Automotive chassis and vehicles

Abstract

The application provides an automobile chassis and an automobile, wherein a solid-state battery system is integrated in the automobile chassis, the automobile chassis further comprises a vehicle body bottom plate, a main frame and a chassis cross beam, the vehicle body bottom plate and the chassis cross beam are connected with the main frame respectively, and the solid-state battery system is installed on the chassis cross beam.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automobile chassis and an automobile, and more particularly to an automobile chassis integrating a solid-state battery system. Background Technology

[0002] For electric vehicles, the battery system is the core energy storage component and the sole power source for the entire vehicle. Increasing the driving range of electric vehicles and reducing the cost of battery systems have always been the goals of major electric vehicle manufacturers. Among the many measures, improving battery energy density and developing lightweight power battery systems are effective methods to achieve these goals.

[0003] Traditional lithium-ion batteries contain a large amount of liquid electrolyte, making their safety unstable. They are particularly susceptible to fire and explosion when subjected to extreme conditions such as compression, overcharging, or puncture. Solid-state batteries, by using solid electrolytes instead of traditional liquid electrolytes, offer advantages such as being non-flammable and leak-proof, significantly improving the safety of the battery cell itself.

[0004] Traditional pure electric vehicle drive systems can be divided into four levels: cell integration into module integration, module integration into battery pack integration, and battery pack integration into the vehicle. As the integration level increases, the energy density and volume utilization of the battery system gradually decrease, while manufacturing costs gradually increase. Therefore, reducing the integration level between the cell and the vehicle and optimizing the integration structure are effective means to improve the integration efficiency of the power battery system, increase the driving range of electric vehicles, and reduce the cost of the battery system.

[0005] Currently, many companies are developing battery system products (CTP) where cells are directly integrated into the battery pack. For example, patent CN112224003A discloses an electric vehicle that forms at least one housing device within the vehicle, assembling a battery system where cells are directly integrated into the battery pack. The individual cells themselves act as crossbeams or longitudinal beams. Patent CN112397828A discloses a soft-pack, module-free power battery system that uses structural adhesive and crossbeams to press and fix the inherently weak soft-pack cells to the battery housing, eliminating the need for module shells and end plates and altering the heat exchange path, thus improving heat transfer efficiency. Both of these patents omit the intermediate integration into the module, effectively reducing battery pack components and improving system integration efficiency. However, this approach places high demands on the quality of battery system components and manufacturing. CTP solutions with integrated cells into the battery pack suffer from poor maintainability and even irreparability. If product quality defects occur during production or user use, replacement costs are high, indirectly increasing manufacturing and usage costs.

[0006] Chinese patent document CN112038517A discloses an MTC power battery system. The key technical point of the system is that it includes an integrated frame and several battery modules arranged in parallel within the integrated frame. Although this solution eliminates the step of integrating the modules into the battery pack, the passenger compartment is located above the frame. After the power battery system is integrated into the vehicle, it is difficult to repair, and the maintenance cost is higher than that of the solution where the cells are integrated into the battery pack. In addition, the integrated frame needs to bear the weight of the battery modules on the base plate, resulting in a larger frame weight. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One aspect of the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is how to reduce the integration level of the battery cell to the whole vehicle in an automotive battery system.

[0008] Furthermore, other aspects of the present invention are also intended to solve or alleviate other technical problems existing in the prior art.

[0009] This invention provides an automobile chassis and an automobile; specifically, according to one aspect of the invention, it provides:

[0010] An automobile chassis, wherein a solid-state battery system is integrated in the automobile chassis, the automobile chassis also includes a body floor, a main frame and chassis crossbeams, the body floor and chassis crossbeams are respectively connected to the main frame, and the solid-state battery system is mounted on the chassis crossbeams.

[0011] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle body floor and the main frame are connected by full welding, and a sealing medium is filled between the vehicle body floor and the main frame.

[0012] Alternatively, according to one embodiment of the invention, the solid-state battery system is mounted on the chassis crossbeam by removable fasteners.

[0013] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the solid-state battery system includes multiple battery modules, a battery circuit breaker unit, an electrical bus, a battery system interface, and a battery pack cover. The battery modules are connected in series with each other through the electrical bus, the battery circuit breaker unit is connected in series with the battery modules, the battery system interface is integrated in the battery circuit breaker unit, and the battery pack cover is arranged on the bottom outer side of the solid-state battery system.

[0014] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery module includes a module end plate, a module side plate, a module top cover, and a solid-state battery cell, wherein the module end plate, the module side plate, and the module top cover respectively surround the solid-state battery cell from the end, side, and top of the module.

[0015] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, one of the battery modules includes 24 solid-state cells.

[0016] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the module end plate and the module side plate are made of aluminum alloy and connected by laser welding, and the module top cover is made of insulating material.

[0017] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a support member is constructed in the module side plate, the support member bearing the weight of the solid-state battery cell.

[0018] Optionally, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a compressible battery thermal pad is arranged in the battery pack cover to conduct heat generated by the solid-state battery system.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides an automobile having the automobile chassis described above.

