich structure 50 also comprises a core layer 56, which is arranged between the cover layers 52 and 54 in the vertical direction of the vehicle and which is also referred to as the core of the sandwich structure. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the core layer 56 is formed from aluminum and designed as a foam element. In other words, it is preferably provided that the core layer 56 is formed by a foam, in particular by a light metal foam and very preferably by an aluminum foam. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the core layer 56 is formed by a plastic foam, in particular by a plastic resin foam and very particularly by a PU resin foam (PU - polyurethane). The respective cover layer 52 and / or 54 can be formed from a light metal such as aluminum or titanium. It is thus conceivable that the cover layer 52 and / or 54 is designed as an aluminum, steel or titanium plate. The respective cover layer 52 or 54 is also referred to as a cover layer and ensures an extremely rigid, but very good, particularly plastically, deformable structure.

It can be seen from FIGS. 4 and 5 that the object 40 impacting the cover 30 from bottom to top in the vertical direction of the vehicle and in particular its kinetic energy cause a particularly plastic deformation of the energy absorption structure 32, in particular the sandwich structure 50, whereby the kinetic energy or impact energy is converted into deformation energy. As a result, the receiving space 24 located behind is particularly well protected. The core layer 56 is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, covered upwards in the vehicle vertical direction by the cover layer 52 and in the vehicle vertical direction downwards at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, covered by the cover layer 54 and thus concealed.

From FIG. 5, the particularly plastic deformation of the core layer 56, which is preferably designed as a foam, caused by the application of force can be seen, while the inside of the cover 30, however, remains without any significant deformation. Here too, minor damage does not result in excessive damage to the battery area.

Finally, FIGS. 6 and 7 show a third embodiment of the energy absorption structure 32. In the third embodiment, the energy absorption structure 32 has a first cover part 58 and a second cover part 60, which is spaced down from the cover part 58 in the vertical direction of the vehicle and is arranged below the cover part 58 is. For example, the previous and following statements on the cover layer 52 can be transferred to the cover part 58, with the previous and following statements on the cover layer 54 being able to be applied to the cover part 60 as an alternative or in addition, and vice versa. The cover parts 58 and 60 are, for example, cover plates or base plates which - as will be explained in more detail below - are decoupled from one another. For this purpose, the energy absorption structure 32 comprises spring elements 62 which are elastically deformable per se and are formed, for example, from a spring steel, as mechanical springs, which are, for example, formed separately from one another. The spring elements 62 are arranged between the cover parts 58 and 60 in the vertical direction of the vehicle, so that the cover part 60 is supported on the first cover part 58 in the upward direction of the vehicle via the spring elements 62. If the force is applied to the cover 30 from bottom to top in the vertical direction of the vehicle, the cover part 60 is displaced upward relative to the cover part 58 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. In the process, the spring elements 62 are deformed, as a result of which impact energy is converted into deformation energy. If the application of force is sufficiently low, only elastic deformation of the spring elements 62 occurs. As a result, the cover part 60 is moved from an initial position shown in FIG. 6 into a different deformation position relative to the cover part 58. After the end of the application of force, the Resiliently deform spring elements 62 back, that is to say spring back, as a result of which the cover part 60 is moved from the deformation position back into the starting position. If, however, the application of force is correspondingly large, then there is a plastic deformation of the spring elements 62. Thus, for example, the cover part 60 remains in the deformation position and is not moved back into the starting position.

In Fig. 7 it is illustrated by an arrow 64 that by means of the spring elements 62 the cover part 60 is guided during its movement resulting from the application of force and relative to the cover part 58 in such a way that the action resulting from the application of force and occurs relative to the cover part 58 Movement of the cover part 60 is a rotational movement. This rotational movement is damped by means of the spring elements 62, as a result of which movement or impact energy is converted into deformation energy. On the basis of any plastic deformation of the spring elements 62 resulting from the application of force or on the basis of the fact that the cover part 60 remains in the deformation position after the application of force and does not return to its starting position, it can be recognized that the application of force was so great that it possibly has resulted in undesired damage to the energy store 26. Thus, on the basis of the energy absorption structure 32, in particular on the basis of a plastic deformation of the energy absorption structure 32 resulting, for example, from the application of force, the extent of the application of force can be recognized, so that any damage to the energy store 26 can be inferred without the cover 30, the energy store 26 or to have to dismantle the floor element 21.

