Removable range extender for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle with a removable range extender

Abstract

The invention relates to a removable range extender (12) for a motor vehicle (10), comprising an energy converter designed to convert a fuel into electrical energy; a fuel storage unit for storing and providing the fuel for the energy converter; wherein the range extender (12) is designed to be releasably fastened outside a vehicle interior, at least partially to a rear region (14) or roof region of the motor vehicle (10). The invention further relates to a motor vehicle (10) having a removable range extender (12).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a removable range extender for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle with a removable range extender.

[0002] Particularly in connection with electric vehicles, it is well known that vehicles can sometimes experience range issues due to insufficient battery capacity. In more remote areas, even conventionally powered vehicles, i.e., vehicles with combustion engines, can experience range issues if refueling stations are very far apart. Depending on the conditions and drive concept, there may sometimes be a need to extend the range of a vehicle. On the other hand, there is often no need to extend the range of the vehicle at all.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a flexible solution for extending the range of a motor vehicle.

[0004] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further possible embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features, advantages, and possible embodiments presented in the description for one of the subject matter of the independent claims are to be regarded at least analogously as features, advantages, and possible embodiments of the respective subject matter of the other independent claims, as well as any possible combination of the subject matter of the independent claims, optionally in conjunction with one or more of the subclaims.

[0005] The removable range extender for a motor vehicle according to the invention comprises an energy converter designed to convert a fuel into electrical energy. Furthermore, the removable range extender comprises a fuel reservoir for storing and providing the fuel for the energy converter. Furthermore, the range extender is designed to be releasably attached, at least partially, to a rear area or roof area of ​​the motor vehicle outside a vehicle interior. For example, part of the range extender can be arranged in the area of ​​the underbody. The entire range extender can also be arranged on the roof of the motor vehicle.

[0006] In other words, a removable range extender is a removable additional unit or system that can increase the range of a motor vehicle. The range extender's energy converter can convert fuel into electrical energy, which can be used by the motor vehicle in question to power it and thus extend the range of the vehicle if necessary. In particular, the user can install and remove the range extender themselves without having to visit a workshop.

[0007] The range extender comprises means for releasably attaching it outside the vehicle interior, at least partially to the rear of the respective motor vehicle. In particular, the range extender can have a mechanical, electrical, and information technology interface for releasably attaching the range extender to the rear of the motor vehicle. This can be done, in particular, in such a way that the electrical energy converted from the fuel by the energy converter can be fed to the motor vehicle to drive it and / or generally supply it with electrical energy.

[0008] Via said mechanical interface, the range extender can be releasably attached, at least partially, to the rear of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, it is also possible for data or information to be exchanged between the range extender and the motor vehicle via a suitable information interface. Because the range extender according to the invention can be releasably attached to motor vehicles, the range extender can be used particularly flexibly to extend the range of the motor vehicle in question only when needed. If, however, the increased range is not required, the range extender can be removed from the motor vehicle in question.

[0009] The removable range extender can, in particular, be a type of removable range extender box that can be releasably attached to the rear of the vehicle in question, for example, like a backpack. As a result, the aerodynamics of the vehicle in question are not negatively affected by the removable range extender if the range extender is releasably attached to the rear of the vehicle in question.

[0010] One possible embodiment of the invention provides for the range extender to have an interface for attaching it to a trailer hitch of the motor vehicle. This allows the range extender to be placed on the relevant trailer hitch of the motor vehicle, for example, as is common with bicycle racks, and thus releasably secured in the rear of the motor vehicle. The range extender can thus be reliably supported on the relevant trailer hitch and, in particular, held securely while the motor vehicle is in motion. If the range extender is no longer needed, it can be easily detached from the trailer hitch and thus removed from the motor vehicle.

[0011] An alternative possible embodiment of the invention provides that the range extender is at least partially integrated into at least one rear door or tailgate of the motor vehicle. The range extender can be designed in particular for vans. It would be conceivable to remove the doors or the door at the rear of the van in question and then replace these doors or the door with ones in which the range extender or at least part of it is already installed or integrated. In this context, it can be provided in particular that the relevant hinges of the motor vehicle are reinforced in order to be able to support the increased load. The relevant rear door or tailgate in which the range extender is integrated can be attached to a relevant motor vehicle, in particular when required, the conventional rear door or tailgate simply being removed beforehand.The appearance and functionality of the vehicle in question are thus virtually unaffected, or not affected at all, when the range extender is installed. In particular, this also ensures that the aerodynamics of the vehicle in question, and thus its fuel consumption, are virtually unaffected when the removable range extender is installed.

