Vehicle undercarriage

Abstract

The invention relates to a chassis (1) of a vehicle (10) comprising a battery assembly (2), a front axle (3) and a rear axle (4), the battery assembly (2) being arranged in an intermediate space (20) between both axles (3, 4) and, in addition, being arranged partially outside the intermediate space (20) in the longitudinal direction (15) of the chassis, the battery assembly (2) being formed as a common supporting element of the chassis (1).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle chassis and a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] The undercarriage generally constitutes a supporting element of a vehicle, for example a passenger car. In the passenger car category, self-supporting car bodies are also known as supporting elements of the vehicle. The undercarriage serves to support the drive of the vehicle, the motor or motors, the accessories and the cargo. If the vehicle is an electric vehicle, a battery is usually provided as an electric energy store, which supplies the motor or motors with electric energy. This battery is often formed as a flat box and is screwed or otherwise connected to the undercarriage from below. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In contrast, the chassis according to the invention having the features of claim 1 is characterized in that a particularly lightweight design can be provided. In addition, it is possible to optimally utilize the construction space for the largest possible battery, which allows the largest possible battery capacity and therefore the longest possible driving range depending on the available construction space. This is achieved according to the invention by a chassis comprising a battery assembly, a front axle and a rear axle. The front and rear axles are preferably adapted for coupling with the wheels of the vehicle. The battery assembly is arranged in the intermediate space between both axles and is additionally arranged partially outside the intermediate space in the longitudinal direction of the chassis. Furthermore, the battery assembly is formed as a common support element of the chassis. The battery assembly is preferably adapted for supplying electric energy to the drive train of the vehicle, for example an electric motor provided in particular as a drive motor for the movement of the vehicle.

[0004] In other words, a chassis is provided in which a battery assembly is provided as a common support element, for example for supporting cargo and / or components and / or accessories of the vehicle. Furthermore, the battery assembly is configured to be between both axles and additionally in the front and / or rear of the vehicle, in which case, inter alia, the front and rear of the vehicle are adjacent to the intermediate space between the two axles in the longitudinal direction of the chassis, respectively, and the respective axles are in the front or rear of the vehicle. At least one partial region of the battery assembly is therefore preferably extended from the intermediate region beyond at least one of the two axles. This allows as high a structural space proportion of the chassis as possible to be used for the battery assembly. In this case, inter alia, the batteries can be extended into hitherto unused areas of the vehicle. This allows a chassis to be provided with a battery assembly that is as voluminous as possible, which allows for a large battery capacity. The mechanical integration of the battery assembly as a common support element of the chassis further offers the advantage that a particularly lightweight design of the chassis is possible, since, for example, the proportion of frame elements or support elements or the like that contribute only to the mechanical stability of the chassis can be significantly reduced. It is thus possible to reduce part areas or elements of the chassis which perform an exclusively supporting function, which allows for a particularly simple, lightweight and inexpensive design of the chassis.

[0005] The dependent claims indicate preferred variants of the invention. Preferably, the battery assembly comprises a plurality of battery cells and a battery housing. In particular, the battery cells are arranged in the battery housing. Preferably, the battery cells are provided for storing electrical energy. The battery housing forms a common support element of the vehicle chassis. The battery housing thus protects the battery cells from environmental influences and mechanical loads and can additionally be used as a common support element of the vehicle chassis. That is to say, mechanical forces are at least partially absorbed by the battery housing during operation or use of the vehicle chassis.

[0006] It is particularly preferred that the battery assembly is designed as an integral battery module, i.e. it constitutes a defined, mechanically integrated component formed as a single unit, which allows a particularly low weight of the vehicle chassis and optimal space utilization, for example for the battery cells.