In summary, it can be said that small damage to the bottom of the battery can quickly occur when driving down curbs or crossing obstacles. This damage must be controlled in such a way that no safety-critical damage to the cell area occurs. Furthermore, an external assessment of the extent of the damage must be possible without removing the underbody or the battery floor. Due to the inventive design of the motor vehicle shell, in particular the cover that closes the receiving space for the energy storage device at the bottom, i.e. towards the roadway, a reduction in the damage caused by energy absorption in the underbody or underbody area through elastic and plastic deformation while ensuring the structural integrity of the receiving space and thus the undamaged storage of the energy storage can be ensured. It is also particularly advantageous that a Damage in the underbody area, in particular the cover, can be assessed on the basis of its deformation or the degree of deformation, i.e. for example the depth of penetration, shape of the deformation and its arrangement and size, and the repair effort or repair requirement can be determined. Due to the design according to the invention, even greater damage due to the energy absorption of the cover does not result in damage to the cell construction space.

Claims

Claims 1. Motor vehicle body shell, with a circumferentially closed and formed by cross members (12, 14) of the vehicle body shell (10) spaced from one another in the vehicle longitudinal direction (44) and longitudinal members (16, 18) of the vehicle body shell (10) spaced from one another in the vehicle transverse direction (46) in the vertical direction of the vehicle (48) from a base element (21) of the vehicle shell (10) protruding frame structure (22), by which a receiving space (24) for receiving an energy store (26) is delimited, and with a separate from the frame structure (22 ) formed, opposite to the base element (21) arranged cover (30), by which the receiving space (24) is closed in the vertical direction of the vehicle (48) downwards, characterized in that the cover (30) has an energy absorption structure (32) which through a force application (34) acting upwardly on the cover (30) in the vertical direction of the vehicle can be deformed while consuming energy. 2. Motor vehicle shell with a receiving space (24) provided on its underside facing a roadway for receiving an energy storage device (26) which is closed at the bottom in the vertical direction of the vehicle (48) by means of a cover (30) arranged opposite the roadway, characterized in that the The cover (30) has an energy absorption structure (32) which can be deformed while consuming energy by an application of force (34) acting upward on the cover (30) in the vertical direction of the vehicle. 3. Motor vehicle shell according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the energy absorption structure (32) has a plurality of wall elements (36) spaced apart from one another and plastically deformable by the application of force with energy consumption, which wall elements (36) extend downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle (48) from a surface area (38 ) of the cover (30) protrude. 4. Motor vehicle shell according to claim 3, characterized in that the wall elements (36) between the wall elements (36) arranged spaces (42) are limited, which in the fully manufactured state of the motor vehicle shell (10) in the vertical direction of the vehicle (48) down to a Are open to the road. 5. Motor vehicle shell according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the wall elements (36) are formed in one piece with the surface area (38). 6. Motor vehicle shell according to claim 5, characterized in that the wall elements (36) and the surface area (38) are formed by a one-piece extruded profile. 7. Motor vehicle shell according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy absorption structure (32) is designed as a sandwich structure (50) which has two flat cover layers (52, 54) spaced from one another in the vertical direction of the vehicle (48) and one in the vertical direction of the vehicle (48) ) has core layer (56) arranged between the cover layers (52, 54). 8. Motor vehicle shell according to claim 7, characterized in that the core layer (56) is formed from aluminum and / or is formed as a foam layer and / or that the cover layers (52, 54) are formed from aluminum, titanium or steel. 9. Motor vehicle shell according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy absorption structure (32) has a first cover part (58), a second cover part arranged in the vertical direction of the vehicle (48) below the first cover part (58) and spaced from the first cover part (58) (60) and at least one elastically deformable spring element (62) arranged in the vertical direction of the vehicle between the cover parts (58, 60), via which the second cover part (60) is supported or upwards on the first cover part (58) in the vertical direction (48) of the vehicle is supportable. 10. Lid (30) for a motor vehicle raw construction for closing a receiving space (24) for receiving an energy storage device (26), characterized in that the lid (30) has an energy absorption structure (32) which is upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle the application of force (34) acting on the cover (30) is deformable, preferably partially deformable, in particular plastically deformable, while consuming energy.