Conversion device for converting the operating voltage of an electric vehicle, drive device and method for converting the operating voltage

Abstract

A conversion device (100) for an electric vehicle (800) has a battery interface for connecting the conversion device (100) with an on-board battery and a bidirectional inverter (112) having a first port and a second port for connecting the inverter (112) with the battery interface. The inverter (112) is configured to convert a direct voltage applied at the first port into an alternating voltage and to provide it at the second port. The conversion device (100) has a switching device (118) having a switching port for connecting the switching device (118) with the second port, a drive interface (122) for connecting the conversion device (100) with a drive motor and an additional interface (124) for connecting the conversion device (100) with an additional motor. The switching device (118) is configured to connect the switching port with the drive interface (122) or the additional interface (124) by using a switching signal (125).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conversion device for converting the operating voltage of an electric vehicle, a drive device, and a method for converting the operating voltage of an electric vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] For commercial vehicles with internal combustion engines, there are various feasible auxiliary drive solutions for operational functions. For example, they can operate cranes, tipping devices, or refrigeration units. Typically, the required power is extracted from the driving system. The typical interface for this is the motor and transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Against this backdrop, the present invention provides an improved conversion device, an improved drive device, and an improved method for converting the operating voltage of an electric vehicle, according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are given by the dependent claims and the following description.

[0004] The method described herein provides a versatile and therefore cost-effective solution for ensuring both driving and operational capabilities in electrified vehicles.

[0005] A conversion device is proposed for converting the operating voltage of an electric vehicle having an onboard battery and a drive unit including a drive motor and an auxiliary motor. The conversion device has a battery interface for connecting the conversion device to the onboard battery. Furthermore, the conversion device has a bidirectional inverter with a first port and a second port for connecting the inverter to the battery interface. The inverter converts the DC voltage applied at the first port into an AC voltage and provides it to the second port. Additionally, the conversion device has a switching device connected to the inverter, having a switching port for connecting the switching device to the second port of the inverter, a drive interface for connecting the conversion device to the drive motor, and an auxiliary interface for connecting the conversion device to the auxiliary motor. The switching device connects the switching port to the drive interface or the auxiliary interface when a switching signal is used.

[0006] The conversion device can be used in electric vehicles, such as electrified commercial vehicles. The operating voltage can be provided and utilized using the conversion device to operate the electric drive unit. The drive motor of the electric vehicle can include at least one electric motor and can be, for example, in the form of an axle drive, a central drive, or a wheel drive. The drive motor can, for example, move the electric vehicle, such as enabling forward or backward travel. An auxiliary motor can include at least one additional electric motor and can be used, for example, to operate an additional vehicle component, such as a bucket (if the electric vehicle is implemented as an excavator) or a crane of the electric vehicle. The auxiliary motor can provide functionality or motion beyond the vehicle's forward movement. The bidirectional inverter can be referred to as an inverter. By using the inverter, the DC voltage supplied by the onboard battery can be converted to an AC voltage suitable for operating the drive motor and the auxiliary motor. Furthermore, the fed AC voltage can be converted to DC voltage to charge the onboard battery. The switching device can have multiple switches. The switches can be switched in appropriate combinations using switch signals. Here, for example, one or more switches can be closed simultaneously to establish the required path connection through the switching device. For example, switching devices can be controlled using switching signals, such that when the switching signal has a first signal characteristic, the switch port is electrically connected to the drive interface, and when the switching signal has a second signal characteristic, the switch port is electrically connected to an auxiliary interface. Thus, the AC voltage provided by the inverter can be controllably transferred to either the drive interface or the auxiliary interface. In this way, it is advantageous to supply electrical power to multiple functions of the electric vehicle, such as driving functions and auxiliary functions, such as the electric operation structure of the electric vehicle. The switching signal can be provided, for example, through an interface to an operating device of the electric vehicle that can be operated by the operator of the electric vehicle, or through an interface to a control device for automatic control of the electric vehicle.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the switching device may have a power-on interface for energizing an instrument coupled to the power-on interface. Here, the switching device can be connected to a drive interface, an auxiliary interface, or a power-on interface by using a switching signal. This means that, for example, an electrical instrument external to a vehicle can be connected to and energized by the power-on interface.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively, the switching device may have a charging interface for charging the vehicle battery. The switching device may be connected to a drive interface, an additional interface, or a charging interface by using a switching signal. The inverter may convert the AC voltage applied at the second port to a DC voltage and provide it to the first port to charge the vehicle battery. Advantageously, this can extend the battery life of the vehicle battery.