[0020] The advantages of this invention include:

[0021] 1. By directly integrating the battery module into the vehicle chassis, the traditional battery installation process of assembling the battery module into the battery casing to form a battery system and then assembling the battery system as a whole into the vehicle chassis is eliminated, thus improving the overall vehicle assembly efficiency.

[0022] 2. The battery module is suspended on the crossbeam of the vehicle chassis, eliminating the need for the cross and longitudinal beams inside the battery casing in traditional battery systems, reducing the weight of the entire battery pack and making the battery system lightweight;

[0023] 3. The battery module is hoisted on the crossbeam of the vehicle chassis. When repairing and replacing parts in the battery system, it is only necessary to lift the vehicle and remove the battery pack cover to carry out the operation, which facilitates the repair and replacement of parts in the battery system and reduces maintenance costs.

[0024] 4. The battery module is composed of solid-state cells with good thermal stability, which solves the cooling and heating problems at the cell level and saves the cost of liquid cooling system. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the above and other features of the present invention will become apparent, wherein,

[0026] Figure 1 An exploded view of a car chassis integrating a solid-state battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 2 A side view of a car chassis integrating a solid-state battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 3 A side view of a battery module of a solid-state battery system for an automobile chassis according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 4 A perspective view of a battery module of a solid-state battery system for an automobile chassis according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 5 A perspective view of a car chassis integrating a solid-state battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] It is readily understood that, based on the technical solution of this invention, those skilled in the art can propose various interchangeable structural methods and implementations without altering the essential spirit of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed embodiments and accompanying drawings are merely illustrative examples of the technical solution of this invention and should not be considered as the entirety of the invention or as limitations or restrictions on the technical solution of this invention.

[0032] The directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, back, front, back, top, and bottom mentioned or possibly used in this specification are defined relative to the structures shown in the accompanying drawings. These are relative concepts and may therefore vary depending on their location and usage. Therefore, these or other directional terms should not be interpreted as restrictive. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and similar expressions are used for descriptive and distinguishing purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying the relative importance of the corresponding components.

[0033] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The figures show an exploded schematic diagram and a side view of a car chassis integrating a solid-state battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] According to Figure 1 and Figure 2In this embodiment, the automotive chassis 1 integrating a solid-state battery system 10 of the present invention includes the solid-state battery system 10, a body floor 20, a main frame 30, and chassis crossbeams 40. The body floor 20 has no through holes and is fully welded to the main frame 30. A sealing medium is filled between the body floor 20 and the main frame 30 to achieve a sealing effect. The chassis crossbeams 40 are welded to the main frame 30 to enhance the overall vehicle strength. The number of crossbeams in the chassis crossbeams 40 is determined according to the number of battery modules 11 in the solid-state battery system 10, and the wall thickness and profile design of the crossbeams are determined according to the vehicle's collision requirements. The solid-state battery system 10 is mounted on the chassis crossbeams 40 using detachable fasteners 50. This design integrates the vehicle frame and the battery housing of the original battery pack into a single automotive chassis 1, reducing the overall vehicle weight and improving the integration efficiency of the solid-state battery pack. In conventional battery systems, the crossbeams protecting the battery pack are contained within the battery casing, while the chassis crossbeam 40 of the present invention is arranged outside the solid-state battery system 10, reducing the weight of the solid-state battery system 10 and optimizing the spatial structure.

[0035] The solid-state battery system 10 is integrated into the vehicle chassis 1 and includes multiple battery modules 11, a battery circuit breaker unit 12, an electrical bus 13, a battery system interface 14, and a battery pack cover 15. Each battery module 11 includes multiple solid-state cells 111 for providing electrical energy. The battery modules 11 are connected in series in a high-voltage circuit via the electrical bus 13 to meet the vehicle's voltage requirements and drive the motor. The battery circuit breaker unit 12 is connected in series in the high-voltage circuit to control the switching of the entire solid-state battery system 10 and protect the entire high-voltage circuit. The battery system interface 14 is integrated inside the battery circuit breaker unit 12 and is used to output high-voltage current and low-voltage signals. The battery pack cover 15 is arranged on the bottom outer side of other components of the solid-state battery system 10 to block external dust and moisture to protect the entire battery system. A non-adhesive, compressible battery thermal pad 16 is arranged inside the battery pack cover 15 to conduct heat generated by the solid-state battery to the external environment for heat dissipation. The compressibility of the battery thermal pad 16 ensures that the mounting surfaces of the battery pack cover 15 with the main frame 30 and chassis crossbeam 40 assembly are sealed and leak-free. In the solid-state battery system 10 of the automotive chassis 1 of the present invention, the battery casing in traditional battery systems is eliminated, eliminating the need to first assemble the battery modules to the battery casing and then assemble the battery casing to the vehicle when assembling the solid-state battery system 10 into the vehicle, thus improving assembly efficiency.