[0012] A further possible embodiment of the invention provides that the fuel storage unit is designed in the form of a box mountable on the roof of the motor vehicle, and the energy converter is designed to be releasably attached outside the vehicle interior, at least partially to the rear of the motor vehicle. This can positively influence the load distribution when a range extender is attached to the motor vehicle in question. With a range extender attached, the energy converter is then located outside the vehicle interior, at least partially to the rear of the motor vehicle, but in this embodiment the fuel storage unit is attached to the roof of the motor vehicle. This results in a particularly balanced load distribution on the motor vehicle in question.The fuel storage unit can, for example, be a box that can be mounted on the roof rails of the vehicle in question or, in general, flexibly on the roof of the vehicle in question, which can accommodate, for example, tanks for storing the fuel. The favorable load distribution achieved with the range extender installed can ensure that the driving behavior of the vehicle in question is hardly or not at all negatively affected.

[0013] A further possible embodiment of the invention provides that the range extender has a line that can be detachably attached to the motor vehicle for supplying the energy converter with fuel from the fuel storage unit. If necessary, this line can therefore be attached to the motor vehicle to supply the energy converter with fuel from the fuel storage unit. If the range extender is not needed and is removed from the motor vehicle, the line belonging to the removable range extender is also removed from the motor vehicle or can be removed. In the case of range extenders that are attached in a distributed manner on the motor vehicle - i.e. if the energy converter and the fuel storage unit are attached at different locations on the motor vehicle - this line ensures that the energy converter can be reliably supplied with fuel from the fuel storage unit.

[0014] A further possible embodiment of the invention provides that the range extender has at least one support element for supporting the range extender on a roof rail of the motor vehicle. The range extender can thus be at least partially supported on a roof rail of the motor vehicle with the aid of the at least one support element. This allows the range extender to be releasably attached to the respective motor vehicle in a particularly stable manner.

[0015] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the support element is a type of insert that can be inserted into an opening in the range extender and supported by a portion of it on the roof rails of the vehicle. The insert can thus be inserted or inserted into said opening in the range extender and supported on the roof rails of the vehicle with a portion of the insert that protrudes from the opening in the range extender. This allows the range extender to be held particularly securely.

[0016] A further possible embodiment of the invention provides that the support element is adjustable in the transverse and / or vertical directions of the motor vehicle, depending on the intended arrangement of the range extender. This makes it easy to adapt the range extender to vehicles of different sizes. The support element thus serves as a type of upper attachment point for the range extender to be attached to the respective motor vehicle. The range extender thus offers a variable adjustment option for this upper attachment point. The respective support element can thus be easily and variably adjusted to ensure easy adjustability for different vehicles.This can be done, for example, by means of a pipe, in particular by means of two pipes, which can be arranged on the left and right of the range extender, along which clamps or similar can be moved vertically and rotated transversely.

[0017] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the range extender is provided with a license plate holder and rear lighting. If the range extender is dimensioned such that, when attached, it would obscure both the license plate and the rear lighting of the motor vehicle in question, it can still be ensured that the said license plate holder and rear lighting on the range extender can ensure legally compliant operation of the motor vehicle in question. Alternatively, the range extender can be adapted to the motor vehicle or motor vehicles in question and dimensioned such that, when the range extender is attached to the motor vehicle in question, a lower area of ​​the motor vehicle in question is left free or cut out so that both the license plate and the rear lighting of the motor vehicle in question are visible.

[0018] A further possible embodiment of the invention provides that the range extender has an interface, for example in the form of a plug or a socket, for transmitting electrical energy from the motor vehicle's energy converter and / or for establishing a communication connection between the range extender and the motor vehicle. The interface can be, for example, a plug, such as those found in trailer hitch sockets. The interface can be designed, for example, for transmitting electrical energy in the high-voltage range or also in the low-voltage range.The connector can also be designed to establish the aforementioned communication connection between the range extender and the motor vehicle, so that a wide variety of data can be exchanged between the range extender and the motor vehicle in order to enable optimal power supply to the motor vehicle via the range extender.

[0019] A further possible embodiment of the invention provides that the range extender is shaped such that it reduces the aerodynamic drag of the motor vehicle. For this purpose, the range extender can in particular be shaped or configured such that, when attached to the motor vehicle, it ensures that air turbulence that would otherwise occur in the rear area of ​​the motor vehicle is reduced by the range extender, as a result of which the aerodynamic drag of the motor vehicle in question is reduced when the range extender is attached. In particular, the range extender can be shaped such that flow separation that would otherwise occur on the motor vehicle is prevented by the range extender, as a result of which turbulent flows can be reduced by the range extender, as a result of which the aerodynamic drag of the motor vehicle is improved when the range extender is attached.Simply by installing the range extender and thus reducing the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle in question, the range of the vehicle in question can be increased. The shape of the range extender itself can therefore contribute to reducing the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle in question and thus contribute to reducing the vehicle's energy consumption, as a result of which the vehicle's range is increased simply by installing the range extender.