[0007] It is preferred that the battery assembly is formed from a plurality of parts and comprises at least two mutually connected battery modules. These battery modules are preferably at least electrically and mechanically connected to one another. It is preferred that the mechanical connection is formed in such a way that in particular a common outer casing of the mutually connected battery modules seals the connection interface against the outside, in particular against environmental influences. In addition to this, it is particularly preferred that coolant piping for the cooling circuit is provided in the connection area of ​​the battery modules. It is preferred that exactly one of the battery modules forms a common support element of the chassis. This allows a modular structure of the battery assembly to be provided, i.e. depending on the defined intended use of the chassis, only one of the battery modules can be used. For another intended use, the battery assembly can be expanded by one further or by several further battery modules in order to provide a larger battery capacity. This allows a chassis to be provided in a particularly simple and inexpensive manner that can be flexibly adapted to different intended uses.

[0008] It is particularly preferred that the battery assembly has a first battery module and at least one second battery module. The first battery module is arranged in an intermediate space between the front and rear axles. The second battery module extends from the first battery module over the respective axle, i.e. over the front or rear axle. It is preferred that a plurality of second battery modules, for example a total of two second battery modules, can be provided, each one of which extends over the front or rear axle. This allows a particularly simple and inexpensive modular construction of the undercarriage to be provided. In this case, for example, one of the second battery modules can be replaced by a second electric motor or other components.

[0009] It is further preferred that each of the two battery modules is coupled to one another by a coupling interface, which establishes a mechanical and electrical coupling of both battery modules. Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred that the coupling interface establishes a mechanical and coolant coupling. It is preferred that the coupling interface is formed on the contact surfaces of both coupled battery modules. This can provide a particularly compact, material-saving and well-protected coupling interface.

[0010] Preferably, the chassis further comprises an accommodation space adapted to store components of the vehicle, such as, for example, the motor and / or the steering gear. This accommodation space is at least partially surrounded by the battery assembly. This allows optimal positioning of the accommodation space, which allows for a reduction in weight, for example due to the possibility of shortening the length of shafts or supports or the like. In addition, components that can be placed in the accommodation space can be protected by this at least partially surrounding battery assembly.

[0011] It is particularly preferred that the storage space is entirely surrounded by the battery assembly in at least one plane, which plane is preferably parallel to each of both axes, i.e. the storage space is entirely surrounded by the battery assembly in a circumferential direction lying in this plane, and the storage space can be formed, for example, as a cavity that passes completely through the battery assembly in a direction perpendicular to this plane.

[0012] It is preferred that the chassis further comprises a cooling system, which has a common cooling circuit for the battery assembly and for at least one component housed in the accommodation space. A particularly simple and efficient construction of the chassis can thereby be achieved, which allows for an efficient cooling of the battery assembly and the further component. It is particularly advantageous if the cooling device for cooling the component is formed as part of the cooling device of the battery assembly, i.e. is integrated into the cooling system of the battery assembly. In this case, moreover, a particularly efficient cooling system can be provided, since e.g. the flow path through which the coolant has to travel in order to cool the battery modules and / or the component can be shortened, which provides for example low pressure losses.

[0013] It is preferred that the chassis further comprises an electric motor, which is arranged at least partially in the storage space. By integrating the electric motor into the storage space in the battery assembly, a particularly advantageous design of the chassis can be achieved in terms of low weight and low costs. In this regard, for example, the drive shaft can be led from the electric motor to the wheels of the vehicle at an optimal angle and with a short length, as compared to, for example, mounting the electric motor outside the battery assembly. In addition to this, an advantageous electrical integration can be provided, since, for example, fewer and / or shorter electrical leads are required. It is particularly preferred that the electric motor is integrated into the common cooling circuit of the battery assembly. In this regard, it is preferred that the cooling of the electric motor is formed as jacket cooling, in which case the stator housing is flowed through by the coolant. In this case, for example, part of the battery assembly can form the housing around the stator and can form the flow path wall for the flow of the coolant.

