Central module for an electric vehicle and electric vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a central module for an electric vehicle, the central module comprising: a plurality of modules for the electric vehicle, an assembly frame (2) and separate power supply units (3) for the modules of the central module, wherein the plurality of modules include at least one high-voltage module and at least one thermal module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a central module for an electric vehicle having multiple thermal modules and electrical modules, and an electric vehicle having such a central module. Background Technology

[0002] Electric vehicles are known from existing technology, and there is an increasing demand for them for various reasons. Previous electric vehicles had disadvantages compared to vehicles with internal combustion engines, such as relatively high manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the driving range of electric vehicles is primarily limited by the capacity of the rechargeable drive battery and the significant weight of the electric vehicle itself. In this regard, there is a significant need for improvement in existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The central module of the invention according to claim 1, which is used in electric vehicles, has the advantage of significantly reducing the manufacturing cost of electric vehicles. Furthermore, the central module according to the invention is very compact and space-saving in construction, thereby providing additional usable structural space for the electric vehicle, which can be used, for example, as a storage compartment or the like. In addition, the central module according to the invention has a reduced weight, thereby reducing the overall weight of the electric vehicle having the central module. This is achieved according to the invention by the central module comprising multiple independent individual modules for the electric vehicle. Furthermore, the central module includes an assembly frame and separate, central power supply units for each module of the central module. The multiple modules include at least one high-voltage module and at least one thermal module. Particularly preferred is that all high-voltage modules and all thermal modules of the electric vehicle are integrated into the central module. By integrating the individual modules into the central module, the individual modules can be pre-assembled in a manner already integrated into the central module, so that, for example, the vehicle manufacturer only needs to assemble the central module as a block at the electric vehicle during manufacturing. This significantly reduces assembly costs for the electric vehicle manufacturer.

[0004] The dependent claims illustrate preferred improvements to the invention.

[0005] Further preferably, the central module includes a central control unit, which is configured to control all modules within the central module. This eliminates the need for separate control units for each module within the central module; instead, all modules integrated into the central module can be controlled via the central control unit. This further reduces the complexity of the central module.

[0006] Further preferably, the central control unit is also used to control the rechargeable drive battery of the electric vehicle. This eliminates the need for a separate control unit for the drive battery of the electric vehicle.

[0007] The preferred high-voltage module includes a charging module and / or a voltage conversion module for driving the battery and / or a high-voltage PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heating module and / or a current distribution module (PDU, power distribution unit).

[0008] More preferably, the thermal module includes a cooling module for the drive battery and / or a heating module for the drive battery and / or a cooling module for the drive system components of the electric vehicle and / or an air conditioning module and / or a heat pump module for heating the electric vehicle.

[0009] Further preferably, the individual power supply unit for the module and multiple or all high-voltage modules of the central module are arranged on a first side of the assembly frame. The first side of the assembly frame is positioned to face inwards towards the vehicle interior when the central module is assembled in the electric vehicle. When the central module is thus assembled in the front region of the electric vehicle, the power supply unit and the high-voltage modules of the central module face inwards towards the vehicle interior, thereby arranging the current-guiding modules, especially the high-voltage modules, in a manner that maximizes protection during a collision.

[0010] Further preferably, multiple or all of the thermal modules of the central module are arranged on a second side of the assembly frame, which is configured to point outwards from the vehicle in the assembled state of the central module in the electric vehicle. Therefore, thermal modules without high-voltage applications can serve as crumple zones for the high-voltage modules, power supply units, and the electric vehicle in the event of a collision.

[0011] Further preferably, except for the wiring of the thermal module and electrical connection lines, all pumps and / or valves and / or fittings and / or compensation containers, as well as other components, are arranged in the central module. This further reduces assembly costs for electric vehicles, and allows for the central module to house only the wiring interfaces for the thermal module and electrical connection lines.

[0012] Preferably, the central module's assembly frame has an interface for fixing it to an electric axle (E-Achse), which includes an electric motor, a transmission mechanism, and power electronics for the electric motor. The interface is preferably located on the underside of the assembly frame. This allows the central module to be assembled onto the electric axle.

[0013] Further preferably, the central module includes electrical safety devices for each module.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention relates to an electric vehicle including a central module according to the invention. Preferably, the central module is arranged in the front region of the electric vehicle.

[0015] Further preferably, the electric vehicle includes an axle having an electric motor, a transmission mechanism, and power electronics for the electric motor, wherein a central module is mounted on the axle. The axle is preferably the front axle of the electric vehicle.

[0016] Further preferably, the electric vehicle includes a loading compartment positioned above the central module. Particularly preferably, the loading compartment is located in the front region of the electric vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a central module according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown, the central module having selected modules shown in perspective, and

[0019] Figure 2 It shows that it has according to Figure 1 A schematic three-dimensional partial view of the central module of the electric vehicle. Detailed Implementation

[0020] See below for reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The central module 1 and the electric vehicle 100 according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0021] As by Figure 1 It is evident that the central module 1 includes an assembly frame 2 on which multiple independent modules for electric vehicles are arranged. For example, by Figure 1 It is evident that a separate, central power supply unit 3 for all modules of the central module is arranged directly on the assembly frame 2. Thus, the central module has a current supply section that is independent of the electric vehicle's drive battery.

[0022] The central module 1 also includes several independent modules, including a high-voltage module for electrical applications and a thermal module for thermal applications.