[0020] A further possible embodiment of the invention provides that the range extender has at least one air guide element which, when the range extender is attached to the motor vehicle, bridges a gap between the range extender and the motor vehicle. This makes it possible to improve air resistance when the range extender is attached, since the air flowing past the motor vehicle does not get into said gap. The air guide element can, for example, be winglets on the sides of the range extender. In other words, the air guide element can, for example, be a type of air baffle which is arranged in such a way that, when the range extender is attached, it ensures that air flowing past the vehicle flows past the airflow and is guided via the air guide element in a particularly aerodynamically advantageous manner towards the rest of the range extender, in such a way that turbulence is avoided as much as possible.

[0021] A further possible embodiment of the invention provides that the range extender has at least one air inlet and one air outlet, wherein, when the range extender is arranged as intended on the motor vehicle and the motor vehicle is moving forward, the air inlet is arranged at a location with resulting dynamic pressure and the air outlet is arranged at a location with resulting negative pressure. The air inlet can be arranged, for example, on top of a roof of the range extender or on the side, and the air outlet on a rear side of the range extender. The air inlet is therefore located where dynamic pressure arises when the range extender is arranged as intended on the motor vehicle, i.e. when moving forward, and the air outlet is located where negative pressure prevails when driving. This promotes the air supply to the range extender, in particular to the energy converter.The fact that the air outlet is located at the point where negative pressure occurs particularly facilitates the removal of air from the range extender.

[0022] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the energy converter is a fuel cell or an internal combustion engine combined with a generator. The removable range extender can therefore be, for example, a fuel cell system that can convert energy, particularly based on hydrogen, namely, for example, hydrogen into electrical energy. Alternatively, it is also possible for the range extender to have an internal combustion engine that drives a generator, for example, to convert gasoline or diesel into electrical energy.

[0023] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the range extender is provided with a rearview camera. With a range extender mounted on a motor vehicle, the rearview camera can be used, in particular, to view the area behind the vehicle and thus facilitate parking maneuvers, for example.

[0024] A further possible embodiment of the invention provides that the range extender has at least one monitor for displaying an image recorded by the reversing camera, wherein the monitor is arranged on a rear window of the motor vehicle when the range extender is arranged as intended. If, for example, a rear window of the motor vehicle is covered by the range extender when the range extender is arranged as intended, the monitor of the range extender is arranged such that it is located in the area of ​​the relevant rear window of the motor vehicle. The image recorded by the reversing camera, i.e. the area behind the motor vehicle, is then displayed on the monitor. A driver can therefore still see the area behind the motor vehicle in question when looking through the rear window, even though the range extender covers the rear window of the motor vehicle.This makes reversing the vehicle easier, even when the range extender is attached.

[0025] Another possible embodiment of the invention provides for the range extender to have at least one ultrasonic sensor as a parking aid. This can facilitate maneuvering the vehicle with the range extender installed. Sensor data from the ultrasonic sensor can be transmitted to the vehicle via a suitable interface, so that a driver can receive visual signals in addition to acoustic signals, for example, in the instrument cluster of the vehicle in question or elsewhere in the vehicle, to facilitate maneuvering the vehicle with the range extender installed.

[0026] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the range extender is provided with several height-adjustable supports for positioning the range extender on the ground. For example, four such supports can be provided at the corners of the range extender so that the range extender can be positioned on the ground. The supports can, for example, have screw threads, allowing the vehicle in question to drive away from under the parked range extender, as is already known with trailers, for example.

[0027] A further possible embodiment of the invention provides that the range extender can be folded down or opened up so that a trunk in the rear area is accessible when the range extender is attached. For example, the range extender can be attached to the respective motor vehicle in such a way that the range extender is designed to be foldable in the area of ​​the attachment so that the range extender can be pivoted away so that the trunk in the rear area is accessible when the range extender is attached. If the range extender is attached to the trailer hitch of the motor vehicle, for example, the respective mechanical interface on the range extender can be designed so that the range extender, when attached to the trailer hitch, can be pivoted away so that the trunk can be accessed.