[0009] The inverter may have a third port to convert the DC voltage applied at the first port into AC voltage and provide it to the third port. Here, the switching device may have an additional switching port for connecting the switching device to the third port of the inverter. The switching device may be configured to connect the switching port to a drive interface or additional interface using a switching signal and to connect the additional switching port to a power-on interface or charging interface using a switching signal. Advantageously, the size of the cable connection between the additional switching port and the third port may be smaller than the size of the additional cable connection between the second port and the switching port.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the conversion device may have a grid filter and may additionally or alternatively have a separation element, wherein the grid filter and the additionally or alternatively separated element may be arranged between a third port and an additional switching port. The grid filter and the additionally or alternatively separated element can improve the battery charging function of the conversion device for charging the vehicle battery.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the conversion device may have an additional inverter with a separate first port for connecting the additional inverter to a battery interface and a separate drive interface for connecting the conversion device to a separate drive motor. Here, the additional inverter can convert the DC voltage applied to the separate first port into a separate AC voltage and provide it to the separate drive interface. The additional inverter may be bidirectional. By using the additional inverter and the separate drive motor, the electric vehicle can advantageously perform a driving function while performing additional functions. This may be advantageous for vehicles such as excavators with buckets, sweepers, etc., and may additionally or alternatively be advantageous for snowplows.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the inverter and the switching device can be arranged in a common housing. The additional inverter may have a separate housing. Advantageously, the inverter and the switching device can be implemented as a compact unit using the housing. If the additional inverter is separate, the corresponding components can be optimally arranged within the available structural space of the electric vehicle.

[0013] Furthermore, a drive unit for a vehicle is proposed, wherein the drive unit has a conversion device as described in one of the above variations and a drive motor for driving the wheels of an electric vehicle. The drive motor is connected to a drive interface. Additionally, the drive unit has an auxiliary motor for providing additional functions of the electric vehicle, wherein the auxiliary motor is connected to an auxiliary interface.

[0014] The drive unit can, for example, move the wheels or axles of the electric vehicle and, additionally, activate a working function known as an auxiliary function. This auxiliary function can, for example, supply AC voltage to a lifting platform installed in a trailer of the electric vehicle. Depending on the implementation, the drive function for driving the electric vehicle can be implemented as a whole, and the auxiliary function can be implemented simultaneously or separately in time.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the drive unit may have an additional drive motor for driving additional wheels of the electric vehicle. Here, the additional drive motor may be connected to the additional drive interface. Advantageously, multiple functions of the electric vehicle can be performed in parallel.

[0016] The drive unit may also have a coupling device that couples the drive motor or the other drive motor to an axle for driving the wheels and the other wheels. Advantageously, this allows the selection of which drive motor to be controlled.

[0017] Furthermore, a method is proposed for converting the operating voltage for an electric vehicle having an onboard battery and a drive unit including a drive motor and an auxiliary motor, using a conversion device as described in one of the above variations. The method includes a conversion step and a connection step. In the conversion step, a DC voltage applied to a first port of an inverter is converted to an AC voltage, and this AC voltage is provided to a second port of the inverter. In the connection step, a switching port is connected to a drive interface or an auxiliary interface using a switching signal.

[0018] The method can be implemented, for example, in electrified commercial vehicles. Advantageously, the user of an electric vehicle can control which switches are turned off.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the method may include the step of determining a switching signal based on the operating functions of the electric vehicle. The operating functions may advantageously be selected by a user, for example, through the use of an operating device. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The invention will be further explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a conversion device according to one embodiment is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a conversion device according to one embodiment is shown;

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a drive device according to one embodiment is shown;

[0024] Figure 4A schematic diagram of a drive device according to one embodiment is shown;

[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a drive device according to one embodiment is shown;

[0026] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a drive device according to one embodiment is shown;

[0027] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a drive device according to one embodiment is shown;

[0028] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an electric vehicle having a conversion device according to one embodiment is shown; and

[0029] Figure 9 A flowchart of a method for converting operating voltage according to one embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] In the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, elements shown in different figures and having similar functions are referred to by the same or similar reference numerals, wherein repeated descriptions of these elements are omitted.

