MIDFLOOR MODULE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, CORRESPONDING MOTOR VEHICLE, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE LATTER

Abstract

A midfloor module (10, 11) for a motor vehicle has a frame structure (10) with a battery frame (10). The battery frame (10) has multiple battery modules (11), and multiple tank volumes (1, 2, 2+) that can be used optionally for fuel. A motor vehicle that is equipped with such a midfloor module (10, 11) also is provided as well as a method for manufacturing the midfloor module (10,11).

Claims

1. A midfloor module (10-15) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a frame structure (10, 13, 14) having a battery frame (10); battery modules (11) in the battery frame (10); and tank volumes (1, 2, 2+) in the battery frame (10) and available for use by alternative energy stores.

2. The midfloor module (10-15) of claim 1, wherein the tank volumes (1, 2, 2+) comprise: a first tank volume (1) under a rear bench of the motor vehicle; a second tank volume (2) between the battery modules (11); and an additional volume (2+) in a midtunnel of the motor vehicle.

3. The midfloor module (10-15) of claim 2, wherein: the midfloor module (10-15) comprises a terminal box (12) for the battery modules (11); and the terminal box (12) is arranged upstream of the second tank volume (2) in a forward direction of travel.

4. The midfloor module (10-15) of claim 2, wherein: the frame structure (10, 13, 14) comprises a truss (13, 14); and the truss (13, 14) comprises a longitudinal structure (13) stiffened by the battery modules (11).

5. The midfloor module (10-15) of claim 4, wherein: the midfloor module (10-15) comprises transverse stiffenings (15); and the truss (13, 14) comprises a transverse structure (14) stiffened by the transverse stiffenings (15).

6. The midfloor module (10-15) of claim 2, wherein: the midfloor module (10-15) comprises a region (20) used optionally for the fuel or for further battery modules (11), and the region (20) comprises the second tank volume (2).

7. A motor vehicle, comprising: a floor group having a midtunnel, the floor group comprises a midfloor module (10-15) supporting the midtunnel of claim 2, and the motor vehicle tank bladder (2, 2+) filling the second tank volume (2) and the additional volume (2+).

8. A method for manufacturing a motor vehicle, comprising: preassembling the midfloor module (10-15) of claim 6 wherein the region (20) is used for the fuel or further battery modules (11); and joining the pre-assembled midfloor module (10-15) into the motor vehicle.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the joining is carried out by: screwing the pre-assembled midfloor module (10-15) into a floor group of the motor vehicle, or screwing the frame structure (10, 13, 14) to a rocker panel of the motor vehicle.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: inserting a tank into the second tank volume (2) during pre-assembly, and the insertion being carried out by a transverse stiffening (15) of the frame structure (10, 13, 14).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the invention using the MEB platform.

[0014] FIG. 2 is the partially transparent side view of a motor vehicle with a midtunnel.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a partially transparent top view of the motor vehicle.

[0016] FIG. 4 shows a section that illustrates the invention perpendicular to the roll axis (“X-cut”).

[0017] FIG. 5 shows a configuration with a planar floor and an energy store.

[0018] FIG. 6 shows a planar floor and two fuel tanks.

[0019] FIG. 7 shows a configuration with a planar floor and different types of energy stores.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate the basic concept of the invention based on the midfloor of a floor group that can be formed with or without a tunnel, depending on the desired structural stiffness. A first tank volume (1) of the structure describes the design space under the rear bench; access points to the fuel pump and the indicator unit are realized by shell openings. A second tank volume (2) describes the freely definable region (20) in the center of the vehicle that has a planar floor without a midtunnel. A floor group with a midtunnel and having an additional volume (2+) available for the extension of the second tank volume (2).

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, the structure of the midfloor also comprises a battery frame (10) that completely encompasses the tank volumes (1, 2, 2+) in the top view. The function of the battery frame (10) can be seen in FIG. 4 in full, which contrasts the X-section (shown at left) of the vehicle at the height of its driver's seat with an X-section (shown at right) at the height of the rear seat. For example, the battery frame (10) comprises two rows of battery modules (11) including the second tank volume (2) along with any additional volume (2+) between them. Thus, a region (20) of the midfloor that can be designed for the benefit of the preferred energy store (2, 2+, 10) and can also be used optionally for fuel, for example in a tank bladder that fills the second tank volume (2) and an additional volume (2+), or for further battery modules (11).

[0022] This design flexibility is shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 using a vehicle with a planar floor and without a midtunnel.

[0023] The framework structure is designed with a view towards maximum flexibility; however, it also meets the strictest crash requirements. In this aspect, FIG. 5 directs the attention of the viewer to the truss (13, 14) of the frame structure (10, 13, 14). In the present case, it has a longitudinal structure (13) stiffened by the battery (not shown in detail here) as well as a transverse structure (14) formed by stiffenings (15) that impart its overall structure to the truss (13, 14). It is immediately discernible that such a truss (13, 14) may also be used in a floor group with a midtunnel without leaving the scope of the invention.

[0024] The configuration of FIG. 5 is compatible with the implementation of an energy store, the frame structure (10, 13, 14) shown in FIG. 6 accommodates two fuel tanks, wherein (as described above) a first tank volume (1) extends under the rear bench of the motor vehicle, and a second tank volume (2) extends along the center region (20—FIG. 4). In order to also use the latter for fuel, the transverse stiffening (15) functions as an assembly part for inserting the tank into the second tank volume (2) as part of the pre-assembly. While this bottom tank preferably is lowered from above into the frame structure (10, 13, 14), the structure in the center of the vehicle can nevertheless also be designed inversely if the lower tank is to be removed downwardly.

[0025] The midfloor module (10-15) pre-assembled in this way is then inserted by screwing its frame structure (10, 13, 14) in the floor group and to the rocker panels of the motor vehicle. Finally the entire system surrounded by a housing trough is sealed with a lid.

[0026] The versatility of the proposed midfloor module (10-15) is underlined by the configuration according to FIG. 7. In this variant, the second tank volume (2) is smaller to spare sufficient space within the battery frame (10) for the terminal box (12) of the battery junction box (BJB). In the direction of travel, marked by a wide left-facing arrow facing down in accordance with the illustration, the cuboidal terminal box (12) is arranged centrally here upstream of the front transverse stiffening (15) and the second tank volume (2) of the frame structure (10, 13, 14).