Range extender assembly and electric automobile

By integrating components such as generators and drive motors into the engine block, a compact and efficient system is formed, which solves the problem of limited space in the front engine compartment of range-extended vehicles, improves space utilization and energy transmission efficiency, extends system life, and optimizes suspension performance and driving stability.

CN223478822UActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28CHONGQING JINKANG NEW ENERGY VEHICLE CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202423214520.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-25
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2034-12-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The front engine compartment of the extended-range electric vehicle integrates both the engine and electric drive systems, as well as high-end configurations. Due to its compact size, the engine compartment layout is risky, making it difficult to meet collision performance standards, and its aesthetics are also limited.

Method used

The generator, drive motor, GCU, MCU, gearbox, compressor and active hydraulic suspension control module are integrated into the engine block to form a compact and efficient system, and the space layout is optimized through the integrated design of mounting brackets and housing.

Benefits of technology

It improves space utilization, reduces connection and transmission losses between components, enhances energy transmission efficiency, extends system life, and optimizes vehicle suspension performance and driving stability.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a range extender assembly and electromobile, range extender assembly includes engine, generator, drive motor, GCU, MCU, gear case, compressor and active hydraulic suspension control module, active hydraulic suspension control module and compressor are integrated and set in the cylinder of engine, generator, drive motor, GCU, MCU and gear case are integrated in engine, and the engine is integrated with the engine. The generator, the driving motor, the GCU, the MCU, the gearbox, the compressor and the active hydraulic suspension control module are integrally arranged on the engine to form a compact and efficient system, so that the space utilization rate of the vehicle is increased, the arrangement of a front cabin of the vehicle is more compact, the connection and transmission loss between parts are reduced, the overall energy transmission efficiency is improved, and the energy utilization rate of the vehicle is increased. Friction and abrasion between parts are reduced, and the service life of the system is prolonged.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of range extenders, and in particular to a range extender assembly and an electric vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) are new intelligent luxury cars that, based on traditional luxury cars, add high-end features such as autonomous driving, intelligent cockpit, active hydraulic suspension, air suspension, brake-by-wire, and steering-by-wire, offering advantages such as ease of driving, high safety, and superior comfort. However, due to the integration of so many features and the fact that the front engine compartment houses both the engine and electric drive systems, the engine compartment space is very compact; combined with high collision safety performance requirements, the engine compartment must have ample crumple zone.

[0003] Currently, because the range extender assembly has both engine and electric drive systems in the front compartment, and the configuration is upgraded, it occupies a lot of space, which leads to high risks in the layout of the engine compartment and makes it difficult to meet the collision performance standards. Furthermore, with the improvement of the collision performance indicators of the 2024 version of C-NCAP, the 2026 version of E-NCAP, and the 2023 version of C-IASI, the requirements for the crumple space of the engine compartment are very high. Adding a front overhang greatly restricts the styling and affects the aesthetics.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a range extender assembly that is highly integrated and occupies little space. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a range extender assembly with a high degree of integration and small footprint; the second objective of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicle including the range extender assembly.

[0006] The range extender assembly provided by this utility model adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A range extender assembly includes an engine, a generator, a drive motor, a GCU, an MCU, a gearbox, a compressor, and an active hydraulic suspension control module. The active hydraulic suspension control module and the compressor are integrated into the engine block, and the generator, drive motor, GCU, MCU, and gearbox are integrated into the engine.

[0008] Optionally, the engine block is provided with a mounting bracket, and the compressor is integrated into the engine block via the mounting bracket.

[0009] Optionally, the mounting bracket has a mounting part one, and the compressor is mounted on the mounting bracket via the mounting part one.

[0010] Optionally, the engine block has a mounting part two, and the active hydraulic suspension control module is mounted on the engine block via the mounting part two.

[0011] Optionally, the mounting bracket has a mounting part three, and the active hydraulic suspension control module is also mounted on the engine block via the mounting part three.

[0012] Optionally, three mounting parts are provided, and the three mounting parts are distributed in a triangular shape on the mounting bracket.

[0013] Optionally, four mounting parts are provided, and the active hydraulic suspension control module is mounted on the engine block via the four mounting parts.

[0014] Optionally, the flywheel of the engine is integrated with a first housing and a second housing, the drive motor, generator and gearbox are integrated in the first housing, and the GCU and MCU are integrated in the second housing.

[0015] Optionally, the range extender assembly is located below the air filter.

[0016] Optionally, the range extender assembly is located near the center of the front nacelle.