[0014] It is preferred that the chassis further comprises a power electronics device which is integrated into the battery assembly. In particular, the power electronics device is arranged in the battery housing. This can further increase the overall integration of the chassis. In addition, in particular the electrical integration can be optimized by means of few, short and in addition mechanically and environmentally protected conductors. It is particularly preferred that the power electronics device is integrated into a common cooling circuit of the battery assembly. This can provide a particularly simple and efficient cooling of the chassis components.

[0015] It is particularly preferred that the electrical conductor is arranged, preferably exclusively, in the battery assembly. This electrical conductor is adapted for the electrical connection of the battery assembly and the electric motor. Alternatively or additionally, it is preferred that the electrical conductor is adapted for the electrical connection of the battery assembly and the power electronics device. As the electrical conductor, preferably, a rigid, for example copper, conductor or a printed conductor track can be provided. By the electrical conductor being arranged in the battery assembly, preferably formed as the only particularly rigid component, flexibility and / or expensive insulation of the conductor can be waived, whereby a particularly simple, inexpensive and lightweight design can be provided.

[0016] Preferably, the chassis further comprises a number of coupling elements attached to the battery assembly, which coupling elements are adapted for coupling to body and / or undercarriage components and / or accessories. The coupling elements can, for example, be integrally, i.e. preferably one-piece, formed with the battery housing and can form mounting points for further elements of the vehicle. This allows a particularly advantageous mechanical integration of the battery assembly into the chassis of the vehicle to be achieved.

[0017] Preferably, the chassis further comprises at least one or more of the following components: powertrain, suspension components, steering, wheels. For example, several of the listed components may be provided, so that the chassis constitutes a ready-to-run, i.e. self-propelled chassis, in particular a so-called "rolling chassis".

[0018] The invention further relates to a vehicle including a chassis as described above. Preferably, the vehicle is an electric vehicle. More preferably, the vehicle is a passenger car. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1]1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a vehicle with a chassis according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of the chassis of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an alternative detail view of the chassis of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a further alternative view of the chassis of FIG. 1; [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram of a vehicle chassis according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic perspective view of a vehicle 10 with a chassis 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. The chassis 1 is additionally illustrated in more detail in Figure 2. Further details of the chassis 1 of the first exemplary embodiment are shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0021] The vehicle 10 is a passenger car configured as an electric vehicle and can therefore be driven exclusively by an electric drive. The drive of the vehicle 10 is integrated in the chassis 1. In particular, the chassis 1 comprises two electric motors 6 (see FIG. 2) which are provided as drive motors of the vehicle 10. One of the two electric motors 6 is arranged on the front axle 3 and one on the rear axle 4 of the chassis 1. Each motor 6 drives the wheels 29 of the respective axle 3, 4.

[0022] For the current supply of the electric motor 6, the chassis 1 includes a battery assembly 2. The battery assembly 2 comprises a number of battery cells 21 and a battery housing 22.

[0023] It is preferable that the battery assembly 2 is located under the floor of the vehicle 10. It is particularly preferable that the lower surface of the battery housing 22 forms at least a part of the underfloor of the vehicle 10. The battery cells 21 are designed for storing electrical energy. The current supply of the electric motor 6 is therefore provided by the battery cells 21. In addition to this, it is preferable that storage of the electrical energy captured by the electric motor 6, for example in the form of regeneration, can also take place.

[0024] The battery assembly 2 is formed as a common support element of the chassis 1, i.e. the battery assembly 2 is an integral component of the support structure of the vehicle 10. This support structure is provided, inter alia, for supporting vehicle components and cargo.

[0025] In particular, the battery housing 22, which can be formed, for example, as a sintered or injection-molded part, is formed as a common support element of the chassis 1. This allows for an advantageous integration of the functions of the battery housing 22, namely, on the one hand, the protection and retention function of the battery cells 21 and, on the other hand, the contribution to the mechanical stability and support function of the chassis 1.

[0026] Due to the battery housing 22 fulfilling at least part of the support function of the chassis 1, the number and / or volume of further support elements, such as struts or frames, can be reduced or completely eliminated, whereby the chassis 1 offers the further advantage of a particularly low weight.