[0023] For example in detail Figure 1 As shown, the central module includes a charging module 10 for the drive battery of the electric vehicle, a voltage module 11, a high-voltage PTC heating module 12, and a current distribution module 13 as a high-voltage module. In particular, the charging module 10, the high-voltage PTC heating module 12, and the current distribution module 13 are integrated in the substructure assembly 14.

[0024] Furthermore, the central control unit 4 is integrated into the substructure component 14, and this central control unit controls all modules of the central module. The control unit 4 is also capable of controlling the drive battery of the electric vehicle.

[0025] The central module includes a cooling module 20 for the battery used to drive the electric vehicle, a cooling module 21 for the components of the drive system, an air conditioning module 22, and a heat pump module 23 as a heat module.

[0026] All modules of the central module are fixed to the assembly frame 2. The assembly frame 2 has a planar receiving portion for the power supply unit 3 and a slatted frame structure, in which the remaining modules of the central module are fixed. In particular, the slats of the assembly frame 2 can be interchangeably arranged, so that the assembly frame 2 can be easily adapted to different electric vehicles in terms of its length and width.

[0027] If further by Figure 1 It is evident that all the high-voltage modules of the central module are located at the first side 501 of the assembly frame 2. The thermal modules of the central module are located at the second side 502 of the assembly frame 2. (As indicated by...) Figure 1 It is evident that the first and second sides extend parallel to each other.

[0028] Here, the central module is schematically shown in Figure 2 In the final assembled state shown, the first side with the high-voltage module is mounted to the electric vehicle such that the high-voltage module points inward toward the vehicle interior, while the thermal module points outward toward the vehicle exterior. This allows the thermal module to form a crumple zone in the event of a potential collision with the electric vehicle, thereby minimizing or even negligibly preventing damage to the high-voltage module from impact.

[0029] Figure 2 The diagram shows the central module installed at the front axle 101 of the electric vehicle 100. The front axle 101 is a tram axle including an electric motor, a transmission mechanism, and power electronics for the electric motor. The components of the tram axle are preferably arranged in a common housing. The central module 1 is mounted on the tram axle. A cooler 5 is also arranged in front of the tram axle and in front of the central module 1. The vehicle battery is located in… Figure 2 It is marked with reference numeral 102 in the attached figure and is basically arranged between the axles of the electric vehicle.

[0030] Therefore, the central module 1 is directly fixed to the tram axle 101. The central module 1 includes all the major modules of the electric vehicle, including not only the high-voltage module but also the thermal module. Furthermore, it includes all valves and shut-off devices for the different thermal modules, as well as the compensation container 6 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 1 It is integrated into central module 1. Figure 2As shown, when installed at the front axle, the compact structure of the central module 1 allows for the installation of a front luggage compartment above the central module 1 in the electric vehicle.

[0031] Therefore, not only the high-voltage side of the electric vehicle but also the low-voltage side, as well as all the functions of the heat devices, especially the cooling unit, in the central module 1 can be integrated into the central module 1. Here, because the only interfaces are wiring interfaces—not only electrical wiring interfaces but also hot fluid interfaces, such as coolant interfaces—the central module 1 can be pre-assembled during supplier operation and, in particular, pre-operated. The central module 1 also has its own current supply unit 3. By fully integrating the various modules of the electric vehicle into the central module 1, a particularly compact and weight-saving structure can be achieved.

Claims

1. A central module for an electric vehicle, the central module comprising: - Multiple modules for the electric vehicle, - Assembly frame (2), and - Separate power supply units (3) for these modules used in the central module. - Wherein, the plurality of modules includes at least one high-voltage module and at least one thermal module. The power supply unit (3) and the high-voltage module are arranged on the first side of the assembly frame (2), wherein the first side is configured to point towards the interior of the vehicle when the central module is assembled in the electric vehicle. The modules of the thermal module are arranged on the second side of the assembly frame (2), wherein the second side is configured to point outward toward the outside of the vehicle in the state after the central module is assembled in the electric vehicle.

2. The central module according to claim 1, further comprising a central control unit (4) wherein the central control unit is configured to control all modules of the central module.

3. The central module according to claim 2, wherein, The central control unit (4) is configured to further control the drive battery of the electric vehicle.

4. The central module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The high-voltage module includes a charging module (10) and / or a voltage conversion module (11) and / or a high-voltage PTC heating module (12) and / or a current distribution module (13) for the drive battery of the electric vehicle.

5. The central module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The thermal module includes a cooling module (20) for the drive battery and / or a cooling module (21) for the drive system components and / or an air conditioning module (22) and / or a heat pump module (23) for heating the electric vehicle.

6. The central module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Apart from the wiring, all pumps and / or valves and / or fittings and / or compensation containers (6) and other components of the module are arranged in the central module.

7. The central module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The assembly frame (2) has an interface for fixing to a tram axle (101), the tram axle including an electric motor, a transmission mechanism and power electronics for the electric motor.

8. An electric vehicle comprising a central module according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The electric vehicle according to claim 8, further comprising an axle (101) having an electric motor, a transmission mechanism, and power electronics for said electric motor, wherein, The central module (1) is mounted on the tram axle (101).

10. The electric vehicle according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The central module is located in the front of the electric vehicle.

11. The electric vehicle according to claim 10, wherein, A luggage compartment is constructed above the central module.

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