[0031] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a conversion device 100 according to one embodiment is shown. The conversion device 100 converts the operating voltage of an electric vehicle having an onboard battery 102 and a drive unit 108 including a drive motor 104 and an auxiliary motor 106. The conversion device 100 here has a battery interface 110 for connecting the conversion device 100 to the onboard battery 102. The conversion device 100 also has a bidirectional inverter 112 having a first port 114 and a second port 116 for connecting the inverter 112 to the battery interface 110. The inverter 112 here converts the DC voltage applied at the first port 114 into an AC voltage and provides it to the second port 116. Furthermore, the conversion device 100 has a switching device 118 connected to the inverter 112. The switching device 118 has a switching port 120 for connecting the switching device 118 to a second port 116 of the inverter 112, a drive interface 122 for connecting the conversion device 100 to the drive motor 104, and an auxiliary interface 124 for connecting the conversion device to an auxiliary motor 106. The switching device 118 is connected to the switching port 120 to the drive interface 122 or the auxiliary interface 124 by using a switching signal 125. This means that, for example, the switching signal 125 provided by the control unit 126 is predetermined in this embodiment to provide which connection within the switching device 118. For example, if the AC voltage provided by the inverter 112 is to be provided to the drive motor 104 via the drive interface 122, the control unit 126 provides a switching signal 125 having a first signal characteristic. Conversely, if the AC voltage provided by the inverter 112 is to be provided to the auxiliary motor 106 via the auxiliary interface 124, the control unit 126 provides a switching signal 125 having, for example, a second signal characteristic.

[0032] According to one embodiment, control unit 126 is provided with a control signal 127 for controlling inverter 112. Control signal 127 is, for example, suitable for setting at least one parameter, such as frequency or amplitude, of the AC voltage provided by inverter 112. In this way, voltages suitable for operating drive motor 104 or auxiliary motor 106 can be provided as needed. Control unit 126 can be provided with a switching signal 125 and optionally the control signal 127 in response to an operator's action on the electric vehicle.

[0033] According to this embodiment, the conversion device 100 optionally includes a distribution device 130, which is arranged, for example, between the battery interface 110 and the inverter 112. According to this embodiment, the conversion device 100 has a housing 131 arranged, for example, at least around the inverter 112 and the switching device 118. According to this embodiment, the control unit 126 and the distribution device 130 are optionally additionally arranged within the housing 131.

[0034] Alternatively, according to this embodiment, the switching device 118 has a power-on interface 132, which powers an instrument coupled to the power-on interface 132, such as an instrument external to a vehicle. The switching device 118 is here connected to the switch port 120 with the drive interface 122, the auxiliary interface 124, or the power-on interface 132 using a switch signal 125. For this purpose, the switch signal 125 may exhibit suitable additional characteristics.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the switching device 118 also has a charging interface 134 for charging the vehicle battery 102. In this embodiment, the switching device 118 is connected to the charging interface 134 via a corresponding switching signal 125. Here, the inverter 112 converts the AC voltage applied at the second port 116 into a DC voltage via the charging interface 134 and the switching device 118 and provides it to the first port 114. This means that, for example, a connection can be established between an external power source and the charging port 134 to charge the vehicle battery 102.

[0036] According to this embodiment, the switching device 118 has a plurality of switches 128, specifically four switches. Each of the interfaces 122, 124, 132, and 134 is assigned one of the switches 128. The switches 128 are controlled, for example, by a switch signal 125.

[0037] According to one embodiment, interfaces 110, 122, 124, 132, and 134 are configured as suitable connection devices, such as connectors, on housing 131.

[0038] According to this embodiment, the drive unit 108 includes a conversion device 100, a drive motor 104, and an auxiliary motor 106. The drive motor 104 drives the wheels of the electric vehicle, for example, by directly actuating the wheels or by actuating the axle of the electric vehicle, thus initiating movement of the electric vehicle. Here, the drive motor 104 is connected to a drive interface 122 and is supplied with the operating voltage required for operation through the drive interface 122. The auxiliary motor 106 provides additional functions for the electric vehicle. For this purpose, the auxiliary motor 106 is connected to an auxiliary interface 124. In this way, the auxiliary motor 106 is supplied with the operating voltage required for operation through the auxiliary interface 124.