[0017] To achieve the second objective mentioned above, this utility model also provides an electric vehicle that includes any of the range extender assemblies described above. Since the range extender assembly has the aforementioned technical effects, the electric vehicle with the range extender assembly should also have the corresponding technical effects.

[0018] In summary, this utility model has at least one of the following beneficial technical effects: the generator, drive motor, GCU, MCU, gearbox, compressor and active hydraulic suspension control module are integrated into the engine to form a compact and efficient system, which helps to improve the space utilization of the vehicle, makes the front engine compartment of the vehicle more compact, reduces the connection and transmission loss between components, improves the overall energy transmission efficiency, reduces the friction and wear between components, and extends the service life of the system. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the layout structure of the front engine compartment of an automobile according to an embodiment of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the range extender assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the range extender assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the range extender assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the range extender assembly structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting part two and the engine cylinder structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting part two and the engine cylinder structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the mounting bracket and the engine cylinder block according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting bracket structure according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Engine; 2. Generator; 3. Drive motor; 4. GCU and MCU; 5. Gearbox; 6. Compressor; 7. Active hydraulic suspension control module; 8. Air filter; 9. Mounting bracket; 10. Mounting part one; 11. Mounting part two; 12. Mounting part three; 13. Coolant reservoir; 14. Heat dissipation module; 15. Anti-collision beam; 16. Water-cooled intercooler; 17. Fuse box; 18. Fixing part; 19. First housing; 20. Second housing. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The following is combined with Figure 1-9 The present invention will be described in further detail below.

[0030] This utility model discloses a range extender assembly.

[0031] Reference Figures 1-9 A range extender assembly includes an engine 1, a generator 2, a drive motor 3, a gearbox 4, an MCU, a gearbox 5, a compressor 6, and an active hydraulic suspension control module 7. The active hydraulic suspension control module 7 and the compressor 6 are integrated into the cylinder block of the engine 1. The generator 2, drive motor 3, GCU, MCU 4, and gearbox 5 are integrated into the engine 1. The integration of the generator 2, drive motor 3, GCU, MCU 4, gearbox 5, compressor 6, and active hydraulic suspension control module 7 into the engine 1 forms a compact and efficient system, which helps to improve the space utilization of the vehicle, makes the front engine compartment layout more compact, reduces the connection and transmission losses between components, improves the overall energy transmission efficiency, reduces friction and wear between components, and extends the service life of the system.

[0032] In this embodiment, the range extender assembly is arranged in the front engine compartment of the vehicle. The front engine compartment houses an air filter 8, a thermal management integrated module, a heat dissipation module 14, a water-cooled intercooler 16, and a coolant reservoir 13. The range extender assembly is located near the center of the engine compartment and below the air filter 8. This arrangement helps to optimize the overall spatial layout of the vehicle, making the internal structure of the front engine compartment more compact and reasonable, ensuring greater stability during operation, and providing convenience for daily maintenance and repair.

[0033] In this embodiment, a mounting bracket 9 is provided on the cylinder block of the engine 1, and the compressor 6 is integrated into the cylinder block of the engine 1 via the mounting bracket 9. The compressor 6 is connected to the cylinder block of the engine 1 via the mounting bracket 9, and the mounting bracket 9 has a mounting part 10, through which the compressor 6 is mounted. Furthermore, there are three mounting parts 10, which are triangularly distributed on the mounting bracket 9. The compressor 6 is fixed to the mounting bracket 9 via the three mounting parts 10. The mounting bracket 9 can ensure that the compressor 6 can be stably mounted on the cylinder block of the engine 1, effectively ensuring the stability of the compressor 6 during operation. The mounting bracket 9 can effectively reduce noise and wear caused by vibration, and has high stability and vibration resistance. It can ensure that the compressor 6 will not loosen or shift during long-term operation, thus improving the overall reliability and durability.

[0034] In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 9 is provided with fasteners, including but not limited to bolts, which connect the mounting bracket 9 to the cylinder block of the engine 1, ensuring the firmness and stability of the connection between the mounting bracket 9 and the cylinder block of the engine 1, and improving the overall reliability and durability. In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 9 is provided with four fixing parts 18, which are used to fix the mounting bracket 9 to the cylinder block of the engine 1.

[0035] In this embodiment, the cylinder block of engine 1 has a mounting portion 2 11, and the active hydraulic suspension control module 7 is mounted on the cylinder block of engine 1 through the mounting portion 2 11. There are four mounting portions 2 11, and the active hydraulic suspension control module 7 is mounted on the cylinder block of engine 1 through four mounting portions 2 11. These four mounting portions 2 11 on the cylinder block of engine 1 provide stable support for the installation of the active hydraulic suspension control module 7. The active hydraulic suspension control module 7 is precisely mounted on the cylinder block of engine 1 through the four mounting portions 2 11, ensuring its operational stability and reliability. This not only optimizes the spatial layout of the front engine compartment but also effectively improves the vehicle's suspension performance and driving stability.