[0027] At the same time, the integrity of the battery assembly 2 allows optimal space utilization, i.e., a high percentage of the available space for the battery cells 21 in the vehicle 10 can be utilized, thereby allowing for example small vehicles with narrow wheelbases to be provided with large battery capacity and therefore a long driving range for the vehicle 10.

[0028] Optimal utilization of the structural space is particularly advantageously achieved by the special configuration and design of the battery assembly 2, as explained below. The battery assembly 2, i.e. the battery housing 22 and the battery cells 21, are arranged in an intermediate space 20 between the two axes 3, 4 and additionally extend beyond each of the two axes 3, 4 in the longitudinal direction 15 of the chassis. This means that partial regions of the battery assembly 2 are also arranged outside the intermediate space 20 defined between the two axes 3, 4. This allows additional structural space at the front and rear of the vehicle, in particular between the wheels 29, respectively, to be utilized for further battery cells 21. Here, the entire battery assembly 2 is formed as a single, integral battery module 23.

[0029] For optimal structural space utilization and a low overall weight of the chassis 1, it is further advantageous if the components of the vehicle 10 are mounted directly to the battery assembly 2. This is achieved in that the battery assembly 2 has a number of coupling elements 27 on the battery housing 22. The coupling elements 27 are adapted for coupling to the bodywork, undercarriage components and accessories of the vehicle 10. In this regard, as can be seen in particular in FIG. 2, the control arms of the tire suspension and similar undercarriage components are mounted to the battery assembly 2 by means of the coupling elements 27. This allows frame elements to be dispensed with and allows short and lightweight control arms to be used for the wheel suspension.

[0030] The chassis 1 further comprises one respective storage space 5 for each electric motor 6, in which the respective electric motor 6 is housed. The storage spaces 5 are indicated in a simplified and schematic manner in FIGS. 2 to 4. No battery cells 21 are arranged in the storage spaces 5. The storage spaces 5 are integrated into the battery assembly 2, such that the battery assembly 2 entirely surrounds the storage space 5 in a plane 50. The plane 50 is an imaginary plane in which both axes 3, 4 lie. In particular, the output shaft of the respective electric motor 6 lies in the plane 50, i.e. in the battery assembly 2.

[0031] By integrating the electric motor 6 into the battery assembly 2, an advantageous design of the power transmission path to the wheels 29 can be achieved. In particular, this allows the use of short, flat, angled drive shafts, as can be seen, for example, in Figures 3 and 4. This allows, inter alia, a low weight and reduced costs of the chassis 1 to be achieved.

[0032] The chassis 1 further comprises a power electronics device 8, which is provided inter alia for controlling the energy supply of the battery cells 21 to the electric motor 6. This power electronics device 8 is integrated into the battery assembly 2, i.e. is arranged in the battery housing 22. This allows electrical conductors (not shown) to be arranged substantially entirely in the battery housing 22. This allows the use of simple and cheaply producible electrical conductors, for example rigid copper wires, which do not have to be flexible and which do not have to be costly protected or insulated against environmental influences. This allows a particularly simple, cheap and lightweight transmission path for the electrical energy to be formed.

[0033] The chassis 1 further comprises a cooling system 7 adapted for cooling the battery cells 21, the electric motor 6 and the power electronics 8 by means of a common cooling circuit (not shown). This allows a particularly high system integration to be achieved. Furthermore, this allows the flow paths of the cooling system 7 to be optimally designed, for example to achieve short flow paths and low flow resistances.

[0034] Figure 5 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a chassis 1 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The second exemplary embodiment substantially corresponds to the first exemplary embodiment of figures 1 to 4, with the difference that the battery assembly 2 is made of multiple parts. In the second exemplary embodiment, the battery assembly 2 comprises multiple battery modules 23, 24, 25 coupled to each other.