[0039] The method presented herein implements the application of a conversion device 100 required for an auxiliary drive 106 for an electric vehicle, for power supply via, for example, a 400V and 50Hz network, and for charging of the drive motor 104, also referred to as the driving motor. This makes sense as it transforms into an electric commercial vehicle with corresponding auxiliary drive optional functions. This means that manufacturers providing, for example, the operational functions also referred to herein as auxiliary functions, need their own interfaces to drive the manufactured structure. Such an interface is, for example, auxiliary interface 124. In order to extract energy from the on-board battery 102 and, for example, to operate the three-phase AC motor, such as drive motor 104 and / or auxiliary motor 106, according to this embodiment, a conversion device 100, also referred to as an inverter, is used. Compared to existing vehicles that require a separate inverter for each function, the electric vehicle according to this embodiment only has a conversion device 100 that can be used for all functions.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the conversion device 100 is used for the vehicle's drive system, which is implemented, for example, as a traction motor or alternatively as multiple traction motors with multiple converters; for charging the on-board battery 102, for example, via an AC charging station or a so-called protective grounding (CEE) socket; and for an auxiliary motor 106, which is used, for example, as a hydraulic unit for a heavy-duty vehicle crane. Furthermore, the method presented herein allows for the construction of an independent power supply network, for example, 400V and 50Hz, on the electric vehicle, enabling the use of various electrical instruments. According to this embodiment, the voltage of the on-board battery 102 is variable, thus the voltage can be higher or lower than the aforementioned values. This is advantageous, for example, for construction vehicles and municipal utilities. Alternatively, a so-called "power-to-grid" function can also be envisioned.

[0041] According to this embodiment, an inverter 112, for example referred to as a converter unit and operating bidirectionally, is arranged in a housing 131. Alternatively, some or all of the components of the conversion device 100 may be placed separately in the electric vehicle, for example.

[0042] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a conversion device 100 according to one embodiment is shown. The conversion device 100 shown herein may correspond to or at least resemble, for example, a device that is similar to or corresponds to. Figure 1 The conversion device 100 described herein. However, with Figure 1Unlike the inverter 112 in the previous embodiment, the inverter 112 according to this embodiment has a third port 200 to convert the DC voltage applied at the first port 114 into an AC voltage and provide it to the third port 200. According to this embodiment, the switching device 118, in addition to the switching port 120, has an additional switching port 202 for connecting the switching device 118 to the third port 200 of the inverter 112. Furthermore, the switching device 118 can optionally be connected to the drive interface 122 or the auxiliary interface 124 via a switching signal, and to the power interface 132 or the charging interface 134 via a switching signal. This means that, according to this embodiment, during the charging of the vehicle battery 102, current flows towards the vehicle battery 102 through the third port 200 instead of the second port 116.

[0043] Alternatively, the conversion device 100 according to this embodiment includes a mains filter 204 and / or a disconnect element 206. According to this embodiment, the mains filter 204 and / or the disconnect element 206 are arranged between the third port 200 and the additional switch port 202. If, according to one embodiment, the power for the charging process and / or the energizing process is limited, the size of the cable connection connecting the third port 200 to the additional switch port 202 can be smaller than the size of the additional cable connection connecting the second port 116 to the switch port 120. According to this embodiment, the two cable connections can be independently switched on and off using additional switches.

[0044] According to this embodiment, the power interface 132 is configured, for example, as a 220V or 230V and 50Hz port and / or any network interface.

[0045] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a drive device 108 according to one embodiment is shown. The drive device 108 shown herein may correspond to or at least resemble... Figure 1 The drive unit 108 described herein. Furthermore, the conversion device 100 shown herein as part of the drive unit 108 may correspond to or be similar to that described herein. Figure 1 or Figure 2 The conversion device 100 described in one of them is, for example, configured to be multifunctional. In contrast, the conversion device 100 shown here has an additional inverter 300, which includes an additional first port 302 and an additional drive interface 304.

[0046] According to this embodiment, another inverter 300 is connected to the battery interface 110 via a separate first port 302. According to this embodiment, the other inverter 300 is connected to another drive motor 306 of the electric vehicle via a separate drive interface 304. According to this embodiment, this enables individual driving of each wheel. Here, the other inverter 300 converts the DC voltage applied to the other first port 302 into a separate AC voltage and provides it to the other drive interface 304.

[0047] Alternatively, the additional inverter 300 according to this embodiment is configured to be bidirectional. According to this embodiment, the additional inverter 300 is arranged in a separate housing, while the inverter 112 and the switching device (not shown according to this embodiment) share the housing 131.