[0036] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4The figures show a side view and a perspective view of a battery module 11 of a solid-state battery system 10 for an automobile chassis 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The battery module 11 includes solid-state cells 111, a module end plate 112, a module side plate 113, and a module top cover 114. A single battery module consists of 24 all-solid-state cells 111 arranged together. The solid-state cells 111 contain a solid dielectric, which provides electrical energy while being non-flammable and having high thermal stability. Therefore, a liquid cooling system is not required in the battery system, optimizing the structure of the solid-state battery system 10. The module end plate 112 and the module side plate 113 are respectively located at the ends and sides of the module, and are made of aluminum alloy. The module end plate 112 and the module side plate 113 are connected by laser welding and serve to pre-tighten and fix all the solid-state cells 111 after assembly. The bottom of the module side plate 113 has a support member extending perpendicular to the plane of the module side plate 113 to support the solid-state battery cell 111 and thus bear the weight of the solid-state battery cell 111. The module top cover 114 is placed above the solid-state battery cell 111 and is made of insulating material to provide insulation protection for the tabs of the solid-state battery cell 111.

[0037] refer to Figure 5 This diagram shows a perspective view of an automobile chassis 1 integrating a solid-state battery system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. When the solid-state battery system 10 of the automobile chassis 1 of the present invention is integrated into the automobile chassis 1, the assembly method is as follows: First, the body floor 20, the main frame 30, and the chassis crossbeam 40 are welded together as a whole. Then, the pre-integrated solid-state battery modules 111 are hoisted onto the chassis crossbeam 40 using detachable fasteners 50. Next, a battery disconnect unit 12 with an integrated battery system interface 14 is installed onto the chassis crossbeam 40 using the fasteners 50. Then, an electrical busbar 13 is used to connect the positive and negative terminals of all solid-state battery modules 111 and the battery disconnect unit 12, thereby forming the entire high-voltage circuit. Then, battery heat-conducting pads 16 are arranged on the inner surface of the battery pack cover 15 according to the position of the solid-state battery modules 111. Finally, the battery pack cover 15 is installed onto the main frame 30 and the chassis crossbeam assembly 40 using detachable bolts based on the positioning holes.

[0038] The method for disassembling and repairing the solid-state battery system 10 of the automobile chassis 1 of the present invention is as follows: First, remove the battery pack cover 15 fixed to the chassis crossbeam 40 and the main frame 30 and replace the battery heat-conducting pad 16 on its inner surface. Next, locate the battery module 111 or battery disconnect unit 12 that needs to be repaired or replaced, remove the electrical busbars 13 around the part that needs to be repaired or replaced, and finally remove the removable fasteners 50 to take out the part that needs to be repaired or replaced. When disassembling and repairing the solid-state battery system 10 of the automobile chassis 1 of the present invention, it is not necessary to first disassemble the entire battery system and then disassemble the battery system, thereby improving the disassembly efficiency.

[0039] It should be understood that the vehicle chassis of the present invention can be mounted on various vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, pure electric vehicles, etc. Therefore, the subject matter of the present invention also aims to protect various vehicles equipped with the vehicle chassis of the present invention.

[0040] It should be understood that all the above preferred embodiments are exemplary and not restrictive, and various modifications or variations made by those skilled in the art to the specific embodiments described above under the concept of the present invention should be within the legal protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automobile chassis, characterized in that, A solid-state battery system is integrated into the vehicle chassis, which also includes a body floor, a main frame, and chassis crossbeams. The body floor and chassis crossbeams are connected to the main frame, and the solid-state battery system is mounted on the chassis crossbeams. The solid-state battery system does not have a separate battery casing; the solid-state battery modules are suspended on the chassis crossbeams by detachable fasteners. The solid-state battery system includes a battery pack cover located on the bottom outer side of the solid-state battery system. The solid-state battery modules do not have a liquid cooling system. The solid-state battery system includes multiple battery modules. Each battery module includes a module end plate, a module side plate, a module top cover, and a solid-state battery cell. The module end plate, module side plate, and module top cover surround the solid-state battery cell from the end, side, and top of the module, respectively.

2. The automobile chassis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle body floor and the main frame are connected by full welding, and a sealing medium is filled between the vehicle body floor and the main frame.

3. The automobile chassis according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solid-state battery system includes a battery circuit breaker unit, an electrical bus, and a battery system interface. The battery modules are connected in series with each other through the electrical bus. The battery circuit breaker unit is connected in series with the battery modules. The battery system interface is integrated in the battery circuit breaker unit.

4. The automobile chassis according to claim 3, characterized in that, One of the battery modules in the battery module includes 24 solid-state cells.

5. The automobile chassis according to claim 4, characterized in that, The module end plate and module side plate are made of aluminum alloy and connected by laser welding, and the module top cover is made of insulating material.

6. The automobile chassis according to claim 5, characterized in that, A support member is constructed in the side plate of the module, which supports the weight of the solid-state battery cell.

7. The automobile chassis according to claim 3, characterized in that, A compressible thermal pad is arranged in the battery pack cover to conduct heat generated by the solid-state battery system.

8. A car, characterized in that, The vehicle has a chassis according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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