[0035] The first battery module 23 is arranged in the intermediate space 20. In particular, the first battery module 23 is arranged in a partial intermediate space 20a which is located in the longitudinal direction 15 of the chassis between the wheels 29 or between the wheel arches in which the wheels 29 are arranged.

[0036] The battery assembly 2 further comprises, in the second exemplary embodiment, two second battery modules 24, 25. Both second battery modules 24, 25 are arranged directly adjacent to each other on either side of the first battery module 23 in the longitudinal direction 15 of the vehicle undercarriage, i.e. one of both axes 3, 4 passes through one of both second battery modules 24, 25, respectively.

[0037] The battery modules 23, 24, 25 are coupled to each other by respective coupling interfaces 26. The coupling interfaces 26 are located, among other things, at the contact surfaces between the respective battery modules 23, 24, 25. The coupling interfaces 26 are formed to establish mechanical, electrical and coolant couplings of the battery modules 23, 24, 25 together. For example, the mechanical couplings may be performed by screwing and / or welding the battery modules 23, 24, 25 together.

[0038] This allows for a modular construction of the battery assembly 2. Thus, depending on the requirements, the battery assembly 2 can be provided with, for example, a different number of battery modules. For example, the second battery module 25 at the rear axle 4 can be omitted and, for example, replaced by another component. Furthermore, the battery assembly 2 can preferably be expanded by providing additional battery modules. This allows for a simple, inexpensive and particularly flexibly adaptable chassis 1 to be provided.

Claims

1. A chassis of a vehicle (10), comprising: - a battery assembly (2), - a front axle (3), a rear axle (4), - said battery assembly (2) is arranged in the intermediate space (20) between both shafts (3, 4) and, in addition, is arranged partially outside said intermediate space (20) in the longitudinal direction (15) of the chassis; and - a chassis, in which said battery assembly (2) is formed as a common support element of said chassis (1).

2. 2. The chassis according to claim 1, wherein the battery assembly (2) comprises a plurality of battery cells (21) and a battery housing (22), the battery housing (22) forming the common support element.

3. 3. The chassis according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery assembly (2) is formed as an integral battery module.

4. 3. The chassis according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery assembly (2) is made in multiple parts and comprises at least two interconnected battery modules (23, 24, 25).

5. - said battery assembly (2) comprises a first battery module (23) and at least one second battery module (24, 25); - said first battery module (23) is arranged in said intermediate space (20); and - chassis according to claim 4, wherein the second battery modules (24, 25) extend beyond the respective axes (3, 4) from the first battery module (23) in the longitudinal direction (15) of the chassis.

6. - said battery modules (23, 24, 25) are coupled to one another by coupling interfaces (26); and - Chassis according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said connection interface (26) establishes together a mechanical connection and an electrical connection and / or a coolant connection.

7. 7. The chassis according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a storage space (5) for storing components of the vehicle (10), the storage space (5) being at least partially surrounded by the battery assembly (2).

8. 8. A chassis according to claim 7, wherein the storage space (5) is entirely surrounded by the battery assembly (2) in at least one plane (50).

9. 9. The chassis according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising a cooling system (7), said cooling system (7) having a common cooling circuit for said battery assembly (2) and for at least one component housed in said storage space (5).

10. 10. Chassis according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising an electric motor (6) arranged in the accommodation space (5).

11. 11. The chassis according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a power electronics device (8) integrated in the battery assembly (2).

12. 12. The chassis according to claims 10 and 11, wherein electrical conductors for the electrical connection of the battery assembly (2) and the electric motor (6) and / or the power electronics equipment (8) are arranged in particular exclusively in the battery assembly (2).

13. 13. The chassis of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a plurality of coupling elements (27) attached to the battery assembly (2), the coupling elements (27) adapted for coupling to body and / or undercarriage components and / or accessories.

14. 14. A chassis according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising at least one of the following components: a powertrain, an undercarriage component, a steering system, and wheels.

15. A vehicle comprising a chassis (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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