[0048] According to this embodiment, an additional drive motor 306 is formed as part of the drive unit 108. This additional drive motor 306 is connected to an additional drive interface 304 and is driven by the additional wheels 308 of the electric vehicle. Similarly, drive motor 104 is driven by the wheels 310 of the electric vehicle.

[0049] According to this embodiment, it is possible to charge the vehicle battery 102 through connection to the charging unit 312, for example, through connection to an external power grid, or to power external instruments 314, such as 230V or 400V appliances, such as saws or mixers. Furthermore, an auxiliary motor 106 can be energized, for example, to move the structure of the electric vehicle. This means that the conversion device 100 can operate additional functions, for example, while the electric vehicle is stationary. According to this embodiment, the vehicle battery 102 is connected to both inverter 112 and another inverter 300.

[0050] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a drive device 108 according to one embodiment is shown. The drive device 108 may correspond to or at least resemble, for example, a drive device 108. Figure 3 The drive unit 108 described herein. With Figure 3 The only difference is that the drive unit 108 shown here only has a conversion device 100, a drive motor 104, and an auxiliary motor 106. According to this embodiment, the electric vehicle has a differential transmission 400 connected to the drive motor 104. Thus, the vehicle is driven by an axle drive unit, meaning that the wheels 310 and the other wheels 308 are connected via the axle 402. According to this embodiment, the conversion device 100 is used for either moving the vehicle or controlling the vehicle. However, in this case, the electric vehicle is stationary.

[0051] Figure 5A schematic diagram of a drive device 108 according to one embodiment is shown. The drive device 108 may correspond to or be similar to, for example, a drive device 108. Figure 4 The drive unit 108 described herein. The only difference is that the drive unit 108 shown here, in addition to the drive motor 104, also has an additional drive motor 306 and an additional inverter 300. Figure 4 As shown, the drive unit 108 shown here has a differential transmission 400.

[0052] Additionally, and therefore differently, the drive unit 108 according to this embodiment optionally includes a coupling device 500, which drives the drive motor 104 or another drive motor 306, the wheels 310 connected to the axle 402, and another wheel 308 according to this embodiment. The coupling device 500 provides, according to this embodiment, the possibility of moving the electric vehicle while simultaneously performing additional functions. The coupling device 500 is, for example, switched between the drive motor 104 and the additional motor 106. According to this embodiment, the on-board battery 102 is also connected to both the inverter 112 and another inverter 300.

[0053] According to this embodiment, in other words, the driving function and the additional function can be performed in parallel by means of the coupling device 500. In this case, for example, the driving power of the electric vehicle is reduced because, for example, only one of the drive motors 104 and 306 is available. When, for example, an asynchronous motor (ASM), also known as a three-phase AC asynchronous motor, is used, the coupling device 500 according to an alternative embodiment is optional because the ASMs rotate together without load.

[0054] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a drive device 108 according to one embodiment is shown. The drive device 108 shown herein may correspond to or be similar to, for example, [the specific embodiment]. Figure 4 The drive unit 108 described herein. According to this embodiment, the drive unit 108 has a central drive unit and can be envisioned, for example, for performing additional functions in a stationary state.

[0055] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a drive device 108 according to one embodiment is shown. According to this embodiment, this can be... Figure 5 Alternative embodiments of the drive unit 108 shown and described, in which, for example, although the arrangement of the various components is different, the same function is achieved for an electric vehicle.

[0056] Also according to this embodiment, in other words, the driving function and the additional function can be performed in parallel by means of the coupling device 500. In this case, for example, the driving power of the electric vehicle is reduced because, for example, only one of the drive motors 104 and 306 is available. This is significant, for example, in electric vehicles in the form of sweepers or vehicles used for winter service. According to an alternative embodiment, the coupling device 500 is also optional when using, for example, an asynchronous motor (ASM) also known as a three-phase AC asynchronous motor, because the ASMs rotate together without load.

[0057] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of an electric vehicle 800 having a conversion device 100 according to one embodiment is shown. According to this embodiment, the electric vehicle 800 has a conversion device 100, which, for example, in… Figures 1 to 7 One of these has been described as part of a drive unit. According to this embodiment, the electric vehicle 800 is implemented as, for example, a commercial vehicle with a trailer. According to this embodiment, the switching device 118 has a first switch 802, which establishes a connection with a drive motor (not shown) and more precisely with a drive interface 122. The switching device 118 also has a second switch 804, which establishes a connection with an additional motor (not shown) and more precisely with an additional interface 124. According to this embodiment, the switching device 118 also has a third switch 806, which establishes a connection with a power interface 132 when, for example, an instrument external to the vehicle is powered on. A fourth switch 808 of the switching device 118 establishes a connection with a charging interface 134 when, for example, an onboard battery (not shown) is being charged.