[0028] In a further possible embodiment of the invention, the range extender comprises several segments that can be divided or folded vertically or horizontally to provide access to the rear doors of the motor vehicle or, alternatively, to provide access to a tailgate of the motor vehicle. The segments can, for example, have hinges or other joints that allow them to be opened in a variety of directions, thus making the rear area of ​​the motor vehicle, and thus a trunk, accessible, for example, to allow access to rear doors or a tailgate.

[0029] The motor vehicle according to the invention comprises the range extender according to the invention or a possible embodiment of the range extender according to the invention. In particular, the motor vehicle comprises means for accommodating the removable range extender in the intended manner.

[0030] One possible embodiment of the motor vehicle provides that at least one line is integrated in the motor vehicle, which is designed to conduct the fuel from the fuel storage unit to the energy converter, wherein connecting elements for connecting the line to the fuel storage unit and the energy converter are arranged at the respective ends of the line. This can be particularly advantageous if the range extender is designed as described above such that the fuel storage unit is designed, for example, as a type of roof box that can be arranged on the roof of the motor vehicle, wherein the energy converter can be attached outside the vehicle interior at the rear of the motor vehicle. A reconnectable connection for hydrogen tanks can then be provided in the roof area of ​​the motor vehicle in order to then supply hydrogen via the said line, which can be, for example,This could be a high-pressure line to direct the hydrogen toward the rear of the vehicle. The fuel cell system, which functions as an energy converter, can then be connected there. This allows the system to remain flexible in use by attaching or removing the fuel storage unit and the energy converter. For example, in a larger vehicle fleet, it would be possible to decide which vehicle to install the removable range extender on. This would allow both the fuel storage unit and the energy converter to be quickly removed and the vehicle in question to be equipped with the range extender or not, as needed.

[0031] Further features of the invention can be derived from the following description of the figures and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features shown below in the description of the figures and / or in the figure alone, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0032] The single figure (Fig.) shows a schematic side view of a motor vehicle on which a removable range extender is arranged in the rear area, wherein an air flow along the motor vehicle and the range extender as well as through it is schematically indicated.

[0033] A motor vehicle 10 with a removable range extender 12 is shown in a schematic side view in the single figure. The range extender 12 comprises an energy converter (not shown in detail) designed to convert a fuel into electrical energy. Furthermore, the range extender 12 comprises a fuel storage unit (not shown in detail) for storing and providing the fuel for the energy converter. The range extender 12 is designed to be releasably attached, at least partially, to a rear region 14 of the motor vehicle 10 outside a vehicle interior.

[0034] In the present case, the entire removable range extender 12 is detachably arranged in the rear area 14 of the motor vehicle 10. The range extender 12 is supported on a trailer hitch 16 of the motor vehicle 10. The removable range extender 12 can be pivotally attached to the trailer hitch 16 such that the range extender 12, as shown in the present illustration, can be swung rearward away from the rear area 14 of the motor vehicle 10 in order to access a trunk (not shown in more detail) of the motor vehicle 10 when needed. The range extender 12 thus forms a type of removable range extender box that can be detachably attached to the rear area 14 of the motor vehicle 10 like a type of backpack. To increase stability, the range extender 12 can also be supported, for example, on a roof rail 18 using means not shown in more detail here.

[0035] The range extender 12 comprises at least one air inlet 20 and one air outlet 22. When the range extender 12 is arranged as intended on the motor vehicle 10, the air inlet 20 is located at a location with dynamic pressure resulting when the motor vehicle 10 travels forward, and the air outlet 22 is located at a location with resulting negative pressure. In the case shown here, the air inlet 20 is arranged in a roof area of ​​the range extender 12, and the air outlet 22 is provided in a rear area of ​​the range extender 12.

[0036] The range extender 12 can, for example, have a fuel cell system as an energy converter. The respective fuel cells can then be supplied with oxygen via the air inlet 20. Exhaust air from the fuel cell system can then leave the range extender 12 via the air outlet 22. An air flow 24, which enters the range extender 12 through the air inlet 20 and exits again through the air outlet 22, is schematically indicated.

[0037] Furthermore, an air flow 26 is schematically indicated, which flows around the motor vehicle 10 and the range extender 12. The range extender 12 can in particular be shaped such that it improves the air resistance of the motor vehicle 10. In the case shown here, the rear area 14 of the motor vehicle 10 runs essentially in a vertical direction. If the range extender 12 were not attached, this shape would lead to turbulence in the rear area 14, which would negatively influence the air resistance of the motor vehicle 10. The range extender 12 can be shaped such that this turbulence in the rear area 14 is considerably reduced when the range extender 12 is attached, so that, for example, a laminar flow can also be ensured on the rear of the range extender 12 when it is attached to the motor vehicle 10.As a result, air resistance can be reduced when the range extender 12 is attached, allowing the range of the motor vehicle 10 to be extended simply by attaching the range extender 12. The range extender 12 can be easily attached to the motor vehicle 10 and removed from the motor vehicle 10 as needed.