[0036] In this embodiment, the mounting bracket 9 has a mounting part 3 12, and the active hydraulic suspension control module 7 is also mounted on the cylinder block of the engine 1 via the mounting part 3 12. The presence of one mounting part 3 12 ensures that the active hydraulic suspension control module 7 is not only mounted via the four mounting parts 2 11 on the cylinder block of the engine 1, but also connected to the mounting bracket 9 via an additional mounting part 3 12. This allows the active hydraulic suspension control module 7 to be securely mounted on the cylinder block of the engine 1, effectively ensuring the stability and reliability of the active hydraulic suspension control module 7 on the engine 1. It also optimizes the spatial layout of the engine compartment, preventing loosening or displacement due to vibrations during vehicle operation. The mounting part 3 12 provides additional auxiliary reinforcement to the connection.

[0037] In this embodiment, a first housing 19 and a second housing 20 are integrated on the flywheel of engine 1. The drive motor 3, generator 2, and gearbox 5 are integrated into the first housing 19, while the GCU and MCU 4 are integrated into the second housing 20. The first housing 19 and the second housing 20 are cleverly integrated on the flywheel of engine 1. The drive motor 3 serves as the power source, providing driving force when needed. The generator 2 converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The gearbox 5 changes the transmission ratio of the power. The GCU (generator control unit) controls and manages the generator 2, ensuring the stability and efficiency of the electrical output. The MCU (motor control unit) manages the operating status of the drive motor 3, achieving precise control and regulation.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first housing 19 is mounted on the second housing 20. The first housing 19 has a first cooling pipe, and the second housing 20 has a second cooling pipe. The first housing 19 is provided with an electrical conduit for connecting to an external power source. The first cooling pipe and the second cooling pipe are used to communicate with the vehicle's cooling system. The first cooling pipe is used to cool the MCU and GCU, and the second cooling pipe is used to cool the engine 1, the drive motor 3, and the gearbox 5.

[0039] In this embodiment, the first housing 19 and the second housing 20 respectively carry the core components of different range extender assemblies, achieving a highly integrated design. This integrated design not only optimizes the spatial layout of the front engine compartment but also improves the collaborative efficiency between components, making the overall system more compact and efficient. Simultaneously, the integration reduces the number of parts and connection points, thereby lowering the failure rate and maintenance costs, and improving the system's reliability and durability.

[0040] Therefore, under the limited front overhang dimensions, only by adopting an integrated range extender solution, integrating the engine 1, generator 2, drive motor 3, active hydraulic suspension control module 7, compressor 6 and other hardware into one unit, and compressing the size of each component, can the front engine compartment space be maximized to meet the collision safety performance indicators.

[0041] This utility model also provides an electric vehicle that includes the aforementioned range extender assembly. Since this electric vehicle employs all the aforementioned technical solutions, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated upon further here.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A range extender assembly, characterized in that: It includes an engine, a generator, a drive motor, a GCU, an MCU, a gearbox, a compressor, and an active hydraulic suspension control module. The active hydraulic suspension control module and the compressor are integrated into the engine block, and the generator, drive motor, GCU, MCU, and gearbox are integrated into the engine.

2. The range extender assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The engine block is provided with a mounting bracket, and the compressor is integrated into the engine block via the mounting bracket.

3. The range extender assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting bracket has a mounting part, and the compressor is mounted on the mounting bracket via the mounting part.

4. The range extender assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The mounting part 1 is provided in three parts, and the three mounting parts 1 are distributed in a triangle on the mounting bracket.

5. The range extender assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The engine block has a mounting part two, and the active hydraulic suspension control module is mounted on the engine block through the mounting part two.

6. The range extender assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second mounting section is provided in four parts, and the active hydraulic suspension control module is mounted on the engine block through the four mounting sections.

7. The range extender assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The mounting bracket has a mounting part three, and the active hydraulic suspension control module is also mounted on the engine block via the mounting part three.

8. The range extender assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The engine flywheel is integrated with a first housing and a second housing. The drive motor, generator and gearbox are integrated in the first housing, and the GCU and MCU are integrated in the second housing.

9. An electric vehicle, characterized in that: Includes the range extender assembly according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the range extender assembly is located below the air filter.

10. The electric vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that: The range extender assembly is located near the center of the front nacelle.