[0058] This means that, for example, the driver of the electric vehicle 800 according to this embodiment can trigger the provision of a function signal 812 to the control unit 126 by operating the operating device 810. According to this embodiment, the function signal 812 here represents the desired operating function of the electric vehicle 800. The control unit 126 is provided with a switching signal 125 and a control signal 127 by using the function signal 812 according to this embodiment. Here, the control signal 127 causes the inverter 112 to be controlled. The inverter 112 also converts the applied voltage according to this embodiment.

[0059] If, for example, function signal 812 requests driving operation, control unit 126 is configured to provide switch signal 125 for closing the first switch 802 and opening the other switches 804, 806, 808, and control signal 127 for converting the DC voltage applied to inverter 112 into an AC voltage suitable for operating the drive motor.

[0060] If function signal 812 requests additional functions, control unit 126 is configured to provide switch signal 125 for closing the second switch 804 and opening other switches 802, 806, 808, and control signal 127 for converting the DC voltage applied to inverter 112 into an AC voltage suitable for operating the additional motor.

[0061] If function signal 812 requests a power-on function, control unit 126 is configured to provide switch signal 125 for closing the third switch 806 and opening the other switches 802, 804, 808, and control signal 127 for converting the DC voltage applied to inverter 112 into an AC voltage suitable for output to power interface 132.

[0062] If function signal 812 requests charging operation, control unit 126 is configured to provide switch signal 125 for closing the fourth switch 808 and opening the other switches 802, 804, 806, and control signal 127 for converting the AC voltage applied to inverter 112 into a DC voltage suitable for output to the charging interface.

[0063] Figure 9 A flowchart of a method 900 for converting the operating voltage of an electric vehicle having an onboard battery and a drive unit including a drive motor and an auxiliary motor is shown. Method 900 can be used, for example, in… Figure 8 The electric vehicle described herein is executed. Method 900 includes a conversion step 902, a provisioning step 904, and a connection step 906. In conversion step 902, a DC voltage applied to a first port of the inverter is converted to an AC voltage. In provisioning step 904, an AC voltage is provided at a second port of the inverter. In connection step 906, a switching port is connected to a drive interface or an auxiliary interface using a switching signal. Optionally, method 900 also includes a determination step 908 for determining the switching signal based on the vehicle's operating function. Determination step 908 is performed herein, for example, prior to conversion step 902.