[0038] The removable range extender 12 provides a particularly simple and flexible solution for extending the range of the motor vehicle 10 if necessary. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 10 motor vehicle 12 range extenders 14 Rear area of ​​the motor vehicle 16 Trailer hitch 18 roof rails 20 Air intake 22 Air outlet 24 Air flow through the range extender 26 Air flow along the vehicle and the range extender

Claims

[1] Removable range extender (12) for a motor vehicle (10), comprising - an energy converter designed to convert a fuel into electrical energy; - a fuel storage unit for storing and providing the fuel for the energy converter; - wherein the range extender (12) is designed to be releasably fastened at least partially to a rear area (14) or roof area of the motor vehicle (10) outside a vehicle interior. [2] Removable range extender (12) according to claim 1, wherein the range extender (12) has an interface for attaching the range extender (12) to a trailer hitch (16) of the motor vehicle (10). [3] Removable range extender (12) according to claim 1, wherein the range extender (12) is at least partially integrated into at least one rear door or tailgate for the motor vehicle (10). [4] Removable range extender (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fuel storage is designed in the form of a box mountable on a roof of the motor vehicle (10), and the energy converter is designed to be releasably attached at least partially to the rear region (14) of the motor vehicle (10) outside the vehicle interior. [5] Removable range extender (12) according to claim 4, wherein the range extender (12) has a line that can be releasably attached to the motor vehicle (10) for supplying the energy converter with the fuel from the fuel storage device. [6] Removable range extender (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the range extender (12) has at least one support element for supporting the range extender (12) on a roof rail (18) of the motor vehicle (10). [7] Removable range extender (12) according to claim 6, wherein the support element is an insert which can be inserted into an opening of the range extender (12) and can be supported with a region on the roof rail (18) of the motor vehicle (10) to support the range extender (12). [8] Removable range extender (12) according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the support element is adjustable in the transverse direction and / or vertical direction of the motor vehicle (10) with respect to the intended arrangement of the range extender (12). [9] Removable range extender (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the range extender (12) has a license plate holder and a rear light. [10] Removable range extender (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the range extender (12) has an interface for transmitting the electrical energy from the energy converter into the motor vehicle and / or for establishing a communication connection between the range extender (12) and the motor vehicle (10). [11] Removable range extender (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the range extender (12) is shaped to reduce the air resistance of the motor vehicle (10). [12] Removable range extender (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the range extender (12) has at least one air guide element which, when the range extender (12) is attached to the motor vehicle (10), bridges a gap between the range extender (12) and the motor vehicle (10). [13] Removable range extender (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the range extender (12) has at least one air inlet (20) and one air outlet (22), wherein when the range extender (12) is arranged as intended and when the motor vehicle (10) is traveling forward, the air inlet (20) is arranged at a location with resulting dynamic pressure and the air outlet (22) is arranged at a location with resulting negative pressure. [14] Removable range extender (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the energy converter is a fuel cell or an internal combustion engine in combination with a generator. [15] Removable range extender (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the range extender (12) comprises a rear view camera. [16] Removable range extender (12) according to claim 15, wherein the range extender (12) has at least one monitor for displaying an image recorded by the rear view camera, wherein the monitor is arranged on a rear window of the motor vehicle (10) when the range extender (12) is arranged as intended. [17] Removable range extender (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the range extender (12) has at least one ultrasonic sensor as a parking aid. [18] Removable range extender (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the range extender (12) has a plurality of height-adjustable rams for placing the range extender (12) on the ground. [19] Removable range extender (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the range extender (12) can be folded down or opened so that a trunk in the rear area (14) is accessible when the range extender (12) is attached. [20] Removable range extender (12) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the range extender (12) has a plurality of segments which can be divided or folded vertically or horizontally in order to make rear doors of the motor vehicle (10) accessible. [21] Motor vehicle (10) with a removable range extender (12) according to one of the preceding claims. [22] Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 21, wherein at least one line is integrated in the motor vehicle (10), which is designed to conduct the fuel from the fuel storage device to the energy converter, wherein connecting elements for connecting the line to the fuel storage device and the energy converter are arranged at respective ends of the line.

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