[0064] List of reference numerals

[0065] 100 conversion device

[0066] 102 Vehicle Battery

[0067] 104 drive motors

[0068] 106 Additional Motor

[0069] 108 drive unit

[0070] 110 Battery Interface

[0071] 112 Inverter

[0072] 114 First Port

[0073] 116 Second Port

[0074] 118 Switchgear

[0075] 120 switch port

[0076] 122 Driver Interface

[0077] 124 Additional Interfaces

[0078] 125 Switch signal

[0079] 126 Control Unit

[0080] 127 Control Signal

[0081] More than 128 switches

[0082] 130 Distribution Equipment

[0083] 131 Casing

[0084] 132 power interface

[0085] 134 charging ports

[0086] 200 Third Port

[0087] 202 Other switch ports

[0088] 204 Power Grid Filter

[0089] 206 Separation Element

[0090] 300 additional inverters

[0091] 302 Another first port

[0092] 304 Another second port

[0093] 306 Other drive motors

[0094] 308 The other wheels

[0095] 310 wheels

[0096] 312 charging units

[0097] 314 External instruments of the vehicle

[0098] 400 differential transmission

[0099] 402 Axle

[0100] 500 Connecting Devices

[0101] 800 electric vehicles

[0102] 802 First Switch

[0103] 804 Second Switch

[0104] 806 Third Switch

[0105] 808 Fourth Switch

[0106] 810 Operating Equipment

[0107] 812 Function Signals

[0108] 900 Method for Converting Operating Voltage for Electric Vehicles

[0109] 902 Steps for converting DC voltage

[0110] 904 Steps for providing AC voltage

[0111] Steps for connecting the 906 additional motor and additional interface

[0112] 908 Steps to determine the switch signal

Claims

1. A conversion device (100) for converting the operating voltage of an electric vehicle (800), the electric vehicle having an onboard battery (102) and a drive unit (108) including a drive motor (104) and an auxiliary motor (106), wherein, The conversion device (100) has the following features: A battery interface (110) is provided for connecting the conversion device (100) to the vehicle battery (102); A bidirectional inverter (112) having a first port (114) and a second port (116) for connecting the inverter (112) to the battery interface (110), wherein the inverter (112) converts the DC voltage applied at the first port (114) into an AC voltage and provides it to the second port (116). A switching device (118) connected to the inverter (112), the switching device having a switching port (120) for connecting the switching device (118) to a second port (116) of the inverter (112), a drive interface (122) for connecting the conversion device (100) to the drive motor (104), and an auxiliary interface (124) for connecting the conversion device (100) to the auxiliary motor (106), wherein the switching device (118) connects the switching port (120) to the drive interface (122) or the auxiliary interface (124) by using a switching signal (125); and The additional inverter (300) has an additional first port (302) for connecting the additional inverter (300) to the battery interface (110) and an additional drive interface (304) for connecting the conversion device (100) to an additional drive motor (306), wherein the additional inverter (300) converts the DC voltage applied at the additional first port (302) into an additional AC voltage and provides it to the additional drive interface (304).

2. The conversion device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The switching device (118) has a power interface (132) for powering an instrument (314) coupled to the power interface (132), and wherein the switching device (118) connects the switching port (120) to the drive interface (122) or the additional interface (124) or the power interface (132) by using the switching signal (125).

3. The conversion device (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The switching device (118) has a charging interface (134) for charging the on-board battery (102), and wherein the switching device (118) connects the switching port (120) to the drive interface (122) or the additional interface (124) or the charging interface (134) by using the switching signal (125), and wherein the inverter (112) converts the AC voltage applied at the second port (116) into a DC voltage and provides it to the first port (114).

4. The conversion device (100) according to claim 3, wherein, The inverter (112) has a third port (200) for converting the DC voltage applied at the first port (114) into an AC voltage and providing it to the third port (200), and wherein the switching device (118) has an additional switching port (202) for connecting the switching device (118) to the third port (200) of the inverter (112), and wherein the switching device (118) connects the switching port (120) to the drive interface (122) or the additional interface (124) by using the switching signal (125), and connects the additional switching port (202) to the power interface (132) or the charging interface (134) by using the switching signal (125).

5. The conversion device (100) according to claim 4, further comprising a power grid filter (204) and / or a separation element (206), wherein, The power grid filter (204) and / or the separation element (206) are arranged between the third port (200) and the other switch port (202).

6. The conversion device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The inverter (112) and the switching device (118) are arranged in a common housing (131), and the additional inverter (300) has a separate housing.

7. A drive unit (108) for an electric vehicle (800), wherein, The drive device (108) has the following features: The conversion device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims; A drive motor (104) for driving the wheels (310) of the electric vehicle (800), wherein the drive motor (104) is connected to the drive interface (122); and An auxiliary motor (106) is provided to provide additional functions for the electric vehicle (800), wherein the auxiliary motor (106) is connected to the auxiliary interface (124).

8. The drive unit (108) according to claim 7, further comprising an additional drive motor (306) for driving additional wheels (308) of the electric vehicle (800), wherein, The additional drive motor (306) is connected to the additional drive interface (304).

9. The drive unit (108) according to claim 8, further comprising a coupling device (500) for coupling the drive motor (104) or the other drive motor (306) to the axle (402) in order to drive the wheel (310) and the other wheel (308).

10. A method (900) for converting the operating voltage of an electric vehicle (800) using a conversion device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The electric vehicle has an on-board battery (102) and a drive unit (108) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, including a drive motor (104) and an auxiliary motor (106), wherein the method (900) includes the following steps: The DC voltage applied at the first port (114) of the inverter (112) is converted (902) into AC voltage, and the AC voltage is provided (904) to the second port (116) of the inverter (112); and The switch port (120) is connected to the drive interface (122) or the additional interface (124) by using a switch signal (125) (906).

11. The method (900) according to claim 10, further comprising the step (908) of determining a switch signal (125) based on the operating function of the electric vehicle (800).

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